| As Ordinary as They Come | |
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It's the day of the tryouts—a multitude of races highlighting up-and-coming runners. |
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Not wanting to be late, I make my way through the academy grounds, heading straight for the track. |
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Nice Nature |
Ah! You there! Yes, you. Could you help me with a tiny little favor? |
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A favor? |
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Nice Nature |
Yup, yup. If anyone comes by asking questions, just tell them, "Nature? Nope, haven't seen her!" and send them on their— |
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Ah, Natie! She's here—we finally found her! |
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Nice Nature |
Ugh... |
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What, so you were here the whole time? You weren't at the track, so we thought you mighta overslept or summat. |
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Nice Nature |
Uh, just for the record, I'm not that laid-back. If anything, I've been getting up earlier and earlier lately. |
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Haha, you should hear yourself, Natie! You sounded just like us old folks there! |
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More importantly—the tryouts! We're all here to cheer you on, so go get 'em, Natie! |
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Nice Nature |
Um, I appreciate all of you coming out here... But don't get your hopes up too much, 'kay? |
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Nice Nature |
I know my name makes me sound like a natural winner, but to be honest, my talents really aren't all that. |
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Nice Nature |
Like, the best I placed in my scrimmages was third. And it's not like I've got any grand ol' dreams either. |
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Now, now, don't say that. Well, we gotta get ready too. Make sure ya warm those muscles up, Natie! |
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Nice Nature |
Haha... Yeah, 'preciate it. |
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Nice Nature |
...Hey, so um, sorry about that. Totally left you hanging there. |
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Were those people part of your fan club or something? |
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Nice Nature |
Nah, it's nothing like that. They're just some folks from the local shopping district who're here to support me. |
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Nice Nature |
It's just, I can't really live up to their expectations, so I wanted to avoid them if I could. |
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Nice Nature |
By the way... Hm? That badge on your collar... |
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Nice Nature |
Wait, are you a trainer here? |
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You got me. |
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Nice Nature |
Whoa, really?! Yikes, then I totally flubbed my elevator pitch! Even if I did say nothing but the gospel truth... |
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Nice Nature |
Um, haha... Hey, the name's Nature. I'm running in today's tryouts, so guess you'll be seeing me kinda... |
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Nice Nature |
Anyways, catcha 'round. |
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The strangely cynical Nice Nature promptly dashes away in the direction of the track. |
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And now, the tryouts begin! |
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Tokai Teio |
Pant, pant, pant... All right, first place! |
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S-simply immaculate! Such beautiful and refined running, Tokai Teio! |
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Looks like the rumors about her being the second coming of Symboli Rudolf were true! Teio, please let me scout you! |
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Tokai Teio |
Now, now, wait your turn! Line up before me, okay? ♪ |
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As the races go on, promising racers are scouted one after another by the watching trainers. |
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However... |
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Nice Nature |
Man, that's Teio for you. Always stealing the show... |
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Nice Nature |
She's got the talent, the skill, and the looks. And on top of that, she's got her big dream of following in Rudolf's footsteps. |
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Nice Nature |
Man, she radiates main character vibes. We might as well be living in different worlds. |
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Nice Nature |
Girls like her... really are something else. |
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Nice Nature! Please get ready for your race! |
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Nice Nature |
Right, roger that. Well, time for my turn! |
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Bang! |
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Natieeeee! Yeah, just like that! You go, Natieee! |
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Nice Nature |
Pant, pant, pant... |
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They're rounding the fourth turn and entering the final stretch! Can our front-runner maintain her position?! |
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Nice Nature |
...! |
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But look at who's giving chase—it's Nice Nature! Nice Nature has closed the gap in an instant! |
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(Not bad at all!) |
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My eyes are glued to her amazing running form. What a clean rush in the final spurt! |
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Aaand—it's too little, too late! Nice Nature, finishing in third place! |
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Nice Nature |
Pant, pant... Phew. Well, that's just how it goes. |
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Nice Nature |
Even when I go all-out... third's all I get. |
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Her results might've been unfortunate, but her running back there was picture-perfect. Now's my chance! |
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I want to scout you! |
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Nice Nature |
Huh? |
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Nice Nature |
Ummm... Ah. Someone's a bit of a ditz, huh? Teio's line is thataway, 'kay? |
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I'm scouting you, Nice Nature! |
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Nice Nature |
H-huuuuuh?! |
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Nice Nature |
But like, um... Oh, I'm not saying no, okay? If anything, thanks for picking me and all that. |
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Nice Nature |
It's just, well... You sure you want me? I guess if you get fed up with me... just tell me, all right? |
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Nice Nature |
Still, until then... At least for now... I-I'm in your hands. |
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I excitedly shake the hand of a nonplussed Nice Nature, sealing the deal as her new trainer. |
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| The Taste of Home | |
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Ever since I officially became Nice Nature's trainer, we've been training day in, day out. |
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Nice Nature |
Whew, my arms and legs are all wobbly! Guess that's a personalized training menu for you—no punches held. |
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Nice Nature |
I'm definitely feeling this in the morning... But what's next? Whatcha got prepared? |
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In stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor, Nice Nature is diligent and eager when it comes to training. |
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Nice Nature |
Hm? Cat got your tongue, Trainer? |
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I was just thinking about what a nice and hard-working student you are. |
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Nice Nature |
Huh?! N-nah, it's like... I gotta do what I gotta do, you know? For what it's worth, I am a Tracen student. |
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Nice Nature |
C'mon, stop with the sappy stuff and tell me what I gotta do next. |
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After training like this for a while, our first challenge comes in the form of a scrimmage against other students. |
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Nice Nature |
Pant, pant... Phew. |
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Nice Nature |
Third again... |
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Nice Nature |
Even with my own personal trainer, even after that much training—third is all I got in me, huh. |
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You were really close though! |
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Nice Nature |
Haha, looks like third place is where I belong, isn't it? |
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Nice Nature |
Goals like staying undefeated or conquering the Twinkle Series—they're not meant for me. |
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It's okay to dream big. |
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Nice Nature |
No way, what're you even saying? I told you when we first met, remember? I haven't got any talent worth writing home about. |
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Nice Nature |
I'll still do all the training, and I'll obviously try my best to win the races you sign me up for. |
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Nice Nature |
But I understand myself all too well. My talents as a racer, and my limits too. |
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Nice Nature |
Okay, that's enough out of me! Look, I think it's time for me to head o— |
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Rumble... |
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Nice Nature |
Oh? Was that you, Trainer? |
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M-my bad... |
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Nice Nature |
Haha, don't sweat it! A growing youngster's gotta eat, after all. |
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Nice Nature |
I've got it—come with me for a sec! There's a great place I know. |
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I'm pretty sure I'm older than Nature, but before I can blurt out a witty retort, she grabs my arm and drags me away... |
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Nice Nature |
Mmm, smells good! Hey pops, you got any fresh meatball skewers? |
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Oh, it's Natie! We got meatball skewers all right—gizzard, too! |
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Nice Nature |
Oh, sounds great! Then maybe I'll take one—wait, no. It's not just me today! |
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Nice Nature |
I want my trainer to try the food here. Could you whip up some of your specialities for me? |
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No problem, comin' right up—wait, whaaat?! You're Natie's trainer?! Yer not pulling my leg, are ya?! |
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Nice Nature |
Ah, crud... |
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How rude of me! Trainer, wait right there! I'm gon' get the best food this here shopping district has to offer! |
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Nice Nature |
Uh, you don't gotta—aaand he's gone. Dang, he's fast. You think he'd run my races for me? |
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Nice Nature |
Yeesh, I knew this would happen, so I was trying to avoid saying you were my trainer. Man, that was a bust. |
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The people of the shopping district really love you. |
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Nice Nature |
Well, you could say that... I mean, even at Tracen Academy, I try to be the girl everyone feels comfortable talking to, y'know? |
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Nice Nature |
Back home, I lived in a shopping district just like this one. My mom ran a little bar there, so I've been helping out since I was a kid. |
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Nice Nature |
Cause of that, I've talked to my fair share of grown-ups in my time, from regulars at the bar to other shopping district denizens. |
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Nice Nature |
That's probably why people tell me I act old for my age. |
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Nice Nature |
But it's also why I was able to meet so many friendly old folk, so all in all, I'm pretty grateful. |
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Nice Nature |
Which reminds me, I wonder how the lady who ran the sweets shop back home is doing? Hope her back isn't bothering her too much. |
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Nice Nature |
She's got a scary face, but she's actually really nice. When I was little, she'd always give me leftover candy from the shop. |
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The folks back home must love you too. |
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Nice Nature |
Haha... Despite that, I've got no real talents worth writing home about. |
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Nice Nature |
In reality... everyone was just being nice. |
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Nice Nature |
I was a little bit faster than the local competition, so they cheered me on and hyped me up. And look, it got me all the way here. |
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Nice Nature |
You should've been there the day I left home. They put up flags and streamers all over the shopping district. Said it was a festival. |
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Nice Nature |
But now... just look at me—look at what I did with all those lofty expectations. |
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Nice Nature |
All I can get are decent results, like— |
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Trainer, Trainer—sorry 'bout the wait! Eat this and fill yerself right up! We're leavin' Natie in yer capable hands! |
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Nice Nature |
Haha... You heard him, Trainer. Better eat up before it gets cold, 'kay? |
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Tokai Teio |
Ah, you're here! Heeey, Nature! Whew, I finally found you! |
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Nice Nature |
Hm, Teio? What's the matter? |
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Tokai Teio |
Huh? Haven't you seen the race program? They put it up already, you know—for the Meet! |
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Oh, the legendary Tracen Meet! Tons of people come to watch every year. I can't wait! |
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And don't you worry, Natie, all of us are comin' to cheer you on! |
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Nice Nature |
Haha, I 'preciate it. I really do. But wow, I didn't think they'd have the program up this fast. |
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Nice Nature |
More importantly... Teio, you came all the way here just to tell me that? |
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Tokai Teio |
Heh-heh, you signed up for the 2000m turf race, right? Well, I did too! |
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Tokai Teio |
We got put in the same group! So I'm here to declare war! Nature—it's you against me! |
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Nice Nature |
Huh? |
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Nice Nature |
I-I'm racing... against you?! |
| Unlike Those Stars | |
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It's evening, and I'm in my room crafting a plan to help Nature beat Tokai Teio at the Tracen Meet. |
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Nice Nature |
Uma Attack! Good evening, it's your beloved trainee! |
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Nice Nature |
Sorry for coming by so late, Trainer. I forgot some stuff in the trainer office, sooo... mind lending me the keys? |
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Nice Nature |
Oh yeah, it'd be a hassle to return them tonight, so I'll unlock the room for you tomorrow. |
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It's already late, so why don't we go together? |
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Nice Nature |
Huh?! Ah, um, that's... |
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Nice Nature |
I-I'll be f-fine! Just who do you take me for? I'm not a damsel in distress, y'know? |
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Nice Nature |
That's that, so hurry it up! Gimme the keys already. |
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I'm a little curious about the way Nature is acting, but I hand the keys over to her anyway. |
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Nice Nature |
My thanks! And with that, a good night to you, Trainer. |
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A few hours later... |
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R-r-r-ring! |
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Fuji Kiseki |
Hello? Is this Nature's trainer? This is Fuji Kiseki, dorm leader of Ritto Dormitory, speaking. |
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Fuji Kiseki |
It's already an hour past curfew, but Nature hasn't come back yet. Would you have any ideas as to where she might be? |
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...?! |
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There's no time to panic! First, I should check the trainer's office! |
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I run through the dimly-lit academy, finally arriving in front of the trainer's office. |
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Coming around from the outside is none other than Tokai Teio! It's the final stretch! |
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Tokai Teio leaps into the front! She breaks out of the pack... and across the line! Winning by two whole lengths, Tokai Teio takes home the gold! |
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(Is that race footage of Teio?) |
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Opening the door, I find Nature staring intently at footage of Tokai Teio. |
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Nice Nature |
Yawn... O-o-ow... neck... stiff. |
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Nice Nature |
Still... win after win after win. Her positioning near the end there was flawless—practically textbook. |
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Nice Nature |
Once she gets into her groove, there's no stopping her... Yikes, I'm getting the heebie-jeebies. |
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Are you researching Teio by yourself? |
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Nice Nature |
Huh? Wh-whooooa?! |
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Nice Nature |
T-Trainer! N-no way—why're you here?! |
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I got a call from your dorm leader. |
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Nice Nature |
From Fuji?! Why did she... Ahhh! The curfew! |
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Nice Nature |
Augh, I totally lost track of the time. Oh man, that's so dumb! |
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Looks like she got sucked into researching Tokai Teio and didn't realize it was this late already. |
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Nice Nature |
Um... Sorry about lying to you earlier. Here's the key. I'll go apologize to Fuji too. |
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You want to beat Tokai Teio, don't you? |
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Nice Nature |
Huh?! Nah, it's not— |
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Nice Nature |
...It's not that simple. |
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Nice Nature |
I told you plenty of times, haven't I? That... I'm not built like the others. |
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With a hint of frustration in her tone, Nature slowly walks towards the window before gazing up at the night sky. |
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Nice Nature |
I'm not like those dazzling stars—I can't shine like they do. I'm not the main character of this story. |
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Nice Nature |
Of course, there was a time when I thought I was, y'know? I wouldn't have come to Tracen otherwise. |
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Nice Nature |
But now... I know the the cold, hard truth. |
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Nice Nature |
No matter how fast I run, there's always someone out there who's faster. |
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Nice Nature |
Everyone cheered me on—even threw me a send-off fit for a queen. But when I'm next to real stars, there's no way I can compare to their radiance. |
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Nice Nature |
To put it simply, I'm just one of those extras you see all the time in movies. |
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Nice Nature |
I'm not cut out for the leading role... I know that better than anyone. |
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Nice Nature |
An extra like me has no business aiming for first... It's pathetic, isn't it? |
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You're not pathetic in the slightest. |
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Nice Nature |
... |
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When you give it your all, you shine brighter than any other star. |
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Nice Nature |
...I-I can't shine like the others. So stop it, Trainer. |
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Nice Nature |
Please... just stop. |
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She speaks firmly, but when I look at her, her eyes seem to waver. Perhaps my words reached her? |
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After some time, we go back to Nature's dorm and apologize to Fuji Kiseki together. |
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The next day, after training... |
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Nice Nature |
Hey, Trainer? After this, you mind if I check out some Teio footage again? |
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Nice Nature |
Oh, um, don't get me wrong, okay? It's not because I'm super pumped about facing Teio. Not even close. |
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Nice Nature |
It's just... well... |
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Nice Nature |
Even if first place is out of reach... even if victory is impossible... I-I still want to say that I tried my best... |
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Understood. Knock yourself out! |
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Nice Nature |
Mhm. Well, let's get going! |
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And so, the two us begin dedicating every waking moment to training for the upcoming Tracen Meet. |
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| A New Beginning | |
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Nice Nature |
Ahh... Aw man, they're all here... |
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Who's here? |
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Nice Nature |
The guys from back home. Even though it's only a school event, it looks like they've come all the way here to cheer me on... |
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Nice Nature |
What's more, they're all buddy-buddy now with the folks from the local shopping district sitting next to them. |
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Nice Nature |
And their current topic of choice? Me. They're getting on like a house on fire. |
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Sounds like the Nice Nature Fan Club is doing well. |
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Nice Nature |
Wha—et tu, Trainer?! |
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Nice Nature |
Oh maaan, you better not have any expectations! |
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In spite of what Nature said, I see a flash of determination cross her face as she enters the gate. |
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And finally, the Tracen Meet kicks off! |
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Bang! |
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| Happily Ever After | |
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| Shiny New Cleats | |
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| Something to Be Proud Of | |
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