What would it feel like—to lose your legs and never run again?
Tokai Teio had never imagined such a nightmare, not even after her previous fracture.
Then again, why would any Uma Musume ever consider such a terrifying scenario?
Uma Musume loved the track passionately. Every single one hoped to run forever, endlessly sprinting across the familiar grass towards eternity. How could anyone face a life without running?
Yet, in the very moment she began to fall, Teio's thoughts unwillingly drifted in that direction.
Her thoughts scattered in the rushing wind, projecting far into an uncertain future.
In the end, why did so many people adore her? Was it simply because she was "Tokai Teio"?
No, the real reason was probably because she was expected to achieve the undefeated Triple Crown—to become the "second coming" of Symboli Rudolf.
Teio had always understood this expectation. It was precisely to fulfill those hopes that she'd trained so desperately, giving everything she had.
She wanted to become the next Symboli Rudolf!
It was her honor, her desire, her wish, her greatest miracle—the undefeated Triple Crown was Tokai Teio's ultimate dream.
So, for everyone who believed in her, she had to keep running.
She had to run without any accidents.
But now…Teio's body was broken.
Her legs screamed with pain, uncontrollable, her body no longer responding. No matter how hard she struggled, right now, Tokai Teio had utterly lost the possibility of running.
I've lost my legs again…
So, what awaited a Tokai Teio who could never run again?
Thoughts were strange; they raced chaotically, yet gave her the cruel clarity to realize the bitter truth.
There would be only one outcome: everyone would lose interest, forget about her entirely, only occasionally sighing with regret many years later.
"Ah, too bad we never got to see that Phantom Triple Crown winner cross the finish line of the Kikuka Sho. I really thought she could do it…"
Isn't that the most heartbreaking thing?
I want to run forever…but my legs have already betrayed me.
Could a miracle occur again? Even if one happened, could it help her cross the finish line today?
What are you thinking, Teio? You're too greedy, wishing for miracles…
"Don't you dare give up, you idiot!"
But in that exact instant, a familiar voice shouted the words Teio herself couldn't muster.
Before she realized what was happening, instead of slamming painfully into the grass, a powerful grip seized her. In a dizzying whirl, Teio crashed into a warm, firm embrace.
Is that…Gotham Song?
She'd been right beside me when I fell. But…what is she doing?
Stunned, Teio looked up and saw Gotham Song's face twisted as if enduring incredible pain, releasing a long breath she'd been holding tightly.
What's going on? Why is Gotham-san reacting like that?
"You just considered giving up, didn't you?"
"Ah…haven't I already dropped out of this race?"
Teio felt lost. But then she sensed the wind still rushing past, other runners zooming by. Wait—wasn't the race still happening?
Shouldn't Gotham Song immediately put me down? Doesn't she still want to win? What's going on right now?
"Can you still hold on? I know your fracture hurts terribly, but right now—you need to hold onto me tightly."
"H-hold onto you? Wait—what?"
Teio vaguely heard the announcer's frantic shouting and the roaring crowd, but her attention was completely locked onto Gotham Song. Her mind suddenly filled with an absurd suspicion.
She hasn't let go of me yet…she wouldn't seriously—?
Honestly, Teio's leg pain was nearly unbearable! Yet somehow, she managed to force herself to focus, instinctively gripping Gotham Song's shoulder, ready to shout:
Gotham-san, are you insane?!
"You should wrap your arms around my shoulders, not grab them like that," Gotham Song gently corrected.
Clearly, she wasn't leaving any room for argument.
"Didn't I promise you? If you ever lost the ability to run, I'd become your legs."
"But…Gotham-san—"
"I said—hold onto me now!"
Gotham Song's voice rang out sharply, brooking no objections. Without realizing, Teio obeyed, experiencing an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime sight:
Gotham Song's body began radiating a miraculous glow. A warm yet fiercely dominant cyan-blue brilliance enveloped her entirely.
This is Gotham Song's…[Zone]?!
The sudden eruption of light dazzled Teio, yet she found herself unable to look away, utterly transfixed by her rival—her greatest rival.
By the one who was still, undeniably, her greatest rival!
"Tokai Teio has fallen due to injury! A worst-case scenario! But…Gotham Song, what are you doing?! Shouldn't you place Teio off to the side and continue racing?"
"No…no way! Gotham Song clearly has other plans! Wait, this is madness—utter madness! Don't tell me she plans to princess-carry Teio for the remainder of this race? Gotham Song, this is the Kikuka Sho, not a short-distance mile!"
Was this madness? Of course it was. Maybe it could lead to Gotham Song's very first defeat.
Truthfully, Gotham Song felt her own heart pounding violently, almost exploding inside her chest. But—
Why had Teio pushed herself to the limit before the race even started? Why had Teio immediately tried to keep running even after her leg fractured, unaware of reality?
Teio truly wanted to compete head-on, to fulfill everyone's expectations. How could Gotham Song not respect such heartfelt determination?
Besides, hadn't they made a promise?
On that morning when everyone celebrated Teio's full recovery, they promised in front of everyone: if anything went wrong again, Gotham Song would become her legs.
If so many people had witnessed it, she couldn't possibly break her word.
Teio, even if you still wanted to run, now you don't have a choice. For now, quietly belong to me—and run with me to the end!
But truthfully, Gotham Song's physical strength was undeniably a weak point. How could she win such a seemingly impossible race carrying Teio?
Gotham Song didn't have an answer. But to honor Teio's heart and this race, she'd hold nothing back.
If it's running, strength, my everything—then let's show this world just what happens when Twilight Song, reborn, pours out every ounce of herself.
Hello, URA—I crawled all the way back from the Afterlife!
Offer everything as fuel—and ignite!
The path to legend is beneath my feet. All I have to do now is…break every limit!
[In this moment, a legendary story is reborn!]
Gotham Song gritted her teeth, unleashing every drop of strength. Light erupted around her, first visible only to Uma Musume, then gradually growing strong enough for even humans to clearly see. Her fierce strides no longer restrained, the figure at the race's heart radiated a brilliance impossible to miss.
"Gotham Song! My god, she's truly chosen madness! But now—now commentary is unnecessary! Everyone here is witnessing a race surpassing all legends. Regardless of the final outcome, today's footage will forever remain a classic in Uma Musume history!"
"We're the witnesses of legend, spectators of this divine heroism, the first to witness a race no one will ever replicate! Isn't there only one thing left for us to do now?"
Wasn't there always something essential for heroes taking flight?
Before Kitasan Black could recover from her shock, Shunbun took a deep breath, shouting louder than she ever had before:
"Go, Onee-san! Win this race!"
Kitasan jolted awake, suddenly realizing exactly what this moment lacked. Quickly, she cupped her hands around her mouth, joining in wholeheartedly:
"Gotham Song! Take the victory!"
Spectators finally broke free from their daze. Even if it meant seeing Teio cross the finish line in Gotham Song's arms, what else could they do now?
Now was the moment!
"Gotham Song! Gotham Song!"
"If you don't bring our Teio-sama across that finish line, I'll never forgive you!"
"Win this race first—then maybe consider retirement, you troublesome girl!"
For the very first time, Gotham Song felt the entire crowd's fervent support. Teio glanced around in excitement, missing how Gotham's dark bangs slowly began changing color.
"Gotham-san! Everyone's cheering for you—so many people!"
"Ah, yes…then I guess I have to try even harder, huh?"
Gotham Song's condition wasn't good at all. Running alone would have been effortless. But carrying Teio drained her immensely, especially with the Kikuka Sho's infamous second climb looming ahead.
But now—give up?
Impossible!
I conquered the Arc de Triomphe. You think a mere Kikuka Sho can stop me now?!
Watch me break every obstacle here, making this track forever remember the name Gotham Song!
"——!!!"
She unleashed a roar surpassing even her final charge at the Arc. Her body blazed, the cyan-blue aura fusing into tangible flames, enveloping her completely.
To all spectators, Gotham Song's figure vanished completely. Racing toward the finish line was an enormous fireball!
"Gotham Song! Is this the legendary [Zone]? Even I, a human commentator, can clearly see it! The race reaches its final turn. Gotham Song still leads, but Festival Glory is rapidly gaining! Is tragedy destined to conclude this miraculous tale? Will romance end in heartbreak today?"
Would Gotham Song's first defeat happen here?
Yet, strangely, for the first time, the commentator wished Gotham Song wouldn't lose.
How strange…
So, would she really lose?
Gotham Song gritted her teeth. Losing?
Defeat is not part of Gotham Song's story!
You dare challenge me? At least conquer the Arc in rain before dreaming that big!
Is this my limit…?
No…because Gotham Song's limits—can always be surpassed!
At the very last second, Gotham Song drew upon the one power she'd sworn never to use again in this life:
[Blaze Fiercely—My Life Itself Is Fuel!]