"Wild…" Pocket mutters.
Tachyon brushes her tail, a newfound habit since Rampage's advice on grooming for peak performance. Her tail's glossier daily, now routine. Pocket's dazed, not by the plush hotel bed, but by Rampage's physique seen post-bath.
"Same Uma Musume body?" Pocket gestures wildly, words failing. "I get it," Tachyon nods, smirking.
"Chiseled abs, muscular, yet…" "Curvy, glossy skin, perfect figure," Tachyon finishes. "Wanna be like that…" Pocket sighs. "Her stride with that height," Tachyon muses. "Not that!" Pocket snaps.
Night deepens, their excitement for the Emperor's Cup growing.
"Amazing view… People look like ants!" Tachyon laughs. "Stole my line!" Rampage grumbles. "Didn't know. Our minds align—complex," Tachyon teases. "Shut it!"
At Kyoto Racecourse's VIP seats, secured by the Mejiro butler, Rampage and crew settle in. Public seats have their charm, but the open view's a treat.
"Teio's still top pick, McQueen second," Rampage notes. "Who wins?" Cafe asks.
Undefeated Triple Crown Teio versus stayer queen McQueen. Turbo, Ikuno, Ryan stir the pot—Turbo's chaos a wild card.
"Call your sister, Tachyon. Sis-con's probably moping," Rampage says. "Hana won't like that," Pocket warns. "Fifteen missed calls—all Flora," Tachyon sighs. "Do it."
Flora's sis-con is intense. Ignored, she'd spiral. Tachyon, regretful, dials.
"Sis—" "Tachyon! You finally answered!" "Wanna hang up?" Tachyon grimaces. "Want to, but don't," Rampage soothes.
"Too loud, Sis. Sorry, tone it down." "You didn't answer… thought you hated me…" "If you know that, act prouder. I'm proud of you." "You're proud!? Oh, Tachyon!"
"Instant mood swing," Cafe notes. "Typical Tachyon's sis," Rampage chuckles. "Business as usual," Pocket adds.
No family rift—standard antics. Rampage worried for nothing.
"Staying with Rampage at her hotel," Tachyon says. "With Rampage…?" "Not like that. Cafe, Pocket too. She's our guardian." "I wanted to be the big sister…"
Tachyon seems the elder, rational despite being younger.
"Cheering from VIP, Sis. Good luck."
Tachyon hangs, downs carrot juice, and sighs.
"Wish she'd act like a Japan Cup champ," Tachyon grumbles. "You respect her," Rampage says. "Of course. Japan Cup's no ordinary G1."
Tachyon admires Flora's relentless drive to surpass, not avoid, challenges—a spirit she finds cool, if foolish.
"Harsh for family," Rampage says. "No dumber than baseless hype," Tachyon retorts.
"Preach. Tell that to overzealous reporters," Rampage agrees.
"You're ruthless to her," Pocket says. "She'd get leniency if she chilled," Tachyon replies. "She cries hard. Be gentler," Cafe urges.
Tachyon shrugs—Flora needs to mature. Who's the real sister? Race time nears.
"Who wins? McQueen, Teio, Ryan, Turbo? 3200m's anyone's game. Stayer queen or emperor?" Rampage muses.
Gate-in begins. All racers shine. Under the tyrant's gaze, the Emperor's Cup starts, anticipation and nerves colliding.
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