Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story ยท Character stories

Zenno Rob Roy's story

7 scenes, 410 lines

1. Straight from an Epic

47 lines

I see something prominent in the distance, almost like a flash of light.

It's someone running. She's too far for me to make out her face, yet somehow I can hear the deep rhythm of her breaths.

Her strides are chaotic and shuddering with desperation. But I sense pride as well. It's as if she's fearlessly leading the way forward, like...

Your choice

...A hero.

Without even knowing her name or face, I'm compelled to see her run one more time. Later, I try searching for her identity...

But it's to no avail. Months go by, and I can't even find the first letter of her name.

After searching so long in vain for a hero, I feel a desire to read an epic tale. I scour the library for an inspiring biographical story... but can't seem to find any.

???

Ah... Pardon me. Are you having any trouble?

Your choice

Oh, um... Who are you?

Zenno Rob Roy

I... I'm Zenno Rob Roy. I'm the library assistant. I just... If there's a book you're trying to find, I thought maybe I could... assist?

Ah! B-but if I'm interrupting, please accept my apologies!

Your choice

Actually, could you tell me where the biographies are?

Zenno Rob Roy

The biographies! Yes, they're rather difficult to find, aren't they? You see, they're not actually found under "history," they're in the same section as novels and essays.

As I'm sure you understand, biographies often include a healthy dose of fiction. That's why they're separated from the history books, so people don't just take them for fact.

Oh, but personally, I love the ones that incorporate lots of fiction! When people elevate stories into legends, it just proves how highly the subjects are regarded!

Individuals so beloved that their tales live on in everyone's memories, that's the true mark of a hero! It's why I...

I believe that's when a person truly becomes a hero! When their life's story is passed down as an epic tale!

Your choice

You really like stories about heroes, huh?

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah! Um, no... Not really... I'm sorry...

I didn't intend to become overexcited... So... you can find the biographies over there.

Your choice

Huh? Oh, thanks.

Zenno Rob Roy

And... I'm sorry again. Excuse me now.

Suddenly she seems deflated... She claims she doesn't really like heroic tales, but her enthusiasm when speaking of them says otherwise.

Why did she deny it though? As I head to the section she directed me to, I can't help but wonder how she really feels.

I pick a book and read through a good chunk of it. There's certainly a fair amount of fiction, but even so, it's quite the epic!

Zenno Rob Roy

A person's tale only becomes a heroic epic... when their story is passed down as legend.

But my story is still... No, if I really think about it... I'll never...

Your choice

I'd like to check this one out, please!

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah... Certainly! One book to check out. Oh, this is...

Do you... like heroic stories?

Your choice

Kind of. I was inspired by watching a heroic Umamusume.

I explain all about my vivid memory of the runner I saw and how I've been searching for her ever since.

Zenno Rob Roy

A heroic Umamusume...

A performance so amazing it felt like that of a legendary hero, even just seeing it from afar...

That must mean at this very moment... there's a student of that caliber at Tracen Academy!

Your choice

Yeah, that's right!

Zenno Rob Roy

...!

...Uh, sorry... I know we've only just met, and this is most definitely asking too much, but...

Would you let me... help you find your hero?!

Your choice

Wait, what?!

Zenno Rob Roy

I'm good at finding information, and I know all about heroes! I'm certain that I can be of use!

As much as I'd love to accept, students at Tracen need to focus on their training.

I ask if this little mission of mine won't interfere with her training at all.

Zenno Rob Roy

Um... I'll be fine! I can do both! I... I really want to know. I need to find out why you thought that runner was so heroic.

I just... I have to. Because...

Your choice

Because what?

Zenno Rob Roy

Uh, nothing! Either way, I'm sure this will prove to be of benefit to me as well. Thanks for understanding!

2. A Story for No One

54 lines

Zenno Rob Roy has offered to help me find the hero I witnessed, and a few days after that, we meet up in the school library to plan our search.

Zenno Rob Roy

So you see, I've been making progress on our hero search on my own. Um...

First, the time frame you would have seen her... It appears to match solo training hours.

A lot of students come and go at that time, making it rather difficult to pick out individuals from the track usage records.

Your choice

So that's why she's so hard to find...

Zenno Rob Roy

Yes, I'm sorry... But let's get back on course! How about we search a variety of training areas?

Since she was using the school track, she must be a student here... And if she's as heroic as you say, I'm sure she'll stand out at a glance!

Even with my limited knowledge, I'm familiar with several students one might call heroes! Like, for example...

There's a runner who behaves in very peculiar ways but is actually incredibly intelligent...

Or an Umamusume who puts her entire heart and soul into closing in on the lead, even when it seems out of reach.

And then there's... Symboli Kris S.

She's a student whom I greatly admire. She's powerful, fast, cool... And she's even already debuted.

Today, she's going to be running, so... would you like to go see her with me, Trainer?

As expected, the academy track after class is full of students doing solo training.

Zenno Rob Roy

Let's see, Kris S should be... Ah! Over there! And she's already begun running!

Symboli Kris S

Pant... Pant...

...!

Your choice

(That's some incredible acceleration!)

She's gifted with a powerful physique that makes for impressive running... but it's not the same as the heroic figure I saw that day.

The hero I remember seemed to have more of a desperate tenacity, an obsessive desire to win no matter the cost.

I turn to Rob Roy to tell her this, but...

Zenno Rob Roy

The way she pushes forward... It's not brute force as it may first appear. I believe she has each step perfectly calculated.

She spends this much time cooling down... And a bit longer than average to ice herself? Incredible... She's so exact with how she manages her time.

Zenno Rob Roy watches intently as she takes notes. Her ears and tail twitch at the sound of the whistle.

It's almost as though she's itching to...

Your choice

Do you want to run?

Zenno Rob Roy

Huh?! Oh, not really... This is my day off from training, after all!

But we'll have to continue our search another day... It appears that Kris S isn't the hero you were looking for.

So, um... I'll be on my way then! Goodbee!

Your choice

(Good... bee?)

That was a quick exit... I decide I should probably head back too. But just as I make to leave, I notice a familiar notebook lying on the bench.

Your choice

Isn't that Rob Roy's?

She must've forgotten it in her hurry to leave. I'll just take a peek to make sure it's definitely hers...

Flipping through the book, I find meticulously written notes on Kris S's training today. The writing fills several pages from top to bottom.

Kindly Instructor

Um, excuse me! Sorry to intrude, but are you by any chance Rob Roy's...

Stunned by what I'm reading, I can't tear my eyes away. All this enthusiasm and passion... How does she hide it under that quiet exterior?

Kindly Instructor

Um... Hellooo! Hi there!

Your choice

Whoa! Oh, sorry about that!

Kindly Instructor

Not at all! It's just, I saw that you were with Rob Roy, right? You wouldn't happen to be her trainer, would you?

Your choice

No, we're working together on something, is all...

Come to think of it, we haven't even touched on the notion of making a contract. We were totally caught up in finding my hero.

Kindly Instructor

Ah, okay... Sorry for asking out of the blue. It's only that I'm in charge of a lot of her training sessions.

You see, she's missed out on tryouts a few times due to an injury. That's why she's been in a bad way for a while now.

I'm afraid she might be worried about debuting too late, since it's still some time before the next tryouts.

And... I'm also worried that people might be underestimating her potential as a result.

The Tracen Meet's coming up, so I spoke with her about using it as a chance to make more of an impression on the trainers...

But she hasn't been training as much lately, and I've been worried that she might've lost her motivation.

So when I saw you, I sort of got my hopes up that she found herself a permanent trainer. That was my mistake though.

The instructor's apology makes me feel a little guilty. It must be because of my hero search that Rob Roy's been training less. Still...

Your choice

I think she'll be all right.

Kindly Instructor

Hm?

I'm sure she must have had a good reason to devote her precious time to helping me search for a hero.

Your choice

I don't think she would give up on racing.

I saw it myself in her notebook. Among all the detailed analysis was a note in big, bold letters that read, "I have to improve."

3. To Pass On a Legend

74 lines

The day after our visit to the track, I'm in the library with Rob Roy searching for useful info. Suddenly, I remember the talk I had with her instructor.

Your choice

Hey, you're entering the Tracen Meet, right?

Zenno Rob Roy

Huh? Uh, yes! I'm surprised you knew...

To clear the confusion, I explain how the topic came up when I spoke with her instructor.

The Tracen Meet is a school-wide race that takes place on campus. Some students focus on it as a training goal.

Your choice

Good luck! I'll be there rooting for you!

Zenno Rob Roy

Right... Thank you... I guess...

Oh, I mean, it's not that I'm unhappy you're coming! I'm sorry, it's just that... my running isn't anything to write about.

So... if you come to watch me race, I might not even stand out enough for you to see me... That's how it feels, at least.

But if you spoke with my instructor... then... you must have heard. You know how poorly I've been performing.

Your choice

Sorry, I didn't mean to pry.

Zenno Rob Roy

It's not that! I'm grateful for your concern about me. And I can't deny that my lack of progress has been troubling me a little... Hehe...

I... I've never had any merits in particular. All I really enjoy is reading, and I've always been... incredibly plain.

To be honest, I've gotten used to blending into the background. So when someone does try to pay me attention, it makes me... self-conscious.

I end up thinking "I have to make sure I don't embarrass myself!" I'm sure I'd try with all my might... until I wind up injuring myself again.

When I compare myself to the heroes in my books, who attract attention as naturally as breathing... the difference is so stark, all I can do is laugh.

It's pathetic... I don't live up to my name one bit.

Your choice

Your name?

Zenno Rob Roy

Yes... Um, let me show you.

She moves to a nearby shelf and, without searching for even a moment, pulls out a certain book.

Zenno Rob Roy

Rob Roy... That's this book's title. I share the name of the hero this novel is about.

It's the story of a classic folk hero. A brave and honorable soul who fights the strong to protect the weak. Ahh... I couldn't be more different.

Your choice

Rob Roy...

Zenno Rob Roy

Ahaha... ha... I'm sorry... I think I need to go home now!

I try to chase after her, but of course, I don't stand much chance of catching up with an Umamusume. Just like that, she's already gone...

Your choice

(Hm, if I were her, where would I head?)

A certain place comes to mind after a moment's thought. Strangely confident about her location, I set out running.

The training grounds... As I arrive, I spot a lone figure watching the track from a distance. I knew she'd be here.

Your choice

Rob Roy!

Zenno Rob Roy

Hm? Wha? Trainer?! How did you find me?

Your choice

I didn't think you'd go straight home after that.

Zenno Rob Roy

But surely that would be the most natural place to go!

Your choice

No way. You're not one to give up easily.

I take out the notebook I found yesterday. It shows the trajectory of her struggles, every trial and error. It's proof that Rob Roy is unable to give up.

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah, that's... Wait, don't tell me... you looked inside?

Your choice

Well... I had to find its owner, so...

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah... ahaha... I must look like a fool. Acting like I'd given up, when I was writing all that in my notebook.

As if it would ever amount to anything... I'm sorry you had to see that. Please just... throw it in the garbage or something.

Your choice

I'm not going to throw this away.

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh... R-right, of course not, sorry. Here, I'll get rid of it myself.

Your choice

I just need to make sure.

Zenno Rob Roy

Of... what?

Your choice

Rob Roy... what's your dream?

Zenno Rob Roy

Ahh! Uh... Well, I... You... you won't laugh?

Your choice

I won't laugh. I promise.

Zenno Rob Roy

...

What I... What I really want... What I've always wanted... is to be a hero.

She speaks as if she's telling me her darkest secret, and yet also revealing a delicate treasure.

Zenno Rob Roy

I, uh, haven't debuted yet... and I have no results to show. I don't have a single person watching my progress...

But even considering all that... I still want to cling to my dream of becoming a hero.

Your choice

That's a great dream.

Everything she's done, from joining my hero hunt, to meticulously observing her peers training, to running away to this specific place...

It all shows that Zenno Rob Roy has never given up on her dream of becoming a hero.

Zenno Rob Roy

But... it isn't. It's a terrible and completely ludicrous dream.

There are plenty of other students, whether among my peers, seniors, or juniors, who are actually great enough to deserve being called a hero.

And they each have their own amazing dreams that they carry in their stories... like protecting their family's pride, or bringing joy to all who watch them!

I don't have a dream like that. All I want is to stand out a little, for people to notice me!

But I don't have a story! I'll never be anything more than a supporting character!

Your choice

...But you still want to become a hero, don't you?

Zenno Rob Roy

...

...Yes!

Your choice

Let me use your notebook for a sec.

I take out a marker from my bag, but I don't open the notebook. All I need is the cover.

Zenno Rob Roy

Um, uh, what are you doing with it? Hey...

It only takes a moment, and I'm done. I turn back to Rob Roy... and hand her what used to be her notebook.

Zenno Rob Roy

"The Chronicle of Zenno Rob Roy"...

Your choice

That's the story I want to read!

Zenno Rob Roy

Wha... What?!

There's nothing more certain than an undying dream. As long as she keeps trying, I'm sure it will come true... No, I'll make it come true.

Your choice

I want to help with your training.

Zenno Rob Roy

But... I'm so weak and untalented... I might let down your hopes. Are you... absolutely certain?

I give her a confident nod. The search for my hero is off for now. What I want to find out next is how her story unfolds.

4. This Story Is for You

71 lines
Zenno Rob Roy

Huff, huff... My time... Aww, it hasn't improved at all!

Your choice

Let's take a breather. Remember what I said?

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh, um... About rushing too much, right? If I strain too hard, my running form will fall apart.

Your choice

Right. So don't worry so much about your time for now.

I want her to become comfortable with her running first. She just needs some training sessions without any heavy physical or mental stress.

Zenno Rob Roy

I need to remember the form I had before the injury... right? Okay, I'll try!

Your choice

Good, but no rush. We'll build up a little at a time!

Zenno Rob Roy

...Got it!

Zenno Rob Roy isn't fairly assessing her own abilities right now. But if she can start to believe in herself, I'm sure things will come together!

Several days later...

Zenno Rob Roy

(I can move much more easily now... even though all I've been doing is running at my own pace.)

(Right... I see now. I really don't have to rush. Trainer trusts in my abilities as they are.)

(Meaning I... I should believe in myself, too, at least as much as Trainer believes in me!)

I'm... okay!

One day in the library, just before the Tracen Meet, Zenno Rob Roy is looking over notes related to our hero search.

Zenno Rob Roy

There's no doubt in my mind. Trainer said it wasn't her at the time, but... the hero has to be Kris S.

The date, the time, the track... They all point to Kris S and no one else.

I should tell Trainer. But I... don't want to.

(But I have to. I'll race against Kris S at the Tracen Meet and inevitably lose... then I'll share what I learned, and that will be that.)

(So until then, I'll keep this secret...)

The day of the Tracen Meet is finally here! Zenno Rob Roy is off and running...

Zenno Rob Roy

(Ah, no! It can't be! Why'd I have a late start today of all days?!)

Symboli Kris S

...

Zenno Rob Roy

(Kris S, she's... getting farther and farther away... I'll lose sight of her at this rate.)

(I knew it... I can't win. I never stood a chance. And after all the help I got training for this...)

Your choice

Don't give uuup!

Your choice

You're the protagonist, Rob Roy!

Zenno Rob Roy

(I... I'm the... protagonist?)

(I wonder what would happen if I won against Kris S today. Would I have a story of my own? Then...)

(Even after the Tracen Meet... Even when I reveal the hero's identity... maybe Trainer would continue to watch the story that I'm leading, forever after.)

(That's what... I want!)

Haaaaah!

Caster

There! It looks like Zenno Rob Roy is making a move for the front! But it's the final stretch, and Symboli Kris S still has a huge lead!

Zenno Rob Roy

(Watch me, Trainer. You're the only one who will read my chronicle!)

The main character of this story... is me! Raaaaagh!

Your choice

Her running, it's...

I finally see it. That wild and desperate, yet determined, running... She's the heroic figure I saw that day!

Zenno Rob Roy

Pant... pant... Haaaagh!

Symboli Kris S

She's getting close.

Caster

Symboli Kris S powers forward just before the finish! She's fast! She's really the greatest star of the show today!

And she takes first place! An outstanding victory by Symboli Kris S!

A roar of applause erupts from the crowd. Everyone seems to have eyes only for today's winner.

Zenno Rob Roy

(I lost... Of course I did. There was never any chance for me. It's done, then. I have to say it... I have to give up.)

...Trainer! Um, I... I know who your hero is...

Your choice

It was you all along!

Zenno Rob Roy

It's, huh?

Your choice

You're the hero I saw!

Zenno Rob Roy

Wha? But... but what do you mean? What are you talking about?!

Symboli Kris S

Rob Roy, that was an impressive, oh, you're occupied.

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah, Kris S! I'm glad you're here. There's something I need to ask you!

So you see, it was on this day at about four-thirty! You were using the outer turf track, isn't that right?

Symboli Kris S

Hm...

That's right. We had a joint training session. It was that day, though I'm not certain of the time.

Zenno Rob Roy

Right, see? I knew it, because I saw it with my own eyes! Kris S was definitely the hero there that day!

Your choice

Wait, you said a joint session?

Symboli Kris S

Rob Roy was training as well.

Your choice

Rob Roy... Did you have your hair tied back that day?

Zenno Rob Roy

Yes... I did.

Your choice

And you almost fell but managed to save yourself?

Zenno Rob Roy

You don't have to mention embarrassing details like that! Wait, does that mean... You... And I'm... What?!

Your choice

Rob Roy, I want to be your trainer for real!

Zenno Rob Roy

Uh...

...Whaaat?!

Symboli Kris S

Just as I thought. You're occupied.

Zenno Rob Roy

I think I see. After that session, I injured myself and couldn't run well, so you couldn't tell I was the hero you saw...

What a shock. So you've been... watching me ever since then.

...Do you remember what I said before? A tale only becomes a heroic epic when it's passed down as legend.

So... listen, Trainer. I promise, I won't let you down. I'll continue this tale of mine until it's so great that you want to pass it on.

I want you to help me complete it. Let's make The Chronicle of Zenno Rob Roy a legend!

From the smile on her face, I can tell she means every word. So begins the prelude of her long and heroic epic.

5. What I Admire

38 lines

One day, a while after I've officially become Zenno Rob Roy's trainer...

Zenno Rob Roy

Well, thank you for today. See you tomorrow for another session.

Your choice

Yeah, good work, oh, wait.

Suddenly remembering, I pick up a pile of papers from my desk. It's a summary of our training schedule for the days ahead.

Your choice

Would you read this when you have a chance?

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah, certainly! Thank you. I'll have it memorized in no time!

...

(All those books on Trainer's desk... They've got slip-on covers, but judging by their thickness, I'd say they're manuals for training.)

(I did notice Trainer yawning this morning... These plans must've taken all night to prepare.)

Your choice

Something wrong?

Zenno Rob Roy

Hm? Oh, uh, sorry! It's only, well...

Your choice

You can talk to me if something's troubling you.

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh, it's nothing! I'm fine, nothing to worry about. You caught me pondering to myself, is all!

(Oh no... I made Trainer worry!)

(But... I suppose it's always been that way. Trainer is always watching out for me, giving me the encouragement I need.)

Don't give uuup!

You're the protagonist, Rob Roy!

Zenno Rob Roy

(It's almost a waste on someone like me... Isn't it?)

(But... a person like that called me a hero.)

Hehe... hehehe.

Umamusume A

Well, someone looks happy. Did something good happen or what, Rob Roy?

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah... S-sorry. I just, well... I was laughing because, umm...

Umamusume A

Wait, wait! Let me guess. Hmmm... Ah! I've got it! You found a really good book! It has to be that, right? Right?!

Zenno Rob Roy

Hehe... Actually, it's even better...

And then Trainer asked me if anything was wrong. Isn't that the kindest, most considerate thing?

And they're very studious as well. Just today, they were so professional in our session and prepared all these training materials.

Umamusume A

Wow! That really is great. I wish I could find a trainer like that!

Zenno Rob Roy

Heh, hehehe...

Umamusume A

So people like that really exist, huh? Your trainer sounds amazing! Like a character straight out of a novel!

Zenno Rob Roy

...

Trainer really is... like a character from a book.

I mean, I've never met anyone so kind, hardworking, and honest... Like a true hero, who would surely never stray from their convictions.

...Huh?

Did I just say... they'd "surely" never stray?

(I really do think Trainer is a person like that, but...)

Hmmm, I have to wonder... am I just imagining it? But... eurgh...

Zenno Rob Roy stares out the window, lost in thought. She tries and tries but never reaches an answer.

6. Expectations

62 lines
Zenno Rob Roy

Sigh...

(The more I think about it, the more I realize I don't know that much about Trainer.)

I didn't think you'd go straight home after that.

No way. You're not one to give up easily.

Rob Roy... what's your dream?

Zenno Rob Roy

Trainer's kind enough to find out all about me... and tries to know even more... But I... I only know about myself.

How could a person like me share the name of a hero?

Ah... What am I doing? If I have time to think about this, I should be doing something productive!

(Right, I want to know more about Trainer. It's no use just imagining everything. I need to learn about the real Trainer.)

(But how? It's not like I can go right up and say, "Tell me about yourself"... That's too embarrassing.)

Your choice

Oh, hey, Rob Roy.

Zenno Rob Roy

Hyagh! Oh, um, uh, Trainer! H-hello. Um... What are the chances? Are you on a walk?

Your choice

Just thought I'd go do some shopping.

Zenno Rob Roy

(Ah! This is it! I think now might be the perfect chance to learn more about Trainer!)

...Um, me too! So, uh... if it's okay... could we... Would you mind... if we go together?!

I really love this bookstore. It's so large! They carry lots of new titles and always have a plethora of things on hand.

Wait, where's Trainer? Oh no, I was too distracted by the books...

Stranger

Man, I really didn't know what to do. Thank you so much!

Your choice

Please, it was nothing.

Stranger

Okay, so just to make sure, right up that escalator over there...

Zenno Rob Roy

(Was that person asking for directions? To find a store maybe? And Trainer was kind enough to stop and help...)

(Yes, it must be! That man looks so relieved now. I can relate, Trainer is so easy to approach for help!)

(Always so kind and considerate... Hehehe. Trainer really is just how I've been imagining.)

I'm sorry about before. We got separated when I saw the bookstore.

Your choice

Hey, no worries.

Zenno Rob Roy

You're quite the heavy reader yourself, aren't you? I know you keep those hefty texts on your desk.

It's like I always thought. You're a diligent studier who works very hard.

Your choice

What hefty books?

I try to recall what's on my desk in the office. I do have some volumes that I put covers on...

Your choice

Ohh, the manga I borrowed from another trainer!

Zenno Rob Roy

Huh? Manga? They're not training textbooks?

...O-oh, that's interesting! I happen to read manga as well. You'll have to tell me what kind of story it is sometime!

Uhh... Ah, that's right. I noticed a man was talking to you earlier.

Was he asking how to get to a store? You're so kind to put all that effort into helping like that.

Your choice

Oh, you mean that gym recruiter?

Zenno Rob Roy

Uh, a gym recruiter, you say?

He was telling me how plenty of people listen to his pitch, but no one ever agrees to take a tour. He was pretty bummed.

Your choice

He said I could get a free trial workout.

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh... wow! That's nice. Exercise is quite invigorating, isn't it?

(Now I've gone and done it! I made all those assumptions before asking... How rude of me.)

(However, it's true that Trainer is always hardworking and kind.)

(Still...)

...I'm sorry about all that. I was assuming too much.

Assuming? I guess she's talking about how she thought I had textbooks and was giving directions.

But that's nothing to apologize for. She made those assumptions because she sees me as hardworking and kind...

Your choice

Thank you.

Your choice

I'll try my best to be that kind of person.

Zenno Rob Roy

Trainer...

Rob Roy seems a little down, but it's probably nothing to worry about.

If that's the type of trainer she envisions, then that's the ideal I'll strive to be.

And someday, when I truly achieve that...

Your choice

I'd be really happy to make you proud.

Zenno Rob Roy

...Trainer!

(What a thoughtful thing to say...)

(Trainer really is kind... Although...)

(I may have gone too far... I hope I didn't force my ideal image on Trainer.)

(I appreciate those words. Making the effort to live up to someone's expectations takes such... warmth.)

(But... the last thing I'd want is to push Trainer into a corner for my own selfish ideals.)

Your choice

Ready to head back?

Under the rays of the setting sun, I make a silent vow to myself. I want to work hard to get closer to the ideal that a hero would want.

Beside me, Zenno Rob Roy casts her eyes down to the sunset-tinted road. She also seems troubled by some complicated thoughts.

7. Just as You Are

64 lines

During our final days at summer camp, Zenno Rob Roy trains diligently under the hot sun.

As she lets out a deep breath, I wonder if the fatigue from these last few days is getting to her. If that's the case...

Your choice

Let's take the afternoon off.

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh, I'm sorry! It was just a little sigh... But I'm all right. I can keep going...

Your choice

Have a look at this.

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah... My times... They've gotten worse than I thought.

Her balance has started wavering when she pushes off the ground, leading to erratic times even for basic running exercises.

Zenno Rob Roy

Uh, but really, I'm not tired at all. I still have plenty of stamina, so...

Your choice

Even heroes rest sometimes, don't they?

Zenno Rob Roy

Trainer?

Yes... you're right. We do have to reinvigorate ourselves occasionally.

She has a point though, this amount of training shouldn't be too much. Perhaps her fatigue is more of a mental issue.

That reminds me of something I heard from the locals. Apparently there's a breathtaking spot nearby to watch fireworks from.

Your choice

I wonder if that would help...

The fireworks are tonight. I should go check out the spot beforehand.

Zenno Rob Roy

Where could Trainer have gone? I've had no luck searching the rooms...

(I wanted to explain that I'd do a better job tomorrow... I wasn't concentrating as well as I should today.)

(My mind was preoccupied the whole time... about how I might be forcing Trainer to live up to my idealized vision.)

(Trainer's considerate and works hard. That's definitely true, and it should be enough... Trainer is already a wonderful person, but I...)

(I made assumptions... and said things I shouldn't have. What if Trainer is trying to become a different person because of that?)

Not here either...

Trainer's Colleague

Ah, you're my pal's trainee, aren't you? It's the weirdest thing, but they forgot their phone in the cafeteria, so no one can contact them.

Trainer's Colleague

Someone said they saw them heading into the mountains, but it couldn't be, right? There's no reason to just go there randomly.

Zenno Rob Roy

T-to the mountains, you say? But it's already dark out. Oh no... If that's true, then maybe right at this very moment...

Trainer

Pant... Pant... If I can just cross this rope bridge... I should make it back to Zenno Rob Roy!

Ugh! Oh no, I'm losing my footing! Aaaaagh!

Zenno Rob Roy

No, Trainer! Agh, what do I do?!

Trainer's Colleague

Oh wait, sorry. You know what, they might've just fallen asleep somewhere. You know what your trainer's like, always staying up late looking over your runs.

Maybe they got inspired by that manga I lent 'em. It's a pretty good read.

Zenno Rob Roy

Um, did you say manga? Could you be referring to... those large volumes, as thick as textbooks?

Trainer's Colleague

Those are the ones! Yeah, it's an educational series, all about training, medical care, that kind of stuff. But presented as a manga to make it easy to read, you know?

Zenno Rob Roy

It's about training and medical care?

Trainer's Colleague

Oh right, and your trainer was talking about joining a gym. Something about trying new training methods there before applying them in your routines?

Your trainer's all in when it comes to you. It's impressive.

Zenno Rob Roy

...!

Pant... Pant... Still nothing... Trainer!

...No, it's fine. It's all right. Trainer is an adult who can handle just about anything.

(And we promised. We have to finish my heroic chronicle together. So... so I'm sure...)

(That's right. I'm not forcing my assumptions this time. I'm sure of it... because...)

We... trust each other!

Trainer, Traineeer! Please, answer me, Trainer!

Your choice

...Rob Roy?

Zenno Rob Roy

Ah! ...Trainer!

Thank goodness! I've finally found you!

Zenno Rob Roy is standing over me with a troubled look on her face... It seems like I tired myself out walking here and ended up falling asleep.

Your choice

I'm sorry I worried you.

I came here hoping to make her happy, but I only ended up causing grief.

Your choice

I guess I'm still nowhere near your ideal.

Zenno Rob Roy

...That's not true! Trainer, you're perfectly fine, just as you are! I shouldn't have said what I did...

Your choice

It's kind of my dream now to become what you hope for.

Zenno Rob Roy

Uh... What? Huh?!

(What I... what I hope for... No way! But that's... W-wait... I've got to calm down!)

Inhale, exhale... So, uh... Um, Trainer... what were you doing here?

After worrying her like this, I should just say it. I explain about the fireworks and how I wanted to show her a beautiful sight to pick up her spirits.

Your choice

I wanted to make you happy. That's all...

Zenno Rob Roy

Oh... But it's my fault...

A burst of fireworks suddenly cuts off her words. Amidst the enveloping sound, she opens her mouth to speak again.

Zenno Rob Roy

No. You... did it to help me. Right? That's... who you are, Trainer.

For a brief moment, the sky turns quiet, and the soothing laps of the waves reach our ears. Zenno Rob Roy begins to smile softly.

Zenno Rob Roy

Trainer, you're already my ideal person. You're kind, hardworking, and...

You're an irreplaceable partner for a hero... You're a generous person, whom I always want to cherish.

The last firework goes up and lights the sky, painting Rob Roy's face in dazzling colors.