Hanako stepped forward slowly. Her eyes never left Lunar, tracing the girl's face with quiet care—taking in the subtle differences. The way her smile no longer bloomed quite as freely. The weight resting behind her pale golden eyes, a heaviness that hadn't been there before. And yet… there was no mistaking her. She was still the same little girl Hanako remembered of her late friend.
A gentle smile settled on Hanako's lips. "Are you… doing okay?" she asked softly.
Lunar hesitated. Her nod came first, small and uncertain. That hesitation didn't go unnoticed. Hanako's brows creased faintly, concern surfacing—
—and then Lunar felt something warm wrap around her hand.
Saiya had stepped closer, hugging her right arm from the side, cheek brushing lightly against her shoulder. She looked up at Lunar with the same gentle expression she always had, wordlessly supporting.
Lunar inhaled, holding her breath for a moment.
Then she looked back up at Hanako. Her shoulders straightened, just slightly. This time, when she nodded, it was firmer.
"…I'm not fully okay," Lunar said, her voice steadier than before. "But I'm doing better."
Hanako's expression softened at once, relief blooming openly across her face. "I'm glad," she said warmly. "Truly."
Her gaze shifted then, naturally, to the small pink-haired girl clinging to Lunar's arm. Hanako's smile turned fond, almost teasing, as she took the two of them in.
"And I'm also glad to see you've found someone so cute to lean on," she added.
She stepped closer and, without hesitation, gently patted both of their cheeks—light and affectionate, the same familiar gesture she used to give Lunar when she was younger.
"My name is Tanaka Hanako," she said, turning her attention fully to Saiya now, her voice kind and sincere. "It's a pleasure to meet you, child. Thank you for befriending this little one. The Three Goddesses know how much she needed at least one."
Lunar's ears twitched sharply at that, heat creeping up her cheeks before she could stop it.
Saiya stiffened, then quickly straightened, tightening her grip on Lunar's arm just a bit as she bowed—awkward, but earnest.
"I–it's my pleasure, Miss Tanaka!" she said. "Lunar is also my first friend, um—so we're both each other's first friend! I'll be sure to always be with her!"
Lunar's ears flicked again, betraying her completely.
Hanako let out a soft, delighted laugh. "What a polite little girl," she said, smiling down at Saiya. "I'm glad the two of you found such good friends in each other—especially as your first."
She tilted her head slightly, warmth lingering in her eyes. "And you can call me Hana-san, just like Lunar does."
Saiya's face lit up at once. "Got it, Hana-san!"
Hanako's smile lingered for a moment longer before she tilted her head, curiosity slipping naturally into her expression.
"So," she asked gently, "when did you arrive back in town, Lunar-chan?"
Lunar shifted her weight slightly, fingers brushing against Saiya's as she answered. "Earlier today. But… I've been in Japan for three days now." She paused, then added, "I came with my new family. We came to watch the Kikuka Shō."
Hana-san's eyes widened—and then lit up all at once.
"The Kikuka Shō?!" she gasped, hands flying to her chest. "Then—then did you meet Shion-chan?!"
Lunar blinked. Saiya did too.
"…Shion-chan?" they echoed in near-perfect sync, heads tilting the same way, confusion written plainly across both their faces.
Hana-san laughed, already fishing her phone out of her pocket. "Ah, right, right—you might know her by her actual name. Or her face."
She tapped the screen and turned it toward them.
On her lockscreen was a familiar looking Uma Musume, vivid red hair pulled back just enough to show sharp, striking green eyes. She was awkwardly posing for the camera, both hands raised in stiff peace signs, her smile caught somewhere between forced and genuinely shy—cute precisely because of how unnatural it looked, like she'd been begged or bullied into the pose.
Saiya's eyes widened instantly. "Oh! That's the girl who almost caught up to Orfevre!"
Recognition clicked for Lunar a heartbeat later. "Her name is Win Variation," she said quietly.
Hana-san nodded with energetic enthusiasm. "That's right! 'Shion-chan' is her fan nickname," she said proudly, pulling the phone back and hugging it to her chest. "She's my oshi. That's why I asked if you'd met her."
She beamed at them, practically vibrating with excitement, clearly pleased just to be talking about her at all.
Lunar shook her head apologetically. "We didn't get to meet her," she said. "But we watched her race—and her dancing with Ofevre and Tosen Ra on the winner's stage."
Hanako let out a small, dramatic squeal, pressing a hand to her cheek. "Unfair! I'm so jealous!" She laughed, half-pouting. "Just seeing her run live must've been incredible. It's a shame she couldn't defeat Orfevre again, but I'll always believe in her!"
Saiya nodded so hard her ears nearly bounced. "It was! She was so cool! No one else could catch up to Orfevre-oneesan except her!"
Hanako blinked.
"…Oneesan?" she repeated slowly, pink eyes sliding toward Saiya with sudden interest. A knowing, amused smile curved her lips. "Oh my. Are you one of those types of Umadol fans? The type who calls her oshi 'oneesan'?"
Saiya stiffened. "…Um?" She glanced between Hanako and Lunar, clearly lost. "What's an Umadol? And what does that have to do with 'oneesan'? Doesn't that just mean big sister?"
Lunar let out a quiet sigh. She should have known Hana-san would go there—after all, she and Momma used to ramble about this exact kind of thing for hours.
"Hana-san," Lunar said gently, stepping in before Saiya got any more confused, "it's not like that."
Hanako paused, looking back at her.
Lunar rubbed the back of her neck, her tone calm. "We visited Tracen the day before the Kikuka Shō. That's where we met Orfevre. We… actually got to talk with her, and from that's why she called her 'oneesan'."
Saiya nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! She was really kind!" She leaned closer to Lunar, nuzzling against her side as she spoke, pride practically radiating off her. "She treated us really well. She even took time out of her schedule to train us!"
"…Train you?" Hanako echoed faintly.
"And," Saiya added, not missing a beat, "she complimented Lunar's running!"
Lunar flinched, waving a hand in a rush. "I-it was nothing," she said quickly. "She just said a few words, that's all."
"It was not nothing," Saiya shot back immediately, tightening her hold just a little. "She's the Golden Tyrant! She doesn't compliment people for no reason!"
"Saiya…" Lunar muttered, ears flicking back as warmth crept up her cheeks. "You're exaggerating."
"I am not!" Saiya insisted, leaning in with unwavering conviction. "She said your running had the bearing of someone meant to rule—or something like that! From what we've seen, that's basically the highest praise she gives!"
Lunar opened her mouth to argue again—then stopped.
Hana-san hadn't said anything.
She stood there completely frozen, pink eyes blown wide, posture stiff and unmoving, like someone whose soul had momentarily stepped out for a walk.
"…Um," Lunar said carefully. "Hana-san?"
Hanako jolted as if struck by lightning. "—Ahem!" She coughed into her fist and straightened at once, forcing herself back into motion. A smile returned to her face, but it was a little tight around the edges. "R-right. Sorry. I just… needed a moment."
She looked between the two girls again, slower this time, as if reassessing reality itself.
"So," she said cautiously, "you two visited Tracen." She paused. "Like… central Tracen?"
Both Lunar and Saiya nodded.
"The academy for the top Uma Musume in the country?" Hanako pressed.
Nod.
"As…" she hesitated, "…visitors?"
Nod.
Saiya tilted her head, as if this was all perfectly normal. "Miss Rudolf and Miss Air Groove invited us," she added casually. "We met them at the Three Goddesses Shrine."
Hanako's eyes twitched. "…Rudolf," she repeated faintly. "And Air Groove."
She leaned forward a fraction, lowering her voice as if speaking the names too loudly might summon something divine. "As in—the former president and vice president of Tracen's student council?" Her gaze sharpened. "The Emperor, Symboli Rudolf… and the Empress, Air Groove?"
Lunar nodded again, slower this time. "Yes."
Hanako made a small, strangled sound.
She turned halfway away, pressing a hand to her forehead. One breath. Then another. When she faced them again, she reached out and gently—but firmly—grasped both Lunar's and Saiya's shoulders, pink eyes burning with disbelief and curiosity.
"Alright," she said, clearly fighting to keep her composure. "I need to ask. Lunar—how did Symboli Rudolf of all people end up inviting you to Tracen? How did that connection even happen?"
Lunar rubbed the back of her neck, gaze dropping for a moment. "…She was the one who welcomed us at the airport," she said quietly. "When we landed in Japan."
Hanako blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"…At the airport," she echoed slowly.
She released them and took a step back, one hand rising to her chin as her thoughts raced. Symboli Rudolf personally welcoming an entire family upon arrival…? Her gaze flicked back to Lunar, reevaluating her with new eyes.
Then her new family must be incredibly important, Hanako concluded internally. There's no other explanation.
She hesitated, then softened her expression. "I'm sorry for asking something so personal, Lunar," she said gently. "But… may I ask who adopted you?"
Lunar shook her head, the motion small and a little awkward. "…Um. I didn't get adopted."
Hanako froze again. "…Huh?" she said blankly. "What do you mean?"
Before Lunar could fumble for words, Saiya perked up. "Oh! Lunar lives with my family now," she said cheerfully. "We're the ones taking care of her. But her name is still Lunar Light!"
Hanako's gaze moved between the two of them, then slowly she nodded as understanding settled in. "I see… so it wasn't a formal adoption."
Her attention shifted fully to Saiya, pink eyes sharpening with renewed curiosity. "Then may I ask," she said carefully, "what family are you from, young lady? For Symboli Rudolf herself to come and welcome you."
Saiya puffed up just a little, pride shining openly on her face. "All my moms are either from really respected lineages," she said, counting on her fingers, "or they're super famous Uma Musume themselves!"
Hanako tilted her head. "…All… your moms?"
Saiya nodded enthusiastically. "Uh-huh! But the most legendary one is—of course—my mommy!" She grinned wide. "Black Caviar!"
Hanako's lips parted. "…Black… Caviar?" she echoed faintly.
The name had barely finished forming on her tongue when—
JINGLE—CLANG.
The shop's bell rang again, but this time it wasn't the soft, welcoming chime from before. It was harsh, like the door had been yanked open without any concern for manners—or hinges.
All three of them turned toward the entrance. But Hanako's breath caught first.
Standing in the doorway was an Uma Musume unlike any she had ever seen up close.
She was tall—impossibly so—her broad shoulders stretching the fabric of a tight black collared long-sleeve shirt that clung unapologetically to a body built for sheer power. Defined muscle stood out clearly beneath sweat-darkened cloth, her chest rising and falling in slow, controlled breaths, as if she had just come in from a light jog.
Her hair was black, loose to her shoulders, but streaked underneath with sharp electric blue that flowed beautifully when she moved. Sweat darkened her temples. Her presence alone seemed to push the air outward from the shop.
And her eyes—
Brilliant blue. Deep and intense, like the open ocean under a blazing sky.
For a fleeting, disorienting second, Hanako wasn't sure if they were actually glowing—or if she was simply too stunned to tell.
"…So handsome," she murmured under her breath, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
But then–-
"EEE—EEK!"
Saiya's shriek snapped Hanako back to reality as the black clad woman stepped fully into the shop.
Each footstep was menacing in a way that wasn't horrifying, but stunningly domineering. The door swung shut behind her with a dull thud, bells rattling weakly in protest.
Saiya instantly ducked behind Lunar, gripping her shirt with both hands, trembling. Lunar herself had gone stiff, eyes wide, body locked in place like a deer caught dead center in headlights.
Hanako didn't know what was happening.
She didn't know who this woman was. She didn't know why the atmosphere had dropped ten degrees. She only knew the two children looked absolutely terrified.
Before she could second-guess herself, Hanako stepped forward and pulled both Lunar and Saiya back behind her with one arm. With the other, her hand shot out and grabbed the first thing it touched—a fistful of adonis flowers from the nearby display.
She thrust them forward like a blade.
"W–who are you?!" she demanded, voice shaking despite her effort to sound firm. "S-stay back! I don't care how handsome you are—this flower represents pain, and I am not afraid to demonstrate it!"
Saiya's expression slowly crumpled into pure despair as she stared at the flowers pointed at her mother. "…Hana-san," she whimpered, voice small and broken, "those are flowers…"
Lunar slapped a hand over her face so hard it echoed through the shop.
Black Caviar stopped. Her glowing blue eyes lowered to the fistful of flowers.
Then lifted to Hanako.
Then shifted—past her—catching sight of Saiya and Lunar peeking out from behind the florist's back.
Her blue eyes narrowed. "Flowers..?" she repeated flatly.
Hanako's stomach dropped.
Oh no.
This is bad.
This is very, very bad.
Her grip on the stems tightened uselessly. The realization hit her all at once—how ridiculous she must look, how laughably ineffective her "weapon" was against someone like this. Panic spread across her face unchecked, confidence collapsing into visible terror.
Black Caviar noticed the internal struggle on Hanako's face.
She exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down her face, sweat flicking from her fingers as if she were forcing herself to cool down. When she spoke, her voice was low—controlled—but edged with something dangerous, barely leashed.
"Please," she said, "calm down, miss. I'm not here to hurt anyone."
Her gaze shifted again, locking directly onto the small figure behind Hanako. "…Saiya."
Saiya squeaked and buried her face completely into Lunar's back.
Lunar swallowed hard, heart hammering against her ribs. Her mouth felt dry as sand as she forced herself to speak. "…U-uhm," she managed weakly, ears flicking back. "A-aunt Nel…"
Black Caviar pinched the bridge of her nose, shoulders rising and falling as she took a slow, steadying breath.
"Do you two have any idea," she said, voice tight but controlled, "how worried everyone was?"
Her hand dropped, blue eyes fixing on Saiya with a sharpness that event the sharpest blade would be jealous of. "How could you just disappear like that?!"
Saiya shrank further, fingers curling into Lunar's shirt.
"I had to ask half the town," Black Caviar continued, the restraint in her voice beginning to fray. "I ran through streets, shops, stations—interrupting people, bothering strangers—because I couldn't find you." Her jaw clenched. "Do you know what that does to someone's heart?! Having two of their children suddenly disappear!"
She exhaled through her nose.
If not for that kind old woman, she thought grimly, this might have gone on much longer.
It was the elderly lady at the snack shop who'd noticed her panic, she'd approached without hesitation, eyes kind with understanding, and listened as Black Caviar struggled to explain. Then, calmly, she'd started listing places the child might go.
"If I had to guess," the woman had said, thoughtful, "the flower boutique would be my first bet. That girl used to go there every weekend with her mother. I really do miss the sight of them—always walking home happily with flowers in their hands."
That short list had been a lifeline.
Black Caviar hadn't wasted a second. After thanking her, she'd moved immediately, asking for directions as she ran, refusing to slow. She checked the houses mentioned first, then the bus stop, the streets near the old playground, the road by the academy, even under the bridge. Each place came up empty.
So she went to the last place on the list. The place the grandmother said they would be, and here they are.
Her gaze dropped—just slightly—and caught Lunar.
Lunar couldn't meet her eyes. Her ears drooped, shoulders folding inward as she stared at the floor, guilt settling heavy in her chest.
"…I'm sorry," she murmured, barely audible.
Without saying anything, Hanako shifted closer. She rested a gentle hand on Lunar's shoulder—and then Saiya's—offering quiet reassurance. Both girls stiffened for a brief second before unconsciously leaning into the touch.
Black Caviar let out another breath, slower this time.
She stepped forward. Her presence was still powerful, still commanding—but the sharp edge had dulled. When she stopped in front of Hanako, she bowed her head slightly, though she is still a head taller even with the pose.
"My apologies," she said. "I didn't mean to cause a disturbance, miss…?"
Hanako blinked, then waved her hands quickly. "O–oh! It's quite alright," she said, flustered but sincere. "You didn't bother me at all. My name is Hanako—though please, call me Hana-san."
Her gaze softened as she glanced back at Lunar. "I'm… close to her. And to her mother. I was just happy to see her again, so it really wasn't anything bad."
Understanding flickered across Black Caviar's face.
"So you're another person close to Guair," she said quietly, nodding once. Some of the tension finally slipped from her shoulders. "My name is Black Caviar, Lunar's new guardian and an old friend of Guair. Thank you—for treating them kindly. The world doesn't always offer someone as good as you, these two are lucky."
Hanako flushed at the compliment, fingers curling awkwardly at her sides.
She hesitated, then tilted her head, concern overtaking her embarrassment. "If you don't mind me asking," she said gently, "what really happened here? You seemed… very upset, to say the least." She smiled faintly. "I'm no mind reader, but you don't strike me as someone who gets this angry over small things."
Black Caviar was quiet for a moment.
She straightened, one hand settling at her hip, the other hanging loosely at her side. When she spoke again, her voice was steadier than before—controlled—but the frustration underneath hadn't faded.
"We came here to visit Guair," she said simply. "We stopped by the house first, then we all went to the grave together."
Her gaze drifted for just a second, as if the scene replayed on its own—the momiji tree, the grass, the cold stone with Guair's name laid bare on it.
"Everything was going as expected," she continued. "And then, in the middle of it…" Her eyes snapped back to the present. "These two troublemakers disappeared."
Her stare landed squarely on Saiya. Not furious—just sharp. The kind of look that had always alarmed Saiya that she is truly in big trouble.
"They were there one moment," Black Caviar said, tone firm and direct. "And the next, they were gone."
She exhaled through her nose. "It made everyone panic," Black Caviar continued. "We split up to search. We ran in different directions—checked the house, the roads, the fields. At this point, probably half the town." Her jaw tightened. "It caused a lot of worry. And a lot of trouble for a lot of people."
She paused, then added more quietly, the words heavier. "Lunar disappearing like that—right when we were visiting her mother's grave—that alone was enough to make my stomach drop."
Her gaze shifted to Saiya.
"And then Saiya vanished with her," she said, voice firm but edged with fear she didn't bother hiding. "With your heart condition? Not knowing where you were, how far you ran, what strain you put on yourselves—" She shook her head once. "It really drove your mother crazy, you know?"
Lunar's fingers clenched into fists. "This is all my fault," she blurted, bowing so fast it was almost reflexive. "I ran first. I didn't think. I just—" Her voice faltered. "I panicked. Saichan only followed me because of that, please don't blame her."
Saiya's head snapped up. "Hey!"
She stomped once, more indignant than frightened now. "I told you already—you don't get to take all the blame!" She puffed out her cheeks. "We're partners in crime, remember?"
Black Caviar's eye twitched. "Partners in crime," she repeated, flat and unimpressed.
Both girls froze instantly.
Her voice dropped, calm in a way that carried real weight. "Then congratulations. You're also partners in punishment. You're both grounded once we get back. No arguments."
The response that followed was immediate.
Saiya's ears drooped. "…Y–yes, Mommy…"
Lunar nodded stiffly, shoulders drawn tight. "…I'm sorry, Aunt Nel…"
Hanako's chest tightened at the sight—two fillies bowed under the weight of guilt. It hurt to see, even as she understood now why the woman before her had been so furious. Fear like that didn't fade easily; it lingered, turning into the heat that fueled her burning anger.
Still.
Hanako stepped forward before Black Caviar could say anything more.
She knelt down smoothly until she was at eye level with both girls, green floral skirt brushing the shop floor. Her expression softened into something warm and comfy, the kind of smile that didn't demand anything—only offered shelter.
"Hey," she said gently. "It's alright. You're not in trouble right now."
Both Lunar and Saiya looked up, questioning painting their looks.
Hanako glanced back over her shoulder at Black Caviar, meeting her eyes calmly. "Before you scold them any further," she said kindly, "maybe we should ask why they did what they did."
Black Caviar hesitated—but she didn't object.
Hanako turned back to Lunar, her voice light but sincere. "Lunar-chan," she said, tilting her head slightly, "I'm curious. Why did you come here in the first place?"
Lunar didn't know what to say at first, her fingers twisting together, and she bit down on her lower lip, gaze dropping to the floor.
Hanako noticed the sight and stopped it.
"Ah—" she murmured, leaning in just a little. She gently placed two fingers beneath Lunar's chin, lifting it just enough to stop her. Her thumb brushed softly against Lunar's lips in a familiar, affectionate motion. "Don't do that. You'll hurt yourself."
Lunar froze, eyes wide.
Hanako smiled reassuringly. "I won't judge you," she said softly. "No matter the reason. And if it's too hard to say out loud…" She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "…you can tell me quietly. Just me."
Lunar swallowed as her gaze flickered sideways.
Saiya gave her the same steady smile she always does. Then Lunar looked up again—to Black Caviar.
The anger that had once filled her face was gone now, replaced by concern. A sharp, helpless protectiveness that had dulled her edge entirely.
Seeing that—seeing how worried Aunt Nel truly was, how much she cared for her—something in Lunar finally loosened.
She drew in a shaky breath. "At the grave…"