Cornered. Nothing else I can do. My regiment, ambushed, completely routed. Yet, as a commander, I haven’t been able to escape. I peek outside of the abandoned barn, seeing torches held by enemy cavalry as they search the area. Soon enough they will be here. I turn to my ever loyal stallion in his jet black fur, I notice some cuts have made it through his darkened leather armor.

  “Archibald. You need to get out of here.” I mutter to the horse. Despite not understanding English, he often understands me. And yet… he refuses to follow my orders this time.

  “Please, Archibald, you have served me through thick and thin, you have life awaiting you. Get out. I’m not going to last longer with my wound, I need to go out like a warrior.” I try to pull his reins towards the back exit of the barn. He refuses to budge. “Archibald. You must…” I let go and go around back, I try to use the momentum of my body to push him towards his freedom. But his strength vastly outweighs my own. I pant, and cringe, the gash letting loose the red fluid that keeps me alive. “Damn it… You stubborn mule.” I look at his eyes. I know what he’s thinking, and it pains me he does so. He pushes his head forward to me, as if telling me himself.

  “Two of a kind, aren’t we?” I mutter. “This is your last chance, escape, even if you are captured, a life of retirement awaits you. No foe would kill an asset like you.”

  The silent judging of his eyes pains me more than my wound does. “Fine… if you insist…” I mutter. The pain I feel as I remount him is numerous, but if this stubborn stallion wishes to stick with me, then the least I can do is honor his wishes. “A glorious end awaits us.”

  Archibald takes that with pride as he announces himself with a whinny, rearing up, ready to charge. I nod, lower the eagle visor of my helmet. “If only we spoke the same language…” I mumble. “I don’t know what awaits you in the afterlife. But… if the goddess is kind and listens, I would like to be reborn as a horse.” I rub Archibald’s fur through the open part of his armor. “May you end up as whatever you wish, you have served well enough in life, you deserve it.” I give a resigned smile. “Let’s go… we shall visit the beyond. One final charge…”

  Archibald listens as he starts his sprint, shooting the front doors of the barn open. “May we meet again someday.” I say, closing my eyes in resignation.

  I feel myself… floating? I cannot open my eyes, yet I see… light? I try to speak, but also find myself unable to, all I can do is think. Am I dead? Is this an afterlife? I hear a serene voice speak up.

  “To care so much for your Uma, even in a world where they cannot speak. To command unwavering loyalty, to the point where he prefers to enter the unknown afterlife together with you. What you had was not merely a partnership, but a friendship. A friendship that is able to transcend species. You should be proud of the life you lived. While not perfect, in a world at war, no one can be. We will see to it that both you and your Uma are able to attain your last wishes.”

  I try to respond, but my mouth i stills missing.

  Another woman’s voice speaks up, an inviting tone. “It is because of your Uma’s loyalty that you are before us now. Ah, you may wonder what your Uma wishes? Do not worry, you two were always kindred spirits through your ten years of cooperation. You may find yourself meeting them again someday.”

  I feel a sense of energy coming into me, as if a physical form is returning to me. Flesh appearing where once was gone.

  A third voice speaks up, another goddess? “To be reborn as an uma is your wish? We normally only offer such respite only to umamusume, but your uma spoke so strongly of his connection to you… We have extended an invitation to you. We have decided to grant it to you. We shall have you continue your life.”

  I feel a warmth in the growing essence of what appears to be my body. “Go on. Your new world awaits you, young Uma.” I hear the three voices say in unison. A feeling of comfort fills my body as my eyes reform, I try to reopen them, I see a silhouette of three women, I cannot make them out, but briefly see something sticking out from their heads Beastkin…? But as I try to focus my gaze a sudden bright flash of light forces my eyes shut.

  —

  In Tracen Academy, Director Yayoi Akikawa and her secretary, Tazuna Hayakawa are in their office, having a meeting with Symboli Rudolf, the Student Council President.

  “Splendid! Inspiring!” The young director praises Rudolf’s work. “As usual you continue to set the standard of Tracen!” Yayoi fan unfurls, revealing the black word to be written on it to show the word: “Amazing!” She continues, “Keep up the excellent work!”

  As the meeting draws to a close, a sudden bright flash floods the room.

  “Huh! This wasn’t on the agenda!” Yayoi lets out, covering her eyes.

  Tazuna naturally steps in front of the director, but shields her own eyes. “Director! Please step back!”

  Symboli Rudolf quickly turns, squinting, doing her best to see through the sudden flash. “What is this…?” As the light begins to dissipate, a lone figure finds themselves standing where the light shone brightest. It’s a young umamusume.

  She tries to open her eyes, noticing three figures standing in front of her. “Urk…” Is the only sound that escapes her lips as she falls to one knee, her legs are giving out. It feels as if any energy she had been given is gone. As gravity forces itself on her newly formed body, clearly not ready for it.

  Rudolf, the closest to her, is first to act. The unknown umamusume feels a body help grab her, before she lands face first on whatever ground awaits her.

  She hears Rudolf’s stern, serious voice speak up. “Easy! Easy.” Rudolf says. The unknown umamusume is barely able to comprehend it, it’s as if all at once, all the exhaustion from her past life has caught up to her.

  Rudolf quickly turns, seeing both Yayoi and Tazuna already acting. Yayoi’s face has shifted to one of genuine alarm as she approaches me. “Oh dear! Oh dear! An umamusume? Where’d she come from?” Yayoi quickly turns to her secretary. “Tazuna! Medical staff, no wait, a blanket! And water!”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  As Yayoi turns, she sees Tazuna’s already moving, having both items in hand as she swiftly approaches the body. She carefully grabs the wrist, checking for something. “Her pulse is weak, but steady.” She says assuredly. She quickly scans over the unknown uma’s body, noticing what is covering it. A plain tan tunic and leggings. “Director, this is not a registered student I’m aware of.”

  Yayoi looks to Rudolf. “Rudolf, do you-”

  “I don’t recognize her either.” Rudolf mutters looking at my face.

  The unknown uma trying to stay conscious, but feels herself drifting in and out of it. Words of those worrying about her phase in and out. She doesn’t know what’s going on. She tries to speak, but her mouth doesn’t obey, her tongue remains still. Her body soon falls limp in their arms as she eventually gives in to the longing rest that fogs her brain.

  “Did this poor girl appear out of nowhere?” Yayoi asks, hoping one of the other two have a more definite answer.

  “She’s not wearing the Tracen Uniform.” Rudolf says before turning to the door. “And I don’t think she entered through the door. I saw her figure appearing through the light.”

  Yayoi nods, turning to Tazuna, her face more serious than usual. “Tazuna, please prepare the infirmary, restricted access. Don’t let any other students get involved in this yet.”

  Tazuna stands up. “Right. I’ll notify the head nurse, and have a stretcher brought in immediately!" She stands and heads out of the room with blazing speed.

  Rudolf turns her face to the Director, still holding the unknown uma in her arms. “Director, what should be done? Should we contact the authorities?”

  “No.” Yayoi says, a surprisingly serious expression painted on her face. “Until we understand how this girl arrived here, this umamusume falls under Tracen’s protection.”

  —

  My eyes open, but I find myself floating in the same dreamscape as before, clouds, blue skies, I’m present without a body.

  “No! I don’t want to go without him!” I hear a male voice say. My head turns to see a seeming black mass, arguing with the three black silhouettes from before. I try to speak but it appears my being is gone again.

  “But, young Uma, this future is one only for you. To be reborn in a world where your aspirations can be achieved to the fullest.” The recognizable serene voice of one of the goddesses from the vision before speaks.

  “What is the point without him?! I refused to leave his side for a reason! He took care of me when others sought to be rid of me! He did such since I was a mere foal!”

  Hearing the mention of foal, I try to react. Try to move, try to respond. This must be Archibald! He is speaking to the beings that spoke to me!

  “Young Uma, reincarnation to such a world is reserved for Uma like yourself. Even beings as powerful as us have rules that must be followed.”

  “Then let us trade places!” Archibald’s voice speaks out. “Give such a gift to him instead of me!”

  I try to scream, try to shout out, try to react with any emotion I have. But without my body, my will fails to do anything. My best friend, my partner, Archibald! Take the offer! Forget about me! I could not dissuade you from your death, the least you can do is enjoy your next life!

  “Perhaps… something… can be… arranged…” I hear the third voice speak out.

  I try my best to struggle, to dissuade them, but my voice and body don’t exist there. “PLEASE! STOP! TAKE THE OFFER ARCHIBALD! I BEG OF YOU!” It is impossible for the sounds to leave my own being.

  “Then… swap places!” I’m blacking out, I can’t make out the rest through my own struggle, but recognize that as Archibald.

  “Such… unwavering… friendship…”

  My eyes open suddenly. A white flat ceiling above me. Hanging from it are small chandelier looking tubes, with some sort of circled flame hanging from the bottom. I don’t have the time to figure out the logistics. I need to find Archibald, those goddesses, almighty beings, whatever they were. I need to tell them they have it all wrong. Where is he? As I swiftly lift my body up looking around, I notice a young looking girl with long peach hair and a white streak sleeping on a chair, next to me. She wears an aristocratic white and purple dress with a wide brim hat and… is that a black cat on it, sleeping?

  I shake my head. I don’t have time for this, as I turn off the bed to stand, I hear footsteps approaching the open door. Before I know it another aristocratic woman walks in. Wearing a bright green aristocratic outfit. She gasps, realizing I’m awake. “Director!” She shouts.

  The small girl shoots up, “Ah!” She seems to look around regaining her bearings, then looks straight to me. “Ah! You’re awake!” She springs up, the chair she was sitting on falling to the tiles below.

  “No time to worry about me!” I let out, although something feels off with my voice. “Where’s that damnable horse?!” I let out, I quickly rush past the two of them, exiting the room.

  I hear the young one object, “W-Wait! Please, you shouldn’t!”

  The other woman speaks. “Director, please remain here. I’ll grab her!” Instantly I feel myself being pursued by the one in green.

  Great, now I have one after me. I head right down a large hall, running past some others that seem to be wearing some formal clothing, but I have no time to worry. I slide to see two staircases, one going up and the other going down. “A palace?!” I let out. “Blast it! Where is Archibald? That stubborn mule is going to ruin his next chance at life for my sake!” I feel the quick pursuit, the one in green is fast, I need to be quicker. “If he’s trapped in heaven I need to go up!” I rush with strength I never knew I have, climbing up the stairs faster than I’ve ever moved before.

  “Please stop!” The one in green says, only a few steps behind me. She’s fast. Faster than someone should be wearing aristocratic clothing. “You’re disoriented and overexerting yourself! You just woke up!”

  I climb the stairs of the palace faster than should be humanly possible, something beyond adrenaline? I cannot stop though. However, the pursuer refuses to be shaken.

  “Oh no, oh no, oh no.” I hear the muttering almost right behind me. “Slow down and we can talk about this carefully! We can help!”

  I don’t know if it’s true, but I can’t afford to risk it. Right now he’s arguing for my sake. I just need to stay out of arm’s reach. If I’m caught… I can’t afford it, Archibald needs to be told to move on. “That stubborn mule, I lived a full life, it’s him who deserves more.” I mutter, grating my teeth, continuing to climb the stairs, climbing past other figures, my mind deadset on getting to the top of this palace, screaming for those goddess beings to hear me.

  I see one last door. The final one. I use my body and force to push it open. I’m on the roof. I don’t have time to worry about my surroundings. The moment I get out, I hear the push of door from my pursuer. I fall to my knees , looking straight to the sky, and scream with all my heart. “Goddesses! Hear my plea! Ignore that damn horse! Archibald doesn’t know what he says! Give him the life you offered him! Ignore me!”

  I look up to the sky longingly. Expecting some sort of response, anything like before… Yet all that I hear around me is the silence of air and the calm steps of the pursuer. I continue looking up. Nothing. “That… that stubborn mule.” I let out, still praying, hoping some response is given back.

  I expect to be grabbed, however the pursuer in green simply walks in my peripheral. “Are you okay?” She asks, concerned, without judgement. “You’re not hurt are you?”

  She leaves me in silence for a bit, as I try to formulate my response. “Not physically…” I mumble, closing my eyes, resignation to the silence I feel.

  “Can you stand?” The woman asks again, seeming to look me over.

  I let out a long sigh. “Sorry for not introducing myself.” I say, rather coldly, slowly getting off my knees, part of me still hoping I am met with a response as I stand.

  “I’m Tazuna.” The woman greets. “The Director has been waiting by your bed since you collapsed in her office.” Tazuna gives me a warm smile as she helps me to my feet. “We should quickly go back to her so she doesn’t worry more.”

  I follow her. “Collapsed, right.” I have brief flashbacks to the bright light and then the surroundings of the afterlife being replaced by being in front of three women.

  “Sorry for… running.” I mutter, with the adrenaline gone, I notice something odd, the sounds… they aren’t coming from where my ears are. As I go to feel them I freeze suddenly. The woman in green notices my lack of movement.

  “Are you okay?”

  I look at her worried, feeling the flat skin with hair growing where my ears SHOULD be. “My… My ears are gone.” I say to her with a worried expression. “But… but I can still hear?”

  Tazuna raises a confused eyebrow at me, I see her eyes look to the top of my head. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  I try to focus, where is the sound coming from? As she says that, the normal echo of noises doesn't come from the sides of my head, but… but the top?” Slowly and shakily my hands climb further up my head, until, near the top, I feel something more firm than hair, sticking upward. Slowly I move my hands around them. Working as a stablehand since childhood, I recognize the feeling anywhere. “H-Horse… Horse ears?” I mutter.

  Tazuna tilts her head at me. “What’s a horse?”

  My eyes look terrified to her, as I feel a sudden flap behind the rear against my leggings. I feel both the internal, and external feeling of the leggings. My eyes slowly look down, I can’t even get to the issue before I find something else wrong. “I-I’m… I’m a... Maiden?” I mumble out, noticing a chest that certainly isn’t mine.

  Tazuna looks at me as if I’m the crazy one. “Of… Of course? You are an umamusume after all.”

  Tired of prolonging it, I swiftly turn my head to look behind me, I see… a tail(?) sticking out of a hole in my leggings, as it naturally whips against my own behind. To describe my face now would be embarrassing. But, I can get out one more sentence before I feel the heat of a blush engulf me. “I… I think I have some questions I need to ask your… your director.”