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Midst of June. Most of the umas were preparing for summer camp, even though the school year wasn't technically over. Still, this time of the year usually had the lowest attendance for various reasons. Some classes were shortened or canceled, some outright skipped them, as important exams had already passed. Hanging around outside on sunny days is something even most dedicated umas would enjoy.
Some umas gave their fullest to training this season. June still had one of the most important G1 races of the year – Takarazuka Kinen. Part of the «All-Star» races, as well as one of three Senior Triple Crown races. It's going to be held in a couple of weeks. And with that, two of the most prominent and favorable umas of this year dedicated most of their time training at Tracen from morning until the dorm leader would scold them to return. That umas being T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto.
Quite some time they spend separately, uncommonly for them. The decision came from Opera on that matter, as she meticulously planned her day in such a way that she would race alone, frustrating her trainer with unexpected vanishing almost every day.
No, to be precise, that was the decision of the Overlord.
Doto was still sitting in the class after the bell, as she couldn't keep up with the teachers writing on the board. Opera O approached her. The uma was startled by seeing Overlord behind her.
— A-Ah, Opera O, you don't have t-to wait for me!! It's just me being a stupid umamusume…as always…
Opera O tightly hugged her without even saying anything at first. The brown-haired girl's face immediately was painted red. A little squeak came from her, which touched...which amused the Overlord.
— Haaaa ha ha ha! Dear Doto, thou would agree fairest that we had not spent much time in each other's company as of late?
— Well…I do, actually. But I d-didn’t want to distract you from training! Though…it's hard to s-spot you on one as of late.
Opera O looked to the window left from Doto. She was right. She missed her for all that time. They were rivals, after all. The type of bond she read in stories about two characters being chosen by gods to take on the world together. In the reflection, she could see the perplexed face of the Overlord. No, it's not the right vision. Now, there you are. Softly smiling at her as she honored her ruling position. She wrapped Doto's stray hair around her finger, making her shiver.
— How about we meet after curfew for a night stroll? When the halls of the academy shall be ours alone?
— H-huh? But why so late? A-and I think Fuji wouldn't like for us to go around the academy at night…
Opera O didn't know exactly why herself. Skipping one day of training is not a problem. The mind needs to take a break too for it to stay sharp. But the Overlord just thought it needed to be in more intimate scenery. Was that fate's string playing with the Overlord's soul? Or did Opera O just didn't want their peace to be seen? A bit unusual for uma who basically glued herself to the center of attention.
If there's one who appreciates the sun the most, it would be the moon. She knew how close those two were. Sun never tells her, but a fellow star would know when someone has a dear companion to it.
— But, uhhh… I would s-still…still agree! Yesh! J-just knock on the door when you're ready. But not too hard, I don't w-want to disturb Shakur…though, she will be on her laptop, I guess, probably…
Overlord's reflection grinned as Opera O smiled. She happily left the classroom on her way for another set of training courses with the trainer, who was on the verge of calling the principal at this point.
Fuji Kiseki closed her duty for today as she went to sleep. Opera O did warn Hayahide about her intentions earlier, but she probably thought about it as another of her absurd ideas, so she was rightfully shocked and annoyed as Opera tried to sneak out. Didn't say much, maybe too tired from her shenanigans for that.
Opera O lightly knocked on the door of Doto's room. She had to do it a few more times before Shakur opened it, her exasperated grimace spoke out more than any words in that moment would. As Doto mentioned, she didn't go to sleep, working on her laptop. Doto, however, gracefully slept in her bed.
Opera O sat next to her. She was a precious one. Oh, how somber were you sleeping, if you could only see. Huddling into her pillow, mumbling quietly in her sleep. How much does fate try her? She could only wish it wouldn't be too damning on this cute girl. The Overlord, after all, is the beacon of fate's desires. Oh, dearest dreamer. How does the sun look in your dreams? And which blood tides to your legs?
— Ayo, are ya goin’ to move yer asses somewhere else?! I'm workin’ on somethin’, for Goddess' sake!
— Wha…Opera O…O-Opera O?! W-wait, what time is tha– Oh, S-Shakur!! Oh no, I overslept agaaaain!!
Doto jumped from her bed, almost knocking Opera down. She left the room so she could change clothes, and after a few minutes of the strangest sounds coming from the bedroom, she was done, wearing a school uniform.
— So, where are we going?
— To the top, of course! Haaa ha ha ha!
— Q-quieter, Opera O, we don't want to wake someone– d-did you say “to the top”??
— Verily, I did!
— A-and what does that mean???
— Would thou grant me thy hand?
Doto flinched, silently stretching her arm towards Opera O. She happily grabbed it, leading her along. Passing empty corridors of the academy with chaotic nature felt surreal. It was like time stopped, or they were in a dream or a different world. The Overlord's schedule requires her to be among other umas. If she would not, what might happen to the world? She must grace everyone with her shining, or else some poor soul might spend its day in complete darkness. After all, that's what the Overlord's fate is. That's what she's racing for. It's indisputable. You wouldn't expect the sun in the sky to just not rise even for once.
Some moments need to be special. The whole world deserves her light, for sure. She looked at Doto, and the girl immediately averted her gaze in shame because of that. The Overlord must be radiant for every soul. But sometimes, the Overlord wanted there to be no other soul. It might be selfish, perchance. To leave a crown is not easy when the world around is praying to you. Doto squeezed Opera's arm a few times. What are you telling me, sweetie? Maybe the Overlord's light could be all yours for today, let's just not tell it to anyone, promise me. We don't want people to be jealous of us.
Opera O looked to the side of the windows, opening the view on the training racetrack. But her eyes were focused on her reflections each time they passed one. The Overlord looked at her back. Her looks seem wistful this time. Opera O tried to smile, but the Overlord seemed to frown. As they passed a set of much more murky windows, the shape in the reflection seemed to lose its features, dispersing. She had to stop to clean it with a handkerchief in her pocket, making Doto break the silence.
— Is something wrong, Opera O?
— Yes, this image grants me no respite! As much as I pity mine own replicate, she deserves a fitting domain for her beauty as well!
As Opera O began thoroughly cleaning windows before her, Doto moved to her, standing behind her back each time.
— Okay… But, uhhm. Maybe there's something else? That makes you feel like that.
— Like what?
— Just… y-you seem to distance yourself from others lately. We are with trainer b-both worried for you. Topro and Ayabe too seem to n-notice that, but they told me you're just anxious about the race. Uhm. A-are you?
That pesky stain. It was at the level of her eyes. It's one of the most important parts of her look! Well, honestly, she could say that about any part of her look. And she would be right! Whoever it is, they must see the full glory of the Overlord. It's her prophecy.
— Opera O…t-the stain uh…it's on the other side of the window. I-I sure it will be cleaned in the morning…
She dropped a handkerchief from her hand. Then stood for some time thinking about the situation, as Doto picked it up.
— I chose solitude for ‘twas a part of the Overlord's special training! The one that–
— Is that because of Osaka Hai?
It was not about the G1 race, as none of them participated in it this year. Rather, she meant the Sankei Osaka Hai, a G2 race held two months prior. The one where Opera O placed 4th. First loss since her “victory road” started. The media outlets were either screaming about it from every corner, or trying to hide it behind the rug as the G1 record still held clear, especially with the recent win in spring’s Tenno Sho. And yet, Doto worried what Opera O felt about it.
— I feel no sorrow about that as of now. The Overlord must fall sometimes, making her rise even more grand.
— Wasn't t-that uhh…”the Overlord never yields”?
— Hm… ‘Tis still true.
She grabbed her hand again, continuing to walk. Every time she stopped to look into her reflection, Doto seemed to intervene, adding more questions to the already complicated case of Overlord's tribulations.
— You talked about this with the trainer, right? Just…maybe something scares you?
— Oh, mine silly compatriot. The Overlord does not fear anything! For the fear in heart is short-lived, cleaned by the raging flame within!
— But have you talked about it? Or Ayabe…Topro… E-even me, though I shouldn't… Opera O?
As Doto tried to move, she almost stumbled. Opera stood still in the place, looking in the window. Doto anxiously looked outside.
It rained. Strange. The weather should've been clear of clouds for all week straight. It was a drizzle, typical for summer. Drops fell on the windows, one by one. She didn't really talk to anyone about it, did she? Overlord doesn't talk, she acts. Overlord uses her emotions to create valiant stories. It's like giving someone your script to read. The clear reflection changed to the image of hundreds of bright images distantly looking at her back. She tapped on the window a few times, making drops slide down and connect into one, clearer blob.
— The intricacies of mine tale are to be beared alone–
— No! I m-mean, no. It's not. It shouldn't be like that.
— Hm. Yes. Perhaps thou are right. I do have foes and allies in this path, for they shall–
— You have me, Opera O.
The rain didn't seem to stop even for a minute. Opera looked back, still holding onto Doto’s hand, responding with an unsure squeeze.
— I do! And thou are mine greatest squire, second-hand of this path, as we walk in unison, as–
— You have me, Opera O. Um… S-sorry if it sounded rude. But…my path is connected to yours. My path. Oh, I messed this up so much already…
No, you did not. She did not really understand this apologizing. She did not understand her reasoning altogether, honestly. Didn't she say the same? Yes, her own path, as her rival. Like how she was her villain before, or admirer even earlier. When she was her Cinderella and her attempted assassin. Did she not know that fate gifted her the greatest place next to the Overlord? But something did not add up then. What role do you need, Doto?
They got to the higher floors, a place for executive staff and the director's office. The hall was much smaller, with security cameras watching closely over every step the pair made. As Doto thought that this would be the end, Opera led her to a door without a label. As she tampered with it, it gave in. Probably not the first time Opera O had to get inside this mysterious space. Inside was a long concrete staircase leading even higher. Renovations there weren't made in a long time. No lights, except for a dim moonlight casting from above. And so, they both continued their stroll.
— Opera O… I just wanted to say that. I'm going to be with you, if that's alright. I will be there when–
— I am aware. And that is why are thou blessed! The Centurial Overlord shall be eternally with thou as well.
— Yeah, I know that too. But… I-I just wanted you to know that I'll be there for you…a-always! So you won't be alone…
Strange. So many strange things as of late. The universe sends its signals throughout the infinite cosmos, dispersing them through the sun, with a shared link between them. Her sudden loss at Sankei Osaka Hai. The many mood swings in her past days. How students began to react at her winnings. And fans too. And this weather. And her schedule. How easy it felt to run alone. Or so it seemed. The ways of the Overlord are unknown. Why couldn't she see them too?
— I shall not be alone, mine sweetheart. For I am bound to this world, and with that, mine very spirit shall be as a beacon unto millions, nay, billions of souls!
— And… And I will still be there for you. That's great, isn't it? Uhm, if it won't bother you. I p-promise not to take too much of your time… But. I-I will be close. If you let me be.
With the final step, they saw an old wooden trapdoor above them, emitting light from its various cracks and holes. With her friend's help, Opera O managed to easily open it, and they both climbed up to the giant copper bell residing at the very top of Tracen Academy. Doto could only guess how Opera learned about this place and how often she spent her time here, all alone.
— Why such a rush to pursue me?
— Because that's what I must… Because that's what I want to do. Opera O, this wish is so important to me. And… I don't know what you have been feeling for the past months, surely. I'll be there. Y-you shined to me, you showed me how I shined! And so, I want for us to shine together evermore.
— Thou sound much worried, wherefore? Do I not already shine with grace most fair? And trust me, I will ensure all folk can feel its warmth!
— Let me be your warmth, too.
Doto grabbed both Opera O's hands, making the Overlord's heart skip a beat. She stood closer. Doto, why wouldn't you look at this gorgeous landscape below your feet? The whole world around you, and… Oh, now she felt that. The solar vibrations, they bounced back from the moon's surface and pierced to her core. Doto was someone who could peek through golden gaps in her armor. Can trick this girl, as her vision is focused on the most important star of this world. And out of it, too. Yes, you must stay with me. It's what the Overlord. It's what Opera O. It's what umamusume. It's what sun. It's.
— It is what I need most, verily?
— It's… what I think you want. B-but I could only think of so much. Sorry if I stepped over…
She softly smiled as she took Doto's hand closer to her face. She softly kissed them, setting Doto's face ablaze.
— Thou are mine guardian angel, Doto.
— A-ahhh…W-whu-whaaat??
She held Doto closer, as the girl almost fell from shock. She giggled, leaving even more kisses on her shaking hands, as Doto begged her to stop.
She looked in her teary eyes. And in them, she saw a beautiful portrait looking back at her. How beautiful she looked. Has she met this beautiful person before?