Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's too dark here.

Why is it too dark?

I need to open my eyes, Akitsu-san did say that my eyes are too precious and shouldn't be shut.

King said that a first rate umamusume shouldn't be lazy!

Every day I motivate Rice-chan to get up in every new day, so I shouldn't be the one moping.

Oh no, I hope Trainer didn't wait for me too long. Our training today and from now is going to fun and everlasting!

Hehehe~! <3

I stood on the solid dirt, a gust of wind breezes by and it would make dust whenever I made a sudden stopped after running around, sometimes it would dirty my shoes while most would always catch itself on my pink pretty clothes or hair and tail, Hehe...just the way I love it! It was a wonderful morning for a wonderful day, every day is always an awesome day-but today I feel that this is going to a SUPER-DUPER AWESOME DAY! I've came it up on the spot, Hahaha~!

...

Yes, an awesome day.

...

Because I am the lovable friendly Haru Urara, a student of Tracen Academy and friend to all from horse girls and people.

Everybody is so nice and kind to me, they gave me friendship and a place among them. I couldn't stop and not thank my trainer, they were so supportive of me during my days, we would laugh and train with my friends together. Even though we placed behind, we were winners because I was the one finishing the race once everyone made it to the finish line, my fans told me I was incredible and cheered me on through my time on the track.

I was so happy and would cry out tears of joy, I was so happy that did my best on every race—

But sometimes I feel sad because of it....Why?

Why is something you'd do for fun and knowing that, felt sadder each time but still exciting?

I have always believed that racing is in its greatest if you're having fun, and I did. Every time I finished last, I would wave enthusiastically at the crowd, with a big smile on my face every time hearing them cheer us on, fans wishing me and the others good luck for the next race. Though sometimes I would see sad fans and angry fans alike in-between, many were said to be sad that their racer didn't win, I didn't understand the second part as most I see from people who were once cheered for their idols and later on made those faces whenever my best friend, Rice-chan win instead. I heard it made her sad and it made me sad too, but I was away during her race to which I couldn't comfort her, luckily Bourbon and Teio helped her in the end. I was happy that it worked out in the end, hehehe~ especially with Rice-chan, she's even happier than before and now forever smiling alongside me and the rest of our friends.

Maybe that's why I feel sad? I'm not as incredible as her, neither having her speed or stamina.

People with big stuffy suit would say that to my trainer, I would sometime see one lingering near when I did a run during training to which my trainer would shoo—them away. I couldn't hear or understand their words because they would sometime use the word predijuice but trainer told to me that they were secretly spying to see how did run so great, that's what their weird smiles and brows were for—to which I believe my trainer, always an honest person and never lie to me.

That's why I would repay back with my determination! >:D

My strong legs would dash on to the dirt tracks, leaving dust trail behind. At the start I would launch myself out the gate so hard, but later I would run out stamina by the time I reach the gate, it was alot of fun though to be even racing in such great track. My trainer would count my timing on that small gadget. A timer, was it? It was very hard every session, but I always continue on, some of my friends like The Great TM Opera—I was told to say if being mentioned, helped me by running together every night. Training with everyone is always the best time of my life, everyone is so kind~!

But training isn't the only place I would have so much fun, because in the academy with so many of my friends that's where I would say is the best time!

Every day would be a new day for me! nothing boring ever happens there, from Spe-chan eating a stack of rice alongside Oguri-senpai, or Gold Ship inviting me to stick my tongue on a flagpole during winter. But I think that last one is something my other best friend—greatest roommate, King Halo would drag me away from the fun. She said it was a dumb idea, and it was just Gold Ship being silly—even if later she convinced girls like Twin Turbo to do it. She really was a one of a kind umamusume so smart and knew what to do, King Halo was always there for me from the late morning in the dorms to me running after class for another day of training—despite forgetting my school bag back at class. She and I were great friends, even when my trainer had to close my eyes and ears when we visited her home. I was told King Halo won a "battle of words" against her mother, I didn't know that existed. Good for her!

Oh gosh, I almost forgot my fan club! Silly me~

All of them were so kind and friendly, I would give a big smile, and they'll cheer even louder. I would find myself receiving gifts, letters, and wishes from them. Their support was so amazing that finishing last was a good luck charm, but they would always say that I'll win the next race and so on. My last race or rather from my first career—trainer refer it to me that day, was Arima Kinen. It was the most amazing time I had, even if in the end I cried because of finishing last. Trainer told me that this was proof of how much my fans wanted to see me just running in that turf track.

Deep in my heart, I knew that I would never belong in that track with such distance, but just being able to just run my legs there. Ah, it was fun while it lasted.

...

But then our director created the URA Finale, that's when I felt it would be an exciting and out-of-this world feeling in my tummy.

Especially when my trainer decided to have me compete in it, telling me that this is a second career—a second chance for me.

—And it did, I couldn't thanked miss director enough!

Every day I would train even more harder for the URA Finale. I would run more laps, carry more weights, study different styles, and the best of all I get to train with many of my friends! Even senpais like Rudolf or Tachyon, umamusume who had skills that I would learn and used on every race. Because of this second chance I was able to gain even more fans and earn trophies—yes, trophies. Even though URA Finale is an event that miss director had come up so suddenly, it really feels like me racing in my own career but now even more prepared.

It took so many turns, even trainer almost dream of me failing and training me to improve better than his dream, maybe Gold Ship theory of trainers being psychic or something is controlling us like time clocks were actually true?

Regardless, I ran this race—and won the final trophy.

~

Or to be accurate, I had just win the URA Finale DIRT track.

~

And it was just the most wonderful day of my life!

When I reach the finish line, the crowd roared louder than the announcer. I couldn't believe it, even if I pinch myself hard dreaming that I just finish last just like any other race. But I didn't, and that's the part that was so shocking. I cried joyful tears and hug the trophy and trainer so tight. Later that very night, fans on the stand cheered when I did my idol concert, everything was so colorful, and songs that were sung by me and the rest were great. My friends in the audience waved their glowing stick in the air, I could've sworn I saw King Halo hiding tears and cheered the loudest or Rice Shower clapping in each beat of the song. Even trainer, who sometimes was stone had let out the biggest cheer I've ever heard—almost beating my fans. I sang, I laugh, I danced, and I cried.

It really was, just a wonderful day.

"Haru, are you feeling alright?" a voice rang into my pink ears.

Opening my eyes I had realized that I've been laying on the track, dirt and dust on my back with the sun smiling so bright that my eyes hurt.

Had I been dreaming?

*YAWN*

Yep, maybe I did. I had a good sleep last night but lately I've been yawning from time to time. I shouldn't be sleeping on training or class! Why am I sometimes like this? Get a whole of yourself Haru!

Sitting up I was in the training tracks of the academy, I could see my friends' doing laps on grassy turf as they spun through. My trainer was coming towards me after hoping from the gate that separates the tracks and the rest. I sigh as the memory from my daydreaming was slowly fading away. I know it may seem so surreal but all of that did happen, thankfully and amazingly. The URA Finale was such an amazing time that I couldn't even believe myself that it happened at all. Sometimes I would feel myself waking from that memory, afraid that it was all a silly dream. But it wasn't, at least in my life it wasn't. Anyways back to my trainer-

They look so worried from afar, but well I was spent after an exhausting run so that was obvious.

At least that's what it used to be, before going for a checkup last week. On that day, I was being my usual cheery self-saying things about how everything's fine and dandy! Usually, my trainer would either encourage me or scold me to at least go to the infirmary...But that day something strange happened, when I was told to wait outside after I was done the nurse had asked my trainer to say some words. I waited that almost felt hours-even though it was just hour before they were out. I was curious on to why it was taking so long but then when I asked their faces were...different.

It was-

Sad.

Worried.

Concern.

Just many different cloudy faces on their eyes, what's going on?

I don't feel sick other than fatigue, but that could be cured with a rest. Then again, my stomach does feel weird. Maybe It's because I ate too much, my fans always send gifts such treats for me, it was very sweet of them. Could that be it? but I don't eat them at once, I always shared most to my friends at school. Hmm...maybe someday I could beat Spe-chan at her own game? Hahaha no way, I'm not a big eater like her so that's a line off on my bucket list. But recently my appetite is not here in some days, I still eat at the cafeteria but sometimes I would stare at my food or play with them, Uh...I hope King and Akitsu-senpai isn't mad at me for that, I just couldn't help it.

So, what is it?

I could feel some sweat dripping on my forehead, is it from running or could it be the fear of getting caught? I can't say for sure, I just hope it isn't both though.

Maybe after training I'll try asking again, I hope it's nothing bad.

...

A Week Ago

...

"Are you sure? is it really?" a person asked to another.

Face grim as if had read it again and again, nodded. "I'm afraid so. We've did our best I assure you, but the test never lies when it comes to this..."

Voice grumbled in weak defiant. "It has, doc."

Doc adjusted his glasses. "Yes, but again, when it comes to these things it's highly unlikely to be wrong most of the time"

He looks back at the results he mentioned, there were many readings filled with whose-it and whats-it only a doctor could read. Unimaginable lines were present on that paper showing results that are in need to be shown by to the poor trainer. The man in white deep inside was doubtful at himself as well, had read it over and over again, trying to see for once in his career had he made a mistake of some sort, if what he had just tested had errors.

If he didn't just ruin the lives of those close to her from that one simple checkup.

Unfortunately, it seems he did.

This job never gets easier-

*SLAM*

"Say something doctor!" a pair of hands had pounded on the doctor's desk, making a thud noise out of frustration. The trainer is getting impatient with him, who could blame that person? He is currently telling the girl's trusted trainer-parental figure no less, about what she's facing without even realizing it. Telling a parent that there's something wrong with their kid is never easy, no parent who loved their kid this much would ever want to hear it. A heartbreaking reality to live in.

"...I'm sorry, I really do." He could only muster an apology.

The Trainer eyes widen from sadness after letting out anger earlier, still does and is but the feeling was becoming numb. The obvious dent on the doctor's desk was an evident reaction to such horrible news. The mind was scrambling in itself, thinking and reimagining things that delusion the host to believe all of this was a bad dream, right? They'll wake up with the sound of a blaring alarm clock, just like those who rang on every morning before a great race. They would wake one up from a nightmare like losing or finishing on a not-so-great place, a reset button of some sort.

Lips mumble softly. "Please..."

"Tell me it's not true"

Denial.

"The poor girl....her friends will..."

Begging.

"We only just started" hands clench on the side, almost hurting oneself.

"She had just finally cross that finish line..."

The doctor could only watch in silence as the person in front of him is slowly tearing apart.

"Haru was so happy...she smiled brighter than any shining trophy on display that she finally filled her own....I had promised her that, one day, we'll beat Arima Kinen." Hand revealing a small note that reads, Arima Kinen here we come! with a simple drawing of the pink girl, her trainer, and a few friends. All who are smiling for her as they held her up in the air. "I couldn't fulfil that promise when we first started....even when URA was announced weren't ready."

"Now when we were trying our best again...the goddesses instead given us this? you gave me this, doctor? I should be angry but I'm not, you are not to blame and just done your job. I am doing my job as not a trainer, but someone that not only Tracen and her family entrusted but to Haru as well."

Looking down at the dent again.

"Haru trusted me, believed in me. So, was I in her, we both proved the shadows wrong....but now? I don't know what to think other than blaming myself."

Head bowing to the doctor, who behind those glasses felt the sense of sadness from this display.

"Tell me doctor, did I failed to be her trainer? have I been too blind to see such an illness in display from your soul-crushing notes?"

In the world he had faced, something like is natural and honestly very frequent reaction to loss. Usually, he mustn't make a personal opinion on the matter because it wouldn't professional and breaking the so-called sacred code of medicine. But he is human in the end, sometimes behind those glasses and room where he had treated many before her. The man in white coat drops a single tear on his face as he says-

"You didn't....I can only tell you that, these things would come to us unexpectedly. Unwelcome and infuriating, taking those close to us if we were too slow or lenient. I know that this won't change anything about the situation, all I can give you is the result, the truth, and the shoulder to cry on."

Looking up to the man in white.

"From what you've told me; you didn't fail her...not yet or even ever really. She trusted you to train her and you did, both experiencing trial and error in multiple occasion. All I am asking is that try and spend that precious time for as long you both possibly can, I can't promise you anything other than that and I wouldn't want to give you false hope"

His hands handed the papers and gently place it on the desk.

"Don't act as if she's already gone. She's still here isn't she?" he asked. "Yes" "So instead of thinking about what could, might or will happen. Why not thinking about something you two will be doing right now or tomorrow? It doesn't need to be far off; it's needs to be just right"

Both of their eyes meeting each other, one is giving a sense of comfort and hope while the other is slowly accepting and thinking for her.

In the end some say it's probably inevitable, hopeless, and downright cruel to avoid it. But in this moment, this singular roller-coaster of a moment that confirmed heartbreak but had reignited the spirit of today, the task of comfort and being there for someone who doesn't know her limited time. Because really, who would you call cruel in this case?

.

.

.

"Hey Trainer!" this time, I yelled for my trainer from afar.

Just what is going on today? just I ask myself before yawning again, maybe I could ask Super Creek to read me a bed tim story? she's great at taking care of a little girl like me. I run up towards the gate with sweat on face and body from a recent run I just did, wow I didn't need know I am sweating this much. It reminds of that phrase Taiki told me about, what was it again? sweating pebbles? bullies? Oh wait, it's bullets! those little things she'd shoot from her toy, or that's what I think it is. King and Trainer always said to not play with it or be close when she fired it. Speaking of trainer-

"Oh, hey Haru. What's up?" asking back. "You've been acting weird to me than usual, did Tachyon asked you to become her guinea pig? I last saw what happened to her trainer before they disappeared" I mentioned a different subject, she's also weird but kind especially to Daiwa Scarlet. My trainer shook their head and smiled at me after a while of not, maybe she did ask...

"Nothing is wrong, it's just that...we've been training for so long, I haven't decided your next race just yet so why don't we take a break? maybe a free time to the amusement park you had asked me weeks ago, if you'd like of course" a tempting offer so suddenly.

hmm...

"Would I? Of course I would!" I yelled out excitedly, jumping up and down from this best news ever.

My trainer smiled at me, almost in relief.

"Okay, calm your umas. Why don't you go wash up and I'll meet you at the entrance? I'll ask the director and Tazuna if it's okay to leave the campus, maybe invite your friends while you're at it?" This is getting even more confusing but exciting, I could feel myself fainting.

"YES YES YES YES YES!!! THANK YOU TRAINER, I'LL GET RIGHT TO IT!"

I yelled as I ran back into the dorms in a hurry, maybe Rice-chan or King would want to join us? Ooh, maybe I'll try and get El, Grass and Seiun as well. I could ask Orfevre but I don't know if I'm royal enough for that (King told me I'm perfect just the way I am and should said that to anyone that thinks otherwise, but she told me to not get that senpai mad for some reason) so maybe next time.

Despite still not knowing what's going with my trainer and myself, as I started to feel tired so easily after running and so I start walking fast. But my flowery eyes never falter as I still beamed in excitement of a soon to be an amazing day for me. Yes, it is and will be. Because deep in my little thumping heart I know that everything will be amazing for all of us.

"I can't wait for it, it'll be a wonderful day, and I just know it!"

Chapter Text

"Finally!" I said excitingly.

I ran out of the car went straight through the entrance; my eyes were on everything and everywhere there is to offer in this place.

"We're here, we are actually here!"

I was too busy jumping for joy when my trainer alongside my friends catching up to me. Trainer had to quickly apologies to the gatekeeper before buying the tickets to the amusement park, I had accidentally come in without a ticket because I was too excited. With a few chuckles after hearing, the staff were so understanding when trainer told them. 

I was embarrassed but it was overtaken by my bouncy energy to have some fun.

My friends who were right behind me, chuckle and sigh but they can't do anything else other than that.

"Urara-chan, you know that as a first rate uma musume we must pace ourselves" King Halo gave me a bit of a scolding.

I could only laugh at myself for my bad manners. "hehe, sorry about that King"

My friend/roommate then sigh before saying "You're lucky that trainer is very patience with you, as am I"

My face couldn't stop smiling at the excitement for today, not only am I here in this amazing amusement park, but I'm also here with my trainer and friends that came along. Yesterday my trainer had us go to the amusement park for recreation—at least that's what I know. When the director and Tazuna allowed us to leave the academy for one day, I was ecstatic and immediately invited my friends to come and join us!

Now since today is a school day, not all my friends from school could come. They had training and studying to do, this made me sad at not only not having them join me for fun, but also me not doing school at all. Despite my trainer telling me that we're here for recreation stuff, I was at first a bit unease by it all. So, when some of my friends says they couldn't join us I was hesitant to come here at all.

Fortunately, my hopes were reignited when King Halo, Rice Shower, and even Yukino Bijin had come to join us.

Apparently, their trainers had allowed them to take the day off and were happy to come with us. This trip wouldn't be exciting without your friends after all.

"I'm just so happy that you all are here" my tail wags in happiness.

The three girls were all smiling at me; everyone did say I bring joy everywhere I go.

Yukino Bijin look around the park, her eyes were on the many food stalls that were set up along the path. My own eyes follow suit, remembering that one time we had a rivalry about who would sell the more back at the academy festival, In the end we both work together and sold out all of our products on that day. With our heads nodding to one another we both dash off to the food court in an instant—we paced ourselves obviously than buying it all at once.

King Halo let out a groan after I just sprinted away.

"Haaa...This is going to be a hectic day" pinches the bridge of her nose.

Rice Shower coming up behind her looks chuckle at the scene. "It is, but today is about Urara-chan remember?"

"I know Rice-chan, I do." King Halo merely sighs in agreement, the two of them knew Haru Urara better than anyone—and today, is her day.

Once the trainer finally finishes buying the tickets the girls had already went away.

"...hehe, they're still young and lively" but for how long they wondered.

Once I and Yukino had calmed down of their shopping spree—or rather the constant staring of products without buying, we as a group start to head out towards the rides at the amusement park. Well, I tried to go on in one of them...

The big rides such as the roller-coaster had told me I can't go in because I'm too short for them, my heart feels sad and joyful as I could only watch my friends riding them without me. We tried to go on the friendlier rides but once again I was denied, King tried to argue with one of the employees, but Trainer just told her to let it go—to which she ignored them. Rice and Yukino took me away for a moment from King as she was getting too fired up, we got Ice cream.

A ball of ice cream fell on the ground. "Oh no" Rice pouted, it was only her second scoop.

"We can share mine Rice!" I said gleefully.

She shook her head as she smiles "No need Urara-chan, it's yours to eat. I'll just buy another one—" I stop right at her tracks "No worries, it's better to eat if we shared" she knows I wasn't backing down. Rice sighs "Okay" and we both lick the cone away.

I like ice cream

and I like seeing my friends happy

It's a win-win for us!

:)

As the three of us continue eating, oblivious to the fact that King Halo is or was going to square up in the background before being scolded by my trainer. It's their job to keep an eye on us for today—I hope King knows that. Everyone is my friend, and I wanted them to know that I love them for being there for me. My little heart would always beat whenever I'm in the presence of them, whether it was eating, training, or chatting.

Ugh...

I stop myself when I was about to give the final lick of the shared ice cream. My hand was clenching my chest, it wasn't too hard, just enough that Rice and Yukino to notice my sudden action. "Urara, are you alright?" Yukino asked me, she look at me a bit worryingly.

I gave a big reassuring smile. "I'm fine, I just gotten brain freeze"

She let out a sigh of relief and chuckled. 

"Well then Urara, maybe you should lay off the frozen treats?"

"Hahaha, maybe you are right!" I agreed back.

The ice cream that was only a few licks away from melting, I gave it to Rice Shower.

"I'm sorry to ask this Rice-chan, but can you—"

"Yes. Of course." To my surprised, my best friend agreed to it immediately.

I was embarrassed but happy as she ate the rest of it, I went on to talk to Yukino after that, and we both talk all about food stands.

Meanwhile, Rice Shower had actually thrown the rest away and was staring at her best friend. Her eyes were concern mixed with guilt, seeing the pink horse girl had let out a small sound of discomfort had ticked her off.

~The day before~

Rice Shower's ears fall back flattened as the news was told, she didn't want to hear it anymore, god she didn't want to believe it too. Her eyes widen with her pupils shrinking from this gut wretching feeling. Was this another of her bad luck? Has it spread itself so horribly that it has clenched it's sharp claws to her dearest friend?!

Her breath was uneven, her chest went up and down so frantically.

Just then a pair of hands held her shoulders firmly, the fidgeting didn't stop however as the Rice was still couldn't comprehend it all.

A quiet whimper came out of her, she ask. "Is...is it really true...trainer?"

In front of her was a trainer, but was not hers or any.

It was Urara's.

Their eyes stare back at the dark brown girl, her blue eyes were seeking theirs for answers. Unfortunately, all she found was none at all. To that, she cried softly.

"...uh..huh..uh.." sobbing.

Behind her was her actual trainer, her elder sister or Oneesan she had called them many times over. The woman who trained her, cared for her, and stood by her when the world let out their many booes right in front of her. She took a step forward and gently hug her trainee, no her lil sis in comfort, but her eyes shot back at the other trainer—the messenger.

When Urara's trainer came to her, she had thought it was just another day of talking fondly of their respective trainee, it was a routine that had been developed once both Rice and Urara had been selected by trainers of their own. Both adults know that these two have a strong bond and they wouldn't want them to be separated.

Unfortunately, what came out of their lips would said otherwise.

The moment Rice's trainer was told about her trainee's best friend current condition—she was devastated. Not only for the girl in question but for Rice Shower as well, she knows that Rice once she was told of this, the poor girl would instantly believed it was their fault.

The assassin curse.

What made it worse was that they were planning to tell her closes friends—but not Haru herself. This is when the woman got angry and slapped them across the face, to which it made Rice—who had been returning from training, was in shock when she saw her Oneesan hurting someone.

The woman would rather have Rice be angry at her than hearing this, but it was too late.

The girl had asked her friend's trainer, and immediately she was devastated.

How could they do this?

Telling the people around the beloved pink girl that the reaper might be knocking her door at any moment?

What happened to the person who lashes out at the doctor? She was told of that story, where was that person in this trainer?!

They could see her eyes glaring at them, they couldn't blame them really. Earlier they had spoken to the doctor about this, they to tried to deny it, but hearing what the man in white said? All they could do is spend Urara's remaining days together, with her friends.

But telling them about her possible end was a mistake, a needed mistake.

One that they could've said nothing but chose to say it anyway.

"...Urara wants to go the amusement park, I don't want to force you after hearing.." the trainer spoken. "But, if she does come to you and ask if you like to come..please do, that's all I wanted to say"

And with that, the trainer left the room. Leaving behind the poor blue rose and her protective trainer alone, trying to comprehend it all.

"Rice, are you okay?" Yukino Bijin suddenly asked.

Her voice snaps Rice Shower's inner thoughts out, there she had been standing and staring at her friend—who was now playing a few carnival games. Obviously happy with the world, as if it didn't just doomed her.

Wiping her tears away, Rice said. "I'm fine, it's nothing..."

Yukino Bijin didn't know what to think, she was one of the many friends that had no been told about Urara's illness. All she was doing was playing with her friends, something that Rice wishes that it was the case.

Night fell onto the amusement park. This dark and stary night was no match for the constant illuminating colorful lights of the park, as many lightbulbs of rides and flickering billboards were showing the guests, attracting them once again.

But as for me? It was time to finished it all.

I came back to the group with a smile on my face.

In hand was a medium size doll of me that I had won from a crane game—well technically King had won it for me. I hugged it tightly into my arms, I didn't know they made my dolls in this size.

"Thank you for winning me this doll, King!" I exclaimed happily.

King Halo has her hand near her chin, like she always do.

"Hmph, that machine was really no match for a first rate Uma Musume such as myself!" King said proudly.

She did by kicking the machine a few times because the doll was an inch close from the shoot. I don't want my friend to get mad for damaging that poor machine, maybe I'll buy a cute bandage for the dent later.

I let out an exhausting sigh, I've been doing that lately.

King notice me and went to parental mode (she was always like a mom to me, a better one than her own). She quickly checked up on me with no waiting as we stop for a breather.

"Let's head home once we reunited with the rest, okay?" She said to me.

Of course, I didn't want to end tonight but tiredness has taken over me and I have to agree with her.

"Okay, King!" I let out my remaining excitement.

King smiles at me, she looks worried but maybe from how I always carry away.

We walked away together and there we met up with the rest. Trainer had been going around apologising for a few same clothes people, they looked tired and worn out. I felt bad for them, every time King got upset that something didn't go my way they would take the blame, like the rollercoaster and that crane machine. Of course, King took the responsibility but in her proud way—I think. Any who, Yukino was there with her share of trinkets that were much more than mine, she did say that she'd give some to her friends back at the academy. And lastly, there was Rice Shower.

I don't know what's wrong with her.

One minute we were both having so much fun, but the next she'd look at me with a sad face.

I asked a couple of times on why, but she always says "it's my bad luck" or whatever that is. If anything today was a very lucky day for me—despite a few thrashing from King.

Looking at her now, she was more—protective? Like if I suddenly cough she start asking me what's wrong, or that my stomach wasn't feeling to well she gets worried. Well maybe I do feel a bit, fatigued? I would suddenly get tired so easily, even just by walking or waiting. Rice would always says that we should take a break, I didn't want her day of fun to be ruined but she insisted—just like King did.

I smiled to myself.

"Hey Rice!" I called out to her.

In an instant she stood up and walked towards me in such a haste. King and my trainer looked up from their spots, they almost wanted to check me but I stopped them by giving a small wave. Even then, the two were looking at me just in case.

"Yes, Urara? Is there...is there something wrong?" Rice asked me, a good she is.

"Haha, nothing wrong you silly goose!" I chuckled, waving the doll's hand happily at her. "I just wanted to say your name, you were always such a good friend to me, Rice!"

My friend smile softly at me, there's that pretty smile of hers.

I held up my doll self, making it look like that this doll me is talking to her.

"Don't frown Rice-chan~" I start mimicking my own voice, even though it's me. "You made Urara happy today! Turn that frown, upside down!" I let out a happy laugh.

With that alone, Rice chuckled and in an instant, she hug me tightly.

Though the doll me is squished between us, sorry doll me.

I don't know what's going on, but just being here with my friends is already the best thing that has ever happened to me.