Chapter Text
"Hey.... the parts of you that never change and the parts that do... can I stand by your side and watch it all? Closer than anyone else?
Because I want to know everything about you, from now on."
"Of course," you answer. As the fireworks cover the night sky, the sheer beauty of it is breathtaking. The sound is so loud that your senses get overwhelmed, and you can't help but feel warm inside.
The two of you stay a little longer to observe the show. Once everything quiets down, you glance at the girl and catch her looking at you.
"Did you enjoy the show?" you ask her with a smile on your face, then glance down at the sea without waiting for a reply.
"Yes," she answers softly while leaning slightly towards you. "I had so much fun today, Trainer. Thanks for taking me out today. I am very happy."
"You are welcome, Buena."
You don't know why, but hearing those words from her made you happy.
"We should head back. It's getting late."
Buena nods. "It was truly a beautiful scenery, Trainer. Thanks for taking me out today."
"I will walk you back to the dorms," you reply and observe as the girl's facial expression changes to an excited one, her tail swishing from left to right.
The two of you start walking shortly after. Not much is being said, which creates the perfect space for your mind to run off.
You remember walking down the same road by yourself, all exhausted. In all honesty, you still are, but it's not physical exhaustion you feel — it's mental. Becoming a trainer is easy if you're someone from the countryside, maybe for someone who doesn't dream about G1 races. But this is URA and Tracen Academy. This place produces Japan's best of the best racers, who end up defending Japan's honor. The winner of the Japan Derby is often titled as the strongest Uma Musume — top 1% of the top 1%. Special Week has reached this scenery, and now Buena Vista wants to do the same.
You understand the importance of that dream. You know how much it means to her, and frankly, to you as well. It means a lot. It's what you've been working hard towards for the past few years, and it frankly scares you. The thought of failing, the thought of not reaching that scenery, sends chills down your spine. You remember taking this route when you were still studying to become a tra—
"Iner.... Trainer?"
You look at your trainee, who's looking at you with a curious expression on her face. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah," you answer. "I was just zoning out. The night is so calm."
"Do you like going out for walks at this time?" she asks.
"It depends, honestly. If I am with someone, I'd much rather go out during daytime. But if I am alone and I go out to sort out my thoughts, I'd much rather go after sunset."
She giggles, and after a brief pause answers, "Is that what you've been doing~?"
Her giggle and the way she worded her question makes you smile a little. "You could say that, yes... Hey, Buena?"
"Yes, what is it?" You can see her ears twitch a little.
"Let's smash that Japan Derby."
She gets all excited from you mentioning that. "Mhmm~ We will reach that scenery undoubtably!" she proclaims.
Your earlier thoughts suddenly seemed so meaningless. You will help her reach her dream of becoming a Derby Uma, regardless of what it takes.
The two of you shortly arrive at the Ritto dorm.
"Today was a lot of fun, Trainer. Thanks for showing me such a beautiful scenery." Her words put a smile on your face. You too had a lot of fun today.
"I feel the same way. Thank you for accompanying me today, Buena..." You seemingly want to add something onto that, but you decide tomorrow before training would be the best time for it.
"See you tomorrow then?"
You gently nod. "See you tomorrow, Buena. Make sure you go to bed at a reasonable time. Recovery is very important for an Uma."
She turns around and nods. "Understood, Trainer!"
You watch her disappear into the dorms and then head towards the nearest train station. It's pretty late, but you have no intentions of going to bed. You managed to pick up a book written by three American trainers. It was a bit expensive, but in your mind it's worth it. You intend to fully utilize any means and tools available to you to come up with the best training schedule you can.
So as soon as you arrive home, you drop off your stuff, make yourself a cup of coffee, grab your notebook, and start reading. One hour turns into two, two into four. Papers get filled out with your scribbled notes. You already have a few ideas you could try to implement in the future. Halfway through the book, and in your eyes it's already paying off hugely. But you're too tired to concentrate now, so you kick back in the chair and look at the calendar. October 26th is circled with "debut?" written on top of it.
Your mind drifts back to earlier that night. To the fireworks lighting up the sky. To Buena’s soft voice as she looked at you.
"Hey.... the parts of you that never change and the parts that do... can I stand by your side and watch it all? Closer than anyone else? Because I want to know everything about you, from now on."
A warm feeling blooms in your chest. For a moment, it feels like something more. Then a soft smile appears on your face as the warmth overtakes you.
That’s just Buena being Buena…
She’s always been affectionate like that. Kind. Pure-hearted. You’ve known her since you were kids. Of course she’d say something that touching.
You let out a slow breath and stare at the circled date again. The thought of her debut — the thought of finally being a proper trainer — feels heavier than ever.
Am I really good eno—
You catch yourself mid-thought.
No. You WILL be.