Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Yukino Bijin's story
7 scenes, 420 lines
1. A Glitzy Dream
60 lines
When I close my eyes reeeal tight, I can still picture it. The freez'n air and the soft scent of snow, fall'n from the sky like a shower of powdered sugar.
Y'see, I'm from an itsy-bitsy village deep in the mount'ns, and the townsfolk've been cheer'n me on since I first started runn'n.
My goodness! You just broke another record, Yukino! I knew it, You've got what it takes to make it big in the city, just like Oguri!
Man... If only we'd sent you to that private elementary school in Tokyo! A lot of those girls go straight onto Tracen!
N-now, now... There's no use cry'n over spilt milk. I was nowhere near ready t'go to Tokyo yet.
B'sides... I'm sure I'd be homesick if I left... And the thought of liv'n on my own gives me the heebie-jeebies... Ehehe.
Well, I suppose you've got a point... You're still in elementary school, after all. I just want to give you all the opportunities I can to succeed.
A-and I 'preciate it! I really do! I'd cert'nly love to go someday, just not now. Maybe in middle school... I can picture it now...
Me, liv'n it up surrounded by the glitz 'n' glam of the big city! I'll run in those Twinkly Series races, and then... And then...
Huh? Wait, what'll I do... after that?
Sigh... I'm home...
Welcome back, Yuki! Did you have a good practice?
Mifuyu! I didn't know you were here! Thanks for stopp'n by. Did your skat'n practice go well?
You betcha! I just had the afternoon off. Even a figure skater's gotta rest, you know?
(Mifuyu's a neighbor of mine and one of my closest friends since I was a rug rat. We're practically joined at the hip!)
Guess what I found out, Mifuyu! My mom says you 'n' I were born on the same day!
I know, isn't that amaz'n?! And you know what? I started skat'n around the same time you started runn'n!
Gee will'kers! Then... do you think our dreams will come true at the same time too? We'll both become bright, shin'n stars!
Remember? We used to talk 'bout that all the time! Hehe.
You bet I do! I'm the racer, 'n' you're the skater! That's what we always said. After all, you've been the best ice skater 'round ever since we were little.
Well... there are actually a lot of skaters that are better'n me. I still haven't placed in any of the tournaments I join, but that just means I have to work harder!
Anyway, how was practice for you? I bet you broke 'nother record again, didn't you?
Ahaha... You're right on the money there. I'm gett'n faster ev'ry day... but...
...H-hey! C-could I... talk to you 'bout someth'n?
...And that got me think'n... what if I'm just being a trend chaser? I've always dreamed of going to the city, but for what...
C-come on, Yuki... You're way more than that! A trend chaser couldn't run the way you do!
You've always dreamed of rac'n in Tokyo, and those skills of yours show how hard you've worked to make that happen... I've seen't all with my own eyes, so believe me, I know!
But what'm I aim'n for? What does the glitz 'n' glam of the city even mean?
Glitz and glam, huh... Oh! Here, feast your eyes on this!
Uh... A fash'n magazine?
Yup! It's chock-full of fashionistas from the big city! This issue's about the Umamusume race stars!
Golly, what a knockout!
Got that right! It's not just her looks, either! Says here, "This city girl's a star on both the track and the runway!"
So this's what a real city girl is like... She's so cute, but more'n that... she's... cool!
"Q. You caused quite a stir when you competed in a race right after modeling in a big fashion show. What led you to that decision?"
"A. I just want to give both racing and fashion my all. I know some people were worried it'd affect my race, but hey, I won, didn't I?"
Golly... She doesn't give a darn 'bout what others think... She must really believe in herself!
Right! Which got me think'n... maybe this is the glitz and glam you're look'n for!
Ah!
(She's right! My dream... is t'be like this city girl!)
(Work'n hard, winn'n races, and doing everyth'n I can t'be the best Umamusume I can be! Up till now, I've been liv'n the slow life, but now...)
That's it... This is what I've always wanted... I wanna shine, just like this city girl!
And I know you can! So what're you waiting for?! Once you get to Tokyo, there'll be a whole new world in front of you!
And don't worry, you won't be the only one explor'n the world... I'm gonna attend a train'n camp overseas.
What?! Overseas?! But you're already so good...
Well... like I said, I've never placed in competitions b'fore. Coach was say'n my gold-medal dreams might need to stay a dream... I'm just not good enough.
But I'm gonna make my dreams come true! That's why I have to seize any opportunities given to me, includ'n this camp!
Golly, you're right... Yeah, we can't just sit still out here'n the boonies and expect opp'rtunities t'come to us...
Now you've got my heart a-rac'n... I... I don't just want my dreams t'come true... I wanna make 'em come true!
Thanks oodles, Mifuyu! You really set me straight... Now I know exactly what I gotta do!
I'm head'n to the big city... and I'll be the brightest city girl you've ever seen!
With that, I ran off t'convince my parents. In no time at all, I was say'n a tearful goodbye to my village and head'n to Tokyo.
The city of Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis where all sorts of encounters occur, good and bad...
Tracen Academy Underpriv'leged Ponies Fund?
That's right! We're, uh... an associate of Tracen Academy! Our job is to collect money for the poor Umamusume lacking the funds to attend school!
(First time I'm hearing about it...)
Reports of fraudulent groups misusing the Tracen Academy name have been on the rise lately... but this Umamusume might not know that!
Wowzers... Tracen sure is look'n out for folks 'round here. I don't have much cash m'self, but I can spare a little change! Let's see...
H-hold it right there!
Jinkies!
2. My Skills're No Laugh'n Matter!
62 linesSeveral days after that chance encounter, a public practice is held for the Umamusume who have yet to make their debuts.
These events are incredibly important for trainers who want a look at the up-and-coming talent. Word is that the new student from Morioka is attending...
(Wh-what a crowd!)
Ready... go! Yukinooo Bijiiin! Over heeeere!
J-jeepers! Uh, um... Thank you...
(Wait, wasn't she...)
Ahaha... Didn't mean t'react like that... F-f'rget that! I need to concentrate on practi, Ack!
Oh no, Yukino?! Awww, you're such a cute klutz!
I-I'm not usually this klutzy! I'm just not used t'runn'n on turf, that's all! B-but I'll get the hang of it in no time!
Oh, Yukino... You're so cute when you try hard! This is why you're our idol! I can't wait for our cutie's debut... Good luck out there!
She's a real character, isn't she? A bit of a country bumpkin, but hey, maybe that's why people like her! She'll drive interest in the Twinkle Series for sure.
(Ah, this must be that trend everyone's talking about...)
Oguri Cap and Inari One, two Umamusume from Kasamatsu and Oi, respectively. Ever since they made it big in Tokyo, Umamusume from regional racing scenes have started to garner more attention.
Among them is Yukino Bijin. Hailing from the chilly northern town of Morioka, there's a lot of speculation that she'll be the next big star.
(They don't seem to be taking her very seriously, though...)
All right, we're done for today. Your final task is to share something you'd like to improve on going forward. Starting with you!
Yes, sir! I was really tired in the second half of practice, so I think I need to work on my stamina! I'll try adding swimming to my training!
Uh, as for me... I was having trouble getting into a favorable position in races, so... I guess I'll try for better spatial awareness!
Hmm... Ummm, Ah! My turn already?! Um... I-I wanna get stronger!
A-and shine bright! Like a real city girl!
Like a... city girl?
Ah! I-I... What I mean is...
Bahaha! Well, sounds like you're having fun, and that's what's important. Just make sure you don't skip training!
Huh? I-I wouldn't dream of it! Train'n's a big part of, what I mean by city girl is...
Yeah, you gotta be careful, Yukino. If you don't have the skills to back up your popularity, the crowd will turn on you... It's not easy being an idol.
...
That night, a small figure sneakily makes her way out of the dorms.
Phew... All righty!
(Huh? Where's she headed at this time of night?)
While doing extra training is certainly admirable, the dorm's curfew is fast approaching. It's dangerous to be out this late...
Huff, puff...
(...!)
I watch Yukino Bijin run laps up and down the hills, pausing only to adjust the massive weights strapped to her legs.
This train'n's a doozy... But no pain, no gain! I will sparkle like the city girls!
Ev'ryone just sees me as an idol, and that's 'cause I'm too soft! I can't shine if I burn out on the track! No way, no how!
That's not a real city girl! I need t'shine bigger... brighter!
Raaah!
(I see...)
Yukino Bijin's frustration makes sense. Her popularity has nothing to do with her skills on the racetrack...
And so she keeps running and running... With each lap, her determination becomes more and more apparent.
Um, excuse me!
Gadzooks! Wait, you're... that trainer from the other day! Wh-what're you doing here?!
I saw you leaving the dorms alone and got worried...
Ah, I getcha... Sorry, I didn't mean t'scare you. Don't worry, I plan on going back b'fore curfew.
Anyway, next up is haul'n tires! Thanks again for check'n on me!
Huh? Wait, pulling tires on these steep roads sounds... dangerous.
All that extra weight is going to do is slow her down. I tell her there are more efficient training methods that won't strain her body.
Efficiency, huh? I guess I never thought 'bout it like that! That sounds so cool!
Would you like some more advice?
Huh? Well, golly... if you're will'n t'give it. I know it's late, though...
It's fine. I want to see you run.
Y-you do?! G-gee will'kers, I don't know what t'say!
But feel free t'watch me practice! I'm nowhere near as talented as the city girls, but, well... I'll do my best!
Huff, puff... Come on! I will become a true city girl!
You can do it!
Huff, huff! My thighs are on fire! I'll be a li'l sore in the morn'n, but it'll be worth it!
One more lap!
(This trainer... Why're they going so far for li'l ol' me?)
F-forget it! I need to focus on train'n! Ready... yaaah!
As Yukino continues to run along, her footsteps echo throughout the quiet, dark forest.
3. I Dream of City
70 linesWith Yukino Bijin's determination as inspiration, I find myself typing out a list of specialized training regimen ideas.
Wait... when would I even give this to her?
P-pard'n the intrusion!
Ah, good! I've got the right room! Sorry t'barge in when you're work'n.
It's you!
Um, I wanna thank you for help'n me out yesterday, so um... Here you go! I hope you like't.
She hands over a paper bag. Peeking inside reveals a fancy box of rice crackers with the words "Made in Morioka" written across the top.
You look like a busy bee right now, but be sure to give 'em a taste late, hm? What are these notes? Why's my name written on 'em?
I-I was just brainstorming some ideas...
What?! Ch-cheese and crackers! Is this a train'n plan for me?!
Would you... like to take a look?
Like to? I'd love to!
Wowzers... I had no idea train'n like this existed! And these notes are so easy t'understand.
Trainers here'n the capital really are on the cutt'n edge! My club back home never did anyth'n like this!
You're from Morioka, right?
Righty-roo! I was born in a teeny tiny village up north. The scenery there is amaz'n, and the people are so kind!
Could you tell me more about your hometown?
Huh? No, I don't wanna bore you. It's not exactly the most interest'n place. But... Ehehe, if you insist.
The weather in my village is freez'n cold, and we get heaps of snow ev'ry year. In winter, it's like the world's been covered in a fluffy white blanket.
Did you know? Snow muffles all the sounds 'round it. That's why it's so quiet in winter...
All you can hear is your own footsteps. It's like you're all alone in a endless sea of white... Runn'n through the snow makes you feel like you could go on forever...
That's how I fell in love with runn'n. I joined a club after that, and everyone was always tell'n me how fast I was...
They cheered me on when I was li'l, so when they started talking about me mak'n it big in Tokyo, even I started t'believe I could do it.
I'll admit though, I had a bad case of the butterflies. I wasn't even sure why I wanted t'go to the city... But that's when my friend Mifuyu set me straight!
She helped me realize what I really want, t'be a city girl as bright 'n' bold as the sun!
She sounds like a good friend.
She is! That's why I wanna get better! Next time she sees me, I'm gonna be the spiffiest runner she ever laid eyes on!
Speak'n of runn'n... What do you... think of my current skills?
Her eyes glimmer with anticipation. She's heard nothing but empty praise from people who only see her as the latest trend, but all she wants is... the truth.
You've still got a ways to go!
...Hehe! I knew it... Thanks for being frank with me.
To be honest, I'm a little sick of ev'ryone tiptoe'n around me. I wanna be a real city girl, and no pop'larity contest is gonna get me there.
A city girl, huh?
Judging from how she uses that term, it's clear it means more to her than just being a trendy city slicker.
What do those words mean to you, anyway?
Huh? You... you really wanna know?! Well... a city girl is... just the coolest cat there is!
Sure, they may look pretty, but they're so much more'n glitz and glam! City girls gotta have the conf'dence and, um... power? And, and...
You know what? It'd be faster t'show you! C'mon, I'll intr'duce you to the spiffiest city girl there is! Let's go!
Now?!
Before long, Nakayama Racecourse comes into view. Yukino Bijin's gaze focuses on a certain Umamusume, who turns towards her.
Hm? Oh, it's Yukino.
Zounds! How'd she know't was me?! Does she have super vision?! That's so cooool!
Is that girl...
Yup! That's City! Even among the other city girls, she's the cream of the crop!
Actually... I saw her in a magazine before com'n to Tokyo. I didn't recognize her at first, so we were both pretty gobsmacked when I was tell'n her 'bout it!
So she's the kind of person you want to be.
Yeah!
The race begins, and Gold City zooms down the track. Her running form certainly is beautiful, but there's an undeniable ferocity behind it as well.
(This... is Yukino's ideal "city girl"!)
Wasn't she just the bee's knees? The whole crowd went wild!
Yeah, that was amazing!
Right? A true city girl's got beauty, brains, and brawn, all wrapped up'n one package! That's what I wanna be...
Maybe then I could b'come Morioka's star... Not just a pass'n fad, but a real, honest-to-goodness legend!
Oguri and Inari both became stars 'cause of their skills, and City's the same! I wanna be just like them...
But... right now, all a bumpkin like me is good for is some lame-brained trend... I just wanna show 'em I'm more'n just a pretty face.
Well, then show them what you've got!
Y-you really think I've got what it takes? I dunno...
You bet! I saw your skills with my own eyes, remember?
Oh... Trainer...
Yukino Bijin goes quiet as she continues to walk along. After a few moments, she breaks her silence.
You know someth'n? You're a lot like the people'n my hometown.
I am?
Yeah. I feel like you're look'n at the real me, just like the folks back home. And... I can tell you're cheer'n for me with all your heart.
...Will this train'n regimen get me closer t'being a city girl?
It'll get you closer than you are now!
Th-then, um... The tryouts are fast approach'n, and I was think'n... If I can show people what I can do there, maybe they'll fin'lly see the real me.
So um... If it's all right with you... Could you supervise my train'n till then?
Y-you don't need to take me on full-time, of course! Just till the tryouts! P-pretty please!
I'd love to!
Truly?! Thanks oodles! I'm look'n forward t'whatever you've got in store for me!
4. A Bonafide City Girl
50 linesThe day of the tryouts is finally here. While Yukino Bijin's been busy practicing, a surprise for her has been in the works behind the scenes.
Yuki! Guess who's here?!
J-j-jinkies!
Yukino! We're here to cheer you on! Long time, no see, kiddo! You're grow'n faster than a beanstalk!
What are you all doing here?! You even brought my parents! Good golly, and what's with that snazzy banner?!
Ehehe... Your trainer gave us a call, and we knew we had t'come cheer you on.
I thought you might like some extra support.
So this was all a s'prise... Geez Louise, I almost flipped my wig. But you know... Ahaha, I'm not nervous an'more! Thank you!
Omigosh, it's Yukino Bijin! She's as cute as eveeeer! Never fear, your faithful cheer squad is here!
Did I tell you I got a Yukino plushie? I can't believe she's already got merch! She's an idol, through and through!
Wow, Yuki, you sure are popular!
I-it's not like they're fans of my rac'n... They're just... follow'n the latest trends...
Yuki... Don't say someth'n so sad! There's noth'n wrong with being part of a trend!
Huh?
You've got lots more people cheer'n you on now, don't you? That means there's plenty of people ready to watch you give it your all!
Things like trends and luck are a part of success too, you know! If noth'n else, trends are just another opportunity! One you need to grab onto!
Trends... are an opp'rtunity?
True, this trend could change your life.
My life? How 'xactly do you mean?
Wait, don't tell me! That's for me t'decide, isn't it!
(I can't believe I let m'self get all gloomy over a trend... I should be thank'n my lucky stars! Now I can show ev'ryone what I'm made of...)
All righty! Friends, fam'ly, fans, Trainer... just you watch! I'm gonna go out there and win this!
Next up, number nine in the popularity rankings, Yukino Bijin! All eyes are on this small-town beauty!
She's ranked ninth out of ten...
Aw, what's the big deal? She's an idol. She doesn't have to actually win. She'll draw a crowd just being her pretty little self!
Grrrrr!
You show 'em, Yuki! You're not just a pretty face, you've got the heart 'n' soul of Morioka in you! Isn't that right, ev'rybody?!
Yeeeeah!
And they're off!
Whoa, Yukino Bijin's managed to get into a good position! Will she take the lead?!
You bet I will! No one's tak'n first place from me! Haaah!
She still going?! Wh-whoa, she's leaving the competition in the dust!
I'm not done yet! I gotta win this! I need t'win this!
And I'm not stopp'n there! Someday, I'll be shin'n 'longside all the other stars, just as bright as can be! Someday, I'm gonna be...
I'm gonna be... a REAL city girl!
Yukino Bijin! Yukino Bijin's still in the lead! Can anybody stop her?!
Coming in hot towards the finish, Yukino Bijin's still ahead by a long shot, and, GOAAAAAL!
Yeeeaaah!
Huff... puff... Phew! I-I did it! I won!
No way, she won?! Wait, are we sure that's the same Yukino Bijin? She seems totally different...
The hell?! She was so fast! These Umamusume from the sticks are wild!
Ehe... Hehe! Look at all their stup'fied faces!
Congratulations, Yuki! That was so, so cool! See'n you really gave me the courage I needed to work on my skat'n skills!
Um, you're Yuki's trainer, right? Thank you for everyth'n you've done, and keep up the good work!
We could say the same thing. This girl's the pride 'n' joy of our small town. Please take care of her.
M-Mifuyu, Dad, stop! Th-this pers'n... was only act'n as my trainer for this one race...
But I'd love to work with you long-term!
Holy moly! You're not pull'n my leg, are you?! I mean, um... that'd be a dream come true for me.
We'll make you into a real city girl!
...Yeah! I'm gonna be the coolest cat you've ever seen!
5. Jeepers! My Heart!
44 linesTrainer! That was a great workout! Thanks oodl, thank you for today!
No problem! Nice work today.
Hehe...
(I'm gett'n better, aren't I? My time's a lot shorter now, and I'm gett'n used to the city's ways now too.)
(I'm slowly but surely mak'n my way towards being a real city girl!)
(But in the beginn'n, gee whiz was I a doofus... If it weren't for my trainer, I woulda been in a real pickle.)
Anyway, next up is haul'n tires! Thanks again for check'n on me!
(I can't believe I thought add'n weights while runn'n uphill would make me stronger. I'm lucky I didn't hurt m'self.)
You look like a busy bee right now, but be sure to give 'em a taste late, hm? What are these notes? Why's my name written on 'em?
(Even after witness'n my foolishness firsthand, they still went to the trouble of creat'n a train'n regimen for me... If it wasn't for them...)
(Geez Louise, my trainer's done noth'n but take care of me...)
(I know I gave 'em rice crackers... but Trainer deserve more'n that!)
So that's what's on your mind, huh?
Yeah... I wanna show my trainer I've gotten closer t'being the city girl of my dreams.
I mean, that should prove how much I've grown, right? I'm sure see'n my progress would make my trainer real chipper.
Omigosh, Yukino, I didn't realize you like your trainer that much! It's honestly kinda cute. In that case, why don't you...
...?
...
Something wrong?
Whoa! N-no! Nothin's wrong! I'm perf'ctly peachy!
Yukino Bijin has been acting strange all day. It seems like she has something to say, but she's holding back.
Could it be related to her training? Perhaps she's not happy with the current regimen.
Is something worrying you?
Huh? N-nope, not me! Not a lick...
Then... something on your mind?
S-someth'n on my mind?
(There is... There is, but... but...)
(I can't say't! How could I poss'bly... Ohhh, my heart's going bananas!)
Her face goes bright red, but instead of saying something, she begins to pace around the room.
Whatever she's worried about, it must be pretty bad. Perhaps it would be best not to pry further, but...
Ohhhh!
If there's anything I can do, just let me know, okay?
...!
We'll solve any problems you're having, one step at a time.
(You've already done so much for me, and now you wanna help more?!)
(I can't let that happen! No matter how embarrass'n, I gotta get a hold of m'self and... and...)
(Ask them out on a date!)
Y-Yukino?
T-Trainer!
Yes?!
Urk! N-never mind! I'll tell you later! Just you wait!
And with that, she rushes off, leaving me confused and concerned with what could be eating at her.
6. Oh, Fiddlesticks
68 lines(Okay... This time for sure! I can't call m'self a city girl if someth'n like this throws me for a loop!)
In that case, why don't you two hang out together?
You could... take your trainer shopping or maybe go out to eat! You know, a little city girl lunch date.
A d-d-d-d-d-DATE?!
B-b-but, aren't d-dates... usually done b'tween two people who l-l-like each other a lot?
Yukino... Not that kind of date. It's just a little outing between frien, uh, earth to Yukino? Hello?
(So in order to be a real city girl... I need t'go on a date with my trainer?!)
U-um, excuse me! I-I was wonder'n if t'morrow, you'd... you'd... um...
I'd what?
N-never mind!
(Sigh... Another invitation down the drain... How many times've I failed now? My nerves keep gett'n in the way...)
This exact situation has been repeating for several days now. Yukino Bijin will appear with fire in her eyes, only to deflate in moments.
It's clear she wants to talk, but perhaps the setting isn't right.
Actually, Yukino...
Let's have some fun!
(Why was I the one t'be asked out?!)
(They probably just wanna cheer me up, but if this goes on any longer...)
(...No, that's enough of that! They asked me to hang out, so I oughta do my best to have a roar'n good time, just like a real city girl!)
Have you ever played darts?
No... but I throw a real mean snowball! You just hafta lock eyes with the target and grip the snowball reeeally tight!
Don't grip the dart like that! You'll cut yourself!
Ah! R-right. E-ehehe... Well, I'm a li'l nervous, but I think I can do it!
Wh-why can't I hit it?! W-well, I mean, I did hit a target, but...
It wasn't the one you were aiming for...
I-I'm just glad nobody got hurt... Urgh, sorry for caus'n such a ruckus...
Her shoulders appear tense, perhaps from nerves. That certainly would make throwing darts hard...
Loosen up! We're here to have fun!
O-okay...
(Ohhh... fiddlesticks. I'm try'n to thank you, but I just ended up caus'n more problems...)
(All righty, Yukino Bijin, you're up! Let's order for the both of us, and do it with style.)
(The name's a bit long, but I'm sure I can say it easy-peasy!)
I'll have the Honeydew Dragon Fruit Smoo...
Wait! I'll order for us! We'll have...
Two Howdy-do Dragonfood Smoothies!
...
(Nooo! That's not the right name!)
U-um... Could you just... f'rget that happened?
It's fine! It's a bit of a tongue twister, isn't it?
(Gah! And now I'm being comforted too?!)
(...What now? No matter what I do... I keep screw'n up...)
Ah, it's the lipstick City's been advertis'n. Look at all these shades... Golly...
(They're really spiffy, but... I shouldn't buy one till I'm closer t'being a real city girl.)
Picking out a color?
Huh?!
Want me to help you decide?
Ah, n-no, I'm just look'n! Besides, I'm... not ready for this city girl lipstick yet.
(I couldn't even invite my trainer on a date... No way I'm pull'n off makeup like this...)
(Not so long as I trail behind the real city girls...)
...
Yukino Bijin's head hangs low, as if in shame.
A day of fun should've been just what she needed, but it seems even that's not enough to ease her worries.
Sigh...
Her demeanor feels closed off... At this rate, her mood's never going to improve.
H-hey, thanks for today!
Trainer, I...
I had a lot of fun thanks to you!
...!
We should do this again sometime!
Yukino Bijin's ears perk up, and her eyes begin to sparkle.
T-truly?! W-well, golly... That's just jim-dandy!
(Today didn't go 'xactly as planned, but if Trainer's happy, then who cares!)
I mighta screwed up... but so long as they had a ball, I'm pleased as punch! There's always next time!
I-I had fun too! Thank you so much for today!
(And don't you worry, Trainer! I'm gonna get better at this dat'n thing, if it's the last thing I do!)
(Sure, we might've hit a few bumps this time 'round, but at the very least, I should be able t'invite you out m'self!)
As her smile grows bigger and bigger, I breathe a small sigh of relief.
7. My First Step as a City Girl!
66 linesAll righty, today's the day!
(I've finished my train'n, so now all I gotta do is go back t'camp, grab my wallet, and...)
Ask my trainer out on a d-d-da... da...
A-ask them to go to the festival with me!
Thanks for today!
Y-You're welcome?!
Yukino Bijin stands her ground, as if bracing for battle. Just as her intensity begins to feel suffocating, she speaks.
Um... Uh...
Y-yes?
O-oh?
W-would you... Would yooouuu!
GO TO THE FESTIVAL WITH ME?!
(Yes! I did it! I asked my trainer out! For realsies!)
(Now it's fin'lly over, Wait! Don't get ahead of yourself, Yukino! Not till you get an answer...)
Of course!
Ah... Thanks oodles! At last... Yippee!
Yukino Bijin beams with joy. She looks like she's about to start dancing.
Just a moment prior, she looked like she was about to explode... She must really want to go to this festival.
Ohhh, fiddlesticks! Who knew the ring toss would be so diff'cult!
(I thought f'sure I'd be able t'show off at a little festival like this, but maybe not...)
(Guess I'm no closer to being a city girl than I was before... But still...)
You've still got some rings left! You can do it!
(Hear'n my trainer cheer me on makes me smile...)
Okey dokey! Just watch me!
(My heart's all fluttery, and I'm hav'n a blast! But I keep think'n... is this okay?)
(I'm still so far from the glitz and glam of a city girl...)
(...No, that's enough of that doom'n and gloom'n! Right now, I gotta focus on show'n my trainer how grateful I am!)
(And I can't thank 'em with a frown on my face...)
A real city girl wouldn't do that...
(City girls are always look'n forward with a conf'dent smile. They don't need trends, they shine on their own.)
(That's how I wanna be...)
Yukino?
...Ehehe.
Let's go over there next! They're doing a candy cutt'n game!
That's it... One step at a time.
Yukino Bijin's eyes glimmer with excitement as she runs up to the next stall.
Wowie, that sure was a hopp'n good time!
It sure was!
...Trainer?
Yes?
Ever since I met you, ev'ry day's been a real treat!
Even before you were my trainer, you taught me all sort of stuff, and I'm still learn'n so much from you!
That's why I invited you t'day... I wanted t'show you how much you've helped me grow, but...
Yukino Bijin looks down and shifts a little out of embarrassment before continuing on. It seems like she's wanted to say this for some time now.
It didn't go... 'xactly as planned. Still, I'm glad I finally managed t'ask you out on a date!
Turns out I haven't grown much, 'specially in terms of being a city girl, but...
Thank you for everyth'n you've done! I'm so glad you're my trainer!
Phew! I finally said it!
I'm slightly confused about what she thinks a "date" is, but... it's clear she's worked hard to show her gratitude.
You've grown a lot more than you think.
Huh?
She's not quite a "city girl" yet, but her growth as a racer and a person is shown in her can-do attitude.
Th-thanks for say'n that. Hehe, I sure did luck out when I got such a swell trainer.
I'm still not the most conf'dent person... But hopefully one day I'll change, even just a teensy bit.
It sounds like she doesn't completely believe she's changed. Surely there must be some way to prove her growth to her.
Remember the ad for that lipstick?
Yukino perks up in surprise, but she clearly remembers.
The lipstick Gold City endorsed... At the time, she avoided buying it, but now...
Of course!
Hehe! Then we're off to the races! I'll find my perfect color... someth'n glitzy and glam'rous!
Whether that little lipstick is actually proof of her growth is anyone's guess, but at least to Yukino Bijin, it's a long-awaited step toward her dream.