"Welcome, Lady Rampage. Long journey, well done," the butler greets. "You, old man? What about Mejiro duties?" "For the Emperor's Cup, Mejiro's dream, serving you is my role." "Makes sense," Rampage nods.
The Kyoto trip was smooth, with impromptu car karaoke sparking joy. At the Mejiro-owned hotel, Tachyon's unfazed, but Pocket and Cafe gape at its grandeur.
"Here's the manager," the butler introduces. "Manager," the man bows. "Yo, can we hit our rooms? Need to drop bags." "Of course, we'll handle luggage."
Guided to a VIP suite, Rampage whistles at the lavish decor and top-floor view.
"Call if needed," the manager says. "I'm off to Lady McQueen," the butler adds. "Got it."
Alone, Pocket and Cafe marvel, while Tachyon sips carrot wine by the window, savoring the sunset.
"Scenery shifts the drink's flavor," Tachyon muses. "Poetic for a kid," Rampage teases. "It's the vibe."
Rampage gazes at Kyoto's twilight beauty.
"Snap out of it, you two," she tells Pocket and Cafe. "This room… really okay?" Pocket stammers. "It's… overwhelming," Cafe adds. "Mejiro's lady invited you. It's fine."
Cost's no issue—kids shouldn't sweat it.
"No lady's less ladylike," Tachyon quips. "Self-aware. Two rooms, two per. Pick."
One room's tight for four, so two secured. They draw lots.
"Ugh!" Pocket groans. "Cafe, lucky!" she cheers. "Nice," Cafe flashes a V-sign.
Rampage rooms with Cafe; Tachyon with Pocket. They break to rest, plan Kyoto's stay, or call family.
"Dress code?" Cafe asks. "No issue. Rentals handle it," Rampage assures. "Impressive!"
After escorting the others, Rampage unpacks. Cafe, unpacking too, stares—drawn by her "friend" watching Rampage.
"Your friend's curious why I see her," Rampage says. "Me too," Cafe admits. "Only one guess, might not be what you want." "Tell me."
Cafe's firm. Her unseen friend, shared only by Rampage, demands a reason. Rampage hesitates—telling a kid her idol died by suicide could crush her.
"Once, I wanted to quit everything. A friend saved me." "A friend?" "Yeah."
Vague but clear enough. Cafe's eyes shine, understanding. She's not alone—her friend helps, like Rampage's. The friend pats Rampage's shoulder, proud.
"When stuck, my friend showed a new path. Friends are gold." "Mine's irreplaceable too," Cafe agrees. "Same here."
Cafe nods, thrilled by the shared bond. The door opens.
"Yo, Rampage. Pocket's nagging for food," Tachyon says. "Didn't say that! Just wondered about the grub!" Pocket protests. "You did," Tachyon laughs.
Pocket glares, blushing; Tachyon chuckles. Cafe, amused yet fond, gets a head pat from Rampage.
"Pocket wants food, let's go." "You too!?" Pocket squeaks. "There's a special Uma Musume parfait," Tachyon adds. "For real!?" Pocket beams. "Quick mood swing," Cafe notes. "Fine by me. Tachyon, no word to Flora?" "Spending time with you's rarer." "Prioritize your sister, or she'll cry." "Let her."
"Tachyon's not answering… she's in Kyoto…" Flora sighs. "With Ran, probably eating," Hana says. "Wanted to eat together…" "With who?"
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