Tokai Teio's story

Wh-whoooa! Move! Move!

Hup!

Whew! ...Here, your hat!

Whoa! Thanks so much, miss! That jump was super high! You looked so cool!

Tsk tsk, don't you know my name? I'm the incredible, the invincible Teio! ♪

In...vincible? I don't know what that means, but it sounds cool!

Hehehe! You may shower me with all the praise you want!

Oh, almost forgot. You there! Sorry for the scare.

No brakes on these legs, ended up flying right over you! Oh, you're not hurt or anything, are you?

Hah! It'll take more than that to hurt me! See? Not a scratch!

Did I scare you? I totally did, didn't I? Hehe. ♪

Oh, shoot! Almost forgot I was in the middle of a run. See ya later!

Pant, pant...

That's it, Teio! Keep it up!

And coming up from behind is Tokai Teio, gunning for the lead with a spring in her step!

Hehe. First place is mine!

Tokai Teio pulling farther and farther ahead! She's not slowing down, she's leaving everyone else in the dust!

And across the line with four lengths over second place! Today's tryout triumph goes to Tokai Teio! What an overwhelming display of strength!

Phew! Heeey! What'd you all think of my race?

You were the best, Teio!

You were so cool!

Heh, thank youuu! But, just another day for me!

Huh? You... Ah! You were the one at the park yesterday! Wait, but what are you doing here?

Oh, I get it! You're a trainer! You've even got the badge and everything!

So if you're talking to me... does that mean you're here to scout me?

Ehehe. Ohhh, I don't know... See, I've been approached by a lot of trainers, even before tryouts.

Ah! There you are, Tokai Teio! Your performance was simply incredible! You have to let me scout you!

Teio, let's work together! With me, you won't just be a G1 champion, you'll be a Triple Crown Champion!

Wh-whoa, and now there's more! Nnngh, so many trainers want me, it's impossible to choose!

But, well, since I'll be the one doing the actual running, maybe it doesn't even matter who my trainer is.

Okay, whoever beats me in rock paper scissors gets to scout me!

Come now, Teio, the bond between trainer and runner should not be taken so lightly.

Ahh, it's Prez! Prez is here!

You came to watch my tryouts! Well? Well? What did you think?! I came first again!

Yes, yes, I saw with my own two eyes. You ran an excellent race, as always.

Woohoo! Hehe. A compliment from Prez! ♪ Hey hey, did you all hear that?

Huh? Y-yes, but never mind that now, I'm here to talk about scouting.

"Never mind"?! What do you mean, "never mind"? Do you have any idea how great Prez is?

She's not just the student council president, she's the fastest and strongest and coolest racer ever, and she's also my biggest role model!

One day, I'm gonna be just like her, then she'll be giving me compliments all day long!

Sooo, if you're serious about scouting me, then first you'd better learn all about how great she is!

Starting with, let's see... Have you seen her debut race? No way you haven't, right? Oh my gosh, the way she rounded that first corner!

Oh, there you are! Heeey!

So, you're one of the trainers who came up to me after tryouts, right? Right?

Follow me, I'm gonna test you!

Well you see, after you left, Prez told me to "Consider each trainer carefully, then choose one in whom you can place your trust."

So I thought, what better way than to have a trial training session? So today, I'll be testing you! ♪ Show me your best training skills.

Ooh, a hopping exercise? So I'm supposed to navigate this mini hurdle course on just one foot...

Sounds kinda fun! What's the time to beat?

Whaaat, that's it? Easy-peasy! Be back in a flash!

Phew... Sooo, is that it? I can run lots more!

All done! So? Set some pretty nice records there, didn't I?

Right? Hehe. C'mon, let the invincible Teio know just how incredible she is!

Mhm. I've never lost to anyone, you see. I win every single race, and everyone showers me with praise!

Which feels amazing, by the way. ♪ All the compliments show that people really do think the world of me.

Like at my very first race, after I took first, everyone came up to me and was like "You were incredible!"

Honestly, I just couldn't get enough of it!

And once I'm in the Twinkle Series, more and more people will get to see how amazing I am, right?

Ding ding ding ding! That's right! ♪

Ooh, I can't wait! I wanna get in a G1 race already! I wanna hear from everyone that I'm the most amazingest racer ever!

Oh yeah, we were still doing your test. So, is this all you got for today? Cooldown time already?

The 2500-meter? I'm good at that! Oh I get it, you wanna see me at my best, don't you?

Okay then! Here I go! ♪

Pant, pant... How'd I do?

Whoa, a new personal best! Let's go! ♪

2500 meters... Among the G1 races, that would be equal to the length of the Arima Kinen.

Wh-whoa! Prez?!

What are you doing here? Have you come to see me?

More or less.

My apologies for interrupting your regimen, Trainer, but might you measure my time as well?

The same distance as Teio, 2500 meters.

Wait, you're gonna run one too? Woohoo! You don't mind, do you, Trainer?

Thank you. I'll be off, then.

Phew... Trainer, my time?

Prez... That's two whole seconds faster than me...

Indeed. I've bested you, Teio.

Yep, I lose! You really are incredible! The very best racer ever!

Is there nothing else you wish to say?

Huh? Like what?

Well... Allow me to drive the point home. Teio, you have just lost to me.

Huh? Uhh... I mean, yeah... That's why I was saying how amazing you are... Huh?

Right... Sorry for the interruption.

Teio, you're done with training, yes? How about you go for a cooldown jog and enjoy the fresh air?

Uh, okay! Will do! Later, Trainer!

Now then... I have a question for you, Trainer.

What do you make of Teio's reaction just now?

...Wasting her potential, you say? The school was right to hire you as a trainer, with that perceptive eye of yours.

I agree... Teio's current mindset is only holding her back. Truly regretful to see in one with such lofty ambitions.

Hm... You know what? I'd like to ask a favor of you.

You see, I plan to have a race with Teio soon...

You see, I plan to have a race with Teio soon...

If I may, I would ask you to attend and witness the outcome. And, provided you are willing, to continue to look out for her afterwards.

Whoa, now that's a crowd. Feels like we're in the Twinkle Series! Ahaha! Now I'm all fired up!

Oh! Hey, look who's here!

Tsk tsk. I am the invincible Teio, remember? So obviously, I'm in peak condition! I'll crush this race, and the crowd will go wild!

Oh but... Ah... Never mind, forgot I'm up against Prez today...

Up against Prez, huh...

Huh? Oh, um... Nope!

I just, uh... I gotta go get ready! See ya!

Pant, pant... All right, time to show her what I'm made of!

You are not overtaking me!

Huh? Oh c'mon, now I'm even farther behind!

Pant, pant... Nnngh, the last straightaway! No, I'm not done yet!

I said, you are not overtaking me!

Wha?!

Pant, pant... Guess I lose...

But, well, Prez is just that incredi...

Wh-whoa!

President Rudolf, that was incredible! You never disappoint!

Teio's super fast too, but you beat her with such a huge lead! No wonder they call you the strongest ever!

Prez! Prez! Prez!

My friends, I thank you for your support.

Th-that's a lot of cheers... All eyes are on her.

And only her...

Huh? Oh, um...

I-it's nothing. It's nothing...

Pant, pant...

Oh, it's you... Mm, I'm not really in the mood to chat.

Laters. ...Ugh!

Hmph! This is nothing, trust me. I gotta get back to running, so leave me alone!

What's it to you, anyway?!

Get out of my way! You're not even my trainer!

...Wh-what's with you?

Sniffle... What? ...Why do you even care?

Sniffle...

Yeah... But... I still don't understand.

There's been this... stinging in my chest, ever since the race.

It started when I saw Prez getting all those cheers from the crowd.

It makes no sense, I know. I mean, she's my role model.

The strongest, the fastest, the most incredible person. The most deserving of praise from the entire world.

She's everything I could ever dream to be.

Every one of her races that I've gone to, she's won. And seeing her bask in the crowd's cheers with that smile she does is the coolest thing ever!

But still, for some reason...

Like, today was no different. I saw her be that perfect person I've always seen her be.

So... why do I feel like I have to run to get away from this feeling? Why does it hurt so much?

What, you want me to go see Prez race?

Normally I wouldn't miss it for the world, but... Now, I dunno.

No, wait... Mm...

She'll win again, just like she always does. And everyone will cheer for her, like they always do.

If I see her again... the same Prez who's always inspired me, will this weird stinging in my chest go away?

Okay. Yeah, let's go!

Symboli Rudolf in the lead! Rudolf's fast, too fast! Three lengths, now four, the gap keeps widening!

And Symboli Rudolf crosses the finish! Such dominance! Ladies and gentlemen, your emperor, Symboli Rudolf!

All hail the emperor!

...

Well... She's amazing, obviously. She's strong, and fast, and the coolest runner ever.

But...

I need to tell her something. Will you come with me?

Excuse us!

Oh hello, Teio. And our trainer friend, too.

I'm surprised. Usually, you burst right in, a veritable ball of energy. I've never known you to give the door a proper knock.

Yeah, well... I'm here to talk about something serious this time.

All right... Let's hear it, then.

Prez, you're my role model. You're the coolest racer ever, and everything I could ever dream to be.

Whenever I saw people praise how incredible you are, it would make me happy too.

Whenever I saw you standing before a cheering crowd with a smile, it would make me excited too.

But not anymore... Or at least, that's not the only feeling I get now.

Oh? Care to elaborate, Teio?

When I lost our race, and saw you in front of that cheering crowd...

I... I got this really, really painful ache in my chest.

An ache?

Yeah. It stung so bad, and I just wanted to scream, so I tried to run off all those feelings... But they didn't go away.

Weird, I know. It makes no sense. But after seeing you win today, I get it now.

I... I want to be the number one racer. That's why I run.

So all those cheers... I don't want to give those up to anyone. Anyone.

I want them all for myself. I can't let anyone else take them, not even you!

...!

I want to be like you, Prez. That hasn't changed. You're still my role model.

But who I really want to become... is someone even you'll recognize as the best, someone even you'll want to cheer for.

Which brings me, Prez, to the super serious part! I'm here to declare war!

Then leave nothing unsaid, Teio.

Right... One day, I'm going to become the king of kings, a Monarch to surpass even the almighty Emperor!

So you better watch out, Prez!

Heh.

So you leave the stands, and take to the turf... to join me on the same stage. I am glad, Teio.

But Symboli Rudolf will not cede her throne so easily. You have a long road ahead of you.

Of course!

Whew, I said it. I really said it! Hehe, my heart's still pounding.

Thanks for being there for me. Also, um... Just, thanks a bunch!

And... Let's kick some butt together, Trainer!

C'mon, don't make me spell it out! You'll need to be sharper than that to be my trainer!

Don't forget who we're trying to beat, Prez, the strongest racer ever. So get your act together, Trainer!

Yep! All right, now I've made my declaration, and I've got a trainer!

Here begins the legend of the invincible Teio!

Deadlift... Dead... It sounds so scary... But, well...

Prez breezed through all of these, so I can't shy away! All right, let's start with 200 kilos.

Uwaahh! T-Trainer?! Don't scare me like that! Ugh, and I was just about to lift some deads.

Yeah! It's a type of weight training, don't you know? They're called deadlifts.

You pick up a barbell off the ground with both hands, then, "Eyah!", lift it up to your waist.

And Prez did 200 kilos like they're nothing. So I've got to give it a try too!

Nghh... But I wanna do the same exercises! Prez chose this, so there's got to be a reason.

If I don't do the exact same things in the exact same way, I'll never catch up to her. So I'm gonna give it a shot!

All right, here I go!

Urrrghhhh!

I-I did it! Hey, Trainer, did you see that? I can lift the same weight as Prez!

That's right! Now to keep this up! I'll surpass her in no time!

Uuup, and down. Uuup, and down. ♪

I can do it... I can do this! You know, maybe I can do all the other exercises she used to do too!

Right, on to the next one! Let's go!

Traaaaineeer... Trai, Urgh...

Nngh... Phew. My body's crying out for help. Didn't know muscles could be this sore...

But hey, that's proof that they're growing! The sorer they are, the bigger they'll get. Okay, off to the training course!

Owwie ouch ouch ouch! It huuurts! There's no way I can train like this!

Yeah... Maybe I couldn't handle it after all, doing the same exercises as Prez...

Huh? Oh, you think?

Yeah, I did kinda get carried away... Guess I should've listened to you more, huh.

Sowwy... So, uh, I won't do it again, but can you do anything about this soreness?

Otherwise, the whole day's gonna go to waste. Please? Pleeease?

Whoa, is this for real? I feel so much better! Trainer, you've got to be a genius! Why'd that work so well?

They are? Huh. So I might not be as tough as Prez, but I can spring back faster at least. Hehe.

Okay, I'm all set! Back to training! Ouch, ouch!

Whaaat? Even I have my limits, I guess. Aw, this sucks...

Okay, well, guess I'll just have to rest up today. Sorry, Trainer.

But just you wait. One day, I'll be so strong, I'll be immune to muscle soreness!

Lotta ta ta... Lovin! Lovin! Lotta ta ta... Wh-whoa!

Aw man, still can't get it. Something about the rhythm in this part...

Oh, Trainer. No, no, this isn't for a concert.

This is for my number one hobby, arcade dance games! They're super fun!

In races, it's always about whoever runs the fastest, right? But dance games are a bit different.

Finishing the "race" is important too, but what's just as important is doing it in style! You gotta look cool and cute, and fa☆bu☆lous!

It's the best feeling ever, and the most fun! No other type of game can compete!

Or at least, that's how I used to feel. Sigh...

Yeah, I set a high score the other day, but now a new rival's appeared and beaten it already.

My score was 620,000. And their score was 999,999! They actually hit the score ceiling!

I wanna get my record back so, so bad, prove that I'm just as good! So, that's why I'm practicing.

And I've done just about everything I can! Trainer, let's hit up the arcade together!

Showdown time! I can do this! I absolutely can do this. We can make it happen! All right, let's get this game started!

Whoa, a new personal best! But still so far off... Trainer...

Th-thanks... You're right. I can't give up after just one try.

I'm going to be the invincible Teio! I can be lighter, faster! Try number two, here we go!

Another huge personal best! But still not enough... Nnngh, how am I supposed to get any higher?

You can do it!

Uh, hi...?

She's been watching this whole time. Can't stop gushing about how good you are.

R-really? Hey, you having fun watching me dance?

Yeah, lots of fun! But...

Sometimes you look like it really hurts, and then I start to feel like it hurts too...

Like it hurts? Oh, I never realized I was making that face...

Dance games are meant to be fun. So if I don't look like I'm having fun, of course I won't get a perfect score.

It does hurt to fail, but that's no excuse not to smile! It'll help me stay calm and loosen up! Isn't that right, Trainer?

Will do! I'll try again. And again, and again! If I can keep a smile on my lips, I'll be at the top before I know it!

All right, let's go! Don't forget to cheer me on!

Pant, pant... There goes my smile... But I'm not done yet!

We're in the 900,000's! Almost there!

Teio! Teio!

Thanks, you guys... But I might be at my limit... I don't know if I can move anymore... But even so…

Teio! Teio!

Their cheers... give my legs strength! C'mon, focus... Last one!

Huh? The music stopped... I... I did it...

I did it! A perfect score! Trainer, you guys, I did it!

Yeah... For a sec there I was about ready to call it quits. But then...

You all gave me strength. You made the invincible Teio more than invincible!

Yeah! And it's not just the score that counts, I finished with a smile! I bet that's why the crowd got so fired up.

Ehehe. Now our scores are tied, but I definitely beat my rival with style points!

Hm? Ah! That machine!

Huh? An employee... Is something the matter?

My bad, my bad. I forgot to reset that machine. It was just in maintenance mode, you see.

The top score was still set to the max. I'll fix it right now.

You whaaat?! Wait, so this isn't actually someone's score? It's just from maintenance?

Ahaha! That was a good laugh. Can't believe I got so worked up over an imaginary rival.

A bit, but it helped me realize something, I think. See…

Cheers aren't just cheers, they're power. I'm always invincible and incredible, but with that power, I was able to be twice, no, ten times as incredible!

That was just practice! Next time, I'll do it on the track. It'll be the most exciting win ever, and it'll be thanks to the crowd's cheers!

It's summer! And summer means beach! And beach means training camp! Full speed ahead! Off to camp! Go, go!

No duh! This summer is my big chance! ♪ By the time we get back, I'm gonna be faster than Prez!

I'll be so strong, she'll be shocked, and shower me with praise, and pat my head, and oh yeah! You'll be proud of me too, won't you?

So once we're there, hit me with the roughest regimen you got! Oh, but before that... ♪

Time for a song! 'Scuse me, could you pass the mic? This is number one Teio, singing her number one song!

Bam bam bam bam! Beach dashes are too easy! I could do this all day!

Trainer, how's my form? Make sure you're paying attention. I'm counting on you, all right?

A slope! Mountain trails are always all bumpy and fun! C'mon, let's go, with a hop, skip, and a jump!

You are coming, aren't you? It's no fun alone. Once we get to the top, we can have a picnic!

C'mon, after that run I'm in the mood for fireworks! Look, Trainer, I'm a spinny firework! Spinny spin spin!

Ahaha! You're supposed to jump up and down! Like this, hup, hah, whoo! ♪

Morning! Let's keep up the energy today! Whoo! More running together, and swimming, and...

Huh? Trainer? Traineeer!

Oh, Trainer, you're awake. You scared me to death, fainting like that all of a sudden.

Like thirty minutes? So training's not over yet! If we pick up the pace, we can make up for lost time. Today's gonna be fun! ♪

But why'd you pass out anyway? Not enough sleep?

Oh, I know! You were so excited, you couldn't sleep, and played games all night? Hehe, I'm kinda guilty of that too...

What's with the silent treatment? Was I spot on? Heh, sleepovers are always exciting, aren't they?

But wait a sec... Trainer, I didn't think you were the type to get all hyper. Yeah, that doesn't seem like you... Ah!

Was it my fault you passed out? Because I've been draggin you around?

...

Oh, so that's why... I totally forgot you're not an Umamusume. Thanks for sticking it out...

Trainer...

Trainer... I'll take today off.

Don't "huh" me! I said, I'll take today off, and I mean it! The whole day!

Look how pale you still are, you'll get sick if you move around. So I've made up my mind. No training today!

Nngh... Well, we might fall a bit behind on that goal, but that's okay!

Without you tagging along, there's no one to train me anyway. Plus, it... just wouldn't be like me.

I dunno exactly what, but something about it just doesn't feel right. Prez would probably go off on her own no problem...

But I'd rather go with company. I mean...

What I really want is to have fun. Just winning isn't enough, I want to win in style, with pride, and be praised for it.

Just like when I got a perfect score on that dance game. I want to share the moment. With my friends, and you. Plus...

Well, who knows what kind of trouble I'll run into down the road. I mean, I'm pretty invincible, but there are hurdles even I can't get over alone.

Like, remember when I lifted way too much weight, and you stepped in to help? Just like that.

Prez might be fine all by herself, but I think being with other people is what makes me me, if that makes sense.

Which is all to say, I can't do this without you. I'd fail so fast. So, um...

Let's take it easy today, yeah? Ahem. Maybe you should pace yourself a little, Trainer.

Hehe, you remembered. Well, that's payback! ♪ Thanks to you, I learned not to push myself too hard, so now it's your turn!

Oh! How about I give you a massage this time?

Here goes! Tickle tickle tickle!

Hey, Trainer, since we're taking today off, I have an idea...

Wanna check out tonight's festival? I bet it'll be tons of fun. Right? Right?!

Yay! It's decided then! All right, let's play and eat the night away!

Whoa, everything's so bright and sparkly! Hey hey, Trainer! Let's buy some masks and try them on! Which one do you want?

Two masks, please! I'll take the pink Hangout Ranger mask!