Rampage typically agrees to interviews for magazines but draws the line at TV appearances. As a streamer herself, she finds it simpler to share her thoughts directly—free from the hassle and constraints of traditional media. As an undefeated, active Uma Musume, offers pour in constantly, some dangling hefty paychecks. But money? Her race winnings already keep her coffers full, and she's not one for extravagance. The most lavish thing she's splurged on lately might just be new tires for her Impreza.
"…"
"Hey, Ran, this spot okay?"
"Yeah, you're an All-Comer, no doubt. Not that I've ever run it."
At the academy's cafeteria during lunch, Rampage sits at a corner table, engrossed in her laptop, typing away. Ryan plops down beside her with a tray of food.
"What's Ran up to?" Ryan asks, curiosity piqued.
"Oh, just something Flower's trainer asked me to do. Writing up notes on the training I did with Baku-chan and Zephyr." Rampage leans back, stretching. "I'm starting to get pretty slammed myself… Alright, this should do it. Sent."
With a satisfied click, she sends the document to Flower's trainer. The rookie trainer's been thrust into the spotlight after raising a G1 Uma Musume like Flower, who's still young—physically and mentally—due to her accelerated promotion. Rampage's been fielding interviews and tasks on her behalf, hoping to lighten the load.
"Man, I'm starving. Let's eat!" Rampage digs into her now-cold fried rice, unfazed by its temperature, shoveling it down with gusto. Ryan follows suit, starting her own meal.
"How's it going lately?" Rampage asks between bites.
"Pretty good," Ryan replies, swallowing. "I'm getting the hang of turf tracks. Just gotta adjust when I head overseas."
"That's June, right? Europe?"
"Yup. Until then, I'm chilling in Japan."
"Chilling, huh? Training with Shinzan Iron's your idea of chilling?" Rampage smirks.
"It's just another day for me," Ryan laughs.
Ryan trains with Shinzan Iron too, but she's nowhere near Rampage's level, who's been at it for years. She's got work to do to catch up. Just then, the cafeteria's large monitor flickers to a program featuring direct interviews with Uma Musume. Today's guest? Agnes Flora.
"Our guest today is Agnes Flora, who clinched last year's Japan Cup!"
"Ohakonhallo! Haha, I'm Agnes Flora. Nice to meet you all!"
"She's doing TV, huh?" Ryan remarks.
"Unlike you, who avoids it like the plague," Rampage replies with a shrug.
"Streaming's just faster, you know?"
Fair point, but Ryan's no stranger to the spotlight—she's done shampoo and sports commercials recently. "You should consider it, Ran. Gran used to say it's smart to keep your options open for after retirement."
"Is that how it works?" Rampage muses, scratching her head. "I mean, with my fame, I'm not sure what options I'd even have. It's all a bit… vague."
"Well, yeah…" Ryan trails off.
Rampage's fame is almost too big. Even now, offers are flooding in—coaching gigs, invitations to join teams. There's even one from Fine, teasing, "Why not join us?"
"Retirement, huh…" Rampage murmurs. "Guess I should at least think about it."
"You could always join the Dream Trophy League," Ryan suggests. "With our Triple Crown records, we'd definitely get invites."
Their achievements make it a given that fans would clamor to see them compete on that grand stage. Rampage could finally face Ogrie, or even legends like Rudolf, Ramone, or Seabee. The thought stirs something in her.
"Hmm…" she hums, unconvinced.
"Not interested?" Ryan probes.
"No dirt tracks," Rampage says flatly.
"Yeah, they haven't added those yet…"
The Dream Trophy League sounds exciting, but racing only in summer and winter feels lackluster to Rampage. Her Twinkle Series schedule is relentless—monthly races that push her limits. Two races a year? That's nothing. If they introduced a dirt division with a full seasonal Dream League, that might catch her interest. For now, it doesn't spark much.
"Besides," Rampage adds, "if I retire, I bet the Mejiro family's gonna drag me into 'lady training' or something."
"Nah, you're perfect as is," Ryan says with a grin. "Maybe some etiquette lessons, but a refined Ran? Honestly, no one's asking for that."
"Wow, you don't hold back, do you?" Rampage fake-pouts. "I might cry, you know."
"You? Cry over that?" Ryan laughs. "No way."
"Pfft, yeah, I'd never."
They both know Rampage isn't the type to crumble over something so small. The two burst into laughter, diving into talk about their recent lives. Ryan's been visiting the Mejiro estate often, where Dobel and Bright pester her with questions—about the academy, her friendship with Shinzan, all of it. She's a bit overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Rampage shares her own story.
"So, Su-chan was hanging with Sirius, and she was so thrilled about it, she wouldn't stop gushing," Rampage says, chuckling.
"Su-chan, huh? Only you could call Speed Symboli that," Ryan says, impressed. "She's not exactly the warm-and-fuzzy type."
"I'm used to it. I've chatted with the Emperor himself, you know. Even a Dubai sheikh or two."
"That's cheating!" Ryan protests, laughing.
The moment feels light, peaceful. As they talk, Ryan catches a glimpse of Rampage's carefree smile and is hit with a wave of nostalgia—memories of visiting Ran's house, splashing in the river, napping together under the summer sun. Those days feel so close.
"Hey, Ran," Ryan says suddenly, "let's go somewhere soon. Just the two of us, like old times."
"Sounds good. I could drive us somewhere far."
"Ooh, maybe a hot spring?"
"Hot springs, huh? Aren't we a bit young for that vibe?" Rampage teases.
"What, as athletes?" Ryan giggles.
They burst out laughing again. Retirement can wait—there's plenty of time to figure it out. For now, they'll savor the moment, this fleeting, joyful present.
"So, Agnes Flora, what does Rampage mean to you?"
"She's someone I absolutely have to catch."
A chill runs down Rampage's spine. "Why do I suddenly feel so uneasy…?"
"Sorry, Flora," Ryan says with a sheepish grin. "I wanna back you up, but I don't think I can…"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"