The gap between Peach Waves and Silent Suzuka had narrowed to a mere length.
Meanwhile, Condor and Grass Wonder had stalled, unable to keep up. They were now six lengths behind Peach Waves.
In the support section, King Halo's eyes sparkled with joy.
"Yes! This is it! This is the figure I've been waiting for!"
She clutched her light sign, waving it stiffly compared to the more practiced fans beside her.
"Come on, Peach Waves!"
Scarlet watched nervously.
"The final 200 meters are coming up. Do you think Peach Waves can win?"
Gold Ship, unusually serious, nodded.
"Probably. I didn't expect her to surge forward like this… powered by friendship and bonds!"
Vodka groaned.
"What friendship and bonds? You just met her!"
Okino glanced at his stopwatch.
"Two hundred meters… here it comes."
As Peach Waves exited the curve, she launched into the final straightaway.
The air around her shimmered. Her eyes gleamed. Sweat sparkled like gems in the sunlight.
"Last 200 meters. Final burst. Surpass her!"
She gritted her teeth and pressed down hard.
Bang!
Her figure blurred—another acceleration.
"She's speeding up again?!"
Tamamo Cross nearly dropped her snack.
Oguri Cap paused mid-chip.
"I should've packed an extra lunch… I'm out of snacks for tonight."
Tamamo Cross blinked.
"Wait… those are my chips!"
On the field, Silent Suzuka felt the pink-white hair blur beside her.
She glanced sideways—Peach Waves was right there.
You caught up, Peach Waves. But I won't give up the lead.
She pushed harder, but no matter how fast she ran, Peach Waves kept gaining.
Then—Peach Waves passed her.
"How…?"
Suzuka stared in disbelief as the cheers erupted from the crowd.
"If she holds this for the last 50 meters, she'll win!"
Rudolf Symboli murmured, arms crossed.
"She should be in Tracen. I've seen her train. Her strength and effort are undeniable."
Suzuka realized the scenery around her had dimmed—Peach Waves was now ahead.
Her pink-white hair fluttered like a banner.
She's… beautiful.
No! Suzuka, focus! You have to catch up!
Her eyes sharpened. She surged forward.
But just as Peach Waves neared the finish, her left foot cramped. Her balance faltered—and she fell.
Suzuka, two lengths behind, overtook her and crossed the finish line first.
Condor and Grass Wonder followed.
But none of them looked happy.
"Peach Waves! Are you okay?!"
Suzuka rushed over and lifted her gently.
"I'm fine… just a cramp," Peach Waves gasped.
Condor and Grass Wonder joined them, concerned.
A soft fragrance lingered around them. Suzuka didn't notice, but the other two leaned in slightly, drawn to it.
"You were amazing, Peach Waves. Your speed was unreal!"
"We couldn't hold you back. You disrupted our rhythm completely."
Peach Waves smiled weakly.
"It was just luck. You two were strong early on. I barely found a gap."
The crowd relaxed, seeing it was only a cramp.
Okino wasn't worried. He knew Peach Waves trained hard every day. Injuries were inevitable.
"She scared me.." Scarlet muttered.
"So close… just two or three steps from the finish," Vodka sighed.
Suzuka, still holding Peach Waves, stood up and carried her off the field.
"Suzuka-chan, I can walk… Where are you taking me?"
Suzuka didn't answer. She passed Hana Toujou and called out:
"I'm taking Peach Waves to the infirmary, Trainer!"
Condor and Grass Wonder watched, stunned.
"She's fast… even when helping."
"Let's go find the trainer."
They followed quietly.
Okino scratched his head.
"Well, the match is over. Let's head back."
Across the stands, King Halo stared at Suzuka's retreating figure, conflicted.
Why did I let her take Peach Waves? I should've gone… Did Peach Waves agree to that? I heard her say no…
On a quiet trail, Suzuka finally stopped running.
Blushing, she looked down at Peach Waves in her arms.
"Um… can you put me down?"
"Sorry, Suzuka-chan. I was impulsive…"
They reached a bench. Suzuka gently set her down and bowed.
Peach Waves smiled, calming herself. She pulled out her recovery spray.
Suzuka quickly snatched it.
"Let me. I was too anxious earlier."
"Okay…"
Peach Waves was surprised by her tenderness.
Suzuka rolled up her trouser leg, revealing her pale calf, and gently pressed the sore spot.
"Hiss…"
"Sorry!"
"It's fine. Just spray it."
Suzuka did, and the pain faded quickly.
She placed the spray aside and began kneading the muscle.
Peach Waves blushed.
"W-What are you doing?!"
"I think it'll help. Just a little massage."
"The spray's enough! Really!"
She pulled her leg away, lowered her pant leg, and stood up.
The pain was gone.
"Thanks, Suzuka-chan."
She picked up the spray and turned to leave.
"Peach Waves…"
"Yes?"
"Can I come over after school?"
"Of course. Come anytime."
Suzuka's ears perked up. Her tail swayed faster.
Peach Waves watched her, smiling softly.
She feels guilty for winning… and wants to comfort me. What a gentle soul.