Mayano Top Gun's story

C'mooon! I wanna run too! Let me gooo iiin!

Mayano Top Gun, please behave yourself. You can't just run onto the track without permission! Goodness, you're too fast for your own good...

I don't caaare! I wanna race toooo!

Thbbft! Catch me if you can! ...Bwah?!

Uhhhh, sorry! Are you okay?

I-I'm okay... since you caught me and everything.

Ehehe... You're actually pretty nice! You a new trainer? My name's Mayano Top Gun!

Ah, perfect timing. Would you mind watching her and making sure she doesn't run off onto the racetrack? I'd really appreciate it.

Wait, whaaat? What'd you say yes for?!

I thought you were a nice trainer!

What's with the commotion?

Runners, it's time. Please prepare yourselves for the race!

Hm... it's time.

The racers are off to a fantastic start! All eyes are on Narita Brian! What kind of performance can we expect to see from her today?!

Too slow.

Look at her go! Narita Brian is closing in on the front!

Awww, must be nice to be able to race... I wanted to run toooo! This is so boooring!

Hey, could we at least chat about something? Do you have any funny stories?

Oh man, that scary-looking girl looks like she's about to go whoosh.

It's over!

Narita Brian is flying ahead! She's weaving her way through the other racers! Her eyes are set on first place!

Wow, she's good!

Wait, that racer in second place...

If she goes for it like bam at the right time, then all she has to do is go zoom until she reaches the finish line!

The right time is... ah, now!

Outta my way!

Wah! No waaay!

Aw, maaan. She totally blew it.

C'mon, why couldn't I run in today's race?! This sucks!

Huh? What's up with you? Why are you staring at me like that?

Don't tell me... Have you fallen head over heels for me?! Oh my gosh, I really am that cute! ♪

Oh man, that scary-looking girl looks like she's about to go whoosh.

If she goes for it like bam at the right time, then all she has to do is go zoom until she reaches the finish line!

Hurry up, Yukipe! Don't you wanna watch Gold City race with your own eyes? Let's get moving!

H-hold up, Maya! On second thought, I'm not sure if I wanna go... I've never been 'round so many people...

C'moooon, you'll be fiiine! I'll be with you the whole time!

Hey, wait. I think I've seen you before...

Oh, right! You're that trainer I met at tryouts! Wow, funny seeing you again! Why are you here?

Huh? Me? Waaait, this is like...

Such a grown-up situation! Squee! ♪

Buuut I'm kinda in a hurry right now, so... as much as I wanna talk, y'know...

Wait, I have an idea! Why don't you come with us? That'd be perfect! Right, Yukipe?

Huh? U-uhhh... Maya? What're you...

You're coming with us! It's time for takeoff!

Whaaa?!

The runners are now approaching the fourth and final corner! Gold City makes a beautiful turn from the track's outer side! And right behind her is Tamamo Cross!

I'll show ya what true grit looks like!

You're not going anywhere!

Ohhh! Wooow! City's really someth'n else!

I know, right?! City and Tamamo are both sooo cool! It's like they're twinkling!

Ohhh... So you can go zoooom there? I never would've thought that!

Watching grown-up Umamusume race is always suuuper exciting!

Finiiish! Tamamo Cross takes first place! A close second, Gold City follows right behind her!

Huff... huff... huff... Yeah! Victory's mine!

Dang it, I messed up the timing on my sprint...

It's fine. This won't happen again. Mark my words, Tamamo. I'm going to win next time.

Heh-heh. Sounds like a challenge if I've ever heard one! I'll take ya up on dat any time, any day, City!

Wow! That race was amaz'n! Tamamo and City were both so cool!

So she shouldn't have gone bam there... It was too early! And City figured that out... She really is amazing!

Ughhh, watching twinkly grown-ups race makes my heart keep going all badump, badump... I wanna be twinkly too!

Yep! There's always something new to learn from these big races! So watching them makes my heart go badump!

All those racers are so much more experienced and grown up! And grown-ups are twinkly!

So like, I wanna be like that too! I wanna be all twinkly and running in races that make people go badump!

Awww, maaan. I wanna run in the Twinkle Series toooo!

M-me too! G1 might be a ways away, but I'll get there one day! I hafta!

All right! Let's get ourselves back to the academy and start train'n!

Blegh, training?

I don't wanna! I'm not gonna! Training sucks!

I'm gonna explore the racetrack! See ya!

Wait, Maya! Geez, she's already gone...

No way! There's noth'n Maya can't do! Once she puts her mind to someth'n, you can't stop her. She's amaz'n like that.

Like when she got used to runn'n on the dirt tracks real quick! And I've never seen her even break a sweat dur'n our dance lessons!

She's even good at study'n! Anyway, if she says "I got it," then she's really got it!

Uh-huh, Maya says it heaps of times. For everyth'n, actually! She gets it all! It's amazing, really...

But for some reason, she has no interest whatsoev'r in training... Ever since our first session, she hasn't shown up at all...

Yeah... And 'cause of that, she isn't allowed to run in any races, not even scrimm'ges!

I get that races are where you're s'pposed to show the fruits of your training, but... I dunno... I still feel sorry for Maya. The poor thing...

Oh, heya! ♪ I feel like I see you pretty often these days.

They're having a scrimmage on the course down there right now! I was just watching 'cause I can't run in any races.

Maaan, I wish I could race toooo. But y'know...

... I don't.

They told me I had to train, so I went the first time!

But they only did stuff that was super easy to pick up. Everything took me only one try to get, and doing stuff I already got is booooring, y'know?

And what's the point if it's boring?!

It's not like I think I'm too good to train or anything... I see Yukipe and everybody else training, so I get that it's important.

I mean, even City and Tamamo train every single day! They all do! I get it...

But no matter what I do, it's so boring! It always feels so pointless...

Am I weird for thinking like this? Does this mean I'll never become a twinkly racer?

Whoa! N-no need to shout, y'know...

I didn't think you were the type to raise your voice, since you look so nice and everything...

Hrmmm...

Hey, do you think I should train too?

Hm... Okay.

I'll do it, but only if you listen to what I say.

Weeell... ♪ I was thinking...

How about you and I go on a date?!

And we have touchdooown! Sorry for the wait! ♪

Ehehe, thanks for coming with me today. I wanted to go on a date and see what being a grown-up feels like! ♪

All right then! So where should we go first?! We have to go shopping at one of those fancy stores. Oh, and we can't forget about making a stop for sweets!

And then we can watch a romantic movie! And then we can visit an expensive cafe, one of those grown-up ones! Ahhh, I can't wait!

Anyway, we gotta get going! We're wasting time just standing around here. C'mon, let's hurry up and take off!

Look at that T-shirt over there! Isn't it so cute? And isn't that a juice stand?! I wonder if they have carrot juice!

Hm? Sniff, sniff... Something smells really good... I think it's coming from that way. Let's go check it out!

Hey! No zoning out while you're with me! We still have so many things to do! ♪

So what should we watch? Hmmm, they all look fun! Wait, whaaa?!

Th-th-that movie trailer showed a kiss scene! And I saw it! Oh my gosh, I'm blushing...

How many scoops of ice cream can I get? One? Two? Three? Obviously three, right?! Of course it's three!

What flavors should I pick? Strawberry looks good, so I'll have that... and vanilla too. Oooh, and some chocolate chip cookie too...

Wait, the cheesecake one is limited-time only?! ...Hey, can I get four scoops?

Gosh, that was fun!

I gotta say though. I'm surprised you could keep up with me! You're probably the first person other than Marvey who can keep up with me at my max!

Ahaha! Really?! Does that mean you stayed awake just for me? Glad to hear it!

Hey, how come you're so nice anyway? Like, why'd you even agree to go out on a date with me?

Is it 'cause I promised to train if you listened to what I say?

What do you mean "not exactly"? You mean you didn't come with me 'cause you wanted me to train?

If that's not why, then how come you're here?

Dreams?

My... dreams?

So that's why...

Anyway, thanks again for today!

Let's do our training tomorrow, okay?

Phew... that's the last one!

Hrmmm... Not yet. I can still run! What's up next?

I still think training's boring, and I really don't see the point of it, but...

I told myself that I'd listen to you, that I'd try really hard if you told me to! So tell me, what do I do next?

You won't believe this! C'mon, follow me! This way, now!

Guess what! I get to run in a scrimmage!

They told me that since I've been training so hard, I can run in a race!

Ehehe, yep! All thanks to you!

Hey, come and watch me race, okay? I'm gonna head over first to get ready, but I'll be waiting for you! You have to come! Promise?

Ah, hey Brian! Are you here to run in the scrimmage too?! You're running with me?! Yesss!

What's with you? Why are you so... annoying?

Ehehe, I'm just so happy! ♪ ...Oh, you came!

Yep! ♪ I feel on top of the world right now!

It's hard to put into words, but I feel like I'm gonna have so much fun today! I wonder why...

Oh, it looks like they're starting soon! I gotta go, but don't take your eyes off me, okay? ♪

Okay, now's my chance! I go whip here, and...

Out of my way.

Huh?! But I thought I got it! How come that didn't work?!

Huh?

(I have this... weird feeling. I thought I got it, but it didn't work out.)

(But... I dunno... I feel like I still get it. I get it, but it's something new that I'm getting.)

(I mean, my legs are still moving! So I have to get it more! I have to do more!)

Now!

Hm?!

Maya, taking off!

Hah... this one's good!

Huff... huff... sigh... I can't believe I lost!

Yeah, but... it was amazing! I had sooo much fun!

I mean, this is the first time I've ever figured out something new in the middle of a race!

But I still couldn't catch up to Brian... and then I noticed even more stuff I don't get.

That made it way more exciting though! It was fun before, but it's even more so now!

Hey, do you think that maybe... just maybe... this is 'cause I trained?

Training... lets me get new things. That's the point, right?

Hm... It's boring, and I don't like it, but I guess it isn't pointless.

Okay, I'll keep doing it! But only with you. I'll power through the boredom, I promise!

So could you, um... y'know... could you stay with me?

I'll become a twinkly grown-up racer too, just you wait and see! I wanna show you before I show anybody else!

Whoa! Really?! Are you for real?! No backsies, got it?!

Yaaaaay! Thanks a bunch!

Mayano Top Gun, huh?

I'll remember you.

Ahhhh! Outta the way! Move!

Eeeek!

Sigh... Sorry about that. And thanks for catching me.

Ehehe, I guess this isn't the first time this has happened.

You get back here right this instant, Mayano! For the last time, I'm telling you to turn in your homework today!

Whoops. Now isn't the time to talk!

Anyway, I gotta scramble outta here! Catch you later!

Oh, she can be such a handful! She's too quick for her own good. I'm sorry, but could you give her a talking-to as well?

She needs to submit her homework, unless she wants detention eating into her training time!

Ahhh, oh wait, it's just you. I don't mind being found by you! ♪

Where'd my teacher go? She isn't here, right? Phew... I thought I was done for!

It's no fair! She gives me extra homework just 'cause I fall asleep during class!

I only slept while we were reviewing yesterday's stuff! Besides, I can just figure it all out if I read the textbook!

She also tells me to "show my work" or whatever on our tests, but who cares as long as the answer's right?!

Why does she keep picking on me?!

...Huh?

Ahhh! I totally forgot about that! Detention makes me lose out on training!

Urk. I didn't care much about training before, but now... Argh!

Why does this have to happen after I decide to start training with you?! All I wanted was to become a twinkly grown-up...

Hrmmm... But I don't wanna do homework... Blegh...

Something new?

That's different... I think... Okay, maybe not, but...

A new discovery, huh? Hrm...

All I can think of is how boring it'd be! But like...

If you're saying that it'd help, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try...

But! If I do this, I'm going to need something in return. Like another date! ♪ And it has to be something grown-ups do!

Got it?! You got it, right?! Yaaay! Where should we go this time?

Sigh...

Oh hey, it's Maya! Hey, Maya! We were talking about going shopping after this. Wanna join us?

Hrm... Sorry, but I think I'm gonna pass this time. I have to head out now.

Head out? Where?

I'm gonna go see some airplanes!

Oh... hi.

Hrmmmm...

Let's talk about something else. Are you free?

Or... busy, maybe?

Touchdown! Ehehe, we're finally here! ♪ It's a bit far from the academy, but I like this place a lot.

Hey, look at that! That plane has a special wrap! Wooow! They even have a Beluga here!

Yep! You see that white plane? The one that looks like it has a giant head? It's named Beluga after the whale! It looks like that 'cause it has to carry other planes inside of it!

You don't get to see them often, so we're super lucky today! ♪ Oh right, I should take a picture while I'm here...

Three... two... one... Cheese! ☆

Nice, this one turned out great! ☆ Heh-heh... Looks as cute as ever...

I mean, c'mon. The sky is full of all sorts of exciting things! And planes go zoooom right through it!

So of course I like planes! Who wouldn't?!

Actually, my dad really likes planes too! He likes them so much that he became a pilot!

So on his days off, he'd bring me to the airport like this and show me the different planes! And then we'd go shopping after we were done looking!

...

Oh... It's nothing! No big deal.

Enough about that. I'm starving! Let's go grab a bite to eat or something! There's a lot of good food at airports!

And after we're done eating, we can walk around some more!

First, we'll go shopping! I wanna buy some stuff for my friends.

I need to buy something for Marvey and Teio... Oh, and for Yukipe, Biko, and Flower too!

Ehehe, right?!

Hold up, we can't waste our time just standing around like this! C'mon, let's go! Hurry!

This day will go down as "The Greatest Airport Adventure in Maya's Life"! It's time for takeoff!

Wait, it's already this late?!

It'll take some time to get back to the academy. We gotta get back before curfew, so I guess we should head out...

Sigh...

Huh? But why? ...Oh, wait!

The Beluga's taking off! Whoa, I wanna see it fly!

You will?

Okay, to the observation deck we go! Takeoff!

Whoooa! Wooow! Did you see that?!

It was all like boooom, and then it went like peeeew. "Beluga" really is the perfect name for it... It's like a whale that swims through the sky!

Nice! We made it juuust in time!

Yep! A fun end to a fun day! ☆

I reeeeally had a lot of fun today! Like, so, so, so much fun!

Mom and Dad aren't here at the academy. It's totally fine, but... sometimes I think about how I'm here by myself, and it makes me feel kinda... lonely, I guess.

But I have soooo many friends, and now I have you too!

Ehehe... Let's go on another adventure together sometime, okay?

I'm finally done! Freeeeeedom!

Gosh, isn't this supposed to be a summer camp? Why are they even giving out regular school homework?

Hm? Oh, it's you!

Mmhmm, that's exactly right! It was suuuuuper boring, but I did it! ♪

Ehehe, right? Keep the praise coming!

I mean, you said I might discover something new, but I don't think I have... Not yet, at least.

But still, you might be right, so I thought I'd keep at it for now!

Oh, right! Since I did my homework, can we do something together? I wanna go to the beach! That's okay with you, right?!

Yaaaay! Then let's...

Hey, Mayano! The teacher told us about you! Pretty impressive, I have to say.

Huh? What are you talking about?

Y'know, the pop quiz we had the other day? You used your own formula to solve the problems, didn't you?

Our teacher was like, "She always finishes her tests so quickly. What's up with that?" She even said it's a surprisingly efficient way of solving the problem.

R-really? I thought I was doing it the same way as everyone else...

That's probably because you're always sleeping during lessons. She even wants to show the class how you did it next time.

Actually, if you don't mind... I wanted to ask if you could study with me sometime. Maybe teach me a thing or two?

Oh, uh... S-sure! Yeah, that sounds good! Let's do it!

Yay! Thanks a bunch! Y'know, I was always afraid of talking to you, since the two of us seem so different.

But I'm glad I reached out to you today, Mayano! I'll see you again soon!

Um... I guess we should go?

...Wooow.

Ahhhh! Hey, were you listening to what she said earlier?

No one's ever praised me for studying before! And I even made a new friend!

I think I get it now though. My teacher told me to show my work 'cause she wanted to know how I solve the problems!

Y'know, until now, whenever other people said they didn't get something, in my head I was always like, "Why don't you get it? What is there not to get?"

But now I see that it's just 'cause we're doing things differently!

There are different kinds of formulas just like there are different kinds of running! That's why people worry... 'Cause everyone has their own style!

Yeah, exactly! It feels like my vision was all fuzzy from some silly clouds, but then they went woosh, and bam! Blue skies as far as the eye can see!

Hm... Maybe my reason for doing homework is different from everybody else's too!

Uhhh... So my teacher can know more about me! "This is how Maya would solve the problem." That's what I wanna show her!

And then! And then! Once she gets to know me better, she can tell everybody about me and how I solve my problems!

And then I can make even more friends!

Hey, I know I already have my friends and teachers asking me to do stuff, but... do you think you could give me some too?

Yeah! You could give me, like, running-related homework or something!

Some kinda special homework just for me...

It'll be like you're with me even when we're apart! Our own special connection!

If I think of homework like that, I'm sure it'll feel a little less boring! Still boring, but not as much!

Really? You think so? Was I being super mature or something?

Heh-heh... Ehehehehehe... That's right. I'm one step closer to becoming a grown-up woman!

Hey, can I ask you something?

Since I'm being mature... could you give me a grown-up reward? ♪

Whoaaaa! The stars are so pretty! And look at that ocean!

Even the waves! The splish-splash is so quiet now! This is the perfect grown-up atmosphere!

I think I saw a nice rock to sit on earlier. Let's go there!

We can have a nice little chat! Like grown-ups do!

Close your eyes, my dear...

All right...

Eep!

W-wahhhhh!