Special Week's story

I'm done moving the last box, ma'am!

Oh, my! Done already? I'm sorry, dear. They were heavy, weren't they?

Not at all! I'm used to doing all sorts of heavy lifting back in Hokkaido with my mom! I had to help around the family farm!

Carrying a few boxes of veggies is nothing!

But enough about that! How's your hip, ma'am?

Oh, I feel much better thanks to you.

You're a student at Tracen Academy, right? I'm so sorry to bother you in the middle of training. Thank you so much for your help.

No problem! Anyway, I gotta head back now! Take care!

Hm? She ran off in the complete opposite direction of the academy... Will she be all right?

Phew... Pretty eventful for my first time going out to run around here, but it was actually pretty nice! ...Wait!

Where even am I?!

W-w-w-w-what do I do?! I'm gonna miss the dorm curfew!

Huh?! Um, you are...?

Really?! Thank you so much!

Thanks a bunch! We made it back just in time!

Ehehe, I have a big race tomorrow, so I thought I'd spend some of my time off training. I might've gone a bit too far, though.

I just moved here from the countryside, so I'm still not used to finding my way around the city... You really did come at the perfect time!

Ah, Spe! You're back! The school gates were about to close for the day, and you still weren't here, so I got a bit worried...

Oh, Suzuka! I'm sorry for making you worry!

Um... all righty then. Trainer, thanks again for bringing me back in one piece! I gotta go now.

See ya!

Good morning, Trainer! It's finally time for the tryout races.

These races happen every two months starting from June for a grand total of four times per year. All the up-and-coming students gather to show off their abilities, and prove to the world that they're race-ready.

Every student here will be gunning to prove their skills to the best trainers in hopes of getting scouted!

I'm sure today's races will be just as exciting as ever.

Please do!

A trainer is meant to serve as a racer's guide, to support them when times are tough, to lead them down the right path, and to seek glory together.

I hope you meet someone whom you can share a mutual bond of trust.

But in any case, good luck!

Yo soy el número uno! This condor is gonna soar to the edge of the sky!

Now then! Which lucky trainer is willing to stand by my side? Any takers?

We're at the race's last stretch! One final corner! At the center of everybody's attention is Special Week! She's in third place, but it'll be a close one!

...Now!

Special Week suddenly pulls ahead! She's weaving her way to the very front! She takes the lead!

I'm not done yet! Hraaaaah!

Special Week widens her lead! She's ensuring the win! She takes first place!

Pant... pant... I did it! I won! Now I...

Oh! You're the person from yesterday! You came to watch the race!

Ehehe... Thanks! I hope I managed to show you what I'm capable of!

I came to Tracen Academy to achieve my dream, and it all starts with my debut... I'll make sure it happens, no matter what!

Yep!

I wanna run in the most prestigious races, where only the best of the best racers are allowed, the Twinkle Series!

So I have to run! I have to win! I have to become strong enough that I don't ever lose! If I do that, then...

I'll become the best racer in all of Japan, for me, for Mom and Mama, and for everybody else back home!

That's my dream!

Oh... U-um... Are you still with me? Did I say something weird? Sorry about that...

Huh?

Wait... Are you scouting me?! For real?!

Yes, of course! I'd love for you to be my Trainer!

Wow, that was delicious! Phew, nothing beats a nice carrot hamburger steak!

Their carrot sauté was great too! Oh, and the carrot yakisoba! Even the carrot gratin! Carrots galore! ♪

Wow, I'm surprised you're able to say that after three servings of, well... everything! I dunno how you do it!

And if we look over here... Helloooo? El? Still alive?

Urk... I could only keep up with you until your second serving, but three? You really are something else, Spe...

Um... El?! Are you feeling all right?!

You just noticed? She's been like this for a while now. You gotta pay more attention to your surroundings, Spe!

Hey, El? We have a scrimmage after this... Are you going to be okay?!

D-don't worry about me! Just a bit full, that's all. I'm the invincible condor...

I'll get better before we start our race!

Trying to get a lead before the race even begins, huh? I gotta say, Spe, you're quite the tactician.

I am not! C'mon, El! Please pull yourself together!

I told you... I'm fine! Burp.

Anyway, Spe, you don't need to say please every time something happens!

I thought I told you to quit being so tense! Loosen up a bit! Talk to me like you would to any other classmate!

You did say that, didn't ya? I thought it was funny to hear coming from you, though. You're just as polite as she is!

It's just easier for me to be this way! But enough about me! It's Spe we're talking about now!

I guess... you're right?

Sorry... I just don't wanna sound rude or anything. I get super nervous when I talk to people, so I end up being too polite. It's a bad habit, I know.

I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get along with anybody, y'know? Especially at the start, ehehe...

It's your first time being around other girls your age, not to mention other Umamusume, right? You sure are shy for someone so friendly!

Ya gotta kick back and relax once in a while! Live a little, y'know? Just take it from me!

How about we ditch class and go fishing?

Kick back and... relax? Like you do? I'm not sure that's really... possible?

Hey, who worries about having fun?!

Hey, Trainer! Have you tried the carrot hamburger steak? It's amazing!

I can't believe food this delicious is free! And all-you-can-eat too! Tracen Academy sure pulls out all the stops!

And the cherry on top is being able to eat with my friends! Ehehe... I'm so glad I could enroll here.

Uh-huh! El and Sei... Grass and King too... They're all so nice to me!

I grew up alone with my mom, so ever since I was little, I wanted a friend I could talk to or run with!

So being able to chat with my friends and compete with each other like this is like a dream come true!

Speaking of which, I sent my mom a letter with a picture of me and my classmates.

She was super happy about it! She told me that she even ran all the way over to our neighbors to show them!

But our closest neighbors live, like, five kilometers away from us, y'know? Mom sure does love to get worked up over nothin'.

Um... S-sorry, could you say that again?

Once more then! I'm asking why you pulled that crazy stunt during our scrimmage yesterday! If you had just stayed put, I would've won!

Well, um... I-I also wanted to win, so y'know...

But you already have your own trainer!

...?!

So why'd you have to do that?! Couldn't you have just let me win?!

I don't have much time left! I gotta get scouted soon, or else I might not get scouted at all! I won't be able to make it...

"Won't be able to make it?" W-what do you mean?

It's my mom. She's been in and out of the hospital for as long as I can remember. But lately, she's been getting worse. Even her doctor is seriously worried.

She's been waiting ages for me to make my debut! She's the one who pushed me this far... But at this rate, I won't be able to make it in time...

Th-that's awful...

So please, Spe... Let me win the next scrimmage, okay? That'd be okay, right?!

We're friends... aren't we?

...

Oh... Class is starting soon. Let's get going, Spe.

O-okay...

Pant... pant... I'm not done yet! Here I go!

I'm not going down without a fight!

Ah!

Wait, what?

Spe?

Huff... huff...

All right, enough of this! What's going on, Spe?! Out with it!

Where's your usual motivation?! Tenacity! Grit! What happened to you?!

El... Um, well... I'm s-sorry...

Sigh. You know what? Fine, have it your way! We're done partner running for today.

I can't run with you when you're like this, Spe!

E-El...

Sorry, Spe... I think I'm going to call it for today too.

Grass... U-um... I'm sorry! I...

Don't be sorry, Spe. Whatever it is, we know it isn't your fault, so don't go blaming yourself.

It's just... You seem lost, and running without a sense of direction is dangerous. Peace of mind, peace in running, yes? You could hurt yourself.

Grass...

No need to rush, though. Okay, Spe? Take your time calming down. Facing yourself comes after that.

It just so happens that the person who can best help you is already here.

Trainer! Um, I... I...

Heheh... Now then, I'll take my leave.

Okay... Thanks, Grass.

Trainer, I'm sorry. I just can't find the motivation to run.

Grass is right... I think I'm lost.

Huh? How do you know that?

Ah, I see... That must have surprised you.

I was... also a bit shocked.

I've never really been around other Umamusume, and this is my first time making friends, so... it's also the first time a friend has yelled at me...

I was so surprised. It was like a wave of chills swept over my entire body.

And ever since then, I've felt... off.

Whenever I try to run faster, try to win, that wave of chills comes back, and my body refuses to listen.

Trainer, what should I do? Will I ever be able to run again?

Am I gonna be like this forever?

I just... I don't... What do I even do?!

Hic... Phew... Sorry again, Trainer. I think I feel better now.

The sun's already setting, huh? Y'know... When I first moved here, I thought the days were super long, but...

Spe! I finally found you... Oh. Um, I'm sorry! Am I interrupting something?

Oh, you're fine, Suzuka! Do you need me for anything?

Well, a letter from your mom arrived at the dorm, so I thought I should bring it to you.

I mean, you always get so excited whenever you receive a letter from your mom, so...

Th-thank you, Suzuka! You really shouldn't have!

Hehe... Same ol', same ol'.

Oh, uh... right. my mom's closing line. It's always the same.

"Spe, my dear. I wish you a life of happiness, forever and always." She's been telling me the same thing for as long as I can remember.

My mom who raised me... and my Mama gave birth to me.

My Mama actually passed away before I could even open my own eyes. I've only ever seen pictures of her.

But her best friend took me in and raised me as her own. She made me the person I am today.

Mom told me that all Mama wished was that I find peace and happiness, that the entirety of Mama's hopes and dreams lie within me.

Hehe... Isn't it amazing? I get to have two mothers! And they both love me more than anything!

They really are... the best...

...What I am doing?

Sorry, if you'll excuse me for a moment... I'd like some time alone to run around this area.

Pant... pant... Oh, Trainer?! Were you waiting for me this whole time?! But it's already so late...

Huh? Go out? Where to?

In first place is Silence Suzuka! She's so fast that the other contestants can't even keep up with her shadow!

Wooow!

She's amazing! Like super-duper amazing! Are you seeing this?! Look at Suzuka go! My eyes can't get enough of her running!

And listen to the crowd roar! Hehe, they're making my ears ring!

This is incredible! The Twinkle Series really is somethin' else!

Huh?

Uh... good question. I'm not sure, actually. I've always wanted to run in the Twinkle Series, so it's hard for me pinpoint an exact time...

Wait, I think I remember!

Back when I was just four years old, my mom and I were out for a drive, and we saw this old lady who looked like she was really struggling.

I think she might have had an illness, and it was flaring up. We wanted to call a hospital, but there weren't any phones nearby.

So I just ran to the nearest clinic as fast as my legs would allow!

The doctor did everything to help the old lady, and she got better without any major problems.

At first, my mom got mad at me for running off all alone, but after that, she gave me a biiig hug.

She told me she was proud of me.

Yeah. She said, "You're my, our pride." She also said that she's so happy to see that I'm growing up to be healthy and dependable.

Right... That's when I realized that I wanted to run even faster and become an even better person!

I only had one thing in mind: to become the best version of myself. That's why...

And now, today's final race! The last show on the greatest of stages, the Twinkle Series! Who will seize victory and take home the event's crown?

Trainer, can I ask you a favor? I want to have another go at partner racing with El and Grass.

Please!

Huff... huff... huff... Is that all you got, Spe?! Then I guess I'll be taking first place!

Spe...

Pant... pant...

(My body is still freezing up...)

(I still get scared whenever I think of what happened then... All I want is to get along with everybody and have fun!)

(I don't want my friends to not like me!)

(But still...)

Hraaaaagh!

...!

Yeah, Spe! Hehe, now that's what I'm talking about!

But the race isn't over just yet!

(That's right... If I want to win, I have to run! Run fast! Run hard! That's why I'm here in the first place!)

(I know we're friends, and I want my friends to like me! But... if I want to become a person that makes people proud, I need to... No, I will run!)

Haaaaah!

Pant... pant... pant...

Gracias, Spe!

Huh? Gra...tin? What?

It means "thank you"! Spe, thanks for giving it your all. Because of that, I was able to give it my best too!

When we compete against each other with everything we've got, it allows us to take our running further! It allows us to grow! So muchas gracias, Spe!

Let's make sure to give it our all when we compete, as friends and as rivals! Let's keep honing our skills and polishing our abilities!

El! ...Yeah, yeah! You're right!

Hehe... Hey, Spe! That girl over there... She's been watching you for a while now. I think she has something to say to you.

Huh? Who? Oh!

Um... I'm sorry, Spe. I don't know what got into me...

I was in bad shape, so I panicked and took out my anger on you... I shouldn't have been so mean! I'm sorry!

Don't worry about it. Water under the bridge! So don't cry, okay?

But instead, promise me that next time we race, we do it fair and square! If you win, you can make your debut! I'm not going to hold back, though!

Thanks, Spe... Okay! I'm gonna train lots and lots so I can beat you at your best!

Heheh... I can't wait! Let's both give it our all, as rivals and as friends!

Trainer, thanks for everything. You reminded me of why I run.

As long as I have you and my friends, I'm sure I'll be able to keep on running. One day, I'll reach my goal of becoming Japan's number one racer!

Eep!

Oh, my! Spe... Is that what I think it is?

Bwahahahaha! Talk about perfect timing!

Not you too! This is so embarrassing...

Huff... huff...

Huh? D-do I? But I feel fine!

A-all righty! Let's keep giving it our all today!

Phew! ♪ Another day, another great training session! I feel like I could go for another round of running, though!

Oh, I have an idea! Trainer, how about I run on my way back? It'll be like extra train...

Mommy! I want a croquette! I want it!

If you eat now, you won't have any space for dinner! We're going home, dear.

Ah...

Huh? Oh, it's nothing! It just reminded me of my own mom, that's all.

I also used to bug her for things and get scolded for it.

Of course I do! But... she's so far away. I can't just meet her on a whim.

We did actually talk on the phone yesterday, though.

She told me about our neighbor's cow and how it gave birth to a new calf recently. She also talked about our carrots and how they're all growing really big.

We talked a lot, and well... It made me miss home, so I told her I missed her carrot stew.

She asked me if I was feeling down and if I was okay. She told me not to push myself too hard. She sounded really worried.

I want to make Mom and Mama proud, but all I do is cause worry...

Yeah... Sigh... If only she were here now...

Then I'd be able to tell her in person, that it's a bit lonely, but I'm still doing my best.

Oh... S-silly me. I shouldn't talk about this with you. I don't want to cause you any more trouble than I already have.

Anyway, let's hurry up and go back to the academy! Wait, what's that?

Over there... at the bookstore! Suzuka's on the front page of that magazine!

Whoa! Isn't this magazine super famous?! I've even seen it back at home in Hokkaido!

Suzuka's incredible, isn't she? She's always running in one race or another.

Hm, I need to stop moping around and work hard enough to be on the cover of magazines.

Huh? What would? Oh wait, I get it.

If I make to the front page of a magazine, I'd be able to show my mom that I'm doing fine all on my own.

I'm sure that'd make her happy!

Yeah! Thanks, Trainer.

There might not be vast pastures here for me to run through, and my favorite carrot fields might be missing, but...

I'll still try my hardest! I'll do whatever it takes to become the best version of myself!

Next up is... Um... What was it again?

Ah, Trainer! Right now, I'm practicing how to be a tour guide!

Well, my mom is coming down to visit me. She said she wanted to see how I'm doing at school!

So I wanted to give her a quick tour of the area. I have to look like I know my way around!

So I've been practicing...

But I still haven't gotten the hang of it, haha... Sigh...

R-really?! That'd be great!

In that case, can you pretend to be my mom? That way, it'll be closer to the real deal.

Yaaay! You're my mom for today, my one-day mom!

Uh... I think it's this way. Actually, it might've been that way. Yeah, I think that's it.

D-don't worry! According to my phone, the mall should be straight ahead!

Huh? Wait, I know where we are! I was so focused on the map that I didn't notice anything else!

Hehe... I come here pretty often!

This area's really quiet, so it's the perfect place to hide away and relax!

Yep! Even if it's nothing like what you'd see back in Hokkaido.

Being here reminds me of the fact that, despite being so far from home, my mom and I live under the same sky.

Thinking of her motivates me to put my all into my life here.

And afterwards, on the way back, I stop by the market. They make the most amazing pickled veggies. They're sooo good!

C'mon, this way! There's actually a shortcut we can take to get there!

Well, if it isn't Spe! Are you here for the usual?

Yes, please! Two jars of your special pickled veggies!

Ehehe... The pickled veggies here are perfect, a balanced mix of sweet and acidic, all while staying super crunchy! "Special" hardly even covers it! ♪

Actually, speaking of "special"...

Ta-da! Have a cup of my specially-mixed juice!

I made this over at the drink fountain using my patented mixing method! As for the taste, well... give it a sip and find out for yourself! ♪

I always make sure to throw one of these together whenever I come here to study with El and the others!

If one of us nods off or gets a problem wrong, we have to take a sip!

I'm usually the one who ends up drinking most of it though... Hahaha...

This juice tastes just like how you would imagine! It makes you go "Blegh!" But I kinda like it!

It contains all the joy, laughter, and excitement that fills this room whenever we're here. It's special like that.

Of course not! Down the hatch it goes! I'll order a carrot hamburger steak to help get the taste out of your mouth afterwards.

They taste a bit different from the ones my mom makes, but not in a bad way! Each bite packs its own punch!

Ehehe... I think I'll order one for myself too! ♪ Excuse me! Two carrot hamburger steaks, please!

Hm-hm-hmmm. ♪ It's already evening, huh? I guess we should start heading ba, wait...

Ahhhhgh?!

I totally forgot about the tour! We were supposed to go to the landmark locations, but we ended up going to all my usual spots!

It must've slipped my mind somehow... What do I do?

My mom said she wanted to see how I'm doing here... She would've been so disappointed by my tour...

B-but... we didn't even get to go to the mall or see the river...

I thought it'd be good if she knew that I was visiting places unique to this area...

Huh?

Oh... I think I get it. When I first came here, I couldn't tell left from right. But now I know enough to find my way around town!

Thanks, Trainer! I was missing the point this whole time. Thank you for helping me realize that!

All right! I'm gonna give my mom a tour only I could ever give! She'll be happy for sure!

Eep! My stomach... I relaxed too quickly... Ha... haha...

Um... Oh, right! Since we're already out, do you mind if we stop by one last place?

I wanna go to my favorite ramen shop! They give you gargantuan servings!

Uh-huh! Their "Super Gargantuan XXL Ramen" is really famous! The bowl's bigger than my head!

Anyway, hurry up! Let's get going already!

Blegh... I-it's so hot...

I know I need to do this... in order to win... But it's just way too hot...

Delicious... festival food?!

They... they have baked potatoes with butter, right?! It's a festival staple!

Yaaay! I think I'm ready to start training! Let's do this!

Wooow! There are so many different stalls... So many people too. I don't think I've ever been to such a packed festival.

Where do we even begin?! Oh, I see a baked potato stall! Let's start with that!

Phew... That was delicious! Baked potatoes with butter never disappoint, no matter the festival!

So where do we go next? That Umamusume sponge cake over there looks, oh!

Grass and the others are here too! Do you mind if I say hi to them really quickly?

Thank you! I'll be right back!

Oops! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bump, oof! So many people!

Huh? Oh, Trainer!

Phew! W-we made it! Thanks for saving me back there, Trainer.

I will! Hey, Grass! Over heeere!

See ya! ...Sorry to keep you waiting.

Wait a second... Sniff... sniff... I smell something sweet. That bag... Is it what I think it is?

Yaaay! It's the Umamusume sponge cake!

You got it for me, didn't you?! Oh, you really shouldn't have!

I wanna get you something too! What to get, what to get... Hm? That stall over there...

Ehehe! I know just what to give you!

Mmmm... That sponge cake was so good! It took only three seconds to make it disappear!

Heheh... Adding "Umamusume" to things makes them taste different somehow! They didn't do stuff like this back home, that's for sure.

How about yours? Your shaved ice was made using milk from Hokkaido!

That's good! Oh, take your time though. If you eat too much at once, you'll get brain freeze.

Besides, I want you savor the taste of my hometown!

Ehehe! Come to think of it, why is festival food so good?

I mean... Take yakisoba or baked potatoes, for example. They're super simple everyday foods! Yet they still somehow taste absolutely amazing!

My mom always wondered why too. But... I think I've figured out the reason why it tastes the way it does.

Festivals are a place of fun and happiness! The food is amazing because you get to share it with the people you care about most!

Heh-heh... I hope my mom's doing okay...

Well, yeah... It's hard not to during times like these.

But those feelings of loneliness and sadness no longer get to me because...

I love it here! I love spending every day here at Tracen Academy!

I'm a regular at a ramen shop, I've found new places I love visiting, and I've made so many close friends!

That's probably why the sponge cake tasted so good too.

It took a lot of courage for me to step out of my comfort zone and come to the academy, but I'm really glad I did, I was able to find an amazing trainer!

Ehehe... I'll do my part and try my best to train hard tomorrow too! Now that I've filled my stomach, all I need to do is get a good night's rest, and...

Wait, what time is it now?! We have to get back before they lock us out!

B-but you aren't done with your shaved ice yet! I want you to take your time eating such a delicacy...

Maybe if I help you finish the dessert, no, what am I even saying?! That just makes it look like I want some of your food!

Huh? R-really? Are you sure? ...Yaaaay! Leave it to me!

All right, then... I'm digging in! ♪

Mmmmm! The ice is so crunchy... and delicious!

The milk... tastes just like the milk... I had back in Hokkaido, Hawaaaa?!

O-owww... My head... It hurts... Brain... is freezing...