A/N: DYK, I wrote this while drunk. I'm not kidding. I just briefly checked it and corrected some mistakes so if there are mistakes you see, blame my other self.
Also as you can see, I changed the dates. For example, it used to be June 7 1980, but I changed it to June 7, 198X. Why? Because the timeline in Umamusume is just so wacky, I cant stand seeing wrong dates in the timeline and such, so I did this minor change.
____________________
10:00 PM, Narita International Airport
The moment I stepped off the plane, humidity hit me like a wall.
Japan.
After three years, I'm finally home.
I dragged my luggage through customs, half-asleep... By the Goddesses, I'm dying... The flight had been too long, urgh My neck hurt from the uncomfortable seat, and I was pretty sure I'd watched the same movie twice without realizing it.
[HOST, YOU LOOK LIKE AWFUL.]
'Thanks, Rin. Really helpful.'
[JUST SAYING. YOUR MOTHER MIGHT CRY SEEING YOU LIKE THIS.]
'She's seen a lot worse.'
I made my way through the arrival gate, scanning the crowd for—
"MI~NA~MI~!" There she was, in the three years I spent on the states, she has not aged one bit in my eyes. She is still flat as board, and yet having that MILF energy.
I stopped briefly looking at my mother's face.
You know, she remind me of the MCs mother in Masamune-kun's Revenge. (A/N: If you know, you know...)
[HOST, DONT YOU REALIZE YOU MIGHT BE LUSTING OVER YOUR MOTHER?]
'Oh my God Rin, what's with you and your overimaginative mind?' She really knows how to ruin the moment... Anyways.
Mom stood near the barrier, waving frantically with her handkerchief like I might somehow miss her. Her black hair was shorter than I remembered, but it is styled in Side Plait, which is known widely as "Dead Anime Mom Hairstyle". She wore a simple white blouse and long skirt, and even from here I could see the tears forming in her eyes.
"Mom!"
I rushed over, nearly tripping over my suitcase in the process. The moment I reached her, she pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
"Welcome home, my Minami-kun~~," she whispered, she then proceeded to kiss me in the cheek like a pecking bird.
"I'm not a baby anymore, Mom." I tried to break off.
"You'll always be my baby." She pulled back, hands on my shoulders, studying my face. "You've gotten taller. And what's with this stubble? You look like a delinquent!"
You know your barber cooked when your mom calls your hairstyle bad. Maybe I'll send an additional tip to that guy. May the Goddesses bless him.
"Hmph. Adults know how to shave properly." But she was smiling, eyes glistening. "I missed you so much."
I sighed "I missed you too, Mom."
She hugged me again, and I let her. After three years apart, I guess she deserves this.
[ITS QUITE A TOUCHING SIGHT, BAKANAMI.]
'Yeah...'
After what felt like five minutes of hugging, Mom finally let go and grabbed one of my suitcases.
"Come on, let's get you home. You must be exhausted."
"Yeah, im dead tired right now."
We made our way to the parking lot, Mom chattering the entire time about neighborhood gossip, her new gardening hobby, and how the Yamaguchi's next door got a cat that keeps sneaking into our yard.
"Here we are!" She gestured to a sleek black sedan—newer than the car she'd had when I left.
"New car?"
"Your father sent money. Said I deserved something nice." She opened the trunk. "Now get in. I'm driving."
I moved to protest. "Mom, I might be tired, but i'll drive." I somehow got a bad feeling about this.
"Minami Laurent." She fixed me with that look. The one that meant arguing was futile. "You just spent twelve hours on a plane. You look like you're about to pass out. Get. In. The. Passenger. Seat." If looks could kill, I would have died a thousand times.
I didn't argue. Even though I'm scared of her driving, I still value my own life.
We went inside and mom turned on music.
Wait, why is it rock? Masaka...
"Hold on tight Minami-kun~~. Mom will show you her driving skills!"
*SCREEEECHHHHH*
The drive home was... How can I say this... Thrilling? I mean, she goes 80 in a strictly 40 highway, and she sometimes drift...
"BLEEGHHHHHH" I puked when we arrived home.
"Jeez, you're really overreacting Minami-kun, it wasn't even that fast y'know..." Mom said while her head rests on her right hand.
"Not fast my ass! It was a miracle even that-... Oh God... BLEEGHHH."
After puking for who knows how long, we went inside the house. There, mom prepared me some food.
"Chinese food?" I asked.
"Yeah, having too much time, I went a lot to UmaTube and watched a lot of food related stuff. I recently learned Chinese food so here we are!" Mom puffed her non-existent chest and nodded proudly.
"Wow..."
After that scuffle, we began eating. But my mom can't stop asking questions while eating.
"How was America?" Mom finally asked.
"Busy... And tiring, America sure is tough."
"That's it? Three years and all I get is 'busy, and tiring'?" She glanced at me. "What about that Umamusume you trained? Seattle Slew? I saw her races on TV. The people here can't stop gushing about her."
"Yeah. That's reasonable, Karen was special." I leaned back at the chair "Undefeated Triple Crown winner. Fifteen races, fifteen wins. Retired at the top."
"And you trained her."
"Dad and I trained her. I was just the apprentice."
"Minami." Mom's voice softened. "Don't sell yourself short. Your father told me everything. How you designed her training plans. How you stayed up late studying sports medicine. How she trusted you more than anyone."
"Sorry."
"She must have been sad when you left."
I sighed sadly remembering her honest personality.
"Yeah. But thankfully, she's happy."
After we are done eating I sat comfortably at the sofa, scrolling through my phone, while mom cleaned the dishes.
"Go take a bath and sleep," Mom ordered.
"Mom, i was sleepy but after that drive—"
"Did I stutter?"
"I was now incredibly sleepy. I'll sleep now." I gulped and decided to resign myself.
"Good."
Twenty minutes later, I was clean, fed, and face-down on my childhood bed.
The smell of that familiar detergent... That's when I knew I was truly home.
I was asleep before I could even finish the thought.
The Next Day
I woke up to sunlight streaming through my window. And the birds chirping. If I say birds, I mean a lot of them. Anymore, I would have became a Disney princess and have begun singing "For the First time in Forever".
I groaned, rolling over to check my phone. 11:47 AM.
"Holy crap, I slept for twelve hours?"
"Minami? You awake?" Mom's voice.
"Yeah, I'm up!"
"Good! Come outside when you're ready. I'm in the garden."
Garden?
I got dressed quickly—just a t-shirt and shorts—and made my way outside.
The backyard had changed.
Where there used to be just grass and a small patio, there were now raised garden beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Mom knelt beside a tomato plant, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and gardening gloves.
"Since when do you garden?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
She looked up, smiling. "Oh, this? Started about a year ago."
"But three years ago, you hated gardening. You said it was 'too much work for too little payoff.'"
"Well, people change." She pruned a dead leaf. "It's actually quite relaxing actually."
A comfortable silence washed between us.
"Hey, Mom?"
"Hm?"
"Did Luna visit while I was gone?"
Her face brightened. "Oh yes! That sweet girl came by quite often. Always so polite, always asking about you." She chuckled. "Though she stopped visiting last December."
My heart sank a little. "December? Why?"
"She said she needed to prepare for entering Tracen Academy. Training, studying, all that." Mom stood up, brushing dirt off her knees. "I told her she was always welcome here, but she was very determined."
"That sounds like her."
"She asked about you every single time, you know." Mom gave me a knowing look. "Always wanted to know when you'd come back. If you were doing well. If you mentioned her."
"She's a good girl, that Luna," Mom continued. "But she has changed. Back then, she was as energetic as a puppy, in her last visit in December though, she is much more reserved, very Noble lady like."
"Well, people change right?"
"Yeah..."
...
"Well, if you see her when you go to Tracen, tell her to visit more often. I miss her already." She shot me a pointed look. "Speaking of which, have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Then come inside. I'll make lunch."
"Mom, you don't have to-"
"Minami, get your butt inside before I drag you."
"Sigh, alright..."
The day, was very calm and pass by like a gentle breeze.
The Following Day
"I'm heading to Tracen Academy today," I announced over breakfast.
Mom looked up from her miso soup. "Already? You just got back."
"I need to change my trainer's license from the American system to the Japanese one. Plus, I should check in with the administration since I'll be working there starting next semester."
"Mm, that makes sense." She sipped her soup thoughtfully. "But don't take too long. I want to spend more time with you while I still can." She grinned maliciously. Oh God, I don't know what she'll do to me...
"W-well..." I started with a strained voice. "I'm not going anywhere, right? Besides, I'd still go home here." I tried to reason.
"You say that now. Then you'll get assigned an Umamusume, and suddenly you're too busy for your poor mother." She feigned pity.
"I'm not that type of pe—"
"Ah ah ah!," she interrupted, pointing her chopsticks at me, "Anyways, Be careful on the way!"
After breakfast, I took the train to Tokyo. Tracen Academy Central was located in the heart of the city - a massive campus that rivaled some universities, but it really does not compare to the Tracen Academy in the US. When comparing the size, the US Tracen feels more like a Mansion, while this Tracen feels more like a Middle Class house. Yet, don't underestimate it's size just yet! The main building alone was at least ten stories tall, all glass and steel and modern architecture. Clearly just renovated.
Impressive.
I made my way through the entrance, showing my temporary credentials to the guard. The lobby was bustling with activity - Umamusume in training uniforms, administrative staff rushing around, trainers discussing strategies.
I mean, it makes sense after the summer vacation, a lot of Umamusume, top tier or not, will participate in these Summer Campaign, the more lucrative races are pointed here such a the last legs of Triple Tiara and Triple Crown. There are also some G1s this month like Yasuda Kinen and Tarakazuka Kinen. There are five G3s in June and seven G3s in July also. Not to mention the open races available.
I approached the reception desk, where a young woman with a all green outfit is sitting down.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I'm Minami Laurent. I'm here to process my trainer's license transfer from the American URA to the Japanese system."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Laurent? As in... Martin Laurent's son?"
"That's me."
"And you trained Seattle Slew?"
"Co-trained, technically. But yes."
She let out a soft gasped before clearing her throat and returning to being more professional.
"It's a pleasure to meet you trainer! My name is Hayakawa Tazuna!"
Or not...
"Thanks. Nice to meet you."
Meeting Hayakawa Tazuna, this elusive figure who, even after 21 years, still plagues my mind whether she is a Umamusume or not is really uplifting... Now I can finally know if this girl is an Umamusume or not!
'Hey, Rin. Is she an Umamusume?' Hehe... Are you truly a human or Tokino Minoru... Let's find out!
[LET ME CHECK...]
[...]
[...THAT'S WEIRD.]
'What?'
[SOMETHING'S BLOCKING MY OBSERVATION. I CAN'T TELL IF SHE'S AN UMAMUSUME OR HUMAN.]
'Blocking it? What do you mean?'
[I DON'T KNOW. IT'S NOT MALICIOUS OR ANYTHING. JUST... SOMETHING'S IN THE WAY. LIKE STATIC.]
Before I could process that, Tazuna suddenly tensed.
"Hm?"
She looked around, her smiling and pleasant face, now replaced by a sharp look. "That's strange."
"What is?"
"I feel like... something's watching me." She met my gaze directly. "Do you feel it?"
My skin crawled, damn it just how powerful is she to block Rin's observation?!
[WAIT, THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE... SHE CAN SENSE ME?!]
'RIN, WHAT DID YOU DO?!'
[I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! I JUST TRIED TO SCAN HER!]
Tazuna's intuition was sharp - unnaturally sharp. Like an Umamusume's instincts...
I forced my expression to remain neutral. "Watching you? I don't feel anything."
She studied me for another moment, then relaxed slightly and returned to her usual smiling face. "Hm. Maybe I'm just tired. Anyway, follow me. We'll get your paperwork sorted."
[THAT WAS CLOSE, BAKANAMI... THOSE SENSES OF HERS ARENT HUMAN.]
'Yeah...'
I looked at the back of Tazuna, my eyes narrowing.
"Just who are you..."
____________________
Tazuna led me through the building, explaining the layout as we walked. "President's office is on the top floor. Your paperwork will be processed there. Shouldn't take more than an hour."
"Sounds good."
"By the way," she glanced at me, "I watched Seattle Slew's races. She was incredible. You must be a talented trainer."
"Well, it's partly due to luck and Karen's overwhelming talent."
She smiled at that. "Your really humble Laurent-san, but being too humble is bad y'know."
I sheepishly scratched the back of my head.
We reached the top floor, where a secretary ushered us into a large office. Behind the desk sat a girl with a cap, with words "M.R. C.B."—President C.B., I presumed. Standing beside her was a tomboyish Umamusume, according to Tazuna, she is Tosho Boy, she was the former Student Council President, but due to her Laminitis worsening, she directly gave up the title and gave it to M.R CB.
Indeed, Laminitis is a fatal disease, but with the technology now, it can be cured. But it will take a couple of therapies before her feet will return to normal.
There is also another Umamusume sitting in the sofa drinking tea. It was the old hag herself, Maruzensky.
"Ah, Minami Laurent!" President C.B. stood, extending his hand. "Welcome to Tracen Academy Central. It's an honor to have you join our training staff!" She cheerily greeted me.
I feel kinda awkward having to shake hands with the president this cheery, should I be respectful? Or should I match her energy?
To be safe, she decided to be respectful.
"Indeed, it's a pleasure to meet you CB-san." With that, she laughed.
"C'mon! No need to be tense! You can just call me Yurina!" She smiled at me.
"Alright... Yurina-san.." I squeezed out. I'm really bad at dealing such free spirited individuals...
"Almost! But drop the -san, we are almost the same age ain't it? Anyways, Please, sit. We have your documents here. Shouldn't take long to finalize everything."
Besides her, Tosho Boy who is in crutches sighed.
"Sorry if you feel uncomfortable. As this feller's senior I will apologize in her behalf." Tosho Boy briefly bowed.
(A/N: The reason why I made CB the president here is that I made Tosho Boy the former president of Tracen in this Universe. And IRL, the father of CB is Tosho Boy, so it's like a thing with Tokai Teio and Rudolf where in the Umamusume universe Teio admires Rudolf, and IRL, Rudolf is Teio's father. Here it is the same, CB herself greatly admires Tosho Boy who is free spirited and tomboyish. Even though personality wise, she doesn't like having to be the president, because it is intrusted to her by the idol she greatly admires, she reluctantly agreed.)
The next forty-five minutes were a blur of paperwork, signatures, and official stamps. Maruzensky asked me several questions about my training philosophy, of course I answered all of the question, her questions itself is more of the common things you question and it really doesnt hurt to answer some. Also, MR C.B. seemed genuinely interested in my experience with Seattle Slew, because she herself is just one win away from becoming the first Triple Crown Winner since 19 years.
"Congratulations, Minami-kun." President C.B. handed me my new Japanese trainer's license. "You're now officially certified to train Umamusume in Japan."
Tosho Boy nodded approvingly. "We look forward to seeing what you accomplish here."
"Thank you all three of you. I'll do my best."
As I left the office, Tazuna fell into step beside me.
"So, what do you think of Tracen so far?"
"Impressive. Really good."
"Want a tour? I can show you the training facilities, the dormitories, the usual."
I smiled at her and rejected it.
"Sorry." I bowed a bit. "But I actually promised to my mom to be at home early. I'll take on that offer in the future."
Tazuna's expression softened. "Of course. Family first. I understand."
"Thanks. I promise another time, I'll be asking you for a tour."
"Sure. When the new semester starts in a week, just find me. I'll give you the full tour then."
"I'll take you up on that."
We exchanged contact information, and I made my way out of the building.
[BAKANAMI, SHE'S REALLY NICE...]
'Yeah. Professional too.'
[AND SHE COULDN'T BE SCANNED. INTERESTING.]
'Think it's something to worry about?'
[...NO. LIKE I SAID, IT WASN'T MALICIOUS. JUST... UNUSUAL. I'LL KEEP AN EYE ON IT.]
The train ride home was uneventful. I spent most of it staring out the window, thinking about the upcoming semester.
One week until it starts.
One week to prepare.
One week until I officially began training Umamusume in Japan.
Can't the time just slow down? I'm both kinda excited and kinda nervous...
June 9, 198X
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
I jolted awake, fumbling for my alarm clock.
5:30 AM.
I sighed at myself. It took 4 separate alarms to wake me up. I stood up and went downstairs to see my mom preparing breakfast.
"Can't you lower the volume of your alarm? I'm next door to your room y'know. It woke me up." My mom complained.
"Well, I really can't do that, I won't be able to wake up with those weak alarms."
She sighed and silently muttered 'Like father like son.'.
After that, we silently are breakfast. I took a shower and wore a suit and tie.
5:45am
I look at myself in the mirror, before wearing my trainers ID.
I kinda look good...
Anyways, this will be the pivotal point, where my life as a trainer truly starts.
Let's go!
____________________
A/N: Who's the hottest Umamusume in your opinion?
Me? Of course there is Rudolf, then there is Mejiro McQueen, Mommy Gentildonna, Fuji Kiseki, that Clanker Bourbon and Marche Lorraine.
(How WE yes WE, want to fill Marche Lorraine's puppet full of C*M and let her use it to speak with Ventriloquist while she looks at us with disgust.)
I remember my friend also saying that Teio, Twin Turbo, Yada Yada Creature, and Mayano Top Gun. He also strangely likes Rice Shower...
I also have a friend who is obsessed. And I mean OBSESSED with Dansatsu Flame. He is still posting about Dansatsu flame in 12AM, he will tell me how glorious she is. He also has her as his profile picture in every social media sites (Yes, including his main account.)
Btw, I'm done yapping, CIAO!!!