Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

The pressure was intense. Dancing Brave's declaration to enter the battlefield had brought overwhelming stress upon Twilight Song—everyone in the Mejiro Estate could see it clearly.

But of course, only Mejiro Ardan noticed something more—perhaps because she viewed things from an entirely different perspective.

As an accomplice, she clearly understood why Twilight Song had been pushing herself even harder since returning from the St. Leger Stakes.

Perhaps that "one year left" Twilight Song had mentioned before wasn't a full year from that point onward, but rather one year from when she had first arrived in Tokyo from New York.

Life expectancy, after all, was uncertain—especially when dealing with illness. No one could pinpoint an exact moment when life would end.

Thus, this "one year" was likely a vague estimate, meaning Twilight Song probably had even less time than they imagined.

It was precisely this crushing awareness of her impending death that drove Twilight Song to desperately leave something behind as she approached her final limit.

At least… something to show she'd once been here. Perhaps that's how she feels?

Mejiro Ardan's heart ached deeply. Only now—only at the very end—did she finally understand what Twilight Song truly felt, yet it was already too late.

But at least she had the chance to say goodbye. Moreover…

As her accomplice, there was something even more important she needed to do.

What exactly was her duty?

Well, an accomplice naturally meant they were supposed to do something together.

After winning the British Triple Crown, Twilight Song underwent another physical examination, and as always, no abnormalities were detected. But this was actually the easiest hurdle to overcome.

In truth, Twilight Song's condition was deteriorating significantly.

It wasn't as though the little white filly looked weak or frail in her daily life—no, it was something far more subtle.

No one had ever managed to diagnose Twilight Song's illness clearly, but the most obvious symptom was coughing up blood.

Yet contrary to what Twilight Song had previously insisted, after thoroughly discussing it together, they had to acknowledge one truth:

Feeling dizzy and unsteady after coughing up blood was undoubtedly a clear sign that her condition was worsening.

This realization filled Mejiro Ardan with panic, because it was a stark reminder of what she was about to lose.

Thus, despite her usual elegance, Ardan took some rather unconventional actions.

Mejiro Ardan began staying by Twilight Song's side more intimately, every single day, at every moment.

Perhaps trying to persuade Twilight Song to withdraw from the races might allow her to remain longer, but how could she ever bring herself to say something like "don't run, stay by my side instead"?

So Ardan quietly kept each bloodstained handkerchief she used to wipe Twilight Song's mouth, along with some of her smaller personal belongings.

As mementos, Ardan justified to herself.

Another frequent activity they shared was parallel-running practice—more specifically, helping Twilight Song grasp her [Unique Skill].

Of course, many participated in this training, including Mejiro Palmer, Mejiro Ramonu, Mejiro Bright, and occasionally even Symboli Rudolf and—

Mejiro McQueen, who had made an unexpected appearance once.

Recalling that particular incident, Mejiro Ardan felt an urge to laugh. McQueen had initially been refused by everyone until, surprisingly, the strictest among them—Mejiro Ramonu—relented first.

Her exact words at the time were…

"Well, since you're so determined, why don't we show you what a real race feels like?"

Seeing McQueen holding back tears afterward was truly unforgettable. Perhaps even years later, Mejiro Ardan would fondly recall that stubborn, vulnerable expression—the look of a little filly biting her lip fiercely, refusing to cry after a crushing defeat.

Incidentally, it was Twilight Song who eventually comforted Mejiro McQueen.

The filly, who visibly had the closest bond with McQueen among everyone present, gently hugged her and stroked her head softly.

After whispering quietly together for a while, McQueen finally broke down in frustration and cried.

It really made one curious about what Twilight Song had said to her.

Though McQueen didn't join subsequent races, she became a sort of assistant, helping to prepare towels and drinks during their training. She quickly won everyone's unanimous approval.

And what exactly were these parallel-running sessions for? Precisely to help Twilight Song master her [Unique Skill].

In each of her previous G1 races, Twilight Song had indeed displayed glimpses of her [Unique Skill]—evident from the fierce bursts of acceleration and the shimmering flow of light visible only to other Uma Musume around her hooves.

Yet, according to Twilight Song herself, she still couldn't fully control her [Unique Skill] for reasons unknown.

A [Unique Skill] was a miracle triggered when an Uma Musume's desire reached and surpassed its absolute limit, a phenomenon allowing them to run beyond normal boundaries. To master this skill perfectly meant stepping undeniably into the ranks of legends.

However, despite everyone's relentless efforts, Twilight Song had yet to manifest an even greater miracle entirely unique to her.

Part of the issue was probably because the Mejiro family struggled somewhat to effectively counter her reckless runaway style.

Still, Twilight Song didn't seem particularly disappointed. In fact, her smile during those sessions grew brighter than usual. Each time Mejiro Ardan witnessed that smile, she clearly understood something important:

Though Twilight Song never explicitly said it, deep down she had already begun seeing herself as a true member of the Mejiro family.

The little filly who'd arrived alone from abroad had firmly rooted herself within Mejiro Estate, basking fully in the warmth of sisterly affection.

Deep bonds had been formed between them. At this final stage of her life, Twilight Song yearned more desperately than ever for love, friendship, and warmth. At least…

At least on this final stretch of road, the lights on both sides were bright and welcoming.

With these thoughts, Mejiro Ardan packed her suitcase. It was already October 7th.

The final Sunday of the first week in October—not particularly special, but significant for the Mejiro Estate.

Because from tomorrow onward, Old Mejiro would be the only one left here—

What exactly was happening?

Everyone else was traveling with Twilight Song to Paris, to witness her greatest moment of glory.

After closing her suitcase, Mejiro Ardan hesitated briefly before walking to a cabinet nearby, retrieving a small box, and carefully placing it inside.

She still had a surprise gift prepared for Twilight Song to present before the race.