At that moment, if anyone could be said to have the strongest resistance to pressure, it was Peach Waves—who had just come of age.
Still young and untouched by worldly burdens, Now she got bump by the weight of an Uma Musume.
Silent Suzuka, who had accidentally bump into her, suddenly felt her tension melt away. A soft warmth spread beneath her, accompanied by a faint, soothing fragrance.
"Weird… what is this scent?"
"Um… could you get off me? It's a little hard to breathe."
Mm—!
Startled by the voice, Silent Suzuka's face turned crimson. She quickly knelt beside Peach Waves and helped her sit up.
"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
Peach Waves rubbed her chest, still sore from the impact, and sighed.
"I'm fine. Just… maybe look where you're running next time?"
She dusted herself off and glanced at Suzuka, who was still sitting on the ground.
"Are you hurt? Can you stand?"
Peach Waves stretched her limbs, then offered a hand. Suzuka hesitated, then looked up into her gentle, concerned eyes. The faint fragrance around Peach Waves seemed to ease her nerves.
Just as Suzuka tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through her ankle.
"Hiss…"
Peach Waves immediately knelt down, rolled up Suzuka's pant leg, and gently pulled down her sock. Her ankle was red and swollen, with faint marks from a recently removed bandage.
"Your ankle… it's still healing."
"I took the bandage off yesterday. I wanted to resume training today, but…"
Suzuka's voice trailed off, sadness creeping in. She'd just been scolded for her running style, and now her injury flared up again. Her blue eyes shimmered, on the verge of tears.
Peach Waves reached out and patted her head with a smile.
"Don't worry. I brought something special. You'll be running again in no time."
The warmth of her voice, the gentle touch, and the comforting scent lifted Suzuka's spirits. Her ears perked up, and her tail swayed slightly.
"Really?"
"Really. Let's get you patched up."
Peach Waves helped Suzuka to a bench and sat her down. She removed Suzuka's shoes and socks, then pulled out a small spray bottle and gave it a shake.
She aimed at the swollen ankle and gently sprayed.
Suzuka blushed, watching Peach Waves cradle her ankle with care. A cool mist settled over the injury, followed by a warm sensation.
The redness faded. The swelling vanished. The pain disappeared.
Suzuka stared in awe.
"Thank you so much… What's your name?"
"You don't know me? I'm the chef at Tracen's canteen— Peach Waves. Just call me Peach."
"You're the new cook?"
Suzuka blinked.
"I'm Silent Suzuka. I've been recovering in the dorm, so I haven't met you. But the dorm manager brings me meals every day… and they're delicious."
"I'm glad. Now that you're healed, if this happens again, come find me."
"No, I couldn't trouble you…"
Suzuka stood and bounced lightly on her feet. No pain.
Peach Waves shook her head.
"It's no trouble. I've been in your shoes before."
Suzuka sat back down, sensing something deeper.
Peach Waves looked out at the track and spoke softly.
"When I was little, I had a vivid dream. I was galloping across the field, winning medals, making my parents proud. They supported me… but an accident took them away. I carried their hopes, determined to honor them."
"But in that dream, I was injured—my legs beyond repair. I ended up in a wheelchair."
Suzuka looked at the younger girl before her, surprised by the calm strength in her eyes.
"Thankfully, it was just a dream. But I don't want you to live it. So I'll help you. Run the way your heart wants."
Suzuka's heart stirred. Her escape-style running wasn't accepted. Trainers discouraged it. But Peach Waves didn't.
"Thank you, Peach Waves. I'll work hard."
"Good. I'm off to train. See you next time."
"See you."
Suzuka watched the blue-and-white figure jog away, eyes shining.
"Suzuka! You're back!"
The voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Hishi Amazon and the rest of Team Rigel approaching.
"I'm back."
"Finally! I've missed racing with you."
"Alright, enough chatter. Training starts soon."
Fuji Kiseki tugged Amazon's collar and led her away.
Suzuka and Rudolf Symbol exchanged glances. A silent nod passed between them.
Training began.
News of Team Rigil's upcoming match spread quickly. It was a clash of elite teams, and every Uma Musume wanted to watch.
Peach Waves paused her training and joined Okino at the sidelines.
"Did you help her recover?"
Okino raised a brow.
"You've got sharp eyes, Mr. Okino."
"Hard not to notice. My office is right there."
"I just wanted to see her run."
The match began. At the sound of the starting bell, Silent Suzuka burst forward, leaving her teammates behind.
Her speed kept climbing.
Toujou Hana frowned, ready to intervene—but Okino stopped her.
"Peach Waves took care of her. Let her run free."
Hana glanced at the white-pink figure and relented.
"Alright…"
Under the gaze of dozens of Uma Musume, Suzuka flew across the track, stunning everyone.
Though she faltered near the end—disrupted by Rudolf's overwhelming presence—her performance left a lasting impression.
"Done watching? I'm heading back to training."
Peach Waves popped an energy candy and stretched.
"You're still going?!"
Okino gawked.
"I've got a quarter of my training left."