Wish upon a Star (A LATAM Umamusume story!)

[Zyriam]

"Into the final stretch they come! Maruzensky in front, flying away!"

The lone Umamusume accelerated as the race entered the final spurt, breaking clear of the pack. Her chestnut hair streamed behind her in the summer wind, her ribbon barely holding on due to her speed.

"She's too powerful! The gap is five lengths, six lengths, seven! It's still growing!"

Her smile widened as her strides lengthened. The others pushed, desperate to close in, but none could match her speed. None could rival The Beast.

"The rest of the field cannot catch her, Maruzensky is flying alone down the straight!"

Her crimson uniform blazed like fire against the green turf, though to the stands she was only a streak of red. Every step thundered, as if she was driving her beloved supercar.

"Nine lengths clear at the finish! Absolute domination! Maruzensky wins the Yasuda Kinen!"

The stands erupted in cheers as she raised her arms in triumph. One by one, the other Umamusume crossed behind her. Some cheered themselves for finishing strong, others swiping tears in their eyes. Yet Maruzensky's radiant smile eclipsed them all, glowing even as sweat poured down her face.

When she reached the cameras, she did a small twirl, winked, and made a double peace sign. Her fans' cheers grew louder.

"Lucero! Do you know what time it is?!"

The young girl yelped as she felt a firm hand grip her shoulder and pull her back from the TV. She stood frozen for a moment before her mind caught up with reality. It was 1 AM in the morning, she was in her Hello kitty pajamas and tomorrow was school day.

Her mother stood over her, with bronze-toned skin that seemed to glow even in the dim light of the room. A cascade of pure white hair fell neatly over her shoulders, almost blending in with her white ruana and white pajamas. Her gaze was sharp, serious, and still fixed on her daughter as her hand remained firm on the girl's shoulder.

"Lucero de los Llanos Méndez."

Lucero's heart tightened as her full name was called out.

"What have I told you about watching TV so late?"

"That… I'll fall asleep in class?" she answered with a nervous smile.

"So?" Her mother arched an eyebrow.

"I won't do it again…" Lucero's ears drooped as she slumped back, defeated.

The woman nodded, then turned her eyes toward the television. The broadcast of the Yasuda Kinen was still running, Maruzensky's post-race interview flashing across the screen in Japanese with Spanish subtitles. She glanced back at her daughter, who was now fidgeting with empty chip bags, folding and rolling them into little balls.

With an exasperated sigh, she checked the clock one more time before looking back at Lucero.

"As soon as the concert finishes, go to bed. If I find you up again after that, I'll cut off the TV cable."

"I LOVE YOU MOM!" Lucero shouted, springing to her feet and wrapping her arms around her mother with all her might.

"Quiet down! Your father is asleep!" The woman gave her a light smack.

When Lucero sat back down, eyes glued once again to the screen, her mother lingered in the doorway for a moment. She gave her daughter one last glance and returned to her bedroom. After a couple of minutes, just before sleep claimed her again, she could her the distant and muffled sounds of her daughter clumsily following along "Instinctive Speed."

---

The next morning came, and regret hit Lucero like a truck. Her whole body begged for another hour of sleep. It took every ounce of willpower just to sit up and not collapse straight back into her pillow.

From outside her room, the household was already alive. She could hear her mother's music drifting from the kitchen, her father and brother's voices as they prepared to milk the cows alongside the workers, and the scattered chorus of animals greeting the day.

"Lady Lucero, don't fall asleep!"

Miranda, one of the estate's maids, called from beyond the door, her sharp voice snapping Lucero upright.

"Yeah, yeah…" Lucero groaned, rubbing her eyes. She stretched until her joints popped.

Lucero forced herself to stand, already dreading how her dance practice would go in a couple of hours. She dragged her feet to the bathroom, washed her face, and brushed her teeth. When she looked in the mirror, black bags under her blue eyes and tangled white hair greeted her. She sighed at her reflection, tilting her head slightly as if maybe the mirror would offer a kinder angle. It didn't.

Her fingers combed halfheartedly through her hair, tugging at knots until she hissed in frustration and gave up. The girl leaned forward, palms pressed against the sink, and stared at herself.

"Ugh… why did I stay up…" she muttered, though she knew the answer already: Maruzensky.

As she brushed her teeth, her mind wandered back to that fiery Umamusume. The absolute dominion she showed in her races kept Lucero's attention in a dead grip since she first saw her. The fear her presence gave to other Umamusume, her sheer speed, and her voice in her post-race concerts…

Lucero sighed to herself, only to accidentally inhale a bit of toothpaste. She broke into a sudden coughing fit, clutching the edge of the sink with one hand while smacking her chest with the other.

"Fuck!" Foam sputtered into the basin. Her eyes watered as she leaned over, wheezing out the last of it. "Brilliant… real elegant," she croaked, glaring at her reflection.

The coughing finally subsided, leaving her throat raw and her chest aching from the effort. She straightened up slowly, hair falling into her face like a messy curtain, and muttered under her breath: "Great way to start the day, weirdo."

She rinsed her mouth, cleaned her face one more time, tied her hair on a ponytail, and went to the living room to have breakfast. The air outside her room was cold, making her shiver slightly as her bare feet touched the floor.

Subconsciously, she looked at the photos adorning the hallway leading to the living room. Some were of her dancing bambuco in a white dress adorned with roses. Others were of her family lifting her and a trophy from a dance competition. Then came the older ones of her mother in a similar getup. There was an even older one of her grandmother dancing too.

Her steps were unsteady, and her head felt heavy, but she managed to reach her seat without bumping into anything or anyone.

Her mother was still at the table with a placid expression, making notes in her notepad. Lucero was a spitting image of her, save for her skin tone and eye color. She had long, thick legs and a cascade of white hair. However, the biggest difference between them was the way she carried herself. There was a certain weight to her gaze that Lucero lacked. One that was directed at her when she took her seat.

"I hope I don't hear from your instructor that you fell asleep," she said, snapping her fingers. "Gloria, her breakfast, please."

"Yes, Mom…" she said sheepishly, fidgeting under the table.

"Here, young miss." The same maid who had woken her up came by swiftly and set her food in front of her, startling her. There were eggs mixed with carrot cubes, bread, and hot coffee sweetened with honey.

"Thanks!" The girl nodded with a smile and began to dig in.

"Your dress for the tryouts came yesterday," her mother said, making a point with her pen. "We'll go to the seamstress after school to have it fitted."

Lucero's eyes brightened, and her sleepiness dissipated. She finished swallowing the piece of bread in her mouth, almost choking in the process, and answered back, "Really?!"

"Yes, darling," her mother nodded. "It's pink, like you wanted. But the red roses are non-negotiable."

Her expression dimmed a little, but she shrugged after a couple of seconds. She had to count her victories where she could.

"I'll be at your school by two," she said, closing the notepad and standing from the table. "Don't wander off, especially to the track."

The girl nodded, returning to her food. Her mother watched her for a moment and sighed softly. Without another word, she walked behind her and began untangling her hair. Lucero's ears twitched subconsciously whenever her mother's hands hovered too close, and sometimes she flinched when they touched them.

"Take care at school," the woman said after the worst knots were dealt with. Remember to take extra clothes and your comb."

"Yes, Mom… I already packed everything."

"Good."

She planted a kiss on the girl's head and went outside.

After finishing her breakfast and hugging Gloria, Lucero went back to her room. She changed into her running outfit: a loose white T-shirt, green cargo pants, and cleated running shoes. On top of that, she put on her white ruana to ward off the cold and tied her hair back with a band. On her left ear, she tied her favorite pink ribbon.

Before she went outside, she double-checked that she had everything. Her schoolbag contained all her books, while a travel bag on the side held her extra clothing.

"Let's see… clothes, towel, deodorant, shampoo, comb, books… ah!" She ran to her closet, picked up an extra book, and stuffed it inside. "Almost forgot that one…"

After saying her final goodbyes, she finally went out. The cold morning air was the first thing to hit her, like a thousand needles to her face. She was used to it, but it didn't make the sensation less unpleasant. With a small scowl she began walking while stretching.

Beyond the house's thick walls, the estate was alive with activity. Workers gathered near the cattle pens, their breath steaming in the icy morning air. Some were Umamusume, but unlike Lucero's idols, they were broad-shouldered and sturdy, with bodies adapted to heavy labor and defined muscles. They wore ruanas, brimmed hats, and long woolen scarves wrapped around their necks. Finally, their boots had cleats on them, helping them navigate the damp soil without faceplanting.

Lucero could hear them whistling to one another in the distance while corralling the cows for milking. Others carried bundles of firewood or tended to the animals.

The Méndez family estate stretched across the highlands outside Tunja. Rolling pastures surrounded by mist. The main house was smaller than others in the region, with white walls and red-tiled roof shining faintly in the morning light.

With a final stretch to shake off her tiredness, she closed her eyes. She imagined herself behind the gates, fans roaring in the distance, her heart hammering in her chest as she waited for the start. Her idols stood beside her, waiting for the race of their lives to begin. Lucero's muscles tensed, her breath stilled, and suddenly her eyes opened.

She surged forward with powerful steps, seeing herself trying to overtake the competition as she ran with all her might down the road to her school. For a fleeting moment, she felt completely free. Free from schedules, expectations, and the careful posture dance had taught her to maintain. The air was cool and faintly damp, brushing against her face as the morning mist clung to the fields around the farm. Her tail danced in the wind, mirroring her excitement and pure joy.

The first stretch of her run, a little over two kilometers of uneven dirt road, was slick from the night's dew. Mud clung to the soles of her cleats, forcing her to focus on her balance. Her bags thumped against her sides with every stride, making her adjust on the fly to prevent a fall. Whenever a small puddle came in front, she made small jumps to evade them.

At the mid-point of her 'race' she finally reached asphalt. She smiled in relief at the feeling of proper ground under her feet, but she knew that her cleats would be wrecked in the long run. Without slowing down, she checked there wasn't any vehicle on the way and ran on the Umamusume lane.

As the small city loomed ever closer, the girl smiled. Classes would be boring, dancing lessons were going to be painful, and she couldn't sneak into the track to distract herself. She wasn't going to give her mother ammunition. But it didn't make her joy go away, she savored those feelings of freedom while they lasted.

 

[Zyriam]

As she got closer to the city, her pace slowed to a light jog. She didn't want to get in trouble again for speeding, or worse, for hitting someone. Feeling the sweat roll down her face, she removed her ruana and tied it to her travel bag, not wanting to dirty it more than necessary.

The city was quaint. It was technically a capital, yet it felt more like a large town than a true metropolis. The houses were small, and their low roofs trapped the heat instead of letting it disperse. Some streets were narrow enough for only pedestrians and Umamusume, and motorcycles zipped past in every direction. Even this early in the morning, a chorus of engines and sirens echoed through the more congested areas. It wasn't unusual, either, to see carts pulled by Umamusume carrying animals or produce from nearby farms.

As Lucero entered the heart of the city, the rhythm of her footsteps began to blend with the city sounds. The narrow streets gradually widened into avenues lined with trees and small cafés, their awnings still heavy with morning dew. The smell of coffee and fresh bread that made her stomach rumble was ever present. It took everything in her not to get distracted by them.

She slowed near the central plaza, where a statue of the city's founder stood surrounded by flowering shrubs. Vendors were already setting up their stands, filling the air with the rustle of tarps and the clatter of wooden crates. A group of Umamusume, dressed in jogging uniforms, trotted past on the opposite sidewalk, laughing between breaths as they trained before school. She smiled wistfully at them, feeling a bit of envy before dispelling it.

The road leading to Maria Auxiliadora Academy of Fine Arts wound uphill, paved with uneven stones. It wasn't far, just another kilometer, but the climb would exhaust her if she didn't pace herself. As she ascended, the noise of the city softened behind her, replaced by the echo of her own breathing and the distant ringing of a church bell.

The academy emerged from the mist at the top of the rise: a collection of cream-colored buildings crowned with red-tiled roofs, framed by gardens and marble balustrades. Its gates, wrought iron and gilded at the tips, bore the emblem of a lyre encircled by a laurel wreath.

When she finally reached her goal, Lucero took a moment to catch her breath. Her body was soaked in sweat, and faint steam rose around her. She searched her travel bag for a moment but froze when she realized she had left her water bottle at home. With a defeated sigh, she adjusted the strap of her bag, brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, and crossed the street.

Several other students were arriving as well, some out of breath from their morning runs, others proper and pristine in the academy uniform: a crisp white blouse with puffed sleeves, an emerald-green vest embroidered with the school's golden lyre emblem, and a pleated skirt of matching green that fell just above the knees. White socks, polished brown shoes, and a narrow green tie fastened with a gold clip completed the look.

"Lucero!"

The familiar voice reached her just as she stepped through the academy gates. Silver Song was waiting by the courtyard fountain. Her silver-gray hair tied in a high ponytail and emerald-green eyes glinting in the sunlight. Her uniform looked perfectly pressed, with not a single crease out of place.

"You're cutting it close again," Silver said, half teasing, half exasperated, as she crossed her arms. "And you forgot your water bottle, didn't you?"

"Yes…" Lucero sighed but brightened when Silver handed her hers. "My savior!" With a grateful smile, she drank greedily and splashed some of the water onto her face.

"I know, I know." Silver shook her head, stepping back to avoid the stray drops. "Be more careful, will you? Now I have to refill it for both of us."

Lucero smirked and handed the bottle back. "I know, Mother. I won't do it again."

Silver rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

"You never change, oh wild child of mine," she said in an overly dramatic tone as she turned toward the main hall. "What have I done to deserve such a rambunctious and precocious uma, oh divine goddesses?"

"Forgive me, Mother, for I have disappointed you yet again!" Lucero exclaimed, falling into step beside her.

Their laughter and the soft clink of their cleats echoed through the hallway as they entered. Morning light was already spilling through the high windows, and birds sang somewhere beyond the glass. Framed portraits of past performers lined the cream-colored walls, some old enough to be in black and white, others far more recent. One of them showed Lucero's mother mid-dance, her white dress adorned with red roses. Lucero's gaze briefly followed it but didn't linger for too long.

When they reached the bathrooms, Lucero finally dropped the theatrics.

"Catch you in class. I need to take a shower," she said with a nervous smile.

"Oh yes, I was wondering where that putrid smell was coming from." Silver made an exaggeratedly disgusted face and pinched her nose. "Go on, my child, but do be careful not to kill anything with your stench."

"Ha. Ha. Ha." Lucero deadpanned while flipping her off.

Silver gasped in mock outrage. "My child! What are these rude gestures you make? I have failed as a mother!"

"Fuck you, Silver." Lucero smirked and kissed her cheek and rubbed hers against it.

"Blegh." Silver wiped the spot with a handkerchief as Lucero darted away before she could retaliate.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

The changing room was quiet when Lucero entered. It was big enough for at least a dozen or more Umamusume changing at the same time. There were only a couple of them quietly stripping their clothes or changing into their uniforms. Lucero briefly greeted them and went to her locker. She slipped off her running gear, steam still rising faintly from her skin. The tiles chilled her bare feet as she crossed into the shower area.

When she turned the handle, a rush of warm water cascaded down, striking her shoulders and washing away the last traces of sweat and dust from the road. She closed her eyes and let out a long breath. For a moment, she simply stood there, motionless, listening to the sound of the water echoing softly off the tiled walls.

When she finally turned off the water, she dried herself quickly and stepped back into the changing room. Piece by piece, she put on her uniform: the white blouse, the emerald vest, the pleated skirt. She smoothed the fabric carefully, brushed her damp hair and tail until they shone, and tied her pink ribbon neatly around her left ear.

Just as she adjusted the knot of her tie, the academy's bell rang.

"Ah, damn it."

She and the other Umas still inside the changing room grabbed her bags, bolted for the door, and sprinted down the hall. Their polished shoes clicking sharply against the marble floor. The bell had already gone silent by the time she skidded to a stop in front of her classroom door.

She pushed it open, too quickly, and every one of the 20 students present turned.

"Nice of you to join us, Miss Lucero," said Ms. Ramírez, her teacher, arms crossed and expression unimpressed.

A ripple of laughter ran through the room, promptly silenced by a single sharp look from the teacher. Lucero managed a nervous smile and bowed her head. "Sorry, ma'am."

"Seat. Now."

She nodded quickly and slipped into her chair, trying to ignore the smirks and whispers from her classmates. As Ms. Ramírez turned back to the board and began the lesson, Lucero exhaled softly and waved at Silver Song, who was also her desk mate.

"As you already know, the tryouts for the Medellín Academy of Fine Arts are in one week." Ms. Ramírez wrote the date, January 10th​, on the blackboard with a piece of chalk. "Sign-ups are open until Friday, so don't be late."

Most of the class brightened, whispering excitedly about the upcoming tryouts. Some boasted about their dancing or singing skills, while others had dreamy expressions on their faces. Silver and Lucero exchanged glances across their desks, there was disdain, smugness, and irritation flying through them, before they broke into giggles.

"The general tryouts to find trainers for racers will also take place that day, at the same time," Ms. Ramírez continued.

The four girls who hadn't reacted earlier perked up at that, trading confident grins and light banter about who would perform better.

Lucero felt… conflicted about that. She harbored a bit of hope of being able to, if not participate, at least see the tryouts. Watching trainers choose Umamusume to propel toward stardom had always thrilled her, though she'd never been able to witness it in person. For a fleeting moment, she imagined herself among them, giving interviews, flying across the world, maybe even competing in the Japan Cup…

"You okay, Lucero?" Silver asked, one eyebrow quirked.

"Y-yeah," Lucero replied, forcing a small laugh before letting out a yawn. "Just didn't get enough sleep."

"Oh." Silver rolled her eyes. "How very you of you."

"Silence, ladies." Ms. Ramírez clapped her hands, silencing the idle chatter. "Now, open your books on page 95."

Lucero did her best, she really did, but history class was always a very potent sleep medication. Even worse now that she was on 4 hours of sleep at best. After her teacher began explaining the history of traditional dancing of the coastal region, her lights turned off.

Lucero was standing at a grand racetrack gleaming under a perfect blue sky. The crowd roared her name.

Lucero! Lucero!

While glittering confetti rained down like petals. Her school uniform had somehow turned into a shining white racing outfit, trimmed with pink ribbons that fluttered behind her tail.

"Next up," called the announcer, "the rising star of Colombia. Lucero of Maria Auxiliadora Academy!"

She grinned, heart pounding, and stamped her hooves against the ground. The other Umamusume lined up beside her, each with shining manes and numbers pinned to their vests.

The gates opened with a clang! And she shot forward, legs burning, wind whipping through her hair. The track blurred beneath her, the sound of the crowd swelling to a thunderous rhythm. For a moment she thought she could see her mother in the stands, clapping proudly, her red roses bright against the sunlight.

"You can do it, Lucero!" Silver's voice echoed from somewhere behind her, though it was oddly mixed with laughter.

She surged ahead, neck and neck with the leader, reaching out for the finish line that shimmered like gold in the distance-

"Miss Lucero."

The dream shattered. She blinked awake, drooling slightly on her desk, to find Ms. Ramírez looming above her with one unimpressed eyebrow raised and the class quietly snickering. Chief among them, Silver Song, doing her best to contain her laughter.

"H-hi…" Lucero's face felt on fire, her ears drooped and her tail swooshed nervously.

"Go and buy a cup of coffee," the teacher sighed. "Make it quick."

"I'll be right back!" Lucero shot up from her seat, hastily wiping the bit of drool still clinging to her cheek, and made a mad dash toward the cafeteria.

She could only hope this wasn't a sign of how the rest of her day would go.

---

A/N: This happened to me once. Fell asleep in the middle of class and my teacher sent me to buy myself a cup of coffee. I almost exploded from the sheer embarrassment. Fun times.

 

[Zyriam]

The trip to the cafeteria was quick. It was empty and quiet, so the only ones to judge her were the cafeteria workers. They acted friendly and with a smile, but Lucero knew they were also laughing at her, she just couldn't prove it. She downed her coffee, burned her tongue in the process, and hurried back to the classroom.

Thankfully, the rest of the class passed without incident, though a few classmates still smirked at her here and there, amused by her earlier blunder. Something she knew would be talked about years after her graduation, at least.

When the bell rang again, relief spread across the room. Several girls had been struggling to stay awake for the last ten minutes but managed to power through to the end. As the students began filing out, four Umamusume headed toward the track instead of joining the group bound for dance class. Lucero followed them with her eyes until the small quartet disappeared behind a corner.

"Hey." Silver snapped her fingers in front of her face, making her flinch. "Are you still asleep?"

"A-a bit… yeah." Lucero laughed awkwardly and stretched.

"Try not to fall asleep," Silver said with a teasing smirk. "Or do, after all, you have a race to win~."

"S-Silver!"

The way to the auditorium was filled with Silver's giggles and Lucero's outraged cries.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

The changing room buzzed with chatter as the students exchanged their uniforms for the flowing garments of dance class. Lucero stood at her usual spot beside Silver, carefully pulling her dress from its hanger.

It was long and modest, made of soft cotton the color of pale cream, the skirt falling straight without flares. A thin green ribbon circled the waist, matching the academy's colors. She tied her hair back with her pink ribbon before slipping the dress on.

"Did your dress arrive yet?" Silver asked, fastening the buttons on her own dark-blue gown.

"Yeah. I'm going with Mom to the seamstress after class," Lucero replied with an exasperated sigh. "It's going to take hours…"

"I got mine fitted yesterday." Silver smiled, tossing her silver ponytail over her shoulder.

"Oh?" Lucero quirked an eyebrow. "Can I see it?"

"Later." Silver adjusted her shoes, the metal cleats tapping softly against the floor. "I don't want my cellphone confiscated like someone I know…"

"That was three years ago!" Lucero groaned and sat down to comb her tail. "And your dress is going to be wasted on you anyway, you ugly witch," she grumbled.

"Oh please, my child." Silver did a playful twirl, hitting her friend in the face with the hem of her skirt. "You don't even have half of my class."

"Oh, it's on—"

A bell inside the changing room interrupted their friendly sparring. With a huff and an eye roll, they joined the rest of the class heading toward the auditorium.

The hall was wide and open, with smooth wooden floors and high ceilings. The air was warm and smelled faintly of dust and polished wood. From the speakers mounted high in the corners, the first notes of joropo music drifted down.

Their teacher, Ms. Ortega, stood at the center of the room. She was an Umamusume with chestnut-brown hair streaked with a bold line of white. Her dress was white as well, trimmed with a border of red, blue, and yellow flowers. When the girls reached her, the chatter faded to silence.

"Formation, girls," she said in an even tone "We'll be rehearsing the tryouts this whole week, so our class was extended by an additional hour. Your parents were notified of the change already."

Lucero suppressed her urge to groan.

"We'll start with tango." Ms. Ortega clapped her hands. "Find pairs."

Thankfully nobody was in the awkward position of being left alone, since the whole class was even. Silver and Lucero faced each other and nodded, already knowing they would be each other's partners. After some shuffling and some calls from people still alone, Ms. Ortega clapped her hands.

"Begin!"

The first notes of La Cumparsita drifted through the hall and, in an instant, any trace of playfulness vanished from Lucero and Silver's faces, as if wiped clean. Their eyes sharpened, their spines straightened, and every breath fell into rhythm with the music.

The click of cleats echoed softly at first, then gathered strength as the pairs began to move. Silver took the lead first, her movements were sharp, but never too rough. Lucero followed with perfect awareness, matching her friend's energy with her own fluid motions. Together they shifted and turned, skirts sweeping just above the floor as the tempo began to rise.

Around them, the rest of the class moved as one. Sixteen bodies synchronized to the pulse of the song, each step landing in perfect time. Not a single beat was missed. The floor itself vibrated under their rhythm and acted as an extra instrument.

"Change!" Ms. Ortega's voice rang out across the hall.

In a single motion, Lucero's weight shifted. She took the lead seamlessly and the energy in the dance changed. Her movements were more expressive, flowing into each other without lingering. Their feet struck the floor in sharp counterpoint: click, pause, sweep. Click, click, spin.

"Change!" came the command again.

Silver reclaimed the lead with a smooth pivot. Their gazes met for an instant before being absorbed by the song once more. Their steps tightened into sharper patterns as the music swelled.

"Change!"

Once more, the lead passed between them. Push and pull, command and answer. For those few minutes, nothing existed beyond the sound of heels striking wood, the harmony of their movements and the reflection in each other's eyes.

When the final chord rang out, the dancers froze in unison.

"Beautiful," she said with a small clap. "Every step in its place. Nobody was off beat…" She passed through each couple, correcting their posture or whispering in their ear any mistake during their dance. When Lucero and Silver's turn came, the teacher quietly praised them, gave them some tips for their transitions, and went on her way.

Lucero exhaled, chest heaving slightly, a bead of sweat tracing down her temple. Silver turned her head just enough to smirk.

"Good job, witch." She whispered to her best friend.

"Good job as well, harlot." Silver nodded and answered back.

"Alright, ladies." Ms. Ortega clapped. "From the top!"

They performed the song two more times before they could take a small break. Lucero collapsed onto the nearest bench with an exaggerated groan, fanning herself with the edge of her skirt.

"Please, have some class," Silver said, sitting gracefully beside her and dabbing her forehead with a towel.

"We're already at class." Lucero retorted, grinning as she reached for her water bottle.

"Ha. Ha." Silver said in an even tone and passed it to her, letting her friend cool down in peace.

A few classmates nearby laughed. Ruiseñor de Mediodía, a tall Umamusume with sandy-blonde hair, turned to them with a smirk. "Don't bother Silver, you already know she'll always be like that."

"Like you're on the forefront of elegance." Lucero said between sips, earning herself a playful poke on the ribs.

Camelia, another dancer with braided chestnut hair, chimed in. "Won't you have issues with that? With the judges and everything?"

"Please." Lucero flipped her braid over her shoulder dramatically. "Everyone knows the judges love a bit of flair."

The group burst into giggles.

"Alright, girls. Five minutes are up! Water down, ribbons straight, let's see if that energy holds for the next round."

A chorus of groans and good-natured complaints followed as the students hurried to their places. Lucero stood, tightened the ribbon around her waist, and met Silver's gaze.

"Round two?" she said, smirking.

"Always," Silver replied, already poised to dance again.

For the next two hours, they practiced nothing but tango. Some pieces were tender and romantic, others heavy with melancholy, but all of them were very demanding. With each song, partners rotated at random, forcing the students to adapt to new rhythms, heights, and temperaments. Normally, their trainer would have taken the lead, but with none assigned yet, they had to rely on one another.

By the time Ms. Ortega clapped her hands for the final time, the hall was filled with the sound of labored breathing and the faint hiss of steam rising from flushed skin. Lucero, who had managed to keep her composure throughout the last dance, nearly collapsed the moment the music stopped. Her chest heaved, her legs trembled, and a satisfied smile tugged at her lips despite the exhaustion.

She tried to take a step, but her legs gave out beneath her. With a dull thud, she fell to her knees, gasping as she fought to pull air into her burning lungs.

"Lucero! Are you okay?" Silver dropped to the floor in front of her, gripping her shoulders. Her voice trembled despite her effort to stay composed. "Are you hurt?!"

"I'm…" Lucero swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath. "I'm fine!" she managed to say, forcing a smile that quickly faltered.

The edges of her vision began to blur. Her eyelids grew unbearably heavy, and her body swayed forward as her strength drained away. Somewhere, she heard Silver shouting, her name maybe, but the sound was distant and muffled.

Strong hands caught her before she hit the ground.

"I'm… ok…" she whispered weakly.

Then everything went black.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

When Lucero finally woke up, she realized she was wearing her pajamas, but the room wasn't hers. The bed was too firm, the pillow felt oddly damp, and the ceiling above her was unmistakably that of the nurse's office. If that wasn't enough, the faint scent of disinfectant hung in the air, gave it away.

She tried to sit up, but a firm hand pressed gently against her shoulder.

"Lucero."

Her mother's voice made her flinch.

"You're grounded. No more TV after 10 p.m."

Lucero's eyes widened, the last traces of drowsiness vanishing in an instant.

"But the URA is only—"

She tried to rise again, only to be stopped by her mother's hand and the familiar, sharp look that brooked no argument.

"No." Her mother shook her head once, her tone final. "That's it."

The fight went out of Lucero immediately. She sank back against the pillow with a long, defeated sigh.

"Yes, Mom…"

"Good." Her mother leaned in and kissed her forehead, her touch soft despite her stern tone. "Your father will pick you up after class. We'll visit the seamstress tomorrow."

"Yes…" Lucero mumbled, staring down at her hands.

"Be careful," her mother added quietly before moving away. She closed the curtains behind her as she left, and the room dimmed.

A few seconds later, the door creaked open again. Silver slipped inside. Her silver-gray hair was slightly tousled, and her uniform wrinkled. Lucero noticed, but didn't comment on it, she didn't have it in her to jab at her friend.

"There you are, you…" She stopped herself mid-sentence, glancing toward the departing adult. When the door shut, she exhaled. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Lucero said, puffing her cheeks before blowing a small raspberry. "Been worse."

"You're incorrigible." Silver sighed but smiled faintly as she sat beside the bed. She pulled two lunchboxes from her bag and handed one over. "Always making me worry, wild child of mine."

Lucero blinked in surprise but accepted it, her smile softening.

They ate quietly, diced carrots, rice, a piece of chicken breast, and a small box of guava juice. The steady rhythm of clinking forks filled the silence. Little by little, the tension in Lucero's shoulders faded, replaced by the comfort of her friend's presence.

A lot had gone wrong that day, but Lucero was thankful her friend was there beside her. She didn't know what she would do if Silver ever decided to simply walk away one day.

The Umamusume in question noticed her staring and raised her eyebrow.

"Nothing," Lucero said quickly, shaking her head. "Thank you."

Silver shrugged and nodded before taking another bite of chicken, unbothered. Lucero couldn't help but giggle and followed her lead.

 

[Zyriam]

By the time Lucero no longer felt like she was about to die, whether from embarrassment or exhaustion, it was already close to midday. Silver had stayed with her as they finished their second breakfast before returning to class. Lucero took a bit of time to change back into her uniform, check on her notes, brush her teeth in the nurse's office bathroom.

As for the nurse, she arrived while Lucero was changing, where she got another stern talk about proper rest and not watching TV at 1 AM. When the bell rang, Lucero thanked her and promptly departed for her next classes.

Math and economics were important, everyone knew that, but that didn't make them popular among the girls. Some, in particularly dire cases, had already resigned themselves to letting their future trainers handle their finances once they were chosen.

"Silver, why don't you marry me?" Lucero asked her desk mate as she watched her finish their group assignment. She tried her best to contribute… but the disparity in their skill was staggering.

"You can't handle me, my dear child," Silver replied without even looking up from her calculations. "And I'm not into girls, especially not childish ones like you."

"That was meeeean." Lucero pouted and poked Silver's cheek.

The silver-haired girl gave her an unimpressed glance before rolling her eyes, earning a giggle from Lucero.

"Feeling okay now?" Silver asked after a pause.

"Better," Lucero said, stretching until a soft grunt escaped her. "Just hungry."

"Good to know." After a final check of her notes, Silver handed her the worksheet. "Wanna grab a bite after class?"

"Nah, Dad's picking me up." Lucero took the papers and stood. "Mom was super pissed at me."

"Can't blame her." Silver shrugged. "It was pretty stupid not to sleep, run all the way from home, and then forget to tell our teacher you were on, what, four hours of sleep?"

"Yeah, yeah." Lucero rolled her eyes. "Do without the nagging, please."

"In your dreams, my child." Silver waved her hand dramatically. "Go on, shoo."

Lucero grumbled under her breath as she handed the completed assignment to their math teacher, a jolly older woman who was far too passionate about numbers for anyone's comfort.

When the final bell rang, the classroom erupted in motion. Some girls headed to the cafeteria for lunch, others to the racetrack, and the rest streamed toward the exit. Lucero lingered just long enough to fish her phone from her bag, the ban only applied during class after all, and checked her messages.

"Looks like Dad's already here," she said with a small sigh. "See you later, then."

"See you later." Silver nodded, slipping her books into her bag. "Don't forget to submit the form for the tryouts. I know you still haven't."

"...I already did…" Lucero muttered, failing to sound convincing.

"Don't lie to me, child." Silver sighed dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "You break your poor mother's heart."

"I'll do it tomorrow, okay?" Lucero replied, exasperated.

"You'd better."

They leaned in, kissed each other's cheeks, and waved goodbye before parting ways, Lucero toward the school gate, Silver toward the main building.

Shortly after, Lucero was greeted by the midday sun at the exit. The smell of street food was doing wonders to her appetite, and the cacophony of motorcycles and vehicles trying to pass through made everything too chaotic for her liking. But what caught her attention first was the familiar rumble of that engine.

Her father was easy to spot. Sitting astride his old, dark-red bike, he looked like he'd ridden straight out of their farm. His wide-brimmed hat shaded a weathered face, and his thick mustache twitched as he grinned at her. A gray ruana draped over his shoulders, and his black rubber boots caked in mud and dirt completed the picture.

"Luce!" he called, waving a gloved hand. "You almost gave me a heart attack, you little…" He took off his glove and pinched her nose.

"I know…" She didn't fight it, just closed her eyes. "Sorry."

"Bah, don't worry too much. At least you're ok." He grinned and patted the backseat of the bike. "Let's get you something to eat. You look half-starved."

Lucero didn't argue. She climbed on behind him, hugging his ruana for balance as the bike sputtered to life. The wind hit her face as they drove off. She tucked her ears and hugged her midsection with her tail. Before long, they left the busy streets and general bustle of the city center.

They stopped at a small roadside diner just outside the city, one of those places where the smell of grilled meat clung to the air and music played softly from an old radio. Her father ordered an extra-large bandeja paisa for her, a big platter filled with red beans, ground meat, rice, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, chorizo, arepa, avocado, carrots, and carrot juice. Her eyes shone like miniature stars after seeing the mountain of food in front of her.

"Go on," he said with a chuckle.

"Thank you!" She dug in with a smile on her face.

"Hey, nobody's going to snatch your food." He used a napkin to clean a bit of smeared food out of her cheek. "You know, your mom was really worried about you. She almost passed out from shock."

"I know…" she paused for a moment after swallowing a piece of plantain. "I won't do it again, I promise."

"Good!" The man smiled and reclined in his chair. "I know you love your races and watching those Chinese broadcasts, but you need your head in the game Luce. You're going to the world, away from us…"

"It's Japanese." Lucero thought to herself but didn't correct him. It wouldn't be appropriate.

"I know you'll be the best dancer in this whole country! Those Paisas don't have anything on my little star." He huffed. "You just need to make those skills of yours shine and you'll blow everyone away."

Lucero giggled and nodded at him. They chatted away while Lucero ate, sharing stories and how everything was going with their animals. The anxiety she still had melted away. Though, a small seed of worry took root in her heart. She couldn't help but get ideas about her future so close to the tryouts, some… dangerous ideas, even.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

Shortly after that, they returned home. Lucero greeted the workers and her brother on the way in. The boy had taken after their father, but her mother's genes shone through here and there. His black hair had white streaks here and there, as an example. He was taller than Lucero, and his muscles were more defined, but they both knew he couldn't compete with her strength. Umamusume biology was simply superior to a human's.

"Lucero." He tipped his hat in a very Western fashion. Lucero rolled her eyes and flicked it upward.

"Luis."

"Had a good sleep?" The boy smirked, crossing his arms.

"Yes, I did. Thank you for asking." She huffed and went on her way.

"Ooooh. And how was the concert?" he called after her, leaning a bit to the side as she retreated. "Dareriori imá suyokú cakenuketara~"

"Ignore it…" she muttered to herself as she walked to her room, leaving her older brother laughing behind the door.

Her room was already tidy, one of the workers always made sure she didn't leave a disaster behind for the entire day. Everything was in its place, her trophies from her junior competitions neatly arranged on a shelf, her notebooks stacked by subject, and a faint scent of lavender from the freshly washed sheets filling the air.

She sat at her desk and turned on her laptop, opening YouTube to play "Winning the Soul," the version sung by Symboli Rudolf during her legendary Triple Crown run.

The powerful melody filled the room, drowning out the world outside. Lucero closed her eyes for a moment, just enjoying "The Emperor's" beautiful singing. Her tail swayed gently to the rhythm. Then, with a soft sigh, she stretched her arms and began working on her homework.

Classes were winding down in preparation for the upcoming tryouts, so there wasn't much to do, thankfully. After just an hour of focus, her assignments were done. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her eyes, and stared at her laptop screen, unsure of what to do next.

Her desktop background greeted her: Maruzensky, captured mid-stride during her iconic Twinkle Series Finale. Behind her, the other Umamusume strained to catch up, faces tense with effort, hooves kicking up dust, but Maruzensky's expression was pure joy.

Lucero smiled faintly. She remembered that race as if it had happened yesterday. Watching it live had been one of the most thrilling moments of her life, the crowd roaring, the commentators shouting words she couldn't understand.

She had been about ten years old at the time. The race had started at two in the morning, long past her bedtime. Her eyes were bloodshot from staring at the flickering screen, her stomach full of snacks and soda, and her pajamas stained in several places with chocolate and crumbs.

Yet the moment the runners lined up at the gates, all that tiredness vanished like smoke. The drowsiness, the sugar crash, the weight of the blanket on her shoulders, everything disappeared as her little heart began to race in rhythm with the pounding hooves on the television.

She could still remember the way the announcer's voice rose and how her tiny hands gripped the edge of the couch as if she could somehow push Maruzensky forward just a little faster.

When she pulled ahead on the last corner her emotions ran high. She bounced in place and screamed with all her heart, as if she was part of the crowd that day.

That enthusiasm ended up waking up the entire family and some of the workers. Her cheeks burned a little remembering their faces thinking something had happened to her, only to find her engrossed in the race. At least her Mom's flipflop didn't hurt that much that day…

Her hand rested on the mouse, hovering over the tab that led to the academy's website. She loved dancing with all her heart, if she didn't, she wouldn't have made it this far. But still… she wasn't sure it was what she truly wanted to pursue, at least not as her main path.

Yes, if she became the best, she could be famous, perhaps even a national icon, but dance competitions always came second. They came second everywhere: in the world, and even in their continent. No matter how graceful, no matter how passionate, dancers were rarely the ones people remembered.

Pursuing that future meant staying trapped in Colombia, for better or for worse.

"As the gringos say… <<We Ball>>"

She logged in and began filling out the form for the race tryouts. Her fingers moved before her mind could catch up, typing her name, her ID, her birthdate... Her heart hammered in her chest, driven by a rush of adrenaline.

By the time she reached the final page, her cursor hovered over the "Submit" button. That was when she finally froze.

"Do I…" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of her laptop fan.

It was a gamble, a terrifying one. If she wasn't selected, she would have to wait at least six months for the next round of tryouts. And if she changed her mind about the Fine Arts Academy, it would be even worse; their admissions only opened once a year.

She knew Silver, Ruiseñor, Cantante, Fox, all of them would pass. She would be surprised if they didn't. After that, they would be gone within days of the results being announced.

And she? She would be left behind. Another name on the attendance sheet, another dancer who almost made it.

The weight of that thought pressed down on her chest until it became hard to breathe. She unconsciously bit down her lip as she struggled with her decision. Her Mom had her dress ready, her dad believed she would be the best, her friends would be waiting for her during that stressful day… but her heart wasn't in it.

She wanted to shine like her namesake. A bright Star in the sky.

Without realizing it, as she clenched her fists to summon a little courage, maybe even flashing through a few dramatic anime-style memories for strength, her finger had already clicked.

The soft ping of confirmation filled the room.

[APPLICATION SUBMITTED]

[YOUR NUMBER IS "18"]

[MAY YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!]

Lucero blinked.

"…Oh."

---

A/N: "Oh" indeed, my little Lucero, "Oh" indeed...
<<>> means another language that is not Spanish is used. In this case, she spoke actual English.

 

[Zyriam]

The rest of the day passed in a blur as her decision began to properly set in. She listened to music while staring at the ceiling, had dinner with her family, caught up on a few manga chapters, and went to bed right at ten.

She had another embarrassing dream of running at an important race, catching up and passing Maruzensky, and claiming her trophy as the world's champion… before waking up with a jolt at Miranda's voice.

Discounting that small incident, Lucero woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Breakfast was filled with the usual bickering with her brother, and then she was off to school. Instead of her usual mad sprint, she chose a lighter jog instead, working up a mild sweat by the time she reached the academy gates. Thankfully, this time she'd remembered her water bottle and didn't need to endure another round of nagging by her "second mom."

She exchanged her usual teasing jabs with Silver, cracked a few jokes with Ruiseñor, and headed for the showers. Her first class of the day was economics, one of the few subjects she could actually gloat about to her best friend, who was far less enthusiastic about it.

The day overall was… peaceful. Classes went by smoothly, and when dance class arrived, she felt ready to correct her blunder.

The class began with the slow rhythm of Zamba playing through the speakers. Lucero and Silver took their positions at the center of the hall, handkerchiefs in hand. Ms. Ortega clapped twice, signaling the start.

Their cleats struck the floor in steady rhythm, following the beats of the song. Their movements were slower than tango, instead, they were more deliberate and precise. They lifted, twirled, and waved their handkerchiefs in graceful arcs to match the turns of the dance, sometimes bringing them close to their partner, other times letting them flow freely with the motion. Their tails moved in rhythm as well, helping them maintain balance and complement their steps.

Silver began as the lead, Lucero following. When Ms. Ortega called, "Change!", they switched without pause and without flinching.

By the end of the song, they bowed to each other, breathing heavily as Ms. Ortega gave a short nod of approval before moving on to the next pair.
Just like the day before, they spent two hours practicing exclusively Zamba. There were no surprise blackouts this time, so everything went smoothly. Afterward, the girls headed for a round of showers. The cold water made Lucero flinch, but she quickly got used to it.

A stray thought entered her head while looking at the small congregation of semi-nude female bodies. No one was teasing or harassing anyone else like in the shōjo stories she read. It was one of those things Lucero always found strange when reading manga.

"Maybe it's just a Japan thing," she thought to herself while putting her uniform back on.

Idle thoughts aside, they made their way to the cafeteria for second breakfast.

Her small group of friends instinctively gathered around one of the tables: Ruiseñor and her twin sister, Cantate de Medianoche. Fox Hound, a shorter Umamusume with a neat bob cut, black hair, and slanted eyes. Silver Song, and Lucero herself.

A mountain of food sat in front of the twins, who were already locked in a fierce competition to see who could finish first while Fox cheered them on with a mischievous smirk. Lucero tried to join in, but she was immediately stopped by Silver.

"You'll throw up if you do that," Silver said firmly, shaking her head. Fox nodded in agreement with a casual shrug.

"But-"

"'No"" Fox and Silver replied in unison.

"It was one time…" Lucero muttered under her breath.

While the pair of blondes gorged themselves on rice, Lucero and Silver enjoyed a modest lunchbox packed by Silver's mother, a serving of rice, beef, carrot salad, and a couple of sausages, while Fox Hound snacked on crackers between her cheers.

"Did you submit your application already?" Silver asked casually before taking a sip of water.

The sudden question almost made Lucero choke on a piece of beef. She swallowed thickly and chased it down with water. Silver looked mildly concerned, while Fox rested her chin on her hand, watching her side-eyed with interest.

"Yeah," Lucero said, forcing a smile and hiding the flash of guilt that passed through her heart. "Did that yesterday."

"Really?" Silver narrowed her eyes. "What number were you assigned?"

"Eighteen!" Lucero replied confidently.

"Oh." Silver blinked in surprise before smiling. "I'm glad you finally decided to follow your mother's advice, my wild child."

"Of course, mother dearest, you know best." Lucero huffed and rolled her eyes, though a small smile still found its way to her face.

Cantante emerged victorious in their contest, even if both twins' bellies looked slightly distended from the mountain of food they had devoured. Fox clapped dramatically and lifted Cantante's hand like a boxing referee while the pair groaned in defeat and triumph alike.

"Business as usual with those two…" Lucero rested her chin on her hand and watched the twins poke fun at each other.

"Indeed." Silver shrugged. "I just hope they don't pull stunts like this when we go to Medellin."

"Be a little more realistic, Mother dearest~." Fox smirked, reclaiming her seat.

Silver sighed. "I hope they don't do stuff like this too often. That includes you, you rapscallion."

Fox laughed, a sharp, high-pitched sound that fit her name perfectly, echoing like a fox's bark through the cafeteria.

The rest of the classes went by peacefully. Social Studies proved to be yet another potent sleep medication, especially after such a hearty meal. Cantante and Ruiseñor even had to buy themselves cups of coffee after dozing off in the middle of the lecture. At least Spanish class was a bit more bearable, as it often involved reading novels. Lucero usually preferred Asian literature, but she didn't mind Western works from time to time.

When the final bell rang and everyone dispersed to their extracurriculars or headed home, Lucero received a message from her mother saying she was waiting at the gates. She quickly kissed everyone's cheeks in farewell and dashed off, never noticing Fox's gaze lingering on her as she disappeared down the hall.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦​

"Hi, Mom!"

When Lucero spotted her mother, she ran up and wrapped her in a big hug. The older Umamusume returned it, pressing a gentle kiss to her daughter's head.

"No problems at school today, I hope," she said in her usual dry tone, glancing at her watch which, as always, was strapped upside down on her wrist.

"Nope!" Lucero answered brightly, tail swishing.

"Good." Her mother nodded, her ears flicking once. "Let's go then. Our appointment is in thirty minutes. We'll have lunch after."

They both had the speed and stamina to make it there on foot, but her mother insisted on taking a taxi instead. The ride was short but a bit unpleasant. The air inside smelled faintly of gasoline and sweat, and the driver's blaring music made Lucero wince more than once.

When they finally arrived, her mother paid the fare without a word, and the pair stepped into the seamstress's shop.

The shop was small but well-kept, nestled between a bakery and a stationery store. A wooden sign above the door read "Costuras La Estrella" in elegant cursive, the paint slightly faded by the sun. Through the front window, several mannequins displayed dresses in progress, and some others were already finished.

Inside, the air was warm and smelled faintly of fabric, starch, and lavender. Rolls of cloth leaned against one wall, while ribbons, lace, and buttons were neatly arranged in glass jars behind the counter. The soft hum of a sewing machine filled the space, only stopping when the seamstress looked up from her work.

She was an Umamusume who appeared to be in her late thirties, though small wrinkles around her eyes and mouth hinted at long hours and years of concentration. Her short brown hair was streaked with lighter strands, and a pair of reading glasses hung from a ribbon around her neck.

"Aurora, good to see you here!" The Uma checked her watch and nodded. "And early too!" The older Umamusume smiled warmly.

"Rosa," Aurora greeted with a polite nod. "You know we value punctuality."

"I know, I know." Rosa waved her hand dismissively, her grin never fading, before turning her attention to Lucero. She leaned slightly forward, eyes glinting with recognition. "And look at you! You're much bigger than the last time I saw you, little star. Did you know I held you when you were a baby?"

Lucero blinked, caught off guard, and gave a small, awkward chuckle. "Oh… really?"

"Really." Rosa's right ear flicked in amusement before she gestured for them to follow. "Come, your dress is ready, darling."

Lucero's eyes wandered as they walked past the rows of fabrics. Some patterns were adorable, others strikingly exotic, and a few looked so fine they had to cost a fortune. When she reached out to brush her fingers against a soft silk, her mother's tail flicked lightly against her arm. Lucero quickly pulled back and folded her hands behind her back.

"This is it!" Rosa announced grandly, gesturing toward a mannequin dressed in pink and red.

The dress was a pastel pink with long sleeves and puffy shoulders. Small roses adorned the point where the pink deepened into a vivid red near the skirt's hem. The neckline was a gentle V cut, trimmed with white frills that framed the buttons at the center. A crimson ribbon sat neatly at the collar, with another tied at the waist into a wide bow at the back.

"It's… beautiful," Lucero whispered, transfixed by the dress.

Rosa beamed with pride as she gently smoothed out a wrinkle on the mannequin's waist. "Took extra time to make it as perfect as possible." she said, her tail swishing slightly. "Soft, breathable, and sturdy enough for anything you felt like dancing in it."

Lucero took a hesitant step closer and gently touched it. She still wasn't a fan of the red roses, she preferred orchids, but she had to agree that the design was out of the world. Another flash of guilt quickly prickled her, but she did her best not to show it.

"Rosa never disappoints." Aurora gave a small approving hum. Even if her tone remained the same, her tail betrayed her feelings.

"Of course not." Rosa grinned, hands on her hips. "Now, little star, let's see if it fits as well as it looks. Go on, the fitting room's open."

Lucero swallowed nervously, taking the dress with both hands as if it were made of glass, and disappeared behind the curtain.

As beautiful as the dress was, it wasn't a perfect fit. Some parts hung a little too loose, while others felt just a bit too tight around her shoulders and waist. Rosa circled her slowly, making small notes on a pad and occasionally pinning bits of fabric in place with her needles. Lucero tried her best to stand still, but after a few minutes, her tail began to twitch restlessly, betraying her boredom. The soft hum of Rosa's voice and the quiet rustle of fabric filled the room while her mother occasionally added a comment or nodded in approval. At least, Lucero thought, the air inside the shop was cool enough that she wouldn't end up sweating through the fabric.

After what felt like an eternity, Lucero finally slipped behind the curtain of the changing room and began to carefully remove the dress. As she did, her eyes wandered to the mirror beside her.

She paused.

Her reflection stared back, dark skin, toned legs built from years of running and dancing, arms firm but not bulky. She liked what she saw, she felt strong and capable. But… she also knew she didn't look like her idols.

Their bodies were sculpted for speed and built to dominate the track. Hers… wasn't.

A small sigh escaped her lips before she shook the thought away and began slipping into her uniform again.

When she stepped out, she caught the end of her mother and Rosa's conversation.

"-Come by on Friday to pick it up, then," Aurora was saying with her arms crossed.

"Wonderful!" Rosa clapped her hands, her tail flicking cheerfully. "I'll try my best to make it to the tryouts! There's nothing quite like seeing my creations worn by the best of the next generation!"

"I'll pick you up Monday morning," Aurora said, glancing at her daughter. "Ready?"

Lucero opened her mouth to answer, but her stomach growled loudly instead. Her face turned a deep shade of red while Rosa chuckled behind her hand and Aurora simply sighed.

"We'll be going, Rosa," Aurora said with a polite curtsy. Lucero quickly mirrored her mother's gesture.

"Visit more often, darling!" Rosa called as the pair stepped out into the late afternoon light. "It's always a delight catching up with you!"

 

[Zyriam]

Wednesday was another unremarkable day. Lucero followed her routine as usual, chatting with her friends, trading jabs with Fox and Silver, and excelling in her dance class. Still, it was hard to care about any of it now that she knew what she was in for.
Music history, costume design, philosophy of art… they either wouldn't matter to a racer, or worse, she'd have to repeat them next year.

She shook the thought away as quickly as it came. No point crying over spilt milk.

With the afternoon sun painting long shadows over the campus and nothing pressing left to do, she made her way to the track. It was busy as expected, the last week before the tryouts always was. Around seventeen Umamusume filled the lanes. That fact made her heart jump a little, remembering the number the website gave her…

Some were scrimming against one another, others stretched by the fence, and a few cooled down at the far end of the track, chatting animatedly while sipping water.

Lucero sat on one of the benches, resting her arms on her knees as she watched the big group sprint toward the goal. Their faces were full of smiles and their bodies covered in grass and sweat. A red-haired Uma broke out of the pack in the last straight, managing a small lead before their small race ended.

"HA!" The red-haired Uma screamed and jumped in celebration. "In your FACE Cacique!" She pointed at a black-haired Uma that finished 5th ​overall.

"That… was just dumb luck!" Cacique bit back with a scowl while breathing heavily.

"hehehe…" The Red-haired laughed amid her own pants for air.

Lucero couldn't help but smile along, thinking about how similar their friendship was to her own small group. How they would sometimes tease each other after competitions, or their small dares. She couldn't help but sigh wistfully.

"A lot on your mind?"

An Uma with short, white hair asked her. She was one of Lucero's classmates, but they rarely interacted beyond the first couple of hours each day due to their different schedules. Lucero blinked in surprise before shaking her head.

"Hi, Emerald." Lucero waved. "A little bit, yeah… just nervous about the tryouts, I guess. How are you holding up?"

"Eh." Emerald shrugged and sat beside her. "Already did my best to be in top form. The rest's in the gods' hands."

"Yeah…"

Lucero had seen them practice from time to time. They were always pushing to be a little faster, a little stronger, never letting defeat take their goal out of sight. It was admirable… and here she was, intruding in their sacred space.

She was an outsider after all. She never trained to be a racer. Just a filthy weeb who loved Japanese Umas too much and probably ruined her life chasing childish dreams. She-

"Lucero?"

"Yes?" Lucero jolted upright, her tail straightening.

"Are you… okay?" Emerald asked, her ears tilting in concern. "I know you guys are under a lot of pressure, but is it that bad?"

"N-no, no." Lucero wiped the tears she hadn't noticed spilling and forced a laugh. "I'm fine. Just… thinking dumb stuff. Sorry for keeping you from practice."

"…Right." Emerald narrowed her eyes slightly. "Well, I can't claim to be your best friend, but if you ever need help, or just a partner to run with, you know where to find me."

"Thank you!"

Lucero smiled and waved at her classmate as Emerald jogged back toward the track, her short tail flicking with every step. Once the girl was far enough away, Lucero's smile faded. She pinched her own thigh hard enough to sting and muttered under her breath.

"Stupid! You're in public!"

Her ears folded flat against her head as she glanced around, hoping no one had seen her little outburst. A few Umas were too focused on sprint drills to notice, others chatting in small groups near the water station. She sighed and slumped back on the bench, tail twitching in irritation.

"Get it together, Lucero…" she whispered to herself, rubbing the spot she'd pinched.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

Thursday and Friday were worse in a way. Go to school, dance for hours, eat, go home, stare at her ceiling, go to school, dance for hours, eat…

She felt her mind frying around the edges a little bit. Her motivation to even wake up in the mornings was dangerously low. She even skipped her second breakfast on Friday, she only felt a knot twisting in her gut. The chatter of her fellow classmates and best friends turned into white noise.

The only place where she felt something was watching the track, and it wasn't better. It was a mix of guilt and longing that made her feel even more confused than she was. Still, she managed to swallow everything enough so it didn't show… or at least didn't show as much. At least Emerald didn't seem to notice it when they chatted.

When she'd had enough of watching the racers practice, Lucero decided to head home.

"Maybe I'll catch up on some manga…" she muttered, adjusting the straps of her backpack.

She didn't notice the presence behind her until it was too late.

"Where ya going, beautiful?"

"Buh?!"

Lucero whipped her head around and her heart jumped when no one was there. Then she looked down and found Fox smirking up at her. Her cheeks flushed red before she pinched the shorter Uma's cheek.

"Don't scare me like that!"

Fox laughed in her usual high-pitched tone, wriggling out of Lucero's grasp.
"You've been weird lately. Everything okay?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Y-yeah, just a bit… overwhelmed," Lucero stammered, trying to keep her composure. "I just want the tryouts to be over already."

"Right?" Fox grinned, ears perked.

"Yeah." Lucero smiled back faintly. "How have you been? Not getting in trouble during your last week of classes?"

"Me? No, of course not. How could you possibly think that?"

That smile of hers didn't inspire much confidence, but the smaller Uma wasn't told off by a teacher recently, so she believed her. For now.

"Anyway, I need to catch up with the twins." Fox sighed. "We were supposed to go to the seamstress together for our dresses, but I can't find them…"

Lucero didn't flinch this time, thankfully.

"I haven't seen them recently. I was on the track watching the practice."

"Oh, really now?" Fox smirked at her. "And you didn't join, right? ~"

"I-I haven't in a long time, and you know it!" Lucero huffed. "Last time was last year!"

"Yeah, November last year."

"Shut it."

Another round of giggles followed.

"Oh well, off I go I guess." Fox shrugged after checking her phone. "By the way, what was your number for the tryouts?"

"Eighteen, why?"

"Curiosity." Fox shrugged. "See you later, sunshine."

"See you later Fox!"

She felt a little better after talking to her. Maybe she was getting way over her head and needed to clear up her mind. A run might-

"By the way!" Fox popped out of the corner with a grin. "We match! I also have eighteen!"

Lucero's heart stopped.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

Her family noticed she was acting stranger than usual. She managed to convince them it was just nerves, "tryout jitters," nothing serious. They still worried, though; they bought her ice cream to help her relax and didn't nag her when she said she wanted to spend time at the tracks.

She appreciated the gesture, but it only made her feel worse. Every kindness was another reminder that she was lying to them. She was a dirty liar, betraying their trust and expectations.

When her dress arrived and her mother hung it neatly in her room, Lucero couldn't hold it in anymore. She cried in front of it for hours, the pastel fabric blurring through her tears. Her eyes burned, and her throat was raw by the time someone called her for dinner.

"Lucero?" Her mother's voice came softly from the other side of the door.

"W-what?" Lucero croaked, wiping at her face.

"…Can I come in?" Her voice sounded softer than usual.

"…Yeah…"

Lucero noticed her mother flinching as she entered the room, but she was too exhausted to care. She was a mess, tears, snot, unruly knots in her voluminous hair, and her brand-new dress already needed cleaning.

Instead of scolding her for locking herself in all day or dirtying the dress, her mother sighed. She took Lucero's comb, sat beside her, and began to gently work through her tangled hair. Her hands moved patiently, untangling each knot and cleaning out whatever debris had caught in the strands, all while softly humming a tune.

"I don't know what you're going through, my little star," she said after a while, her voice low and warm as her fingers brushed through Lucero's hair. "But I worry about you."

The truth almost slipped out then, but Lucero bit her tongue. Her mother wasn't a national celebrity, but she was still deeply respected in their region. She was one of the faces of the academy, a role model to many of Lucero's classmates. It was expected that Lucero would follow in her footsteps and surpass her one day. Her mother had never been able to attend a prestigious academy like the one in Medellin, after all. That chance now belonged to Lucero.

Her path to greatness and glory had been laid out before her.

And she had thrown it all away-

"You don't have to tell me what's wrong," her mother murmured, wiping away Lucero's tears with her thumb. "I know you're scared. But everything will be all right. Win or lose, even if you never leave our farm and just work with your father… you'll always be my little star."

She kissed her daughter's forehead and kept humming as her fingers combed through Lucero's hair. Eventually, exhaustion replaced the nerves. Her eyelids grew heavy, her body felt like lead, and before long, she drifted off to sleep.

There was the faint sensation of being lifted, carried, and laid back down. Something warm covered her from neck to toe. Then another kiss brushed her forehead. But she didn't open her eyes.

She was so… so… tired…

---

A/N: A bit on the shorter side today, didn't want to stretch this breakdown too much.
Well, is there an Umamusume career without drama? I don't think so~
(Seriously, even characters that seem all happy-go-lucky like BAKUSHIIIIN have so much internal drama. Tracen needs like, a couple dozen therapists minimum.)

 

[Zyriam]

Lucero tried her best, she really did. But every other racer was just that much faster. She could see their mocking smiles as they all crossed the finish line before her. The track stretched endlessly ahead, the goal drifting farther and farther away no matter how hard she pushed.

"What an absolute disappointment, shame on her!"

"You should've stayed a dancer!"

"She's just a pretentious little Uma."

"Go back to your mom's house!"

"She abandoned her friends for this?"

The voices echoed inside her skull as she fought to breathe, her legs burning, her lungs screaming for air. Tears blurred her vision, but she kept running. Her friends' faces appeared through the haze, Silver, Fox, Ruiseñor, Cantante, all of them looking at her with disappointment and disgust before turning their backs.

"Should've known better…"

"What did I even see in her?"

"She's just a weeb, go back to your cave…"

"I hate you!"

No.

No—

No!

"NO!"

Lucero jolted upright. Everything was pitch-black around her. Her heart pounded as she gasped for air, clutching her chest while her eyes darted around the room. It took her a few seconds to realize she was in bed. It had just been a nightmare.

Then her door flew open with a bang.

"WHO'S THERE?!" her father shouted, charging in with a machete in hand.

If her first scream hadn't woken the entire estate, that one certainly did.

When things finally calmed down, Lucero sat in the dining room, face buried in her hands and sporting a deep shade of red. She knew that her brother would never let her live this down. Her future children and grandchildren would hear about that night.

"Did you calm down?"

Her mother set a reheated dinner in front of her: rice, eggs, sausages, and diced carrots. The smell alone made Lucero's stomach growl loud enough to make her ears flick. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until that moment. It wasn't a big portion, but it was two in the morning.

"Yes…" she murmured.

With a sigh, she picked up her fork and started eating. Her mother stayed by her side, quietly flipping through her notepad, occasionally glancing at her daughter between notes. The silence stretched comfortably until Lucero was halfway through her plate.

"I think you should go out with your friends later today," her mother said suddenly.

Lucero almost choked in surprise. "But I thought I was going to cram this weekend?"

"Rest is just as important." Aurora crossed something off her notepad and wrote something else down. "I'll give you some money. Go and have fun."

Her smile brightened like the morning sun.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

It wasn't common for Lucero to have a weekend to herself. Usually, she was helping her dad, taking extra lessons with her mother, or drowning in homework. The rare free days she managed to claim were precious — and she always spent them with her friends.

This time, the quintet decided to celebrate what might be their last weekend together in Tunja. They met in the afternoon and went to Viva, one of the biggest malls in the city. Their first stop was the cinema, which turned into a whole ordeal, since there were way too many movies to choose from.

"Come on! Let's see Superman!" Ruiseñor whined, tugging at her sister's sleeve.

"We already saw it! Let's go for The Expendables!" Cantante shot back, elbowing her twin.

"That sounds boooring!" Ruiseñor elbowed back.

"Yes, five tickets to The Conjuring, please…" Fox said with a grin, already leaning on the counter.

"NO!" four outraged voices cried in perfect unison, making the poor cashier flinch.

After a few more minutes of bickering, and some polite pressure from the weary employee, they finally settled on The Expendables. A "hard-boiled" action flick about guys, guns, and enough plot armor to build a fortress. They bought several buckets of popcorn, sodas, and the twins bought hot dogs for themselves. Lucero got a few bites for herself after begging them.

The movie itself was… okay. Dumb fun, loud, and full of explosions, just what Cantante and Lucero enjoyed. Silver, however, looked like she'd been forced to watch a war crime.

"So stupid…" she muttered as they exited the theater. "Why didn't they get shot? They were always out of cover! And why were they shirtless?!"

"I mean… they had nice muscles," Ruiseñor admitted shyly, her cheeks tinting pink.

"Oh?" Fox tilted her head with a mischievous grin. "Got a little touchy-feely back there, little bird?~" She added, making a few suggestive gestures with her hands.

"F-Fox!" Ruiseñor squawked, swatting at her. The smaller girl slipped away easily with a laugh.

"Should've known better, Ruiseñor," Lucero said with a smirk and a shake of her head.

With the movie done, the group wandered into a sportswear store. They tried on outfits and took silly pictures: cheer uniforms, athletic sweaters, matching running gear and a couple of trainer clothes. They browsed the accessories too: headbands, glasses, and sneakers. Fox picked out a red-and-white pair that suited her perfectly.

Before long, they reached the cleats section. The twins grabbed a few pairs designed for dancers, which were heavier and louder than racing ones, made to mark every step loudly. Lucero slipped a set of racing cleats into the pile when no one was looking.

No one noticed.

Except for Fox, whose sharp eyes caught everything.

Lucero felt that familiar pang of guilt stab deep in her chest. But she forced a smile, pretending not to see Fox's pointed look.

"Later," she told herself. "I'll deal with it later."

They moved on to other shops, trying things on even though they didn't have money for full outfits. Summer dresses, casual tops, jeans, skirts, the group chat quickly filled with photos.

Walking past the kids' section always put Fox in a foul mood; her small stature made the clothes fit a little too well. Silver seized the moment.

"My child, why won't you try this outfit? Your mother has worked so hard to raise money to buy it for you." She intoned dramatically, waving her arms and holding up a Peppa Pig blouse with a mockingly wounded expression.

"Eat shit and die," Fox snapped, not bothering with a clever comeback.

"My child?! Who has taught you such foul language?!" Silver gasped.

"We must bring that hooligan to justice!" Lucero adopted a dismayed pose.

"Your honor will be restored, our dearest sister!" Ruiseñor chimed with a song.

"We shall protect your pure heart from everything that is foul in the world." And Cantante followed up flawlessly.

"Every. Single. Time." Fox groaned.

They roasted her at least three or four times in each shop, much to Fox's displeasure. She made sure to get her revenge later, teasing everyone back the moment she could.

By the time the sun went down and the cold picked up again, the group finally decided to hit the food plaza. As always, the twins got big plates of fries, sausage medallions, beef, chicken, pork, cheese, corn — all glazed in sweet and spicy mustard. Silver ordered braised pork with a side of boiled potatoes, Fox went exotic with pesto pasta, and Lucero ordered a smaller version of the twins' dish.

They took even more photos, traded jokes, told stories, and embarrassed each other with tales of their "dark pasts." The laughter and chatter burned themselves into Lucero's memory. It was their last meal as a group in Tunja for a long while… maybe their last meal ever together.

"Lucero?" Silver's hand closed around hers, concern in her eyes. "Everything okay, my child?"

Lucero's breath caught in her throat. When she looked up, everyone at the table was staring at her with the same expression. Everyone except Fox, who wasn't exactly pressuring her… but might as well be.

"Hey, do we need to call your mom?" Silver asked, dropping her usual theatrics. "You look pale." She started reaching for her phone.

"Yes." Lucero stopped her, gripping her wrist. "I just… need to tell you guys something."

Her mind spun with every terrible possibility. "They'll yell. They'll hate me. They'll leave me. They'll-"

"Are you… pregnant?" Cantante asked hesitantly, while Silver dabbed at Lucero's tears.

The question hit like a slap. Lucero blinked, so shocked she forgot to deny it.

"Oh my- who's the dad?!" Silver whisper-screamed, eyes wide scandalously.

"Look, our dad knows a guy who can make sure that dude takes responsibility," Cantante added, leaning on the table.

"Yeah," Ruiseñor nodded seriously. "He'll be a bit blue afterward, but you'll be taken care of."

Fox was laughing so hard people were starting to stare.

"NO! No, gods no!" Lucero managed between laughs, wiping her eyes. "I'm not going to be a mom, no!"

"Then?" Fox asked, her grin sharp. "What is it, hmm?"

Lucero fiddled with her food, took a deep breath, and looked up at the ceiling. "I'm not going to be in the tryouts."

Silver, Ruiseñor, and Cantante all froze. Only Fox smiled knowingly.

"I knew it," she said softly, leaning back in her chair. "You signed up for the racing tryouts, didn't you?"

"…Yes." Lucero's voice was small.

"Why?" Fox pressed, more firmly this time.

"It… was my dream," Lucero said, barely above a whisper. "It's what I want to do. I love dancing, I love performing, but… I want to run."

"All this time…" Silver murmured once the shock faded. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was scared." Lucero poked at a fry. "You're the most wonderful people I've ever met, and I was terrified you'd leave me."

The silence and tension permeating their table was thick enough to cut it with a knife. Some patrons even gave them enough berth to sort out their discussion, while others whispered among themselves with clear interest.

"I've… been a horrible friend." Lucero's voice cracked. "I should've told you sooner. Or at least… I don't know."

She groaned, covering her face with both hands. "I'm sorry for ruining this for everyone."

She tried to stand, but Silver's grip on her wrist stopped her cold.

"Sit down," Silver said firmly.

Lucero obeyed, bracing herself for the worst.

"You should've told us sooner," Silver admitted, making Lucero wince. "But you're still my… our best friend."

"Yeah," Cantante huffed. "It sucks you won't be with us, but we're not gonna stop talking to you."

Ruiseñor got up, walked behind Lucero, and ruffled her hair. "There. Your punishment for being dumb," she said with a grin. "Now, if you're not eating that-"

"Go away!" Lucero yelped on reflex.

Fox smirked, plucked a fry off Lucero's plate, and shrugged. "What did you expect, darling? This isn't one of those comics you love. We're not gonna hate you for that. I mean, you guys forgave me so many times."

"Oh, like that time with the laxatives," Cantante began counting on her fingers. "Or the chalk prank. Or the water balloons. can't forget the molasses-in-the-shoes incident-"

"She gets it," Fox cut in, her smile tight.

"Or when you got us all in trouble with Ms. Ortega… three times last year, I think?" Ruiseñor chimed in. "With the notes, the fake schedule, and the reggaeton thing."

"Oof," Silver winced. "Ms. Ortega had tachycardia that day."

"POINT IS," Fox barked. "You're good, girl."

Silver pulled Lucero into a hug. "You're still our precious child. You always will be."

"Thanks…" Lucero whispered.

This time, when the tears inevitably came, they weren't bitter at all.

---

A/N: Communication?! In my fanfic?! Scandalous~
Not much until we reach the Act 0 finale.

 

[Zyriam]

Monday came far too quickly for Lucero's fragile heart. She felt much better after talking with her friends and venting all the tangled emotions that had been eating her alive. The tryouts still loomed over her like a stormcloud, though. She'd do her best, of course she would… but that nagging voice in her head whispered otherwise. That she'd trip. That she'd fail. That she'd embarrass herself and her cows.

"Blegh. That movie's older than I am, what's wrong with me?" she muttered to herself, shaking her head before smirking at her own nonsense.

She packed her bag carefully for the big day. Unlike a normal school morning, she bathed at home, then slipped into her gym uniform: red shorts and a white T-shirt. The fabric always itched a little, but it was regulation. She triple-checked her backpack, spare clothes for after the tryouts, bathing essentials, a towel, and her water bottle. After a moment's debate, she swapped her old cleats for the new pair she'd bought with her friends.

Breakfast was a rare full-family affair. The table was set with fresh bread, eggs, cheese, and steaming cups of hot chocolate. Her parents gave her an extra plate full of diced fruit "for energy." Her mom stood behind her, combing through Lucero's hair and muttering about the "missed opportunity" to visit the salon before today.

Her dad had handed off the work of the day to one his trusted workers, an Umamusume named "Cenicienta." He declared that nothing would keep him from seeing his daughter shine amid cheers from the rest of the staff, ignoring Lucero's protests and burning cheeks. Luis, of course, was tagging along "reluctantly."

"Try not to fall," he said with a grin.

"I'll do my best, dearest brother."

They shared a quick hug, one that Luis ruined by immediately ruffling her hair.

"Luis. No." Their mother's tone cut sharp as she pointed her comb like a sword.

"…Sorry, Mom," he muttered, quickly backing off.

"Take your sister to the academy," she said, resuming her work on Lucero's hair. "We'll call a taxi and pick up Rosa on the way."

"Understood, boss." Luis gave her a mock military salute.

"And you." Her mother said while taking off the ribbon from her ear. "I hope you have everything."

"Yes, Mom…" Lucero groaned softly. "Got everything packed up."

"Good." Her mother nodded, tying the ribbon back around Lucero's left ear. For some reason, it felt… heavier.

Lucero's fingers brushed the fabric, stopping when she felt something hard beneath it.

"Surprise!" Her father exclaimed, holding up a small mirror.

Her ear flicked as she examined the new ribbon. It was a reddish pink, with fine white lines along the edges and a small yellow brooch in the middle. She blinked, stunned, before gently moving her ear and watching the ribbon shift with it. Her tail gave her away, wagging so fast it thumped against the chair.

"Thank you! It's so beautiful!"

She hugged her mother first, then her father, and finally her protesting brother, who she lifted clean off the floor despite his squirming.

After some last-minute goodbyes to the rest of the workers, her brother drove her to school on the family motorbike. The ride was a little bumpy and the early morning wind felt cool against her face and bare thighs. For a while, they stayed quiet, just watching the countryside give way to the city.

"Do your best out there," he said finally, his voice calm but warm. "We're rooting for you."

"You know I will." Lucero smiled.

"Yeah, show them you're the best." He chuckled. "I've got a lot of jokes saved up if you lose."

"I know you do." She rolled her eyes and rested her head lightly against his back.

"What are you dancing, anyway? Some anime song? Mom will kill you if you do."

"I'm not-" She froze mid-sentence as realization struck.

She hadn't told them. She never told her family she wasn't joining the dance tryouts.

"About that…"

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

"You're an idiot."

"Yeah…"

Lucero explained everything as they rode through the city. Her brother didn't take it too badly but made his exasperation very apparent. They rode in silence once more until they finally reached the academy. When Lucero hopped down, he finally spoke up.

"Whatever," he said after a pause. "You're still young. We can fix this if it doesn't work out. It's not the end of the world."

"You think so?" she asked with a small, nervous smile.

"Yeah." He groaned. "Mom's gonna be pissed, though…"

"P-please! Let me tell her!"

He looked at her for a long moment before pinching the bridge of his nose and nodding.

"Do your best out there anyway." He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then flicked it. "Show them all."

"Y-yes!" Lucero squeaked, resisting the urge to kick him in the shin. Instead, she just made a face at him and started jogging toward the racetrack.

There were already several Umamusume stretching and warming up under the morning sun. The stands were still mostly empty, but dotted with adults clutching notepads, talking into phones, and trying their best to look confident.

"Trainers…" she murmured, her tail flicking once.

She couldn't help but feel a burst of giddy at the prospect of being selected by one of them. Racing across the world, conquering the Japan Cup, the Prix de L'Arc, the Breeder's Cup…

"Lucero? Are you lost?"

Emerald Dream's voice startled her out of her daydreams. The white-haired Uma approached from behind, wearing a similar outfit, though she now had a pair of ear coverings: black on the outside, green on the inside. From her right ear hung a small silver pendant with a green crystal.

Lucero blinked and turned toward her, tail flicking nervously.

"…No." She shook her head after a moment and gave her a smile. "I joined these tryouts."

"You did?" Emerald blinked in surprise. "Never took you for a racer, I haven't seen you in practice."

"I-I did that on my own." She lied as she adjusted her backpack straps. "Let's go register."

"Yeah. Yeah!" Emerald nodded and smiled at her. "Come!"

The registration booth was relatively empty; only a couple of Umamusume from another class were getting their numbers strapped to their chests. One of them was having trouble due to the size of her bust, but one of the organizers was helping her.

"Name?" the girl manning the desk asked.

"Emerald Dream." Emerald went first after Lucero nodded at her.

The girl checked her list and nodded.

"Number 5." She reached under the desk, rummaged for a second, and handed her a sheet with the number printed on it. "Next, please."

"Lucero de los Llanos." Lucero managed not to stutter when it was her turn.

The girl did a double take but still checked the list.

"Number… 18." She shrugged, pulled out the sheet, and passed it to Lucero. "Have fun, girls."

"Thank you!"

"Thanks!"

They answered in unison.

It was the first time Lucero had ever worn a number, so she was eternally grateful for Emerald's help. The older girl patiently adjusted the straps for her, making sure the number sat neatly across her chest.

"Alright." Emerald nodded as she put on her own number effortlessly. "See you in a bit, I'm going to stretch."

"Thanks, and see you!" Lucero waved at her, watching her leave with a complicated expression.

She… didn't really know what to do. Sure, she stretched every day when she ran from her house to the academy, but some of the movements she saw from the other Umamusume were beyond her comprehension. She didn't even know bodies could bend that way.

With nobody to ask without looking like an even bigger idiot than she already felt, she decided to stick to her usual routine, stretched her legs, calves, arms, and did a light jog around the perimeter. The turf felt firm below her feet, and the clouds blocked the sun well enough to not get burned… she didn't enjoy having to peel off dead skin off her back whenever she spent too much time outside in the sun.

Eventually, some of the Umas and trainers noticed her and stared in confusion, especially the ones from her class. She wasn't a local celebrity by any means, but people knew of her mother. There were several pictures of her around the academy, and Lucero was a splitting image of her.

Lucero didn't let that get to her. She kept jogging with her head held high, ignoring the occasional whisper… though her stomach churned from the stress. She tried her best to ignore her mother's heated glare from the stands when her family eventually arrived. There was a stern talk coming for her and she would not be able to run away.

"Welcome to the racing tryouts!"

A voice blared through the intercom, halting all the Umas on the track and silencing their conversations.

"Inscriptions are now closed! All registered racers, please make your way to the gates!"

"This is it…" Lucero whispered to herself, steeling her nerves as she made her way over.

She briefly wondered how they would clear the gates from the center of the track once the race began, but quickly forced herself to focus. Distractions could wait.

One by one, the Umamusume stepped into their gates, filling all 18 slots. Lucero's was the outermost post. There would be no other heats; these were all the Umas ready from the academy. The thought put things into perspective. Dance tryouts lasted through four or five songs at least, depending on the turnout. Some even extended past that if-

CLANG!

The gates burst open with a loud metallic bang, startling Lucero. The rest of the Umas exploded forward, already halfway down the first straight before her mind caught up with what was happening.

"GO!"

She sprinted out of the gate as fast as her legs would carry her. The pack was already entering the first curve while she was still pushing through the opening stretch.

"Stupid!" she hissed under her breath, forcing herself to accelerate.

Lucero leaned into the curve, her body low, trying to mimic the others' movements. The ground slipped under her for a moment as her left foot lost traction. Her arms flailed, but she caught herself just before she went down. Her heart jumped into her throat, but she forced her legs to keep moving. Faster. Harder.

The others were still ahead, their tails wagging in the wind and their steps thundering below. She didn't understand how they were moving so fast already. They had just started. "Isn't this the early race?"

She didn't slow down to think. Her muscles responded with ease. she wasn't winded, not even close. The track stretched ahead of her, and she focused on the back of the runner in front narrowing her world to just that target.

Her heart pounded as everything flashed before her eyes: her dreams, her fear of failure, her guilt, her hope. She wouldn't disappoint her friends, her family, herself. All of it condensed into that one burning thought.

"I can still do this," she told herself.

Her vision blurred from tears. She didn't care. Her throat burned with the effort to hold herself together. She pumped her arms harder, her stride lengthening. The gap between her and number 17 started to close.

The crowd's noise faded into white noise. Her focus sharpened. She felt something in the back of her head as the runner in front of her, a red head from another class, was briefly startled for some reason.

"I won't stop!"

She surged forward, ready to overtake the Uma ahead-

and then it was over.

The buzzer rang. The others slowed to a jog, some raising their arms, others catching their breath. Most of them all but collapsing out of exhaustion.

Lucero ran a few steps past the line before she realized what happened. She slowed to a stop, staring blankly ahead, chest rising and falling evenly. She wasn't even winded. The race was supposed to last much longer than that. It felt even shorter than her usual runs back at the farm.

"Why?"

Her voice cracked as she looked at the finish line.

"We just started…" Lucero stared down at her trembling hands, her vision darkening at the edges.

"Lucero."

"I can still run."

"Lucero de los Llanos."

"Give me another chance… I'm not tired."

"Lucero…"

"Please…"

When a pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders, the fight drained out of her. She fell into the embrace and sobbed loudly. Her dreams, her goals, her bright future… all of it crumbled inside her like glass.

"Let it all out…"

The voice was soft and familiar. A gentle hand brushed her hair back, and the faint scent of roses reached her nose. When she finally lifted her head, her vision cleared just enough to make out the cascade of white in front of her.

Her mother.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Mommy… I…"

"Don't worry," her mother whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You did your best. I know you always do."

"But I-"

"It was just a race…" Her mother sighed, wiping Lucero's cheeks with a handkerchief someone had passed her. "Others will come."

Her mom put a handkerchief against her nose, and she blew softly. After another hug, Lucero finally pulled away and looked around.

The trainers were already swarming the racers who finished in the top five, while others showed interest in those who placed in the top ten. The ones who lost badly, like her, were devastated, but none had reacted quite as strongly. The thought made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"You'll do better in June," her mother said after a moment. "We'll do our best to hire a private coach and… figure something out."

"What about the money?"

"We'll figure it out, child." Her mother smiled, her red lipstick glinting in the sun.

It was then Lucero noticed her mother's dress, an elegant white one adorned with roses, now stained with water across the bust and dirt from the track. Guilt churned in Lucero's chest. Not only had she lost, but she'd made her mother walk all the way down from the stands to comfort her failure.

"Can we go to the dancing tryouts? I want to watch the girls…"

"We certainly can." Aurora nodded sharply and extended her hand. "You don't look too sweaty, so you'll be presentable with a bit of makeup and perfume. Come."

Lucero nodded with a small smile and took her mother's hand. They walked past the commotion, ignoring the calls for the prize ceremony. For the first time in days, Lucero felt she could breathe properly again. Her next six months would be filled with training-

"Excuse me?"

A male voice called from behind them. Lucero's heart fluttered, but she quickly smothered any foolish hope and turned around.

He couldn't have been older than nineteen, maybe twenty at most. His uniform, a dark blue coat and black pants, was still new. An unfamiliar crest, a bronze cleat with a bold "T" above it, decorated it. His hair was messy and dark brown, his skin lightly tanned from time spent outdoors.

He carried a notebook tucked under his arm, its edges frayed and filled with colorful sticky notes. There was an awkwardness to him, shoulders slightly hunched, his tone careful, as if he wasn't sure he had the right to be speaking.

"Yes?" Aurora answered, her voice dry and her eyes sharp.

"Hi! I'm Marco." The boy smiled nervously. "Nice to meet you, Ma'am Aurora. Miss Lucero."

"You're Teresa's child?" Aurora lifted an eyebrow.

"Yes! I'm the oldest." He nodded quickly. "Mom wanted to catch up with you, but she had to catch a flight…"

"Figures." Aurora sighed and waved a dismissive hand. "What do you need, Marco? We have business pending."

"Right!" He flipped through his notebook and stopped on a marked page. "I saw you racing back there and I want to be your trainer!"

The atmosphere froze. Aurora's eyes narrowed, and an invisible weight filled the air. Lucero flinched instinctively, but Marco nearly crumbled under the pressure. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his lips trembling like a cornered rabbit's.

"Really? What makes you say that?" Aurora asked, her tone deceptively calm.

"Sh-she's exceptional! She has p-potential," he stammered. "O-other racers were tired, but sh- she wasn't even winded! Her stamina's off the charts! She's not built for sprints or miles probably, but with gate training and endurance work she could be incredible!"

The more he spoke, the steadier his voice grew, until Aurora's murderous gaze didn't seem to faze him anymore. Aurora closed her eyes, her expression softening as the tension drained from her posture.

"How many Umas have you trained?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Uh… none, Ma'am." He admitted, his nerves returning. "I just graduated from trainer academy. Lucero would be my first prospect. But! I'll give it my all! I promise!"

"Passable." Aurora nodded after a moment's consideration. "You're invited to our home at six this evening. We'll discuss this properly. Don't be late."

"Of course!" Marco straightened immediately. "Is your estate still La Bendición?"

"Yes." Lucero smiled, tail flicking with renewed energy. "See you there!"

"Thank you for the opportunity!" Marco beamed and closed his notebook.

"You too!" Lucero tried not to bounce on her feet. She'd been emotional enough for one day.

"Now, if you'll excuse us…" Aurora said curtly, leading her daughter away.

Marco watched them leave, a small smile lingering as he noticed the joy in Lucero's steps.

---

It's time for the ride to start. It's going to be bumpy, and it won't be fun for our dear little star at times, but she'll enjoy it by the end.

Now, this novel is not a litrpg, but it will integrate certain elements from the games. One of them being a visual representation of our little star at the end of every race, to track her progress. You can completely ignore these if you want, you won't be missing anything important. They do have some small spoilers, so read at your peril~

Spoiler: Final Tally

Final tally:

Speed: G+

Stamina: D+

Power: D

Guts: E+

Wits: G

Track:

Dirt: A

Turf: A

Style:

Front: ?

Pace: ?

Late: ?

End: ?

Distance:

Sprint: G

Mile: F

Medium: A

Long: A

Skills:

Unique Skill:

??????? ????? ?? ????? Lv 0

Regular Skills:

Piercing Gaze.

 

[Zyriam]

⚬──────────✧──────────⚬

​

"The winner is Emerald dream!"

Emerald slowed to a light jog, basking in her victory. Rare were her chances to truly shine on the track, and from what she knew of the racing scene in Colombia, those chances were rare everywhere. She took a deep breath and fanned herself with her hand. Her body was a mess of sweat and steam, much like the rest of her classmates and rivals. Except for Lucero, who looked perfectly fine… Physically, at least.

The poor girl stood frozen on the track, murmuring to herself. Emerald knew that look all too well. Her first instinct was to go to her and say something comforting. They weren't close friends, but Lucero was always cheerful, easy to talk to, and fun to be around. Seeing her like that hurt.

"Miss Emerald! My name is Franco, I'm a trainer from Bogotá. I'm interested in taking you as a trainee!"

"Miss Emerald! I'm from Cali! You'll be taken care of at my academy!"

"Trainee Emerald, the Itagüí Academy extends an invitation for you to join our program!"

"Miss Emerald!"

Unfortunately, before she could take a step toward Lucero, a flood of trainers surrounded her, calling her name like seagulls after scraps. Security had to step in to give her breathing room. By the time she could look around again, she spotted Lucero's mother hugging her crying daughter.

"Well… that's taken care of then," she thought, relieved, before refocusing on her own whirlwind.

Emerald listened patiently to the barrage of offers. Each trainer pitched concessions, scholarships, travel arrangements, anything to sweeten the deal. She suspected even her own academy would extend a token offer just to save face. Racing was hardly Tunja's specialty.

"Or anywhere in Colombia, really," she thought wryly.

Still, something nagged at her. During the final stretch, just before crossing the finish line, she'd felt something. It was a heavy, sharp gaze at her back. It wasn't just pressure or adrenaline, but a primal fear that briefly overloaded her senses. For a split second, she'd felt small, fragile, hunted.

"I really need to stop drinking so much coffee before bed…" she muttered, shaking the thought away.

She followed the staff toward the small podium. It wasn't a grand event by any measure, but they still got medals by winning them. Cheap, bronze medals painted gold, silver, or simply left as their original color. A nice gesture, she supposed, since their program was so small. Someday, she'd earn real trophies. Maybe even a fancy sash from a G1 race.

"Yeah… like that'll ever happen," she said under her breath before flashing a smile at the small crowd before her.

· · ─────── ꪆ⏝ ི 𝄞 ྀ ⏝ৎ ─────── · ·

​

"Introducing Silver Song Múnera."

Silver Song adjusted her dress as her name was called. It was a pure white dress, with a white rose on the left side of her bust. She adorned each of her ears with a white rose, a ribbon, and imitation jewelry that glinted with each movement.

The small auditorium had all seats filled, with the dancers having the first rows to themselves. Family and potential trainers were watching from behind. The last group paid special attention to each prospect, writing down their notes, sometimes murmuring among each other, but keeping to themselves.

Shoulders straight, tail held just right for balance, and her focus fully on the tryouts. The faint scratch of the record player filled the silence as the first notes of the tango began. Ms. Ortega stepped in front of her with her usual impeccable posture.

"I'll follow your lead." she said simply.

Silver nodded. When the music swelled, they moved. The floorboards creaked under their synchronized steps, forward, side, pivot. Ms. Ortega's heel brushed close, her gaze locked with Silver's. She even made some simple mistakes, gauging her reaction and how she would recover from her partner's blunders. Nothing too serious like stepping on her or falling to the ground, but being out of beat, thinking too much about her next step, or simply appearing distracted.

Silver focused on her timing, counting beats in her head. She led her teacher with sharp movements, without being rough with her. The world around her dissolved and only her performance mattered, her tempo, compensating for any error, anticipating the next steps…

When she finally ended, there was silence for a moment before a sober round of applause followed. Silver took the moment to compose herself and look around, managing a smile when she saw Lucero among their little group.

"Good," Ms. Ortega murmured as they bowed to the crowd. "You can return to your seat now."

Silver ignored the teacher calling for another of her classmates and went straight to her best friend. Lucero was still in her gym uniform, oblivious or indifferent to the stares she was getting. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot, an unmistakable sign of how her race had gone.

"My child," Silver whispered, pulling her into a hug. "It's ok…"

"Don't worry." Lucero squeezed her tighter. "I got a trainer."

"Fantastic news." Silver smiled with warmth in her eyes, before reaching up to pinch her friend's cheek.

Even so, her heart was tangled in mixed feelings. She had always seen Lucero as both sister and rival. Years of teasing, competing, sharing secrets… all of it had bound them close. Knowing that Lucero's true dream wasn't to stand on the same stage as her left a small ache in her chest. Their paths would split from here on, and Silver wasn't sure she was ready for that.

But it didn't change what they were to each other.

"We shall celebrate posthaste," she declared with a crisp nod.

Lucero giggled softly and nodded back.

"Indeed, mother."

︵‿₊ ⊹₊˚‧ ℧ ‧ ˚₊⊹ ₊‿︵

​

Marco wasn't expecting much when he joined the tryouts. It was his first one after all. He entered practically on an excuse to visit his hometown, spend some time with his family, and maybe gain some experience from more experienced trainers.

By the time the tryouts themselves were about to begin, he had already acquired a lot of useful tips and tricks, what to look for in a trainee, some usually overlooked academies with robust programs, and some races that were great to build early prestige. He already had some plans for when he came back to Medellin. Sure, the best prospects from the biggest academies were going to more recognized names than his, but he could always dream.

When the race began, he watched in interest, pulling out his notebook and sharpening his focus. The attention of his fellow trainers went directly to some somewhat recognizable local names, Emerald Dream being chief among them. Although, some spared some pity to the surprise of the competition: Lucero de los Llanos.

It only took a glance at the poor girl struggling to catch up to recognize her as Aurora de los Llanos' daughter, her mom's best friend. Her late start pegged her as someone with poor or nonexistent gate-training, and her near-slip spoke of a true amateur.

"The winner is Emerald dream!"

The race ended just as he and a lot of his peers expected. Emerald Dream won by at least 2 or 3 lengths, while Lucero ended dead last. He made some notes in his notebook, even if he didn't end up with his first trainee, they would surely help with future training… until something caught his eye.

Unlike the rest of her classmates, and ignoring her catatonic state, Lucero looked… fine. She wasn't breathing hard, she wasn't even glistening from sweat. There was no doubt in his mind that if the race had been medium length, or even a long one, she would have placed better. Winning was still a toss-up due to her general inexperience, but… there was a lot of potential there.

He ignored the crowd of trainers swarming the top 10 trainees and made some notes subconsciously. As he warmed more and more to the idea, he couldn't help but think of several training routines and possible races to take her to. If he dared to dream a little bolder, even some G1 races weren't out of the question if she was as talented as he thought.

He did have to wait until her mother finished comforting her. It would have been rude of him to say anything before that…

---

A shorter one today. Technically part of the finale, but didn't want to make it longer than necessary.

Thus we mark the end of Act 0: Tryouts.

Act 1: Maiden Race, starts on monday!

 

[Zyriam]

Lucero's emotions only grew more tangled as the hours passed. To nobody's surprise, Silver, Ruiseñor, Cantante, and Fox all passed their tryouts with flying colors. The twins performed a lively, expressive Joropo, while Fox chose another Tango. Lucero had to admit her friend looked a bit silly, being that much shorter than her partner, another of the academy's dance instructors, but she resisted saying it aloud.

Tears and cheers followed soon after. The whole group celebrated the fact that everyone was heading to Medellin, even if Lucero wouldn't be joining the same academy. Still, that didn't dampen their joy. They made plans to meet up whenever they could, sightseeing, eating out, hanging around in their dorms.

Once the excitement settled, the inevitable lecture came. Her mother didn't raise her voice or lift a slipper, something Lucero almost wished she had. Instead, she endured the full weight of Aurora's disappointed glare, which hurt far more than a scolding ever could.

Her father followed with his own disappointed glare. He congratulated her, yes, but that look in his eyes said enough. By the end of it, Lucero felt more drained than she had after running the race itself.

At least her brother didn't rub it in too much, though he still smirked every chance he got. She swore revenge for his insolence.

Eventually, her family relented. Her father bought her peach ice cream and wafer cookies, which she devoured with a small spoon. Later, her mother came to her room, combed her hair, braided it, and decorated it with imitation orchids. They weren't real, those were expensive, but Lucero loved them all the same.

"You did great," Aurora said softly as she adjusted the last flower. "I know you'll do great things from now on. Be proud, work hard, and do your best."

"Yes, mommy…" Lucero murmured, turning to hug her.

"Most importantly," Aurora added after a moment with a soft tone, "don't forget that we love you with all our heart."

"Thanks…" Lucero's hug tightened for a moment before she pulled away.

"Have you thought about the future?"

The question made her pause. Lucero obviously wanted to race in Japan, that was the whole reason she'd joined the tryouts, but beyond that, things were hazy. She'd overheard her classmates say that the Colombian racing scene wasn't exactly thriving, and that going abroad was the best way to advance. Still, she didn't know much beyond that.

"I mean, I want to go to Japan eventually," she admitted, "but I don't really have a plan yet."

"Something to discuss with young Marco, then," her mother huffed. "Another topic for the table."

The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully. Dinner was ready early, the workers had been dismissed for the day, and the animals were safely corralled before the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

Lucero wore a yellow sundress to the meeting with Marco. It wasn't her favorite color, but it was her favorite dress. She kept her braid and the flowers her mother had placed earlier. Her parents chose something elegant too, Aurora in white, and her father in a sky-blue buttoned shirt.

Luis tried to excuse himself, but his mother's glare killed that idea instantly. Any thoughts of rebellion vanished when she handed him a white shirt and black jeans. He knew when to push without many consequences, these was certainly not one of those times.

By the time Marco arrived, the whole family was ready. It was an important night, after all.

︵‿₊ ⊹₊˚‧ ℧ ‧ ˚₊⊹ ₊‿︵

​

As the motorbike carried him toward the Méndez estate, Marco felt his nerves creeping back in. He had been confident before meeting Lucero, but who could have guessed his tongue would tie itself like that under Aunt Aurora's gaze.

"Embarrassing," he muttered.

He tried his best to take it in stride. If everything went well, he would make some plans, fine-tune his approach, and have a successful first trainee. After that, forming a team wasn't out of the question. One veteran was a good motivator, and a stellar one could inspire even more. He already had preliminary goals and a few G1 races in mind for their second or third year.

"Thanks." Marco fished a ten-thousand-peso bill from his pocket and handed it to the driver.

"No problem, young man!" The driver pocketed it and handed back five thousand in change.

As the motorbike sped off into the sunset, Marco stood in front of the entrance for a moment. He double-checked his clothes for any stains; his black buttoned shirt and matching pants were spotless. After one last glance at his notes, he walked up to the door and knocked.

"Coming!" a voice called from inside before an older woman opened the door. "Is this Marco?"

"Y-yes, ma'am!" he said with a smile.

"Oh, good! The family's waiting for you." The woman opened the door fully and stepped aside. "Come in."

Warm air greeted him, a welcome change from the cold winds outside. The walls were lined with photos of Umamusume holding trophies. He recognized one of them: his mother standing beside Aurora in their younger days. A small smile formed on his lips as he passed it.

The living room was large, comfortably furnished with a sofa, a television in one corner, and a main dining table set for six. Four seats were already taken: Aurora at the head, her husband beside her and Lucero to the other, and Luis at the far end.

"Welcome, Marco," Aurora said, nodding toward the empty chair in front of her. "Sit."

He had to remind himself that Aunt Aurora's tone was rarely warm. She was curt with everyone, even with his mother. Marco smiled politely and nodded.

"Hello. Thank you for receiving me," he said as he sat down, placing his notepad on his lap. "It's an honor."

"Have you spoken with Teresa?" Aurora asked, glancing down at her own notepad.

"Yes!" he answered a bit too loudly. "She was over the moon when I told her I'd be Lucero's trainer."

Lucero's eyes lit up at the word "trainer," but Marco didn't dare look away from Aurora. His aunt studied him with a sharp gaze before finally giving a small nod.

"Good." She lowered her eyes back to the notepad. "Let's speak business, then."

"R-right." He swallowed the knot forming in his throat.

"Tell me about yourself, your academy, and what you've seen in Lucero," she said, pen already poised.

"Yes, ma'am!" Marco straightened his back. "I'm a graduate of the Trainer Faculty at San Fernando Academy in Itagüí. It's the best academy for racers in the Aburrá Valley and one of the top in Colombia." His voice grew more confident as he spoke. "I graduated top of my class and still have good relationships with my professors and classmates, so arranging scrimmages and training partners for Lucero won't be a problem.

"As for Lucero herself…" He flipped through his notepad until he found a page marked with a pink sticker.

"She doesn't have traditional racing training. I could tell from her late start and the slip on the track." He ignored the sound Lucero made beside him. "I also gathered some general information from the academy, nothing personal, of course, just enough to get a good overview. She's a talented dancer, has excellent stamina, is agile, and… well, a bit of a troublemaker."

"We can skip over that last part…" Lucero coughed, embarrassed.

"…Right." Marco smiled briefly before continuing. "Overall, she has strong potential for medium and long-distance races. She'll need to study racing regulations, work on speed, and improve her gate start, but she's already ahead of the curve in strength and endurance. I assume she's done something to build that up at home?"

"She usually runs from here to school five days a week. That's about four kilometers, two on dirt and two on asphalt." Aurora nodded and made a note. "She also helps around the house. We breed animals and…" She sighed. "She has a habit of… pursuing them."

"M-mom!" Lucero's tail shot upright as her face turned bright red.

Marco had to fight back a laugh, though Luis didn't bother hiding his.

"She also helps carry lumber, corral the animals on weekends, and run with our Umamusume workers on Sundays," Aurora continued, ignoring her daughter's mortified look.

That explained a lot. The girl only needed a bit more experience and proper guidance before she would be ready to shine. Marco nodded with a smile and made a small note in his notepad.

"Now," he said after clearing his throat, "what are your goals for the future? Any big race in mind?"

Lucero perked up and nodded immediately. "The Japan Cup!"

"Of course, the Japan-" Marco began, then froze. "Did you say The Japan Cup?"

"Yes!" Lucero said with unshakable enthusiasm. "It's been my dream for years!"

That… complicated things. A lot.

"Are you… sure?" he asked carefully.

"She is," Aurora interjected, lifting an eyebrow. "If you don't think you can handle it, we can wait for another trainer."

Of all the things Marco had expected, being thrown straight into the fire after his first tryouts and first scout was not one of them. The rational thing would have been to politely decline, find another potential trainee, and build experience with easier goals. Latin America's racing scene revolved around sprints and mile distances, much more manageable. But her aunt's words… hurt more than he expected.

"It's no problem," Aurora said, flipping through her notebook and jotting something down. "It's your first trainee, after all. We can hire a tutor to prepare her for Medellín or Bogotá in six months. We'll find someone with real drive."

He had never heard his aunt sound so cold. The words pierced his heart and his confidence. Was he truly not enough?

"No," he whispered.

"Hmm?" She arched an eyebrow. "Did you say something, child?"

"I said no, Aunt Aurora." He looked straight into her eyes. Those deep blue pools that could swallow him whole if he faltered. "I can bring her to Japan."

"Good." She nodded once, and the crushing pressure lifted instantly. He exhaled without realizing he had been holding his breath. "Do you have anything in mind for that?"

Silence followed. Marco's thoughts raced as he tried to assemble a plan. He ran through his academy lessons, recalled offhand advice from teachers and friends, and started sketching out a rough path. He scribbled a schedule, frowned at it, then sighed.

"What is it?" Aurora asked.

He only then noticed the food on the table: arepas, cheese, sausage, eggs, and a side of diced tomatoes, onions, and julienned carrots. Everyone was already eating, but both Aurora and Lucero were still watching him intently.

"It's…" He took a deep breath. "It's going to be hard."

"I assumed so." Aurora nodded. Lucero nodded a second later, more nervously.

"We'll need to compete in the Chilean Triple Crown during your second year, at least," Marco said.

Lucero gasped, choking on a piece of tomato. Her father quickly came to her rescue while Luis tried and failed to suppress a laugh. Aurora didn't look away from Marco.

"We'll need a transfer to a Chilean academy for that," he continued. "Otherwise, the expenses will be astronomical. To even have a chance, we'll need enough prestige to argue for a scholarship, or at least a partial one."

"Bold," Aurora murmured as she wrote another note. "Continue."

"We'll need to win a G1 race by the end of the year, or at least place really well. The best option that our academy might finance, assuming we perform well enough on her debut, is the Simón Bolívar Classic in October. But I doubt it will be fully covered."

"We can figure it out," Aurora replied. "My mother lives in Venezuela. We can coordinate with her and my sisters."

"Great!" Marco said, visibly relieved.

"Is the Triple Crown enough to qualify for Japan?" Lucero asked hesitantly.

"No. But it'll give us enough prestige to start entering international races that could lead there. It's a big gamble, but I think it's doable. We'll just need to train very hard."

Lucero nodded firmly, fire burning in her eyes as her tail swayed behind her. With the business talk finally out of the way, Marco picked up his fork. The food was delicious, perfectly cooked, and the hot chocolate warmed him down to the bone. As the tension faded and the family began to exchange stories and laughter, one thought echoed in his head.

"What… have I done…"

He knew from that night onward that he was in for quite a ride.

---

A/N: Our proper introduction to our second protagonist: Marco. The ride ahead indeed will be a interesting one. Don't falter!

 

[Zyriam]

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

Lucero had trouble sleeping from how giddy she was. She had her own trainer. Her plan involved going abroad. She was going to Japan.

"I have a trainer!"

She screamed the words inside her head, kicking at the bed while hugging a pillow. She still needed to legalize her transfer to the new academy and celebrate with her friends and family, but after that… she would be leaving.

"Right…"

There would be no coming back after that. She had to give it her all, or she'd crash and burn. The tryouts had been a fluke, and if she performed that poorly again on her debut or first graded race…

"One step at a time," she whispered to herself. But even then, doubt kept crawling into her heart.

With a sigh, she checked the clock. 5:10 AM. Too late to sleep again, but too early to be idle. She slipped into her spare gym clothes and stepped outside.

The cold slapped her across the face. Her breath turned white, her eyes stung, and her bare legs shivered. Still, she took off her ribbon, stretched for a few minutes, and began jogging around the perimeter of the estate.

The sky was still dark, but the first sunlight was peeking over the mountains, just enough to light her way. The grass was wet and slick, but nothing she couldn't handle.

She spotted some Umamusume workers already up and busy. A few were chopping logs, others feeding pigs and goats, and the rest leading cows out to graze. Lucero whistled to announce herself.

They whistled back and waved.

"Good morning, young miss!"

"Morning, Lucero!"

"Be careful with the grass!"

Their outfits were much warmer than hers: long-sleeved shirts, ruanas, jeans, cleated boots, and some had wide-brimmed hats.

Lucero passed by the pig pens and felt the old urge to tease them and run around a bit, but yesterday's conversation flashed in her mind. Her face flushed bright red, and she quickened her pace.

Her run was relatively short since the state's perimeter was just about 5 kilometers long. Just enough to warm her up. The sun was rising by the time she returned, steam rising from her skin and her clothes soaked with sweat.

Her brother was stepping outside just then. He stopped and pinched his nose.

"No wonder it smelled so rancid. I thought Melinda let the pigs too close to the house again."

Lucero checked that no adults were nearby but clicked her tongue when she noticed a few workers tending to chores just a few meters away. However, a wicked idea sparked in her mind.

"You wound me, brother," she said dramatically, spreading her arms. "I love you so much, and you treat me like this~"

"W-what are you doing?" Luis stammered, backing away. "G-get away from me!"

"Give your little sister some love!"

Luis turned to run, but it was already too late. Lucero lunged and wrapped him in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground despite his protests and rubbing her sweaty head against his chest.

"LUCERO!"

"Luis~!"

The nearby workers just chuckled at their antics.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

Having her fill of reinforcing who's who with her older sibling, Lucero took a quick shower, had breakfast, and went back to her room. She still had to return to the academy with her mother to handle the paperwork, but that would not be until the afternoon.

She spent the rest of the morning messaging her friends, listening to her favorite songs, and reading manga. A new release about two childhood friends becoming partners on the eve of their separation caught her attention, partly because she had something similar going on, minus the falling in love part.

After a few chapters, she could not resist scrolling through the group chat again.
She smiled wistfully at their old photos. Some were in uniform, others at the mall, a few at her estate. There was one where they played with frogs, and another where they had drawn over Silver with a permanent marker.

A quiet chuckle escaped her at the memory. It was one of their few pajama parties. They had eaten too much junk food, watched terrible movies, and sung their favorite songs at the top of their lungs. Silver had been the first to fall asleep and the first victim of Fox's permanent marker. By the time they were done, Silver had doodles all over her face, a big "stupid" written on her forehead, and even a full beard.

Her nagging afterward had lasted hours. Cold shoulders, lectures, sarcastic comments. Enough to make them all feel guilty in silence.

A small tear slipped down Lucero's cheek before she noticed.

"Lucero?"

Her mother's voice came from behind the door, making her jump. She quickly got up and opened it.

"There you are." Aurora was already dressed in a beige formal outfit with a coat over it. Without a word, she wiped Lucero's tears and kissed her forehead. "I'll be going now. Your father will not take long, so be ready."

"Y-yes!" Lucero nodded quickly.

"Good." Her mother brushed away the lipstick mark she had left behind.

It did not take long for Lucero to get ready. She put on her uniform, brushed her teeth, combed her hair, and tied her new ribbon. After that, she waited in the living room until she heard her father's motorbike roll in. She ran out with a smile.

"Let's go, little one!"

By the time they reached the academy, the sun was high overhead. Her father kissed her on the forehead before heading off, and Lucero made her way straight to the principal's office.

People glanced her way as she walked. Nobody whispered, but she could feel their stares.

"Weird," she muttered, brushing it off.

The principal's office was familiar, perhaps too familiar given her and her friends' record. Sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains onto a tidy desk stacked with papers and framed photos of smiling students. The faint smell of coffee and wood polish filled the air. A soft rug covered the floor, and two cushioned chairs faced each other near the window.

Her mother was already seated with a cup of coffee in hand.

The principal, a tall black-haired Umamusume, sat behind the desk. Her build was lean, almost fragile, and her suit was immaculate: dark blue coat and pants, white shirt, red tie, and high heels. Her gaze carried the same weight as Aurora's. Lucero had felt it before, that invisible pressure during every scolding session. Thankfully, none of it seemed aimed at her today.

"Miss Mendez." The principal nodded and gestured to the empty chair. "Sit."

Lucero obeyed quietly.

"No offense, Aurora," the principal began, opening a file with Lucero's name and photo, "but your daughter has given me my fair share of headaches. Thankfully, nothing major. Just a few harmless pranks and minor trouble, except for the incident with Ms. Ortega last October."

Lucero swallowed hard as she felt her mother's pressure beside her.

"But nothing that cannot be forgiven," the principal continued. "She is a stellar student, a wonderful dancer, and someone who could live up to your legacy. Which is why her recent choices are a bit… puzzling."

Aurora took another sip of coffee, her expression unreadable.
"She decided to follow her dreams. What kind of mother would I be to deny her that?"

"Indeed." The principal nodded slowly. "It is rare for a student from the arts program to switch to racing, and rarer still to succeed. Not unheard of, but certainly uncommon."

"Yet here we are."

"Yet here we are," the principal agreed, glancing over the file again. "Are you absolutely sure about this? I could still arrange something in Bogotá. The National Academy of Fine Arts holds its tryouts in four days."

"We are certain," Aurora replied firmly. "Marco is adequate for the job."

"Even though Colombia's racing scene is not exactly thriving?"

"Our aim lies beyond this country. That suits us just fine."

While the two women locked eyes, Lucero felt like a small boat caught between two storms. She had to double take for a moment, when she noticed their eyes glowing faintly as the tension thickened. Just when Lucero was questioning herself and if she had been watching too much anima lately, the principal exhaled and looked down.

"Very well."

She reached under her desk, took out a seal, pressed it into black ink, and stamped the file with a bold APPROVED.

"The trainers are set to return to Medellín in three days. I suggest you make preparations and coordinate with the academy for her onboarding. As of now, her transfer is approved."

Her gaze softened just slightly. "It was an honor to see you grow into the young woman you have become, Lucero. I wish you victories in your journey."

"T-thank you!" Lucero stood quickly and gave a small curtsy. "Thank you for everything, and for being patient with me and my friends. I really love dancing."

A faint smile ghosted over the principal's lips before her usual composure returned.

"I will keep in touch, Valeria," Aurora said, standing.

"As will I, Aurora," Valeria replied with a nod.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

While her mother made phone calls and coordinated with the people from her new academy, Lucero spent the rest of the day with her friends. It was their last get-together before everyone became busy with moving, and then with practice.

They all shared the same goal for their debut concert: the Medellín Flower Festival. They would not perform on the main stage yet; that was still far above their current level. But the parades during the first few days were essential for trainees, a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities. If everything went well, invitations to other major events like the Barranquilla Carnival or even the Blacks and Whites Carnival might follow.

Lucero could already picture them shining onstage, dancing beneath the limelight, stealing everyone's breath away.

"Everything okay, my child?" Silver asked softly, holding her hand as they both gazed toward the city's main cathedral.

The sun was setting, Fox and the twins were going feral over street food, and the cool evening breeze brushed against their cheeks. Lucero glanced at her best friend and nodded.

"Just… thinking about everything." She murmured, interlocking their fingers. "I'm really going to miss dance practice with you guys."

"We'll miss you too," Silver replied, wiping a rogue tear from her cheek. "But it's not like we're going to different cities, silly girl."

"Yeah." Lucero huffed a small laugh and shook her head. "I still have to deal with you for a long time."

They both watched the sunset with a smile, knowing in their hearts that this was the day their paths diverged. The rivalry that began when they met each other in their first junior competition. How they quickly became friends after that. How their duo transformed into a trio, then a quintet... All of that ended that day.

"When you reach Japan, buy me some king crab," Silver said, nodding with mock seriousness. "I heard it's really good."

"Alright," Lucero giggled. "And when you reach the main stage, buy me a drink."

"Don't believe I can get there in three years?" Silver huffed dramatically. "My sweet summer child, why must you doubt my greatness?"

"Surprise me then." Lucero rolled her eyes and bumped her shoulder against hers.

Under the stars and moonlight, they sealed their small promise.

---

Before you ask, no, they did not kiss. They're good friends!
Aight, enough slice of life for now. Time to lock in. New friends, new rivals, new obstacles, and a new goal.

GOAL: Run in Junior Make Debut.​

 

[Zyriam]

Saying goodbye was hard, especially when you did not know when you would be coming back. Lucero's training would allow her rest days and moments of relaxation, but she needed to catch up with her studies and work on her speed. She had no illusions about her abilities, her only good point was her endurance. So there would be no appropriate time to travel down to Tunja to visit.

The memory of everyone leaving her behind on the track was still fresh in her mind.

With a shake of her head, she pushed the thought away. Her mother would travel with her to help settle in, but her father and brother would remain behind. The trip had to be made by bus during the night, since Tunja's airport was not open to the public and it was cheaper to book buses after eight.

"Take care, my little star." Her father hugged her tightly, fighting the tears that streamed down his cheeks. "Show them you're the best."

"I will." She whispered, nodding with determination.

Her brother looked at her for a moment, smirked, and pulled her into a hug as well.

"Don't embarrass us, Lucy." He sighed, stuttering a little before tightening his hold. "Love you."

"I love you too." She answered softly, already feeling her own tears coming out.

After another round of goodbyes, she boarded the bus with her mother, holding her hand. Her friends were already inside, surrounded by their families. Lucero quickly greeted them and went to her seat. Her father and brother helped load her luggage, and before long, the doors closed.

Through the window, she watched her home and family shrink into the distance. Her heart ached, but she knew she would do her best to make them proud.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

By the time the bus finally arrived at Aburrá Valley, Lucero was desperate to stretch her legs. Eleven hours of travel with only two short stops had tested everyone's patience. She was not the only one bothered by the ordeal, two Umas had even ended up vomiting into plastic bags. The twins and Fox were bored out of their minds, barely restrained by their parents sitting beside them. Thankfully, Lucero had her music, so she could pass time that way.

As the night gave way to day, Lucero was finally able to see the city more clearly. The streets were wide and organized, with clearly marked lanes for Umamusume. A few were already jogging down them, their hooves tapping rhythmically against the pavement. The girls inside the bus pressed their faces to the windows, marveling at the sights and waving whenever someone on the street waved back.

When the bus finally pulled into the terminal, a collective cheer erupted. The girls rushed out as soon as the doors opened, stretching, yawning, and shaking the stiffness from their legs.

Lucero shared one last goodbye with her friends before parting ways. While they boarded another bus sent by their new academy, she and her mother took a taxi instead. Her luggage was far too big to carry comfortably inside the Metro.

The taxi didn't smell strange like those back in Tunja, but the driver's music never stopped. With a resigned sigh, Lucero accepted it. Still, the new scenery quickly took her mind off the noise.

She admired the tall buildings, the mountains looming in the distance, the Metro gliding along whenever they passed a station, and the occasional Umamusume running beside the highway. Some wore racing outfits with frills and colorful details, each showing their personality. Seeing them made Lucero's heart flutter.

"I'm one of them now," she giggled quietly to herself.

It took a little over half an hour to reach Itagüí proper, then ten more minutes to arrive at the academy. There was no clear line between the cities in the Aburra Valley, so Lucero was surprised when the driver said they had already left Medellin. The people looked the same, the buildings were similar, and the trains ran without much pause.

San Fernando Academy was nothing like María Auxiliadora. The only thing Lucero could think about as her mother paid the driver and pulled out her luggage was the sheer size of the place. The fence stretched dozens of meters in each direction, taller than her by far, and topped with barbed wire. The main building stood four stories high, surrounded by smaller ones to the sides and back. Above the main gate, a large sign displayed the academy's name, its crest, a bronze cleat with an Umamusume silhouette running on top, and a bold number 1 beneath it.

Several Umamusume and a few humans were already walking through the gate. Most wore what she assumed was the academy uniform: a white buttoned shirt, dark blue vest and pleated skirt, and a red tie. Their shoes were clearly built for running, each pair with sturdy heels.

Lucero looked down at her own shoes and noticed they barely had a lift at all.

"I'll buy you new shoes later," her mother said softly, taking her hand. "Come."

Lucero nodded, her heart pounding as she followed her mother toward the entrance. The process to get in wasn't too long, they checked her ID, gave her mother a visitor's pass, and let the pair through.

The inside was as she expected: lots of grass, a few trees, several benches along the walls, and the crown jewel, the racetracks. There were two of them, a turf track already bustling with Umamusume and a dirt track dotted with puddles. Lucero had to fight the urge to go and test them right away, but she knew she would have the chance eventually.

Their first stop was the administration building to get her properly registered, notify her trainer, and receive the key to her room. The interior was mostly white, with wood-colored tiles and photos of accomplished racers decorating the walls—none of whom Lucero recognized. The main desk was packed with several Umas with the same idea, so they had to wait a few minutes for their turn.

The secretary, a human woman in a business suit with an academy crest pinned to her collar, looked overworked but greeted them warmly. She handed them an introduction booklet with the academy facilities, a list of debut races, Lucero's room key, and a small slip of paper to serve as a temporary student ID until her permanent one was ready.

"Your trainer will be notified that you're here. You should be able to see him tomorrow morning."

"Thank you." Aurora nodded at her, putting away the booklet while Lucero put the temporary ID inside her wallet carefully.

"May your dreams come true," the woman said with a tired but genuine smile.

"Thanks!" Lucero beamed back at her.

The dormitories stood along the edges of the tracks, each marked by a large number. Mother and daughter didn't have to search long for hers: Number 3. The building rose five stories high and even had an elevator inside, a small mercy for tired runners. Her room was on the fifth floor, number 512, at the very end of the hall.

It was built for two people. Each side had a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and shelves. The side near the window was already taken, though its occupant wasn't there. Lucero shrugged and set her luggage on her bed.

Her mother helped her unpack, organizing clothes, setting framed photos of family and friends on the shelves, and placing her computer on the desk.

"Lucero," her mother said softly once they finished. "You already know how I feel. I'm proud of you, no matter what you accomplish. And I love you, no matter what."

"I love you too, mom." Lucero smiled, a little embarrassed.

"You'll be away from us for a while, but remember we're always supporting you. If you have problems with anything or anyone, tell us, alright?"

It was the first time Lucero had ever seen her mother cry. Tears streamed down Aurora's cheeks as she spoke, her hands trembling around a pair of socks. Lucero couldn't stop her own tears from falling.

"I won't forget, mommy," she hiccupped, hugging her tight.

"Good." Aurora smiled faintly and returned the embrace.

They stayed like that for a few minutes before Aurora finally pulled back. With a small sigh, she opened her bag and took out a bundle wrapped in glittery pink paper. She handed it to Lucero.

Lucero's eyes widened as she carefully unwrapped it, only to freeze when she saw what was inside. It was her dress, the one she would had worn during the tryouts, but not quite the same. The sleeves were mostly gone, the skirt was higher, and the ribbons much less puffy.

"Is this…?" Lucero gasped.

"Yes," Aurora said, retouching her makeup as if nothing had happened. "It would be a waste of a good dress if you didn't use it."

"MOM! I LOVE YOU!" Lucero shouted, throwing her arms around her while her tail went wild with excitement.

The older Uma couldn't help but chuckle, planting a kiss on her head.

✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦

​

The rest of the day was filled with equal parts excitement and melancholy. They stopped by a sportswear store near the academy to buy new shoes, several pairs of cleats, and a water bottle. Lucero had a bit of trouble adjusting to the heels of her new shoes, but she got the hang of it soon enough. They had a hearty lunch together, watched a movie, and shared a cup of ice cream afterward.

The sadness hit when it was time to say goodbye. Aurora had nowhere nearby to stay, and the hotels in the area were too expensive. With tears streaming down her cheeks again, Lucero hugged her mother one last time before watching her leave for the bus station.

By the time she returned to her dorm around five in the afternoon, exhaustion had finally caught up with her. The eleven-hour journey and the long day together had worn her down so much that even the deserted racetracks couldn't tempt her anymore. She passed a few Umamusume in the halls, but they were all caught up in their own conversations, laughter, or worries, a sharp contrast to her old academy.

With a final tired huff, Lucero reached her room, turned the handle, and stepped inside. She froze.

Another Uma was there.

Lucero blinked a few times, unsure if she had walked into the wrong room.

The Uma inside was taller than her by at least a head, with a toned build and packed muscles. Her short black hair fell just below her chin, sleek and a little damp, with a streak of bright green running down one side. Her long, elegant ears twitched once when the door opened.

Lucero's gaze lifted instinctively to her eyes. They were an intense shade of blue, but what caught her attention was the shape reflected in them: five delicate petals forming a small flower at the center, as if her irises themselves were blooming.

The girl was in the middle of changing, a clean shirt half-buttoned over her chest. She didn't seem particularly bothered, though. She glanced at Lucero for a brief moment before speaking in a low voice.

"You must be my new roommate." The tall girl gestured lazily toward the still-open door. "Close it, will you? The hallway's cold."

Lucero scrambled to obey, cheeks warming as she shut the door behind her.

"H-hi! I'm Lucero de los Llanos!"

"I'm Dawnflower." The girl replied simply, unbuttoning the rest of her uniform.

"Should I go?..." Lucero asked, pointing awkwardly toward the door and doing her best not to stare at her chest.

"It doesn't really matter." Dawnflower slipped into her pajamas: pastel blue shorts with white polka dots and a loose black t-shirt. "We're going to be living together for a while, better get used to it."

She yawned, stretching her arms until her fingertips brushed the ceiling, then dropped them with a soft sigh. Moments later, she flopped onto her bed and was asleep almost instantly.

Lucero watched her in disbelief for a few seconds before sitting down on her own bed.

"Guess what they mean with interesting times…" she muttered.

---

New roommate acquired! Will she be a powerful rival or just a sleepyhead? who knows?

 

[Zyriam]

︵‿₊ ⊹₊˚‧ ℧ ‧ ˚₊⊹ ₊‿︵

​

When Marco got the message saying that Lucero had arrived in Itagüí, he was more than a bit nervous. He double-checked his plans, made sure his reservations were properly placed, and confirmed that he had all of his things in order. When the time finally came for him to go to the academy… he woke up at 5 a.m.

He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling for what felt like an eternity. It still didn't feel real how everything had begun moving faster than he expected. After a few minutes of silent contemplation, he finally sat up with a groan and prepared for the busy day ahead.

His apartment was small: just one bedroom, a tiny living room, a bathroom, and a balcony that offered a distant view of the academy. It didn't take long for him to put on a pair of jeans, a dark blue polo, a black coat, and his academy pin, his certification as a trainer.

Seeing the pin glint in the reflection of the only mirror in his home filled his heart with pride every time. He smiled nervously to himself, adjusting it one more time.

After a light breakfast of a couple of arepas, chorizo, and a cup of hot chocolate with cheese, he turned on his computer to check once more that his schedule for the week was solid. Every veteran trainer he had ever spoken to told him that rigid plans rarely held up, and that a degree of flexibility was necessary to avoid crumbling under pressure.

"Let's see…" he muttered.

The first few days were dedicated to evaluating her true limits in speed and stamina and getting her acquainted with VR training. Depending on those results, he would adjust her gym routine, her swimming classes, her theory lessons, and find the best opportunities for scrimmages. Right from the start, he knew she was significantly behind those who had joined the junior program and were already familiar with racing rules and regulations. He just had to hope the gap wasn't too large… though he knew that was probably wishful thinking.

He was grateful that Aunt Aurora had sent him Lucero's usual diet, and that was where he noticed something peculiar. Umamusume needed more food than regular humans, especially when physically active. Athletes and military personnel often ate double or triple the calories of a civilian Uma, who already ate more than most humans. However, Lucero was an anomaly. Her intake was closer to the lower range for athletes, more like a slightly overweight civilian.

The strange part was that Lucero supposedly ran at least five kilometers a day, sometimes ten when she chose to run home. On top of that, she had dance practice, a full day of classes, and heavy labor on weekends. By all accounts, she should have been severely malnourished. Either her metabolism was extremely efficient… or she was lying.

He hoped it was the former.

"I need to test her endurance anyway…"

He put a pin on his worries about that and moved on, closing the document with a small sigh. The sun was still low outside, and it was cold enough to see his own breath. Nevertheless, Itagüí was waking up, street vendors rolling out their carts, buses starting their rumbling routes, and traffic already roared in the distance.

Marco stuffed his bag with his stopwatch, clipboard, spare water bottles, a portable first-aid kit, and a couple of energy bars, then stepped out onto the balcony. From there, the academy looked peaceful, almost serene. The running track shone faintly under the morning lights, the VR training center's windows reflecting the sky.

He wondered what Lucero was thinking right now.

Was she excited? Nervous? Still asleep?

He hoped she had slept.

He locked his door behind him and took the stairs two at a time. The air outside was cool and smelled faintly of wet pavement from the drizzle that had passed earlier in the night.

"I wonder if she actually remembers me…"

He certainly remembered the little bundle of joy that her mom told him to treat as a little sister. He met her when she turned four years old and already looked like a small copy of Aunt Aurora. The main difference was that she laughed at everything and with everyone, she loved it when her cheeks were pinched, and she got lonely easily.

It was a shame their reunion hadn't been a bit more emotional, but her mom's busy schedule prevented frequent visits to Tunja, and whenever she made it down there it was between her trips so she couldn't bring him along. By now they were essentially strangers.

He arrived at the academy gates earlier than most staff. The campus lights were still on, illuminating the courtyard. A few Uma jogged quietly in the distance, warming up or cooling down. With a nod to himself, he made his way to the teacher's room.

It was a big room filled with cubicles, some were overflowing with notes, photos, and some even had trophies, but there were also several that were completely empty. There were no other teacher or trainer in, so Marco turned the light. After a small survey, he chose one of the furthest ones. With a smile that couldn't quite leave his face, he put all his things inside.

︵‿₊ ⊹₊˚‧ ℧ ‧ ˚₊⊹ ₊‿︵

​

While Marco worked on the day's schedule, he was briefly interrupted by an older man. The newcomer wore a similar uniform, though his academy pin had lost its shine from years of use.

"Already got a trainee?" the man asked with a warm laugh. "That was quick, my boy! I thought you said you'd wait a bit longer."

"Mr. Eliecer." Marco stood and shook his hand firmly. "You know how it is… couldn't pass this one up."

"Don't I know it?" Eliecer chuckled, pulling a nearby chair to sit beside him. "So, tell me about this Lucero?"

"Well, she's a bit green when it comes to racing," Marco admitted, "but she's got a lot of potential."

"Oh?" Eliecer raised a brow. "What place did she get in the tryouts?"

Marco cleared his throat and looked away. "Eighteenth."

Silence lingered. Eliecer crossed his arms, thinking for a moment.

"Are you sure?"

"Am I sure, sir?" Marco tilted his head.

"I know you're still young and full of ideas, but remember, we're not training machines. These are real girls with dreams. If we feed them smoke and mirrors, it's not just your reputation on the line."

"I know." Marco swallowed thickly as tension filled the room. "But I have faith in her. I really do."

"Good." Eliecer nodded, reclining in his chair. "At least you believe in her, that's good. Did she mention any goals yet? I heard you were asking questions about Venezuela."

"Nothing gets past you, huh?" Marco smirked. "Yeah, it's part of our… ambitious plan."

"Oh?" Eliecer leaned forward with an intrigued expression. "Let's hear it."

"The Japan Cup."

"Don't pull my leg, boy." Eliecer rolled his eyes with a grin.

"I'm not." Marco's tone was firm now, his arms crossing over his chest. "I plan to take her to Japan by her third year."

Eliecer stared, eyes widening. "You're serious."

"I am. The plan's to transfer to Chile by year's end, go for their Triple Crown. After that… maybe the UK or the States. That should be enough for an invitation."

Eliecer nodded slowly, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Tell me, Marco, you got a girlfriend? A lover? Anyone like that?"

The question caught him completely off guard. When Marco silently shook his head, Eliecer burst into laughter.

"My boy! My man!" he laughed until he had to catch his breath. "Then they should be worried, because with balls like that, you're dangerous!"

Marco sighed, but couldn't help a small smile as Eliecer's laughter faded.

"You're not aiming for the sky," the older man said, standing and returning the chair to its place. "You're aiming for Venus. Colombia hasn't had a G1 victory since the sixties, and here you are, trying to claim one of the world's crown jewels. I like your ambition."

He turned to leave, pausing only to add, "I'll have one of my rookies scrim with your Lucero soon. If I can get her motivated enough…"

"Oh?" Marco asked.

"Nothing." Eliecer waved him off with a sigh. "Don't let this old man slow you down. You've got a long road ahead."

"Thanks Mr. Eliecer."

"Don't worry kid. Just remember this old man when you drown your trainee in sashes, eh?"

They both shared a laugh after that.

︵‿₊ ⊹₊˚‧ ℧ ‧ ˚₊⊹ ₊‿︵

​

Marco stood in front of Lucero at eight in the morning on the turf track, away from other trainers already working with their trainees. The girl was already stretching by the time he got there, so he just corrected her posture and added a couple of exercises but left her on her own. Lucero still wore her old gym uniform, so Marco made a note to check with the administration about getting her new clothes.

"Alright, Lucero," he said with a nod. "Or would you prefer Lucy?"

"Lucy… is fine," she said after finishing her last stretch.

"Ok, Lucy." Marco smiled back. "We're checking your upper limits these first few days. We'll go all in during the morning and let you rest for the rest of the day. Your theory classes start next week. Any questions?"

"No sir!" she exclaimed with a bright smile.

"Alright. First, we'll test your endurance. Jog at a moderate speed for as long as you can."

Lucero looked almost giddy, letting out a small squeal before rushing to the track. Her speed was well below that of the other trainees already running, and as time went by, she was lapped a couple of times by girls her age and even some younger ones. Marco stood quietly, watching her gait and analyzing every detail.

"Her actual gait is... well, she's making unnecessary movements," he muttered to himself.

Instead of landing on her cleats like an Uma should, she ran like a human, putting her heel down first. It was great for producing sound during parades and dances but the main problem, apart from wasting energy, was that it threw off her balance. During several corners, she slipped slightly, though she managed to stay upright each time.

Her endurance, on the other hand, was exactly what he expected: far beyond average. By the time most new trainees stopped, and even some second-year runners gave up, she was still going strong.

When she finally couldn't continue, the only ones left on the track were those who had started long after her. By the time she reached Marco, she was a mess of sweat and steam, with her hair sticking to her forehead as she gasped for air.

Without a word, he handed her a bottle of water, which she drank greedily. When her thirst was finally quenched, she sat on the grass in front of him to catch her breath.

"Did I…" she groaned, still panting, "do well?"

Marco checked his stopwatch. Two hours and a half.

"I'd say more than that, yeah. There's some stuff we need to polish, but we'll deal with that later."

"Yaaay…" Lucero sighed, plopping back onto the grass and shielding her eyes from the sun with her forearm.

He didn't have the heart to tell her to move just yet, but plans were already forming in his head. Six months was both a long time and not nearly enough. He would have to make the most of it.

---

Our first actual Marco-centric chapter. His POV will be sprinkled generously here and there, but the MC is still Lucero. If there's anything you want to see me explore let me know~

Finally stopped farming aces for Leo Cup. Still don't have like anything above an A, but i think i'll survive... probably. Those 100 free pulls and the Kita rerun can't arrive sooner! Good luck with your pulls, fellow honse connoisseurs.