Morning settled gently over the manor.
Autumn Sun sat at the dining table with a porcelain cup cradled between her hands, steam curling lazily into the air. Across from her, Written Tycoon had already finished one cup and was halfway through another, posture relaxed in a way she rarely allowed herself.
"This is… different," Written Tycoon said, turning the cup slightly as if the answer might be hiding at the bottom. "It's lighter than I expected. A bit sharp at first, but clean."
Autumn Sun took another sip, letting it sit on her tongue before swallowing. "Mm. It's not sweet, its… grassy? But in a good way, my head feels very clear…"
"So this is green tea," Written Tycoon mused. "I can see why people drink it in the morning."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the early-morning quiet broken only by the faint clink of porcelain and the distant hum of the kettle cooling.
After a moment, Written Tycoon's eyes drifted toward the hallway.
"…Nelly still hasn't come out," she said, tone casual—but her brow creased just a fraction. "That's unusual."
Autumn Sun followed her gaze. The corridor beyond the dining room remained empty, still wrapped in early-morning quiet.
"…Yeah," she agreed, setting her cup down. "She's usually up before everyone else. Even on days she swears she's resting."
Written Tycoon let out a soft, amused scoff. "With her work habits and that insomnia, I'm amazed she sleeps at all. Most days she just collapses for twenty minutes and calls it a nap."
Autumn Sun smiled faintly. "She didn't always used to be like that."
Written Tycoon glanced back at her. "Oh?"
"Back in the academy," Autumn Sun said, voice growing thoughtful, "she actually slept normally. At least… more than she does now." Her gaze softened. "When she shared a room with Guiar."
Written Tycoon's lips curved just slightly. "Ah. That explains it."
Autumn Sun exhaled, fingers brushing the rim of her cup. "Guiar had a certain comforting presence." A faint, distant smile crossed her face. "I used to fall asleep around her too, you know. More than once I woke up with my head in her lap during late study nights."
She shook her head gently. "Maybe Lunar has that same warmth. That same way of making the world feel… safe enough to rest in."
Written Tycoon chuckled. "That sounds bizarre, coming from you..."
Autumn Sun pushed her chair back. "I'll go check on them. Just in case."
She'd barely risen to her feet when she turned—and nearly collided with a small, sleepy figure standing behind her.
Anonym blinked up at her, eyes glassy and unfocused, black hair sticking out in every direction like she'd lost a battle with her pillow. Her pajama sleeves were pushed up unevenly, one sock half-slipped, and she swayed slightly on her feet.
Autumn Sun's heart clenched.
Oh no. She's adorable.
She kept her expression carefully composed through sheer willpower.
"…Mommy?" Anonym mumbled, voice thick with sleep. "Where're you goin'?
Autumn Sun immediately softened, crouching just enough to let Anonym lean into her. The girl did so without hesitation, resting her forehead against Autumn Sun's chest with a quiet little sigh.
"I'm going to wake up your mom~," Autumn Sun said gently, smoothing down a few rebellious strands of bed hair. "And Lunar too."
Anonym stirred at that, lifting her head slightly. "Lunar…?" She blinked, processing, then nodded. "…I wanna go."
Autumn Sun huffed a quiet laugh before she could stop herself and wrapped an arm around her, drawing her closer. "Alright," she said softly. "But we have to be quiet."
Anonym nodded again, already drifting, her weight settling comfortably against Autumn Sun's side as they started down the hallway. She shuffled along, warm and trusting, steps small but determined.
Together, they moved toward the closed door at the end of the corridor
She waited a moment, then another, listening for movement—footsteps, a stir, anything. There was only quiet.
Autumn Sun glanced down. Anonym had fully latched onto her side now, one arm hugging her waist, eyes half-lidded but alert with curiosity. At Autumn Sun's look, the girl gave a tiny nod, as if agreeing without words.
Carefully, Autumn Sun turned the handle and pushed the door open just enough to peek inside.
The room was dim, curtains drawn back just enough for the early morning light to slip in. Pale blue and gold stretched across the walls, the windows were open, letting in cool air and the faint sounds of birds beginning their day. No lights were on. No signs of movement.
The room felt… peaceful.
Anonym leaned around Autumn Sun's body, peeking in as well. Her eyes wandered at first—over the chair with clothes draped messily over it, the bedside table cluttered with a phone and a glass of water—
Then both of their gazes landed on the bed.
Black Caviar lay on her side, utterly still, one arm wrapped fully around Lunar. Even asleep, her presence was solid—broad shoulders curved protectively, chin resting near Lunar's head. Lunar, in contrast, was completely tucked in, cute face buried under the other's neck, arms curled in close as if she'd burrowed there sometime in the night and never let go.
It was a bear hug. Domineering but… incredibly gentle.
Autumn Sun's lips curved into a knowing smile.
So this is why she didn't wake up.
She stepped inside quietly, Anonym padding in after her. As they approached the bed, the contrast became even more striking—Black Caviar's much larger frame practically swallowed Lunar whole, making the scene both absurd and achingly tender.
Anonym stared at the scene on the bed.
Slowly, her cheeks puffed out.
"…That's not fair," she muttered under her breath, arms crossed as best they could while still clinging to Autumn Sun's sleeve. She tugged at it once, pouting. "I wanna be hugged like that too."
Autumn Sun bit back a laugh, her shoulders shaking just slightly. She slipped her phone from her pocket, hesitating for only a heartbeat. It wasn't often she saw Black Caviar this unguarded.
She lifted the phone and snapped a picture.
Click.
Then, just in case—
Click.
The sound was off, of course.
Anonym, already over her disappointment, tiptoed closer to the bed with practiced ease. This part, at least, was familiar territory. She leaned in toward Lunar's ear, cupping her hand carefully.
"…Lunar."
Nothing.
A tiny pause.
"…It's morning."
Lunar shifted, brow knitting faintly, but didn't wake. Anonym leaned in closer, lips curling into a rare mischievous smile as she dropped her voice even lower.
"…Namawa is gonna eat all pancakes.."
That did it.
Lunar's fingers twitched against Black Caviar's sleeve. Her eyes fluttered open—just a crack—before closing again as Black Caviar, still deep in sleep, instinctively tightened her arm and pulled Lunar closer.
Autumn Sun raised a brow, thoroughly amused.
"Nelly," she said gently, reaching out to rest a hand on Black Caviar's shoulder. "Morning."
Black Caviar let out a low, confused sound, blinking awake slowly. It took her a moment to understand what she was seeing—why she was warm, why her arm felt heavy, why something small was pressed against her chest—
Her gaze dropped.
"…Oh."
Lunar peeked up at her, eyes half-lidded, hair sticking out just slightly from where she'd been crushed into the pillow. "…Morning, Auntie Nel."
Black Caviar's grip loosened just a bit, careful not to let go entirely. "…Morning, Lunar," she replied, her voice rough with sleep—and something softer she didn't bother hiding.
Anonym tilted her head, squinting at Lunar's face.
"…Your eyes are puffy," she said bluntly.
Autumn Sun looked closer—and then at Black Caviar.
"…Yours too," she noted lightly. "Both of you."
For a second, there was a pause.
Black Caviar and Lunar looked at each other.
Then Lunar let out a small, embarrassed laugh. Black Caviar followed, a quiet huff that turned into a soft chuckle, shoulders easing as the tension finally broke.
"Guess we didn't sleep very gracefully,"
-
The bus they rented hummed steadily as it pulled into traffic, sunlight pouring through the wide windows and settling comfortably over the rows of seats. No one questioned why they were on a bus—by now, it was simply accepted as part of whatever Black Caviar had planned.
More Than Ready twisted around in her seat, hooking her arms over the headrest with an easy grin. "Alright," she said. "We're heading into the city. That much is clear." Her eyes sparkled. "So—where are we going first?"
"Food!" Namawa blurted out immediately, nearly bouncing in her seat. "You can't walk around Central on an empty stomach—that's dangerous!"
Persian turned slowly to look at her, deadpan. "You had breakfast. And a snack. And then another snack."
"That was earlier," Namawa argued. "This is a different part of the day."
"That was less than an hour ago," Persian replied dryly.
Saiya leaned over the seat, laughing. "She's not wrong, though. Her stomach definitely runs on its own schedule."
Invincible Caviar crossed her arms and scoffed. "You're all missing the point. If this were random, Mom would've said so already."
A few glances shifted instinctively toward the front.
Black Caviar had just finished steadying herself as the bus rounded a gentle turn. She moved back down the aisle and slid into her seat, phone still in hand, eyes flicking over a message before locking the screen. She didn't say anything yet.
Instead, Written Tycoon cleared her throat.
"If everyone is done speculating," she said calmly, lifting her tablet so the light caught the screen, "I can explain."
That immediately earned her attention.
"There is a route," Written Tycoon continued, scrolling with practiced ease. "We'll be getting off near the central street district just south of the Three Goddesses Shrine."
She tapped the screen, zooming in. "We'll start by walking through the shopping streets—local stalls, bookstores, food vendors. Dense, but it's manageable compared to other similar areas. From there, we head north, gradually. The street narrows as we go, foot traffic thins, and the shops transition into quieter, more secluded areas."
Lunar blinked. "That's… really specific."
Written Tycoon nodded. "By the time we reach the end of the street, the path slopes upward. That leads directly to the shrine grounds. We explore along the way, take breaks as needed, and arrive there naturally rather than all at once."
There was a short pause.
More Than Ready stared at her. "You planned… walking vibes?"
"It's called pacing," Written Tycoon replied flatly.
Invincible Caviar leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowed. "Aunt.. you even accounted for crowd density?"
"Yes."
"And elevation?"
"Yes."
More Than Ready laughed, sinking back into her seat. "Alright, fine. I'm impressed."
-
The road was narrow and packed shoulder to shoulder with people. Signs stacked atop one another climbed the buildings like colorful clutter, some flashing, some hand-painted, all competing for attention. Food stalls crowded the sidewalks, smoke and steam curling upward with the smell of oil, sugar, and spice. Music drifted in from somewhere down the street—too loud, slightly off-key, but full of life.
Saiya stepped off the bus and slowed, her gaze sweeping across the scene. "…Oh," she murmured, quietly impressed.
"Well," Autumn Sun said as she followed, adjusting her grip on Anonym's hand, "this wasn't my guess—but I see why you chose it."
Written Tycoon glanced north, tablet already in hand, matching the real street to the map she'd memorized earlier. "If we follow this stretch straight ahead," she said calmly, "the shops will thin out after a few blocks. From there, it's a gradual incline toward the shrine."
Black Caviar stepped down last, habit kicking in as her eyes scanned the crowd—tracking movement, exits, pacing. Only after a moment did she ease, shoulders relaxing just slightly.
"We'll start here," she said. "Walk through the street. Eat if you want. Look around." She glanced back at the group. "No need to rush."
That earned her several looks.
"No schedule?" Saiya repeated, skeptical.
Black Caviar shrugged like it was obvious. "It's an outing."
More Than Ready grinned immediately. "Perfect."
Namawa was already halfway distracted, nose twitching. "Something smells amazing."
Invincible Caviar sighed. "Of course it does."
Lunar stepped down beside Black Caviar, eyes wide as she took it all in—the noise, the color, the movement. She may have lived in Japan before, but she has never been to central, so everything is.. Just as new to her. Black Caviar noticed and slowed just enough to stay close.
"Alright," Black Caviar said, turning slightly. "Let's go."
Persian was the first to drift away, naturally drawn toward a row of antique and accessory shops tucked just off the main street. She slowed in front of a display of old charms and carved hairpins, eyes lighting up with quiet interest. Namawa followed her—not with the same reverence, but with mild curiosity, stopping every few steps to peer at something shiny before getting distracted by food again.
Saiya lagged behind near a small bookstore, hands tucked into her sleeves as she leaned closer to the window display. She hovered there, clearly torn, eyes scanning the manga titles like she was mentally negotiating with herself. "…Just one, I'll buy just one..."
Autumn Sun, meanwhile, kept Anonym close at her side, one hand resting lightly on the girl's shoulder as they walked. She pretended to be relaxed—commenting on shop signs, pointing out pastries in the windows—but her eyes flicked around every few seconds anyway, counting heads out of habit. More Than Ready stuck with them easily, walking a step behind, hands in her pockets.
Anonym tugged gently at her sleeve. "Mommy, look. That pancake is shaped like a coin."
"I see it," Autumn Sun replied immediately, leaning down. "Do you like it?"
After walking for some time, Namawa stopped short in front of two neighboring Tempura stalls, eyes darting between them. "Okay, no. This one smells better."
Invincible Caviar crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You're wrong. That one's all oil."
"You didn't even taste it!"
"I don't need to."
Written Tycoon accepted a small paper tray from a vendor, sampled something fried (she's not even sure what it is), and chewed slowly. "The texture is decent," she said after a moment. "…Though I'm not sure I'd order it again."
"That's the least enthusiastic compliment I've ever heard Tycoon..." I Am Invincible said.
Lunar stayed near the middle of it all—not drifting too far, not clinging either. She moved as the group moved, eyes bright with quiet curiosity as she took everything in. Everyone else blended easily into the crowd, faces bare and relaxed, but Black Caviar wore a mask pulled neatly over her face, cap low. She explained that she might as well wear it just in case.
Saiya eventually abandoned the bookstore with a soft sigh and slipped into step beside Lunar instead. She didn't say much at first, just walked with her, glancing every so often like she was making sure Lunar hadn't been swept away by the crowd.
Lunar paused when Anonym appeared and pointed something with a feeding motion at her, it appeared to be some kind of dumping..? "Open up," Anonym said simply.
Lunar blinked, then leaned in and took a bite. Her eyes widened a fraction as the filling of the dumpling burst warm against her tongue, it seems to be carrot and pork?
"…It's good," she said, genuinely surprised.
Anonym eyes soften immediately, clearly pleased. "You sound like you didn't trust me."
"I didn't know what was inside," Lunar admitted, smiling.
Before Lunar could take another bite, Saiya appeared from the other side, holding out a different snack—something dusted lightly with sugar.
"Then try this," she said, tone casual but eyes sharp with interest.
Lunar hesitated, then accepted it, taking a careful bite.
Her ears perked slightly. "…Oh."
Saiya's lips curved. "Better?"
"It's different,very sweet," Lunar said thoughtfully. "But I like it."
Anonym huffed, narrowing her eyes. "Hey. I gave her food first."
Saiya shrugged. "First does not equal better."
They looked at each other for a beat—silent, competitive.
Lunar glanced between them, then took another bite of each, clearly unbothered by the tension. "They're both good."
That did nothing to settle it.
Before either of them could continue, someone brushed past Lunar.
It wasn't hard—just a careless shoulder in a crowded street—but it was enough to knock her off balance for half a step. Saiya reacted immediately, hand lifting on instinct, but Lunar had already caught herself, feet steadying almost at once. She blinked, more surprised than hurt.
"Oh—! Sorry!"
The voice was quick and earnest.
Lunar looked up. The girl standing in front of her looked around the same age, maybe a little older. Her black hair was cut neatly to her chin, a single white streak running through her bangs like it belonged there. Red eyes widened with concern as she bowed slightly, almost automatically.
"I wasn't paying attention," the girl said. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Lunar answered right away. She gave a small, reassuring smile. "Really."
Anonym leaned in, studying her face like she was double-checking. "You sure?"
"Yeah," Lunar said, nodding.
Saiya relaxed a little, though her gaze stayed on the stranger—alert, but not hostile.
The girl didn't move. Her eyes stayed fixed on Lunar.
Up close, Lunar looked… softer than she'd expected. Her hair caught the light, pale and smooth, almost glowing against the noise of the street. Her features were gentle, almost foreign in a way that made her hard to place—and then there were her eyes. Pale gold, calm and clear, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
For a moment, the girl forgot to breathe.
Usually, even a light bump like that caused problems. Sometimes others got flung farther than she meant, especially when she wasn't careful with her strength. Humans, and even most Uma Musume her age, usually ended up that way..
But this girl…
She hadn't stiffened. Hadn't flinched. She'd just steadied herself and smiled, like the impact hadn't reached her at all.
…Strong, the girl realized, startled.
"Oh," she said, softer now, the word slipping out before she could stop it. "That's… good."
She hesitated, fingers curling slightly at her sides, clearly wanting to say something more—anything.
She didn't get the chance.
"Oi, you three."
Invincible Caviar stepped up beside them, hands tucked in her pockets, eyes flicking briefly over Lunar, Anonym, and Saiya like she was doing a headcount.
"There you are," she said. "Everyone's already up ahead. Mom's wondering what's taking so long."
Saiya let out a small sigh. "Told you we were lagging."
Anonym tugged at Lunar's sleeve. "C'mon, they're gonna eat everything."
Lunar blinked, then laughed quietly. "Okay, okay."
She turned back to the girl. "Sorry—I should go."
The girl nodded automatically. "Yeah. Uh—yeah."
Lunar gave her a polite nod and a small smile, then let herself be guided back into the moving cluster of voices and shapes. In seconds, the space she'd occupied was swallowed by the crowd.
The girl stayed where she was for a moment longer than necessary.
"…Huh," she murmured, watching the spot where Lunar had disappeared.
She lifted a hand to her chest, frowning faintly.
For some reason, her heart was still beating faster than it should have been.
-
The noise of the streets slowly faded behind them as they walked.
Bit by bit, the crowds thinned. The smell of fried food and sugar gave way to cool air and stone, to the quiet rhythm of footsteps on an uphill path. Tall buildings were replaced with trees, their leaves rustling softly in the morning breeze.
"…It's here," Persian said.
Her voice carried a brightness the others weren't used to hearing from her—light, almost eager.
Ahead of them, the Three Goddesses Shrine came into view, nestled into the hillside. Pale stone steps stretched upward, lanterns lining the path on either side, worn smooth by time and use. The space felt calm in a way the city hadn't been—quiet, but not empty.
Persian was already moving ahead, eyes fixed on the shrine as she climbed the steps. "I've read about this place," she said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. "They say blessings here resonate strongly with Uma Musumes. Especially those who run with conviction!"
"I can see why," Invincible Caviar, looking around. "It's… peaceful."
Written Tycoon adjusted her glasses, gaze thoughtful. "Places like this tend to endure. People don't protect them unless they believe in them."
More Than Ready glanced around, instinctively lowering her voice. "Yeah… I feel like shouting here would get me struck by lightning."
"That would be wise to avoid," Autumn Sun replied lightly, already climbing the steps with her hands folded neatly in front of her. "Let's be respectful."
At the top, the shrine opened into a wide courtyard.
The statues of the Three Goddesses stood at the far end—tall, serene, carved with an elegance that made them feel less like stone and more like something quietly alive. Their expressions were calm, unreadable. They didn't feel distant or imposing—just present. As though they had been watching for a very long time, and would continue to do so long after everyone left.
Several Uma Musume in Tracen Academy uniforms were already there. They stood before the offertory box in silence—hands pressed together, heads bowed, faces set with quiet focus. Some closed their eyes. Others stared straight ahead, as if fixing their resolve in place.
Saiya leaned slightly toward Anonym and whispered, "Guess we're not the only ones who thought of coming here."
All the while, Lunar hadn't realized she'd slowed until Black Caviar matched her pace, glancing down at her with a questioning look. Lunar shook her head lightly, just… taking it in.
Something about the place made her chest feel warm—and a little tight.
They gathered near the offertory box, forming a loose line. Autumn Sun stepped forward first, smooth and practiced, setting the example. She bowed deeply, clapped her hands twice, and lowered her head.
The others followed, one by one.
-
Autumn Sun closed her eyes.
She closed her eyes, shoulders relaxing as her thoughts settled.
Please, she prayed quietly. Let these children grow safely. Let them stumble if they must—but never be broken by it. Let them find paths that are truly their own, not ones forced on them by expectations.
A softer thought followed, unguarded. And… let her be alright. Wherever Guair is now—let her finally be at peace.
She bowed deeply, lingering a moment longer than necessary.
Written Tycoon stepped forward next, fingers lacing together neatly.
May our future be stable, she prayed. May we make decisions we can stand by when we look back. She paused, considering. And if the road ahead grows complicated—as it always does—grant my Persian the clarity to move forward without turning cold, allow her to be happy, always.
I Am Invincible squeezed her eyes shut, brows furrowed in intense concentration.
I want to be stronger, she thought simply. Stronger than yesterday. Strong enough not to hesitate when it matters. Strong enough to protect the people I care about. Her thoughts flickered briefly to the people around her, to laughter and noise and warmth. And… maybe let today last a little longer.
She bowed quickly, like she was embarrassed to linger.
More Than Ready bowed deeply, hands pressed together with genuine sincerity.
Please let everyone stay together, she prayed. No injuries. No sudden goodbyes. Her breath caught for just a moment. And… if you can—let my daughter come home more often. Even if it's just to eat and complain about my cooking… I really miss that little goofball….
Invincible Caviar stood confident even as she bowed, posture unwavering.
Let me surpass myself, she wished. Let me run without fear—without doubting my own steps. Her thoughts flicked briefly to the people beside her. And let those around me smile more, especially Namawa, allow her to finally learn how to escape properly too..
Namawa clasped her hands, peeked at the statues mid-prayer, then quickly shut her eyes again, flustered.
Let my legs take me where my heart wants to go. I want to go faster—farther— She added hastily, as if worried she was asking too much, —Um, as long as you all allow it– of course! Goddesses!
Persian's hands trembled slightly as she pressed them together.
Please, she prayed, earnest to the point of pain. Let my effort mean something. Let every step I take be beautiful. Her breath wavered. Let me become an Uma Musume I can be proud of. That everyone can be proud of.
She bowed, eyes still closed.
Saiya remained still, eyes closed, expression gentle.
Let the people I care about be happy, she thought. Truly happy. Her thoughts settled naturally on one name. Especially Lunar. She's been through so much already… I hope she can smile without forcing it, I know she does sometimes..
A quieter wish followed. And… let me stay beside her for a long time. Let my heart stay strong enough to run with her one day!
Anonym clasped her hands awkwardly, eyes screwed shut a little too tight.
Um… please watch over Mommy, she thought seriously. And Lunar.And Mom.And everyone. She frowned in concentration. And… let me grow up faster—but not too fast. Just enough so I can help...
Then came Black Caviar.
She stood before the statues longer than the others, hands resting at her sides. Her eyes stayed open at first, fixed on the calm, unreadable faces of the Three Goddesses.
Dear Three Goddesses, she thought, steady and familiar, as usual, I don't ask for myself. I think you've already given me more than enough in this lifetime.
Her gaze shifted—just for a moment—to Lunar standing beside her.
Please let her grow up safe. Let her laugh without holding anything back. Let her choose her own road… even if it leads far away from me.
A quiet ache settled in her chest.
And if I'm allowed one selfish wish—let me be strong enough to walk with her. To guide her, not pull her. To stay by her side for as long as she'll have me.
Her thoughts softened, the edges rounding.
And please… send a message to Guair for me.
She swallowed.
Thank you for trusting me. Please rest now. I'll take it from here. I promise I'll love your child with everything I have—just as I loved you.
Only then did Black Caviar bow, deeper than the others, holding the position a heartbeat longer before straightening.
resolve steady behind her eyes.
Lunar did hers last.
She watched Black Caviar for a moment longer, then stepped forward, careful and deliberate, copying what she'd seen. She bowed. Clapped her hands twice. Pressed her palms together.
She didn't know the proper words for this, the rules and what not… So she just spoke honestly.
Three Goddesses, she thought softly, I don't really know what I'm doing yet.
Her fingers curled together, knuckles brushing.
I don't know what kind of Uma Musume I'll become… or where I'm supposed to end up.
She took a small breath.
Please watch over my mom. Wherever she is now… I hope she's happy. I hope she knows I'm trying.I promise I'll keep trying. Even when it gets hard. Even when I'm scared.
Faces drifted through her mind—familiar, warm.
Please watch over Auntie Nel. She's stronger than she thinks, but she carries so much.
And everyone else too—Anonym, Persian, Namawa, Invincible, Aunt Vinnie, Aunt Autumn, Aunt More. All of them.
Her chest tightened slightly.
And… Saiya. The voice in Lunar's mind softened. Please let her heart get better. Let her run without pain. I want to run with her again one day..
Another pause—longer this time.
Also, Um, I want to run properly. I want to find my own pace, my own way. And someday… I want to catch up to Eclipse. Not to chase her shadow—but to run beside her.
Lunar bowed again—clumsy, a little uneven, but sincere to the core. But just before she stepped back, a sound brushed against her ears.
A gentle laugh—soft, distant, like it came from everywhere and nowhere at once.
"Interesting child…"
"We shall send your regards."
Lunar's breath caught.
In the same instant, the tight, heavy feeling in her chest eased, like something warm had settled there and quietly told her it was alright. Her eyes widened as she lifted her head, heart suddenly light in a way she couldn't explain.
She glanced around.
Everyone else had already finished their prayers. More Than Ready was stretching her shoulders. Persian was exhaling slowly. Autumn Sun had her hands folded, eyes open, expression calm. No one looked surprised. No one looked like they'd heard anything at all.
Lunar hesitated for half a second longer, then shook her head slightly.
…Must've been my imagination.
She stepped back into line just as the morning sun filtered through the trees, warm and gentle, painting the courtyard in soft gold.
More Than Ready let out a breath and laughed quietly. "That felt… nice."
"It did," Autumn Sun agreed, nodding once.
Together, they turned to leave, carrying their unspoken wishes with them.
The shrine settled back into quiet.
As they turned to leave, Autumn Sun noticed one familiar and one unfamiliar fiigure standing a short distance away.
One carried an unmistakable presence—tall and composed, two-toned hair catching the morning light: darker at the front, lighter brown behind, a single white streak cutting through like a mark of legacy rather than age.
Beside her stood a woman with sharp eyes and dignified features, dark hair pulled neatly back. Her posture was elegant and sharp even in stillness—like a drawn blade waiting for command.
"…Is that—" I Am Invincible murmured, eyes widening.
Symboli Rudolf lowered her hands and opened her eyes, calm as ever. At her side, Air Groove finished her prayer a heartbeat later. Even dressed simply, discipline and elegance radiated from her.
Rudolf's gaze swept the courtyard—and settled on them.
A faint smile curved her lips. "Well," she said pleasantly, "this is an unexpected meeting."
Black Caviar blinked once, then inclined her head. "President—no. Rudolf."
Rudolf crossed her arms loosely, studying the group with quiet interest. "I didn't expect to see so many familiar faces gathered here."
Autumn Sun stepped forward with practiced politeness. "Good morning. We hadn't realized you'd be visiting the shrine as well."
"I come here from time to time," Rudolf replied. "Especially before important races." Her eyes flicked briefly, knowingly, toward Black Caviar. "And I assume this isn't a coincidence either."
Black Caviar let out a small breath and nodded. "We're on an outing. Thought it'd be good to get some air before tomorrow." She paused, then added more plainly, "Before the Kikuka-shō."
Air Groove raised a brow. "An outing, the day before a G1?" The curiosity evident in her eyes.
"It's a light one," Black Caviar said. "I want them to relax first. Tomorrow's going to be a lot, and I want them to witness it properly."
Rudolf's smile softened. "A wise choice."
She glanced over the group—at the fillies, at Lunar lingering close to Saiya's side—and then asked casually, "Where to next?"
"We were planning to get lunch," Black Caviar answered, "then maybe stop by a few local racetracks around central. Nothing formal."
"Hm." Rudolf hummed, thoughtful.
Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she said, "In that case—why not stop by Central Tracen Academy?"
Persian's ears twitched. Namawa's eyes lit up. A few of the others exchanged looks.
Written Tycoon cleared her throat and stepped forward, tone careful rather than confrontational. "If I may—are you sure that's possible? Central Tracen isn't exactly open to visitors without notice." She hesitated delicately. "And… with all due respect, you're no longer the student council president. Nor is Air Groove the vice president."
Air Groove glanced at Rudolf, unimpressed but amused. "She has a point."
Rudolf laughed softly and waved a hand. "Ah, don't worry about that." Her eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. "The person in charge now won't mind in the slightest."
She turned slightly, already certain of the answer.
"I'm sure Deep Impact wouldn't mind at all."