Mejiro Ardan's story

Well... Congratulations on being discharged, Mejiro Ardan. Just make sure you don't overdo it, okay?

I'm sure you're sick of hearing this by now, but moderation is key! Always do your stretches before exercising, and be sure to ice your legs after.

The more fractures or sprains you accumulate, the worse off your legs will be in the long run. Above all else, be mindful of your condition.

Understood, doctor. As always, thank you for your thorough treatment.

Miss Ardan, your chauffeur awaits.

Oh, my. So soon? Thank you for informing me. Now then... I shall be off. Goodbye.

Goodbye! Be careful out there! I mean it!

Hm... Ah! Ardaaan!

Oh, if it isn't Chiyono O. I see you waited for me to get back this time as well.

Of course I did! Why wouldn't I? You're finally out of the hospital and can come to school again! Congratulations, Ardan!

Hehe, thank you.

Still, I feel terrible for making you wait out in the cold... I'd hate to see you get sick just as I'm getting better.

When we return to the dorms, allow me to brew us both a cup of tea. I received quite the selection as get-well presents.

Huh? Wait, did she get hospitalized again?

Ah, now that you mention it, I do remember hearing that she couldn't run in the tryouts due to an injury or illness.

But she's race-ready, right? I'd be more worried about debuting if I were her... I mean, how many times does this make?

Y-you there! How dare you...

Chiyono O. I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I do not mind the gossip about me.

But Ardan!

After all, they're not wrong.

Urgh...

Now then, let us make our way back to the dorms before we both catch a cold.

Ah, you want to know more about Mejiro Ardan? Well...

As I'm sure you've heard, she's very prone to illness and injury. She's been in and out of the hospital since she started here.

And because of that, she's had to pull out of tryouts and practice very frequently.

Naturally, that means she hasn't been scouted, so she hasn't made her debut. As for the trainers' opinion of her... They aren't exactly favorable.

I... think she has potential. She is a Mejiro, after all.

But unfortunately, her body is so fragile. And then there's the matter of her older sister.

You're a new trainer, but I'm sure you've heard of her. She's the pride of the Mejiro family, Mejiro Ramonu.

She won her debut by a whole twenty lengths. During her Junior division years, she was already reaching speeds that rivaled the "Hot Rod" Maruzensky.

And to top it all off, she's the very first Triple Tiara winner.

I could be here all day telling you what makes Ramonu shine so bright, but... I think the strength of that light also obscures Ardan's, relegating her to the shadows.

I know Ardan is doing her absolute best...

However, she's running out of chances to debut. Her next race may be her last opportunity.

Ah, my apologies. I have my own speculations as to Ardan's future, but, well...

If you're that interested, perhaps it'd be best to talk to Ardan herself!

One, two, three... One... One, two, three, four...

Phew... Huff, huff... Three sets complete... I think that amount of weight should do it...

All right, time to pump some iron, whoa! It's packed in here! Uh... are there any open spaces?

Excuse me. You can use this space if you'd like. I've just finished my workout.

Really?! Man, this is my lucky day! Thanks a lot!

You're very welcome. Now then, I'll be on my way.

Wait, she's done already? But she just got here!

Well... She's not the healthiest, right? Maybe that's the best she can do.

She may be a Mejiro, but her poor health overshadows her family line...

Agreed. Forcing her to push herself would be dangerous too... She's just not built for the racecourse.

...

...!

Oh dear, my apologies for worrying you. I just felt a little lightheaded, but I'm fine now.

Hehe, I suppose I worked a little too hard. I was only discharged yesterda, oh? Where's my tablet?

Thank you for picking that up for me... May I have it back now?

Now hold on... Are you sure, Ardan?!

There should be an open slot, no? If so, I would like to take it.

Please let the staff know that I will be racing in the 1,200-meter on the dirt course.

But you're more suited to medium-distance races on a turf course! I'm not saying it's impossible for you to win, but your true potential won't shine through!

Ardan... Perhaps you could wait for the next tryouts in a few months? That way, you can enter a race better suited to your talents and...

But those "few months" make a world of difference... I believe you and I are both aware of what I mean.

...!

We Umamusume can only shine for so long. Once we're race-ready, our talents can only decline from there.

My repeated hospitalizations have prevented me from running in the tryouts... As such, the time I have after I am race-ready has been decreased significantly.

If I delay my debut any longer, my prime will be over before I can even dream of the Twinkle Series.

I... don't want that to happen.

But!

I understand your concerns, Ms. Tazuna, but my mind is made up.

Please proceed with my race registration.

Oh... You want to scout me?

Hehe, well, thank you very much for your interest. I'm truly honored.

However, I must decline.

Ah, please don't misunderstand. My decision has nothing to do with you.

I actually plan to reject any and all scouting offers until the tryouts.

I do hope you'll take the time to stop by and see what I have to offer.

After all, I would hate to be scouted based on anything other than my abilities.

Not suited for me? Is that it?

Then allow me to ask you a question.

In the Twinkle Series, will my races always go exactly as planned?

Of course not. I cannot control every fine detail of my race agenda, nor can I control the weather on the day of the race.

And what if I were forced to race when I'm feeling under the weather, or the track isn't exactly as I pictured it?

If any one of these many possibilities were present...

Should I give up on winning?

I understand that others may consider what I am doing extreme, but well... I don't.

After all, if I allow myself to waver here, who's to say I won't waver when it truly matters?

My apologies for keeping you so long. Now then, I must be on my way.

I hope to see you again... after the tryouts.

Acceleration at the beginning of the race is vital on the dirt course, especially when it's only 1,200 meters...

In that case, I shall prioritize practicing my start. I should also add some exercises that help me decrease my reaction time.

Ardan! Um... The tryouts are approaching, yes? If you'd like, I can train with you!

And that can mean anything! I could run alongside you, we could do ramps, or maybe we go for a run around town?

Why, thank you, Chiyono O. I appreciate the invitation.

Unfortunately, I must decline. I was actually wrapping up. If I go any further, I worry that I'll end up overheating.

Ah... I-I see! I'm sorry if I bothered you!

Not at all. I imagine it would be quite fun to run with you. Hehe, I'll just have to make sure I don't hurt myself in my excitement.

What?! A-Ardan... I don't know whether to be happy or scared hearing that!

Mejiro Ardan! Mejiro Ardan rushes forward, chasing the front runner! Will she catch up before reaching the goal?!

Huff, huff, huff!

Raaaaah!

Ardan's reached the frontrunner! They're neck and neck! And... goal!

She's done it! Mejiro Ardan managed to step forward at the very last second and win by a hair! Your first-place winner is Mejiro Ardan!

N-no way... But I thought she was a medium-distance runner!

M-Mejiro Ardan, could I speak with you?

D-don't forget me! Your race today was absolutely fabulous. How'd you like to...

Oh, it's you...

Hehe... It's nice to see you again too.

...

Thank you for your offer. I'm truly honored.

And... I accept. I look forward to seeing where our journey together will lead us.

Allow me to make this formal by reintroducing myself. I am Mejiro Ardan, and I look forward to training with you from now on.

Indeed. Now, before we begin...

Could I ask you to accompany me somewhere this weekend?

We've arrived, Miss Ardan. Enjoy your day, but do be careful... And please, Trainer, do look after her for us.

Hehe, no need to be nervous, Trainer. Thank you for accompanying us, Nanny. I promise we'll be fine.

Yes... I've been meaning to see this exhibition for a while now, but I thought it would be nice to have you accompany me.

This show features a wide variety of media, paintings, sculptures, photography, film, and even traditional arts.

However, they all have one thing in common.

They are all works that were released after their respective creators died.

Yes, I suppose that is one way to look at it.

There's one more artwork left. Trainer, could we head to the forest behind the museum?

It seems that's where the final piece is being displayed, and, well... that's the piece I wish to see the most.

I hope you don't mind this little detour.

Ah... Here it is. This is what I wanted to see.

It seems the artist's request was for this piece to be placed outside, and only outside.

...

As I'm sure you know, I was born with a fragile, weak body.

But that was also the case for my sister, and she ended up making a miraculous recovery. I suppose that gave me hope...

But unfortunately, fate didn't see it fit to have two miracles in one place. I suppose that would make miracles less special.

Our family doctor told me that my body wouldn't be able to handle racing. In fact, he said it would only lead to disaster.

Even now, my parents are vehemently against my decision to race. Just the other day, they were on the phone with me, crying about their fear of losing me.

I think their fears partially stem from the fact that I was originally supposed to have a twin... They worry that I will meet the same fate as my stillborn sibling.

Yet despite all that... I still want to race, Trainer.

I do not know when my body will give out on me. Among the countless Umamusume who shine so bright, my star may very well burn out the fastest.

Just like that painting in the woods, I may fade away and be forgotten. And yet, here and now...

I still wish to shine, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to do so.

Even if my sparkle disappears in the blink of an eye...

I want to leave my mark. I wish to prove that I was here, in this moment.

Will you help me do that, Trainer?

...!

Trainer...

My apologies for testing you with such a grim prediction. I was worried you may not be prepared for what may lie ahead.

But I was wrong... You are far more determined than I had ever imagined.

(Apologies, Trainer, but I know something about that painting that you don't.)

(That artist had a devout partner supporting them through their life.)

(They say the artist put the last of their energy into that painting... and dedicated it to their lover.)

Huff, huff... Phew...

My time went down, didn't it? My breathing doesn't feel as ragged as before either.

Thank you. Now then... I shall get back to practice.

A... weapon? Ah, my apologies. I appreciate the compliment, I've just never thought about it like that before.

As I'm sure you know, I was born with a fragile, weak body.

I do not know when my body will give out on me. Among the countless Umamusume who shine so bright, my star may very well burn out the fastest.

Just like that painting in the woods, I may fade away and be forgotten. And yet, here and now...

I still wish to shine, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to do so.

I'm ready, Trainer. Please time my last lap.

Huh? How many laps does that make? She's doing a lot of exercises... Will she be okay?

Huff... huff... So far, so good...

Is everything all right?

I... I would love that, actually. I was just thinking that I wanted to run a little more.

Thank you for today. I feel like today's training was especially fruitful.

In addition, I was wondering... Perhaps we could use today's increased practice regimen going forward?

Oh my! Ehehe, I should be grateful. As I am now, I don't have to worry about overheating anymore.

Before my debut, there were times where I could not practice for days at a time. I'm glad to know that's all in the past now.

What do you mean?

Thank you, but I feel more at ease like this.

Racers in the Mejiro family make a lot of public appearances, so we're taught how to conduct ourselves from a very young age. And, well...

Ardan? Why are you over here, all by your lonesome? You're leaning against the wall... Are you feeling sick?

No, ma'am. I was just thinking to myself...

Now, now, don't push yourself. You have to be mindful of your health!

(Oh... If I relax too much, others will think I'm sick...)

...

Ah, my apologies. In any case, I feel more relaxed like this, so you needn't worry.

Besides, I promised you I wouldn't overdo it, correct? I assure you, I am fine.

Oh dear... I don't know if spoiling me like that is such a good idea, Trainer.

Perhaps tomorrow I will skip practice simply because I feel like it. What will you do then?

Hehe... And that's exactly what I'm hoping for. But thank you for your concern. I promise I'm fine.

Just a little longer now... Hehe, waiting for the curtain to rise is so exciting, isn't it?

Thank you for seeing me off. I'll be sure to call you when I'm on my way home.

Oh, Trainer, good day to you. I didn't expect to see you here.

Yes, I'm headed to the theater. One of our family's sponsors sent us a couple of tickets for a play.

My sister was supposed to join me, but she unfortunately has a race today, so I'm going alon, ah!

I understand that this is very sudden, but would you like to join me?

I'm so glad we could see this play together, Trainer. It's a very popular piece, one that I've been meaning to see for some time now.

It's the story of two knights who decide to seek fame and fortune by expelling a ghost from a haunted castle. It's a comedy.

I've heard it's based on a classic, but according to reviews, it has its own merits as a piece of contemporary, oh, it's starting.

My friend, do my eyes deceive me? Is that not the accursed castle, said to only appear at dusk? What a foreboding atmosphere...

Do not let the tales of ghosts and ghouls frighten you, comrade! O Lady Luck, grant us your boon on this hunt, so that we may at last obtain glory!

A g-g-g-g-ghost?! Oh, it was just you... Hey, quit copying me! Arrrghh!

Oh dear! Hehe.

It seems the reviews were spot-on. It certainly was entertaining to watch those two jump at every single sound, wasn't it?

However... I am a little sad a ghost never actually appeared. If it were me, I would return to that castle every night until I finally saw one.

Doesn't teatime with a ghost sound delightful? I'm sure they'd have plenty of stories about the castle's history...

And... Allowing someone forgotten to shine again for just a moment feels like a resurrection of sorts, doesn't it?

Sigh... What a pleasant breeze.

Trainer, would you like to take a walk with me? The sunset is so beautiful, after all. It almost feels like...

Hehe... wouldn't that be a splendid surprise.

As a child, I would often imagine myself as one of the characters in the play I had just seen.

I could be anything, a young man or even an old woman. Sometimes I'd go on an adventure, while other times I'd do something bad and get scolded for it.

We only live once, but through the power of imagination, I felt like I was able to step into the life of another for a brief moment. It was like a secret game.

I'm not so sure about that. Perhaps I'm a curious ghost, simply observing the two bumbling intruders who claim to be there to hunt me.

Good point... If the knights had actually found the ghost, would it have wanted to talk to them?

If it were me, I'd certainly want to know what sort of people the knights were.

For example, what sort of games did they play as children?

Oh dear! Hehe, you must have been quite the adorable child, Trainer.

I'd love to hear more. Tell me, what else did you play as a child?

Huh? Ah...

P-pardon me. Goodness... My stomach doesn't usually growl like that.

Oh really? I hadn't noticed. Your stories were just so interesting.

We certainly have walked a lot though... I usually avoid taking such long walks. Otherwise people worry about my health.

Ah...

In addition, I was wondering... Perhaps we could use today's increased practice regimen going forward?

Oh my! Ehehe, I should be grateful. As I am now, I don't have to worry about overheating anymore.

(That's right. Trainer always believes in my abilities...)

(How strange... My chest feels so warm... Trainer is so...)

Ah... No, I'm fine. I was just reflecting on how much fun I've had today.

Ohhh, please stop teasing me.

But yes... Today certainly was filled with excitement. I believe I learned something new about myself.

Hehe, that... is a secret.

In any case, the sun will soon set. We should both head home before we run into an actual ghost.

Thank you again for accepting my sudden invitation.

Now then, shall we begi, hm?

Ah, you two! Do you have any plans tonight? We're holding a test of courage! You guys should totally come!

A test of courage? That's where you explore a scary location, yes? I've heard about them, but I've never actually joined.

W-wait a second, be more considerate! You don't want to pressure her... Ardan, we understand if you can't come because of your health.

Well... I appreciate the concern. I'm personally feeling well enough to attend, but...

Oh! Trainer...

All right, but we'll understand if you can't make it in the end. Or if you have to leave halfway through!

Boooo!

Aaaaahhh! Eeeeek!

Doesn't it? I'm getting chills just thinking about it. Now then, it's our turn.

Boo, Ardan?! S-sorry, I didn't scare you, did I?

Not at all. Thank you for your concern.

Beware... Bewaaare... Beware the bumps in the road, Ardan. We don't want you to trip and fall.

Thank you, I'll keep an eye out. And please do watch out for bug bites yourself.

Hehe... Who knew a test of courage could be so delightful? Everyone's having so much fun. I'm glad we were invited.

Of course I am. After all...

We're just like those two knights in that play, seeking glory by hunting down ghosts.

My friend, do my eyes deceive me? Is that not the accursed castle, said to only appear at dusk? What a foreboding atmosphere...

A g-g-g-g-ghost?!

Wah!

Oh! Hehe... Ehehe! I wasn't expecting you to scream like that.

Phew... My apologies for scaring you. I simply couldn't help myself, pretending to be a ghost just looked like so much fun. I had to try it for myself.

Oh? I'm looking forward to it. ♪

What a worthwhile experience. Although it's a shame we didn't find any real ghosts or castles.

Hehe, it'll take more than hiding around the corner and loud noises to scare me. Still, it was fun waiting to see what you'd come up with next.

It felt like I was back to being a child again... I just feel so at ease when I'm with you, Trainer.

Phew...

No, I'm fi...

Actually... Do you mind if we rest for a while?

We have training tomorrow, correct? What... will the regimen look like? We have been out rather late...

Oh? Understood.

Hehe, I am. More than you could ever imagine.

I'm so glad to have someone who understands me... Understands that I want to do as much as I can.

It's so... reassuring. I...

Trainer... Do you remember when you told me it's okay to do what I want sometimes?

Besides, I promised you I wouldn't overdo it, correct? I assure you, I am fine.

You said I could relax more, no?

Then, could I... rest my head on your shoulders? The sound of the waves is just so... soothing.

(What a lovely sound... I could fall asleep just like this. In fact, I just might. Trainer wouldn't mind.)

(Trainer... you're like a steady tree. I know if I ever need to rest, you'll be there for me to lean on.)