Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Silence Suzuka's story
7 scenes, 392 lines
1. The Silent Runner
58 linesRacing, an intense clash of speed versus speed, where every millisecond counts.
One evening, I come upon a student who's silently dashing accross the turf, totally lost in a world all her own.
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I>
(She looks positively blissful...)
"Blissful." No other word can better describe the expression gracing Silence Suzuka's visage as I observe her for the first time.
<I>Huff... huff...</I> Hehe!
It's not often you see someone on the track this late on a day off. She continues to run at a truly staggering speed.
Phew! A quiet course all to myself... Running at night is the best.
And maybe it's just my imagination, but the stars seem a little brighter than usual tonight.
Hehe. I've got this scenery all to myself.
Oh?
Um... Is there something I can do for you?
No. I just noticed how happy you looked.
O-oh? Is that so?
Um... Sorry, if you'll excuse me now... I want to run a little longer.
And after just a brief exchange of words, Silence Suzuka takes off running once more. It seems she is not yet content with her extra training this night.
I can't recall ever seeing a runner happier to be out on the track past dusk. The sight of her cutting through the evening breeze is truly one to behold.
It's only a few days until we're able to meet again.
She's at today's academy tryouts. All the race-ready students are there to demonstrate their skill in hopes of being scouted.
She's fast, really fast. There goes Silence Suzuka, leading by five lengths. Six lengths. She leads by seven lengths!
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I>
H-how does she maintain such speed? Does she really intend to keep it up till the very end?!
You'd expect her to be thoroughly tired out by now, but she refuses to let go of that immense lead!
The runners have entered the final leg. The distance from the lead is slowly closing, but Silence Suzuka remains solidly ahead! Can she keep this up?
I won't give up the lead... to <I>anyone!</I>
Silence Suzuka crosses the finish! She wins with ease, leaving everyone else in the dust!
Neither the plight of her rivals nor the shouts from the crowd matter to the runner. She needs only to fix her gaze ever forward to win with such a vast lead.
Phew...
(I really need to scout her!)
Of course, I am not the only one to have such a thought.
Suzuka...
Suzuka! That was truly a marvelous display! I would like to talk to you about a training contract.
Eh? Oh, um... Okay.
You've a fine pair of legs to be sure, but I just know that you are capable of so much more!
More than that? Do you mean it?
Yes. You performed wonderfully, but I can tell that you would be nearly invincible with a bit more practical knowledge.
If you'd like, I would be happy to teach you a better way of running. I dare say that it would give you the lead in any race you desire to run in.
(Agh, too late!)
Unsurprisingly, she is snatched up before I am able to utter even a single word.
Some time later...
I enter the library one day to find Silence Suzuka and Air Groove engaged in a rather technical-sounding conversation.
(Are they studying together?)
You'll be needing anaerobic energy for that instantaneous burst of speed. And in order to maintain that speed, you need aerobic energy.
There's a limit to how much anaerobic energy the body can afford to expend, so it's of the utmost importance to decide how to conserve and use it.
Then that means, in order to speed up later on, I should focus on conserving energy at the start of a race by suppressing my speed... Do I have it right?
Right. This is one of the basic foundations of modern racing theory.
Theory is not something I've ever given much thought to before... I suppose it's time I learned a bit more about it...
Thank you, Air Groove. I'm glad you could break it down for me.
It's my pleasure.
But I am a little surprised. You're known for exploding into the lead right from the outset of a race and staying there. This would be quite a change of pace.
Y-yes, just a little.
I'd better start today's runs and practice what you've told me. I'll see you again later.
Yeah...
Theory... That must mean that it's the proper way of doing things. Okay, if i run the way she taught me...
I'll be fine. And surely the scenery will become even more beautiful...
There's an air of doubt in her quiet murmurings. And having heard them, I cannot help but become a bit concerned for the renowned front runner.
2. Frustration, Deterioration
50 linesStudents at Tracen often compete with each other in scrimmage races as part of their training regimens. Silence Suzuka is taking part in one such race today.
Still concerned after seeing how troubled she appeared in the library the other day, I decide to come out to observe her.
Suzuka, I take it that you understand the objective of this scrimmage, yes?
Um... To practice the techniques I'll be using in my debut race.
That's correct. Your debut is coming up next month.
We've been focusing on having you better conserve your speed and energy. It's time to put everything to practice in a proper race.
Okay...
I've been looking forward to this day, Suzuka. Show me how far you've come under your trainer's guidance.
Yeah... I won't be giving up the lead.
Heh. I couldn't have said it better myself, so right back at you. I'm heading for the gates now.
All I have to do is remember what she taught me, conserve energy at the start and save it for the final leg...
Right... I've got this. This is the way it's supposed to be done. I'll win for sure.
The gates spring open on Silence Suzuka's latest scrimmage race. However...
Suzuka?
To anyone who witnessed her tremendous lead during her tryout race, today's Silence Suzuka appears to be an entirely different runner.
No doubt she is trying to implement new speed conservation techniques introduced by her new trainer. But it's hard to say if they're effective...
<I>Pant... Gasp...</I>
She finds herself surrounded by her rivals; distress and frustration are uncharacteristicallyscrawled across her face.
She staggers into the race's final leg...
This ends here!
As if set off by Air Groove's own final push, the other runners begin to overtake Silence Suzuka one after another, leaving her buried at the back of the pack.
Eighth place... A regrettable finish indeed.
You stuck to the plan and performed brilliantly in the first half of the race, but you weren't able to break away in the second half. Why is that?
Suzuka? What's wrong?
Ah... I-I'm sorry... Um...
I'm honestly... not sure. I don't... I don't know what happened...
...I see. These things can take some time, so it's safe to say you might not be used to this strategy yet.
In that case, why don't we push back your debut race? This is not the time to be reckless.
Please calm down. All I'm saying is that we should wait for a better time. You can race once you've gotten more used to...
Wait, please! I can run now! I mean, I <I>want</I> to run now!
I need to be in the lead...
But you've yet to master your current running style. Even you can see that, can you not?
Suzuka please listen to me. I'm just trying to help ensure that you are in top form for your debut race.
Let's take some time to get you accustomed to the correct technique. You will be racing and winning plenty after that.
How much time... is "some time"?
Pardon? I didn't catch that.
A dejected Suzuka totters off the track with the faltering steps of a lost child.
3. O Umamusume, Why Do You Run?
69 linesWalking past the training course some days later, I spot a familiar figure dashing down the homestretch.
It's Silence Suzuka. Her trainer's nowhere to be seen, so I assume that she's doing some solo practice.
<I>Huff... huff...</I> Ah!
Are you all right?!
I rush over to the collapsed Silence Suzuka to make sure she's not hurt.
Oh... s-sorry. I'm fine, really. My legs are just... feeling a bit heavy.
Is that really all?
I wonder... Maybe not...
I've been feeling strange ever since my last scrimmage race.
It feels as if there's a ball and chain attached to one of my ankles. And no matter how much I run, all I see is darkness...
Maybe you're pushing yourself too hard.
Too hard? ...I don't think so. This was never a problem for me before.
I used to be able to run without a care in the world. It was everything to me.
But now... What should I do? ...I've never felt this way before.
I've never felt like... like... I don't even want to run...
Suzuka...
Her expression in no way resembles that look of pure bliss I am so used to seeing as she runs.
I fear that she's losing sight of her ultimate passion. There has to be something I can do...
Phew! A quiet course all to myself... Running at night is the best.
And maybe it's just my imagination, but the stars seem a little brighter than usual tonight.
Hehe. I've got this scenery all to myself.
Come to think of it, she spoke so fondly of her beautiful view that evening. Perhaps Suzuka likes taking in the scenery?
In that case...
Would you like to try running somewhere else?
Somewhere else?
Yes, somewhere with a wonderful view.
A wonderful view...
Is there really such a place near the academy? I feel like I'm quite used to all the sights around here...
I'll show you something new.
Will you really?
Fortunately, I have just the place in mind. The surroundings are awash with lush greenery, and there is plenty of wide-open space to run.
Wow...
The sky cleared up while we were on the train. There's so much greenery, bathing in sunlight... It's beautiful.
And this path here... Just where does it lead?
Why don't you take a run and find out?
Oh...
...Good idea. I'll be back soon!
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I> Phew.
(My legs still feel a bit heavy. But...)
...What a nice breeze. It's so cool and refreshing.
Okay... I think I'll run a bit more.
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I>
(The feeling of kicking up dirt with my feet... My body getting hot... The cool breeze...)
(This is it. This feeling... Running like this...)
<I>Huff... huff...</I>
(This is my ideal scenery...)
(Absolute silence. With only the sounds of the wind and my own beating heart. This world is mine...)
And mine alone!
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I> Phew.
You're looking rather refreshed.
Yes, very. It's been a while since I've been able to just run without a care.
Thank you... It made me remember...
Remember what?
I loved running like this even when I was little. One day, my parents encouraged me to try running in a race.
As long as I was running, I was happy, so I agreed to the race... But... it was really tough at first.
I was surrounded by other children... It was noisy, and I felt trapped.
So I ran... all the way to the front, where there was nobody but me.
So you "ranaway"?
Yes. I needed to go somewhere away from the others, where they wouldn't be able to catch up with me. So I ran as fast as I could... and suddenly everything opened up in front of me.
It was... quiet. And I was alone. I reached a place nobody else could.
I... need to run in the lead.
...I need to reach that place, even if it's just once more! I don't care about anything else!
I think I should tell my trainer exactly how I feel. That I can't run if I'm not in the front.
Um... So maybe... Would you...
Hm?
Would you mind accompanying me when I tell her? I'm not very good at speaking, you see...
S-so, please come with me.
Sure.
And so, we return to the academy to talk to Silence Suzuka's trainer...
4. Determination, Restoration
63 linesThat's all. I'm sorry, but I don't think the way you've been having me run is...
I see... I'm sorry as well. It looks like I put you through a lot. And you, young trainer, I must thank you for looking out for her when I could not.
I'm counting on you to put her strengths to good use.
I do wish to do that... But you see, I'm quite set in my ways as a trainer, and I'm afraid that I will cause her to feel trapped again.
Suzuka, why don't you consider transferring your contract over to this trainer?
Eh? A transfer?
Yes. I know that way you'll get much more flexible guidance. I can see that this trainer respects you very much, and that's a wonderful thing.
Um... W-would that be all right with you? I mean...
If that's what you want, then I want it too!
Good for you, Suzuka! I can't wait to see the fine racer you are sure to become.
Just know that, should you ever take on any of my trainees, I'll be cheering harder for them. I do hope you'll be ready.
Of course!
Um... I know that we just made things official, but what should we do about the debut race I was supposed to run in next month?
Suzuka fidgets about nervously, but her eyes are full of fiery determination. It wouldn't make sense to extinguish that.
You can run in the race, just as planned.
Oh, really? Thank you so much!
In that case... what should we do about my running style?
I've come to understand that my runaway style comes with its risks. And one day, I may no longer be able to keep myself in the lead.
I can't deny that she's correct in her thinking. However...
I... need to run in the lead.
...I need to reach that place, even if it's just once more! I don't care about anything else!
She's so obsessed with being in the lead... In this respect, she already possesses a strength that's second to none.
If there exists potential beyond the limits of Umamusume, then it would be achieved by Suzuka!
Let's stick to what you're good at.
Starting out of the gate in the lead and not giving it up even once... I let her know that it will be difficult, but by no means impossible.
So that means... You believe in my running.
Thank you. I'll prove that your faith is well-placed.
With a strategy set, we're ready to begin training for her debut race in earnest.
Leading at the start of a race and not losing speed even in the latter half... How can I achieve that?
I've been told that we have limited energy for speed, so we need to run in a way that conserves it.
We'll just have to up your energy reserves then.
I suggest ramp training as a way for her to strengthen both the muscles that exert explosive force and those that govern stamina.
Ramp training? Understood. Although... I'm not sure if the academy course is enough of a challenge.
Maybe we could... climb a mountain or something? What do you think?
(She looks serious about doing just that!)
With her passion thoroughly rekindled, Silence Suzuka continually produces amazing results with every passing day of training.
Until, at last...
Oh, Air Groove! You decided to come watch me?
Yes, I've been a little worried about you.
Heh, though that look on your face tells me that I didn't have much cause for concern.
Hehe. It's almost time for me to get on the track. See you soon.
Yeah. Have a good run.
Clear blue skies greet a new group of emboldened Twinkle Series hopefuls!
Each runner has entered her gate. Their debut race starts now!
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I>
Today's favorite to win, Silence Suzuka, takes an early lead, and with unbelievable speed leaves everyone else behind.
That Suzuka's incredible! Even as a front runner, that's some shocking speed right from the get go!
Yeah, but don't forget, this is the Twinkle Series! Can she really win with that kind of meathead strategy?
Even in the last leg, Silence Suzuka increases her speed! She keeps pulling away from the pack!
No way... Can she really keep it up?
(I won't let anyone get in my way. I won't give up the lead!)
This scenery... is mine alone!
Silence Suzuka crosses the finish with seven lengths to spare! You don't often see a front running performance like that!
Woooooooo!
Unbelievable, Suzuka! You're an absolute monster!
Phew...
Satisfied?
5. Are Roads Meant to be Traversed Alone?
36 linesWalking through the academy halls one lunchtime, I happen to spot a familiar face on the other side of a classroom window.
The seven of hearts should be over here on the right...
What're you up to?
Oh, hello Trainer. I'm playing pairs.
I've nearly flipped all the cards, and with this I should... Huh?
Aw, I've forgotten where everything is now...
Sorry for distracting you.
No, you don't have to apologize. I just need to concentrate harder.
In silence, Suzuka lays the cards face down once again.
All right. This time for sure.
You were playing by yourself?
Huh? Y-yes, that's right. It's pretty fun, you know, solo pairs.
I've imposed a limit on the number of mistakes I can make, so it's still challenging.
And she certainly possesses the mentality to strictly adhere to that limit.
Since I'm here now, however, I propose a two-player game.
Can I join you?
You want... to play? Um, well...
Oh, sorry. You took me a bit by surprise...
Um... okay. Let's give it a shot. May the sharpest thinker win.
We begin our game of double pairs.
Aw, that wasn't it. Okay, your turn.
There are only a few cards left on the desk. I hit a lucky streak, snatching up pairs one after another.
Despite Suzuka's protests, I continue to flip over pair after pair.
Aw, you keep taking the cards that I'm after...
My favorite part is when I can flip over a bunch of cards at the end of a game without anyone getting in the way...
Is that why you were playing by yourself?
...Yes.
Oh, but please don't worry about that. I agreed to your invitation to play together.
It appears I was a bit of a distraction after all.
(I think it's best I bow out now.)
Trainer, is something wrong? I'm going to lay the cards out again.
Huh? You want to keep going?
Yes, and I won't let you distract me this time.
We continue playing until Silence Suzuka has a good number of wins to her name.
6. Set Your Sights
53 linesSilence Suzuka's training is proceeding well, though today something else seems to be on her mind.
<I>Huff... huff... huff... huff...</I>
Phew. A 0.1-second improvement. If only everything could go as smoothly as my running... <I>Sigh...</I>
Was there an issue with some of the other training?
Oh, no. It's not training that's the issue.
There's actually a fan event this weekend that I'm a bit worried about...
I've only ever focused on running, so I'm not really used to anything else.
I couldn't think of a response the last time a fan tried to speak with me. It was like the room was spinning, but it turns out...
I was the one spinning. There was even a magazine article about how I just started veering left, walking in a little circle whenever somebody talked to me.
I can't help but feel anxious about fan events now... What if I do something silly again?
Sounds like you get quite worked up.
Yes, I suppose I do kind of let that happen.
I don't want to resign myself to doing these things half-heartedly... But at the same time, I don't feel like I can do it well.
Want to try practicing for it with me?
Huh? You mean practice... with you?
And so, in order to help prepare her for social events, I take on the role of an enthusiastic Suzuka fan.
Your latest race was amazing! Your best ever!
Oh... This might be harder than I thought.
Umm... To say my race was amazing... That's quite a compliment.
And "best ever"? You must have been watching my races for quite some time... Right...
...Thank you very much.
...Um, that's all.
Quite the... refined reply.
Don't try to make me feel better. It's just like I thought... it's far too late to try to improve my social skills...
I don't think I could ever be as talkative as Fukukitaru is about fortune telling, or adapt to any kind of conversation like Taiki can.
Hopefully I can manage to force a smile and say something at least somewhat interesting.
I'll prepare a little treat for you after it's all done.
A treat?
The weekend comes fast, and we find ourselves at the fan event.
Wow... I feel almost as tense as before a race, but in a completely different way.
I'm definitely still a little worried about messing up... But yeah, I'll do my best.
Good luck!
Thank you. Into the crowd I go. I'll be looking forward to that treat, then.
Suzuka, I'm always rooting for you! You've been getting better with every race lately!
Um, thank you! I'll make sure from now on to um... Uh...
Oh! I'm privileged to have you appreciate all the little ways I've improved.
And um... Umm...
I watch her give it her all amongst the throngs of fans for a while before setting out to procure the treat she chose.
The end of the queue for the Royal Honey Carrot Tart is here! The wait time is 140 minutes!
I line up at a popular cake shop in the nearby shopping mall. It probably won't actually take 140 minutes...
Four hours... Did you really have to wait here that long?
Oh, I guess the tarts have to cool down after they're done baking too...
Um, I'm really sorry. I couldn't think of a treat I wanted myself, so I just asked for the one everyone at the academy was talking about...
But you know, it really did motivate me to do my best at the fan event.
I mean... It's not like I was able to respond to everyone thoughtfully. But you know...
You managed to keep a positive attitude?
Yes, I did! Much more so than usual, at least.
Before now I would always be overcome with worry about saying or doing something embarrassing...
Knowing that there was a treat waiting for me at the end allowed me to simply do my best and work toward it.
It became like a sort of finish line for me. So I approached it as such.
And sweets taste even better after working hard for them.
Hehe, I can't wait to try it!
Silence Suzuka wears a satisfied expression on her face after tackling the day's unfamiliar challenge.
7. Wait for Me at the Finish
63 linesSilence Suzuka and I are at the special summer training camp. It's held every year to help students prepare for the races ahead.
There are only a few days left of camp...
This really is the perfect environment for me to focus on my training. I'll be sad to bid it farewell.
Let's enjoy these last days to their fullest.
The event that Silence Suzuka is referring to has become something of a tradition at summer camp.
The triathlon features swimming, biking, and long-distance foot races. Participants need a good command over their stamina to win it.
Oh yeah, you haven't signed up for it, have you?
No... My specialty is with medium distances after all, and I don't think I'd be able to keep up as a front runner for quite so long...
But...
Um... Would it be okay if I tried anyway?
It might help me enjoy this last part of camp to its fullest, like you said.
Sounds good to me. I'll be cheering you on!
Okay, thank you! I'll be sure to give it my best!
After signing up for the event, the big day rolls around quickly.
There are quite a lot of participants. I wonder if this is part of the training regimen for some...
I suppose it's much the same for me. I only intend to go at my own pace from start to finish.
Gonna try switching up your style?
What kind of favor?
Do you think... you could get me another reward?
Um... Oh right, I heard that there was a festival happening tonight. Do you think you could take me there?
Sure. We'll hit up some food stalls.
Thank you. Off I go, then.
So begins the first event of the triathlon.
First, we'll have our contestants battlin' the big blue! Seems like smooth sailin' today, but swimmin' against these waves'll be tough!
And it's Silence Suzuka with an early lead. Land or sea, she doesn't give up the front spot!
Suzuka's so cool!
But this is a triathlon, yeah? Shouldn't she be saving her stamina?
Despite the concerns of some, Suzuka is easily able to pull away from the competition in both the swimming and bike races.
All that remains is the long-distance contest.
It all comes down to this! Silence Suzuka still has the lead!
But what's this? Signs of slowdown? The pack is closing in on her!
<I>Huff... huff... huff...</I>
As I wait near the finish, I can see Suzuka come dashing into view.
I don't think she has much left in the tank...
She should be able to hear us from here, so let's bring her across the finish! Go for it, Suzukaaa!
The triathlon is simply part of our training regimen, so maybe I shouldn't take it <I>too</I> seriously, but I can't help myself.
You can win this, Suzuka!
I'm not entirely sure if she can hear my voice, but that's no reason to skimp on the cheers.
Whoa! Silence Suzuka picks up speed once again!
She's pulling away from the pack! Look at those legs go!
Her lead unwavering, Suzuka crosses the finish line! The winner of this year's summer camp triathlon is Silence Suzuka!
WOOOOOOOOOO!
That shaved ice was delicious! It was just the thing I needed after all that exercise today.
Was it more delicious than the taste of victory?
I can't bring myself to give up the view from the lead in any race. But I knew that wouldn't be easy in a triathlon, that's why I wasn't planning to enter.
But then I realized that just like at the fan event before, all I had to do was clear my mind and stop overthinking it.
It's thanks to your guidance and encouragement that I'm now able to do that.
So it was a good bit of training after all.
Very... And there's one more thing I realized as well.
Silent scenery filled only with the sounds of the wind and my own beating heart... A world with no one but myself in it was the most important thing to me.
But I think that has changed a little bit.
A world with no one else in it... except for you, waiting for me.
Seeing you is all I need to muster up the strength to win.
I'll always be waiting for you at the finish line.
Hehe, thank you so much.
No matter the race, I'll always find my way to the front... back to you.
Summer camp has clearly helped Silence Suzuka not only to grow athletically, but also to more deeply experience her emotions.