What exactly did all this have to do with Gotham Song?
Firstly, as a Trainer, she couldn't possibly leave a poor little filly drowning in despair alone. Of course, setting aside sentimental reasons, strictly from a competitive standpoint—wouldn't letting Verxina remain depressed until the Shuka Sho, only to perform disastrously, actually be an appealing choice?
But!
Gentildonna would absolutely hate that.
Gotham Song knew her Umamusume intimately. Gentildonna craved victory—but never at any cost.
What did Gentildonna truly love?
She relished utterly crushing her opponents—defeating them at their absolute peak, grinding their very best beneath her heels!
That was the kind of victory Gentildonna genuinely enjoyed.
If Gentildonna ever discovered Verxina was wallowing in despair, who knew—she might personally step in to rouse her rival. But what methods would Gentildonna even use to motivate another filly?
Gotham Song found herself shuddering at the thought.
That's exactly why, as a Trainer, she decided to handle things personally.
What Gentildonna wanted was a spirited, fierce Verxina, someone desperate to beat all her opponents—not some gloomy shell responding with Rudolf-like lethargy.
Even setting aside the Trainer's perspective, as a fellow Umamusume—or simply as a senpai—Gotham Song still had ample reason to step forward.
Deep down, she couldn't ignore seeing a promising filly succumb to despair, especially when that filly was one of her fans. And Vivlos, looking ready to burst into tears from worry, made doing nothing practically impossible.
It was precisely these factors that led Gotham Song to follow Vivlos toward her home.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder how Vivlos had managed to slip into Tracen Academy unnoticed—even making it to her dorm room.
Central Tracen was enormous. Massive, even—astonishingly huge! And besides its size, guarding its gates was the infamously strict Hayakawa Tazuna, whose very presence made even seasoned class-skippers tremble.
Did Vivlos seriously bypass Tazuna, navigate the sprawling grounds without losing her way, enter the dormitories, and ultimately find Gotham Song's room? Absurd, wasn't it? Was this kid secretly some kind of genius?
These questions nagged Gotham Song as they descended to the lobby—until she spotted the answer.
Amid the curious gazes of passing Umamusume, one particular stare felt exceptionally knowing. Gotham Song turned, unsurprised to find Fuji Kiseki smiling subtly back at her.
Clearly, the dorm supervisor from Ritto had already figured everything out.
Fuji Kiseki, responsible for dorm access control, certainly knew something was up. Verxina wasn't some forgotten third-place finisher—far from it. As the perennial third-place presence in this year's highly publicized Triple Tiara series, she enjoyed significant popularity—complete with her own share of memes.
And naturally, along with popularity came debates about her true strength.
Verxina was by no means weak. Despite stamina issues in the Oaks, the three fillies had run nearly neck-and-neck in the earlier Oka Sho. Everyone in the know understood clearly: Verxina absolutely possessed the caliber to win the Triple Tiara.
Her misfortune was simply racing in an era with two monsters, forever placing her just a step behind, unable to seize the glory she deserved.
Though retired and no longer active on the front lines, Fuji Kiseki had always kept tabs on these stories. It wasn't difficult to link Vivlos to Verxina either—after all, Verxina often openly declared that running to inspire her younger sisters was one of her core motivations.
So when Fuji Kiseki saw Vivlos sneaking nervously inside, perhaps she'd quietly whispered Gotham Song's exact room number, sparing the little filly a long, frustrating search.
Well, something like that had definitely happened.
Thinking back, Vivlos simply entering Central Tracen was already bizarre enough. But now, looking at it again—
Maybe Hayakawa Tazuna had quietly done the same thing?
At any rate, Tazuna definitely helped too.
Was this world a utopia? Gotham Song wasn't entirely sure. But as far as Umamusume were concerned, everyone here was truly wonderful, sweet, and kindhearted.
Giving Fuji Kiseki a thankful nod, Gotham Song took Vivlos to the cafeteria to handle their hunger before finally leaving campus.
There at the gate stood Hayakawa Tazuna herself, offering an encouraging, knowing smile.
Sure enough—Tazuna had definitely lent a hand.
All Gotham Song could do was smile gratefully in return.
Thank goodness both Tazuna and Fuji Kiseki had intervened; Gotham Song shuddered to think how desperate Vivlos might've become otherwise…
Putting that scary thought out of her mind, Gotham Song boarded the train toward Vivlos's home, the little filly noticeably calmer now, as though she'd finally found a lifeline.
It was exactly the outcome Gotham Song hoped for. A single defeat on the track plunging an entire family into gloom was commonplace for Umamusume. Emotionally charged creatures that they were, emotional pain hit them harder than anything else.
If someone close remained miserable, how could her family ever relax?
Not even human families could remain unaffected by that kind of oppressive atmosphere, let alone Umamusume households. Yet the worst part was—there was almost never a solution.
Simply put, losing a race was brutal for any Umamusume.
Gotham Song sighed softly, saying nothing. She kept this bitter truth—one any adult Umamusume would understand—to herself and held Vivlos comfortingly as they rode toward their destination.
The little filly curled comfortably in her idol's embrace, trusting fully in Gotham Song's reassurance. Gradually, worry melted from Vivlos's face, replaced by anticipation, calm, and even a hint of playful mischief.
It's incredible how dependable she thinks I am…
Gotham Song was familiar with being relied upon by family, kouhais, teammates—but having a virtual stranger's desperate dependence suddenly blossom into relaxed trust was entirely new.
It felt strange, heavy, yet not unpleasant. It was a responsibility willingly taken up—after all, the child gazing up at her was counting on her so earnestly.
Gently squeezing Vivlos's ear, Gotham Song promised softly:
"I'll bring Verxina back to herself, don't worry, Vivlos-chan. Leave everything to me."
After all, I'm your idol.
Stepping off the train, Gotham Song blinked under the bright sunlight, taking in the surroundings.
Vivlos's family certainly seemed well-off. A few minutes' walk from the station brought them to the cozy villa-lined neighborhood where Vivlos had grown up. In Tokyo's premium real estate market, this sort of place definitely signaled significant wealth.
Gotham Song vividly recalled why Vivlos's family structure inspired envy in others:
Her mother, Halwa Sweet, was among the rare Umamusume who married not a rival or Trainer—but an ordinary, everyday fan. A fanboy, no less.
Why envy?
Because Halwa Sweet had married a devoted admirer. Imagine it—marrying your beloved idol! Such good fortune was almost curse-worthy among fans.
May you suffer eternal happiness with Miss Halwa Sweet!
To win your idol's heart like that…Vivlos's father clearly possessed impressive qualities. Just looking at their home told Gotham Song plenty.
After all, Halwa Sweet's racing career wasn't exceptional enough to afford this level of luxury on her own.
Of course, compared to Mejiro Manor, this was modest. But Gotham Song voiced none of these observations. She simply followed Vivlos inside, immediately encountering a stunned Halwa Sweet at the entrance.
"Ah—Miss Halwa Sweet? I apologize for the intrusion."
Today Gotham Song wasn't wearing her usual attire, but rather a light, off-shoulder summer dress—simple, elegant white accented subtly with silver embroidery and delicate blue flowers.
A daily outfit custom-designed by Mejiro Ardan—beautiful, comfortable, effortless. Gotham Song marveled again at her own beauty, briefly indulging her vanity before explaining her intentions.
Halwa Sweet replied with gentle embarrassment:
"Oh—Miss Gotham Song, I greatly appreciate your kindness toward my daughter, but…well…"
"Verxina seems a bit better today. She actually stepped out a short while ago to jog along the path."
Halwa Sweet looked sheepish, clearly blindsided by her youngest daughter's bold move.
Gotham Song, however, merely smiled, revealing the bag she'd quietly carried inside, then sat gracefully at the entrance.
"I expected something like this."
Taking out her slightly worn navy-blue running shoes, Gotham Song swiftly slipped them on, adjusting the velcro carefully—laces might've suited an elegant mare better, but she preferred the simplicity of velcro. Standing, she confirmed Verxina's usual running route with Halwa Sweet, then headed confidently outside, smiling warmly at Vivlos behind her.
"Relax, little one. Since I'm here, just leave everything to me."
"Wait right here. I'll have your sister back in no time!"
Silhouetted against the brilliant morning sun, Gotham Song's expression was hidden—but Vivlos knew with certainty that her idol wore a dazzling, reassuring smile, brighter than the sun itself.
Such warmth and brilliance…so reassuring.
"Okay! Vivlos believes in you, Miss Song. I'll wait right here until you bring my sister back!"
Gotham Song's lips curled confidently.
One more reason to step forward.
As an idol, as someone cherished—how could she possibly refuse such a heartfelt plea?