Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
T.M. Opera O's story
7 scenes, 363 lines
1. Conquering the Road to Victory
49 linesIt's almost time for tryouts, where Umamusume show potential trainers what they're capable of.
As the day draws closer, runners devote themselves to nonstop training.
But there is one among them who decides on an entirely different approach to preparing.
Come one, come all. Tonight, the world shall witness T.M. Opera O's glorious road to victory.
What could one call an act so bold? "T.M. Opera O, Prelude to the Crown!" ...is how it will be known.
Heh. From the name alone, it is sure to be unrivaled in beauty and passion!
I imagine what will come, and hark! I can already hear the fanfare of angels, ringing from the heavens!
Now, all that's left is to wait for the audience to arrive, but...
Hmmm, everyone must be preoccupied with training. There aren't many passersby at all.
That student is talking in the middle of an empty plaza. She's rather... different than the other racers.
(What in the world is she doing?)
Oh?
Just as I'm thinking this to myself, our eyes meet.
Ahhh! You there! Welcome and well met!
Hehe, you needn't say a word. I know you've come to see my most epic performance.
How could you resist? I am the librettist! I am the director! And I am the star! Gifted with a splendid cast, namely, me, it shall be the greatest opera of all time!
Please, take your seat on that bench there. Ahem, attention please. The show will now begin.
H-hold on a sec!
Hm? What's wrong?
What do you mean you're performing an opera?
Heh... It's simple, really.
Listen well. In three days' time, I will run in the tryouts. It is to be a grand event, with much of the academy in attendance.
And thus, I'm here performing a stunning overture to celebrate its eve. My opera will stir talk of the race into a tempest of excitement!
But wouldn't the "eve" of the race be the day before?
My, what a peculiar thing to claim. Who decided that the eve must be exactly one day before?
You know, like, the definition of the word...
Hahaha! Again, who ever said that words be restricted to their definitions?
To be shackled by common sense is entirely nonsensical.
Why you ask? For I am king among kings! That is why I have been dubbed the Centurial Overlord!
And so, what does it matter to an overlord whether the eve is one or three days before? Heh, do you finally understand?
Not at all...
Hm, appreciation for the fine arts is an acquired taste. You'll get there eventually.
Worry not, I nonetheless welcome you as first to bear witness to my show.
My phenomenal performance will live in your soul for eterni, hm?
Hold for a moment. That pin, glimmering in the midday sun, is it not a trainer badge?
Yeah, it is...
Heh... Haha... Ahahaha! Haaah ha ha ha!
Perfect! I am at this very moment in need of a trainer! For I shall soon be speeding down the road to victory!
This is nothing less than fate! As someone so utterly captivated by my opera, you'll be most fitting for the job!
Do not be shy, take my hand! Come now!
Uh, this is kinda sudden!
Oh? Ah, I see. You are reluctant to claim such a highly esteemed role for yourself.
I understand your deep feelings about it. I, too, become overwhelmed whenever I look myself in the mirror.
And so, I offer this amazing suggestion. Become my provisional trainer in order to steel thy will.
We can determine our compatibility before the tryouts this way!
I shall neither run nor hide. Take all the time you need to acclimate to my glorious presence!
Haaah ha ha ha! The curtains now rise on my triumph, fair trainer!
I try to reason with the imposing student over and over, but she just won't listen.
So now I find myself in the awkward position of being T.M. Opera O's provisional trainer...
2. Uncertain Étude
51 linesThe next day, T.M. Opera O called me to "come witness the most regal of training regimens."
I have no idea what kind of practice she normally does... But before I have time to really think about it, I arrive at my destination.
Hehe, just in time. Let the training now commence.
At a dance studio?
Why the surprise? I believe I said we are to train. Where else would one go?
Now, stand back and behold.
One, two, aaaand... THREE!
Ah! I dance as beautifully as a swan!
At times elegant... At times dramatic! That's the cue for the thunder, baboom!
Opera O's performance continues as I stand there mystified...
What does any of this have to do with training?
Heh... That should do it. Go ahead, you may now give your rave review.
Um, words are failing me at the moment...
Wha... Were you even watching?!
Well, no need to fret. You understandably need time to take in my artistic vision. Now, on to my next training!
The water is clear as a gleaming diamond... It's as if my coming has been blessed.
So what're we doing at the pool?
Do you not see? I must strike the perfect midair pose... Await my glory!
While her words are still unraveling in my mind, Opera O climbs the diving board and leaps from the top!
Hark! What dances through the skies with the grace of a swallow? 'Tis I!
Splash!
Haaahaha! I hope my radiance didn't blind you.
Pant... Pant... The final stop on today's training tour lies just atop this staircase!
And we have arrived!
Now what are we doing?
Obviously, we're making a visit to the shrine.
Clink!
May my beauty fill the whole world with happiness...
May my beauty fill the whole world with happiness!
That is how we say our prayers at the shrine.
Now, let's hurry back to school before the heavens grow wrathful in their envy of me!
With her unique style of preparation completed, we've returned to the academy. Maybe now we can get to some actual work...
Haha, what a worthwhile day of training it's been.
What say you? Having spent the day together, have you come to comprehend my brilliance?
You don't want to do any normal training?
Normal training? My naive friend, that was my normal training.
A cut above the rest, to be sure. For that is what one must shoulder as the Centurial Overlord.
She seems to be completely serious, but could that really be how she wants to train?
You appear to have something to say. Go on, I shall grant you the chance.
Being the Overlord means having to win races.
Yes, that goes without saying. Perhaps at this very moment, you're thinking...
"You won't win if you don't take training seriously. You'll never be Overlord."
Then let me tell you this, Trainer. I am always serious.
And this is the optimum training for a ruler.
She's filled with such shameless confidence that there's nothing I can say otherwise.
You seem unconvinced...
A terrible shame, I'm afraid we'll have to call off our provisional arrangement. I require a trainer willing to follow me to my dreams.
I'm sorry for taking up your time. May we meet again someday.
Now, off to a fine rose bath to wash away the fatigue of hard work! Haaah ha ha ha ha ha hah!
T.M Opera O makes a grand departure, but doesn't seem to have been offended.
As I watch her go, a tinge of regret comes over me. Maybe I shouldn't have spoken that way...
3. Dialogue of Clarity
58 linesThe day of the tryouts is here, but I can't stop thinking about what T.M. Opera O said. If only I could understand her reasoning.
Maybe I'll be able to find out at the race.
Aha... Your desire to see me won out at last.
I was thinking I'd like to get to know you better.
Heh, then I'd be overjoyed to show you! Watch my race and be amazed!
Ah, but look now. My rivals have ventured forth in the midst of our conversation.
Hey, Oppy! I'm super excited to race today! ♪
I, uh... I w-won't do well, but... I'll try really hard!
Hahaha! What fine spirits you're both in! I look forward to a magnificently fierce bout between us!
And with that, the fateful tryouts begin!
This glory... shall be mine!
It's such a close race that anyone could seize it. As the finish draws near, T.M. Opera O pulls ahead, and...
Huff... Puff... Sigh...
Barely, just barely, she takes first.
Phew... So close, but... I couldn't make it...
Huff... Wheeze... You two were so fast!
...
And yet, despite the win, Opera O looks so... sullen.
Hey, good race. That was an impressive finish.
Impressive... To you, perhaps. But not I...
Uh...
Huh? Hey, what's the matter with Oppy?
Well, uh, maybe she didn't win the way she wanted to?
The way she wanted?
Um... This is just my own thought, and the truth might be a little different... No, I'm sure I'm totally off...
But Opera O... She sets really high bars all the time. I learn a lot from her.
She's always saying, "My dignity as Overlord is at stake!" Her heart's really in it, you know? So winning by a tiny lead isn't quite, um...
Her "dignity as Overlord..." I think I get why she looked so uncharacteristically sad.
She doesn't just want to win races. She wants to stand tall, true to her name.
Unable to shake my concern, I chase after Opera O, and when I catch up, the sky's overcast with dark clouds.
Ah, you found me...
Tell me, do you prefer a sunny sky or a cloudy one?
I favor one filled with sunlight. The shine of the radiant sun fills people with bravery, you see.
Uh, what are we talking about?
I'm telling you about my dreams. Ah, but to tell the whole story, we must travel into the past...
When I was a young child, I once became lost in a gigantic forest.
In the middle of those dark woods, I had not an inkling of my whereabouts... I'll always remember feeling as if I was the last person in the world.
But then... Oh, I was bestowed with a great blessing! For that was the place where I met her...
The Umamusume who would change my destiny!
Someone changed your destiny?
Indeed... In the deepest depths of that surreal forest, I found her in a spring of sweet water.
She smiled up at me from the water's crystal clear surface and told me that all would work out in the end.
She had the mightiest presence in the world... The most beautiful... I was moved to my very soul!
To think that such a resplendent being had existed in this wide world!
Wait, when you say you found her in the spring...
Yes, you understand now! The Umamusume gazing up at me from the water was my very own reflection!
I was stunned as if struck by the lightning of epiphany! Before that, I was ignorant of my own hope-inspiring brilliance!
If I were to truly become a lord absolute... how astoundingly bright the light of the Centurial Overlord would be!
I would become nothing less than the sun, which bathes the whole world in its warmth!
I must become that! I must be the sun of Umamusume that brings prosperity to all!
I'm more confused than ever...
But I see at least that she's serious about taking on the title of Overlord.
What's this?
Ah, behold! The heavens have opened!
The light that shines forth... That is the supreme radiance I will achieve!
Heh, now is not the time to mope about. The Overlord must train for her next victory!
O sun! Praise be to you for showing me the light! Hahaha! Haaah ha ha ha ha!
While T.M. Opera O is preoccupied with the sun on high, all I see is the twinkling light of hope in her eyes.
4. Still the Prelude
41 linesEccentric as her methods are, T.M. Opera's dedication to her dream is truer than any.
It's not easy to find that kind of motivation, so I decide to have another talk with her about training. As I'm scouring the school to find her...
Oh, you glorious sun! Let us shine our light upon the world!
She strives to gain the sun-like light of the Overlord, believing her conviction will carry her forward.
My brilliance shines bright as ever! Hahahaha! Haaah ha ha ha ha!
And with that, she turns and runs off to continue her theatrics elsewhere.
I can't help but notice the energy in each of her steps. Thinking back, her training was more impressive than I gave her credit for...
Ah! I dance as beautifully as a swan!
Without perfectly balanced form, she could never have kept up those nimble dance moves.
Hark! What dances through the skies with the grace of a swallow? 'Tis I!
Even her diving at the pool required a strong mental fortitude.
May my beauty fill the whole world with happiness!
And her power and speed climbing those stairs to the shrine were a true testament to her abilities.
She isn't just saying she wants to be Overlord. She wants all the skill and ability that the title requires.
Maybe... she really is on the track to glory.
T.M. Opera O! Wait!
Hm?
I had the strangest sensation that someone called my name. Must've been a fancy of my imagination...
She's too far away to notice my futile attempts to call her.
Then I'll just have to get really loud... I'll call her in a voice suitable to summoning the Overlord!
Haha... Haaaah ha ha ha HAH!
That voice!
What fortune is this?! If it isn't my former provisional trainer!
That laugh just now was as magisterial as a true Overlord... What brought about this change in you?
I want to become a trainer magisterial enough to work with you.
Did you hear that, world?! This fine trainer wishes to work with me once again!
Such a majestic bellow of laughter was for me?! Of course it was... Hehe, hahaha!
Haaah ha ha ha ha ha hah! What fun this is turning out to be, Trainer!
But be not mistaken! For us to become a real team, we must share in the same aspirations.
So I would hear it from your lips! Tell me true, what is the absolute meaning in "Overlord" that I seek?
To seize your dream, through overwhelming victory!
Ah... Superb! Most excellent, positively perfect, Trainer!
The overwhelming power of the Overlord imparts bravery to the masses! The Overlord becomes the hope that people live for!
That is precisely why I will settle for no mere first-place win, I will obtain absolute victory and become the Centurial Overlord!
Have you steeled your heart to combine forces and achieve immortality?!
Making you Centurial Overlord will be my life's mission!
Haaah ha ha ha ha ha hah! Well said, Trainer! A new legend begins on this day!
Though, such a stupendous event must be fittingly celebrated. How best to cement this in history... I know! Let's take a selfie!
You together with me, the Overlord, this "usie" shall be glorious. Now let your joy shine forth!
Later, Opera O sends me the pictures we took that day, which are mostly of her alone...
Nevertheless... With that, the curtains rose over our regal road to victory.
5. Stormy Matinée
39 linesToday, it's raining heavier than it has in a while.
It shouldn't affect our plan to weight train indoors, though. Or so I thought...
Ah, how lustrously glossy my hair looks when it's wet...
Why are you all wet?!
The skies were crying to look upon my loveliness, and it's the duty of a ruler to bring comfort, even to the heavens.
My ensemble with the rain began the moment I set foot out the door. It was a sight to behold.
You should've seen me running with the storming wind, adorned in raindrops. There's no other word for it, but... perfect!
You were running in this weather?!
How could I not?!
Be they in drenching rain or on muddy tracks, my strides have stunning power, they're beauty incarnate.
Whenever a poor soul longs to see my running... I shall be there, standing in the spotlight, wherever the stage may be.
No matter how bad it gets outside?
Haaah ha ha ha ha! That goes without question.
For I am to become the Centurial Overlord, an unequalled source of radiance to the world.
Even the heaviest downpours and bitterest blizzards must yield to the sun in the end.
Don't you see? If I cannot conquer the weather, how am I to conquer the track?
...But wait, Trainer. That awestruck look in your eyes, you've become utterly infatuated with me.
I'm dumbstruck by your intense passion.
Hah, you flatter me.
Though you needn't play coy. Hesitate not to voice your thoughts, hold back your boundless praise no longer!
Compliments and accolades, after all, exist for my sake! Now is the time, Train, achoo!
While she's been talking, a large puddle has formed at her feet from how wet she is. She's sure to catch a cold at this rate...
Maybe you should change into dry clothes.
What? I do not see the need for that... Ah! Could it be, Trainer?
Has my glistening appearance stirred your soul? Has it roused a bout of bashfulness in you?
I understand what you must feel! Before my unattainable beauty, are you ashamed to look so plain?
Would you just change already?!
T-Trainer?!
I push her out of the room before she can launch into another full-blown soliloquy.
How could you drive me away like that to get dry clothes? I still think you've made a grave mistake.
You let the chance of a lifetime, to bask in my rain-drenched glory, escape you forever.
It's no good to anyone if you get sick.
Oh, please. You shouldn't fear something so inconceivable. There's only one future you need trust in.
That I am going to become the Centurial Overlord and shine my light upon the world.
With that settled, I've important training to do. What would people say if they saw me skipping a day's hard work?
But your jersey's still all wet...
Forsooth, my uniform shall have to suffice! Perhaps I'll go for a youthful frolic by the riverbed...
The flutter of my skirt and the power of my strides contrasted with the delicate rain. Aaah, what a superb mise-en-scene it will be!
After that rambling, I'm almost too worn out to say otherwise, but I'm desperate and summon my last ounce of courage to stop her.
6. My Shining Journée
62 linesThe weather forecast says it's going to rain tonight, so I finish up my work and try to get right home, but...
Behold! Even from this terrestrial plane, I bring you into my majestic light!
I hear a familiar voice coming from somewhere nearby.
You think you're the only lightbringer? Then gaze upon my shining glory! 'Tis the luminance of the one true Centurial Overlord!
T.M. Opera O is at the riverside in her usual grandiosity.
What're you up to?
Well, if it isn't you here, Trainer. I'm sure you're not surprised to see that I'm having a battle of beauty with the evening star.
Beauty, after all, is like racing against a fierce opponent; the struggle for victory serves to make it stronger.
I take time every day to find a worthy foe to hone my skills against.
Now, back to our battle, evening star! Here I stand, so show me your greatest brilliance!
Opera O faces the sky, striking a pose.
Twinkle.
...But the star seems to hide behind the coming rain clouds.
Phew, that was a battle for the ages. Trainer, send the evening off with a round of applause.
The fight's over already?
It is, and with its end comes my victory. You saw it yourself. Before my magnificent self, the star fled in shame!
This means my beauty now makes even the stars blush in embarrassment. Who shall I challenge next? The moon... No, the sun itself!
As it's going to rain soon, the moon is too shy tonight for a battle unfortunately.
Alas! Is there no one formidable enough to rival me? Trainer, do you know anyone worthy?
Ummm...
Heh, I understand it must be a most difficult question. Only one person could ever stand as my equal, me.
So be it. I will have to bear my solitude and find comfort in the cool night breeze as I search for my next rival.
Hm... I wonder if she feels lonely.
I'm her trainer, there must be something I can do for her. She says only she can stand against herself, so...
You could... battle yourself, for real.
What? You would have me fight me?!
That might be the greatest thought in your life! I, the shining light, did not know how truly bright I am!
What a fantastic idea! That's exactly what I'll do!
And so, I end up being called to the dance studio on my day off...
Haaah ha ha ha ha! Watch carefully, Trainer. I shall defeat any opponent with ease, even myself.
You'll have a premium seat to witness my spectacular victory. Now let the battle begin. First... a pose showdown!
She suddenly starts a heated battle of aesthetics with the T.M. Opera O in the mirror.
Pant... Pant... How can this be? I had no idea an opponent of such strength and beauty existed.
She matches my pace at every step, with the exact same timing. Even her poses are the same as mine, but how?!
Answer me, mirror self!
...
She's not answering, huh?
It could be that she's thinking the same thing as I am. Have it your way. I never truly believed our struggle would end here anyway!
On to the next challenge! That's right, a staring contest!
Pft, hehe... Haaah ha ha ha!
Foiled once again! How can I keep from smiling before such immeasurable beauty? I'm at my wit's end!
Blasted fate. It's another draw... You're good, I grant you that, my mirror world self!
But the prelude of your defeat draws near! Our destinies will be decided in this final duel... Red light, green light!
You don't know when I'll saaay... red light!
Gah?!
I'm overwhelmed. The glamour of this Umamusume is too much! Please, I must know your name...
I mustn't! To be tagged means losing the battle! But why can't I stop myself from reaching for her hand?!
I've been bested, Trainer. My mirror self had even me bound by her spell.
Oh, the insult... I curse her! I detest how beautiful the mirror me is! I've never felt so strongly!
But you won't find me weeping over it. You'll see. One day I will triumph over myself. For I shall be Over...
Ngah! The beauty, it burns!
Ugh, I was naive to underestimate your true power, mirror self. Truly, striving to surpass you may lead to my death...
She's collapsed on the floor, completely immobile. Being defeated by herself must've really vexed her.
...Come on, Opera. You can do it.
You're right. "Defeat" isn't in my vocabulary. I am determined to seize glory next time.
You know... You're rather something, Trainer. My respect for you has grown immensely.
Why?
Because you continue to gaze at me unblinkingly, my blinding radiance be damned.
If that strength of mind isn't to be respected, I don't know what is.
And if I'm to defeat myself, I, too, must acquire that iron will. Yet...
Those looks are just too appealing... O me in the mirror, you are truly the rival to end all rivals!
T.M. Opera O may have met the greatest opponent of her life in that mirror... Wait, what am I saying?
7. And Now, Our Soirée
63 linesIt's summer, time for Umamusume to tackle new challenges at the balmy beachside training camp.
Onward... to beauty!
Splish, splash!
Hah! Brilliantly now!
Splash!
Opera O seems to be enjoying herself frolicking in the water, though I'm clueless as to what kind of regimen this is.
Huff, puff... Well, Trainer? Were you inspired by the whimsy of my water training?
You showed a lot of spirit.
Haaah ha ha ha! Excellent observation, as always. The theme for this performance was "freeing the inner me."
Strong muscles aren't the only thing to be gained in the sea. There's also an inner strength to be had by freely expressing one's true self.
My rippling of the water is at times serene, and at times turbulent. What you'll witness now would make a mermaid turn green with envy!
Oh, I heard about her. She's really... something, isn't she? I know it's fun to splash around in the water, but still...
Oh, uh, hehe... Yeeeah, for someone like Opera O, it makes sense. Even when she's racing, she's really, um, at ease?
No matter what the people around us say, Opera O continues with single-minded determination.
Now a wide turn here! Skim the sand like so... and flutter like a butterfly!
The white clouds, the blue sea, the roaring waves, and the beauteous me! This summer will only happen once, so I must use every ounce of my being!
Now I'm even less sure what she's doing, but she's doing it with gusto.
Opera O is pursuing her goal without hesitation, so her trainer can't just sit back and watch.
Let's make this the best training camp ever!
Well said! My training shall be ceaseless as the tides! My harmony with the vast ocean will make the beach itself sing!
After our long day of training, I'm back at the dorms taking a much-needed break.
There you are, Trainer.
Hey, what's up?
Well, I come bearing an important matter to discuss.
But first, I'd like to adjust what time we start tomorrow. What say you to 4 a.m.?
Whoa, that's early!
Early, you say... Ah, you're right! Summer it may be, but the sun is yet to rise at that hour.
We'd need more sunlight for a proper backdrop during my performance. I agree, better to wait until a little later to start.
Hm... Then, once we've begun, I will enter the water slowly, whilst pushing back my hair in a dramatic fashion.
Like a fish nestled amongst sea anemones, I'll sway and synchronize with the waves in an elegant dance.
Some anemones are poisonous, so let's watch out for those...
Really? You don't say. Then I'll be sure to keep my limbs from becoming too acquainted with them.
And after a dramatic pause, I'll burst forth from the sea, singing as the salty droplets fall around me! Even the sirens of midsummer will fall in love with my voice!
You're gonna sing too?!
Just like a post-race concert, we must always top things off with a heart-rousing song.
The beachgoers will be moved to tears as they celebrate me with thunderous applause. Ah, it shall be perfect!
Haaah ha ha ha! I'm filled with excitement for tomorrow! Until we meet again on the training field!
Didn't you want to ask me about something?
Ah, that. It's all cleared up now.
I had several concerns related to my training, about whether I should really continue down my own path or not.
But speaking to you just now, I was reminded that you, at least, offer candid thoughts of concern, not denial.
Your direction is to the point, never dismissive or given with your eyes glazed over.
I knew I'd made the right decision. So I have no more need to confirm and can proceed without fear.
You were thinking about all that?
Hehe, what? Even I have times when I question my own actions, whether they're correct or not.
But I could never let anyone see such doubt in my eyes. I'm the Umamusume who will become the Centurial Overlord after all.
You're strong, you know that?
Heh, as a true sovereign should be.
Well, I must start preparing for tomorrow. I wouldn't want my audience to be disappointed.
Ah, yes, that's right. There was one more thing.
If I were to ever again want to recite my thoughts on the future... may I count on you to lend your ear?
Absolutely!
Haaah ha ha ha ha! I really am amazing to find such a fine trainer!
It's another wonderful day, and Opera O is doing her own thing for training again.
Look, the rising sun blesses my coming once again. I'll waste not a second and get right to work!
First I'll let my hair flow in the fresh sea air. A brush of the hand through it, and then a flash of a wink to my adoring fans...
Haaah ha ha ha ha! I am so gorgeous this day!
That Opera O's looking, er, dreamy as ever.
Ahaha, for real. I'm kinda jealous though. I wish I had that kind of confidence.
Heh, there's not a single other Umamusume on this beach who can equal my radiance! Wouldn't you agree, my fine trainer?
Yeah, you're the best, Opera O!
Well said! For I am to be the Centurial Overlord, she who will bathe the world in her stunning light!
T.M. Opera O is exploding with confidence. For her though, that's just like any other day.