The sound of footsteps and the soft click of crutches echoed faintly through the academy halls as Hiyori followed just behind Gold Ship. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. Every corner of Tracen seemed alive, from the smell of grass wafting in from the track, to the distant footsteps of students in the training fields.
And right as she took her first step deeper into the heart of the school, the gentle tone of the system chimed in her head.
[New Quest Received]
Quest Title: Explore the Academy!
Objective: Familiarize yourself with Tracen Academy under the guidance of Gold Ship.
Progress: 0%
Reward: A mysterious companion.
Hiyori blinked in surprise but didn't say anything aloud. Her heart fluttered with curiosity. 'A mysterious companion? What could that mean?'
Gold Ship glanced over her shoulder, catching the thoughtful look on the little girl's face. "You okay, Hiyori? You're kinda quiet there."
"Um, I'm okay," Hiyori replied quickly, giving a shy smile. "Just… looking around."
Gold Ship gave a small nod. "Heh, good. Tracen's a big place, easy to get lost if you don't pay attention. I'll make sure you don't."
Her tone wasn't teasing this time, it was a bit firm, but warm.
As they walked, Gold Ship pointed out the various places with a calm, almost thoughtful stride. "That's the main track. We use it for most practices. That side has classrooms, and over there's the dorms, though yours is on the quieter side."
Hiyori's eyes followed every direction she pointed, her expression full of quiet awe. "I didn't think schools could be this big.."
Gold Ship chuckled softly, the sound low and genuine. "Yeah, it's something, isn't it? Took me months to remember which hallway led where. I got lost so many times the janitor thought I lived here."
Hiyori giggled a tiny, soft laugh that made Gold Ship glance at her from the corner of her eye.
They passed through the training grounds next, where other Uma Musume were running laps or doing drills. Hiyori stopped to watch, eyes wide with admiration as the students raced past, their feet pounding the ground in perfect rhythm.
"They're amazing…" she whispered.
Gold Ship tilted her head slightly, watching her expression. "You'll get there too, y'know. Maybe not right now, but someday."
Hiyori blinked up at her, caught off guard by the certainty in Gold Ship's voice.
"Someday?"
"Yeah." Gold Ship smiled faintly, eyes softening. "Everyone starts somewhere. Doesn't matter how far back the line you think you are, what matters is that you start at all."
[Quest Progress: 12%]
The system message flickered faintly in Hiyori's vision, but this time she didn't even pause. Something about those words settled inside her, like a small spark of warmth in her chest.
They continued the tour, from the music hall to the library, then the practice courts and the dorm gardens. Every so often, Hiyori stopped to admire something, a mural painted by the students, the smell of fresh flowers, the soft sound of distant laughter.
Gold Ship never rushed her. Though she walked briskly by habit, she slowed her pace every time Hiyori hesitated. And when the little Uma stumbled or her arms trembled slightly from supporting herself, Gold Ship casually pretended to stop and "point something out", giving her small rests without making her feel noticed.
[Quest Progress: 28%]
After nearly an hour, they found themselves at the far edge of the campus, where a gentle breeze rolled through the open track fields. Gold Ship leaned against the fence, glancing toward the sky.
"Pretty quiet out here," she murmured, half to herself.
Hiyori nodded, adjusting her crutches and smiling faintly. "It's nice. The wind feels… nice."
"Yeah," Gold Ship said, her eyes softening. "You can breathe easier here."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, not uncomfortable, just peaceful. Hiyori closed her eyes, feeling the wind brush her face.
[Quest Progress: 40%]
Gold Ship's gaze lingered on her a little longer. There was something strange about the feeling she got when she looked at this kid… a faint, inexplicable sense of familiarity. It wasn't just sympathy or concern, but she couldn't name it.
'Why do I feel like I've known her before?'
They'd been walking for nearly an hour now. The warm sun had climbed higher, and though Hiyori's steps remained steady, her arms trembled faintly with each motion of the crutches. She tried to hide it, pressing her lips together as she focused on the rhythmic click, step, click, step.
Gold Ship glanced down at her every so often. The kid's smile hadn't faded, but there was a stiffness in her posture, the kind that came from pushing herself too far.
"…Hey," Gold Ship said suddenly, slowing her pace.
Hiyori blinked up, startled. "Huh?"
Without another word, Gold Ship crouched down in front of her and turned slightly, patting her own back. "Hop on."
"Eh?! I-I can walk, really! I'm fine!" Hiyori stammered, waving her hands.
Gold Ship didn't even look back, just tilted her head with a raised brow. "You're shaking, kiddo. I can hear it in your steps. Don't think I didn't notice."
"I… I can still-"
"Not asking," Gold Ship interrupted, her tone light but firm. "I'm telling you. C'mon, before your arms fall off."
Hiyori hesitated, eyes darting between her crutches and Gold Ship's waiting back. Finally, with a shy, reluctant nod, she lifted herself carefully and wrapped her small arms around the older Uma's shoulders.
Gold Ship stood with practiced ease, supporting the girl's weight as if she weighed nothing. "See? Told you I could carry you easy. You're light as a feather, you know that?"
Hiyori's face flushed red. "T-that's embarrassing to say out loud…"
Gold Ship chuckled, a real laugh this time, not her usual mischievous kind. "Embarrassing? Nah. Means I can keep this up all day."
[Quest Progress: 45%]
They resumed the tour, though this time the view for Hiyori was different, her small hands gripping Gold Ship's shoulders as she looked around with wide eyes.
"Whoa…" she whispered. "It's even bigger than I thought."
Gold Ship smiled faintly. "Told ya. From up here, you can really see how much life there is in this place. You'll get used to it, it just takes a bit of time."
Hiyori tilted her head. "You really like it here, don't you?"
Gold Ship's steps slowed slightly. Her gaze softened, focused somewhere far beyond the buildings ahead. "…Yeah," she said quietly. "I guess I do. Been through a lot here, ups, downs, races, rivalries. But it's home."
[Quest Progress: 52%]
Hiyori rested her chin on Gold Ship's shoulder, smiling faintly. "Home…" she repeated, as if tasting the word. It felt distant, almost foreign… yet warm.
Gold Ship noticed the tone in her voice, but didn't press. Instead, she adjusted her hold and spoke with a lighter tone. "Hey, you hungry? There's a place near the courtyard that sells sweet buns. Pretty sure you'll love them."
"Sweet buns?" Hiyori's ears perked. "They sound yummy!"
Gold Ship grinned. "Knew that'd perk you up. Alright then, next stop, the snack stall."
[Quest Progress: 60%]
By the time they reached the courtyard, Gold Ship could feel the girl's grip on her shoulders loosen slightly. The kid's eyes sparkled with wonder as she took in every part of the academy life around them, the chatter of students, the soft rustle of leaves, the laughter that echoed faintly across the open space.
Gold Ship ordered the sweet buns and handed one to Hiyori, who took it with both hands, steam rising from the fluffy treat.
"It's warm…" she murmured.
"Best ones in Tracen," Gold Ship said proudly, biting into hers. "Don't burn your tongue."
Hiyori giggled softly before taking a bite and immediately her eyes widened. "It's so good!"
Gold Ship smirked. "Knew it. Told ya this tour came with perks."
[Quest Progress: 70%]
They sat together on a bench under the trees, the breeze carrying faint petals through the air. For a while, neither spoke, content in the quiet, in the sunlight, and in the gentle hum of life around them.
Gold Ship glanced sideways at the little Uma beside her, now nibbling on her second bun with visible effort to pace herself this time.
There it was again… that strange, faint sense of familiarity. It wasn't logical. She had never met this kid before yesterday, and yet… her presence felt oddly close.
Like a distant memory that refused to fade.
Gold Ship crossed her arms, leaning back on the bench. "You're something else, kid," she murmured under her breath, just loud enough for herself.
Hiyori looked up at her curiously. "Hmm?"
Gold Ship waved it off with a grin. "Nothin. Just thinking."
The gentle breeze swayed the branches overhead as the two Uma Musume finished their snacks. Gold Ship dusted off her hands and stood, stretching lazily before turning toward the academy buildings again.
"Alright, little explorer," she said with an easy grin, "we've still got a few spots left before we wrap this up. Think you're up for it?"
Hiyori blinked and then nodded, though she clutched her crutches with a small, uncertain smile. "Mhm… I'll try."
Gold Ship crouched slightly and tapped her shoulder. "No need. I've gotcha."
Before Hiyori could protest, she found herself lifted once again, her small arms instinctively wrapping around Gold Ship's neck.
She let out a soft "eep" but didn't resist. It was oddly comforting, being carried like this.
[Quest Progress: 75%]
The next stop was the training field. Even from a distance, Hiyori could feel the intensity radiating from it, the rhythmic pounding of feet, the steady shouts of instructors, and the determination that filled the air like a heartbeat.
Gold Ship stopped at the railing, setting Hiyori down so she could see properly. "This," she said proudly, "is where most of us train. Everything from stamina work to speed drills happens here. You can almost taste the effort in the air."
Hiyori stared, wide-eyed. The runners blurred past in streaks of color, their tails streaming behind them like ribbons. Every thundering step echoed deep in her chest.
"It's… amazing," she whispered. "They all look so strong…"
Gold Ship crossed her arms, her gaze softening slightly. "Yeah. They've all worked hard for that strength." She tilted her head down toward Hiyori. "But you know what's even more important than strength?"
Hiyori looked up at her curiously. "What?"
"Heart." Gold Ship smiled. "Strength gets you to the starting line. But heart? That's what gets you to the finish."
Hiyori blinked… and then smiled faintly. "Heart…"
[Quest Progress: 82%]
They left the field and passed through the main courtyard again, this time heading toward the library. Gold Ship carried her once more. Hiyori's exhaustion now plain in the slight droop of her ears and the way her eyes blinked slower with every passing minute.
Inside, the library was vast, rows upon rows of shelves, stretching higher than she could reach. The quiet was so thick it felt sacred.
Gold Ship lowered her voice automatically. "If you ever need peace, this is where to find it. Good books, good silence, good smell." She grinned. "Don't tell the others, but I nap here sometimes."
Hiyori giggled softly. "You nap… in the library?"
"Only the best naps," Gold Ship whispered, holding a finger to her lips.
[Quest Progress: 90%]
As they stepped outside again, the sunlight hit them once more, warm and soft. The tour had lasted far longer than Gold Ship planned, yet she didn't mind. Watching Hiyori's expressions shift from nervous to curious to quietly happy was worth every minute.
"Alright," Gold Ship said as they reached a small garden tucked between dorm wings, "last stop. My favorite place on campus."
The garden was filled with flowers of all colors, arranged in small spirals and arcs that followed the flow of the wind. A small fountain trickled in the middle, its water glimmering in the light.
Hiyori's breath caught. "It's so… pretty…"
Gold Ship smiled faintly, hands on her hips. "Told ya I'd show you something special. This spot's quiet. Peaceful. You can think here."
She crouched to meet Hiyori's eye level, expression softer now. "When I was new here, I used to come here whenever I was lost. Didn't know what I wanted… who I wanted to be. But this place reminded me it was okay to take my time."
Hiyori stared at the water's reflection, her tail curling slightly. "…I think I like it here too."
Gold Ship nodded, satisfied. "Then that makes us the same, huh?"
[Quest Complete: 100%]
[Reward distribution pending…]
The air shimmered faintly around Hiyori for just a moment… so faint that Gold Ship didn't notice. A small, warm breeze brushed against the girl's cheek, carrying a faint whisper only she could hear.
"Reward will be distributed soon…"
Hiyori blinked, looking up at the sky as the voice faded. She didn't fully understand it… but she felt a surge of anticipation for this new "companion".
Gold Ship stretched, turning toward the dorms. "Alright, that's enough adventure for today. Let's get you back before Rudolf hunts me down for skipping class again."
Hiyori giggled, still smiling as Gold Ship lifted her once more.
The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, tinting the walls of Tracen Academy with warm hues of gold. The tour had ended, and the once-restless Hiyori was now dozing lightly on Gold Ship's back, her arms looped loosely around the tall Uma's shoulders.
"Out cold, huh?" Gold Ship chuckled softly as she walked down the dorm corridor. "Guess that's what happens when you explore the whole academy on your first day."
She stopped in front of a familiar door, the same dorm room where Hiyori had slept the night before. Carefully, she crouched down and set the girl on her feet. Hiyori blinked groggily, rubbing her eyes as she looked up.
"Back home," Gold Ship said gently, brushing a few stray strands of hair from Hiyori's face. "Get some rest, alright? You've earned it."
Hiyori smiled faintly. "…Thank you… Gold Ship."
Gold Ship grinned. "Heh. Anytime, kiddo. Just don't tell Rudolf I skipped classes for this."
Hiyori giggled, her soft laugh like a small bell, and nodded before pushing the door open.
Inside, the dorm room was quiet and softly lit by the afternoon glow. The curtains swayed gently with the breeze from the open window, and the faint scent of fresh linen hung in the air. She let out a small sigh, closing the door behind her.
Her crutches clicked softly against the wooden floor as she crossed to her bed. She was ready to rest, maybe even nap for a bit before evening… but as she approached, her ears flicked.
There was a sound. A huff. Then… a low whinny.
Her body froze.
Her eyes darted toward the corner of the room and her breath caught at the sight.
Standing there, calmly eating from a bowl of hay that definitely hadn't been there before, was a horse.
Not an Uma Musume. Not a girl with ears and a tail.
A real horse.
Its coat gleamed a deep black bay under the sunlight, almost like polished obsidian. Its eyes showed curiousity, his eyes lifted toward her as it gave another cheerful whinny, tail swishing.
Hiyori's jaw dropped.
"…A… horse?" she whispered, stepping back instinctively. "T-That's… impossible… there aren't… there shouldn't be…"
She trailed off, her mind spinning. Horses didn't exist in this world. She knew that. They couldn't. Uma Musume were their own kind, born runners, companions, athletes, but the concept of horses was something of another world entirely. Her world.
The animal took a few slow steps forward, hooves tapping gently against the floor. It lowered its head and gave a small snort, almost as if to reassure her. Then, to her astonishment, it nodded just once, like it understood her confusion.
Her system chimed, the translucent text materializing in front of her vision.
[Quest Complete - "Familiarize Yourself with Tracen Academy"]
Reward: Mysterious Companion Unlocked
Name: Fenomeno (Nickname: Mame-chin)
Type: Companion (Support)
Disposition: Calm, Loyal, Protective
Note: "He seems to recognize you from somewhere…"
The horse Fenomeno tilted his head and gave a nicker, stepping closer. His presence radiated something gentle, an aura that immediately put her racing heart at ease.
Hiyori reached out hesitantly, her small hand trembling slightly. The horse's muzzle brushed her palm, warm and soft, and her chest tightened with an emotion she couldn't name.
"…You… you're really here…" she whispered, voice trembling between awe and disbelief.
Fenomeno gave a proud, almost smug neigh in response, loud enough to make her jump slightly before he shook his mane as if laughing.
A giggle escaped her lips despite her confusion. "You're… really loud.." she murmured softly, smiling through her fatigue. "But you also seem nice."
He nodded again, as if agreeing with her words.
The girl sank onto her bed, exhaustion washing over her again. The day had been long, overwhelming, but wonderful. Her crutches rested by her side, and the quiet sounds of Fenomeno shifting near the window lulled her senses.
The sunlight painted them both in a golden haze.
A young Uma Musume and a loyal horse from another world, an impossible sight in a world that had never known horses.
And yet, somehow… it felt right.
Hiyori's eyes fluttered shut, her breathing slowing as Fenomeno stood watch beside her bed, ears flicking gently toward every sound.
(A/N): Sorry for the late release, I got real lazy on the finale part of the chapter when trying to decide on how fenomeno would appear… but nonetheless the chapter is here! Also when goldship recognized hiyori it's because of fenomeno! And i decided to add a few things of my own to gold ship so I hope you guys don't mind, if you have any complaints then say it immediately and I will try to slightly adjust the story to make your experience better!