Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Their time as runners on the race track had come to an end, and now the new generation were the new stars of the track.

Admire Vega had accepted a job at Tracen Academy to help teach the future generations, but she did not think she was the best one for the role. Despite her doubts, Narita Top Road and Curren Chan had convinced her to. Now she was helping train young umamusume achieve their dreams.

"Ayabe! Are you on break now?" Curren Chan shouts.

"Don't be so loud. The students are still here." Ayabe says disapprovingly.

"Aw come on! You're being too serious." Curren Chan pouts.

Ayabe sighs and closes her eyes. "And you're too energetic."

"That's why my students love me!" Curren Chan winks.

"Sure..." Ayabe rolls her eyes.

"But are you on break? Top Road and I are meeting up with Doto, Urara, and Fuji-san for lunch!" Curren Chan smiles.

"I can join you." Ayabe sets aside her papers.

"Hooray!" Curren Chan cheers.

Ayabe sighs as she watches Curren Chan run out of her office. Sometimes she wondered if Curren Chan really grew up. As far as she could tell, the other uma was the same as when they had still been roommates. She wondered how the students here were able to tolerate her.

------------------

"Ayabe! Curren Chan! You're both here!" Top Road waves enthusiastically.

"Hello Ayabe and Curren Chan." Doto waves meekly.

"Top Road. Doto. It is good to see both of you." Ayabe nods.

"This kind of feels like when we all went to school together!" Top Road laughs. Then her smile drops. "Except Opera O isn't here..."

Ayabe frowns, her gaze turning to the ground. She remembered her dear friend and rival, TM Opera O. Opera had a way of just appearing before her and dragging her along to do who knows what. Ayabe never really understood what went on in the other uma's head. At first, she found Opera's tendencies to be annoying. But as more and more time went by, she grew used to it all.

Even after they had all stopped racing, they would all spend time together. That went on for years. When Director Akikawa had asked them to appear for fan events, they all had accepted. Donning their signature racewear, they all went and greeted fans. According to Director Akikawa, it helped to inspire future generations of umamusume.

Ayabe had noticed that Opera seemed weary after a few of the meet ups. When she asked the other uma if everything was alright, Opera just gave her the usual smile and said everything was fine. She hadn't pushed further, but now she wishes she had.

------------------

"Opera? Are you alright?" Ayabe asks, leaning into the shorter uma's face.

"Huh? Oh! I am fine. You needn't worry, Ayabe." Opera smiles weakly.

"Are you sure?" Ayabe crosses her arms. "You're spacing out and hardly spoke to any of your fans. Though there weren't very many of them here today for some reason... It seems like less of them have been coming lately."

"Ah... My apologies. I'm just a little tired." Opera laughs quietly.

"Alright then. Make sure you get some rest." Ayabe sighs.

"Thank you, Ayabe. You are very kind to someone like me." Opera says. She walks away without another word.

As Ayabe watches her leave, she remembers how Opera's smile fades away once she seems to think no one is watching her anymore. She remembers how the smile never seemed to reach her eyes anymore. She remembers how the light in Opera's beautiful purple eyes seemed dimmer now.

But Ayabe never pushed more than Opera had been willing to share.

------------------

Three years since they had all graduated, TM Opera O had vanished. No matter who Ayabe asked, no matter where she looked, there were no traces of where Opera had gone or what happened to her. As more time went by, even fans at the fan meet ups had stopped talking about her. Some fans seemed to be unaware of who TM Opera O had been. It was almost as if she had never existed to begin with.

But for those who knew her, they would still talk about her. They would still host gatherings, hoping that one day she would reappear and walk through the doors with her usual boisterous greeting.

But that never happened.

Now, it had been ten years since they had all graduated. Now, they had grown used to the absence of their friend. But they had never accepted it.

"I hope she is alright..." Doto whispers, snapping Ayabe out of her thoughts.

"I'm sure she is." Ayabe lies. After all, she didn't know.

"We'll see her again. I'm sure of it." Top Road smiles. "She wouldn't do anything stupid."

"Mmm... Maybe Opera just went back to her hometown and there is no phone signal!" Curren Chan suggests.

"Oh! That might be it!" Doto nods.

"I doubt it." Ayabe shakes her head. "That just isn't possible anymore."

"You're right..." Curren Chan sighs.

"Then maybe she just decided to take a break!" Doto says.

"That could be it." Top Road muses. "But wouldn't she have told us that?"

Ayabe falls silent as her friends continue to talk about their missing companion. The more she thought about Opera, the more bitter and regretful she felt. For how much she thought she disliked being around Opera, she missed her presence when she stopped seeing the orange haired uma. She regretted never getting closer and rejecting the offers to spend time together. And now she felt bitter because it felt like Opera hadn't trusted any of them enough to tell them where or why she left.

"Why didn't you say anything to us?"

Ayabe glares down at the ground. Now there was nothing that could be done to change what had happened. She takes a deep breath and looks at her friends. "Lets hurry and meet with Fuji-san and Urara. They are probably waiting for us."

------------------

"You're all here!" Urara waves enthusiastically.

"Oguri-senpai and Rice Shower are here too?" Top Road asks.

"I'm sorry. Oguri heard we were eating out and just invite herself." Fuji sighs.

"I want to eat." Oguri simply says. She pauses and then nods. "I will pay for my own portion."

"Thank you..." Top Road mutters.

"And why did Rice Shower join?" Ayabe asks.

"Um... well.. Eep!" Rice Shower squeaks when Urara suddenly throws her arms around her.

"Rice said that she knows a good place to eat!" Urara smiles brightly.

"Food tastes good no matter where we go." Oguri says.

"You would think that..." Fuji mutters. Then she smiles. "But I look forward to your suggestion Rice!"

"I'll try not to disappoint all of you!" Rice bows quickly before walking ahead of everyone. "This way!"

"What kind of place is it?" Curren Chan asks.

"It's a small café! They have more than just pastries!" Rice says.

"Really?! That sounds yummy!" Urara smiles brightly.

"Um... will it be okay with all of us going?" Doto asks hesitantly.

"Mhm!" Rice nods. "There should be enough room! And there is something there that will surprise all of you!"

Ayabe sighs. "It isn't hot mustard inside of taiyaki is it?"

"Huh?! No! Not at all! Only Gold Ship would like that..." Rice frowns.

"Is it something super sweet?" Curren Chan asks.

"Um... I don't think so?" Rice tilts her head.

"Oh! It's all you can eat!" Oguri says excited.

"It...isn't that..." Rice says quietly.

"I think you would make the place go bankrupt if it was." Fuji says. "Or get us all banned."

"Getting banned would be bad... I already got banned from a different restaurant." Oguri mutters.

"You got banned?! That's terrible!" Top Road says. "I can go talk to them and convince them to unban you!"

"Don't do that..." Fuji sighs.

"But this is unfair to Oguri!" Top Road says.

"They might have their reasons for doing it..." Curren Chan mutters.

"Um... Rice, can you tell us what the surprise is?" Doto asks.

"But if I tell you, it would ruin it..." Rice says.

"Then we will keep guessing!" Urara cheers.

Ayabe notices a small glint from Urara's bag and sneaks a quick peek. A frown crosses her face. "Urara, why do you have Opera O's crown with you? How did you get it?"

"Hm?" Urara looks up at her. "Oh! Ope said I could hold onto it until I won a race!"

"But... you won one recently..." Ayabe says.

"Mhm! But... it is hard to return it if I don't know where Ope is..." Urara pouts.

"I never understood why she left without saying anything." Top Road sighs. She glances towards Fuji. "Fuji-san, did she say anything to you?"

"Hm? No. She didn't." Fuji shakes her head. "Not even Rudolf knows. Taiki was devastated by Opera's disappearance and wouldn't stop crying."

"I was hoping one of you would know..." Top Road says, disappointed.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could help more." Fuji says.

"I don't understand why Director Akikawa never said anything. She is Tracen Academy's Chairman, so she would have to know something." Oguri says.

"If she does know, she is keeping us in the dark. I don't think we can trust her for answers." Ayabe says bitterly. Rice gives her an uncomfortable look that she ignores. "I am sure she knows something."

"What makes you say that?" Oguri asks.

"I work at Tracen now. There are some files she has locked away that I am not allowed to access." Ayabe explains.

"I don't think that means she knows something." Curren Chan points out.

"No. I am sure she does. We still do fan meets even though we all retired." Ayabe shakes her head. "But when it comes to the races Top Road and I ran in with Opera, she is never mentioned or spoken about as if she never existed. The Chairman knows something."

"Um... Why don't we worry about that another time?" Rice quickly says.

"Yeah! We should all eat first!" Urara says cheerfully.

"I would like to do that." Doto says quietly.

Ayabe couldn't help but frown as everyone else agreed. She wondered if they were just trying to avoid the topic altogether. Were they all avoiding talking about Opera disappearing because they felt guilty for not knowing why she disappeared? Why did this have to become an uncomfortable topic? And the more she thought about it, the more sure she was that Director Akikawa knew something. After all, it was the Chairman who had initially told her that Opera had vanished and could no longer be contacted.

------------------

"What did you just say?" Ayabe asks.

"It is as I told you three times now. TM Opera O has vanished and will no longer be associated with URA related events." Director Akikawa says.

"It is regrettable this has happened." Tazuna says solemnly.

"What do you mean she vanished?! And why isn't she going to be associated with URA anymore?!" Ayabe demands.

"Due to events that I cannot disclose with you, TM Opera O is no longer associated with URA. That is all." Director Akikawa says.

"Why?!" Ayabe shouts. "Opera earned so much for you! You can't just cut ties with her after everything she has done for URA!"

"We understand how you feel, but there isn't anything else we can do." Tazuna says.

"No! You don't understand!" Ayabe growls.

"Admire Vega. I know she was your rival and-" Director Akikawa starts.

"Friend. She is my friend." Ayabe corrects.

Director Akikawa takes a deep breath. "I understand that TM Opera O was-"

"Is." Ayabe interrupts.

"I understand that TM Opera O is your friend, but there isn't anything that can be done about this. But I will still ask you and Narita Top Road to make appearances for fan events." Director Akikawa continues. She folds her hands on her desk. "However, future events will center around your accomplishments. There will be no mentions of the races you or Top Road lost to Opera O in."

"But-" Ayabe protests.

"We will discuss this no further. You are excused now." Director Akikawa says.

------------------

"And we're here!" Rice says, showing them all the cafe she had been talking about.

"It looks nice." Fuji smiles.

"Let's go inside." Rice opens the door and motions for everyone to walk in.

Ayabe is the last to step in with Oguri at the front. Urara is happily chatting with Doto and Curren Chan about something while they wait to be seated. Fuji and Top Road discuss something in hushed whispers. It was almost as if this was normal for all of them.

Ayabe takes the time to look around the cafe, trying to see if she could find any familiar faces. If Rice Shower liked the place, perhaps it was because someone introduced her to the place. She sees the faces of some former classmates working as waitresses, so she could only assume it was them. As she looks around some more, she sees some beautiful paintings on the walls. It made the place feel comfortable and homey.

A flash of orange at the corner of her eyes catches her attention, and Ayabe quickly focuses on it. Her eyes land on a small uma with long orange hair. She could only see the uma's back, but that orange felt so familiar to her. She just couldn't figure out why.

"Oh!" Rice steps forward. "Excuse me!"

The orange haired uma turns as her ears perk up from the drooping position and Ayabe's heart skips a beat. The right side of the uma's face is obscured by her hair, but it wasn't hard to spot the purple eye that peeks at them. Ayabe almost missed it as that purple eye goes wide with shock before returning to normal. She holds her breath and waits.

"Ah... Rice Shower. I... I wasn't expecting you so soon." The orange haired uma says.

It couldn't be. Ayabe couldn't help but stare, wondering if she was dreaming.

"I said I was going to come with a few friends." Rice smiles.

"I... I see. But when you said a few friends, I thought you meant one or two. Not seven..." The orange haired uma says.

That voice was so familiar, just like that hair and that purple eye she remembered so well.

"I'm sorry!" Rice bows her head in apology. "I just thought... I thought it would be okay with you. I mean, it-"

"Opera O, is that you?" Ayabe steps forward.

The orange haired uma tenses and takes a step back, but it was enough to confirm her suspicions.

"Opera..." Ayabe closes the distance, reaching a hand out and places it against her cheek. She doesn't miss the flinch but chooses not to address it. "How? Why? Where have you been this whole time?"

Chapter Text

"Opera... How? Why? Where have you been this whole time?" Ayabe had so many questions, yet the answers may not be what she wanted to hear. "No, I should be asking if it really is you."

The orange haired uma, no, TM Opera O, pushes Ayabe's hand away and steps back. She keeps her gaze away from them. "Yes, it's me."

"Ope!" Urara cries out, leaping forward and throwing her arms around the other uma. "I missed you!"

"A-Ah... Urara..." Opera says hesitantly. "I... I missed you too."

"Then why did you leave?" Urara asks, looking up with innocent eyes.

"Um..." Opera pulls away. "Can we talk later?"

"Hm? If that is what you want-" Fuji starts.

"No." Ayabe interrupts. "I want to talk now. You can't just disappear and not tell us anything."

An unreadable expression crosses Opera's face before she sighs. "Fine. This way."

The group had stayed quiet while they were taken to a table in a private room. But judging by the expressions on everyone's face, Ayabe could tell that they all had questions they wanted to ask. She was upset when Opera had initially vanished, but now she was relieved to see her dear friend return. However, she had a sense of dread as she watched the orange haired uma. Something did not feel right. As she observed Opera more, she noticed how apprehensive Opera seemed to be now.

Why was she so anxious? What happened to the overly confident uma she remembered?

"Here. Just... take your seats and look at the menu." Opera motions to the table. She walks back to the door.

"Wait! I thought we were going to talk!" Top Road calls out.

Opera pauses in the doorway. "Don't worry. I'll be back. I just... have to speak with my manager first to make sure it is okay."

"O-Oh... Alright." Top Road sits back down.

Opera nods before vanishing out of the door. Silence followed after and no one dared to move. Only Oguri reached for a menu and began flipping through it without a care in the world.

"Hmm... The food looks good." Oguri says, licking her lips.

"Do you only think about food?" Curren Chan asks.

"I love food!" Oguri says.

"Right... forget I asked..." Curren Chan sighs.

"Rice, was that the surprise you were telling us about?" Top Road asks.

Rice nods enthusiastically, then she frowns. "But, I don't think she is happy about it..."

"She didn't seem too happy." Top Road frowns.

"Regardless, it is good to see her again." Fuji says. "But I am concerned about her. She didn't seem like her usual self at all."

"It can't be! Opera O is always strong! Something must be wrong!" Doto says.

"Well Opera is no longer racing. I think she kept up the overlord act because that's what people expected from her." Oguri looks up from the menu. "She is a nice person to talk to."

"You talked to Opera?" Ayabe asks incredulously.

"Yup. She hadn't been sure about joining a race and I encouraged her to." Oguri nods. She looks back at the menu. "That's the one she beat you and Top Road in. I think she did well."

"Right." Ayabe says dryly. "So that's why I saw you watching from the stands."

"I wanted to show her my support because she raced when I encouraged her to." Oguri smiles.

"Huh? That means we almost didn't race with her." Top Road says.

"She was still recovering from an injury before it." Doto speaks up. "I was afraid Opera O wouldn't do well..."

"It's nice we got to race with her." Top Road smiles. She taps her chin. "I wonder what she has been up to for the past few years."

"Who knows. Only she does." Ayabe shrugs.

"Maybe Ope just wanted a break!" Urara says.

"Or maybe she-" Curren chan starts.

"Well, we should wait for her to return instead of making speculations." Fuji says.

"Okay..." Curren Chan pouts.

Ayabe nods in agreement. She glances towards the doorway, looking for signs of the orange haired uma. She was beginning to wonder if they had all been lied to and Opera just chose to run away.

Those doubts quickly wash away when little orange ears peek in, and Ayabe let's out a sigh of relief. "I was starting to wonder if you were actually coming back."

"Can I order now?" Oguri asks.

"Can you stop thinking about food for one minute?" Fuji sighs.

"Okay." Oguri says with a thoughtful look on her face.

"Here, have a seat." Fuji motions to the empty chair next to her.

Opera sits down at the table between Oguri and Fuji. "Um... thank you."

"Opera O, are you going to eat too?" Rice asks.

"Yes, I will." Opera nods.

"That's good! It wouldn't be right if you didn't!" Rice smiles, clapping her hands together.

A young woman walks in, setting a teapot and teacups on the table before taking their orders. Just as predicted, Oguri ordered everything on the menu. Ayabe pitied the poor waitress as she watched the color drain from her face.

The waitress thanked them and quickly left, muttering something about possibly going out of business under her breath. Then silence washed over them all.

Opera stayed quiet, opting to sip on some tea. The food began arriving, and Oguri was the first to dig in. Every so often, she places some of the food on Opera's plate and gently encourages her to eat.

As Ayabe watched, she felt some sense of normalcy. It was almost as if they had never been apart.

------------------

"Ayabe! I was just looking for you!" Opera exclaims loudly.

"Fantastic..." Ayabe mutters. "Why?"

"Let us partake in a joyous day together!" Opera holds out her hand. "The sun is high in the sky, so it is the perfect time for us to take a trip to the park where many are entertained!"

"You mean the amusement park." Ayabe says.

"Yes! Top Road suggested it!" Opera smiles brightly.

Ayabe sighs. "Let me guess. She was the one who asked you to get me."

"That would be correct! I had already spoken to the dearest Curren Chan, but alas, she had her own plans. I would not dare pull her away from it! That would be a cruel act!" Opera says.

"Can't you talk normal for once?" Ayabe mutters.

"I don't think that is necessary." Top Road giggles as she approaches. "I like it when she talks like that."

"Of course you would." Ayabe crosses her arms.

"But Opera O wouldn't be Opera O if she didn't talk like that!" Doto pipes up.

"Doto! Top Road! I am glad you have joined us!" Opera says enthusiastically.

"I was worried because you were taking awhile." Top Road laughs. "Let's go now."

Ayabe sighs as she follows the three from behind. A small smile crosses her face as she watches Top Road tug Opera along. She had always thought that she wasn't someone others would want to spend time with due to how gloomy she was. But Top Road and Opera had reached out to her with open arms, welcoming her as their friend and rival. This was something she could get used to.

------------------

Reminiscing about the past made Ayabe wish things had never changed. She wished the past few years had been nothing but a nightmare and that Opera had never left. But of course, reality had to be different.

"Um... Opera O?" Rice calls out.

"Hm?" Opera glances in Rice's direction.

"I am really sorry for springing this on you so suddenly!" Rice bows her head.

Opera sighs. "It is not your fault. Everyone would have found out eventually."

"How long have you been back?" Top Road asks.

"About a week now." Opera says.

"A week?! Then where have you been staying?!" Top Road says worried.

"Um... with Brian-san..." Opera says quietly, glancing in Fuji's direction.

A tight smile crosses Fuji's face. "Oh. I see. I wonder why she left that out when I saw her three days ago."

"Please don't be mad at her. I asked her not to say anything." Opera says.

"You... you did?" Fuji asks as confusion crosses her face. "Why? Everyone misses you. We all would have been happy to know."

"I know that..." Opera looks away, "But I don't think I am ready to face everyone yet..."

"Then you can when you are ready to." Fuji says softly.

Ayabe frowns. "I still have a question that I need answers for."

"Hm?" Opera looks towards her.

"Does Director Akikawa know why you left?" Ayabe asks.

Opera's visible eye goes wide before she turns her head away, her ears falling flat against her head. "She does..."

"I knew it!" Ayabe growls angrily. "I knew she was keeping something from me!"

"Ayabe! Calm down!" Curren Chan says.

"M-Maybe Director Akikawa had a good reason!" Doto tries to reason.

Ayabe growls. "Good reason?! What kind of re-"

"It's my fault." Opera interrupts.

"Huh?" Ayabe turns to her.

"It's my fault." Opera mutters.

"Opera, why would you say that?" Top Road asks.

Opera bites her lips, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

"Opera, could you tell us what happened?" Fuji asks gently. "We won't tell a soul outside of this room."

"Promise?" Opera asks in a voice that breaks Ayabe's heart.

"Promise. I swear on my heart." Fuji holds her hand over her heart.

"We won't tell anyone." Oguri says.

"Okay." Opera says quietly. "Let me show you something first."

"Huh? What does Ope want to show us?" Urara tilts her head.

Ayabe's heart clenches as she watches Opera's hand reach up and pull the hair out of her face. Then her blood runs cold as she takes in the sight before her. She hears Rice Shower and Curren Chan gasp. She barely registers it as Top Road crosses the room to grab Opera's face in her hands.

"What happened?! Are you okay?! Does it still hurt?!" Top Road asks frantically.

"More importantly, who did this?" Fuji asks in a voice that sends shivers through Ayabe's spine.

"Opera O! Are you okay?!" Doto sobs.

"I... I'm fine now. It doesn't hurt anymore." Opera says softly.

"What happened?" Top Road repeats.

Opera reaches up and gently moves Top Road's hands away. "Back when I still joined the fan meets. After the last one I had gone to, a "fan" had secretly followed me to my home. I... I didn't know he was there. I didn't know he had been there until I felt a burning pain. A-And I remember being hit by something. Glass, I think. I kicked him and he fell out the window on the second floor. He... He got hurt badly. I didn't mean to... It's my fault. I... I messed up."

"He broke into your home. He hurt you." Oguri states.

Opera looks at Oguri with wide eyes. "But-"

"But nothing. You were protecting yourself. That was his own fault." Oguri says.

Opera opens her mouth but stops and turns away.

"Your eye, can you see with it anymore?" Fuji asks gently.

Opera shakes her head.

"I see." Fuji frowns. Her eyes glance over Opera.

Ayabe's gaze never leaves the orange haired uma. Her eyes tracing over the visible burn scars she could see before Opera lets her hair drop back over her face, obscuring them once more.

"How far do they reach?" Oguri asks.

Opera bites her lips before her hand traces over the lower portion of her right cheek. Then trails down the side of her neck, down her right arm, and stops just above her right knee. "Up to here. It's just the right side of my body."

"Ope..." Urara whimpers.

"That's... That's awful!" Top Road cries out.

"Does Director Akikawa know about this?" Ayabe asks. As she watches the light leave Opera's eyes, she knows the answer.

"She knows. I... I told her." Opera says.

"She knows?! What did she say?! What did she do?!" Ayabe demands.

Opera grimaces and looks away. "Well..."

------------------

"TM Opera O. I am sure you know why I asked you to come here." Director Akikawa says, keeping her hands folded on her desk.

"It is to discuss the recent incident." Opera says evenly.

"That is correct." Director Akikawa hums. Her eyes stay focused on the orange haired uma. "Please explain to me what happened."

"A "fan" secretly followed me to my home and broke in." Opera whispers.

"And?" Director Akikawa asks.

"And..." Opera trembles, running her fingers over the bandages on her arm. "And I was attacked."

"How are your injuries?" Director Akikawa asks.

"They are healing." Opera says quietly. "But the doctor said I won't be able to see out of my right eye anymore."

"That is regrettable." The director says, but it did not sound like she was being empathetic. The wide brim of her hat casts a shadow over her eyes. "But there is more we need to discuss."

"More to discuss? What more is there to say?" Opera frowns.

"This wasn't the first time a "fan" attacked you. The first time, one threw stones at you during a fan meet. We made sure they got a lifetime ban from all URA related events." The director says.

"That didn't stop more of them from coming after me. Some of them went to the theater I worked at and vandalized it. Because it was too frequent, the owner of the theater asked me to leave." Opera says.

"I am aware about that. It is an unfortunate event." The director says.

"Then after that, some of them destroyed part of the daycare Urara works at. All because she mentioned that I would visit." Opera says bitterly.

"How is Urara holding up?" The director asks.

"She is fine, just a little upset over what happened. But it shouldn't have happened." Opera frowns. She glares at the director now. "Why haven't you done anything? I have complied with your wishes and continued to attend events despite everything. Why aren't you doing anything to make sure all of us are safe? If they are so bold as to attack me, what is stopping them from attacking someone else? I am only glad Urara did not get hurt during any of this."

"Opera O, is that the way you should be speaking to me? I already did you a favor by banning that person who threw stones at you. There is nothing more I can do." The director narrows her eyes. She stands up slamming her hands on her desk. "What's more, URA is being sued because you injured someone!"

The color drains from Opera's face. "I didn't mean-"

"His family is demanding compensation for the injuries caused when you kicked him out the window! Do you understand what this means for URA? If we choose to defend our athlete that severely injured a citizen, the fans will feel alienated. It will make it difficult for any of them to want to associate with anyone else!" The director shouts.

"But he-" Opera tries.

"TM Opera O. URA cannot do anything more to help you. From this point on, URA will be cutting ties with you." The director says coldly. "This is something you will have to handle on your own. Our hands are tied. You are dismissed."

------------------

"What?" Ayabe growls.

"You can't be serious." Fuji frowns, fury shines in her eyes.

"It's my fault..." Opera whispers. "The director... she just made the choice that was better for everyone."

"Better?! How was that better?!" Ayabe slams her hands on the table.

"It was a mess I made, so it is my own fault this happened." Opera says.

"Ope isn't at fault!" Urara speaks up.

"Urara, that's not-" Opera frowns.

"No! Ope is wrong! Ope isn't at fault!" Urara pouts.

Fuji stands up and moves to the door. "I'm going to talk to everyone about this."

"You can't!" Opera cries out.

"I can't just sit by and pretend I didn't hear this!" Fuji snaps. "It isn't right! You deserve better!"

"No. You're wrong." Opera's voice breaks as she speaks. "I... I don't."

But before Opera could say anything more, Oguri pulls her into a hug. Ayabe sees Opera tense for a moment before she buries her face against Oguri's neck and begins sobbing. A regretful look crosses Fuji's face before returns to Opera's side and joins the embrace. Then Urara, Rice, Op Road, Doto, and Curren Chan all join in.

Ayabe hesitates for a moment before joining them all. Guilt wrings at her heart, wishing she had been able to do something sooner.

Chapter Text

Ayabe doesn't know how much time had gone by, but at some point one of the waitresses had come to check on them and left just as quickly. She moves away when she sees Top Road move away. Everyone stands back a little, save for Oguri who stays close to Opera.

Ayabe felt a pang of jealousy as she watches, but she quickly pushes the feeling down. Instead, she offers one of the uneaten cakes. "Here. Eat this. It should make you feel better."

Oguri looks like she wants to protest, but a sharp look from Fuji silences her.

"Thank you." Opera takes the cake and takes a few small bites.

Oguri sighs. "What are we going to do now?"

"I want to talk to Director Akikawa about this." Fuji says.

"Hm. That sounds like a good idea." Oguri says, taking out her phone. She taps the screen a few times.

"What are you doing?" Urara asks.

"Sending a message to Symboli Rudolf. She still works at Tracen." Oguri smiles.

"Um... Is that a good idea?" Doto asks.

"Rudolf wouldn't do anything stupid!" Oguri smiles before tapping send.

"Oh no..." Fuji shakes her head. "You don't understand. She is capable of doing something stupid."

"It can't be that bad." Oguri shrugs.

"It can be." A voice from the doorway rings out.

"Oh! Brian! What are you doing here?" Fuji asks.

Ayabe sighs as she looks over. "Who is going to show up next? Tachyon?"

"No? I would not be with her. If I came with anyone, it would be my sister." Narita Brian frowns.

"That... Never mind..." Ayabe shakes her head. Part of her was beginning to wonder how smart some of the older umamusume really were.

"What brings you here, Brian?" Top Road asks with a cheerful smile.

"I came to pick up Opera. Her manager called saying she may need to leave early." Brian's eyes scan over the room. "And I can see why."

"...is she calling us a problem?" Curren Chan asks.

"I don't know what you mean." Brian crosses her arms.

"She says she doesn't know, so she doesn't know!" Urara says.

"I don't think you should believe that..." Curren Chan mutters.

Ayabe frowns as she watches Brian cross the room to where Opera sits. Why did she have to be the first one to find Opera when she returned? Why couldn't it have been Ayabe herself? Surely things would be different if Ayabe was the one to find Opera first. After all, wasn't she closer to Opera than Narita Brian ever was?

But Ayabe's questions are silenced as she realizes a smaller figure had followed Brian into the room. "Huh?"

"Brian, did you kidnap someone's kid?" Fuji asks.

"Hyeuh?!" Rice squeaks. "Kidnapped?!"

"Brian-san kidnapped someone's kid?!" Doto squeaks.

"Huh?! Do all of you think I am some kind of monster?!" Brian shouts.

"Sometimes you act like one..." Fuji mutters.

"That's a rude thing to say..." Top Road shakes her head.

The little uma child bounces over to Opera and hugs her. "Mama! Auntie Brian took me to the amusement park!"

"Oh. That sounds nice!" Opera smiles, picking up the child. "Did you have fun?"

"Mhm! I got this too! Auntie Brian helped!" The kid holds up a teddy bear.

"That's nice of her." Opera says.

Silence fills the room, then all eyes focus on Opera who is avoiding eye contact with everyone now.

"You have a kid?" Oguri asks after a few beats of silence.

"Mhm." Opera nods.

"What's her name?" Fuji smiles.

"TM Toppazure." Opera answers.

"How old is she?" Rice asks.

"I am six years old!" The child says.

"Opera... So you're saying that after you left, you went and had a kid." Ayabe states.

"And didn't tell us?!" Top Road adds.

"A-Ah... well... it didn't work out. He left after three years. It's fine. I'm fine." Opera says, looking away. "He never really liked me and was really only interested in the money that came with my name."

"I offered to hunt him down, but she said no." Brian grumbles.

"You really are a monster!" Curren Chan says.

"Oi! Can it!" Brian huffs.

"We can discuss this later, but I believe there are more pressing matters to attend to." Opera says, pointing to Brian's pocket.

"What are you-" Brian frowns. Then she tenses when her phone begins buzzing with notifications.

Fuji fishes out her phone at the same time, checking it as notifications go off. "Oh. Everyone is active again."

"Crap." Brian mutters. She scoops Opera up in her arms, along with the kid. "We're heading to Tracen for damage control."

"Uh... Urara and I have to go meet with King Halo for something..." Rice quickly says before dragging Urara away.

"And Doto promised to go shopping with me!" Curren Chan says, grabbing Doto's arm and running away.

"I did?!" Doto cries out.

Brian groans. "Damn it. The rest of you are coming. No discussions."

The moment she is out of the building, Brian begins running. Fuji and Oguri chase after her with Top Road and Ayabe following from behind.

"Why are we running?" Top Road asks.

"We need to get there before them!" Brian says.

"Them?" Ayabe frowns.

"Grass Wonder and Hishi Amazon." Fuji answers. "You do not want to make them mad."

------------------

As the gates to Tracen Academy come into view, it was apparent someone had already entered before them. Ayabe dreaded to know who it could be. But she was sure that whoever it was likely went to speak to Akikawa already.

"Good." She can't help but think. After all, Ayabe wanted Akikawa to explain herself. Why did she throw Opera under the bus like that?

"Ugh... We were too slow." Brian grumbles, running past some confused students.

"This really looks like we just broke into campus..." Ayabe mutters.

"I don't think so." Oguri says.

Ayabe wants to refute that, but she keeps her mouth shut. As she watches Brian navigate the halls, she wonders why the older uma was so worried. It wasn't like anyone would do anything too dangerous.

Or so she thought.

A loud crash echoes through the halls, causing Ayabe to frown. "What was that?"

"Ugh... I just replaced her desk too..." Brian grumbles.

"I'm sorry, what?" Top Road asks.

"Questions later." Brian says before kicking open the doors to Akikawa's office. "Hishiama! Grass! Stop right- Taiki?!"

"Oh hi there!" Taiki waves as she stands in the broken remains of a desk, holding something in her hands.

"Is that a gun?!" Top Road screams.

"Taiki! Put that down!" Brian shouts as she places Opera down.

"Huh? Okay." Taiki returns the gun to the holster at her hip. She stares for a few moments before her eyes sparkle with joy. "Opera!"

Within seconds, Taiki Shuttle closes the distance, scooping Opera up and spinning around. Then she sets her back down, patting the orange haired una on the head. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too, Taiki." Opera says.

Ayabe glances around the room, spotting Director Akikawa pressed against the wall. She narrows her eyes, glaring at the director. But before she could say anything, the doors fly past her.

"Director Akikawa! We need to talk!" Hishiama shouts as she steps in.

"My doors!" Director Akikawa whines.

"There is somwthing we would like to discuss." Grass Wonder smiles as she joins them. Right behind her are El Condor Pasa, Maruzensky, Air Groove, and Symboli Rudolf.

"But did you have to break the doors?!" Director Akikawa cries.

"Hm. Nope." Hishiama says. "I will pay for that."

"And now I need a new desk too! Brian just got me a new one after she smashed the first one!" Dorector Akikawa whines. "Why is it that my former students are causing trouble?!"

"We wanted to discuss the details behind TM Opera O's dismissal by URA." Air Groove states.

"You told them?!" Director Akikawa looks in Opera's direction.

"Um... no. I told Fuji and Oguri. Then... Oguri told Rudolf... who probably told everyone else." Opera says.

"Was I not supposed to?" Rudolf asks.

"I'm glad you told us. Now we know what happened." Maruzensky says.

"I was sad when Opera disappeared. I never thought the director knew something and didn't tell us!" El Condor Pasa huffs.

"Can all of you calm down for a moment?!" Director Akikawa shouts.

"No. We want answers." Grass Wonder says.

Opera sighs. "It isn't Director Akikawa's fault. If that is what all of you are thinking. I forgive her."

"Forgive her?! Opera, she abandoned you!" Ayabe growls.

"I don't think there is much to forgive." Top Road says.

"But URA pressured her to. URA provides funding to Tracen, and they made the choice to dismiss me. If the director did not listen, Tracen Academy would lose funding. It is not her fault." Opera says.

"Oh! That makes sense!" Oguri says with a nod.

"Hm. I did not think of it that way." Rudolf says.

Director Akikawa sobs and throws her arms around Opera. "Opera O, you're an angel!"

"Alls well that ends well. I am glad we cleared that up." Rudolf smiles.

Everyone falls silent when someone clears their throat. They all turn to see Tazuna standing in the broken doorway.

"Oh. Hi Tazuna!" Taiki waves.

"All of you sit down." Tazuna says in a strict tone. "We have to discuss your behavior now."

------------------

They all had to sit on the ground while Tazuna lectured all of them (including Director Akikawa) about being good role models for thr future students of Tracen Academy. "And I am sure you all know that just barging into the chairman's office is not respectful behavior!"

"Yes Tazuna..."

"Good. I am glad you all understand." Tazuna smiles. She turns to Opera. "And it is good to see you again. I was worried when you left without saying anything. Did you change your phone number? I had tried to contact you."

"Ah... I did." Opera says quietly.

"And who is the little one?" Tazuna asks.

Ayabe sighs as she listens to Opera give the same answers as before. She supposed this wasn't so bad, but she definitely had not expected any of her seniors to do what they had. She eyes the broken desk and doors. Then she makes a mental note not to anger any of them.

"Well when she is old enough and if you wish to, you can enroll her here at Tracen." Tazuna smiles.

"I'll think about it." Opera says.

"What are we going to do now?" El Condor Pasa asks. "I don't think that what happened with Opera is fair! That guy is still out there!"

"Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do now. It is out of my hands." Director Akikawa says.

"He should have been arrested, not treated like the victim!" Hishiama punches her fists together. "Is URA just going to ignore it if another one of us gets hurt?!"

"I don't know. I only delivered their message." Director Akikawa frowns.

"It wasn't the best message, and that was unfair to Opera." Maruzensky says before motioning to the orange haired uma. "Look at what he did!"

"I understand that you are all angry, but-" Director Akikawa says.

"We are the right amount of angry." Grass Wonder interrupts. "I would like this man's address so we can talk."

"You do mean talk, right? And not breaking his bones?" Akikawa asks.

"I wonder what I mean." Grass smiles.

Air Groove sighs and rubs her forehead. "That will just land us in trouble, Grass. Team Spica already caused enough trouble. We do not need Team Rigil's reputation to go down the drain because you and Hishiama decided to attack the man."

"But he would deserve it!" Hishiama huffs.

"Karma needs to be served." Grass says.

"I'll help!" Taiki says.

"I agree with them." Ayabe says before Air Groove can scold the two.

"Ayabe!" Opera frowns.

"What? They are right. That guy got away with what he did and it isn't right." Ayabe growls. "It isn't fair to you."

"But if you all go and hurt him, all of you will get into trouble. URA had no problem throwing me away. They would do the same with all of you if you go after him." Opera reasons.

"Ugh... that's a fair point..." Hishiama groans.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Grass asks.

"I don't have ideas." Opera says quietly.

"That's alright." Top Road pats her on the shoulder. "We will-"

"I have an idea." Rudolf says, holding out a piece of paper with some terrible drawings on it. She looks proud of herself.

"What am we looking at?" Ayabe asks.

"This is my plan." Rudolf says.

"We get that, but what is it?" Fuji asks with a frown.

"It doesn't look like food..." Oguri mutters.

"We will have a relay race!" Rudolf says.

"No." Brian says. "We are not doing that again!"

Rudolf stares for a moment before crumbling up the paper and tossing it aside. "Then a concert. We will invite back all former students and everyone will perform, including Opera O."

"I like that idea!" Taiki cheers. "Let's do it!"

"URA is not going to like this..." Akikawa groans, holding her face in her hands.

"Don't worry, Director Akikawa. I will say it was all my idea." Rudolf says. "And URA is bound to like it because it will be heart stopping!"

"At least she didn't make a joke." El says.

"Oh. Did you want to hear one?" Rudolf asks. "I could-"

Air Groove slaps a hand over Rudolf's mouth. "No. Don't you dare."

"Opera O, are you okay with this?" Fuji asks.

Ayabe turns her attention to Opera while Air Groove pulls on Rudolf's ears. She holds her breath as she waits.

Then Opera nods. "I am okay with it, but I am worried."

"Don't worry." Ayabe speaks without thinking. "I will protect you."

Chapter Text

About a week had passed since that day, and Ayabe would go to Director Akikawa's office to give her some updates on the progress of Rudolf's plans. Director Akikawa would give some advice on things they needed to change and the message was relayed to Rudolf, who would quickly make the adjustments and crack a few terrible jokes. She now understood how Air Groove felt. All the terrible jokes made Ayabe want to strangle Rudolf, but she had to stop herself from doing so.

But now, Ayabe was taking a bit of a break from the plan. She had made the decision to invite Opera out to the amusement park with just the two of them. She was thankful that Brian had said she would babysit Opera's kid.

As she ran towards the amusement park gates, Ayabe curses under her breath. It was nearly fifteen minutes past the time they were supposed to meet, and she was late. She hadn't meant to get caught up in something, but she did. She could only hope Opera wouldn't be upset with her for being late. Ayabe hoped everything would be okay.

It doesn't take long before she spots the orange haired uma waiting for her near the gates. Opera quickly notices her and waves. Ayabe returns the wave, but her smile stops as she watches several other umamusume approach Opera. She picks up her pace and her blood boils when she sees one of the umamusume slap Opera.

"What are you doing?" Ayabe growls.

"Oh. Ayabe. I didn't expect to see you here." The umamusume turns to her, then glares at Opera. "Or her."

"And what is wrong with that?" Ayabe moves herself between Opera and the other umamusume. She crosses her arms and waits.

"It's her fault I had to end my career as a racer."

"If she didn't win all the time, some of us would still have a career as a racer!"

"She disappears for years and pretends everything is fine. I wish she never came back."

"Opera O was just better than you then." Ayabe says.

"You can't be serious." One of the other umas says. "Don't you hate her for beating you?"

"No. Losing is part of racing. Not everyone will win. There is only one winner per race." Ayabe says. She thinks about it for a few moments. "If you are that upset about losing, then you are not a good sport."

The other umamusume scowl before they whisper something among themselves. Then they leave without another word, but each of them shoot back a glare as the leave.

Ayabe sighs and turns back to Opera. "Are you alright? I am sorry I took so long to meet with you."

"I am alright, you needn't apologize for anything." Opera shakes her head.

"I arrived later than I was supposed to and those people attacked you." Ayabe frowns.

"It would not be the first time something such as that has happened." Opera says calmly.

Ayabe's frown deepens. "This has happened before? Was it the same people?"

"Calm yourself, Ayabe. It is alright. I was not hurt that badly this time." Opera says.

"Was it them? Did they attack you before?" Ayabe asks again.

Opera lets out a long sigh. "Ayabe, it doesn't matter."

"No. It matters." Ayabe says. "Did they attack you before?"

Opera looks away, her ears dropping against her head. "Yes... When I was at work a few days ago. The manager took care of things, so it is fine. I just stay in the back now to avoid the trouble."

"You shouldn't let them get away with it, Opera. This is assault." Ayabe says.

"I know." Opera sighs.

"You should report them for this." Ayabe continues.

Opera sighs. "Ayabe, why don't we just go into the amusement park now? That is what we came for is it not?"

Ayabe wanted to push the topic more, but she bites her lips and nods. "Alright. If that is what you want."

"Excellent! Then let us go partake in the joy everyone comes here to experience!" Opera says, grabbing Ayabe's hand and tugging her to the gate. "We do not have time to waste! The light of day inches further away the longer we take!"

For a moment, Ayabe thinks she saw a smile, something she hadn't seen on Opera's face for a while now. And with how the orange haired uma was acting now, she could only wonder if she was returning to her usual self.

She hoped that was the case. When she had seen first seen Opera again, she had seemed like an entirely different person. It was as if the energetic uma she had known in Tracen Academy had died. Hearing Opera speak in the same manner she used to, warmed Ayabe's heart.

"Maybe it is because she has been around everyone again."

"Ayabe! Where should we go first?" Opera turns to her.

"Hmm.." Ayabe looks at the map. "What about this roller coaster?"

"I do not know if my heart can handle it." Opera says.

"What?" Ayabe asks.

"Ah... Did I forget to mention it?" Opera tilts her head, her hair shifts slightly and Ayabe could see her scars briefly.

"You did not mention anything related to your heart before." Ayabe states.

"Ah. My apologies then. I will explain to you." Opera says. She curls a strand of hair around her finger. "You see, after leaving Tracen Academy, I had experienced some issues with my health. I spoke to a doctor about it all, and it seems my heart has grown weaker. They said it would be best to avoid partaking in any activity that can cause an unnecessary amount of stress on my heart. Even if I wished to, I will no longer be able to run at my full potential."

Ayabe frowns. "Are you going to be alright?"

"You needn't worry. I have been keeping watch of my health. Brian helps as well." Opera says.

"She better. You live with her." Ayabe scowls. Then she huffs. "I'd rather you live with someone who eats more than just meat though."

Opera laughs. "You needn't worry about that, for I am the one who provides the meals! It is the least I can do to make up to her!"

"I thought you weren't good at cooking..." Ayabe mutters.

"Ah. I was required to learn in order to feed Toppazure properly, and my ex-husband did not cook anything." Opera says.

"I see. I would like to try sometime then." Ayabe says.

"Then perhaps I will give you the opportunity." Opera smiles. "But now, let us focus on the present! I look forward to seeing what you choose!"

Ayabe nods and returns her gaze to the map. "We could go for the ferris wheel."

"Hm. I was thinking that is something we could partake in before we depart." Opera says.

Ayabe sighs and shakes her head. "Of course you would..."

"Now, Ayabe. What is it that you wish to do?" Opera asks.

"We can try this roller coaster." Ayabe points to the map. "According to the information, it is the least intense one. If it is too much for you, we will avoid the other roller coasters. Does that sound alright with you?"

"Hmm... That is alright with me." Opera smiles.

"Then lets go." Ayabe says, gently taking Opera's hand in hers and leading her away. She makes sure to stay on the right of Opera to keep her blind spot covered as to avoid any trouble from other people.

------------------

Ayabe quickly concluded that going on a roller coaster had been a terrible idea after Opera had fainted. While she tried to calm her panicking mind, Ayabe could only stay by Opera's side until she began to stir again.

"Opera! Are you alright?" Ayabe grabs her hand.

"Ah... I have been felled..." Opera mutters.

"If you are able to make a comment like that, then you're probably going to be fine." Ayabe sighs, helping her sit up.

"It seems like my delicate constitution has given us some troubles... I apologize Ayabe." Opera mutters, leaning against Ayabe's shoulder.

Ayabe's heart skips a beat, and she prays Opera does not notice. "Don't apologize. It is something out of your control."

"Thank you, Ayabe. You are very kind to me." Opera chuckles softly.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Ayabe frowns. Her face heats up when she feels one of Opera's tiny ears brush against her cheek.

"You did not seem fond of me when we went to Tracen together." Opera answers. She shifts slightly, moving closer to Ayabe. "It seemed to me that you saw me as a bother."

"I used to." Ayabe bites her lips. "But not anymore."

"Oh? What brought about this change?" Opera hums.

"I got used to having you around. It became strange not to be around you." Ayabe explains. She takes a deep breath. "And I kept it."

"Kept what?" Opera lifts her head.

"When I told you that I liked the stars, you gave me a photo of yourself. You said that it was so I would always have a picture of the brightest and the most beautiful star to look at. It was silly, but I kept it. You really were, no, you still are the brightest and most beautiful star. I will always treasure the photo you gave me." Ayabe says.

"Ayabe..." Opera frowns and closes her eyes. "You are right about one thing. I may have been a bright and beautiful star back in that time, but now? I do not think that is the case anymore. It simply cannot be. The beauty I once had does not exist anymore."

Ayabe's heart clenches. "No. That's wrong."

"But it is true, Ayabe." Opera says. Her hand traces over her scars. "I am not a beautiful umamusume for anyone to admire. These scars that cover my body are evident of that. Anyone who sees them would be disgusted. I am ugly to look at."

"You're wrong. You're not ugly!" Ayabe says, grabbing Opera's hands. She hated hearing those words come from Opera's mouth. "If people think that, then they are just horrible sorry excuses of human beings."

"Then wouldn't that apply to myself?" Opera asks.

"You aren't a horrible person, Opera." Ayabe shakes her head.

Opera looks away with a sigh. "How can you be so certain of that?"

"Because I know it is true." Ayabe states. She looks into Opera's eyes. "If you were a horrible person, you wouldn't have encouraged everyone to do their best in races with you. You're a good person. Even when you lost to one of us, you congratulated us on our win. You never got angry at anyone for beating you, and you never looked down on anyone who couldn't win against you."

Opera's eyes go wide. "Ayabe-"

"And if you aren't able to see it, then I'll help you." Ayabe says.

"You cannot really mean it..." Opera frowns.

"I do." Ayabe squeezes Opera's hands. There was no backing out of it now. She had already made her decision and set her mind to it. She would make things right, even if no one else wanted to. "I'll be the knight that shields you from harm."

"Oh?" Opera laughs bitterly. "Are you sure that is what you wish for?"

"Yes. I'll protect you and help guide you back to the light so you can shine as bright as you had before." Ayabe declares.

"What kind of overlord would I be if I did not accept this humble declaration of yours?" Opera says softly.

Ayabe scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Even if you disagreed, I would still do it."

"I realize that." Opera says. "And I would not dare stop you."

------------------

As their escapade to the amusement park came to a conclusion, Ayabe became certain that she had grown closer to Opera and was able to learn more about her. She was able to conclude that Opera had always been a gentle and docile uma under the overlord mask she had worn back in their school days. Despite all the grandeur, TM Opera O was kind and never truly sought to harm anyone else.

That made it all the more easier for Ayabe to be certain that the injuries inflicted upon the man who had attacked Opera were only done out of self defense. And it made her blood boil more knowing that Opera had been punished for it.

"Thank you for today, Ayabe." Opera says with a small smile.

"Of course. I am grateful you agreed to come as well, Opera." Ayabe says. She keeps a gentle grip on Opera's arm. "Do you really need to leave now? Why don't we go out and eat together?"

"As much as I would like to, I already promised Brian I would be home for dinner. And little Toppazure will be disappointed if I do not return." Opera shakes her head. She turns away. "It looks like my ride has arrived."

"Then I will not hold you any longer." Ayabe looks up. She spots a familiar head of white hair heading towards them. She hesitates before releasing her grip on Opera's hand. "Take care."

"You as well, my dear knight." Opera smiles.

"Ah. Ayabe. It is good to see you." Biwa Hayahide says as she approaches.

"I assume you are Opera's ride." Ayabe states.

"That would be correct." Hayahide pushes her glasses up. She glances to Opera. "Opera, why don't you wait in the car? Taishin and Tickezo are there. They want to talk to you."

"Hm? Is that so? Then I will not keep them waiting." Opera hums. She waves to Ayabe one last time before making her way to the car.

Ayabe waves back before crossing her arms and turning to Hayahide. "I assume you have something to say to me if you are sending her away just like that."

"That would be correct." Hayahide says. She glances towards the car before returning her gaze to Ayabe. "Taishin looked into the man who attacked Opera O years ago."

"Did she find out where he is now and who he is?" Ayabe asks.

"He is within Japan. She was unable to pinpoint his exact location." Hayahide frowns. "As for who he is..."

"Who is he?" Ayabe asks.

"You have spoken to him before." Hayahide says quietly.

"I have?" Ayabe frowns.

"Yes." Hayahide nods.

"Then who is he?" Ayabe asks.

Hayahide glances back to the car before locking eyes with Ayabe. "He is one of your fans."

Chapter Text

"Alright! I'm in charge of the costumes!" Hishiama says suddenly.

"Huh?" Ayabe looks up from the budget papers.

"I said that I am in charge of the costumes!" Hishiama declares again.

"Why do you want to be?" Ayabe asks.

"Because I am good at it." Hishiama crosses her arms. "Do you doubt my skills?"

"I-" Ayabe frowns.

"Not at all, Hishiama! I have seen your work, and it is simply marvelous!" Opera says, clapping her hands together.

Hishiama smiles proudly. "You know it!"

"Hm? I thought we would be wearing our race wear." Rudolf frowns, tapping her chin.

"No. We cannot do that!" Air Groove scolds.

"Why not?" Rudolf asks.

"You should already know why, Rudolf." Brian sighs.

Ayabe shakes her head, refocusing on the papers. She should have remembered that they would need materials for costumes. Not all of them could wear their race wear anymore since it had been years. Not to mention, it may not be appropriate for them to wear it now. When they had still been younger, sure it was fine. But now? They were all adults now. It was better to wear something more suitable.

"We could try something more uniform!" Top Road suggests.

"Like a stage costume?" Opera asks.

"Yes! Like that!" Top Road nods.

"Huh? But they would all be the same!" Hishiama frowns.

"We can all have some unique touches to them if that is what you are worried about." Fuji says.

"I guess..." Hishiama huffs. "Just make sure to run it by me so it doesn't clash!"

"Oh? Who put you in charge?" Fuji teases.

"Why you!" Hishiama growls.

"Now now, both of you don't fight. You aren't children anymore." Hayahide scolds.

Ayabe's gaze lingers on Hayahide, remembering what she had told her. To think that the person who had attacked Opera had been one of Ayabe's fans. She would be lying to herself if she said it did not make sense. Of course it made sense. The fans saw them as rivals that were supposed to beat each other. The fans saw how much Opera had won and had definitely grown frustrated.

Ayabe could admit to being frustrated herself with every loss, but she would never do anything to harm Opera. After all, TM Opera O was the kind of umamusume that would encourage her opponents to do their best because she was doing her best. Opera was always a fair competitor who never belittled anyone she raced with. She never treated anyone who won against her like they were terrible people.

TM Opera O was, and always will be, the kindest umamusume she raced against. Ayabe thought about it time and time again. She had originally despised Opera for being so carefree and confident. But as she came to know her more, she grew fond of her. Ayabe had thought that Ooera was not the smartest uma around, but she came to realize that belief was wrong.

"Are you alright, Hishiama?" Opera asks.

"Ugh... I just can't think of the right design!" Hishiama groans as she holds her head.

"Hmmm... perhaps there is a different way to approach it." Opera says.

"Like what?" Hishiama asks.

"The costumes do not have to all be the same. They can share some elements to them, but they should still be unique to everyone." Opera suggests.

"Hmm..." Hishiama holds her chin then snaps her fingers. "That's it! I can ask everyone what they would want for themselves, then there can be small adjustments so that everyone has something matching!"

"Excellent! That sounds like an amazing idea!" Opera claps her hands.

"Hahaha! Not bad yourself, Opera O! I know! I'll start with you first!" Hishiama says.

"Huh?! Me?!" Opera startles.

"Of course! Don't you agree, Ayabe?" Hishiama turns to look at Ayabe.

Ayabe nods. "Yes. We should put you in something beautiful."

"A-Ah! I do not think that is appropriate!" Opera quickly says, covering her face with her hands.

"Oh come on! You gave me an idea, so I should pay you back!" Hishiama says. "Back me up here, Ayabe."

"She is right." Ayabe says. "Accept your fate."

"No no! You should assist Top Road first!" Opera steps back.

"But Top Road wasn't the one who noticed I was having trouble!" Hishiama insists, stepping forward. Ayabe joins her, blocking off Opera's possible escape route. "So just cooperate and this will be over quickly!"

Yup. Ayabe had learned that Opera is more observant than she lets on. The orange haired uma seemed to be very aware of other people's needs and desires. Then she usually would try something to help with it. A part of Ayabe wondered if Opera had only pretended not to know some things to get people to spend time with her more.

Back when they still went to Tracen, Opera had approached her during one of her secret night trainings. Ayabe had been annoyed that she had been discovered, but Opera had stayed and kept her company that night. She wasn't sure how Opera knew she would be there, but she did.

------------------

"Ayabe! What brings you out here this lovely night?" Opera's voice echoes through the empty track.

Ayabe slows to a stop, turning towards the stands with a pointed glare. "I was training, Opera O."

"Then would you be so kind as to allow me to partake in this training with you tonight? We can assist one another with our strengths and start a duel that will take your breath away!" Opera says.

"Sure." Ayabe rolls her eyes.

"This shall be a performance to remember!" Opera laughs.

Ayabe sighs and begins running around the track once more. It does not take long before Opera catches up to her. They run in silence for awhile, something Ayabe did not expect. She had expected Opera to say something, anything while they ran. It was only after they had stopped for a break did Opera speak to her again.

"Ayabe, are you alright?" Opera asks.

"Hm? Why are you asking that?" Ayabe glares.

"I have noticed that you partake in the training with Top Road, but you also train at times like this. Are you not tired?" Opera says.

"What does it matter to you?" Ayabe scoffs.

"Why does it matter? Because you are my friend and rival, Ayabe! It simply will not do for you to exhaust yourself! If you were to injure yourself during your lonesome training, you would not be at your best to race!" Opera says.

"Friend?! Rival?! Don't kid yourself!" Ayabe growls. "You and I are none of that!"

"Ayabe-!" Opera starts.

"No! Let me talk first!" Ayabe shouts.

Opera, for once, listens to her and falls silent.

"Do you understand how frustrating it is to always lose to you? Every time we race together, you just win! No matter how hard anyone tries, no matter how much I try, you are impossible to beat!" Ayabe clenches her fists. "Yet you never notice how hurt others feel when they lose. You never care about the dreams you ruined just because you were there! There were so many umamusume who quit because they couldn't win against you! But you never notice any of that and just go on laughing with your stupid performances!"

For a moment, Opera stays silent. Then she turns away so that Ayabe could only see her back. "Of course I am aware of that. I would not be the overlord if I did not know. I am aware that there are those who are not fond of me. For them, seeing me fall would be what they desire most. If I were to be slain in a battle, I am sure they would rejoice."

"Then why?" Ayabe demands. A part of her wanted to say she did not understand a single thing Opera had said, but she did. She understood all of it. "Why do you continue like this?! If all people have for you is hatred, why would you continue?"

"Why? To give everyone a goal. If I must become the villain of the play for them to take down, then I would gladly take the role. For my rivals to have a goal to defeat, that is enough for me." Opera turns to face her. "I do not mind it if it means my rivals such as yourself gain recognition, so you needn't concern yourself with it."

Ayabe squeezes her eyes shut. "You are unbelievable..."

"Am I now?" Opera asks.

"It is impossible to understand you..." Ayabe grumbles.

"I will take that as a compliment!" Opera laughs.

"You are impossible..." Ayabe rubs her forehead.

"But what about yourself, Ayabe? What is it that troubles you?" Opera asks. "And I mean outside of racing? I can see that there is something else on your mind. If you wish to discuss it, I am willing to listen."

Ayabe turns away. "There is nothing I need to discuss with you."

"Ah. I see..." Opera says.

"But maybe in the future." Ayabe whispers.

"Oh?" Opera perks up.

"But don't get your hopes up, okay? Maybe does not mean that I will!" Ayabe glares.

"I understand." Opera says with a smile. Then she holds out her hand. "Let us make this into an agreement then!"

Ayabe stares at Opera for a few moments before grabbing her hand. "Fine. If that is what you want."

"And I shall join you for your night time training in the future. We cannot have you injuring yourself after all!" Opera smiles.

"Fine. Do whatever you wish..." Ayabe rolls her eyes.

But she knew that despite all her complaining, she did not really mind the idea of having Opera join her for late night training. At least until Fuji Kiseki came out and found them both running around the track a few days later. They both received an earful and had been dragged back to their rooms for the night, made to promise that they would not do that again.

------------------

"Is something on your mind, pony?" Fuji asks approaching her.

Ayabe glances towards her. "I was just thinking that Opera seems to be acting more like herself again."

"That is true." Fuji says, letting out a sigh. "And I am glad to see it."

"Are you close to Opera?" Ayabe asks. She continues watching while Hishiama tries to get Opera fitted for a costume. A part of her was starting to think that was all an excuse to hug Opera now.

"We were on the same team after all." Fuji answers. "Everyone is happy to see her back."

"How did none of you know about why she left? Rudolf, Brian, and Air Groove are all staff members at Tracen now." Ayabe frowns.

"They were not allowed to know the information. None of us were because URA said we were too emotionally attached." Fuji explains. She shakes her head. "When Grass heard them say that, she got angry. El had to drag her out of the room before she could attack the URA official that had shown up to deliver the news. Hishiama had stormed out of there to find the answers herself, but of course she came up empty handed. We had all been devastated when none of us could contact her."

"I feel the same." Oguri sits down with them.

"Ah. Oguri." Ayabe acknowledges.

"I don't think people knew, but I was close to Opera." Oguri says, holding her chin.

"You did explain that to us already..." Ayabe mutters.

"Hm? I did?" Oguri tilts her head.

"You said you encouraged her to race." Fuji says.

"Oh. But I also invited her to eat with me sometimes!" Oguri says.

"You... did?" Fuji frowns.

"Why?" Ayabe asks.

"Because it did not look like she ate very much and she is easy to pick up. I think she needs to eat more!" Oguri smiles. "Eating makes me feel good and happy, so I am sure it will make other umas feel good and happy!"

"Some umas want to lose weight..." Fuji mutters.

"But eating is nice! And umas can just run a lot, so they will be fine if they eat a lot!" Oguri says.

"Not everyone is you." Ayabe frowns.

"But I think eating lots of good food would make anyone feel happier!" Oguri smiles.

"You have a point there..." Fuji sighs.

"Oguri is right!" Urara skips over. "Ope was happy when I shared some cake with her earlier!"

"Because Opera never knows how to say no to you." Ayabe mutters.

"Huh? I don't get it." Urara tilts her head.

"Don't worry about it, Urara." Fuji pats her on the head. "Why don't you go over there and help Rice Shower, Doto, and Curren Chan with the decorations? It looks like they could use a hand."

"Hm? But they are already finished!" Urara says.

"I mean, just to make sure they aren't missing anything. You know that Doto sometimes forgets some stuff." Fuji tries again.

"Hmmm... But she got everything this time!" Urara says.

"Urara, go share cake with them too." Ayabe says quickly.

"Okay!" Urara skips away. "Doto! Rice! Curren Chan! I have cake I want to share with you!"

Ayabe sighs as she hears the various answers of surprise. "And that should keep her busy..."

"Why did you two want to send her away?" Oguri asks.

"Urara is still a little naïve." Fuji explains with a frown. "She doesn't really understand that everything isn't really better yet. It's not hard to tell that Opera is putting on an act in front of Urara. I think Opera is afraid of making her cry."

"But she shouldn't be. Urara likes her a lot." Oguri says.

"That is exactly what makes her worry." Fuji frowns.

"Hm? You can tell?" Ayabe asks.

"Opera is a kind person. She pays attention to what people do and think. She knows how people view her." Fuji says, glancing over to where Opera is talking with Hishiama. "I think it is why she hid all of her struggles from everyone."

"But we never did anything to make her feel that way." Oguri frowns before shoving a donut in her mouth.

Fuji sighs. "Of course you would think that... But do you understand, Ayabe?"

"Why are you asking me?" Ayabe shakes her head. 

"You are one of the people who raced against her." Fuji simply says. "So I am sure you understand what kind of image of her other people would have. Think about it a little."

Ayabe frowns, not quite understanding it for a moment. Then it clicks. "Ah."

"That's right. You get it now, don't you? The expectation for her to be a strong an undefeatable umamusume made it difficult for her to show any kind of weakness. All of that led up to the results we have now." Fuji looks to the ground. "And it took me this long to realize it."

Oguri reaches over and pats her on the back. "There there. You are smart, but you won't notice everything."

"I wish I knew sooner too." Ayabe frowns. She clenches her fists. "Then maybe I could have stopped everything from happening."

But what was the point of talking about what-ifs? There was nothing she could do to correct the past, and Ayabe hated that. But, she knew there was one thing she could try changing: the future.

Chapter Text

Ayabe wishes she had just stayed quiet, but that wasn't what happened. Top Road and Curren Chan had asked her about her "date" with Opera and she had told them what happened. Now, she was sure that they got the wrong idea of things.

"Come on, try this one!" Curren Chan says as she shoves some clothes into Opera's hands.

"Curren Chan, I do not think this fits me..." Opera mutters.

"Nonsense! You haven't tried it yet!" Curren Chan says, pushing Opera into the fitting room. "Don't come out until you have tried it!"

Really, Ayabe was starting to wonder why Curren Chan and Top Road decided to drag them on a shopping trip. It wasn't too bad, but Ayabe did not think it was necessary. She just thought they were going overboard.

"You two did not have to do this." Ayabe frowns.

"Two? Doto, Rice, and Urara are helping too!" Top Road says.

"Helping? With what?" Ayabe scowls.

"You like Ope, right?" Urara says as she walks over, carrying some clothes.

"We are friends." Ayabe states plainly.

"Sure..." Top Road rolls her eyes. "You wouldn't have tried to protect her from those other umas if you only saw her as a friend."

"Friends do that." Ayabe says.

"It sounds like a fairy tale!" Rice Shower smiles.

Ayabe sighs and shakes her head. "Fairy tales are not real. We are just friends."

"Curren Chan thinks Ayabe is in denial!~" Curren Chan winks.

"I am not." Ayabe frowns.

"But Taiki said that you two seemed closer than normal friends!" Doto says.

Ayabe rubs her forehead. "You cannot believe everything she says. She does not know."

Doto tilts her head. "But Taiki said she saw you two sitting together at the amusement park and-"

"She saw nothing." Ayabe quickly covers Doto's mouth with her hands.

Everyone quickly falls silent when the fitting room door opens. Ayabe hears Opera speak. "Curren Chan, I really do not think I am worthy of wearing something such like this."

"Oh come on! Let all of us see!" Curren Chan says.

"All of us?! I thought it was only you, Top Road, and Ayabe!" Opera's voice rings out.

"Hm? Rice, Urara, and Doto are here too!" Curren Chan says, skipping over. "Come out already! Or I can drag you out!"

"Ah! That is not necessary!" Opera mutters.

"Don't worry, Opera. I am sure you look amazing!" Top Road says reassuringly.

Ayabe sighs, rubbing her forehead. She was going to have to find a way to make up for this, wasn't she? She doesn't move from her spot and waits while Urara digs through the pile of clothes she had grabbed with Rice and Doto's help. It was far more than Ayabe would have anticipated, and she felt bad for Opera now. But it was not like there was much they could do to change the situation, Brian had told them to take Opera out to buy some new clothes since she did not seem to have much now.

"Wow! You look great!" Curren Chan claps her hands together.

"You look very cute!" Rice agrees.

"But I don't think this... fits me." Opera mutters.

Ayabe finally looks up and her heart skips a beat. Never would she have expected to see Opera wearing something so frilly. She had seen Opera wear pink before, but frills? That was definitely something that was more Curren Chan's style. Ayabe's eyes scan over Opera, taking in the sight of the pink frilly top with black ribbons at the top of those exposed shoulders. At least the black skirt wasn't all frilly and was long enough to cover Opera's knees. As she looked some more, Ayabe did come to agree that it did make Opera look cute, especially with the pink ribbon that rested on top of her tail.

"I think you look great! You should buy that!" Top Road smiles. "Even Ayabe agrees!"

"Huh?" Opera looks in Ayabe's direction.

Ayabe looks away. "You look nice."

"Ah... perhaps it is not too bad then..." Opera mutters before disappearing into the fitting room again.

"Here! Try these!" Urara hands over a pile of clothes. "Rice and Doto helped me pick some for you!"

"Thank you, Urara. Rice and Doto too." Opera says before closing the door.

"See! You thought Opera was cute!" Curren Chan smiles brightly.

"I did not say that." Ayabe frowns.

"But you're blushing." Rice points out.

"That does not mean anything..." Ayabe mutters.

Top Road grabs Ayabe's hands. "Ayabe, it's okay to admit you like her."

"Don't you like her?" Ayabe asks instead.

"Hm? Of course I do! Opera is my friend." Top Road says. She frowns after a moment. "And I want to see her happy again."

"She seems happy now." Doto speaks up.

"I think that is because she is used to being around all of us." Top Road says softly.

"Opera just doesn't want to disappoint any of us. She is putting up an act." Ayabe mutters.

"She is?" Doto asks, tilting her head. "But Opera O seems happy."

"Huh? But she seems to be doing okay." Rice says.

"Ope is always fun to talk to!" Urara smiles.

"Never mind then..." Ayabe sighs. She should have expected this from everyone. No one else, aside from Fuji, seemed to notice that Opera was just putting up an act in front of everyone. Ayabe couldn't understand why Opera would do that, at least until Fuji had told her.

"That's right. You get it now, don't you? The expectation for her to be a strong an undefeatable umamusume made it difficult for her to show any kind of weakness. All of that led up to the results we have now." 

The weight of expectations from everyone around her led Opera to keeping up an act in front of all of them. While there was some trust, it wasn't entirely there. And Ayabe hated knowing that Opera did not trust any of them enough to let any of them see too much of her vulnerabilities. She wanted to be someone Opera could trust.

As Ayabe watches Top Road compliment Opera about the clothes she just tried on, she starts to think about it. Did she really see Opera as just a friend? She wasn't sure about that now. Something about the orange haired uma made her want to protect her.

"Ayabe, are you alright?" Opera leans into her face.

"I'm... fine." Ayabe trails off as she stares at Opera. "Your back is exposed."

"Huh?" Opera looks back. "But Top Road picked it... I did not notice that."

"How?! You put it on!" Ayabe quickly pushes her back into the fitting room. "Put on something else!"

"Ah, if that is what you wish." Opera mutters.

"Put this on." Ayabe grabs something from one of the racks and hands it over. She turns and glares at Top Road when she hears a snicker. "What?"

"Did you like that, Ayabe?" Top Road says.

Ayabe huffs. "I'm not answering that."

"Aww!~ But you're blushing!" Curren Chan giggles.

"Let's just finish clothing shopping and leave." Ayabe frowns.

She knew the others were watching her now, and she chose to ignore them. They could think whatever they wanted to think. It was not going to affect her. But Top Road's words echo in her head, and Ayabe feels her face heat up. She did think Opera looked nice in that outfit, but she would prefer it if she did not wear that around others.

"Wait a minute."

Ayabe narrows her eyes as she looks at the others. They all immediately look anywhere but her. Did they pick those clothes on purpose? With how all of them were acting now, it only confirmed her suspicions. At least Rice Shower picked a more modest rose patterned dress, and Urara had picked a rose patterned sweatshirt with warm leggings. Doto had picked out a white summer dress with a large brimmed sun hat. It was just Curren Chan and Top Road who picked something Opera wouldn't normally pick herself.

"What were you two thinking?" Ayabe asks Top Road and Curren Chan.

"Well, we are sure Ayabe likes Opera." Curren Chan says. "So we wanted to test that!"

"They didn't mean any harm..." Rice says.

Ayabe rubs her forehead. "Fine. I'll pretend you aren't up to anything."

"Aww!~ You like us!" Top Road says.

"As friends." Ayabe says.

"Um... but was what you gave her okay too?" Urara asks.

"What do you mean?" Ayabe frowns.

"It was see through! I think we would be able to- mmphf!" Urara doesn't finish before Rice throws her hands over her mouth.

"No saying that!" Rice shouts.

"Ayabe! I don't think I can wear this outside." Opera calls out.

Ayabe turns towards the fitting rooms. "Ah... you don't need to then..."

She makes a mental note to actually pay attention to what she is grabbing next time.

------------------

Once they convinced Opera to buy more than just three outfits, they left the store. Ayabe did remember Brian telling them to make sure Opera got enough to have something different to wear every week.

"Was all of this really necessary? Brian is worrying too much..." Opera sighs.

"Opera, you only barely had anything with you that wasn't old." Top Road says. "And Brian is just looking out for you!"

"But if it still fits, it should be fine." Opera says.

"You wore those when we went to Tracen! You need something new! I can see why your old teammates are concerned about you now!" Curren Chan huffs. She takes the bags from Opera. "I'll carry them for you!"

"But I can carry it myself..." Opera frowns.

"Nope! I'm doing it!" Curren Chan shakes her head.

"Mhm! We just want to help!" Doto nods.

Ayabe sighs. "That doesn't mean you have to treat her like she is delicate."

"I know." Top Road says. "It's just... I want to help."

"You needn't worry yourselves. I am fine." Opera shakes her head. She pauses and looks back. "Hm?"

"Is something wrong, Ope?" Urara asks.

"I thought I heard someone following us." Opera says.

Ayabe looks back and scans the area. "I don't see anyone. Maybe you are-"

"Vodka! Scarlet! Spe-chan!" A tall uma with long silver-gray hair wearing sunglasses and a mask shouts from nearby. "Now!"

Before Ayabe could react, three rather familiar umamusume also wearing sunglasses and a mask come out of nowhere and throw a sack over Opera before carrying her away. The tall uma runs after them followed by an uma with black hair.

"Team Spica?!" Rice shouts.

"They just kidnapped Opera!" Top Road cries out.

"Come back here!" Curren Chan screams.

Ayabe quickly chases after them. "Hey!"

"She is chasing us! What do we do Gold Ship?!" definitely Vodka shouts.

"Just keep running!" definitely Gold Ship says.

"She looks angry!" definitely Daiwa Scarlet points out.

"Are we going to die?!" cries definitely Special Week.

"Why did we even do this?!" asks definitely Kitasan Black.

"It was Gold Ship's idea!" shouts Daiwa Scarlet.

"Just keep running!" Gold Ship shouts before running straight down an alley into a dead end. "Crap!"

"Let her go!" Ayabe growls, kicking Gold Ship in the back.

"Ow! That hurts!" Gold Ship whines as Top Road and Curren Chan catch up. "Okay! Fine! You all win!"

"We're so sorry!" Special Week sobs while Vodka frees Opera.

Ayabe quickly pulls Opera to her side. "What is your problem?!"

"We just wanted to say hi..." Vodka frowns.

"Say it like normal people then!" Ayabe glares. Then she turns to Opera. "And why didn't you fight against them?!"

"Hm? They did not seem like they were going to hurt me." Opera answers.

"It was a little too easy to kidnap you..." Scarlet shakes her head. "Even Rice had put up a fight."

Ayabe growls. "Why are you-"

"Please don't be mad at those idiots." Another voice comes from the end of the alley.

"Hello McQueen." Ayabe looks back.

"I'm sorry for the trouble they caused you. Suzuka, Teio, and myself will give all of them a firm talking to." McQueen says sternly before a soft smile crosses her face. "And it is good to see you again, Opera O."

"It is nice to see you as well." Opera smiles as she smooths her hair back into place, covering the scars on her face.

"Come on, lets go now." McQueen drags Gold Ship away by the ears.

Ayabe sighs as she watches Suzuka and Teio walk over and fetch Kitasan, Special Week, Vodka, and Scarlet. She doesn't know why she was surprised that they were still hanging out.

------------------

They had parted ways with Doto, Rice, Urara, Top Road, and Curren Chan after that. Those five saying they Hishi Amazon had called them to get fitted for their costumes. Ayabe thought it was just an excuse, but she was grateful they had left.

Opera walks besides her, carrying the bags of clothing from their earlier trip. The orange haired uma doesn't say anything while they walk, but she sticks close to Ayabe and keeps an eye on their surroundings.

"Opera, are you alright?" Ayabe asks.

"Hm?" Opera turns towards her. "Why are you asking?"

"You're quiet." Ayabe says.

Opera laughs. "I was simply enjoying your company, Ayabe."

"Is that all?" Ayabe frowns.

"Of course!" Opera nods.

"I don't believe that. You're keeping up walls. That's not hard to see." Ayabe sighs.

"H-Huh?" Opera stops. Then she laughs nervously. "I am not doing that."

"You are." Ayabe frowns.

Then Opera frowns. "Ayabe-"

Ayabe grabs Opera's hands. And as she stared into Opera's visible eye, she understands herself better now. "I want to be someone you can trust. No secrets. No hiding. No pretending. I want to know the parts of you that you hide from the world. I want everything, flaws and all."

Yes, Ayabe knew it now. She was in love with TM Opera O.

Chapter Text

Ayabe does not dare to move as she waits for Opera to say something, anything to show that she was listening. She keeps a firm but gentle grip on Opera's hands, praying she wouldn't try to run away. "Please Opera. I really mean it. I want to be someone you can trust."

"Ayabe... I... I do trust you." Opera says.

"Not enough." Ayabe shakes her head.

"But-" Opera frowns.

"No more secrets, no more hiding things, and no more pretending. I want to know the parts of you that you hide from the world. I want to know everything about you, flaws and all. No more hiding behind a mask. I want all the truths." Ayabe declares.

"Not now..." Opera looks away, her ears folding against her head.

"Why?" Ayabe asks.

"Just... not here..." Opera says quietly.

Not here? Ayabe breaks her gaze from Opera and looks around, now remembering that they were still in a very public place. She sighs and closes her eyes. "Fine. Let's go to my place then."

Opera turns to her now. "But Brian-"

"Brian can wait." Ayabe huffs.

"Ah... she is going to be upset..." Opera mumbles.

"She isn't your mother, you don't have to answer to her." Ayabe shakes her head.

"She is babysitting my kid." Opera frowns.

"And you can make it up to her later." Ayabe rolls her eyes. "Come on, lets go."

------------------

Ayabe had expected more protests, but Opera had silently followed her to her home. While ignoring the calls from Narita Brian definitely trying to find out why she hadn't brought Opera back home, Ayabe thought of what she could do. She found it relieving for a moment, but a part of her was also concerned about how easy it had been to convince the orange haired uma to follow her.

"You can leave the bags and your shoes by the door." Ayabe says.

"Is this really alright, Ayabe?" Opera asks.

"Yes. I invited you into my home so we can talk." Ayabe says, taking Opera's hand and leading her to the living room. She moves to turn off her phone when it buzzes with another call from Brian.

"A-Ah... maybe we should at least let her know..." Opera mutters.

Ayabe huffs. "Fine. I'll send her a text."

Admire Vega I took Opera to my home for a little. Stop calling.

Narita Brian That wasn't part of the plan.

Narita Brian Bring her back here.

Admire Vega She is an adult. She doesn't need a curfew.

Admire Vega I'll bring her back later.

Narita Brian No.

Narita Brian Not later.

Narita Brian NOW.

Admire Vega Alright. Goodbye.

Narita Brian DON'T IGNORE ME! BRING HER BACK NOW!

Ayabe turns the phone on silent and sets it aside. "There. I sent her a message."

"A-Ah... it doesn't look like she is happy." Opera frowns.

"She can deal with it." Ayabe rolls her eyes. "Why are you so worried about what she thinks?"

"She is letting me stay at her home." Opera says.

"Right. But she should know you are old enough to make your own decisions." Ayabe motions to the couch. "Sit down."

Opera sits down without a protest, looking towards Ayabe expectantly. So Ayabe sits next to her.

"Opera, I care about you. I know it didn't seem like that when we went to Tracen Academy together, but I really do care about you." Ayabe says.

"I know. I am no fool. It is not hard to see with how you have been acting recently." Opera hums.

"What do you mean by that?" Ayabe frowns.

"You have not noticed? That is silly of you." Opera pokes Ayabe's cheek, a gentle smile crosses her face. "You tried to defend me from those other umamusume when we were at the amusement park, and you let me rest on your shoulder when I had been exhausted. You truly are a kind person, Ayabe. I wish I had the time to understand you better."

"I wish for the same thing." Ayabe says quietly.

"Hm? So you are serious about that?" Opera asks.

"Yes. I am, Opera. I want to understand you better. With how you acted at Tracen, it was hard to tell what the truths were and what the lies were. I'm not sure I was able to see the real you." Ayabe says.

A frown crosses Opera's face. "Not all of it is beautiful, Ayabe. I do not wish to burden you with any of it."

"You wouldn't be burdening me." Ayabe shakes her head.

"And what if it is something you do not like? Would you leave?" Opera asks.

"Never." Ayabe says without hesitating. "I promise you, I wouldn't leave you."

"Thank you, Ayabe." Opera says. "But... I would like to know more about you before I show you the ugly parts of myself. As far as I can remember, you were hiding something when we were at Tracen."

Ayabe tenses for a moment, then she composes herself. "How could you tell?"

"Hm?" Opera tilts her head. "It was not hard to notice. There was something you did not wish to speak of, and you would often spend time on your own. It was like there was something holding you back. But I did not feel it was right for me to push for answers, so I let you be. After all, we had been only rivals at the time. I did not wish to do you harm."

"Friends." Ayabe says.

"Huh?" Opera gives her a confused look.

"We were friends too." Ayabe corrects.

"You did not seem to like that idea, so I tried not to overstep." Opera says. "Even if I did see you as a friend."

"You're hard to understand..." Ayabe frowns.

"But you wish to understand better." Opera hums. Then she gently grasps Ayabe's hands in hers. "Just as I wish to understand you better, so please bare your heart to me. Of course, I will not hold it against you if you do not wish to."

Ayabe huffs. "I was the one who was supposed to say that."

"My apologies then." Opera laughs. She squeezes Ayabe's hand. "But I really would like to hear your secrets. I would accept you no matter what. If you do not want to, that is alright. I would still bare my heart to you."

"You're being too kind..." Ayabe sighs and shakes her head. Would it really be okay for her to share her past with Opera? She had no idea how the orange haired umamusume would react, and she wasn't sure if it really was a good idea. But Opera had said she would share regardless. If Ayabe wanted Opera's trust, then she should share as well. It could make the whole process easier for both of them.

Opera's hand remains over hers, and Ayabe grabs hold of it.

"Where to start?" Ayabe mutters.

"You needn't rush, I am not going anywhere." Opera reassures her.

"Thank you." Ayabe closes her eyes. "I had a sister."

"Had?" Opera questions.

"She is gone and never got to live her life. We would have been twins." Ayabe explains.

Opera remains silent, something Ayabe is grateful for. She takes a deep breath. "She deserved to live. She should have been able to live her dream, but only I survived."

Ayabe takes the moment to collect her thoughts. "Sometimes I wish she had been the one to live. I feel like she deserved it more. She would have been able to achieve so much more than I had. She should have been the one to live."

"But if she had been the one to live, then I would have never met you." Opera says quietly.

"I'm sure you would have gotten along with her." Ayabe shakes her head. "You wouldn't have known the difference."

"That may be true, but we do not truly know that either. That is just a possibility. What we know is the things we have now." Opera squeezes her hands. "And I think I quite like what we have now. Perhaps it would have been nice for your sister to live, but I am glad you got to live."

"You're too kind, Opera. But... I am glad I got to live too. If I hadn't, I may not have ever met you, Top Road, Curren Chan, or Doto. You all chose to stay with me during Tracen even when I tried to push you away." Ayabe laughs quietly. She looks up at the ceiling. "I'm sure my sister is watching us all from above as we speak."

"I am sure she is proud of you." Opera reassures.

"I'm sure about that too." Ayabe meets Opera's eyes. "And I'm sure she would have agreed with me."

"Hm?" Opera tilts her head.

"She would have agreed that we should make sure the people who hurt you faced justice." Ayabe says.

Opera's eyes go wide. "Ayabe-"

"So, I want to help you now. I want to be someone you are able to be vulnerable around." Ayabe places a hand against Opera's cheek. "I shared my burdens with you, so let me carry yours."

"Would you really be okay with it?" Opera asks quietly, leaning closer to Ayabe's hand.

"I would." Ayabe affirms.

"Then I will bare my heart to you." Opera says softly. "It is not all pretty, and I... I would ask you not to tell anyone else of what you have heard."

"I promise that I won't." Ayabe says. "That would be breaking your trust if I did."

"You are being too kind, Ayabe..." Opera sighs, but a smile crosses her face. "I appreciate it."

"Good. Now, tell me everything. You don't have to rush, take all the time that you need." Ayabe says. She drops her hand, placing it against Opera's leg. Her other hand keeps a gentle rip on Opera's hand to show that she was still there.

The orange haired uma stays silent for a few long moments, and Ayabe begins to wonder if Opera was going to back out. If she did, Ayabe would be disappointed, but it wasn't something she could hold against her. After all, her request to hear everything that Opera hid was one that had come suddenly. She knew she was testing boundaries just by asking, but she wanted Opera to trust her.

"I never had friends growing up." Opera says suddenly.

Ayabe's ears perk up as she listens.

"In my hometown, the kids around my age never liked me. They had always called me annoying and a bother to spend time with, so they bullied me. I tried not to let their teasing get to me because I thought that maybe one day, it could all change. But that never happened..." Opera says bitterly. A distant look crosses her face. "So I pretended I never noticed any of it, but I wished for it all to change. I always thought things would be different if enough time went by."

"Opera..." Ayabe gently squeezes Opera's hand in reassurance, trying to show that she was there for her.

"Then one day, some trainers from Tracen showed up. I decided I wanted to race, and I tried." Opera frowns. "I broke my leg that day and lost the race. Yet, I had still been asked to go to Tracen to participate in more future races. I had been overjoyed. My mother, father, and sister were happy for me. But no one else was."

Ayabe frowns, unsure of what to think. Was there anything she could do to make it better?

But Opera doesn't seem to notice her troubles and continues speaking. "Many of them said I did not deserve it, that it wouldn't take long before I would have to return home because I wasn't good enough. But I was able to stay and I won races. Then they all said it was only luck that it happened. And... part of me believed them."

"Opera, you shouldn't have." Ayabe speaks up.

"But I did." Opera looks at her. She sighs and looks to the ground. "I was a naive fool to think that going to Tracen would change things. Some of the bullies had ended up going there as well. They may not have made it far, but they made sure I was aware they were there. I cannot blame them for holding it against me for beating them in races. Their losses made it so they could no longer continue their careers, and I was to blame."

"It wasn't your fault." Ayabe says. "Every race has a winner and losers. Not everyone will win. There can only be one winner for all races. It isn't your fault they weren't good enough."

"But that would never change how others feel about me. I was aware that I never had many fans to begin with. After all, I could see everyone around me received countless fan letters. But myself? There had never been any. All I received were letters from people telling me how much they hated me for winning and how they wished I would lose or receive an injury I could never recover from. My teammates discovered this and they started keeping the letters for themselves. I am aware they only wanted to look out for me, but it was not a burden for them to carry." Opera sighs.

Ayabe clenches her fists as she listens. Why hadn't she ever known about any of this? But she already knew the answer to that question: she had never asked. She never noticed any of it because she never truly paid attention to Opera enough to know she had troubles.

"I thought it would all be over once I retired, but it did not end. When Director Akikawa called and asked if I would appear at fan meets with all of you, I had gladly accepted. I thought it would be alright." Opera says. She takes in a shaky breath. "But it was not. People who disliked me had shown up and some of them threw rocks at me. Director Akikawa did what she could for that and said things would get better. But it never did. After that... I already told you what happened."

"Opera, I'm sorry. If I noticed-" Ayabe starts.

"They could have gone after you or Top Road if you tried to interfere. They had no problems attacking the daycare Urara worked at just for associating with me! I am just glad they did not hurt her!" Opera almost shouts. Then her voice breaks. "If any of you had gotten hurt because of me, I would have never forgiven myself. Since Director Akikawa could not do anything because of URA's influence, I chose to leave. Leaving was the only option so all of you wouldn't get hurt."

"But we did get hurt." Ayabe says.

"What-" Opera's eyes go wide.

"Because you left without saying anything. Everyone wondered if we had done something wrong, if we did something to upset you." Ayabe whispers. She grabs both of Opera's hands once more. "They stopped talking about you at fan meets, URA no longer acknowledged your accomplishments, and no one would tell us anything. I had asked Symboli Rudolf many times if she could get answers, and she tried to. She told me that no matter how many times she demanded answers from URA officials, they never answered her. Instead, they acted like you never existed. And that hurt everyone."

"I'm sorry..." Opera says barely audible.

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault, it was URA's fault. They chose to protect the monster that hurt you instead of you. I blamed Director Akikawa before, but I understand now." Ayabe reaches up, her fingers gently brush aside the hair covering Opera's face. She stops her hand just barely above the scars. "She was only delivering their message even though it hurt her to do that to you."

"Ayabe..." Opera sniffles.

"You've been through so much, more than I could have imagined. But it's okay now." Ayabe wraps her arms around the smaller uma. "Everyone is here for you, your team, your friends, all of us. I'm here for you. You don't have to pretend to be okay. I'll carry your burdens for you."

Opera tenses for a moment, and Ayabe worries she had said the wrong thing. But tears begin to flow from Opera's eyes before she throws her arms around Ayabe and sobs into her shoulder. Ayabe had been startled for a moment, but she quickly relaxes and gently rubs Opera's back in a soothing gesture, whispering gentle words of reassurance.

Her heart breaks a little as she listens to the pained sobs, but Ayabe feels somehow at peace now. She doesn't quite understand why, but she is grateful that Opera allowed her to know everything. The more she thought of it, the more sure she came. She would make sure to protect Opera and hold her dear. She would make sure Opera could have a place where she could feel safe and loved. That was what she promised herself.

Chapter Text

A loud banging sound stirs her from her sleep and Ayabe slowly blinks away the blurriness in her vision. When had she fallen asleep? The last thing she remembered was bringing Opera over to her home and talking to her about the burdens she carried. Ayabe had finally opened up about her sister, and Opera shared her childhood and insecurities. It felt like they had both learned more about one another.

The banging sound continues, so Ayabe moves to sit up. However, she quickly finds a weight against her chest and she catches a glimpse of small orange ears. Those orange ears and long orange hair belonged to none other than TM Opera O who apparently had also fallen asleep. She looked peaceful in her sleep. Ayabe hated having to disturb her, but she gently shakes her awake.

"Hm?" Opera slowly opens her eyes.

"You fell asleep." Ayabe says.

"It seems I did." Opera yawns, pushing away and stretching. She jumps when the banging noise starts again. "What was that?"

"I have no idea, but it is coming from the front door. Stay here." Ayabe mutters, missing the warmth that had been by her side. She stands up and heads towards the source of the sound. She slowly opens the door and peeks out. Her eyes meet angry yellow eyes. "Oh."

"Don't just "oh" me, I have been trying to contact you for hours!" Narita Brian growls.

Ayabe grimaces as she opens the door a little more. "How did you find my house?"

"I asked your friends for the address." Brian answers, crossing her arms.

"So you threatened them for answers." Ayabe states.

"Same thing." Brian rolls her eyes. "Where is Opera? I am here to pick her up."

"She is taking a nap on my couch. I'll go get her." Ayabe answers. As she moves to close the door, Brian blocks the action with her foot. "What? Is there something else you want?"

"I'm coming inside. I brought Toppazure with me. She wanted to see her mom." Brian says, pushing herself in.

Ayabe finally looks down to see wide purple eyes staring up at her, much like Opera's. She almost forgot the mini Opera existed, but now she was being reminded that Opera had a daughter. "Hello."

"Hello! You are... Auntie Ayabe?" little Toppazure says.

"Yes. That's me." Ayabe says.

"Mama said that you are very pretty. I think mama is right!" Toppazure says.

"A-Ah." Ayabe feels her face heat up. "Thank you."

"Did you two eat yet?" Brian asks suddenly. Toppazure runs past her to find Opera.

Ayabe turns to her with a frown. "No. Not yet."

"You can't be serious." Brian mutters.

"We went clothing shopping like you asked." Ayabe frowns.

"If you're going to bring her to your house, at least make sure she eats something!" Brian glares.

"Why are you acting like her mother?" Ayabe questions.

"I'm not acting like a mother, I am looking out for her like an older sister would!" Brian growls.

"Alright, fine. Why are you acting like her older sister then?" Ayabe asks, crossing her arms.

"Opera forgets to eat sometimes." Brian answers.

Why hadn't she realized that before? Now that she actually stopped to think about it, Ayabe remembered that Opera had sometimes skipped meals when they were at Tracen together. She hadn't realized it until Opera ended up passing out during one of their training sessions together. Top Road ended up carrying the orange haired uma to the infirmary while Doto and Curren Chan panicked. To think that it was a habit she would still have now was concerning.

"That..." Ayabe's frown deepens. "That is worrying and very concerning. She could pass out if she doesn't eat properly."

"That's why I asked you if you ate anything or made sure she are something." Brian huffs.

"Not yet, but I will soon." Ayabe sighs. She frowns. "And maybe I should find something for her to eat too..."

"Ah! Brian! I was wondering how Toppazure got here!" Opera's cheerful voice reaches her ears.

Ayabe turns to see Opera walking towards them, carrying her daughter in her arms. "She came to pick you up."

"Hm? Is it that late?" Opera asks.

"It's nearly 8 at night." Brian answers. "You need to eat dinner."

"Did you eat already, Brian?" Opera tilts her head.

"Not yet. We'll go now." Brian says.

Ayabe frowns. "If you haven't eaten yet, why are you getting on my case for not eating yet?"

"I'm not answering that." Brian scowls before turning back to the front door. "Lets go."

"Have a safe trip home." Ayabe sighs. "Make sure-"

"You're coming too." Brian says.

"What?" Ayabe frowns.

"You're coming too." Brian repeats. Ayabe opens her mouth to protest, but Brian fixes her with a glare. "Now."

------------------

And so, Ayabe found herself being dragged along to have dinner at Brian's home.

Ayabe had never stepped foot into Brian's home before, and she never expected that she would. The home seemed comfortable enough and had plenty of room. She could understand why Brian had taken Opera in now. After all, it seemed more like a home for multiple people than just one person. But why?

"Is something bothering you, Ayabe?" Opera asks while she brushes her daughter's hair.

"I was just admiring Brian's home." Ayabe answers, but she didn't know if admire was the right word for it. "I'm surprised it is so big."

"Brian said she had gotten it because sometimes Hayahide will stay over with Ticket and Taishin." Opera says.

"Oh. I see." Ayabe says.

"Auntie Brian is very cool!" Toppazure pipes up. "She always plays fun games with me! And takes me to the amusement park! And buys me snacks! And new toys too!"

"Ah... I hope it is not too much..." Opera sighs. "I do not wish for you to take advantage of her kindness."

"Huh? But Auntie Brian does it without me asking. She is really nice!" Toppazure pouts. Then she hops off of Opera's lap. "I'm going to see if Auntie Brian wants help cooking food!"

"Ah! Be careful, okay?" Opera calls after her.

"I think Brian is trying to secure her spot as the favorite aunt." Ayabe mutters as she watches the young uma run off.

"Is that what Brian is doing?" Opera tilts her head.

"It seems obvious. Shower your daughter with gifts and love, then she can be the favorite. Not to mention, you live in the same house, so Brian already has an advantage over everyone." Ayabe points out.

Opera laughs. "I do not think it is that simple to sway Toppazure's heart. But you are not wrong to say that she is fond of Brian."

"Opera, was it trouble for you to raise her on your own?" Ayabe asks.

"There were some difficulties. Toppazure likes to wander off sometimes, and her energy is boundless. My ex-husband could not handle it very well, and he never cared for her like he had never care for me." Opera says quietly. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "I do not mind that he wished to divorce me. We simply were not a good fit for one another."

Right. Ayabe had forgotten Opera had a husband before all of this. She wondered if the orange haired uma had any good memories of that man or if they were only bad ones, but she decides that it was better not to push the topic for now.

"I'm sorry, I must be bringing back some awful memories with this..." Ayabe frowns.

"It is alright. I do not mind. I may have been alone for some time, but I was able to ask my mother for help after awhile. She was kind enough to allow me to return home eventhough I had disappeared without telling her anything. She had never been angry with me for it, and she was the one to encourage me to return here where all of you are." Opera says.

"Would you have come if she hadn't told you to?" Ayabe asks.

Opera frowns, looking away. She stares out the window for a few minutes before speaking again. "Perhaps I would not have."

"Why?" Ayabe questions.

"Because I did not know if I would be welcomed back. After all, I had left without saying anything to any of you. And I did not know if those who despise me would be happy with my return. What if they were to attack me once more?" Opera whispers. "I have a daughter now. I have to look out for her too. If those people find out, they may hurt her too. I do not want others to be hurt because of me..."

Ayabe frowns and glares at the floor. "You shouldn't have to feel that way."

"Ayabe, it is only natural that I would not want my own daughter to be hurt." Opera sighs.

"That's not what I meant." Ayabe grabs Opera's hands. "I meant that you shouldn't feel like it is your fault if one of us gets hurt. The only people who would be at fault are the ones who did harm, not you."

"Ayabe..." Opera frowns.

"I mean it. I promised I would protect you. I said that I'll be the knight that shields you from harm, remember?" Ayabe places her hand against Opera's cheek. "I will do that, I promise."

"I know. I did not forget." A smile crosses Opera's face. She places her hand over Ayabe's, leaning into her touch. "It warms my heart for you to make such proclamations. But tell me, my dear knight, how do you plan on shielding me from harm?"

"For you to be the one cast out is an injustice in itself." Ayabe says. She pauses to think over it. She doesn't know why she decided to go along with the theatrics she recalls Opera frequently partaking in, but she dives right in. "I will make sure the ones who harmed you face justice. It would be as you deserve. You were wronged when they were never punished. It just isn't fair to you."

"I do not think that answers my question." Opera chuckles.

"How does it not?" Ayabe inquires. "I said I will get you justice. Ah, there is more you want, isn't there dear princess?"

"I simply wanted to know how you planned on protecting me." Opera hums.

"Well... I will stay by your side, that way I can make sure no one can hurt you." Ayabe says.

"You would not be able to follow me everywhere. You still have your own duties to take care of." Opera says.

"Then I can be by your side whenever I do not have my work." Ayabe rolls her eyes.

"I think I like that." Opera shifts closer to her.

Ayabe feels her heart race and she moves closer. She could feel the warmth of Opera's breath with how close they were sitting, and she could see each delicate eyelash on the other uma's face. As she leans in closer, she wonders if Opera's lips were as soft as they looked. If she could get a little closer, then maybe she could-

"Ahem. Dinner is ready." Brian interrupts.

"O-Oh. Thank you for telling us." Ayabe immediately moves away from Opera who is looking away now.

"Thank you, Brian. It isn't only meat this time, is it?" Opera asks.

"I made some vegetables too even if I don't like it. Toppazure was calling me a bad auntie for not wanting to eat vegetables." Brian mutters.

Opera laughs and gets up. "I'll go talk to her about that."

Ayabe stays seated as Opera leaves the room. Then her eyes meet Brian's. "What? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"What are your intentions with Opera?" Brian asks.

"Why does it matter to you?" Ayabe huffs.

"I am her unofficial older sister." Brian answers.

"Right." Ayabe resists the urge to roll her eyes. Was she going to have to deal with this with more people?

"Answer my question, what are your intentions with Opera?" Brian asks again.

"Just like I said if you were eavesdropping, I'm going to keep her safe." Ayabe says.

"Fine. I'll trust you with that." Brian sighs and shakes her head. "Lets go join them before Opera comes looking for us."

Ayabe nods, glancing towards the dining room area. "She seems to worry about people more than I remember."

"Opera cares about everyone around her. She has never held any malice towards anyone." Brian shrugs.

"I feel like that is a mistake." Ayabe mutters. "If I were her, I would hate the person who had hurt her."

"I would too." Brian frowns. "But lets not talk about this where she can hear. We can talk later."

Ayabe nods and follows Brian to the dining room. She makes a mental note to talk to Brian more. As she steps into the dining room, her frown melts away when she sees Opera sitting with little Toppazure making sure the child is eating. The gentle smile on Opera's face warms her heart.

"I hope I can protect that smile."

------------------

"I am sorry for the trouble." Ayabe apologizes.

"It is not your fault, Ayabe. Brian just thought it would be better if you stayed over for the night because it would not be right to send you out in the rainstorm." Opera gently reassures her.

Ayabe sighs and smooths out the soft fabric of the pajamas she was borrowing from Brian. "She drove us here earlier."

"And she is certain that driving in the rain is a bad idea." Opera says.

"I could have walked back." Ayabe frowns.

"You're not doing that." Brian peeks into the room. "Go to sleep."

"I could sleep in the living room." Ayabe says.

"Opera already offered for you to sleep in her room with her. Take it." Brian glares. Then she glances back into the hallway. "And if you slept in the living room, that kid would whine and complain that we didn't do anything to make sure you were comfortable."

"Toppazure is a kind child." Opera chuckles.

"Make sure you both sleep." Brian says, closing the door.

"Do you have enough room?" Ayabe sighs, laying down on the bed.

"Of course!" Opera says as she lays down besides her.

Ayabe's eyes scan over the fluffy pajamas Opera wears, and she stops herself from reaching out to touch it. "Are you comfortable?"

"Mhm!" Opera smiles.

"Where did you get those pajamas from?" Ayabe asks.

"They were a gift from Fuji!" Opera answers. "I get cold on nights like these, so this helps me keep warm."

"I see." Ayabe says quietly. She closes her eyes, trying to fall asleep but finds that to be a difficult task. She knew this would happen since she was staying over at a different place than what she was familiar with. There were some small noises that came from other areas of the house that made it difficult to fall asleep.

"Are you having trouble sleeping?" Opera's voice reaches her ears.

Ayabe sighs and opens her eyes. "Yes."

"Then would you like to sleep closer?" Opera asks.

"Why would I do that?" Ayabe frowns.

"When I slept in the dorms, Hayahide had trouble sleeping sometimes. She found it easier to sleep when she was holding something in her arms, so I let her hug me while she slept." Opera answers.

"If you think it will help." Ayabe mutters, moving closer. She carefully wraps her arms around the smaller uma and pulls her close. Opera rests her head against Ayabe's shoulder and her small ears brush against Ayabe's cheek.

"Is this okay with you?" Opera asks.

"Yes. It feels nice." Ayabe buries her face in Opera's rather soft hair. She felt like she was in heaven now. The fluffy pajamas combined with Opera's soft hair made her feel comfortable.

"That's good." Opera says softly. "Goodnight Ayabe."

"Goodnight Opera." Ayabe yawns.

As she begins to drift off, she can feel Opera's warm breath against her skin. Then Ayabe decides that this is something she could get used to.

Chapter Text

The weeks of preparation had been worth it. Ayabe had been able to spend more time with Opera as they continued the plans for the concert. Much to her surprise, everyone had accepted to return. Rudolf had gleefully made the announcement to her when she had been looking over some old concert videos, and Ayabe did her best to tune out the joke that had been made. She could only wonder why Rudolf was not bothering Air Groove with this, but she never voiced her complaint aloud.

Instead, Ayabe continued to help prepare things. She made sure everyone knew where to go and when things would take place. With Air Groove's help, flyers were distributed around the school and city. Soon their concert became the buzz of the town and everyone was excited. As requested by Director Akikawa, they kept Opera's involvement a secret from the public so that it would not be shut down by URA.

With only a few days left, Ayabe went to her meeting.

"We are glad you made it." Grass Wonder greets her.

"Was it really necessary to do this in secret?" Ayabe asks.

"Of course! El says that I need to control my anger, and I have been doing that for so long. Why is it wrong for me to want to punish that man who hurt Opera and made her leave? It is only natural someone like that gets punished." Grass sighs.

"Well we still have to find the guy." Hishiama points out.

"Ayabe already told us that Hayahide said that it was one of her fans." Grass says.

"I still haven't figured out which one." Ayabe frowns.

"Don't worry, I am sure you will." Grass says with a smile. "And when you do, you will let us know!"

"I kind of fear what Grass has planned..." Jungle Pocket mutters.

"I'm just going to make him hurt like he hurt her." Grass says.

"I'm all for revenge, but aren't we going to get in trouble if we do that at a public event?" Pocket asks.

"That's why we will have Ayabe lead him to the abandoned building at the top of the mountain where we will get him." Grass says.

"Sounds great!" Hishiama grins.

Ayabe rubs her forehead. "We have to make sure it is the right person first."

"Why don't we ask Opera if she recognizes him?" Pocket suggests.

"I don't want to do anything that would cause her distress." Ayabe frowns.

"It could be a brief thing." Pocket says. Then she frowns. "And it would also be the only way we can be sure."

"Yeah... I hate the idea of doing this to her too, but it might be the only way." Hishiama frowns.

"We will just make sure that guy hurts a lot." Grass smiles.

"You're terrifyingly blood thirsty..." Pocket mutters.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't be?" Grass asks.

"No, but keep yourself in check." Brian frowns.

Ayabe sighs as she listens to the others talk. When Brian said they would talk later, she hadn't realized this was what she meant. But it didn't bother Ayabe too much. She had been able to find some people who felt the same as her in wanting to make sure that man paid for what he had done. However, she also knows that Opera wouldn't approve of any of this.

Luckily, Fuji had agreed to help them keep Opera distracted if it came down to it. But she had told them that she could not be certain that she would be able to stop Opera from going after them entirely.

"We just need to hope he shows up for that concert." Ayabe says quietly.

"He will. He has to." Grass says. A serious expression crosses her face. "We will not let him get away."

"He got away with it last time, but not this time! Now that we know, he will pay!" Hishiama punches her fists together.

"Lets hunt him down." Brian agrees.

"Wait." Pocket raises her hand.

"What now?" Brian frowns.

"What is going to stop him from suing all of us?" Pocket says.

"Hmm..." Grass taps her chin. "We could kill him."

"No. That lands us in prison!" Pocket shouts.

"Dump him in the ocean." Hishiama suggests.

"That could also kill him..." Pocket mutters.

"Threaten him into silence." Ayabe says. She closes her eyes. "It is the best we can do."

"We don't know if he would accept that." Pocket huffs.

"We will make him. I refuse to have a fan who is willing to harm someone I love." Ayabe says.

Even if they could not catch that person now, Ayabe was determined to catch him one day. She wanted answers from him, to find out why he did what he had. To find out why he thought it was necessary to resort to harming Opera. No matter what he said, it was not going to change her mind on how she felt about him. No matter what was said, she would still be disgusted with him.

Because for Ayabe, TM Opera O had become someone she treasured and wanted to protect.

------------------

Ayabe watches as Opera peeks out at the stage anxiously. She doesn't know if she should say anything or reach out and comfort her, for this was something she hadn't seen before. So she takes a breath and steps closer, placing her hand on Opera's shoulder. "Are you alright, Opera? Is there something bothering you?"

"Ah. Ayabe." Opera gives her a nervous glance. "It has been awhile since I have been on stage, and I fear I may not meet everyone's expectations."

"You don't need to be afraid, you will be amazing." Ayabe reassures.

"Are you sure? There seems to be a large crowd gathered." Opera frowns, smoothing out the fabric of the long skirt she wears.

"I am sure." Ayabe says. She helps to fix Opera's ear accessory. "Hishiama did an amazing job with this costume for you. You look beautiful. It's like your daughter said, you look like a pretty princess."

"Perhaps, but that is only because it hides my scars." Opera says quietly. "And she seemed to have designed it to be akin to a wedding dress."

"It suits you. Don't worry so much." Ayabe chuckles.

"Ayabe is right, you look amazing." Top Road says as she walks over to them. "We should really thank Hishiama for making these!"

Ayabe watches as Top Road twirls around and smiles slightly. Hishiama had decided to give everyone white dresses with gold accents and details. The skirt lengths and sleeve lengths varied for everyone, and the different accessories went with each uma's personality. Of course, everyone also had a splash of their own color on the dress somewhere. It was all thank to Beauty Anshinzawa that they got the costumes done in time, but the ideas for all the costumes came from Hishiama. That is something Ayabe had to thank her for.

She startles out of her thoughts when Opera and Top Road grab her hands.

"Come on! We're up next!" Top Road smiles.

"Right. Are both of you ready?" Ayabe asks.

"What song are we doing again?" Opera frowns.

"Ichibanboshi ga Kakeru Sora." Ayabe and Top Road answer at the same time.

"Ah yes. That would be a fitting song." Opera hums.

"Well, are you ready?" Ayabe asks.

"I believe I am now." Opera nods.

"By the way, where is your daughter?" Top Road asks.

"Toppazure is sitting with Doto, Rice, Curren Chan, and Urara right now. They said they wanted to make sure she got the best seat to watch the concert." Opera answers. She peeks out again then points to an area. "I see them over there."

"They look excited." Top Road smiles. "Lets make sure to put on a show to be remembered. We wouldn't want to disappoint anyone."

"That's right. I'm sure Toppazure will be happy to see her mother performing." Ayabe says.

"I do not wish to disappoint her." Opera says.

The lights turn off, signaling that it was time for them to make their entrance.

"Come on! Lets go!" Top Road leads both of them on stage.

Ayabe finds her spot on the stage, watching carefully as Top Road and Opera taking their positions. She closes her eyes as she waits for the music to start. The silence seems to stretch forever before she hears the familiar melody and the spotlights shine on the stage. The words come easy, almost as if they had been doing this for years now.

Even as Top Road sings, Ayabe's focus remains on Opera. With the spotlight on her once more, Opera seemed to shine as brightly as she had before. It was almost as if the events she had endured had never occurred. She seemed to be right at home on the stage, and Ayabe felt herself falling even more in love.

As the music slows to an end, Opera turns to her with a bright smile and reaches a hand out to her. Ayabe responds in kind by taking her hand and pulling her closer. In that moment, it felt like it was just them even when she could feel eyes on them. Her eyes linger on the orange haired uma even as the lights dim. Top Road's soft whisper beckons them to leave the stage and Ayabe quickly follows, leading Opera along.

"Ah... that felt nice." Opera says. "It has been awhile since I took to the stage."

"See? You were amazing! I think everyone loved that!" Top Road gushes. She glances towards Ayabe with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Even Ayabe couldn't take her eyes off of you! Are you two dating yet?"

"Don't ask that." Ayabe frowns.

"Why not? You have to be!" Top Road smiles.

Opera laughs. "I would not mind it if that is what you wish for, Ayabe. I have taken a liking to you."

"See?! It should be fine!" Top Road says. "I'd be your number one supporter!"

"You... Don't tease me." Ayabe frowns.

"I'm not teasing if it is true!~" Top Road grins.

"Whatever you say." Ayabe rolls her eyes. She looks up when she hears footsteps approaching.

Opera catches Toppazure as the little uma jumps up into her arms. "Hello my little one."

"Mama! You were amazing!" Toppazure says.

"Oh? You enjoyed that?" Opera hums.

"Mhm! Mama is pretty! And Auntie Top Road and Auntie Ayabe are pretty too!" Toppazure says cheerfully. "I want to see you perform more!"

Ayabe smiles as she watches Opera talk with her daughter. This time, she was sure that she did not see any lies or acts. This time, she was sure that she was seeing the real TM Opera O. No more lies and no more pretending, and knowing that made her happy.

------------------

As Rudolf had arranged, they spoke to fans after the concert had ended. Ayabe made sure to stay near Opera during all of it to ensure nothing happened to her. Nearby, she could spot Grass Wonder, Hishi Amazon, Jungle Pocket, Narita Brian and Fuji Kiseki at their stations. All of them had a view of where she was with Opera and Top Road. She could only hope this plan actually worked in their favor.

Off to the side, she could see Director Akikawa being pulled aside by some URA officials. She knew that it was likely to have a talk for allowing Opera to appear today, but it wasn't like they had truly done anything wrong.

"Admire Vega." A voice reaches her ears.

Ayabe turns and sees a man she recalls seeing at every one of her fan meets. "Ah. It's you, Ishikawa Hideyoshi. I remember you."

"You remember?" The man says sounding surprised.

"Yes. You gifted me with some fluffy hats the last time we had a fan meet like this. They were comfortable." Ayabe says.

"Does that mean you liked them?" Hideyoshi says.

"Yes." Ayabe nods. She pauses when she notices Opera has become tense. "I did, but they are worn out now."

"Mama? Are you okay?" She hears Toppazure ask.

"I think I need to step away for a little." Opera says next. "Why don't we go eat some snacks, Toppazure?"

"Okay! I want lots of snacks!" Toppazure says.

Ayabe spots Fuji crossing over to them as Hideyoshi continues talking. She pretends to be paying attention to everything he is saying while she watches Opera with concern.

"I'll take care of her." Fuji whispers to Ayabe before leading Opera and Toppazure away.

"You put on a wonderful performance today, Admire Vega." Hideyoshi says. Then he sighs and grimaces. "But I never expected her to return like this. I think your concert could have been perfect otherwise."

"Excuse me?" Ayabe frowns.

"I did not think URA would bring her back after what happened." Hideyoshi says.

"I invited Opera back for this." Ayabe quickly lies. She watches as Top Road chases after Fuji. "I thought it would be fitting for her to return. She performed with Top Road and me before."

"But she had beaten you in countless races that you could have won. You could become a triple crown winner if she never entered those races. I don't think she is someone you should want to associate with." Hideyoshi frowns.

"Opera is my friend, so I thought it would be nice for her to come back." Ayabe closes her eyes. 

"URA said she would no longer be involved in any of these events after she nearly killed me. I promised I wouldn't make it public if they no longer allowed her to attend these events. Did they go back on their word?" Hideyoshi mutters.

Ayabe takes a deep breath to calm herself and push down her anger. Then she lies. "They didn't. I did this behind their backs. I did not know that happened to you. I am sorry that happened. Opera never told me about that... She only said she was taking a break. I didn't know she hurt a fan like that. That kind of behavior is unforgivable."

"So you understand?" Hideyoshi smiles widely. "I am glad that you are sensible unlike her. I pity that child with her. The poor thing deserves better."

"You're right." Ayabe wishes she could wipe that smile off his face. Her eyes meet Hishiama's and she nods slightly. Then she returns her attention to Hideyoshi. "Why don't we go talk somewhere else? Away from prying eyes."

"That sounds like a lovely idea." The man says.

Chapter Text

Ayabe is quiet as she walks up the empty mountain path, hardly listening as Hideyoshi speaks. Instead, she pays attention to the surroundings. She could hear Grass, Hishiama, Pocket, and Brian following from further behind. It was just as planned and hopefully they could complete the task they wanted to. She hears a movement to the side, an indication that someone was moving ahead of them.

"Admire Vega, are you listening?" Hideyoshi says suddenly.

"Hm?" Ayabe looks back at him. "Yes, I am."

"I doubt you are. You seem to be paying attention to something else. You weren't listening at all." The man frowns.

"I apologize for that. I was thinking about something." Ayabe says, continuing up the mountain path. Then she lies. "I was unaware about what happened with Opera O until you told me. She never said what had happened. To think she had kept it from me... It makes me wonder if she had ever trusted me to begin with."

"I understand. Learning all of this must have been shocking to you." Hideyoshi says.

"It is." Ayabe sighs. She pauses as they reach the end of the path. "I think this is a good spot to stop."

"Here? This is an abandoned building. It looks run down." Hideyoshi frowns.

"That is the point. No one will think to look here. We won't be interrupted here." Ayabe says before carefully pushing the door open.

"I see." Hideyoshi steps inside.

Ayabe quietly closes the door behind them as the man walks ahead of her, talking about something she is not paying attention to. She couldn't believe it was this easy to lure him out here. He was a fool to trust her so easily, but it was working in her favor. However, she needed to confirm a few more things before she could continue with her plan.

She waits until they are further into the building before stopping. Ayabe takes a deep breath before speaking. "Hideyoshi, what happened for Opera to almost kill you? She never seemed like the kind to hurt anyone."

"Why does that matter?" The man stops, looking back at her. "Don't you trust what I said?"

"No. I don't. I think you are hiding something." Ayabe says.

"Well, I can assure you that I am not. I believe that you and all of your friends would be safer if she hadn't returned." Hideyoshi says.

"Right." Ayabe closes her eyes. She hears the sound of creaking wood. She takes a few steps closer to the man. "You would say that."

"What are you-" Hideyoshi frowns. Ayabe strikes him across the face, pulling a surprised cry from the man. He scrambles back, eyes blown wide as he stares up at her. "What are you doing?!"

"I lied." Ayabe says, moving towards him. "I already knew what happened with Opera. I met her again awhile ago, and she told me everything that happened. You followed her to her home, broke in, and attacked her. Whatever you used left scars on her body. Because of you, she left and never told any of us why or where she went. None of us knew why our friend suddenly disappeared without a word."

"Do you know how upset that made us all feel?" Grass Wonder's voice echoes off the walls.

"When did you get here?!" Hideyoshi scrambles back. He screams when he bumps into someone.

"We followed you." Hishiama glares down at him and kicks him. "Did you really think you could get away with what you did?"

"I'm sorry!" Hideyoshi cries out.

"You're apologizing to the wrong person." Brian hoists the man up by the front of his shirt and then throws him. "It pisses me off knowing that you lived a comfortable life while she suffered on her own."

"Please have mercy!" Hideyoshi shouts.

"Do you think you deserve that? We don't think so." Pocket cracks her knuckles before punching the man in the shoulder.

"You can't run away." Grass smiles as she steps closer. She kicks the man once she is close enough. Then she points the blade of the naginata in her hands at him. "We are only getting started."

Hideyoshi scrambles to his feet, backing away. "Please wait!"

"Maybe a weapon is a little much..." Pocket mutters.

"And why should we do that?" Ayabe glares. She grabs a fistful of the man's shirt. "Tell me what makes you think we should just let you go after what you did to Opera! What did you use to hurt her like that?! Why did you do it?!"

"Acid." The man answers quickly.

"You could have killed her!" Ayabe growls.

"I... I just..." Hideyoshi stammers. "I did it because she always talked about how great she was and never once showed any care towards those who had their careers ended because she beat them. Countless dreams shut down because of her. All I did was put her in her place. You should already know that there are many people who despise her for that! She got what she deserved."

"She didn't deserve that!" Ayabe shouts, throwing the man to the ground. "Opera is kind. She never once looked down on anyone. Every time she was in a race, she would encourage everyone to do their best!"

She kicks Hideyoshi, not waiting for him to refute her. She wanted him to hurt.

"I think that's enough now..." Pocket says quietly, stepping back.

"Not enough. I want his blood." Grass says. She twirls her naginata around before holding it out to Ayabe.

And that was a sentiment Ayabe agreed with. Hishiama and Brian are quiet as if they are contemplating what to do now, but Ayabe doesn't think there is backing out now. She already knows what she wants.

"Please don't kill me! I have a family!" Hideyoshi cries.

"Opera does too." Ayabe takes the naginata. Just as she turns the blade towards the man, a loud crash echoes through the empty building.

Everyone turns their attention towards the entrance where Oguri stands, looking like she just kicked down the door. Behind her, two other figures are hunched over catching their breath.

"Stop right there!" Oguri shouts.

"...huh?" Hishiama tilts her head in confusion.

"How did you find us?" Brian asks.

"I told... her." Fuji says as she stand up straight.

"Huh?! Fuji, you came here?! Then who is watching Opera?!" Pocket cries out.

"That's-" Fuji frowns.

"Huh? Because Opera knows too." Oguri says

"I'm right here." Opera says, leaning against the doorframe. "I have not run that fast in so long..."

"Catch your breath." Fuji says, patting Opera on the shoulder.

Ayabe squeezes her eyes shut. Opera wasn't supposed to be here. She wasn't supposed to know about any of this. Why did this have to happen this way? Why did Fuji suddenly change her mind?

But it doesn't matter. She stabs the naginata into the ground when she hears Hideyoshi try to get away. The blade barely misses him. Ayabe glares at him. "Where do you think you are going?"

"Please have mercy!" The man shouts.

"No. You haven't given me a good reason to." Ayabe glowers. She yanks the blade back and thrusts it forward, only for it to be stopped by another pair of hands. She turns to glare at the person who had halted its movements, but she falters. "Opera? What? What are you doing?"

"Ayabe, don't." Opera pleads.

"But he hurt you!" Ayabe shouts.

"I know." Opera says softly.

"He could have killed you." Ayabe frowns.

"I know that, but this isn't right." Opera says as she carefully pries Ayabe's hands away from the weapon.

"He took everything from you. He deserves to pay for what he did." Ayabe tries to reason, even when she knows Opera is right.

"You all already hurt him enough. And if your do any worse, all of you would get into trouble. This is not worth it, Ayabe. Let it go, please." Opera pleads. She looks Ayabe in the eyes. "If you kill him, you'd be throwing away whatever future we could have together."

"A future together? What do you mean?" Ayabe asks as the naginata falls to the ground

"You said you would stay by my side, and you would not be able to do that if you were in prison. If you kill him, you would be locked away. I don't want that for you. Killing him will not change what happened. You would only be making yourself out to be a monster, and you aren't one. I understand you wish to avenge me, but it is not worth it. So please reconsider, don't do this. Please." Opera begs.

Ayabe frowns, looking away from Opera. Her eyes fall on Hideyoshi who is trembling with fear. Then her eyes scan over everyone in the room. Oguri and Fuji are watching her with stern expressions on their faces; Grass has picked up the naginata and looks deep in thought now; Hishiama and Brian look like they were contemplating life; and Pocket looks regretful and remorseful.

"Did we go too far?" Ayabe asks quietly.

"Perhaps a bit." Opera says softly. She looks towards Hideyoshi. "Are you hurt badly?"

"I-I-I will be fine!" The man stammers. He bows his head. "I won't tell anyone about this! Please just let me go!"

Grass sighs and twirls her naginata around. "Fine... I would have liked to do more... We will let you go if you confess to what you did to Opera those years ago, okay?~"

"I will!" Hideyoshi cries out. "I promise."

"Then you may go." Grass says. She points the blade towards him. "But if you go back on your word, I will hunt you down."

Ayabe watches as Hideyoshi scrambles to his feet and runs away. "Is this really the right choice?"

"Of course." Opera holds Ayabe's face in her hands. "It is better to let him go than for you to do something regrettable. I am glad we made it in time. It would not have been good if we arrived any later."

"You're being too kind to that person." Ayabe scowls.

"I do not wish to live in the past anymore; I only wish to move forward from now on. If I were to allow his actions to define my life, I would never be able to move on. And if that happened, I would have never returned to see all of you again." Opera whispers. She moves closer and wraps her arms around Ayabe. "So please move on as well. If not for yourself, do it for me."

Ayabe wanted to argue, to tell Opera that things were not that simple. But she doesn't. Instead, she gives in as Opera stares at her with pleading eyes. She embraces Opera, pulling her closer. "Alright. I'll try."

------------------

As the group walked down the mountain, Oguri had scolded them about their actions. She told them that when Fuji let her know what had happened, she had also gave Fuji a talk for almost covering for them. Ayabe listened the whole time while Opera walked by her side.

"Honestly, it was the wrong choice to do that." Fuji sighs.

"I still got to hit him once." Grass says.

"Please sound less happy about that..." Fuji shakes her head.

"I would like to hit him again, but since Opera said not to, I'll listen." Grass says.

"Fuji, are you mad at me for going along with this?" Pocket asks.

"Not mad. I did already know... I am just disappointed in myself for not stopping all of you." Fuji sighs.

"It is not your fault, Fuji. They must have done a lot to convince you." Opera says quietly. "I cannot blame any of you for choosing to take action like you had, but I wish you had spoken to me before."

"You would have told us not to if we said anything about this." Brian scowls.

"And you would have stopped us." Ayabe adds.

"Is that not warranted? Had we not arrived when we had, you would have killed that man." Opera points out.

"I still think he deserves it. I don't understand how you could just let it go." Ayabe frowns.

"As I said, I wish to move on from this. The past cannot be changed, but we can change what happens in the future. And I would like a future where you are still around. You are important to me, Ayabe." Opera hums.

"She was worried about you and wanted to come find you right away." Oguri speaks up now.

"Oguri! Don't say that!" Opera huffs.

"But it is true. You were worried even though you were afraid of that guy. You still wanted to come find her." Oguri continues. Then she smiles. "I think that was sweet of you. Does that mean Opera has a crush on Ayabe?"

"A-Ah..." Opera covers her face with her hands.

"You like me that way, Opera?" Ayabe asks.

"I... yes. I do, Ayabe. You are just... so wonderful." Opera says quietly. "But I..."

"I feel like we shouldn't be here..." Pocket mutters.

"Quiet." Fuji hisses.

"Lets all go ahead." Hishiama says before running. "Race you!"

"Oh! We're racing?" Brian runs after her.

Grass sighs before chasing after them with Fuji, Oguri, and Pocket following after them. But before she goes, she whispers a "good luck" to Ayabe.

"Opera..." Ayabe sighs. "What are you worried about? I thought you were more confident than that."

"Please do not tease me like that." Opera mutters.

"Is it teasing if it is true? You're usually more confident than this." Ayabe says.

"Perhaps, but things have changed." Opera says quietly. "I am unsure of how things will be now... I do not know if you wish to continue like this."

"I think I would like to try." Ayabe places her hand against Opera's cheek.

"Even if I am a little too much to handle?" Opera asks.

"You're never too much. I think that is what makes it exciting to be with you. I never know what you will do." Ayabe laughs.

"You are okay with this?" Opera asks quietly.

"Of course. Stop asking before I change my mind." Ayabe says.

"Huh?! You're going to do that?!" Opera squeaks.

"I'm only teasing you, Opera. I wouldn't change my mind, I love you too much for that." Ayabe chuckles.

Opera makes some incoherent sound and covers her face with her hands.

"Oh. You're not very good with compliments, are you?" Ayabe smiles. "That's cute. Perhaps I should do this more. I like this side of you."

"Please stop!" Opera squeaks, hiding herself behind her hands more. "I surrender!"

Ayabe laughs to herself and gently pries Opera's hands away. "Alright. I'll stop. But can I ask you for one thing?"

"Y-Yes?" Opera looks up at her, a faint blush dusts her cheeks.

"Can I have a kiss?" Ayabe asks.

Opera's face turns even more red now, but she gives a small nod.

"Thank you." Ayabe smiles. She gently grasps Opera's face in her hands. For a moment, she watches while Opera trembles slightly.

"If you're going to do it, just do it already." Opera mutters.

"Alright alright. Be patient." Ayabe rolls her eyes. Then she leans in and kisses Opera on the lips. They were just as soft as she had imagined. She leans in closer, savoring every second of it.

Chapter Text

Since the day Ayabe had shared her first kiss with Opera, she felt like she was the luckiest umamusume in the world. Really, she was surprised that Opera would accept being with her so easily. After all, she had not always been so open with the orange haired uma during their days at Tracen Academy. But she supposes that it was because they had grown closer now that Opera came to accept her affections.

Her ears perk up when she hears a knock at the doors to her office. "Come in."

"Are you busy?" Orange ears peek in and Ayabe instantly knows who it is.

"Opera. I wasn't expecting you to come see me while I was working. Don't you have work yourself?" Ayabe asks.

"I did, but I finished already. I am currently seeking employment elsewhere." Opera hums, leaning against Ayabe's desk.

"Are you sure about that? The cafe owner liked you a lot." Ayabe frowns. Then she shakes her head. "Unless you plan on working here at Tracen."

"I am not looking to work here." Opera says softly.

"That's disappointing. I would have liked to work with you." Ayabe says.

"Perhaps in the future." Opera hums.

Ayabe laughs. "Then would you tell me what you are planning on doing now?"

"I think I will return to the stage." Opera answers.

"Return to the stage?" Had she heard that right? Ayabe tilts her head. "But would that be okay for you? You said that the last time you did a job in theater, they let you go after some of your harassers vandalized the theater you had worked at before."

"I believe it will be alright. Fuji has been helping me with all of this. It should all be alright. We have a plan." Opera says.

"Do I want to know what you two have planned?" Ayabe mutters.

"It is simple, my dearest Ayabe! Fuji and I purchased an abandoned theater house we discovered within the city! We plan to revitalize it and open it anew for everyone to see!" Opera says, her eyes sparkle with excitement.

"Are you two sure this will be okay?" Ayabe frowns. A part of her was happy that Opera was trying to do something she loved, but the other part of her was jealous with how close she was being with Fuji now. "This could be the worst financial decision you both made ever."

"We are aware of that, but we hope it will work out." Opera says quietly. Her gaze becomes distance. "After all, I already tried asking some of the theaters around if I would be allowed to work there, but they all denied me. They are still afraid that those who disliked me will go back and destroy things once more. If I cannot have a chance with them, then I need to create my own."

Ayabe's expression softens. "I hope it works out for you then."

"As do I." Opera hums, seating herself on the edge of Ayabe's desk.

"Don't sit there." Ayabe mutters. She gets up and grabs another chair. "Sit here."

"Thank you, Ayabe. You are truly kind." Opera hops off the desk and seats herself.

"What brings you here anyways?" Ayabe asks.

"Am I not allowed to visit you here? I miss your company dearly." Opera sighs.

"I never thought you were the clingy type." Ayabe rolls her eyes.

"You wound me, Ayabe!" Opera huffs. Then she places a bag on Ayabe's desk. "But nonetheless, I will still give this to you."

"What is this?" Ayabe asks.

"I made you some lunch. You should be honored to have received a meal made by the overlord!" Opera answers before hopping to her feet and heads to the door. She pauses in the doorway and waves. "I will be parting ways with you now, my dearest. There are some tasks that require my attention post haste! Until we meet again!"

A smile crosses her face and Ayabe feels her heart at ease. After spending more time with Opera, she came to understand that Opera's boisterous acts were really a part of who she was. Of course, there was also the side of her that was more quiet and timid when it came to being complimented. And Ayabe came to love every bit of her.

She carefully unties the bag and takes out the bento box that resided within it. As she opens the lid, a warm smile crosses her face. Everything inside looked perfectly prepared. The rice, vegetables, and meat were perfectly arranged. And when she took a bite, it tasted just as she liked. Ayabe was surprised that Opera had actually taken the time to learn to cook.

"I should ask her for more."

"Are you enjoying that? It looks good. Can I have some?" A voice from the doorway calls out.

Ayabe glares at Symboli Rudolf. "No. You can't."

"What a shame." Rudolf sighs. "I was hoping to have a taste of it. There is no need for you to get so bento of shape over it."

"Get out before I throw something at you." Ayabe growls.

Rudolf holds her hands up in surrender. "I only wanted to check in on you. I wasn't actually going to eat any of the food my birthday buddy brought you. Brian informed me that you are dating Opera O now."

"I am. What does it matter to you?" Ayabe narrows her eyes.

"I only ask that you treat her kindly. It is a miracle for her to return. I had tried letting Daring Tact know, but she only came when we had the concert. She has been avoiding our meet ups for some reason." Rudolf sighs.

Ayabe grimaces as she recalls some of the actions the other members of Team Rigil have taken recently; ranging from those god awful jokes,  property damage, threatening the lives of some people, outright attacking someone. "I wonder why."

"I'll have to contact her again. Have a nice meal!" Rudolf quickly exits.

Ayabe sighs and gets up, locking the door this time. Hopefully this time, she could have her meal in peace. She really was happy with what she had now, and she did not regret any of it. Now, she only wanted to go on her next date with Opera.

------------------

Her date had come sooner than she expected, but it did not upset her in the slightest. Instead, Ayabe looked forward to it. It was just going to be a walk around a beautiful botanical garden. But something happened that she was not expecting because of course it would. She was going on a date with TM Opera O after all.

"You brought your daughter." Ayabe states.

"Of course! Toppazure should get used to you if we are to date like this." Opera says.

"I can't deny that logic..." Ayabe sighs.

Little Toppazure stares up at her with an eager smile. "Hello!"

"Hello." Ayabe says.

"I apologize if this is not what you wanted." Opera says softly. "But Brian is busy today."

"You should also know that all your former teammates would have loved to look after her as well. They all want to be the favorite aunt." Ayabe says flatly. It wasn't hard for her to see that after all.

Opera laughs. "I am well aware of that, and I think it would be a good idea for me to spend more time with her. I am her mother after all."

"That's true." Ayabe says. Then she motions for Opera to follow. "Come on, lets get going then."

Opera walks by her side, holding Toppazure's hand. "Thank you for inviting me out today, Ayabe."

"Opera, are you forgetting this is a date?" Ayabe rolls her eyes.

"I have not forgotten, but I would still like to thank you. For you to wish to spend time with someone such as myself warms my heart. Even if I am not as perfect as I once was, you still wish to be by my side." Opera says.

"You're still perfect to me." Ayabe says.

"Do you like my mama?" Toppazure asks.

Ayabe pauses, thinking over her words. "Of course I do. I think she is an amazing person. Beautiful, kind and caring. Just the kind of person anyone would want to be with forever."

"But papa didn't think that." Toppazure frowns a little.

"Then your papa wasn't very smart. He doesn't know what he has lost." Ayabe says.

"I didn't like papa, but I love my mama!" Toppazure smiles.

"That's good. I'm sure your mama loves you too." Ayabe smiles softly.

"Of course I love my little Toppazure!" Opera says. "She is my little princess."

"Nuh uh! Mama is the princess!" Toppazure pouts.

"That would make you one as well." Opera hums, lifting her daughter up in her arms.

"Then what does that make auntie Ayabe?" Toppazure asks, looking towards Ayabe.

"That would make me your mama's knight." Ayabe answers.

"Really?!" Toppazure's eyes light up.

"Really." Ayabe smiles. She places a hand against Opera's cheek. "I did promise to protect her from anyone who would want to hurt her."

"Mama, do you like auntie Ayabe?" Toppazure asks.

"Of course! She is a wonderful person, and I adore her. She makes me happy." Opera says softly.

"If mama likes auntie Ayabe, then does that mean you will get married?" Toppazure asks.

"A-Ah..." Opera's face turns red.

"Maybe." Ayabe chuckles. "Only if your mama is okay with it."

"Really?! That means auntie Ayabe could be my mama too!" Toppazure squeals. She looks at Opera with excitement in her eyes.

"P-Perhaps." Opera says quietly.

"I would like that." Ayabe says.

"You w-would?" Opera asks as she sets her daughter back down on the ground.

"I think it would be nice to be married to an umamusume as beautiful and kind as you." Ayabe smiles.

Opera makes some incoherent noise, turning away. "I cannot possibly beat you at this. All your words, it is making the aura of the overlord melt away. I am weak to your radiance."

"You're adorable like this." Ayabe says.

"Stop! Enough! I cannot go on if you continue at this!" Opera cries out.

"I think mama really likes you!" Toppazure says.

"I think so too." Ayabe smiles softly.

"Yay!" Toppazure cheers before getting distracted by some nearby flowers. "Oooh! So pretty!"

Ayabe watches while Opera carefully pulls her daughter away from the flowers, gently explaining to her not to touch. While Toppazure admires the flowers at a respectful distance, the two of them stand side by side.

"I mean it, you know." Ayabe says, her hand brushes against Opera's.

"Hm?" Opera glances towards her.

"I wouldn't mind being married to you." Ayabe clarifies.

Opera's eyes go wide before she turns away. "That is not a romantic proposal."

"Then I'll do better next time." Ayabe says.

"I appreciate the gesture, Ayabe. But... I believe it may be too soon. You and I only started dating recently." Opera says quietly.

"It's been one month, Opera. That isn't too soon." Ayabe huffs.

Opera sighs and closes her eyes before turning to Ayabe. "I just want you to really be sure about this before you follow through. Is this really what you want? What if there is someone else you love more? Would you really be okay with being tied down to me?"

"I said I would stay by your side, didn't I? There is no one else I love more than you. And even if there was, I wouldn't leave you." Ayabe grasps Opera's hand and gives it a squeeze. "I love you, and nothing will change that. If I have to work to prove it to you, then so be it. I'll keep proving it to you again and again until you no longer doubt it."

"Then I shall hold you to it. Give me your all and show me just how much you mean it." Opera says, a soft smile crosses her face. "I look forward to your performance my dear knight."