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—START—
The sun stung unbearably that morning.
On the mountain side of a bay a long complex of small houses built through the mount.
Petite white houses — some for locals, others for tourist — with two floors, a porch and a balcony bathed in the sunlight.
The view from up there was breath taking as in the bottom laid a beautiful clean beach that all the people on this town could enjoy.
The door to one of the houses opened. Coming out of the house was Berno light wearing a yellow pastel sundress without sleeves and a pair of heeled sandals, appropriately placed for the climate.
"Hmm" Humming she settled one last plate on the porch's table she gazed towards the horizon as the sun hit her face.
"What a beautiful morning" The seaside breeze blew her hair to the side as she took on the sight. "It was a good call to book this place ahead of time"
Having been the one to plan this vacation trip to a retired beach outside of Japan Berno had done her best to make it enjoyable.
Turning around she finished settling the table.
Local pastries, coffee, hot chocolate, warm and cold milk and some other things were carefully placed for a lot of people.
Berno had been up since 6 —a time her nieces and daughters might have called too early for vacations — but she'd wanted to take some photographs of the sunrise and that had given her the time to prepare these breakfasts for everyone.
Grabbing her mug she poured some coffee, sitting near the head of the table sipping calmly.
Only the sounds of the wave in the distance accompanied her.
...
- tap tap tap -
The small echoes of flip flops hitting the ground breezed past behind her in a blur of colour. Twin tails flew as someone dashed towards the stairs that led towards the downtown and the bead.
Berno didn’t miss a beat. "Turbo dear please have breakfast with everyone before you go down" The noise stopped, then it began once more yet this time growing louder rather than fainter.
"Good morning mom!" Twin Turbo —dressed in a big shirt of swirling blues, greens and purples and bathing shorts— arrived just beside her, dragging the chair backwards and sitting. "Wow when did you get all of this!?"
Only now she had realized the abundant amount of food and sweets on the table.
"I woke up extra early today so i went downtown" Casual as always Berno smiled. "Has either your siblings or your father woken up already?" Shifting the topic to the other members of the family.
Glancing back into the house Turbo began to swing her feet under the table. "Sis Mirako is changing with King, Still-nee is on her phone on the couch and Sis Laurel is sleeping" Her hands came too short to grab a mug from where she was so Berno pushed it closer to her. "Dad is still asleep too"
"Of course she is" Giggling Berno moved to get up. "I’ll make sure they wake up, your grandparents should be here soon please open when they arrive" After that she disappeared into the house.
Turbo remained at the table for a minute, it passed, then another passed, then another.
She kicked her legs faster and harder, her hands tapping the table as her eyes stared fixated on the entrance.
It was the longest two minutes of her life before a knock on the door made her spring from her seat. From over the fence, she saw her grandmother and that was enough.
The Turbo engine turned on so reached the fence door before the second knock could come. "Morning!" Her hand turned the knob fast as the shorter figure of her grandfather became visible too.
Wearing a nice white top with a red farong around her waist “Morning Turbo" Carrying a folding chair in each hand.
Beside her was her wife holding awkwardly a parasol. "Sup kid" Stego ruffled her hair, wearing some swimsuit shorts with a plain golden shirt. "Are we the first to arrive?" Behind the two of them Windy was glaring at a nearby seagull Sirius was leaning on the fence waiting to be welcomed in.
Unlike on most occasions everyone felt that if they were to spend the whole time on the beach together, they might as well rest of each other when waking up and going to bed, and so each branch of the family booked their own home in this complex.
Stego and Royce with Sirius and Windy for themselves, Berno and Transcend’s side on another and Digital's branch on their own.
Agreement came so they would come together to eat before going to the sand. "Yeah, everyone else is being slow and dad isn’t even up yet!" The more people took the later they would go to the beach, the later they went to the beach the less time she'd have in the sand and water.
Turbo did not like that math.
"At least we know someone will enjoy this trip" Joked Stay Gold only for Royce to elbow her in the side. "Hey?!"
"Berno arranged a vacation for all of us be a bit more grateful" After that Royce took a seat for herself on the opposite side of the table with Stay Gold beside her.
"I was joking dear, please no more hits in front of the children" They were perfectly content waiting as Turbo went back to her own seat. "You know i-"
"Would prefer playing league or being lost on some mountain range somewhere rather than coming to spend a week by the beach" Royce cut her off already aware of what was coming out of Stego's mouth. "Enjoy the sun for a while"
"Hmph, how little decorum" Standing straight on her own seat Sirius. "This is what happens when you do not properly plan ahead" Sirius was already on her swimsuit, a black two piece connected by golden rings with a dark green short jacket over her shoulders
"Yeah, we're losing sun here" Shinko was with agreement with her sister, already prepared as well with her shark one piece swimsuit. "If they take too long I'll bite Digital-nee" Taking a seat and grabbing a chocolate pastry.
"Don't eat ahead of everyone" Reprimanded Royce immediately, making Shiko leave it back in the plate.
"But I'm hungry" She grumbled.
The clicking of door got their attention once more as Hishi Miracle and King Halo stepped put with the former having her arm intertwined with the latter.
Miracle donned a shirt sleeved white button up shirt along with some light brown shorts while her wife King had a light Emerald green dress that sat just on her knees.
Softspoken Mirako greeted. "Good morning, everyone" Neither of them looked ready to have a water filled day. "The weather sure is lovely today"
King hummed. "It’s befitting of one such as myself" Taking their own seat at the table beside Miracle and Turbo. "The location is first rate indeed, this King is pleased and would like to explore the town afterwards"
There was a notable lack of swimwear on the two of them.
"Dear you really did not bring any swimwear?" Royce asked her granddaughter despite already knowing the answer.
Firmly she shook her head. "I do not require it" The family knew of her distaste of water and swimming, however they also knew of Berno's love for it so they thought she might have convinced her in some manner. "I will enjoy from the sand"
"Same" Stego said only to turn her head away immediately when Royce set her sight on her again.
"You are at least getting a soak with me once" The smile was too sweet to be safe. "Right?"
"Of course dear" Was the automatic answer she gave.
Tired of waiting Turbo turned to her sister. "Mirako, is dad up yet?"
-CRASH-
"..." Miracle looked towards the inside for a moment before turning back to her sister. "I believe she is now"
At the same time "GOOD MORNING!" No Reason called cheerfully as she pushed the fence door open, marching up to the table. "Ah breakfast is ready? Truly grand, a warrior cannot enjoy their day on an empty stomach"
Wearing her usual headpiece, she complimented with a neck tied bikini of the same red tone, she too was just ready for the beach already.
"G-good morning" Rice entered a step after a gorgeous cream coloured sundress falling over her as a very big sunhat with little holes for her ears. "It's so hot here"
The girl was sweating just from being outside, tugging at her hat just to cover more of her face.
A hand placed on Rice's back as Aston Machan caught up to her. "Get under the shadow" Nobody had sensed her approach — even her sister tensed once she felt the hand — as she pushed rice inside and near the table where the awning made shadow. "He he~ Morning everyone!"
Then she too grabbed her own place. "Morning" greeted with a nod Sirius followed everyone else. "I find you cheerier than usual niece"
"How could Machan not be?" Her smiled was thin but it widened. "The beach is a place where one can be striking in ways not common"
Placing a finger on her cheek she finished explaining. "So, if Machan goes in as pretty as she can maybe then she'll stay in people's memories for longer"
People stared at her for a moment.
"DO WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY SWEETY!" From the outside —sounding like she was panting hard — Came Digital's voice.
"Ah, there she is" Taking a cup for himself Stay Gold began to make himself some chocolate milk coffee combination. "The party is almost full then, only three left"
"Four actually" King added. "My sister might have not joined us for the journey, nevertheless she is on her way as we speak"
The mother of the two most recent entrances finally made an act of presence, wearing a long sleeved pink rashguard and bathing pants as she dragged a backpack way too big for the 5 minute trip the house was to the beach. "Good morning everyone!"
Her tail was wagging with a singular goal in mind.
It was like a thundering realization in everyone's head. (GODDAMMIT!)
(She is planning to photograph the Umas that are at the beach) was the singular though of every person at that table.
"M-mom please" Rice murmured, used to and yet still completely mortified by some of her mother's actions.
Leaving the backpack to the side was followed by a loud clank, every piece of equipment rattling inside it.
Windy waited until she was sitting at the table to slam her hands on it. "Sis, why did you take so long?!" Pointing her finger at her.
Straightening Rice ears shifted quickly as they then pressed themselves flat against the top of her hair. "Please aunt don't raise your voice"
Her mother too was completely caught off guard. "Geh!? But I'm not the last one out? Why are you singling me out!?" Skittishly her eyes darted through the table. "I don't see Transcend or Laurel at the table either!"
"I heard my name!" Sakura Laurel stepped out of the door grinning, her green One piece frilly swimsuit ready as she had a white jacket over it and a light green sunhat. "I am here, ready"
A hand settled over Laurel's shoulders. "And you could have been at least 10 minutes ago" Still in Love had come out too. "If you hadn't spent them choosing out a hat out of a dozen"
Still was dressed in red bathing shorts and a white short sleeved button up shirt that somewhat let see the swimming top underneath.
Her eyes weren't visible behind her sunglasses.
"You say that sister, but I'm not the one up since early that just sat on her phone the whole time" Threw back Laurel. "Mom did tell you to go out when she went to wake dad up"
"Transcend isn’t even up yet so I’m not late!" Hearing that Digital pointed back to Windy. "This is a prime opportunity to see not only to Umas enjoy the beach but also see how the Spanish Umamusume are he he he~ I needed to be ready to not miss anything"
"As long as you keep your lenses away from me we will have no issue" Sirius declared. "And you two, take a seat, I'm hungry enough as is to wait for you to decide to come"
Miracle sighed. "It should not be long before our parents come out" saying this last part more to herself and King. "If the sound of mother throwing dad out of bed was not my imagination"
Someone then knocked on the open fence. "Uwa h-hello!" Poking their head was Meisho Doto, the sister of King Halo that she'd told them about.
Unlike them she had a long dress that was not climate appropriate, having just arrived she wasn't ready for the climate, and it showed.
The girl was even worse than Rice in terms of sweating, her face was drenched and her breathing was slightly weathered. "Sister, oh my you look tired" King quickly got up.
"It's...too hot" The step to get inside almost made her fall if it wasn't for her sister being there. "Uwa! Thank you"
"Here, allow this one to help" Taking the luggage King allowed Doto to relax for a moment on the shade, leaving it inside.
Turbo was on her feet as well. "Me too!" She took her backpack, leaving in in the Living room inside.
As that happened unnoticed by them Machan moved with a glass of water on her hands. “Here, drink a bit” Doto almost jumped from the scare, taking a second to catch her breath.
Taking the water once she was composed. “Th-thank you” Joining everyone on the table as well, wishing to change as soon as possible into something more light and fresh.
Now everyone but two was ready at the table.
The impatience hit some, others were completely relaxed while they made their drinks with the prepared stuff.
A few minutes later Berno came out looking exactly as she had when she went inside. "Good morning everyone!" She waved with one hand with a smile, behind her Transcend was dragging herself forward.
She muttered. "M'rning" Clearly tired the tech Savy Uma walked into the light shielding her eyes.
Wearing a loose white shirt and blue bathing shorts she took a seat.
"Why is uncle looking like a truck ran them over?" No Reason asked watching the two remaining family members take their place at the table.
Still in Love didn't waste a moment grabbing one of the pastries now that everyone was together. "Someone stayed playing until 4 in the morning despite mom's advice"
Laurel adding. "And mom didn't take that well" chuckling as she put some chocolate on her cup.
"I handled it the only way it would work" Berno left it at that, once more Taking her place beside Turbo. "Everyone has an enjoyable breakfast"
Everyone was here at last. "Please, don't hold back" Berno gestured at everything on the table. "Enjoy to your hearts content"
"No need to tell me twice" Immediately Windy got her hands on the piece she'd been denied of earlier.
From sweet treats to salty snacks, the table had it all for the varied tastes of everyone here.
It was a well served breakfast that was enjoyed by the whole family.
Yet this was only the prelude for the day ahead.
---
Not everyone enjoys the beach the same way, and a family as large as this one is no exception.
In fact, one could call it a rather good example of how diverse it's enjoyment can't be.
"Dorya!" Eishin Flash — dressed in a dark blue bikini with a white jacket over it — spiked the ball downwards with considerable force. "Our victory is assured" Smiling at her triumphant hit as she fell.
Dashing forward Windy hit the volleyball, throwing herself to the ground to reach the sphere in time. "Not happening"
A cloud of sand puffed as she hit the ground. "Hit em niece!" As the ball went into the air Laurel jumped after it, gaining some height over the net.
"Right on!" A cross was made trying to hit the ground as close to the net as possible.
Sirius was there before Laurel could hit it, blocking her trajectory. "Too slow"
The ball came into contact with the Symboli's hand, a light tap which redirected the ball down without any force, Windy was expecting a spike.
It hit the ground inside of team Carnivorous plant's area.
Thus, granting a point to team **nameNotAptForChildrenAndSensibleAudiences** “Yeah!” Pumping her fist Eishin Flash smiled.
The spectacle was visible from a distance.
A few meters away Transcend laid face first into a towel over the sand, not exactly asleep but not conscious enough to be called awake while under the sun rays.
Just a little away from her under a loadable parasol's shade laid backwards on a deck chair was her daughter Miracle with her wife.
"Your father truly is out of the world right now" And just a bit more away was Neo Universe in the same situation, avoiding touching the sand at all.
King huffed. "She was aware we would rise early and thought gaming late was a good idea" And while sleeping was a valid beach plan doing so out of exhaustion wasn't first-rate.
"And I doubt they'll get to sleep for much longer" Miracle pointed out as she noted how her sister was approaching their father with single minded determination and a smile.
In the sandy volley court someone else had joined the other team, Stay Gold stood relaxed with some new sunglasses somehow convinced to play with them.
That of course meant that the other side also needed a new player. "A bit of exercise will help them get up" Neo Universe said, stretching her arms a bit and getting comfortable again on her chair.
King watched Transcend get dragged through the sand after an initial refusal, her hands pointlessly trying to hold on, grasping the sand.
Ignoring that display she turned to Neo Universe. "There are many familiar faces around" They were in Spain and yet King Halo could count at least 7 familiar faces on this same beach.
"Now that you mention it" Mirako murmured looking around herself within the confines of the beach they were all in.
Air Shakur could be seen going between the sand and the sea wearing a wet suit. From laying there on the floor and rolling in the sand to diving into the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
Despite her outward reserved nature her enjoyment of the beach and her little routine was enjoyable.
Nakayama Festa — wearing a gray tip and blue bathing shorts — was playing cards on top of a towel with enough for 4 people with Seiun Sky — who had orange shorts on with a white button up to and a patterned bikini underneath.
One could be seen struggling to read the other as Seiun kept a magnificent cat like grin that gave nothing away. “heh, Straight” Setting her cards down she watched Festa’s eyes widen.
“Arhg, pair” She called frustrated, slapping the cards down. “Another round, I’m winning at least one!”
Not too far away from them Kitasan Black and Taiki Shuttle were also here.
The former had a red farong with white highlights with a top of equal colour while the former was in a neck bikini of red and white stripes.
Together they work in tandem to make the biggest sandcastle they could make, Kita shovelling a pit all round them using the sand to make a massive pile in the middle.
Outlining the perimeter alone showed how big they planned to make that things.
Taiki on the other hand had 5 buckets of water already prepared to moist that sand and give shape to them, each working knee deep in the sand. “Alrighty! Let’s do this” Using her own shovel she began to gather all excess sand in the middle.
"Weren't you told?" Neo Universe, was also another one of the familiar faces that was strange to find here. "Your mother offered tickets at Tracen two weeks before the trip, something about being cheaper to buy in bulk for both the plane and the lodgings"
Both of them stared at Neo for a moment. "That...doesn't make any sense" Miracle spoke more for herself than for the Uma. “I’m sure it doesn’t work like that”
"It doesn't make much sense to me either, but I would not turn it down" Even if she wasn't a beach person in the slightest. "Besides, few things make sense in this fanfic either way"
The conversation ended there, Neo Universe's declaration was too reality breaking to follow up.
Back to the ones playing volley we could see that Transcend was now up, rubbing her eyes as she shook.
"Laurel...did you really have to drag me here?" Groaning — with sand inside her swimsuit and maybe having swallowed some — Transcend finally woke up enough to be considered conscious.
Laurel didn't look bashed or ashamed in the slightest. "I did!" Exclaimed with a wide smile on her face. "We needed a number 3, and I couldn't think of anyone better than you dad!"
It was a dazzling smile that made her swallow whatever complain was bubbling up inside of her. "Yeah...sure thing sweety" Trying to shake off the sleepiness with some stretches her eyes landed on her own father. "And how exactly did you get dragged into this old man?"
Stego looked wet, a clear sign that she'd been in the water at least up to her chest of her dry hair was any indication. "It was a good excuse to leave the water for a while" It was an easy admission. "And your mother went off to sightsee for a while, so I really had nothing else to do"
She imagined so. "Let it be known I have never played this before" As Transcend tried to justify what was to come of her performance the rest patience had ran thin.
"Enough with the conversing" Eishin stood on serving position. "Added numbers means the game can get more intense now, **TeamTooCoolForAName** get ready!"
Wasn't it the-
"Silence narrator" Sirius cut me off immediately and decisive. "Too much time's been wasted, dictate the match's start"
With that rude interruption out of the way Eishin Flash threw the ball into the air and hit it.
Immediately the pace was fast as Windy didn't let it fall much before lifting it for Laurel. "Dad, on the right!"
Despite never having played Transcend was still an athlete and could grasp what she needed to do quick.
She dashed and jumped near the net as the ball entered Laurel's range.
A pass or a hit, each move was viable from here.
Clicking her tongue Sirius moved to solve this problem, her legs gave a powerful boost as she jumped forward trying to block of Laurel's course.
It was a wrong prediction as Laurel passed the ball to her father who hit it, it was not a spike however as she was Stego approaching from underneath.
A light tap went over the small Uma slowly falling behind her, yet Stego would not let herself fall for such a simple move swinging an arm back to tap lift the ball and give her teammates more time to play.
Both family members were eventually pulled into the fire of the game as well.
The competition kept growing as strangers and familiar faces alike were pulled into it. It grew enough that an actual volley tournament was organized between all of the gathered individuals.
We go to Digital's side now, three cameras, two for photography and one recording under her own parasol.
It had taken some time for her to set up everything neatly and good enough so all angles would be covered but now she was ready.
Her ears twitched at the sound of each Umamusume around, a shift to get the side of an Uma, the second camera already turning to point to a different one while the centre one got a sleeping view of the whole beach.
"Ghue he he~" Her tail wagged animatedly after her. "So many new Umas and oshis that I already know" It was a truly blissful sight for her.
"...you are drooling..." The unfortunate soul that had ended up being here helping her in whatever perverse endeavours she wanted to hold this time around was an off guard caught Manhattan Cafe. "Do you truly have nothing better to do?"
Wearing a black ringed bikini with a yellow outline the poor sound had been caught into Digital’s activity due to the bad luck of not having brought a parasol and needing to step into the shade for a bit.
"Eh?! What else could be better than watching so many precious Umas enjoy the beach?!" Like a whip her head turned. "Isn’t that right Tanukidolf?"
Before the recording camera was a high stool, seated on it was a plush of Symboli Rudolf, yet unlike the real one this one had the tail and ears of a racoon.
Manhattan stared for a second. "Right" She couldn't imagine herself talking to nothing like her. "We should just be done with this and then we can go enjoy the beach together" Her words were directed at her 'friend'.
Anyone staring from the outside would just see two girls speaking not to each other but to the air.
After some time of photography Digitan pulled out a tablet connected to each of the cameras ready to view what footage she had managed to capture with her unwilling assistant.
As the images loaded expectation within Agnes Digital build up, opening the first she began to admire her work.
"Hm?" Something was off in the picture. "Eh?" The same thing with the next, and the next, and so forth. "Geh!?"
Every photo held the same little anomaly, no matter the angle, no matter how far the Uma's photographed were from each other.
"Hmm, Machan looks good in that one" the dream like voice was beside both Manhattan and Digitan.
"Eep!!/!!" Both of them froze in surprise, a shrill escaping the pink haired girl, ears and tail going straight up.
Aston Machan stood perfectly tranquil between them her body glistering from the water falling off her body. "Although Machan likes that one better" Her finger singling out another image where she was bathing behind the target.
"Machan sweety" Digital spoke with tact. "Why are you on mommy's photos?" She would always take pictures of her daughter if she asked her too but right now, she was gathering material.
Not exactly desirable to see one’s own daughter while getting reference for her...drawings.
"Where did you even come from?" Muttered Manhattan for herself and her friend just now recovering from the scare.
Machan giggled. "In her quest to become the ultimate ultra mascot Machan thought that she could get some photo bombing practice"
"Ehhh?" Despite wanting to say something Digital’s pushover nature held her back, instead just patting her daughter's head a bit gloomily. "Sure sweety, I'm sure you'll get very good at it"
"Hmm" Deciding she'd messed enough with her mother Machan turned to look at a elevated rock nearby. "Machan remembers having a very good vantage point from there, maybe mom wants to see a new perspective?"
Right after saying that she marched off glancing backwards once with a smile.
"Ah?" Digital's brain stopped and rebooted then and there. "Right, I'm going!" Using her incredible fishing spurt to run after her daughter. (Guehehe seeing my oshis and so many Umas from high up~)
They left Manhattan Cafe by herself surrounded by the cameras. "..." The golden eyes went from their retreating figures to the shadow laughing beside her. "Don't laugh" Muttered Cafe before she left the equipment alone, deciding that going to the water herself was better than doing nothing surrounded by photography equipment.
Machan and Digital began to scale the moment they reached the rock, neither had appropriate footwear for it but each was driven by their own motives enough to not care.
On their way up they saw little crabs and some puddles with small fishes using the rock as their home.
Once nearing the top they heard a voice. "Alright, a warrior has no fear they cannot conquer, so neither should I!" Machan recognized her immediately.
Standing precariously at the edge of the massive rock was her own daughter, grinning as she hyped herself up for a grand jump into the water.
"No Reason" All the self-motivation stopped at the sound of her mother's voice. "What are you planning~?" Her question came out sweetly but after a lifetime of being scolded she knew one when it was formulating.
"Wait!! Wait, wait mom!" No Reason began before anything. "Aunty Berno told me we could do this, I saw her do it and I want to trypleasedontgetmadatmeijustwanttojumpfromuphere!!" Faster than no reasonable individual could normally speak the aspiring samurai was already before her mother, hands draped around her waist begging.
"..." There was a moment of silence, Machan closed her mouth, whatever she would say forgotten, she unpacked the information slowly.
For a second her eyes went to her own mother trying to see if she had anything to say herself.
Of course the moment she looked in her direction her mother was with some binoculars using the high ground to get a good look at a pair of Spanish Umamusume who were going around the beach taking the other's hand.
If there was one thing that could turn Agnes Digital’s attention away from something it surely was that.
(Mom you are drooling again) A drop of sweat ran down Machan's face, leaving her to whatever she would do and turning back to her daughter. "And did aunty Berno teach you how to actually jump from up here?"
No Reason nodded very quickly. "Yes ma'am" Saluting as if this was some sort of military call her daughter faced the sea. "She said to run in that direction" Pointing with her hand diagonally from her. "And jump, keeping myself straight and fall on my feet"
It was a method to jump from high places to water for rookies who didn't know how to properly dive fall.
Machan pondered what she'd just been told. "Hmm I guess if she thinks it's safe, I can allow it" Accepting it with a small smile.
Contrasting with the way No Reason's expression lit up like a Christmas tree when she was given the green light.
"Thank you mom!! I promise I'll be extra careful” Steeling her nerves and patting her Samurai helmet to test its stability. "Alright...here I go"
Her eyes sharpened for a second, the same concentration she used whenever the gates would open before a race, her tail giving one singular twitch of anticipation.
"Here" Bursting forward with her legs No Reason soon reached the edge. "We" Her legs sprang from the ground as she boosted up in a long jump forwards. "GOOOO!!!" A smile of pure adrenaline drawn on her face as she began to fall, hitting the water with a considerable amount of force and creating a massive splash that was notable even through the waves.
Air Shakur who'd swam all the way to the rock felt the impact first as the resulting water wave splashed her completely.
"Drat" Was the only word she could get out as she calculated in an instant her probabilities of getting out of this one.
0%
"Fuck you too narrator" ... Apparently, she could get some more words in.
Hit by the splash Air Shakur fell backwards, sinking into the water where her gaze met with the responsible for this. Then her eyes began to burn from the salt water and No Reason was spared from a nasty glare.
Right after that No Reason resurfaced, still wearing the same smile but eager to get away as she saw the black-haired Uma attempt a death stare underwater. "Awesome!! I want to do it again!" Excited to repeat this No Reason swam on the direction of the shore to climb the rock once more.
The water was incredibly nice, refreshing against the intense heat of the beach while also being warm enough to be comfortable to exist in it, the currents of water also didn’t pull much at all.
It was an incredible freeing sensation to swim towards the coast. On her way she passed by her great grandmother Royce.
Laid on top of a floating lounger while swirling a cocktail she was, feeling No Reason pass her yet said nothing. (The beach really is doing good for some of them) Her eyes went from the moving figure to her nearby granddaughter. (I’m glad)
On a donut floater as well as wearing floaties on each arm was Turbo. The two of them were somewhat deep into the water letting themselves float away...at least she was.
Royce and Royce intended to enjoy these vacations as if it were her last ones, relaxing under the sun in this trip free of expenses for her at least. (I should do something nice for Berno for putting this trip together)
A shout beside her takes her out of her thoughts. "Come on!!" Kicking hard Twin Turbo flew through the water surface leaving a trail after her. "Hahaha Turbo is the fastest in land or water!" It was quite an enjoyable thing to see for Royce.
The kid was just having fun in her usual manner and didn’t particularly require her to be paying attention to what she was doing. Even if she sometimes had to remind her to not get too far away or too deep into the sea, or had water thrown at her face from her burst of speed.
She went past in front of her, then behind, then in front of her again, no form or control just pure speed through the water.
Bubbles rose from under the water as Turbo was doing another lap.
A body emerged from the deepness of the sea, pushing a mound of liquid away as her frame pushed into the air with a massive gasp of air echoing in the surrounding.
Doto surfaced, her eyes shielded by a clear mask over her eyes as the deep blue one piece swimsuit glistered underwater, the light blue frills and little skirt around her waist shining even more from under the water.
“It’s so clear down there” She was delighted, most beaches she’d seen in her life had a very difficult visibility that made diving and seeing everything underneath a difficult endeavour, yet here she could see everything. “There are s-so many pretty fishes”
“Really?!” Turning to face Doto Turbo exclaimed looking down, the sea was clear enough that she could somewhat see the bottom from up here, no fishes in sight however.
Kicking under the water to keep herself afloat the silver collector pointed to the right. “awa, they’re actually near the rocks over there” She moved well in the water, smoothly swimming to Turbo’s side. “Want to see?” Doto made her timid offer.
“I DO!!” Without wasting a singular instance Turbo pushed herself in her floaty donut with the single purpose of finding the fishes she now was very curious about.
“huh?! W-wait for me!” Doto went right after her, her more powerful and proper form allowing her to catch up quickly to the retreating Uma.
Together they went approached the area Meisho had mentioned, pulling out her visor she gave it to Turbo. “H-here, you should be able to see them if you dive here”
“Urhg” Floating with the visor in her hands Turbo hesitated. “I-I need some help” Through her teeth she admitted. “Turbo isn’t a very good diver, Still the fastest!! Just…not very good”
“Ah” Realizing this Doto swam just a bit closer to her. “D-don’t worry, I’ll get you if anything h-happens” It was convincing enough despite the Uma’s lack of conviction in her own words.
Turbo internally debated whether seeing the pretty fishes was worth taking her floaties off.
Curiosity ended up winning, putting the mask on and removing the floaties as she dove downwards Doto hovering beside her in case anything happened.
Meanwhile Royce remained, taking a long calm sip of her alcoholic beverage. “hmm” Swirling the glass in her hand she looked towards the sand, catching glimpses of some of her family members. “Now where is my chud of a husband”
Turns out Stego had been doing something instead of just laying about lazily as she’d expected it. “Oh? Now this is something I want to see closely too” and thus she too began to make her way but she was going in the direction of the sand instead.
Without haste she moved, her feet sinking into the sand with each step as she reached the shore. Leaving the inflatable aside under the shade of a small stall.
Royce went on to watch the volley match yet back in the previously mentioned stall.
“Stand back foul creature!!” From the inside of the stall someone shouted with vi- “I said back dastardly narrator!”
…
Seriously, everyone today can just fucking see me?! I need a new job.
*Narrator leaves*
…
…
…
“Are they actually gone?”
“R-Rice doesn’t know…but they aren’t describing any actions…s-so maybe”
“oh…uhhh how do we fix this?!”
“Ah, yes, I know what to do!! All I need is to use my crystal ball and I’ll contact a new one through Shiraoki-sama”
…
…
*New narrator arrives*
Panicking inside of the stall Matikanefukukitaru holds her magical orb as if her life depended on it. “HAHA!! It worked” Like a winner she held the object into the air. “Were you witness Rice to how the powerful Matikanefukukitaru has saved the world!”
In the floor curled up near the table was Rice. “p-phew” She sighed. “It w-was so weird, we better be careful with Narrators” What do you mean?
“Oh…oh no Rice don’t sa-” Cutting of Fuku I read back on a few lines. “Oh Shiraoki-sama please protect us”
YOU GUYS MADE THE OTHER ONE QUIT!? Turning around I see a giant tear in the Fanfic’s continuity as I desperately examine it. “I-is that bad!?” Now scared Rice asked to the air, most likely asking me.
It is so bad the entire frame of this story could be in danger, so I need to fix it.
Everything stops just by the power of my word, its only you and me now reader.
How did we end here might be a question you might make yourself. The answer is one…honestly I just lost track of what I was doing when narrating and now things have gotten a bit out of hand.
Beside few things made sense in this story and you probably came here for how unusual the tags are.
So, we will rewind and we’ll both act as if this never even happened alrighty?
Closing the tear in the continuity I turn back to my role.
Royce went on to watch the volley match yet back in the previously mentioned stall.
“Stand back foul creature!!” From the inside of the stall someone shouted with violence and a slight panic in her voice. “I said back!”
“F-Fuku, stop waving that t-thing around please” Fighting for her life against a wasp Matikanefukukitaru waved a folded chair inside the small space.
The stall had been set up but her and Rice — Her normal assistant Doto was enjoying the water right now so Fuku would let her enjoy it — capitalizing on the huge opportunity that was travelling around the world to spread the name of Shiraoki and the power of her predictions.
Her plans however were thwarted by the sudden invasion of a wasp. “Gah!!! Get away” The creature buzzed around quickly as Matikanefukukitaru attempted to hit it with a foldable chair without success, ignoring Rice completely and just focusing on Fuku.
“Eep!” Rice ducked under another swing her ears flat against her hat. “Fuku p-please, you don’t have to hurt it w-we can just drive it away carefully” Completely against the idea of hurting the bug she argued.
With so much erratic action it was no surprise that Rice’s bad luck streak would eventually strike them. “Ack” One of the chair’s supports broke and slipped, the metal tube flying through the air and hitting Fuku in the knee. “Ah!”
That caused her to lose her balance, falling face first into the sand as her *Incoherent looking swimsuit, any attempts to look at it and understand it will cause severe headache* was not both covered in said sand as well as having it inside of it.
Waspy the wasp simply flew down, rested for a moment on Matikanefukukitaru’s back before flying off without doing anything else, her successful disturbance finished.
“Guh…Fuku? A-are you ok?” Kneeling besides the downed Umamusume Rice poked her side with a finger. “Matikanefukukitaru?” She asked again.
“Hmphpm” Still buried in the sand the orange haired Uma answered. “Hmphm mhp”
“…” The little Uma stared, unsure whether that was a good hmph or a bad hmhp. “W-we got some people lined up at the door” Almost like the floor was a bouncing pad Matikanefukukitaru rose from the floor.
“Already!?” Snapping her head towards the stall window where she planned to do her readings, there stood two tanned people.
An Uma with chesnaught hair and a arrowed diamond mark on the middle of it, she looked delicate in her complexity with delicate hands and legs yet that seemed to carry power behind them. “Buenas tardes! {Good afternoon!}” Beside her stood a tall man, very intimidating looking.
“Soy Chacal {The name’s Chacal}” She gestured to herself with a grin. “Vi el letrero y pensé que era interesante, asi que me gustaría una lectura {I saw the sign and I thought it was interesting, please give me a reading}”
“Ah a client but of course!” Fuku exclaimed just to whisper to Rice afterwards. “D-do you have any idea what she just said?”
“u-uh I-I Somewhat? Aunty h-has taught me s-some” Translating for her friend Rice not only stood as the assistant but now official translator of Shiraoki. “B-bienvenida s-soy Rice S-shower y ella e-es Matikanefukukitaru {Welcome, I’m Rice Shower and this is Matikanefukukitaru}”
With a timid little bow she introduced the two of them. The man told Chacal something in Spanish before leaving her there with them. “Y-yo actuare c-como tu t-traductora h-hoy {I’ll be your translator today}”
Feeling incredibly embarrassed from the obvious accent and erroneous pronunciation made Rice want to hide under the table yet it was her promise to help Fuku what made her not run.
Taking out the crystal ball Fuku began with her predictions.
Away from this in the direction the man had left we follow a wooden path in the beach leaving towards the town surrounding it. As he walks into the asphalt and past a building we can see two other Umamusume sitting on the terrace.
The place was an ice cream parlor with an Italian name, a big exposit with many different flavors — from vanilla to beans — ready for whoever asked for them.
The two Umas in question were Dream Journey — donning a Bandeau of yellow and gray mixtures — and Still in Love, both comfortably sitting at the shade each eating their own cold sweet to escape the heat.
A deep red grenadine ice cream in a cup for Still while Dream Journey enjoyed a soft honey flavoured cone.
Having been sitting here for a while now they were already mostly finished with their treat…at least Dream Journey was.
“Ah…it’s melting” While Dorija was already eating the cone itself Still had on her cup more than half of the ice cream remaining.
Her measurably slow eating pace couldn’t keep up with the heat — something she had accounted for by ordering it in a cup but that she still found a bit disheartening.
The loud crunch of the cone’s cookie breaking beside her drew her eyes. “How delicious, both the ice cream and the cone are of a quality I’ve not seen in many places” Very few things could properly satisfy Journey’s taste like this.
Taking a small bite out of her ice cream with a spoon Still in Love replies. “Mother did say this place held some fame for the quality” She too was finding it enjoyable. “It’s not a wrong judgement at all”
“Ah, how I wish I could have gotten Ofe a ticket as well” Adjusting her glasses Journey stared into the sea. “For all her ways she is quite the traveler and would have enjoyed coming here”
Still paused a before she took another bite. “Maybe so, but it is also good to spend some time for yourself alone” She offered. “It isn’t good to hold so much to a person”
I might be a bit of a…hypocritical advice, but Still in Love meant what she said for she sometimes had to do as much to retain some semblance of control over herself.
“I imagine as much” Sighing as her expression shifted into a more complicated tone. “However there is times I find it hard to care beyond what I already classify as important”
Still’s eyes went to the ocean as well, images of people precious to her flowing through her memories. “It truly is like that sometimes…but isn’t it what days like these are for?” Her usual composed attitude slowly dissolving into the raw creature underneath. “To let go for a while”
An instant later the mask was back on, yet differently as she went to take another bite. “Of course, always in measured steps” Closing her mouth around the spoon she stopped.
Her gaze went down, the ice cream had fully melted. “Ah” Then she looked at Dream Journey who’d finished hers while she was talking.
Chuckling Journey smiled with some edge. “You were so lost in your words I wouldn’t have dared to interrupt” Saying this with a playful tone.
It was a small demonstration of openness in the form of a joke of her taste. “Raise crows and they’ll gouge your eyes out” Answered back Still as her smile sharpened a bit as well. “And I was being so nice too”
Holding the other stare for a moment no sounds came from their table right until both softly chuckled. “I am finding that I quite enjoy your presence” Dream Journey admitted.
“I could say the same” Lowering her sunglasses and drinking the remaining of the melted Ice Cream Still in Love got up. “Shall we go enjoy the sea for a bit”
Journey followed without wasting time. “Right after you, but do please allow me to put some sunscreen first, my skin does not deal well with the sun”
A new friendship had been formed out of sharing a singular seat and conversation, the two of them walking away after paying and in the direction of the sea.
Along their way they passed a stall where an Umamusume was leaning against.
“¿GAH!? ¿A qué te refieres con suerte abismal!?!{GAH!? What do you mean Abysmal luck!?!}” With both hands on her head Chacal shouted. “Vamos jefa, esto no puede quedar así, debe haber alguna solución!! {Come on boss, this can’t be it, surely there’s a solution!!}”
“Hmm” Focusing as she held with her fingers her temple Matikanefukukitaru searched for a solution very mystically.
Rice held her hands together on her chest “I-isn’t there anything we can do?!” The sounds Fuku was making only got even more intense after that, her hands moving to hover over the crystal ball.
All of them leaned closer to the orb.
“Wine!” Finally exclaimed Fuku as Rice translated for her not long after.
“Vino?? {Wine??}” Dumbfounded Chacal stared yet the threat of luck beyond the worse was more powerful that her suspicion. “¿Qué debo hacer con el Vino jefa? {What should I do with the wine boss?}”
“No, you have to make wine” Clarified the prediction pointing a finger directly at the Spanish racer.
“make it?” Even Rice found the idea absurd yet she still translated for Chacal.
The woman didn’t do anything for a moment, then. “Ya veo…muy bien ¡¡si eso debo hacer entonces eso hare!! {I see…very well. If that’s what must be done then that’s what I’ll do!!} ” With her only way out this problem already given to her Chacal let out an encouraged shout.
Her food dug on the sand as she accelerated away. “¡¡Gracias por todo jefa!! {Thank you for everything boss!!}” Leaving just a trail of sand after her.
Rubbing her nose Matikanefukukitaru stood proud. “Heh, another satisfied customer” Smirking while her assistant Rice just stared at her with both confusion and maybe some disappointment.
“Sure…thing Fuku” Is all she said, then feeling someone’s gaze her Rice seek the source. “Guh” It would seem work had accumulated after Chacal left them.
Fuku was more excited about that. “Welcome in customers and let Shiraoki dictate your fate!”
And so the day in the beach continues for all the Japanese Uma’s who found themselves on the south of Spain.
But you may ask, where the hell is the instigator of it all? Where is Berno Light?
She’s been swimming on the deep sea the whole time, that’s it.
What? Expected more? Hell no she is enjoying the beach her own way.
—END—
—Mystic—
