Chapter 8

Win It In Your Name

'Days have passed. I have begun to accept the fact that Super Creek and I can no longer call each other rivals for now. Just for now. I have other things to attend to: winning the finals. I heard it was more than just the finals though. This race was one of the biggest ones held. Failure wasn't an option here. Just to win. If that happens…then we get big prizes.

I hope Super Creek is watching from where she's at. I need her support, despite her condition…'

Creek has gotten visitors as days passed. Not only her friends, but some of her big fans as well. The MILFy horsey is happy to see those who give their support and love. She is recovering thankfully, but she still cannot enter the finals. However, she has heard that Oguri volunteered to take her place. That made Creek very happy to hear that the silver haired horsey is willing to race again.

During Oguri's training sessions, Creek has gone to rehab to do some exercises. It helps her leg recover a bit more. Creek is sure that her classmate is working hard as she can.

Then, the next day, Creek gets a visitor from Meisho. She has visited a few times before, but it's a good thing she visited today. Creek has something special for her dear little fan.

"U-ummm…a request…?" Meisho asks.

"Yes," Creek smiles a beautiful smile. "Can you do that for me? It's just a message to pass it onto someone dear to me. Be sure to tell her, okay?"

"U-ummm….sure but…what do you want me to tell her?" Meisho asks.

Creek leans over to whisper something on Meisho's horsey ear and then pull away.

"You got it? Be sure to write it down~" Creek says with a finger held up.

"Y-yes! I will…Mama!" Meisho bows and then dashes out the door.

Creek lets out a soft giggle. She looks down at her leg and moves it a little. Something deep inside her mind is forming a plan. She knows she shouldn't do this, but…it's a risk she must take.

Later*

Oguri finishes up training with Tama when she notices Meisho come running toward her. The timid horsey starts to slide while trying to stop and falls on her face as a result.

"U-uuuu….! This is hopeless…!" Meisho whines.

Oguri rushes in to quickly help the poor dearie. "Are you okay? Do you want to tell me something?"

Meisho gasps and jumps to her feet, fists pumped. "Oguri-san…! I…I wanted to tell you…that I will be routing for you in the finals!"

"Eh!?" Tama says and then chuckles. "Heh, I thought Creek was your idol~"

"Sh-she still is," Meisho says. "But I…I still want to support Oguri-san! She needs all the support she can get when she races!"

Oguri smiles and pets the timid horsey. "I'm very glad that you are willing to cheer me on, Meisho. I'm so proud of you."

Meisho brightens and nods. "Yes…yes! I'll see you in the finals, Oguri-san!"

With that, the timid horsey dashes off. Tama walks by Oguri's side with her hands on her hips.

"What was that all of a sudden~?" The smaller horsey says.

Oguri just smiles, staring at Meisho's back. "I think I know the reason…" She knows Creek must have sent Meisho. Creek wants Oguri to get along with the timid horsey as well. And frankly, Oguri doesn't mind one bit.

Meanwhile*

Narita Brian gets done with her training session with her own rival, Hishi Amazon.

"Haaaah…..that was a good run!" Amazon says, wiping her forehead with a towel. The tanned horsey hands her teammate a towel. "Here you go!"

"Thanks," Brian takes it and wipes the sweat off her while drinking from a water bottle.

"So…you are gonna best Oguri Cap instead of Super Creek, huh?" Amazon says, crossing her arms. "That's interesting. This race is gonna be big after all."

"One of the biggest races," Brian says. "I still want to prove myself to Aneki. But…there is one other thing…"

"Huh?" Amazon tilts her head to the side.

"I want to say something to Oguri Cap…" Brian says. "After the race. Whether it'd be winning or losing, I'm still going to tell her how I feel…"

"Ehehe! Sounds like a love confession~" Amazon smirks.

"It's not…" Brian counters, still having a stoic expression on her face. "It's a secret…"

"Awwwww! You're no fun!" Amazon pouts adorably.

The Finals*

The day of the final race is here. There is a very large crowd in the stands and there are horse girls old and new at the sidelines. Everybody is hyped for this day. They even paid good money for their favorite horse girls, especially big money on the most important horsies: Oguri Cap and Narita Brian.

Oguri looks up at the crowd under the clear night sky. Bright lights shine down toward the main track and the big screen in the middle boots up, showing the horse girls one by one.

"It's so big…" Oguri says to herself. She admits that she is very surprised by the amount of fans and horse girls there are.

She turns to see Tama, Inari and Meisho at the sidelines, cheering her on. Oguri smiles and pumps a fist, letting them know that she will give it her all.

As for Narita Brian, she looks over to see her horse girl friends cheering her on, including her sister, Biwa. The glasses wearing horsey gives a thumbs up, letting her little sister know to try her hardest out there. Brian just nods in reply and turns toward Oguri. She walks up to the silver haired horsey and crosses her arms, calling out her name.

"Oguri Cap," the stoic horsey says. "May I have a word with you?"

"Sure…" the hungry horsey turns to walk toward the stoic one. "What is it?"

"I just…want to let you know that even though Super Creek is out," Brian says. "I won against her, yes, but…that doesn't mean I have proved myself. I still have this race to confirm that…" Then…Brian's eyes widen a little at Oguri stretching out her hand with a small smile.

"Let's have a fun race…Brian," Oguri says softly.

The stoic horsey blushes and then reluctantly reaches out and grips Oguri's hand. "W-well…if that's what you wish…"

Both of them let go and Brian immediately heads toward her gate. Before Oguri goes to her own, she turns to find a big surprise. Her eyes widen at the sight of Super Creek, on crutches and managing to get to the sidelines in between Tama and Inari. She's dressed in her school uniform just like the rest.

"C-Creek…!" Oguri cups a hand to her mouth. She cannot believe she had risked trying to get here with her fractured leg just to see the race in person.

"What the hell!?" Tama shrieks. "Whaddya doin' here!? You should be still at the hospital!"

Creek just smiles and puts a finger to her mouth. "I did what I had to do…to support Oguri-chan…~"

Oguri sees Creek wave at her. The silver haired horsey wanted to cry in happy tears, but now's not the time. She is finally motivated to race, so she goes to her gate, right next to Brian's. All the competitors get in their ready positions. Then…the bell rings.

"And they're off!" The female announcer says. "This is a long distance race, so everyone enjoy this final race! Everyone's going at their own pace! A good start! Oguri Cap is far behind Narita Brian! Oguri Cap is in 14th place while Narita Brian is in 12th place!"

The horsies still go at their own pace. It's a bit slow, but everyone knows the tension will rise once they go further down the track. Rice Shower goes past a few horsies, getting to 6th place. Brian goes past a couple of them herself. Oguri is still in the same place. Then, the horsies make the first turn after a few minutes. They are now running at a very long track now. It look like it could go on for miles. However, not even that can stop the horse girls from running. At least most of them. Rice Shower goes at her own pace. So does Oguri and Brian.

"A very long track for these horse girls!" The female announcer says. "But they are still going strong! Look, Rice Shower is pulling ahead, making her 4th place now! Narita Brian and Oguri Cap still have to step it up! They got the second turn!"

The horsies make a sharp turn and Brian speeds up a little, passing 3 horsies all at once and then another shortly after. She is now in 8th. Oguri gets past 4 horsies and is now in 10th place. She cannot see Brian from this distance as some of the other horse girls are blocking her. The stoic horsey looks back and sees this chance to get ahead just a little more. Oguri won't know what hit her once they make the third turn.

"Come on, Ogurin!" Tama shouts. "You can do it!"

"Go, go, goooo!" Inari cheers.

"Do it for your fans!" Meisho shouts as loud as she can. "Do it for the ones you hold dear!"

Creek sees Oguri struggling a little. This long distance race may not be cut out for her. Her stamina isn't as good as hers and that's why she keeps losing to Creek all the time.

It's like she is losing air. Oguri keeps on running, but she is breathing heavily. She may not make it past the third turn. Brian is still going strong, getting past 4 more horsies and then 2 more. She is now in 2nd place where Rice Shower just pulled ahead as soon as they make the third turn.

"On with the third turn!" The female announcer says. "Oguri Cap seems to be slowing down! She's letting 2 horse girls pass her! And then another! Narita Brian is behind Rice Shower, but whoa! Look at how she is speeding up toward her! Narita Brian is determined! Rice Shower tries to catch up, but she is no match!"

Oguri grits her teeth. Her oxygen is failing her and her strong legs are growing heavy. She cannot lose this race. She just can't!

"Oguri doesn't look so good!" Inari says.

"Long distances aren't fair!" Tama complains.

Creek cups a hand to her mouth. Tears sting her eyes. Will this be the end if Oguri cannot make it?

"They're almost to the final turn!" The female announcer says. "Narita Brian is still ahead of Rice Shower! Oguri Cap is way behind! Will she lose to Narita Brian?"

"Gooooo!" Tama and Inari shout.

"You can do it!" Meisho cries out.

"Come on….go, Oguri-chan…go…" Creek says to herself.

Oguri is sweating and panting. She looks ahead to see the others ahead of her as they make the final turn. No…she cannot lose here. Not in front of Creek. She still needs to pull ahead and fast!

"I…I won't lose….!" Oguri grits her teeth. She starts to speed ahead after the final turn, passing every horsey, including Rice Shower until she goes neck and neck with Narita Brian.

"Oguri Cap speeds ahead! Oguri Cap speeds ahead!" The female announcer says. "Narita Brian and Oguri Cap! They're head to head! Only 600 meters to go! Who will win this final race!?"

Brian glances at Oguri, who is trying her hardest to be at least at an even pace as her. However, Brian cannot let her take this chance. She speeds forward, which makes Oguri start to rush forward as well. The silver haired horsey is running out of breath. Her legs feel heavier than before. Her chest is hurting. But…she will not fall regardless.

Creek cups both hands to her mouth as the tension rises greatly. They are almost to the finish line. Heavy tears fall from Creek's eyes. Is Oguri going to do it? Will she be able to win this?

"Oguri Cap…" Brian says. "I will win this…! I have to win…!"

Oguri grits her teeth. "No…Brian. It is me…who shall win…! HAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" With a loud cry, Oguri stomps her foot on the ground, gaining intense speed and pulls forward, rushing past Brian instantly.

"Oguri Cap passes Narita Brian! Oguri Cap passes Narita Brian!" The female announcer cries. "Oguri Cap is going for it! Faster and faster she goes! What an outstanding run! Oguri Cap goes faster! Narita Brian catches up! Oguri Cap! Narita Brian! Oguri Cap! And…GOAL!!!"

Oguri crosses the finish line with the last bit of strength. She did it. She won the finals.

"Yay! Yay!" Tama and Inari hug each other while Meisho pumps her fists.

Creek buries her head in her hands, crying with joy. She is so happy her rival has won the biggest race in history.

Oguri pants heavily, putting her hands on her knees to keep herself from falling. Brian pants as well and looks to her friends and sister. Biwa just smiles and gives a nod of approval. Brian going in second is acceptable.

Oguri looks up at the crowd, who cheers very loudly.

"I…won…" she says softly. "I actually….won…"

"Oguri Cap," Brian says, standing before the silver haired horsey, arms crossed as usual.

Oguri regains her breath and straightens up. "Brian…"

"I will admit…" Brian says. "I had…fun racing with you. And…I would like to tell you something as well: Super Creek. Instead of calling her a rival…I want to…become friends with her…"

"Friends…?" Oguri questions.

"Super Creek…she is incredibly kind to me…despite me claiming her to be my rival," Brian says. "She has a heart of gold and sees nobody as a threat. Not even me. I say this because she helped me when I didn't even need it. So I want to advise you, Oguri Cap…" She walks a couples steps toward her. "Take good care of her. Never ever forget the love she has given everyone."

Oguri smiles. "I will not forget. I will treasure Creek with all my heart~" She puts a fist on her chest.

"Good…" Brian outstretches her hand with a small smile on her face. "Be sure to let Super Creek know that I want to be her friend."

"I will do just that," Oguri nods and she shakes hands with Brian, making the crowd cheer.

Later*

Down the long hallway, with a row of lights brightening the area, Oguri walks until she stops mid-way to see Super Creek standing there with a small, sweet smile.

"Congratulations…Oguri-chan~" Creek says. "You've won~"

"Creek…you actually came…" Oguri says softly.

"I did what I had to do~" The MILFy horsey says. "I know how you want to give it your all at the finals…even when I'm not there. But I decides to support you anyways…despite my condition. You mean a lot to me more than…anything~"

Oguri begins to feel a lump in her throat. Then…tears start to sting her eyes. She grits her teeth to keep herself from crying but…

"Creek…I…*hic*….I…" Oguri helplessly wipes the tears away. "I'm so sorry…this all had to happen. But I just want to….t-to tell you…*sniff*…*hic*…how much you m-mean to me…!"

Creek smiles a sweet smile as she approaches the crying horsey. "It's okay. It's okay…Mama's here…" She gently embraces her dear friend and classmate.

Oguri returns the embrace, crying softly as heavy tears falling freely. "I love you…! I love you so much….Super Creek…! You are the world to me…! You are the heart of the world…! I want to treasure you forever and ever…!"

"Yes…me, too…" Creek whispers as she gently strokes Oguri's silver hair. "I love you very much, Oguri-chan…"

The crying continues with the two of them being in each other's arms for who knows how long.

6 Months Later*

It's as if time has gone by so fast. With the prize money Oguri won, she was able to afford Super Creek special treatment on not just her leg, but her illness as well. But even as she recovered, she still needed to do rehab a bit more. Not as much as before though. Pretty soon, as the 6 months pass, Super Creek is completely healed.

Everyone Creek knows and loves were very happy. They celebrated right away by throwing a "Welcome Back" party. Creek could not be any happier, not even her darling fan, Meisho Doto.

In fact, while Creek was recovering, Oguri and Tama helped train her and gain more and more confidence in racing. Meisho tried her hardest at everything. And then…came the real race. And her ultimate opponent is none other than Oguri Cap herself.

"Meisho Doto pulls ahead! No wait! Oguri Cap is catching up!" The female announcer cries. "Now Meisho Doto makes a sharp turn and look at that! She goes at a burst of speed! Going farther and farther away from Oguri Cap!"

Meisho pushes herself harder. The finish line is just so close. She HAS to win! She leans forward and runs faster and faster until she crosses the finish line. She stops and pants a little as she faces the crowd. They go nuts as they cheer for her victory. For the first time in her life…Meisho has been acknowledged as a winner.

"I…won….I really won…!" Meisho cries in tears of happiness. "I won…! Oh my gosh! This is the happiest day of my life…!"

Oguri smiles and approaches the timid horsey. "Congratulations, Meisho. You won."

"You h-have…n-no idea…how happy I am~!" Meisho sobs happily. "Not only I have you to thank….but to Creek-san as well! She…she was the one who…who helped me gain the confidence I needed…!"

Oguri nods. "Yes. Super Creek is…an angel to everyone…" She extends her hand. "I look forward to racing you again…~"

"Yes….yes…!" Meisho quickly grabs Oguri's hand. "Just like what Creek-san wanted…! For us to get along and race together as much as possible!"

Not long after the big race, Super Creek and Oguri are alone together up on a hill, watching the sunset. Both of them turn to face each other, intertwine hands and lean in to share a passionate, heartwarming kiss.

Oguri Cap's journey toward her love has come to an end.

A/N: And that's a wrap everyone. This story is mostly dedicated to my good friend Major Mike Powell III since Super Creek became his favorite Uma Musume character.

Hope everyone else enjoyed as well.

Have a nice day!