October 26th, XXXX
"Welcome, everyone, to the Kikuka Sho! We're finishing cleaning up after the Canopus Stakes, but the next race will start shortly! Will we see a new Triple Crown Champion for the first time in almost twenty years!? Let's find out!" Once again, Tatsuya Aoshima took the reins and hyped up the venue in preparation for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Riku could appreciate the man's work; he could probably make a maiden race sound like the most hype thing in existence, the man was that good. His leg tapped impatiently as he stared ahead from his spot in the viewing box. He had heard that Maruzensky had fully recovered in her first month of Summer vacation, meaning she was in perfect condition for this race. Still, his mind couldn't help but worry if she'd be able to show her full potential here. He leaned back as he rubbed his temples. All this extra work was already causing him to have grey hair, and he was turning 21 next month!
Glug! A loud and obnoxious gulping sound echoed from behind Riku as he turned, irritated with a raised eyebrow at the culprit. Unsurprisingly, it was Buckshot who had been loudly drinking an energy drink behind him, a white energy drink with several lines going down it. She continued to do so for several seconds before leaning back with a satisfied, Haa! She looked down and saw that everyone in the immediate vicinity was staring at her. She preened, leaning back and posing after noticing the gazes. "Stop, you'll make me shy!" Her words contrasted with her demeanor, as she repeatedly flexed.
Riku chuckled quietly to himself, glad for the ease of tension thanks to Buckshot's actions. She was an idiot, but a very well-meaning one. A round of giggling drew his attention and caused him to smile. Seated just behind White Narubi and Green Chateau, who had their children, Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, respectively, in their laps, was Vega and her two children. Little Admire and Sunday Vega laughed brightly while clapping their hands, watching Buckshot's antics. This led to Buckshot's mood soaring even higher, a bright grin on her face as she looked fondly at the two children.
A glance in the other direction showed that the Mejiro and Symboli families were once again back in full force, with Speed Symboli seated next to Sirius Symboli, a firm hand on her shoulder to keep from moving. The Mejiro family gave the illusion of perfect grace, well, if you discounted the antics of Ryan and Palmer, with McQueen looking like she'd like to join in but kept up her appearances.
It's not surprising that these big names would be present, aside from those Riku personally invited. The Kikuka Sho, while not the biggest race of the Triple Crown, was still anticipated heavily, even more so due to the possibility of a Triple Crown Winner emerging for the first time in such a long time.
Riku himself was sitting alone this time, with Buckshot and Opal standing behind him… well, just Opal at this point. Buckshot was hovering near Vega and her two children, absolutely doting on the two children. Oh? Buckshot seemed to be quite close and friendly with Vega, too. Was there something more there? Riku's smile turned sly as he looked on, not seeing that Opal was looking and smiling, seeing the same thing.
"Thank you for waiting! We will begin announcing the runners!" Tatsuya's voice called out, as everyone focused their gazes forward to the track and screens. It was finally time.
In the Tunnel
An almost oppressive silence was felt in the tunnel, as all the runners for the Kikuka Sho felt a palpable tension in the air. Glances were thrown back and forth between one another, as they all glanced towards a select few runners. This included the group from the Tokyo Yushun, aside from Bamboo Atlas. Bamboo Atlas was unsuited for the race at 3000 meters and decided to sit it out in preparation for the Japan Cup. Gazes were thrown at Green Grass and Azuma Hunter, two big contenders in this race. However, without a doubt, most of those gazes fell on one Umamusume. The undefeated Maruzensky, who once again was cheerfully humming as she leaned against a wall with her eyes closed.
Her closest friend and rival, Azuma Hunter, gave her a glance before resuming her own preparations. She had long since given up on understanding Maru and her antics; it was best to focus on herself to do her best to win. As difficult as that would be.
Green Grass herself was completely locked in, her gaze staring forward as she once again ran simulations in her mind for this race. This would be her best chance, as she was hyped up to be the best stayer of her generation and possessed terrific stamina. Maruzensky had never run a race at this length, and Green was intent on proving her superiority as a stayer to take this leg of the Triple Crown.
For Maruzensky herself? Despite her cheerful demeanor on the outside, her deeply kept anxiety was rearing its head before this pivotal race. She had fallen into a habit of humming the song from her previous race to distract herself from the gravity of the moment. Despite her father's words to just focus on this as just another race, she knew how big a deal today was. If she won today, she'd be a Triple Crown Champion. Something she never imagined in her wildest dreams. Unknown to Maruzensky, but the rest of the tunnel slowly cleared out as more runners were called out. Her own mind was tuning everything out as her thoughts spiraled.
"Oi! Maru!" A loud smack dragged Maruzensky out of her funk, her blue eyes confusedly meeting Azuma Hunter's. She glanced briefly around, noting that they were the last two remaining in the tunnel at this point. Her eyes met the worried eyes of her friend, who was looking her up and down with a frown. "What's gotten into you?"
Maruzensky glanced at her before looking towards the tunnel as she finally heard the announcer. "Azuma Hunter? Would the 2nd favorite Azuma Hunter please exit the tunnel?" Tatsuya sounded almost confused as he called once again for Azuma to exit onto the track. Azuma merely gave her a raised eyebrow before speaking again.
"Look at me, you dork." Azuma lightly chopped Maru's head, getting an "ouch" from the distracted Umamusume. "You're worrying about this race, you of all people?" Azuma questioned as Maruzensky wouldn't meet her eyes. "Haaa, you're hopeless. Just do what you always do. Nothing else matters, right?" Azuma grumbled as she shrugged before walking off, a pair of URA staff having entered the tunnel in preparation to escort her onto the track. Azuma waved dismissively at the two, taking one last glance at her rival with a smile before entering the track.
Maruzensky blinked several times at Azuma's figure, her eyes watering. She hurriedly wiped her eyes with her sleeve, glancing down with slightly red eyes. "Just do what you always do," Maruzensky repeated the line soundlessly, her mind clearing as her rival repeated the same sentiment that her father had. After a brief huff, Maruzensky abruptly slapped both of her own cheeks, hard. SMACK. Echoed out in the tunnel as the staff looked confused in Maruzensky's direction, with the Uma in question smiled radiantly despite the two bright handprints on her cheeks.
"Finally! She boasts an undefeated record of 8-0! Two legs of the famed Triple Crown have already fallen to her! Will we see a Triple Crown Champion for the first time in twenty years!? In gate 17! The Supercar! Maruzenskyyyyyy!!!" Tatsuya's roar was matched by the crowd, their cheers deafening to a level not seen in years, as the star of today emerged from the tunnel. Despite the cheers, many looked confusedly at the sight of Maruzensky's face having two bright red handprints on it.
Azuma Hunter herself didn't know if she'd be happy for her friend to be out of their funk, or to laugh at the sight of the bright red handprints on Maru's face. Ah, well, she could do both. "AHAHAHAHAHAH!" Azuma let out a full belly laugh, startling several other runners before they did the same at the sight of Maruzensky. Even Green Grass had to hold back a chuckle at the sight.
Maruzensky smiled warmly at them, her eyes taking them all in. Her gaze wandered onto the crowd, seeing CB and Ace waving her way with smiles; they had dragged Akitsu Teio along as well, who was waving her way half-heartedly. She appreciated the effort. Little Twin Turbo was present as well, a Maruzensky plushie was held in her hands, and a fan that had her name on it as well. How cute.
Maruzensky's eyes widened at seeing another family right next to Turbo's; they were fully decked out in fan gear for her as well. Her eyes refused to leave the sight of the Uma in front of them, waving her way. She was an adorable little thing with maroon colored hair and blue eyes so similar to her own. The girl's eyes widened upon meeting her own, a blush appearing on her cheeks, before she waved with both hands, swinging her own Maruzensky doll.
Maruzensky wasn't sure why, but she felt a familiarity, a warmth she couldn't place at the sight of the girl. She quickly snapped out of it after shaking her head and sent one more smile the way of both families before heading towards the paddock. After a few short moments, the runners entered the paddock, and a short, tense silence took over. The race was about to begin.
"With Green Grass entering, all runners have entered the paddock! The 43rd Kikuka Sho is about to begin!" Tatsuya called out as the runners assumed their positions. Many of them glanced around wearily at their fellow competitors. Azuma Hunter and Green Grass glanced at each other before looking at Maruzensky. Their eyes burned fiercely with the spirit of competition. The brief silence was shattered as the gates opened with a light bang, the runners surging forward shortly after.
"A perfect start for Maruzensky and Azuma Hunter!" Aoshima called out as Maruzensky surged from the outside with her blistering pace to the front of the group. Azuma Hunter took her spot around second, two lengths behind Maruzensky as the group began to form. Green Grass was hovering in 6th as they passed the first furlongs. "Maruzensky has taken the lead! She is sitting just two lengths ahead of Azuma Hunter! Maruzensky is not running away!?" Aoshima's thoughts were echoed by many, as Maruzensky continued to lead, but not to the degree she was known for.
Azuma's eyes narrowed from just behind Maruzensky as she ran on. "She must be conserving stamina." She thought internally, as she kept pace behind her rival. It made sense, as Maruzensky's runaway style of running was dangerous to do in a race as long as the Kikuka Sho. A sharp grin appeared on Azuma's face. "I hope you're ready for the final straight then. Maru."
"We've passed the 1000-meter mark!" The commentary continued as they raced on, hitting the first third of the Kikuka Sho. By this point, several runners just behind Azuma and near Green Grass showed visible signs of fatigue, their sweat and strain more visible than others. "Maruzensky continues to lead with a lead of 3 lengths now! Azuma Hunter is slightly ahead of the pack, with Blue Stone just behind her! Green Grass has moved into 4th as they continue on!"
The thunderous sound of their horse shoes meeting the turf rang out as the runners moved forward. Maruzensky's face showed visible sweat as she breathed deeply. She could feel the strain already as they neared the two-thousand-meter mark. Not a lot was happening in this race, as they were all conserving stamina for that final push. However, those who were not suited for these conditions quickly showed themselves.
"We've reached two thousand meters! Just one thousand meters to go! Maruzensky continues to lead by two and a half lengths! Directly behind her is Azuma Hunter! Blue Stone continues to hold third! Green Grass is here in fourth! High Rush has fallen 6 lengths back into fifth! We're nearing the final corner!" As if his words were a signal, the leaders prepared to make their move. A glint appeared in Green Grass's eyes as she began to surge forward, quickly overtaking Blue Stone.
"Green Grass has taken third! She's approaching Azuma Hunter! Azuma Hunter has begun to surge as well; they're chasing Maruzensky! Maruzensky's lead has shrunk to one length! 500 meters remain as they round the final corner!" The steps of the Umamusume running accelerated, the three lead runners separated by a short distance as they rounded the corner. Green Grass was in the best condition with her superior stamina, attempting to overtake Azuma Hunter. Azuma kept one eye on Green in her peripheral vision as she spurted forward, a challenging grin on her lips.
Maruzensky was the worst of the three in condition, visibly sweating and panting as she barely held the lead over the three. "Not yet!" Maruzensky bit her lip hard, near to the point of breaking the skin as she began her spurt. "AHHHHHHHH!" Maruzensky yelled out as they rounded the final corner and sprinted down the stretch. Their speed hobbled by the sheer stamina drain, any of the three seemed like they could come out on top.
"Maruzensky still leads! Green Grass and Azuma Hunter are neck and neck! 300 Meters to go! 250! 200!" Maruzensky could hear the sound of her rivals behind her; a feeling of challenge grew in her heart as they came within a length, no, even less than that. Was she really about to falter here? At the most important moment? Just when Green Grass was about to pass her, a torrent of red light burst from Maruzensky's form once more.
Maruzensky's head tilted to the side, meeting the determined eyes of Green Grass as they hit the final one hundred meters. Despite everything, the strain, the stress, the thoughts of defeat… in that moment, Maruzensky felt a moment of realization. "Ah. This… is so fun!" She smiled widely, almost crazed as she met Green's eyes, who widened. 'RED SHIFT'
Unseen by many except her competitors and the eyes of a few watching, Maruzensky's form was completely covered in red light as the sound of the turbocharged engine revved. Maruzensky's foot dug into the ground, kicking up a colossal amount of turf as she spurted once more.
"Maruzensky hangs on! 50 meters! AFTER TWENTY LONG YEARS! MARUZENSKY HAS TAKEN THE TRIPLE CROWN!!!" Tatsuya shouted his words as if the three Goddesses themselves could hear him, as Maruzensky crossed the plane. Green Grass is just behind her by a length and a half, and Azuma a whole length after that. The rest of their competitors slowly trickled in, but the focus was on one Umamusume.
Maruzensky stood with visible effort, her legs trembling as she held onto her knees and tried her best to breathe. She had never felt so tired in her life. Every muscle in her body was screaming at her to stop and rest as she panted deeply. The sweat trickling down stung as it hit her eyes as she glanced around. Her blurry eyes found themselves on Azuma and Green Grass, who stood in similar yet lighter states of fatigue right next to her. She attempted to move and stumbled, only to be caught by the arms of her rivals as they looked at her.
"--- definitely pushed too hard." Her ears, which had been ringing, slowly adjusted as Green Grass and Azuma Hunter spoke to each other over her.
"Obviously. She's never run at a distance like this before." Azuma spoke, glancing down and meeting her stinging eyes. She reached over with a sleeve and wiped at them. "You with us, champ?"
Green Grass didn't speak, but raised an eyebrow, looking at her as Maruzensky shakily nodded and breathed once more. They stepped back as she stood, with a little shakiness but more stable than before.
"Thank you, you two." Maruzensky smiled at them warmly before her ears finally picked up what she had been missing.
"Maruzensky! Maruzensky! Maruzensky!" An echoing chant had been going on since the race finished, the crowd fired up and cheering for their champion. Maruzensky's eyes stung, for a different reason this time, as she saw the smiles and enthusiasm of her fans. Her eyes quickly found Twin Turbo, her family, and the family of the mysterious little Uma that captured her focus. Twin Turbo and the little Uma were side-by-side as they waved at her, the little Uma looking to be the same size as little Oguri Cap.
Maruzensky walked steadily this time, towards the stands. Her eyes never left the two little Umamusume who cheered for her so happily. Her two rivals shared confused looks at her actions, but followed quietly behind her, partially in curiosity, and likely due to worry for their eccentric rival pushing herself too hard after the race. Maruzensky's strides quickly reached the stands, the volume increasing in proximity to seeing Maruzensky there.
Her two super-fans seemed to finally realize that she was standing before them, as they promptly freaked out even more. "Ahhh! Maru! It's Maru!" Twin Turbo enthusiastically pointed at Maruzensky, who was merely a meter or two away, while tugging on the arm of the other Uma next to her. "Look, Chiyo!"
"Ah, not so hard, Turbo!" 'Chiyo' complained, but was smiling sheepishly at the small Uma, before she blushed hard when meeting Maruzensky's eyes.
"Chiyo, hm? That's a very cute name." Maruzensky tapped her chin while smiling warmly at the two, her eyes particularly focused on Chiyo. Why was she so fixated on her? She was very cute, without a doubt. But was that the reason? Maruzensky didn't understand it herself.
"Ah! Chiyo is.. just my nickname." 'Chiyo' poked her index fingers together as she mumbled, before looking at Maruzensky with a little more determination, if only for a moment. "I'm Sakura Chiyono O! My goal is to run alongside you, Maruzensky!" The girl promptly turned into a tomato after saying that, her parents just behind her, egging the little Uma on.
"To run alongside me, hmm?~" Maruzensky's smile widened as she looked towards her and then glanced at Twin Turbo, who looked on jealously. "How about right now?" Her question caused both little Umamusume to perk up in surprise, their tails standing straight up. Both sets of parents looked at her in surprise, and she remembered in that moment that she should perhaps ask for permission. Thankfully, they waved her question off before she could speak it, merely looking on with fond smiles her way.
Maruzensky held her arms out, with Twin Turbo enthusiastically jumping into her left arm with a "Yayy!". Maruzensky looked towards Sakura Chiyono O, taking in her look of slight hesitation. Thankfully, Twin Turbo seemed to understand the assignment and teased Chiyono with a pulled-down eyelid and stuck out her tongue. "Bleeeeh!"
A tick mark appeared on the older Uma's face before she leaped into Maruzensky's arms with a, "Hup!". Maruzensky was briefly startled and started to fall back before a pair of hands on her shoulders held her up. A glance back revealed her two rivals standing behind her with looks of increasing exasperation. She smiled at them unabashed before looking down at the two in her arms as they looked around the track and at the crowd staring at them in wonder. "Are you ready, you two? Let's cheer together, on the count of three, okay?" Their eyes shone as they stared at her before nodding.
"One. Two… Three! Yay!" Maruzensky laughed as she cheered, the two Uma in her arms being lifted as well, and cheered with their arms up.
"Yay!" Chiyono O echoed with a bright blush on her face from all the attention.
"Yahoo!" Twin Turbo cheered excitedly, her sharp teeth glinting as she smiled.
It definitely was a sight to behold for those watching. Their new Triple Crown Champion, the first since Shinzan so long ago, enthusiastically cheered and ran around on the track with a pair of young Umamusume fans. But this would be a moment looked at fondly in the moment and future, as a moment in the legend of one of Japan's greatest. Maruzensky.
CHAPTER END