October 26th, XXXX
"Wow." Riku glanced down at where he had been tightly gripping his table. The stress from watching the Kikuka Sho had been intense. A race at 3000 meters was undoubtedly outside of Maruzensky's comfort zone, but she still managed to pull out a win against such a competitive final straight. It really did feel like Green Grass was going to overtake her towards the end, only for her to use the domain/zone for that extra burst she needed to win.
A pensive frown appeared on Riku's face as the people around him cheered. Maruzensky had a couple of races available to her for the rest of the year: the Mile Championship, the Japan Cup, or the Arima Kinen. All three races would put her up against older Umamusume, such as Ten Point or Tosho Boy, as examples, meaning the competition would be even stronger than what she went against here. Was the extra 600 meters in distance compared to the Tokyo Yushun the difference in Maruzensky's struggles, or was her previous injury still hampering her?
Riku grumbled lightly as he rubbed his hair. There was no point speculating; he'd just have to see what happens moving forward. Amidst the cheering and conversation, a cleared throat to his left caught his attention. Speed Symboli stood there, with Mejiro Asama.
"I suppose, congratulations are in order." Speed Symboli huffed as she glanced at him before looking back at the track. "To think we'd witness a Triple Crown Champion today." Speed's words contained a trace of bitterness that Riku and Asama noticed. Riku himself was confused at hearing it, but Asama had a knowing smile on her face.
"You're upset it wasn't Rudolf to become the first Triple Crown in over twenty years, hmm?" Asama had her face covered with a fan, but her eyes showed clear amusement. By the disgruntled look on Speed's face, she had hit the nail right on the head.
"Haaah!? What nonsense are you talking about now?" Speed looked at her rival with an annoyed expression, a light blush dusting her cheeks.
"Hohohoh! You're looking quite flustered for my guess to be wrong, no?" Asama retorted as she and Speed proceeded to mock one another. Right in front of him. Riku rolled his eyes at their antics. Even while being retired and the heads of their respective families, they couldn't help but bicker all the time. Like an older version of Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet. He quietly stood and stepped away from the arguing duo and looked towards their families behind them. The Mejiro children were conversing with each other in hushed whispers, while Rudolf and Sirius seemed to stare intently at the track.
Riku hummed in thought after looking at them. He wondered how Rudolf would see such a dominant run for the Triple Crown, reminiscent of her run in the coming years. Then again, this wasn't the fabled Emperor of the Turf yet. He'd hold off on such comparisons yet. Shaking his head briefly, Riku wandered over to his group, who were still reeling from the race itself. Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross were cheering with their families, well, Oguri Cap was. Tamamo Cross seemed torn between being happy at the exciting race, but also upset that Azuma Hunter lost yet again. It was cute that she was feeling attached to Azuma Hunter.
Behind them was an expected yet slightly surprising sight, with Vega looking amazed at the race while holding onto Admire Vega. The surprise was that Buckshot had taken a seat next to her, while holding onto Sunday Vega, her eyes wide as she stared at the track. Where was Opal?
"GK!" Riku fought a scream of surprise as, after a full glance around, Opal had just suddenly appeared right next to him. (He totally missed her.) He clutched his beating heart as he attempted to calm down, with Opal just giving him a look that he was being ridiculous at the moment.
After taking a deep breath, Riku clapped his hands loudly. Every person present snapped their heads in his direction, including those outside of his group. "Ahem. Unless everyone wants to miss the winning live concerts, I suggest we get moving." He smiled as those outside of his group hurried towards the exit with immediate haste. That was warranted, after all, today was going to be a double concert. One for the top three runners once again, and one personal concert for Maruzensky to celebrate her Triple Crown. He was excited to hear it.
His eyes tracked the differing levels of excitement among his group and the Symboli/Mejiro families. Buckshot met his eyes and made to hand Sunday back over to her mother before he waved it off. Opal was more than enough; she could enjoy some quality time with her 'friend'.
He grinned as the room finally cleared up, and his group formed up near him. Buckshot still held onto Sunday Vega as she stood by, with White Narubi and Green Chateau holding their children's hands as they stood by.
"Shall we?"
Brief Timeskip - At the Venue
"Let's start!" Maruzensky cheered as she stood before the crowd, Green Grass taking the position on her right, and Azuma Hunter on her left. She glanced over both and received nods before she turned back to the crowd with a smile.
"Powering ahead to my dreams
Pulse running at blinding speed
Don't care what I leave behind 'cause I'm gonna win and nothing's ever stoppin' me!"
Maruzensky smiled as she twirled her microphone, meeting the adoring eyes of the crowd.
"(No fear) I've only got one shot
(Trust you) Burn every second I've got
Take a chance with me
I'll show you how to believe!"
Azuma and Green smiled at the crowd as they went back-to-back to sing along.
"I've I'm gonna give it all I know
I'll even make luck my own
I'll orchestrate destiny
So fortune listens to me,"
Maruzensky's smile grew as her eyes picked out Twin Turbo's distinct hair, standing next to little Chiyono O, along with their families.
"Accelerating now, never backing down
There's a place I'm meant to be
That I haven't reached yet
Still got glory left to seize
I ain't afraid to cry
'Cause I know that I'll pull through in the end
The tears are where my story begins
Goal after goal, forever
Winning the soul!"
Explosions of fire jetted out as they sang together, a massive cheer being let out by the crowd as they neared the end. Maruzensky's eyes tracked through the crowd as the music break hit, giving her a moment to breathe. Her eyes lit up upon noticing her father standing in the crowd with a familiar group. She had to hold back a laugh upon seeing Chairman Riku right next to him, completely decked out in Maruzensky fan gear as he waved his lights along. "So silly, haha."
"Take hold and don't let go
You can choose your road
So show the world your dreams
Raise them up proud and high
Be brave and try
Take flight!" Green Grass and Azuma Hunter took steps back, taking their mics with them as Maruzensky stepped forward for the final chorus, her eyes shining.
"Accelerating now, never backing down
There's a place I'm meant to be
That I haven't reached yet
Still got glory left to seize
I ain't afraid to cry
'Cause I know that I'll pull through in the end
The tears are where my story begins
Goal after goal, forever
Winning the soul!"
The three Umamusume stepped aside as they posed with their microphones, with one final thunderous shot being let out to signify the end of the song.
[I'm copy/pasting the lyrics, hence the format they're in.]
The crowd broke out into applause, their cheers echoing as the stage faded to black and the singers quietly stepped backstage. Maruzensky turned to look at her two rivals with a smile, all in similar states of light exhaustion. She surged forward and hugged both of them around the necks.
"That was great! Thank you!~" She smiled cheerfully, as Azuma Hunter wheezed from the force of her hug, while Green Grass had anticipated her actions well, and had an arm as a barrier between Maruzensky's arm and her neck.
"Gk! Maru!" Azuma attempted to speak, but her speech came out garbled. Green Grass merely endured with a light grunt before Maruzensky stepped back, her warm smile still in place.
"Truly. Thank you." She tilted her head as she looked at the two fondly. Green Grass sniffed daintily, while Azuma Hunter rubbed her neck lightly.
"Hm. It was fun, all things considered." Green smiled lightly as she looked at Maruzensky, before quietly walking away. Maruzensky hummed as she watched Green walk away, knowing she'd wear her down eventually. Her gaze went back to her rival and current closest friend, who grumbled before looking at her.
"One more performance, right?" She questioned, getting a nod from Maruzensky. Maruzensky's gaze went back towards the curtains that had closed, hearing the stage being prepped for her solo performance. Azuma stared at her upon noticing the silence following her question. She stepped forward, motioning to give a slap to Maruzensky's back before changing her mind. She quietly wrapped an arm around Maruzensky's shoulders, even as a small blush appeared on her face from the embarrassing action.
Maruzensky gave a startled glance to her friend, who looked at her uncharacteristically soft. "You've got this. Come on now." Azuma gave her a flat look and a light shove forward, as Maruzensky heard her name called through the curtains.
"And now… a solo performance from your Triple Crown Champion. Give it up, for Maruzensky!" A cheer echoed through as Maruzensky looked towards her rival… no, her closest friend, with a soft smile and slightly teary eyes. She mouthed a thank you before stepping forward. Azuma attempted to look on with crossed arms and a smirk before an employee hurriedly grabbed her, as she was still standing on the stage.
The noise level immediately died down as Maruzensky stepped forward, the curtains parting to reveal their Triple Crown Champion. Maruzensky was still dressed in her stage outfit, a microphone held in her hand as she stepped forward. The silence rang louder than any she had felt before, as she continued to walk forward until she reached the center stage. She glanced around, taking in the faces she didn't know, and those she did. Strangers, friends, family, she saw them all. This was her moment.
She took a deep breath while staring upwards, before glancing back to her waiting crowd with a smile. "Here we go~." She cheerfully held up a peace sign before starting.
[This song is known as Kindan Burning Heart, Maruzensky's Solo Song. I'm directly translating it from https://umamusume.fandom.com/wiki/Kindan_Burning_Heart , so it might be a bit inaccurate.]
A funky beat began to play, as Maruzensky swayed from side to side.
"You saw it just now, right?
It's kinda cute, but
Sorry, gotta hold off.
Hey, which one do you like?
Tell me quickly!
Hey, can you hold out?
It's now or never, just the two of us—CHANCE!"
She smiled as a cheer erupted, the penlights swaying with her words.
"My real name is a SUPERCAR
You idiot, you really love it, don't you?"
Maruzensky met her father's eyes during this, sending a wink in his direction as she spun.
"Close your eyes, feeling the Wind
If you don't rush, you won't reach it
Count to three, You and Me
No need for clumsy games
Close your eyes, feeling the Wind
Someone, hurry up and win
Count to three, the park view
My heart's about to burst (no no no no)
Forbidden Burning Heart!!"
Maruzensky danced, a carefree smile on her face as she waved a peace sign to the crowd with a laugh. The crowd chanted the chorus alongside her.
"Are you giving up on lying?
I hate good kids
Night has a different face
Notice how I'm teasing you
Hey, which one do you like?
Tell me quickly
See? It's tingling, isn't it?
Now's the time, just the two of us CHANCE."
The crowd roared as she sang, completely enthralled in the performance.
"My real name is a SUPERCAR
You idiot, you can't even live properly!"
Maruzensky danced as the song went into a sax solo, a beaming smile on her face as she waved to the crowd.
"Hold on to me
If you don't hold on tight, you won't reach me
Count to three, you and me
No need for clumsy games
Close your eyes, hold on to me
Someone, hurry up and take me
Count to three, see the light
My heart's about to burst (no no no no)
This THRILL Burning Heart!!"
Maruzensky made eye contact with CB and Ace, who had joined up with the main group, both watching her with crossed arms and smiles.
"My real name is a SUPERCAR
You idiot, even though you really love it!"
Maruzensky's eyes scanned the rest of those she could recognize, taking in their shining eyes and excited smiles throughout the performance; she beamed with happiness. Her eyes landed on her father's group, taking in the wide eyes of the children and their mothers. However, her eyes stared intently into the eyes of the goofy but serious man leading the group.
"Close your eyes, feeling the Wind
If you don't lean in, it won't reach you
Count to three, You and Me
No need for clumsy games
Close your eyes, Hold on Me
Someone, hurry up and take me
Count to three, see the light
My heart's about to burst (no no no no)
Forbidden Burning Heart!!"
Maruzensky punctuated her words with a shout, holding up her fist as a final series of sparks shot out, the music ending abruptly with her pose. The silence afterwards lasted less than a moment, before the ground seemed to rumble from the crowd's excitement.
"Maruzensky, Maruzensky, Maruzensky!" It was chanted as Maruzensky stood, an exhausted but happy expression on her face. The chants continued for a bit as she watched on, taking the time to catch her breath. After a bit, the crowd quieted, realizing Maruzensky was still standing there, waiting to speak.
"Everyone!" Maruzensky called out to the crowd. "Thank you so much!" She thanked the crowd, bowing deeply as she did so. A variety of cheers and well-wishes echoed out before she stood fully again, her eyes slightly watery as she looked on.
"To be honest…" Maruzensky began, glancing around the room as she did so. "I never imagined that I'd be standing here like this." Her words caused some confusion as they traded looks.
"Just last year, I was told that I wouldn't be allowed to race in the Classics. To accomplish my dream, to run in the Tokyo Yushun." Maruzensky looked upward, seeing something past the stage lights far above her. "I was still having fun; there was nothing better than running to me. But, still. It hurt to know I wouldn't be allowed to run in those races." Maruzensky's eyes watered as she rubbed her eyes with her sleeve.
"But… a miracle happened." Maruzensky's eyes once again found the URA's Chairman, his goofy outfit still getting a quirk of her lips. "I was allowed into the Classics; I was allowed a chance to run on the highest stage Japan has to offer. For that, I will forever be grateful." Maruzensky's tears flowed freely as the crowd watched, completely floored. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance. I'll do my best to prove you weren't wrong, to believe in me." Maruzensky held out her signature peace sign to the crowd, the silence broken yet again by another cheer.
"Until next time, Ciao!" Maruzensky waved as she comically ran off, the lights still on as she ran towards the back of the stage and disappeared. The crowd was reluctant to leave, the performance and words still echoing with them. The man who met Maruzensky's eyes at the end of her speech was definitely among those, as he took off his glasses to wipe his eyes. Someone had clearly been cutting too many onions near him.
A look around showed he wasn't alone, as many had been victims of the onion-cutting ninja's with their teary and red eyes as they slowly left the venue. Mejiro Asama and Speed Symboli looked at him, their eyes not red like others, but uncharacteristically soft as they patted him lightly on the shoulder before walking by. Their families followed behind, Sirius giving him a pat as she went by, her eyes redder than even his as she tried to hide it. Rudolf wore a stone-faced expression as she went by, but her inability to walk straight clearly showed she had been affected.
The Mejiro family was in differing states, with things coming to a close. Palmer and Ryan wore their awe and tears openly, torn between bawling and cheering after Maruzensky finished. McQueen's eyes were very red, and a wet handkerchief was still held in her hand. Ramonu surprised him as she let her tears flow freely. She gave him a warm smile, passing by with a wave. Ardan was the most composed, her eyes red as she held McQueen's hand as they passed by him.
Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross both wore teary expressions, their mothers no different, as Maruzensky's heartfelt words seemed to resonate with everyone. Although Oguri seemed to be better off, and was focusing on cheering up Tamamo Cross.
The duo that was the worst off was right next to him. Unsurprisingly, Maruzensky's father and trainer, Vincent, was bawling his eyes out, while muttering how proud he was of his daughter. He couldn't blame the man; his daughter had accomplished something truly amazing. The surprise was that Buckshot, who was still with Vega and her two children, was bawling almost as much as the man. Since when was she so invested!? Wait. Riku squinted his eyes as he saw her tightly holding Vega's hand as she 'bawled' so openly. That sly do… horse. Absolutely sly, that one.
"Still, it was a good day indeed. Your story isn't over yet, Maruzensky. I can't wait to see what's next in store for you." Riku, the superfan and Chairman of the URA, smiled warmly as he wiped his eyes once more. Today was a good day.
CHAPTER END