Work Text:
—START—
-Twack-
A horrid crunch echoed through Tracen courtyard as two hands tightly held unto the stump everyone used to vent their frustrations.
Brown strands fell forwards hidding the face of the responsible as tears fell inside the hole sporadically.
There were no sobs, no sounds other than the wood groaning under the strong grip.
Until.
"GODDAMMIT!!!!" Calling it a scream would be a disservice, all the feelings poured into a singular roar of rage and frustration. "TM OPERA O!"
Anger, frustration, admiration, hate, love, sadness, despair.
Even she couldn't tell which emotion drove her to scream the name so boldly.
"WHY WONT YOU LOSE!" It was a ragged scream of frustration. "WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS THERE!" Her words came out deeper than normal.
She punched the stump once, then she did so again.
"WHY CANT I WIN!!" Everything was let out, were she not doing this at 5 in the morning someone else would have come to check on her by now.
Meisho Doto's throat hurt. Breathing was a laboured endeavour seconds after she tried to drown her ugly feelings into this hole.
It wasn't working, she was still so angry.
"Dear subject~"
"Subject of mine"
"Doto, my subject"
Silver collector, it was the moniker given to her after five G1 losses, five G1 second places, five G1 victories by the same Umamusume.
TM Opera O was dominating the era while Meisho Doto struggled to keep pace. "Why...what am I doing so wrong" Once the rage passed, grief came. "Doto is a clumsy Uma but even so...after everything I still couldn't..." The tears grew more frequent as her hands began to strain the wood.
Unlike her thoughts and feelings her body was still canalizing all that anger, all that hate at her constant struggle and defeat, her weakness...and TM Opera O.
Her tail lashed against the ground like a whip, her ears trembled while she cried.
"Subject!"
"Subject~"
An eternal second place in the eyes of the world...and the rival she loved and hated so strongly.
Love. Came from admiration for her capabilities and confidence, the way she could confront the world, for how she was a part of her life and would always be there if she needed.
Hate. Came from admiration for her capabilities and confidence, the way her fear seemed to not exist, for how she didn’t have to think ten steps ahead to not fall stupidly like she did, for how she would always be there when the finish line was ahead of them.
They were the same emotion, they were different emotions, Meisho Doto couldn’t tell,
It was a whirlwind, a storm of feelings that swept each other up and mixed in ways that confused her, saddened her, angered her.
She didn’t know what else to think, what else to feel in order to achieve something. “DAMN IT!” So, another scream tore through the night.
The ghost of a past she was not aware off haunted this loosing streak and demanded it be fixed. The original owner of the name called forth an anger that should have been hers yet that a world like this didn’t deserve.
"It's five in the morning you know?" Smoothly someone called settling their back unto the stump. "It's a bit too late to be this loud"
The Umamusume chuckled, there was such a relaxed feeling to her words that caught Meisho Doto completely unguarded, never realizing when she approached.
"But I getcha, it's horrible to always watch people's back...maybe even more if it's always the same back" She added with a small shrug.
Releasing the stump Doto used her hands to wipe her tears. "Uwawawa s-sorry for being so loud"
"Hey don't cut yourself short because of me" The newcomer laughed again. "I've never seen this aggressive side of yourself Meisho, you should let it out more often"
The smirk on her face was so obvious that even without looking Doto could see it. "I quite like it actually"
When Doto finally had remained enough visibility to note who'd approached she found who exactly was now by her side.
Black hair that degraded into gold with a white highlight, golden accessories on her ears, staring up at her with relaxed golden eyes. It took no time for her to realize she was being accompanied by Stay Gold.
Someone with a fame much like her own, maybe even worse as she is as much a silver collector as she is a bronze one.
Yet they seemed to carry it so differently.
"Don't give me that look" Stay Gold dropped suddenly stretching against the stump. "Your eyes speak more than you think" Anticipating the question she would ask the Uma answered. "I also got a knack for reading people"
"I get what you might be thinking but you and I are not the same" It was a serious comment wrapped in such a lazy tone that Doto struggled to think if it was actually serious.
"My reasons for running and why I don't win are not in any ways the same as the ones that stop you" Pulling Doto from where she knelt into the floor beside her. "Maybe even opposite" She smirked.
Doto's mouth opened once, then closed, opening again trying to find what words to say as the storm inside of her raged dimmed as the conversation went on.
"What...do you mean?" Eventually a good enough question was formulated, the shyness characteristic in her tone slowly was returning.
"That, exactly that" Stay Gold pressed as if she was expecting this action from her. "Why are you letting that frustrated fire dim?"
Doto understood without need for clarification, she had struggled to get herself under control nothing short of a moment ago. "Eh?! But I can't be angry like that, it's not right!"
"Says who?" Cut immediately Stay Gold. "You hold that back as if it wasn't just more fuel to try to use and win"
"Wasn't Symboli Rudolf ruthless on the track? Didn't people say Inari One was a menace for the other racers with her violent spurts?" Her hands squished Doto's face forcing their eyes to meet.
"You have spent so long being a shadow to someone" A golden crown sitting upon orange hair continued to run away ahead of her.
"Subject!"
"Suppressed a part of you for the sake of being this version of yourself, but what of its that that holds you back?" Laughter echoed along the panting bodies of many different Uma around them as if they had not made the same effort as her.
"Subject~"
"Why not flip the script on them then? What's wrong with letting all that anger carry you through the track?!" The scoreboard showed her number once again in second place, the distance didn't matter, how close she was to victory didn't matter.
"Oh my dear subject Doto"
She lost, she always lost.
Meisho Doto eyes snapped open as a loud Crack echoed, the hand still holding unto the stump had completely crushed the wood, her fingers balled into a fist.
Yet there was no panic afterwards, no shy apologies or shame at her unconscious action.
"Let go for once" Because she had heard Stay Gold words, she had thought about them. "I fail because I search and search for something, poking and proving and everyone along my way"
For once there was no pretence with Stay Gold, there was no prodding or instigation with her this time around. "I'm a wanderer Meisho and that's why I keep failing, because I haven't encountered what I want"
"You? You just have been fighting with the mindset of a second place from the start" The subject of TM Opera O, not an equal, not a rival, but a subordinate.
Someone who she'd already conquered before her first race had even started.
Stay Gold watched fascinated how Meisho Doto's face shifted through all the realizations, through her own doubts, fears, goals and finally she landed on something.
A stillness, a silence that spoke of nothing.
Finally, Meisho Doto realized then she accepted.
If she wanted to win, it was time to let go for once.
The storm began to rage stronger than before.
Meisho Doto was tired of losing, she hated her silver medal. So she allowed herself to let go, to not care about the 'what ifs' all for that victory.
All to best TM Opera O.
"Fine" Her voice was soft, but the tone under it was as firm as the muscles on her legs. "You are right" The admission sounded like a growl. "I will never win like this"
Getting up Meisho Doto finally released the stump for good, her eyes now dead set on Stay Gold's.
"The Takarazuka Kinen" There was now a drive behind her eyes, a grand storm with the desire to tear that Opera House down for good. "It's then or it's never"
Twisting her heels she began to march in the direction of the dorms, powerful steps that did not allow for her usual clumsiness to affect her.
"Goodbye Stay Gold" The mentioned was grinning like an idiot, never had her kicking and biting before racing made someone shift this hard on their attitude and she was already loving the spectacle it would cause. "And thank you"
Thus, she was left alone under the moonlight, her back to the same stump everyone came for comfort as she had just won the biggest trophy she could.
"Heh my golden compass is never wrong" The upcoming Takarazuka Kinen would be incredibly interesting, and she was going to be there to watch.
Under the starry sky Stay Gold felt her heart thump, almost as if her body was agreeing with her actions.
Wishfully she whispered one las statement to the wind before leaving for her own down. "Now if only you could find my pathway now"
The courtyard of Tracen staging the start of an upset for the ages.
---
He would be a poor trainer if he hands immediately noticed the change in his trainee.
At first he believed that she had simply had a bad day the first time she came to train with this new demeanour.
It was jarring to see the usually sweet and clumsy Doto move with that much decision and confidence in her stride.
Standing before him, her frame felt bigger now that she wasn't constantly hunched over.
She seemed sure of what she wanted that day
"Trainer...please increase the workload" Those spiral purple eyes were honed, focused. "For my upcoming race I want to win, our current training might be enough for that, but I need more, I need certainty"
"I want to drag the current victory streak of TM Opera O through the mud and stomp it" she nearly growled. “Even if it costs me my next 5 races”
Yasuhiko Yasuda stared at his trainee for a moment, torn between asking what had forced this whole development and just jumping and doing exactly what she asked of him.
Another look at her eyes gave him the answer, his body moving before his mouth did.
That was 54 days ago, just two days after the Spring Tenno Sho.
Now here he stood at the stands on the Takarazuka Kinen waiting for the race to begin.
He'd pushed Doto to the brink, given her any training he knew would work, pushing every stress and toll to the limit of her body and extending hours on most days.
Turns out Doto could take a lot more punishment that she'd ever shown capable of sustaining with this new attitude.
It was her way of thinking that had been what held Doto back the most, that defeatist mentality that always pushed her to do unnecessary things for the sake of an insecurity that had no place there.
She did her best, but always thinking failure was eventual, certain.
Today however, today Doto came for the number one spot no matter who stood in her way.
No words had been exchanged on the padlock, not as she put her racing silks and not even a good luck was given. Doto didn't want it and Yasuhiro knew that would be the wrong thing to say.
"Beat them all Doto" I all her can say. "Let us become G1 winners"
She didn't smile, she didn't answer, but the way her tail whipped downwards once, the way her ears straightened told him everything.
She was ready.
Her legs carried her through the tunnel and into the light as she ignored the gaze of every peer around her as the track presented itself in her sight.
Each introduction brought the fans to the edge of their seats, cheers echoed through the track.
Her announcement was no different, the people knew Doto, some supported her, some loved her runs, many believed in her while others thought her chase was a pointless endeavour.
Today every fan was a witness to a different Doto. The damsel and the beast had switched places.
There was no shy waving, not even a glance was spared in their direction.
Firm and powerful, for today it was not gentleness and softness what she would give them with her running.
Hatred, for once Doto would run through hatred to her desired objective.
The fans still cheered but in no way did it match the usual loudness of an ovation.
The gates were before her as she scanned every competitor. (Not here yet) She did not her roommate in the race as well.
Air Shakur wasn't very fond of this phase she was living through but also held a certain respect for the serious Doto she always knew could happen but never expected to see.
It was as unnerving as it was fascinating data for her.
Every runner but one had been introduced, the stands were expectant as the favourite finally stepped unto the grass.
The cape blew, the crown shone and her voice took every spotlight and focus.
Expectations were high as TM Opera O approached the gates. "Oh what a fine day it is to conquest do you not think so?" Gazing through the competition Opera smiled.
Unbridled confidence backed by all her strength turned the favourite to win.
One step forward. "Oh, dear subject of mine!" It was routine at this point for her to give one special greeting to her most favoured individual. "Do you find yourself in your greatest state today?" Stopping just behind her both arms extended she threw her challenge. "The Overlord's continued dominance won't stop whether you keep up or not, thus it's your duty to keep up"
Stillness, Doto's ears twitched, silence.
The air was different this time around, Opera could tell something was up.
Finally, the rustling of clothes popped the bubble of silence that had grown around them.
Doto had turned around, yet her eyes did not display a shred of warmth today.
Calling it a glare would be incorrect, the eyes held the same roundness Doto's always had, it was how she stared what unnerved the champion.
Opera would never admit it out loud, but the gaze that she received from Doto in that instance felt haunting, dangerous and full of anger.
Hate, it was pure hate.
"Su- Doto?" So dissonant, strange and unnatural it was that even the theatrics fell for a moment.
The theatrics that were Opera's lifestyle screeched to a halt, hearing it made the silver collector move.
"I'm winning today" No stutter, firm and sturdy Meisho Doto stood to her whole height. "I'll destroy you so thoroughly that this race will be remembered even beyond your conquest"
Maybe it was cruel to say, she would probably regret these words after this is all over and she is able to let go of this frustrating anger.
But right now? Only winning mattered, that was the beast she'd become to escape her shadow.
"Ha Ha Ha~" A split second later Opera burst out laughing. "Quite the unexpected turn dear Doto" She bared her teeth on a sharp grin. "I was not aware my subordinate held this much distain towards me?"
"Today" Doto called, the sound was deep for a girl their age. "Today I am not your number two, I am your enemy"
Stepping closer the full height of Opera's rival loomed over her. "You fall here" The pressure was overwhelming, a few of the surrounding Uma could tell that Meisho Doto was not to be trifled with today.
"Attempt it then" This time her voice was not meant for the public nor for the spectacle. "So, I can bring you to your knees beloved rebel"
That's what she was today, an enemy, a rebel.
The commentator said things but neither of them listened, the intensity had risen.
"Heh, marvellous showing Doto" Someone else cut into their talk. "I knew you could be so much more, but this is...exciting"
Stay Gold walked as relaxed as a person strolling through the park. "Only today" Was all Meisho said.
"Quite right" Respected the known troublemaker. "Enjoy it then"
She had no more to say, now her legs would be the ones to speak.
As they approached the gates Doto shut off everything, Stay Gold, Air Shakur.
Only she and TM Opera O remained on this track and mind, the gate closed after her, silence stretched through the starting line as every runner stood ready.
Meisho leaned forwards, opening her eyes and staring directly ahead from her gate, number 3. The beating of her heart increased with the anticipation, hands tightened as her heels dug into the ground backwards.
Just one position beside her TM Opera O too stood ready to advance.
-CLACK-
The gates opened 12 bodies reacting to the best of their abilities as they all made their start.
Like a bulldozer Meisho charged forward, cutting a path through the Umas around them, each step is so heavy and strong that the turf sinks under her foot.
Runners spread as the first corner arrives, each fight and settle on their preferred positions or fail in the process, echoes of hooves reaching the audience less and less.
The air pushed back against her body, the strain on each step was already notable this early.
Adjusting her centre of gravity to finish the curve gave Doto a chance to glance backwards. (There, found you) Opera intended to weigh this race on her final spurt.
Her trainer's advice came back to her as she exited into the straight.
"Play the stayer, for this race you need to build both a good enough lead and conserve stamina to use your own spurt to finish before them"
He pointed at the map of the track before the final corner. "Find an opening early and go, put as much distance as you need and hold unto that lead"
Thus now placed in third and hugging the back of second place for their slipstream Doto moved at a constant pace.
Predation, waiting for her chance to strike. A beast she was but that did not mean mindlessness, for that would never beat the Overlord.
Her internal engine roared but she tempered and waited for a real chance.
They reached the end of the straight, the third corner then the fourth.
A gap entered her field of vision, her legs ached but they had a lot more to give, she held plenty more stamina to use.
"Tch" It was time.
Synching her breathing and her stride Doto took one last deep breath and held it.
Her right leg crashed into the ground with all the rage, all the anger and every feeling she held for TM Opera O imprinting her sole on the turf.
-BOOM-
Her posture shifted, leaning forward and shortening her stride Doto charged through her opening, the two other competitors left in the dust as they realized that this chase would begin on the 600 meter mark.
Desperately one of them started to follow, trying to match her movement but the gap was not receding.
Doto became faster once they reached the straight, the lengths between her and second place grew.
"AND HERE COMES TM OPERA O!" The announcer's shout was expected, Doto knew that after her challenge anything other than a one versus one between the two of them would be a disappointment.
Today she would not be the one to chase.
"A second acceleration from Meisho Doto!?" The beast rose up to match the Overlord.
The monster charging as the conquest advanced from behind.
400 meters.
200 meters.
TM Opera O, Meisho Doto, the stage was not for anyone else today.
The stands ceased to exist the more Opera closed the gap.
The other runners ceased to exist when Doto recognized her King's hooves stomping after Hershey was catching up.
(No) Roared internally her soul, the ghost roared alongside it. "Not again!" Opera ceased to exist the moment Doto's anger burnt with all its intensity.
One last stride, one last step and Meisho Doto closed the finish line.
A clear and obvious first place finisher.
...
Slowing down the more distance she put with the end of the race ended up with her knees hitting the ground.
Doto was tired, she was satisfied. Her legs ached, the sole of her feet hot and pained, her ears flattened against her head.
She won.
Not even a second later another body hit the floor beside her. Extravagant and completely out of it Opera laughed.
Both turned their backs to the ground, both gazed upon the clear blue sky on this day.
Now with her desire fulfilled could Meisho Doto let go of the ghost, they were satisfied as they galloped away leaving her with only her feelings to carry. "I...I" Gasps escaped each time she attempted to keep talking, her eyes were unfocused as the tears fell. "I really love you"
Turning her head she locked eyes with the now widened stare of the Overlord. "But I hated even more my losing streak to you" A balance was found, the tender and the beast. "So, I needed to hate you towards victory to be able to love you the rest of the way"
Her eyes closed, her breaths slowly calming.
"I truly would not have done as marvellously without your greatness after me" Softly Opera O pushed with her fingers a strand out of Doto's face. "You are my most precious as well Meisho Doto"
They remained like that even as the announcement of the winning live happened and even beyond that, what the rest of this track wanted did not matter.
They existed together both in love and in hate.
—END—
—Mystic—
