Phew... Why does it feel like this?
All he did was hug me, yet I can't stop this power from welling up inside! I admit I had some anxiety about the long distance at Nakayama, but right now? Even taking all that into account, I have total confidence that I can win.
Has this become a habit? Maybe I'm actually draining power from Yawata-san?
"Yo, Fuji. How're you holding up?"
"Hishi Ama... Mm, I'm in peak condition," I replied, unable to keep the bounce out of my voice. "I feel like I could burst into a sprint right this second. ♪"
"...Doesn't sound like a joke," Amazon grunted, eyeing me up and down. "I can feel it radiating off you loud and clear. Seriously... you're a pain in the neck. You're strong enough as it is, and now this? But don't think I'm gonna let myself lose!"
"The feeling is mutual," I shot back with a grin. "I'm going to come at you with everything I have!"
I was the first favorite, and Hishi Amazon was the second. Among the ponies, they were calling this the "Deciding Match for the Strongest Dorm Head." But with a lineup this strong, I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park.
Still... I think I'm going to win. No, I'm convinced I will.
"Right then," Amazon rolled her shoulders. "Time to head out!"
"Yeah!"
Location: Nakayama Racecourse
Announcer:
"And now, the year finally reaches its climax!! The chosen fifteen Horse Girls have gathered here at the Nakayama Racecourse! The Grand Prix is divided between East and West—Hanshin in the spring, and Nakayama in the autumn! Mayano Top Gun claimed glory in the spring, but who will shine here at Nakayama?! The G1 Arima Kinen is moments away from starting!!"
Commentator:
"The first favorite is Fuji Kiseki, followed by Hishi Amazon as the second favorite, and Marvelous Sunday as the third. This is only Fuji Kiseki's second long-distance race, but considering she ran the full 3000 meters at Kikuka-sho, she should be fine. Hishi Amazon has placed second in this race in the past, so she knows the course. Marvelous Sunday hasn't won a G1 yet, but she has a streak of graded race wins, so she'll be looking to grab a big title right here."
Announcer:
"The fifteen Grand Prix runners are making their way into the gates. The second favorite, Hishi Amazon, and third favorite, Marvelous Sunday, are locked in. Now, we are just waiting for the first favorite, number 15 on the far outside, Fuji Kiseki!"
(I'm okay. I will win. More importantly... I need to enjoy this to the fullest! ♪)
Announcer:
"Fuji Kiseki enters the gate. The field is set!! Who will conquer the year-end Grand Prix!!? The Dream Grand Prix, Arima Kinen..."
CLANG!!
Announcer:
"The gates fly open and they're off!!! L-Way Win and Hishi Amazon are bringing up the rear! Now, the battle for the lead—who will take the front!? Kanetsu Cross breaks away, followed by Mayano Top Gun and Fabulous la Fouine! Behind them—it's a forward strategy today!—Marvelous Sunday and Fuji Kiseki are running side-by-side as they round the first corner and sweep past the grandstand!!"
Yawata: "I didn't expect Marvelous to push forward like that... I thought she'd come from behind as a chaser. Is she planning to run the whole race right next to Fuji?"
Mr. C.B.: "She's gotta be careful of the girls in front, too. If she gets walled in and can't break out, winning's gonna be tough."
Air Groove: "True. However, I believe they overcame that particular issue during your training sessions, so she should be fine..."
Announcer:
"They are rounding the second corner and heading into the backstretch! Kanetsu Cross maintains the lead, but Mayano Top Gun moves up to challenge! Fabulous la Fouine sits alone in third! Behind her, Meiner Bridge, Fuji Kiseki, and Marvelous Sunday on the outside—three of them running abreast! Right on their heels follow Sakura Laurel, Genuine, and Royal Touch! Hokuto Vega and Maruka Diesis are next, with a one-length gap to Dance Partner and Taiki Fortune! Hishi Amazon sits alone, second from the rear, with L-Way Win trailing the pack! They are approaching the third corner!!"
(Alright. Time to break away in one go!!)
Announcer:
"The pack makes its move!! Kanetsu Cross's lead has vanished as Mayano Top Gun pulls level! Marvelous Sunday and Fuji Kiseki are surging up from behind! And look at that—Sakura Laurel and Hishi Amazon are charging up from the back as well!!"
Amazon: "FUJIIII~! IT'S JUST YOU AND ME NOW!!!!"
Fuji: "BRING IT OOOOON!!!"
Announcer:
"Only the final straight remains!! Five racers turn onto the straight in a line!! Is the leader Mayano Top Gun!? No, Fuji Kiseki and Mayano Top Gun are rising together! And from behind them, Sakura Laurel and Hishi Amazon are closing in with a devastating charge!!"
Amazon: "RAAAGH! I'M NOT DONE YET, FUJIIII!!!" ROAR!!
Fuji: "I won't let you pass!! I'M NOT GIVING THIS UP!!" ROAR!!
Announcer:
"Fuji Kiseki breaks free, but Hishi Amazon is hunting her down from the outside!! Sakura Laurel hangs on in third! It's a duel between these two!! Fuji Kiseki digs deep!! Hishi Amazon is chasing with everything she has!! Fuji Kiseki is in front!! Fuji Kiseki is in front!!"
Fuji & Amazon: "HAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!"
Announcer:
"FUJI KISEKI CROSSES THE LINE IN FIRST!!! Fuji Kiseki held her ground!! Hishi Amazon closed the gap with a tremendous drive, but finishes a heartbreaking second!! The Triple Crown Horse Girl proves her strength once again!!"
Nakayama Race 10 - Results
1st: ⑮ Fuji Kiseki (2:33.8)
2nd: ⑤ Hishi Amazon (3/4 Length)
3rd: ⑥ Sakura Laurel (2 1/2 Lengths)
4th: ⑪ Marvelous Sunday (1/2 Length)
5th: ④ Meiner Bridge (4 Lengths)
Author's Note:
Everything I wrote for the very end got deleted and I had a hell of a time rewriting it. I should feel a sense of accomplishment, but for today's writing... I feel nothing...
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