Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Mejiro Palmer's story
7 scenes, 405 lines
1. Just Can't Get it Started
62 linesI really am just cursed with the worst timing...
I finally discovered a great runner to scout at the latest round of tryout races, but before I had a chance to even call out to her, she had made a contract with another trainer.
Sigh... It's so over...
Wow, now that was a huge sigh.
...!
Haha! My bad, my bad! Did I scare ya? I was just catchin' some Z's over there in the shade, so I couldn't help but notice.
And it's so over, you say? Wanna chat about the impending calamity? I bet just talkin' about it will take a load off.
No, I couldn't burden a student with something like this...
Oh I see, I see, that so? Guess you're having trouble on the job, then. Or maybe you peeped some kinda deep dark secret that the academy's trying to hide?!
Uh... It's the trouble on the job thing.
Hahaha! Okay, yeah, makes sense. Bein' a trainer does seem pretty tough. Do you have a trainee you're looking out for at the moment?
W-well, there was someone I was interested in...
Oh? So you missed your shot at a protégé, then. What else is buggin' ya?
Little by little, she gets to the core of my struggle. I have to admit that I can feel the weight lifting from my shoulders with each passing question.
So now that you've relaxed a bit, why not check out the next round of tryouts?
Thanks. I'll do just that.
Hehe, I'll be lookin' for ya, then! Cuz get this, I'm gonna be running in it!
And not just that, it's gonna be my very first time! Piques your interest, yeah? Or not! Listen to me try to give a sales pitch! Come on out if you feel like it, though.
She tells me all of this with a playful smile. I can't help but feel a little intrigued.
Sorry, I didn't get your name.
What, you wanna know? The name's...
I bet everyone's got their eyes on Mejiro Ryan today! She looks to be in great form, too. I'm expecting great things!
Yeah, and that girl next to her is also a Mejiro, right? Mejiro... something or other... She's looking kind of slack in comparison.
(Her name is Mejiro Palmer.)
The Umamusume I met on the rooftop that day is a member of the prestigious Mejiro family.
The Mejiro family is quite renowned for fostering Umamusume of outstanding repute.
Among the current generation are talented runners like Mejiro Ryan and Mejiro McQueen. They've created quite the buzz ever since joining the academy.
Oh hey, you came! Looking forward to hearing some cheers, 'specially since I'll be running my butt off!
Don't think I'll be getting nearly as much attention as Ryan, though. Haha, couldn't even begin to match her, really.
But yeah, just you watch. I'm a Mejiro too, after all. I'm gonna show everyone today that I'm worthy of bearing the name.
S-sure. I'll be cheering for you!
She remains just as upbeat as she was earlier, but I can sense the tiniest bit of unease in her expression. With that, she takes her place at the starting gate.
Mejiro Palmer runs in the lead. At a glance, it does look as if she's adopted a model winning strategy.
(So this is the form of a Mejiro lady, huh?)
But as the race nears its end...
Now! Haaa!
Huff... huff... huff...
(Wait, Palmer?!)
She's steadily passed by many runners making their final spurts for the finish. I can see the struggle in her expression as that wonderful form begins to fall apart.
It's almost like she's running too by the book, and playing it safe.
(She's tensing up...)
Pant... pant... Ahhh, you're kidding! Last place?!
What're they gonna think of me? That wasn't Mejiro-like at all!
I knew you'd easily take first! The Mejiro name really means something, huh? Do you mind if I had a word?
Yep, you're a Mejiro through and through! We could use someone as strong as you on our team!
Whoa, uh... I'll get to you all, but can we talk over there? We'll clog up the stands otherwise.
Heh... Haha! Why was I so worried about living up to the Mejiro name? It's not like anyone was even calling my name!
Seriously, I got way too worked up about all this. How am I gonna disappoint anyone if they aren't even acknowledging me to start?
Honestly...
Um...
Oh, uh... Haha! Hey hey! Enjoy the race? End up spotting anyone you're interested in? I bet Ryan's at the top of your list, yeah?
That's not...
Don't worry about it, I get it. The Mejiro family is brimming with so much other talent, it's only natural that someone like me isn't on everyone's radar.
But it's not like I'm giving up or anything, ya know? If I don't have what it takes to stand out now, then I've got no choice but to kick it into even higher gear. No time to get all emo and stuff!
Gonna get back to training right after this, actually. I'll start back at the basics and build more stamina, and...
Is that really what you need to be doing?
Huh?
What I witnessed during that race was surely a sense of pressure. Pressure to run "like a Mejiro."
As a result, her running felt stiff. It's fine to run while staying true to the basics, but... In truth, that doesn't suit everyone.
I bet there's a running style more suited to you.
Hm? A style more suited to me? What does...
...Oh uh, thanks! I'll have to think about that then.
2. Freestyle Flash!
63 linesA few days after the tryouts, I'm walking around town when I find...
Hey you! Any interest in watching some freestyle races? We've got some real fire bouts lined up over in the alley today!
Huh?
The Twinkle Series is cool and all, but freestyle races are just as exciting! Oh, you there! Miss Umamusume! You should check this out too!
Freestyle, huh? Whoa, hey! Look who it is!
Hi! Out running?
Mhmm, yeah. Just warming up for some training, and thinking about what you said the other day about a style that suits me.
But yeah, this freestyle thing? I've always known about it, but I've never actually watched a race in-person...
You both seem pretty interested! Knew it! Just come on over here, then! Feel free to join a race at any time if you want, too!
Huh? Oh, okay!
Freestyle racing is popular among amateur Umamusume who want to run unbound by rules and norms. They're often held in empty lots rented for the very purpose.
Some runners prefer these kinds of races over going pro, no matter how fast they may be. They compete as their hearts desire in front of a great many fans.
Yeeeaaah!
Haaa! Uooogh! I'm number one around here! Haaa!
Now this is something else!
With so many rowdy, rough-and-tumble running styles at play, freestyle is plenty different to watching Twinkle Series races. The competitive spirit on display is quite moving in its own way!
This feels totally different from all those official races... So this is freestyle...
Incredible... Like, just watching 'em gets me so pumped!
Feel like entering one?
...! Yeah... Yeah, think I do!
Hey there, mind if I join in? Or I can wait for the next one, doesn't matter to me!
Oh, newbie lookin' to jump in? Love the enthusiasm. Sure, come on over. What's your name?
Uh, Palmer! It's uh, Mejiro Palmer.
Oh, a Mejiro eh? Looks like we got a celeb on our hands. Name's kinda long though, so how about we just call you Palmer? Oh yeah, we'll draw straws to determine gate numbers before the race.
Uh, okay? So just "Palmer" is fine?
Yeah? No way people'll remember a name that long. Might not even remember the short version if ya don't win...
Don't think too hard about it. Just gotta win, yeah? It's all about strength and runnin' your own way in the freestyle world. Let's go, Palmer!
Oh! Yeah, lookin' forward to it!
And they're off! In the lead, we have a first-time entrant, number two in the red tracksuit! Can she keep it up?
(Okay, calm down, and let's do this like always...)
Hraaagh! Y'all better stop screwin' around if you wanna win!
(Oh yikes, now that's some fierce running! Kinda incredible to see it up close!)
(Maybe I should try out... something like that? I mean... no better chance than a race like this!)
(And right now I'm just newbie number two in the red tracksuit. I'm not a Mejiro, I'm Palmer!)
(Win or lose, I'm not a Mejiro!)
Tch! Haaah!
The way she's running now...
Fast, she's fast! Number two Palmer takes first! That speed was actually crazy! She wins by six whole lengths!
Huff... huff... Dang, how did I... This is way too much fun!
Whoa whoa whoa, where the hell did that come from? That got me all fired up! Let's go again, Palmer!
Okay, sure thing! Wanted to run some more anyways! Kinda wanna tear up the track until there's nothin' left!
Haaa!
(My legs just won't stop! And this breeze feels great! It feels like I'm moving my body in a way that I can give my all!)
Oh, look at her go! She's kinda like, stupidly fast. Hm?
Huff... huff... huff... Heh, crap! Might've gotten a little too wild...
Pfft, hahaha! Now she's flounderin'! Don't tell me you didn't think this through? Haha, now that's too funny!
Palmer! Go! Run like hell! You're somethin' else, Palmer! Smash that finish!
Okay, you got it! This time, I'll run like never before! Watch me snatch the win and burn this run into your memories!
Hraaagh!
By the time all of the freestyle races scheduled for the day are over, the frenzy surrounding Mejiro Palmer has reached its peak.
Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer!
Wow, everyone's so fired up... Hehe, and seriously, for me? I don't think I've ever heard my name called out so much...
Thank you! I'm SO hyped up right now!
Phew... My head's still spinning from all that.
Those cheers were something else!
Right? That's the first time that's ever happened to me. Nothing like that tryout race, for sure. People who didn't even know that I'm a Mejiro were cheering my name!
High-key, that felt so, so awesome! I wanna keep doing that from here on out.
Yeah... Yeah! I want everyone to know my name! To spread the word of "Mejiro Palmer" far and wide!
Her eyes are positively dazzling. I can see that she's finally found her dream and her calling. And without a second thought...
Seems you've got a dream. Can I help make it come true?
Huh? Wait, so are you like, scouting me? For real?
If you'd have me!
Thank you! I'm beyond stoked. So yeah, let's do this thing, Trainer!
3. Why Not Give it a Try?
50 linesA few days have passed since forming my contract with Mejiro Palmer. Another round of tryout races has come about, but as for Palmer...
Huff... Puff... Huff... Geh!
(Tensing up again?)
Haaa! No good this time, either. Sorry! And after all that training, too.
Having trouble running like you did in the freestyle races?
Haha, you got me there. Dang. Well, I think that during the freestyle races I was able to let go of my thoughts and just run. But now that I'm back here...
This is the prestigious Tracen Academy. And I'm a Mejiro. I think... I can't help but get stuck on these things.
It's certainly not easy to rid oneself of thoughts and habits ingrained from an early age.
But yeah, just watch me. I'm a Mejiro too, after all. I'm gonna show everyone today that I'm worthy of bearing the name.
Despite her cheerful demeanor, she seems to be a very serious and responsible person at heart. As a result of that...
(That's surely the Mejiro in her coming to surface.)
(Ah, this sucks. Really don't want to trauma dump on my new trainer and all that, though. What can I even, hm?)
Waaaaah! It's so, SO over! Is my rizz not up to royal levels?! I'm low-key at my limit here!
Umm... You okay? Seems like... you're going through it? Anything you'd like to talk to someone about?
...!
You get me!
Wooo! That track's got hands! Throat's totally shot! Get up there, Palmster, you're next!
Wait, what about it being "so over"?!
I mean, I kinda spilled the tea for ya already! It's good vibes only from here on out! Waheeey! ☆
Oh yo, I saw this on Umasta earlier! Sheeeesh, that's cute! I'm basically in love with this color! Copped!
Pft, hahaha! That didn't take much!
Oh yooo, this hits DIFF. Burg is life, woo! ☆
Ahahaha! Gosh, Helios, you can get a kick out of anything, huh?
If it looks like it kicks, it probably slaps, no cap! I'm always out here operatin' on the most bussin' vibes!
That's the only way to do it, yeah? Fun things are bussin'! Bussin' things are mad vibes. Mad vibes are pretty fire if you ask me!
Yeah, okay. I can get down with that! I guess it really is that simple!
Simple or shrimple, you get me! It's best!
(Haha. "Slaps." "Fire." "Bussin' vibes"... She's got a way with words.)
Phew... Okay, might be time to wrap it up. Hm?
Wooo!
(Oh hey, it's a scrimmage. And Helios is running in it.)
Huff, huff... Ahahahahaha!
...!
Wa-wa-wa-wa-waheeey! Zoooomin' on up!
(Seriously? That girl can laugh even during a race?)
Ahahahahaha! Ahaaa! Lesgolesgolesgolesgooo!
(That's... Amazing. Helios is so... amazing.)
(What the heck. I'm not even the one running, but my heart's beating as if I were. It's almost deafening.)
Helios!
Oh, Palmster! Wait, you were watchin' me? I'm seriously gagged! Love ya!
Yeah, you bet I was! That was an amazing race! And also like, you gotta tell me one thing...
What's going through your mind when you're racing?
Huh, when I'm racing? Well, you know...
Raisin' the roof, bringin' down the house, all while having a blast!
...!
All there is to it, no cap! Whyzzat?
Simple makes its comeback! You get me, girlboss. That gets you a wooo!
Wooo! Ahahahaha!
4. Bringing Down the House!
61 lines"I've got to talk to you about something." It's been a while since Palmer's confided in me, and she looks tense. After a bit of silence...
S-so hey! I was thinkin' that I really do want to try running free... In my own kinda way, ya know?
Like I did at those freestyle races... No, actually, I wanna go beyond that! I just wanna blast off, right out of the gates! Like... That's what's most fun for me... I think!
I wanna give it a try, at least. That's the only way I believe I can compete. If I'm running and having fun, then somehow...
Um... So whaddya think, Trainer? Haha, gonna say it's too risky, right?
I mean, like, it's a pretty big gamble as far as strategies go. I'll probably get myself all tuckered out before the finish and make a major fool out of myself...
I get it... You can't be having a Mejiro under your wing run like that...
She begins to trail off. I feel her resolve, however, and ask her something in return.
You want everyone far and wide to know your name, right?
Huh? Oh, yeah. That's right.
Do you want them to know you as a Mejiro?
...!
Or do you want them to know you as "Mejiro Palmer"?
Ah...
Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer! Paaal-mer!
(Right. That's right! I wanna...)
We gotta aim for front-running dominance! Can you arrange my regimen and scrimmages for that?
Leave it to me!
We turn a new page on our training regimen from this moment forward. We're going to focus on developing her front running skills.
Huff... huff... huff... huff... How's this for a start? Does this look okay?
Run even more like you've never run before!
...! Like never before... Even more...
(So I've gotta really run... Wait, maybe that's not enough?! No, it's not... I need to do more... That's right!)
"Raisin' the roof, bringin' down the house, all while having a blast!"
I've gotta run like I wanna bring the place down! Haaa!
...!
Huff... huff... huff... Shoot, my breath... Oof! I can't!
Are you okay? You were running amazingly!
And now, the day of the scrimmage...
Wh-wh-wh-whahey! ☆ Get that W, Palmster!
You know it, fam! Lesgooo! I'm boutta slay this race for real! Let's get it!
W-well she seems to be in good spirits. Haha, I guess she's doing okay. Didn't she lose in a big way just the other day, though?
Yeah, when she ran with Mejiro Ryan, I think? I've got my eyes on someone else today, tho...
Hehe, seems like everyone's underestimating me again. Good, I'm gettin' more fired up by the second!
You show 'em!
You bet! Here goes nothin'!
Ryan, why don't we seek a better vantage point? Something is different about Palmer today. I can feel it.
McQueen! Yeah, I think you're right. I was about to suggest the same!
Ka-chak!
Hraaagh!
Wait, what?! Sh-she's so fast!
Uh, isn't that like way too fast?! They just started!
Huff... huff... huff... Hahahahaha!
(Run away, run away, run away! From common sense, from the Mejiro name! From my own messed up way of thinking, just gotta run run run!)
(All I gotta do is have a blast! I can do this, I will be true to myself!)
Haaah!
Woooo!
You're... kidding. She actually won running like that?
Practically no one runs like that!
So this is... Mejiro Palmer!
Amazing. Just amazing! Palmer's running is unlike anyone's in the entire Mejiro family!
In other words, a running style that she can call her own. It seems that none of us can afford to underestimate it.
Paaalmeeer! Yikes, what the HECK, girl? That was like so freakin', freakin'...
LIT! You brought this place down, for sure! Palmster, you absolutely slayed!
Ahahaha! Thanks, Helios. You absolutely slay too, my sunshine.
And thanks, Trainer, for giving me that push I needed. And from here on I just gotta keep...
Raisin' the roof and stuff! Waheeey!
Waheeey!
I pledge not to rest until the name "Mejiro Palmer" is indeed one that will never be forgotten by time.
5. Someday, With these Legs of Mine
44 linesSome time has passed since I officially became Mejiro Palmer's trainer.
Okay, one more lap!
It's gratifying to see just how much she's enjoying her newly awakened running style.
Similar to how many run in freestyle races, she gives it her all right from the start and never lets up.
Hraaagh! Y'all better stop screwin' around if you wanna win!
If she's to keep running without ever hitting the brakes, then learning some good power distribution techniques will be essential.
Any changes I introduce won't be too drastic, however. I never want to see that smile on her face fade away.
Trainer, I've still got gas in the tank!
Go for another!
Ahaha! Okay, here goes!
I never want to keep her from running the way that makes her happy.
Isn't that style way too reckless?
Huh?
While it's definitely important for them to have fun while running, that's no way to go about winning. It's just so... unconventional.
There has to be a more sensible way to approach a front running strategy. Right now, it seems like she just runs straight ahead without any kind of plan.
More sensible, huh?
And what would that entail, I wonder?
Huff... huff... huff... phew!
Every race has its rules. Plus, all racers seek out a way to run that's unique to them.
Some may see certain runners as reckless and unconventional. Is it really my place to police that?
You should put a stop to it while you still can. You're doing this for her sake, aren't y...
That's just how Palmer runs.
Huh?
You'll see someday.
Even if they can't see it now, it's my duty to have everyone acknowledge that this is how Mejiro Palmer rules the track.
I saw you talkin' to that other trainer earlier. You seemed to be frowning big time. Did something happen?
She actually just approached me out of the blue.
Gotcha! That's gotta be because you're so approachable! So she needed advice and you were deep in thought?
Not quite...
Wait, don't tell me... 'Twas a confession of love? So your lucky day finally rolled around! Oh Trainer, you devil, you!
N-no! She just came to me with a complaint!
Haha, I see. A complaint, huh? But if she needed to say something during our training session...
Then it must've been about me and my runnin', huh. Makes sense! I can't say I don't get where she's coming from.
(I mean, I know that my new style is pretty crazy, but to see Trainer get called out for it...)
So hey, Train...
They just don't get it yet.
...!
They underestimate your running chops!
Trainer...
Hahaha! Right?! It's just as you say! Together... we're gonna show them what I'm made of!
We raise both hands high into the air, as if we're aiming to raise the roof. The resounding echo of a high five soon follows.
No matter what anyone says, and even if they laugh in our faces... I've promised to keep pushing us forward, no matter what.
6. Fun for Fun's Sake
54 linesPhew! Thanks, Palmer! I knew coming to you about this was the smart move.
Oh yeah? Don't think I did too much, but I'm always down to at least lend an ear!
Waaah, you're just too sweet! I'm totally jealous of your trainer!
Ahaha! And why's that? Don't you mean that you're jealous of me for havin' such a good trainer?
No, like you always listen and give helpful advice, right? I'm jealous of the one who's always by your side!
Eh? That so?
(She's jealous of my trainer, huh?)
(She really does have it mixed up, though. Trainer's the one listening and giving helpful advice to me.)
This feels totally different from all those official races... So this is freestyle...
Incredible... Like, just watching 'em gets me so pumped!
(If Trainer hadn't pushed me to participate that day, I would've just gone home after watching.)
...! Yeah... Yeah, think I do!
(The only reason I'm having so much fun running these days is because of what Trainer has given me.)
No need to feel jealous. I'm just happy I've got such a great trainer to guide me.
Really, all I can do is simply lend an ear.
I've spent the day scouring some local bookstores for anything that may prove useful for our training. And on the way home...
Trainer! What're the chances? Were you out shopping? Let's head back together!
Holy crap, though, that's a lotta stuff! C'mon, pass it over! Your hands are already so red!
Thanks, but I'm fine!
Don't you even think about it. Wait, are those all books? Was none of this in the library?
I explain that while the academy library is indeed well stocked with useful books, there are some titles you have to make your way to a bookstore for.
Even something seemingly unrelated at first glance can be beneficial with creative application.
So that's why you've bought so many?
(Trainer really is the serious type. I've rarely seen anyone work so hard... Or be so sincere about the outcome...)
(That sense of self and purpose... No matter what anyone else says, it doesn't get in the way...)
(Compared to then...)
Wow, now that was a huge sigh.
Haha! My bad, my bad! Did I scare ya? I was just catchin' some Z's over there in the shade, so I couldn't help but notice.
And it's so over, you say? Wanna chat about the impending calamity? I bet just talkin' about it will take a load off.
(Back then, Trainer seemed so depressed about missing some good scouting opportunities.)
(But now that I've entered the picture, Trainer's really made an effort to get us results.)
Thanks for everything, Trainer. Yours is a pretty tough job, isn't it?
It's pretty fun, too!
She runs with everything she's got, pushes through any pain and laughs as if she's having fun the whole time. I tell her I wouldn't give up this fun for the world.
I'm glad I got to be your trainer, Palmer.
I should be the one telling you how glad I am! Thank you!
Still, you shouldn't be pushing yourself quite like this. And are you eating well? Getting enough rest?
I am, don't worry.
Hahaha, well alrighty then!
...
(Those bags under your eyes, though...)
(I get that we're genuinely having fun here, but...)
(Hmm... I wonder. Is there something more I could be saying to help?)
("I'm glad I got to be your trainer, Palmer." I get that. No cap detected.)
(But something feels off... Hmm?)
Palmer?
Oh, uhhh! Let's get going, yeah? I'm kinda starving!
Hm? Oh, sure thing.
...
(Okay! For now, I'll just play it cool and try not to be a bother. I can definitely find a way to help! Yup!)
Mejiro Palmer nimbly snatches a few bags from my hand and quickly skips ahead. She smiles back at me when I thank her, and she matches my pace once again.
So hey, what kind of books did you get? If there's anything I can do to help out with training prep, make sure you let me know!
I tell her I will, but in truth, all she needs to do is simply be Mejiro Palmer.
In order to always see her run like the wind and smile, I decide that I have to work even harder.
7. Mejiro Palmer's Trainer
71 linesMejiro Palmer hones her running with an unceasing smile, right up to the middle of this year's summer training camp.
Nothing seems to be getting in the way of the good times. However...
Oh hey, Trainer! You should take a little break. Aren't you thirsty? Don't worry about me and go on ahead.
Wait, your face is mad red! Let's get you under the shade, right away! Oh yeah, didn't we bring a damp towel today?!
P-Palmer?
She's long gone before I can get a chance to tell her to relax. I wonder just what's going on.
While she's always been a kind and caring person, something feels a little different about all this. She's usually more easygoing in the way she helps.
Wait, don't tell me...
Haha, I see. A complaint, huh? But if she needed to say something during our training session...
Then it must've been about me and my runnin', huh. Makes sense! I can't say I don't get where she's coming from.
Is she caught up on that complaint I got from that one trainer? If that's the case, I need to intervene.
I slipped up by giving that issue more spotlight than it deserved. I need her to be more relaxed.
I'm aware of a festival happening tonight near the camp grounds, so I decide to invite Palmer out for a night of fun.
Sheeesh, this place is hoppin'! There're stalls for days out here!
Hey Trainer, you lookin' to stuff your face? Or do you wanna goof off with some games? I'm down for anythi...
What do you want to do, Palmer?
Huh, me? Well uh... I was kinda thinkin' that I'd follow you...
I want to do whatever you want to.
Eh? But I uhh... Wha? I didn't really have anything in mind, so uhh...
Oh? We can leave if it's too much of a pain...
A pain? Heck no! It's not a pain at all, for real. So howsabout uh... The shooting range, yeah!
Got your eyes on a prize, Trainer? Leave it to me and my sharpshootin'!
Sorry... Got nothing. Zilch. Like how did I even manage to get the shots to go in the entirely opposite direction? Huh?
O-one shot? Yikes, you're way too good at this! What the actual heck?!
Anything you want?
Oh, word? Then I'll take that decoration thingy up at the top... Nah, hold up. Aim for something you want!
This cookie cutting game is tough ! Is this a skill issue? I wanted to get something nice for ya...
How's it going over there? Better than me, I hope. Oh, just a little more! Carefully... carefully...
I'll let you handle the rest!
Say wha?! But this is like, the most important part! But okay, sure. I'll give it a shot since you asked!
Okay, here you go... Oops...
Ah, it snapped!
Ahaha, Trainer, that face you made just now... Haha, yikes!
But don't worry about it! We'll win the night yet! Look, there's a water balloon yo-yo game over there! Let's give it a whirl!
Phew, that was a blast! We played our hearts out and stuffed our faces. Feelin' good, feelin' good!
If you had a good time, then I'm happy.
So you really were lookin' out for me... Sorry, I guess you noticed I've had kind of a weird vibe lately, huh?
Did that issue with the other trainer bother you?
Hm? Oh yeah, something like that did happen, right? Nah, that didn't really bother me.
It's just that you're always going out of your way to help me, no matter what it is. And like, I know that's a trainer's job and stuff...
I thought I'd do something nice for you in return, but maybe I went a little too hard. Ahaha, well I screwed up!
Looks like despite my best efforts, I just went and made it feel all weird. Sorry, I'm pretty embarrassed.
Don't worry about it one bit.
But you must've felt overloaded as heck...
I do what I do for you, and it's plenty fun.
...!
Huh, wha? H-hey, hold up...
(Trainer's still so serious about the job... So sincere towards supporting me...)
(Ever since scouting someone, it's been like this.)
(Scouting someone...)
(Scouting... me...)
I'm glad I got to be your trainer, Palmer.
...!
Wh-what's wrong?!
(So Trainer's not only content with being a trainer...)
(But is especially happy to be my trainer?)
(Trainer's saying that as my trainer... helping and supporting me is fun?! That's it, right?)
Waaa! Ahhh!
Palmer?! Do you have a stomachache? Or is it a fever?!
Trainer...
Y-yeah?
I'm so fired up. I'm gonna run like heck and win, on god.
Our running is the real deal. I'll show everyone what we're made of, rack up wins, and uh...
I'll show you that you made the right call by becoming my trainer!
R-right back at you!
I tell her that I'm going to work hard so that one day, she'll be able to tell me how happy she is to have chosen me as her trainer.
Ahhh!
Palmer?!
Sob. Trainer's so... so...
Is it the heat? I use my hand to fan the collapsed Mejiro Palmer with all the energy I can muster.
She glances at me and just giggles, her face a striking ruby-red.