A strong wind swept past, ruffling the hair of the Uma Musume on both sides.
Amidst the swirling grass and dirt, a silver figure rapidly burst into their field of vision.
Indeed, with the help of the jet-like burst of speed in the final stretch, Starlight successfully overtook Tokai Teio and Mihono Bourbon in an instant.
As Starlight crossed the finish line, her body began to fall forward uncontrollably, finally coming to a stop after tumbling several times.
She lay on the ground, her racing clothes messy and stained, with even the hem of her skirt showing a few tears.
There were two minor scrapes on her arm.
The cheers of the entire crowd came to an abrupt halt.
Everyone looked at the silver figure lying on the ground, a touch of emotion appearing in their eyes.
A veteran who had been recovering from a fracture for a year and a half had returned to the racecourse, how much effort and grit did she need to reach such a level?
Slowly climbing up from the ground, her legs trembling, Starlight limped toward the stands.
Beneath her messy bangs, those shining eyes looked at the audience, seeing the shock still lingering on their faces.
A smile curved on her lips as she slowly raised her hands, lifted her skirt hem, and gave a bow.
Clutching her scraped arm, she quietly left.
Watching her retreating back, Tokai Teio panted slightly, a complex light flickering in her eyes.
Clap, clap, clap—
Applause slowly broke out.
The audience, as if by prior agreement, did not offer cheers for this Silver-Haired Uma Musume, but only respectful applause...
The next day, in a hospital ward.
Starlight leaned against the headboard, looking at her fellow patient on the other side who was staring at her without blinking— Mihono Bourbon.
"Is Bourbon-chan injured as well?"
"Yes~ But it's not serious. Compared to Starlight-senpai, mine is nothing."
"Your race yesterday was truly wonderful, especially the final dash across the line. If possible, I would like to learn from you."
"Thank you for the compliment. Bourbon-chan was also very impressive yesterday. I'll teach you after we're discharged~"
"Alright, Senpai."
"Soon, it will be the Tenno Sho again... I heard McQueen has recovered from her injury and set a new record in her comeback race. I really want to go see it in person..."
Seeing Divine Starlight like this, Mihono Bourbon replied quite coolly.
"Based on the advice the doctor just gave, Senpai probably doesn't have a chance... You still need to focus on recovering properly."
"True... I'll just have to make do with the TV on the wall."
Slowly relaxing and leaning back on the pillow, Starlight picked up the remote and turned it on.
The first thing that appeared was static.
Blinking, Starlight clicked to the next program: The news.
The third one: A travel destination introduction...
After that, a series of static screens made her face turn completely dark.
"This..."
"Haha... It seems the TVs in the hospital rooms are all like this."
Mihono Bourbon couldn't help but giggle, covering her mouth.
Huffily turning off the TV, Starlight picked up her phone from the bedside table and scrolled through the official racing website.
Can the in-form Mejiro McQueen win the Tenno Sho for the third consecutive year?! Her opponent is Rice Shower, who shattered Mihono Bourbon's Classic Triple Crown dreams.
Can this dark horse stop McQueen again?
"It's Rice Shower~ Mihono Bourbon, do you have any thoughts?"
Hearing this, Mihono Bourbon put down her picture book and gave a somewhat awkward, sheepish smile.
"What thoughts?"
"Regarding Rice Shower, who stopped your Triple Crown, what do you think of her?"
Hearing this, there was no dissatisfaction on Mihono Bourbon's face.
A smile played on her lips, and her tone was leisurely.
"Rice Shower is a very respectable opponent. If there's a chance, I'd really like to make friends with her."
"I heard Starlight-senpai is quite close to her, I wonder if you could help introduce us?"
"Of course, no problem."
"Before, having been on a winning streak, I thought I was invincible. As long as I had enough training and made no mistakes in my judgment, I could overcome anything."
"But then, while I was still sprinting ahead, I suddenly saw a black figure flash past me. The last time I felt that way was with you, Senpai..."
"Ah, you mean that time during the summer training camp."
"Yes. I only realized later that racing isn't just about those things. I've learned a lot..."
Their conversation faintly drifted through the crack in the door into the ears of Rice Shower, who was leaning outside.
She was carrying a fruit basket, wearing a cream-white dress.
Her bangs covered her eyes, hiding the emotions in her purple orbs.
But it was easy to see that their conversation had touched the heart of this Uma Musume.
She had long since stopped being an Uma Musume who cared about others opinions, because she had felt the warmth of the sun, and because she was enveloped by the sun at all times.
So now, even in the dark night, the moon... the moon would emit an elegant moonlight.
But this moon was too shy, always waiting until the sun went down before daring to steal out.
But this time, she wanted to go in.
Click.
The door was pushed open, and Rice Shower peeked inside with her small head, carrying the fruit basket.
At that moment, Starlight and Mihono Bourbon finished their chat and looked over together.
"Ah, it's Rice Shower! You've come at just the right time. Bourbon-chan and I were just talking about you~"
"Starlight-chan... a-and Bourbon-chan. Good morning to you both."
"Good morning, Rice Shower."
"Ah! T-This is a fruit basket Rice Shower brought for you. It's filled with fresh fruit..."
Timidly placing the fruit basket on the table between the two beds, Rice Shower sat down nearby.
"How nice, bringing us a gift. Thank you, Rice-chan."
"Yes, thank you."
"I-It's nothing..."
Since she was quite familiar with Rice Shower, Starlight didn't stand on ceremony.
She picked up an apple from the fruit plate, wiped it, and was about to put it in her mouth.
Suddenly, a pair of fair, delicate hands snatched the apple away.
"You can't, Starlight-chan. This needs to be washed before you can eat it. Rice Shower will wash it for you..."
"Eh... alright then, thanks, Rice Shower. Do you want one, Bourbon-chan?"
"No, I don't really feel like eating right now..."
Although Rice Shower had a soft and gentle personality, she was very efficient.
In a short while, she had washed several pieces of fruit, arranged them on a plate, and placed it on the table.
Starlight was just about to reach for one when, in the next second, her hand was held by Rice Shower's again.
"Rice Shower will help you... she'll help you peel it..."
"It's fine, Rice Shower, I don't really mind."
"O-Oh, alright then..."
Seeing the other girl's sad and dejected little look, Starlight changed her mind and said with a smile.
"Actually, maybe it is better to peel it, Rice-chan~ Sorry to trouble you."
"It's no trouble, leave it to Rice Shower."
Scritch, scratch.
The sound of the fruit knife scraping against the apple skin echoed throughout the room.
Starlight glanced at Mihono Bourbon on the other side.
"By the way, Rice Shower, Mihono Bourbon has been wanting to make friends with you..."
Although she had heard it faintly outside, Rice Shower still asked in disbelief.
"Really?"
"Yes, of course... Rice Shower-san, your figure sprinting ahead at the last Kikuka Sho is still fresh in my memory. I really want to become friends with you."
"Yes, okay, Rice Shower would love to make friends..."
Squinting her eyes, Rice Shower gave Mihono Bourbon a smile.
She did indeed want to make friends, but due to various reasons before, she always felt like she was very disliked.
Only Starlight and the always-grinning Urara were willing to play with her.
Now that she could have a few more friends, she was very happy.