Fine Motion, an Irish-born racehorse, debuted undefeated, clinching the Shuka Sho and Elizabeth Hai in a blazing six-win streak. Her sixth-race GI victory set a record for the fastest senior GI win, earning praise from jockey Okabe and a mistaken gender mix-up by legend Take.
Now, Rampage meets Fine Motion—not just Japan's royalty, but Ireland's too. What kind of fate is this? They chat lightly, exchange contacts at Fine's insistence for friendship and gratitude, and part ways, thanks to the SP captain's profuse bowing. Rampage braces for the imperial meeting.
"Today's race was splendid. I'm glad to see you before your world challenge," the Emperor says.
"Honored," Rampage replies.
"Despite your fatigue, may I have your autograph and a photo?"
"My pleasure."
Flashes erupt as Rampage signs and poses with the Emperor and Empress—an overwhelming experience. Exhausted, she leans on Ramone for support, collapses into sleep, and wakes to public frenzy over her imperial meeting. Planning a drive in her Impreza, she's interrupted.
"Why am I doing this?" she sighs, leaning on her car, sipping juice with Fine Motion.
"I called you," Fine chirps.
"Incognito means stealth, Highness. Not this."
"Japanese ninja!" Fine giggles, striking poses.
Rampage groans. "Going home soon?"
"Nope, too boring!"
"Your SP's probably panicking."
"I told my sister I'm with a friend."
"Fine!" Rampage snaps as Fine mimics, "Your Highness?!"
Uneasy but responsible, Rampage offers, "Where to?"
"You'll take me?"
"If you promise to contact home after. Copy?"
"Yessir!" Fine salutes.
Disguised, they blend in as regular Uma Musume. After some fun, Fine should tire out and head home.
"Where to?" Rampage asks.
"Somewhere!" Fine beams.
"Undecided? You didn't plan, did you?"
"Wanted to see you!"
Flattered, Rampage drives, learning Fine and her sister Pilsudski are fans, watching her streams. Fine tagged along with her mother to Japan for the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
"My sister's dying to meet you. She'd flip!" Fine laughs.
"Some personality, Highness."
"Not that great!" Fine teases.
Pilsudski calls Rampage "Her Radiant Majesty," aiming to win the Japan Cup like her. Rampage muses over Air Groove's loss there, tangled in thoughts of Pilsudski's rumored behavior.
"Sign for your sister?" Rampage offers.
"Yes! And me!"
"Got it."
"I'm hungry… skipped breakfast," Fine says, eyeing Rampage.
"Fine, I know a place. My friend works there. Not fancy, though."
"I'm not that demanding," Fine pouts.
"You kinda are."
They enter a Chinese diner where Ines, still racing and waitressing, greets them.
"Ran-chan! With company?" Ines chirps.
"Yeah, two seats."
"Table for you!"
Rampage orders charshu ramen; Fine follows suit. Copying Rampage's eating style, Fine's eyes widen in delight.
"So good! First time eating this!" she exclaims.
"Glad you like it."
Ines, thrilled by Fine's praise, tosses in extra charshu and eggs. Rampage adds another order. Sated, they leave—only to face the exhausted SP captain.
"We found you, Highness!" she pants.
"You said you contacted them," Rampage says.
"I did!" Fine insists.
"A note! One line!" the captain snaps.
"Fine…?" Rampage glares.
"Ehe!" Fine grins.
The incognito princess's adventure ends. The SP captain, bowing endlessly, takes a gleeful Fine, clutching autographs, to the car. Later, Fine's contact sends messages from her mother and Pilsudski—thanks, apologies, and a photo of Fine beaming with Rampage's signature. Rampage chuckles.
"Trouble of a princess… Wait, she said her first ramen? Did I make her a ramen fan?"
Note: In the 1997 Japan Cup, Pilsudski won, reportedly reacting to Air Groove, the only mare in the race. Some say it was to assert dominance, not estrus.
--------------------------------
Stopping here would be such a waste… The next chapter is waiting for you on Patreon! [pat*eon*com/Greyhounds]