Gotham Song could only stare, speechless, at the nonsense coming out of Sunday Silence's mouth. But other than being speechless, she really didn't feel much else. How was she supposed to describe her mood?
She was Sunday Silence. Other than surrendering, what else could she even do?
Yeah—something like that. Especially since that sort of resignation reached its absolute peak at one very specific moment—
When she woke up the next morning to find Manhattan Cafe asleep on one side, Neo Universe on the other, and Sunday Silence grinning wickedly right in her face from inside her arms.
…Yeah. Old Bastard No. 1 would totally do something like this.
If it weren't for the fact that she couldn't touch her right now, she'd have flipped her over and pinned her under the blanket for a thorough "lesson," no question about it.
Repent, Old Bastard No. 1.
Too bad that wasn't an option.
Still, waking up like this made Gotham Song feel all kinds of things. The era of sleeping with only one person in her bed was officially over—she'd entered the stage where two people snuck under her blanket instead.
Flightline had slept straight through yesterday, apparently without ever waking. After dinner, everyone had gone their own way, and in the end, since Manhattan Cafe's room was next door, she came over to sleep together. Neo Universe, of course—the habitual blanket intruder—wasn't about to miss out.
Wouldn't three people and a ghost be cramped in one bed?
Well, let's not even talk about whether Old Bastard No. 1 had only appeared right before she woke up… even if all four of them were crammed in here, they weren't exactly big Uma Musume.
Gotham Song herself, even after full Maturation, was only about Tokai Teio's height. On a king-size bed in a luxury suite like this—honestly, you could fit another two or three Uma Musume and still have room to roll.
…Except Flightline. That giant doesn't count.
Yeah, Flightline doesn't count.
Anyway—after pushing Old Bastard No. 1's face aside, watching the ridiculous ghost float away with a smug grin, Gotham Song could only give a helpless smile.
She climbed out of bed, changed into her light, midriff-baring casual outfit—the same one she'd worn the first time she met Flightline—and decided to explore this curious, glittering city for herself.
For the record, Neo Universe woke up soon after, while Manhattan Cafe kept sleeping lightly. Gotham Song made as little noise as possible, told Neo Universe she was heading out for a stroll, and stepped into the elevator, still yawning.
Sometimes, Gotham Song really did enjoy solitude. Especially when facing a completely unfamiliar city—wandering around alone was its own kind of rare pleasure.
So when she walked out the hotel doors and saw the futuristic skyline, she drifted aimlessly down the street.
To be honest, it was only then that Gotham Song realized something: even though she'd wanted to go out by herself, once she was actually walking alone, she had no idea where to go.
…Hmm. Where should I even visit first?
The question lingered without answer, frustratingly unresolved. She sighed, pulled out her phone, and opened the map to see what attractions were nearby.
Dubai was a passionate place. Not just the people—though the locals were indeed generous and bold, living rich, uncomplicated lives—but there was another, far more direct kind of passion she was feeling right now.
Remember what she was wearing?
A cropped tank top with a light jacket for sun protection.
And Dubai's "passion" was not just human warmth—it was the heat.
The sun burned mercilessly; even the asphalt shimmered. It was already unbearable for this time of year, and the skyscrapers' heat island effect annihilated any hope of a cool breeze.
So naturally, Dubai had plenty of entertainment to fight that heat: amusement parks, water parks, and—what she found herself in front of after a while—a massive water park entrance, bustling with a line of eager guests.
A water park, huh… a place she'd never once visited, in this life or the last. Completely foreign territory. And that alone was enough to spark her curiosity.
But… going to a water park alone?
A full-grown Uma Musume, alone?
Wouldn't that be embarrassing?
Ugh—but I really, really want to go…!
Her mind wavered in a rising tide of indecision. She wasn't worried about practicalities like not having a swimsuit—she could easily afford one on the spot. What actually bothered her was that irrational, human sort of pride.
And just as she was hesitating by the gate, she heard a voice that absolutely shouldn't have existed here.
A young voice. A little girl's voice.
Speaking Japanese—frantic, trembling, almost about to cry.
…Japanese? Here? In Dubai?
Frowning, Gotham Song followed the sound—and found the source.
A tiny brown-haired filly, definitely pre-Maturation, was clutching at a water park staff member's sleeve, babbling tearfully.
Obviously Japanese, and given her age, there was no way she could speak another language yet. The scene had devolved into total miscommunication.
That's when Gotham Song stepped forward. She crouched in front of the small, twin-tailed filly, hesitated for half a second, then gently gathered the nearly-crying child into her arms. She glanced at the confused staffer.
"Um… miss? You look kind of familiar, but… do you know this child?"
Familiar—meaning, aren't you that famous Uma Musume? Oh thank goodness, we're saved.
"Well, here's what happened. We were on duty when this little one ran up to us crying for help. We don't speak Japanese, so we were stuck. I think she might've gotten separated from her family? Could you maybe help translate?"
Lost, huh… poor thing. But meeting a lost Japanese filly here of all places—that was probably fate. Might as well try to help.
"Ahem. Hey, little one, can you understand what Onee-san's saying?"
The girl nodded frantically, then tried to speak—so fast she hiccuped halfway through.
Clumsy and unbearably cute. Gotham Song patted her shoulder and back gently, coaxing her to calm down.
Luckily, Gotham Song could handle three languages now—Chinese, Japanese, and of course, her and Twilight Song's original: English, New York accent included.
"I—I got separated from Papa and Mama and my sister. When I turned around, it was just Vivlos left all alone."
Vivlos? So that was her name. Lost, huh… poor kid.
Gotham Song nodded and took out her phone, motioning to Vivlos.
"I… forgot to charge it before we left, so I can't reach Papa and Mama anymore…"
Ah. Too normal to even make fun of. Really—forgetting to charge your phone before going out? That happened even to adults. Even her perfect, composed Mejiro Ramonu occasionally forgot things like that.
And with how easy modern messaging was, forgetting someone's actual phone number was hardly unusual. Honestly, if you asked Gotham Song to recite Mejiro Ardan's number right now, she probably couldn't.
Thinking that, Gotham Song turned to the staff, then back to Vivlos.
"Vivlos knows who I am, right? Can you trust Onee-san to keep you safe for a little while?"
"Mhm… Vivlos knows who you are, Song Onee-san. If you're willing… then please take care of me."
…This kid's cuteness was a lethal weapon.
Smiling wryly, Gotham Song pinched her cheek lightly, took the powered-off phone, and handed it to the staff to charge.
From an adult's perspective, she could've just handed it over directly without words—but seeing Vivlos's embarrassed flush as she realized such an obvious solution existed made Gotham Song sigh with fond amusement.
Too flustered to think, poor thing.
Anyway—she'd originally been thinking of going into the water park herself. Since she'd felt awkward going alone… well, if she brought Vivlos along, her family would surely take some time to arrive. Once the phone turned on, she could just call them by video.
She wasn't sure how they'd respond—but it was worth a try.
Come on, it's not like anyone's gonna accuse a legendary Uma Musume of kidnapping a kid, right?
...
Charging didn't take long. Barely a few seconds after the phone turned on—before Vivlos could even finish opening her app—a call came through.
She answered, and the video connection opened instantly.
"Vivlos?! Where are you? Do you see any signs nearby? Mama's coming right now!"
The voice on the screen was a frantic Uma Musume, eyes wide with worry. Vivlos's own eyes lit up.
"Mama, Mama! I'm at the water park! Song Onee-san found me and helped me!"
"Song… Onee-san—Gotham Song?!"
The startled, incredulous voice repeated her name, and when Gotham Song leaned in—half-hugging Vivlos from behind—the older mare's expression went from panic to total speechlessness.
Vivlos had mentioned earlier that her parents were big Gotham Song fans, and that all three sisters in the family idolized her.
Well, this was… oddly heartwarming, actually. Meeting a tiny fan abroad.
Once Vivlos had reassured her mother, Gotham Song awkwardly scratched her cheek and took the phone herself.
"Um, Miss Halwa Sweet? I know this is sudden, but since I ran into Vivlos here, I thought maybe it was fate. I was planning to visit the water park anyway—would it be all right if I took her with me for the day? I'll bring her straight back to your place tonight, I promise."
"Ah—well… if it's Song-san, of course I don't mind. If Vivlos's lucky enough to meet you and play together, that must be her blessing. All right—please bring her to this address tonight. Thank you."
Hehe—success!
Though Gotham Song thought Halwa Sweet's tone sounded… oddly indulgent, almost like she was cooing over something adorable. Still, who cared—she was going to a water park! Too happy to overthink it, she grabbed Vivlos's hand, bought a fast-pass ticket, and led the way inside.
She never noticed the look Vivlos gave her back—bright, awestruck, almost reverent.
Song Onee-san is so graceful, so composed, so warm… Even in a city this dazzling, she stands out effortlessly. I want to become an Uma Musume like her. One who can shine even in Dubai.
I want…
To keep holding Song Onee-san's hand like this, forever.