I stare, mouth agape. This is the first time I’ve seen myself since I woke up. My face looks much younger than before. My freckles that faded in my youth have found their way back on my face. My hair, much fuller and thicker than before with length going just beyond my neck. I now find that it bounces back into place if I attempt to press it down. I’ve already covered my horse ears, but seeing them react to my expressions is something that is going to take some getting used to. My eyes are a deep blue, seeming to be more vibrant than back as a human. And, lastly, my face is shaped like a young maiden's! Any sharper edges of my jaw have smoothed out.

  I continue to gaze into the tall mirror Tazuna had just brought in.

  Yayoi has her arms folded looking at my expression. “Mirrors were around in your world, right?” She asks genuinely.

  “Y-yes. Yes they are… were, that's not what I’m in awe about. I’m still questioning why I’m female?”

  Symboli Rudolf looks surprised at the question, before answering very matter of factly. “Umamusume are all females.”

  “How is that possible?” I mutter, seeing my tail naturally whip every few seconds, refusing anything I tell it. “Shouldn’t this species have become extinct? Or do all of them end up appearing through flashes of light?”

  Tazuna smiles. “Not exactly. You appearing from a flash is the first time it’s ever happened as far as we all know. You see, umas are able to… well, reproduce with male humans.” She seems almost embarrassed to mention it.

  I turn to her, a little annoyed at her reservations about such talk. “I may look young, but remember, I was a cavalry commander! I had to get very familiar with horse breeding to make sure my men could ride!”

  Rudolf looks at me, seemingly interested in my comment. “You claim to have ridden giant mules you said? The cavalry in the history we learn are umamusume. They didn’t have to ride anything.”

  “Right, yes.” I mutter. “Though it’s hard to believe that something humanoid like us can match the speed and power of a horse… It seems to line up with ‘horses being replaced’ theory.” I turn to Rudolf. “I did feel strength I didn’t know I had when I was running towards the roof. Yet my body appears to look like a young maidens. Is this normal for all uma… uma types?”

  Rudolf smiles with her eyes closed. “Yes. Umamusume are about three times stronger than any human.”

  “The idea of something as smart and flexible as a human with the strength of a horse… I don’t know how your natural order isn’t skewed around it. Warfare sounds like a completely different beast.”

  Yayoi smiles. “No more delaying young Aven! It’s time for you to learn about modern day Japan!"

  Being called young again causes me to blush. “I-I am older than you!” I let out, more frustration evident in my voice than I intend.

  “Tsk tsk!” Yayoi smiles at me with a toothy grin. “You were older than me!”

  I briefly glimpse at my reflection before turning back to Yayoi. “I’m pretty sure this form is older than you as well.” I sigh out quietly.

  “Now!” Yayoi snaps her fan shut. “It sounds like you have a lot of technology you must catch up on! To fit into modern day, you must be more accustomed to how things work. Do you have any initial questions about this room, something you’re not familiar with?” Yayoi asks, seemingly enjoying taking such a teacher-like role.

  “Several.” I mumble, sitting up from my bed. I watch it instantly regain its starting shape. “How does the bed push back against me? There is more leverage than just cotton inside, right?”

  The three look at me blankly. Yayoi continues to stare at me with a dazed smile. Tazuna quickly interjects. “Well, you see, in modern times, people have added springs to beds to make them more comfortable.”

  I stare blankly back at them. “Spring… not as in, the season, right?”

  Rudolf stifles a chuckle. “Not every spring signals change. Some exist to give us a good night's rest.” She quickly pulls out a slab similar to Tazuna’s as she has a small smirk on her face. “Apologies, in all seriousness I’m texting Air Groove, this might be a while.”

  Tazuna seems to gather herself. “Springs are… coiled up metal that is used in a lot of inventions.”

  Yayoi continues staring at me with the same blank smile, not moving from the initial question.

  I let out a sigh, folding my arms. “Um. Okay.” I point to the upside down chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, they seem to also have some sort of encased fire coming from the bottom of it. “Why are your chandeliers upside down and very bright?”

  Yayoi perks up suddenly. “There! That’s the one I thought you were going to ask first!” She waves herself with her fan proudly. “That is electricity! It’s a magic that powers most things in modern day!”

  Tazuna perks up. “D-Director! I don’t think the explanation ‘magic’ is good enough for integration!”

  Yayoi smiles. “For now it is good enough!”

  I pause, looking at the small encased flame coming from the bottom. “But, this isn’t acting like any fire? Fire only goes up. Even magic needs to follow the basic rules of elements!”

  Yayoi smirks. “Very well, if you demand more, it is not fire! It is lightning!”

  My eyes widen. “Lightning?!” I gaze at the glass source of the light. “I suppose… that makes sense, it comes downward from the sky…” I mumble, rubbing my chin, quite impressed.

  Tazuna sideeyes the Director with a sigh.

  I nod. “Very well… I see an assortment of different shelves, cabinets and drawers, I assume they must run on the same logic they did in my home world.” I fold my arms. “But now, the big question. “WHY ARE YOU ALL CARRYING AROUND SLABS?!” I let out, pointing to both Tazuna and Rudolf. “First there is a painting of a camel, then it’s a reflective glass, and now Symboli Rudolf is tapping it with their fingers!”

  Yayoi blinks then smiles widely. “Oh! The smart phones!”

  Rudolf turns hers towards me, as if showing me an example, revealing the same reflective device that Tazuna’s had.

  “Smart phones are a very important tool of modern life!” Yayoi continues.

  Tazuna braces herself. “Director, let’s not start with importance, let’s start with basic function.”

  Rudolf begins to explain. “Think of it like this. In your world how did information travel?”

  I stop. “Well, with letters transported by hawks, couriers, and messengers.” I say. Unsure where she is going with this.

  “This ‘slab’ replaces all of that.” She presses a specific point of the slab, causing the screen to flash with lights, revealing another eerily realistic painting, this time of a young looking uma who seems to bear resemblance with the white streak of hair that Rudolf has.

  I instinctively jump back, seeing the sudden glass like substance emit light. “W-What… but…?! How?!”

  Director Yayoi joins in. “You can do more than just words instantly! You can take pictures and send them! Videos! Music! Even games!”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  My brain is practically spinning at all these new words they are using. “A-All that in a glass slab?!”

  Tazuna joins in. “Director, please, one concept at a time.” She turns to me with a smile, showing hers. She moves her finger and the portrait of the camel is off, revealing a white light showing portraits of other camels. “It doesn’t trap things.” She clarifies, responding to my earlier confusion.

  Rudolf nods. “It’s closer to a window. One that shows different scenes depending on what you ask of it.”

  Yayoi nods. “Yes! Like a book that talks back!”

  I’m rubbing my head. “And how does that possibly function…?”

  “Electricity!” Yayoi nods proudly.

  “The same…? The lighting magic again?!” I point to the upside down chandelier. “The same one making that light?”

  “Yep!”

  “Director…” Tazuna side eyes her.

  I can’t help but lay back down on the bed. “Okay… this is… uh… a lot to take in… A magic book powered by thunder that can talk back and show portraits, but also can change light, and perform music? How does it play the instruments…? What is a video…? Is that important? Do I need to know what that is…? It’s probably impressive if they stated it can do it.” I’m trying to compose myself, but find myself unable to as I spiral with such a confusing idea trapped in a small box.

  Tazuna steps forward taking charge. “All right. This seems like a lot for Aven to handle right now.”

  Noticing Tazuna’s firm expression, Director Yayoi jumps back. “Oh dear. I got carried away again, didn’t I?”

  “Explaining cell phones might be a bit of a jump for now. How about we take Aven on a tour of Tracen? Familiarize her with her new environment.” Tazuna asks her short superior.

  Rudolf nods. “That could be helpful, it will also help her see other umamusume around.” Rudolf side eyes me, watching me lay on the bed, my brain twisting itself in circles as I’m mumbling about size and windows. “She seems to take particular interest in the way my ears and tail move.”

  Yayoi unfurls her fan. “All right! Young Aven! We should move on!"

  The combination of my name with the word “young” by someone younger than me is enough to get me out of my brain fog. “W-What’s next?” I let out. “Are you going to claim you have the very essence of the stars at your fingertips?!”

  Yayoi stays silent for a moment, she then begins fanning herself. “We’ve decided it might be time for you to be shown around, help you become more familiar with your surroundings!”

  Symboli Rudolf nods. “Correct, but in order to do that, you’ll need to wear the Tracen uniform.” She still has her ungodly slab out and tinkers with the glass side further. “I’ll text Teio to bring a spare uniform, roughly her size.”

  Hearing the idea of a uniform brings me back to my basic training days. We had a uniform to wear there as well. I always had to change it before working on the stable, otherwise I would be lambasted by my instructors. “What’s the uniform like?” I ask, mind picturing the old dark green cotton with the brown leather straps keeping basic light armor strapped to the body.

  Yayoi smiles, as her fan continues providing wind to her face. “Well thankfully, Student Council President Rudolf is already modelling it for you!”

  I stare at the white and blue combination of noble attire that the umamusume wears in front of me. A skirt, long socks, a ribbon on the front and the back? Seemingly meant for aristocratic young women. Perhaps in a position of government.

  We are left in silence for a few moments, before I quietly let out, “I politely decline.”

  “Eh?” The director pulls her arms back, a frown on her face, shocked at my reaction.

  I keep my expression leveled.“I’m merely a soldier. To wear something that... aristocratic, I am not worthy of such a position.” I fold my arms. I politically try to phrase it in an acceptable way. Of course there’s more to it than just that. I could have said: “I will shame my ancestors by wearing such frivolous attire.” but while the director insists I’m her captive, I should try for diplomacy first.

  Rudolf steps forward, her gaze locked on me. “Aven. I understand you are in a new situation that none of us will ever be able to relate to what you’re going through.” Her gaze shifts to be serious and stern. “But as an umamusume now in Tracen Academy, it is imperative that you do not disgrace the name of Tracen and its rules.”

  I find myself looking up at that umamusume. A human with the strength of a horse. Even if I had such powers, to have arrived with power drained, and be in the position I am in, there’s no way I can physically stand a chance with someone who has trained with this power since childhood. I, again, must look at this realistically.

  I sigh and nod. “Very well, I have never worn something so… aristocratic before. But I understand in my current situation I should be honored to even consider myself a prisoner.”

  Yayoi jumps back, taken aback. “There’s no need to view it so harshly! It’s a customary uniform, if you weren’t to wear it there would be even more interest! More students would want to ask you questions!”

  Tazuna nods. “While we do not wish for you to leave, It’s for your own safety. Your story… some might think it’s unbelievable. To have a vision of the goddesses themselves, and claim to be from a world without umamusume…”

  Rudolf nods. “If it weren’t for your conviction and your appearance out of light, we might not believe you ourselves.”

  I sigh. “And… such aristocratic clothing… is necessary to fit in?”

  “Every student at Tracen wears it.” Rudolf nods approvingly.

  Yayoi unfurls her fan. “You keep calling it ‘aristocratic’ but it’s styled after other uniforms, with Tracen spin of course! You called yourself a ‘cavalry commander,’ so is your taste in clothing old fashioned?”

  Tazuna tilts her head slightly. “Would you call my outfit ‘aristocratic’ as well?”

  I pause, looking at her bright green outfit, skirt and shoes that restrict movement, and her hat not providing enough coverage from sun as well as a hood would. “Well, yes. It doesn’t look like something that is worn for practical use?”

  Yayoi smiles, humming to herself. “That confirms it!” She points her fan at me. “You’re ancient in terms of style!”

  “Style…?” I squint my eyes trying to connect ‘style’ to what we are talking about. The only thing my mind connects is combat styles, and learning about needing to adjust tactics based on what sort of foes I’m fighting. “I predict you are not talking about combat.”

  Yayoi quickly folds her arms. “Ever the commander! I bet you had A+ grades!”

  Rudolf approaches, explaining further. “Style, in this context, is about the clothes you wear. Every individual, umamusume or human, will create their own sense of fashion.”

  My mind seems to fall short on just that explanation. “But, is this not a uniform? You said all umas at this institution wear it.”

  Rudolf continues, arms folded. “That is beside the point. For now, just trust us when we say this will help tactically move you around Tracen Academy without attracting unwanted…” She pauses for a moment. “Enemy attention.”

  The way Rudolf explains it in relative terms causes me to perk up. “Oh!” My fist is placed in my palm in realization. “Covert scouting!”

  Tazuna and Yayoi grin approvingly at Rudolf as she continues to explain it in a normal way. “Precisely. For now, you must keep your identity hidden. Did you do such things back where you came from?”

  I nod. “When I was younger and a simple stablehand, I was sometimes asked to make deliveries while scouting to make sure if there was any suspicious activity.” Thinking about it brings a smile to my face. “That brings me back to my early days… once I gained too much notoriety as a ranked officer, I had less freedom due to safety concerns.”

  Tazuna nods. “That’s exactly right. If you were to reveal your history around Tracen, or walked around without the uniform, it would create a lot of suspicion, and you might gain notoriety.”

  “Ah. I see…” I mumble, rubbing my chin, my tail continues to be uncontrolled, flapping around every once in a while. “I guess… if there is no other reasonable choice.”

  Rudolf nods smiling to herself. “Exactly.”

  “President!” I hear a higher pitched voice knock on the infirmary door. Everyone’s head turns as the voice continues speaking. “I brought the spare uniform! What are you so busy with?” The door then opens revealing the wielder of the voice.

  A younger looking uma, long dark brown hair tied into a ponytail with a pink ribbon, she has a white streak in her bangs, she wears the same uniform as Rudolf, and appears to hold another uniform, presumably for myself. Staring at her, I recognize her from Rudolf’s small magical communicator. It showed a realistic painting of the same girl.

  The girl pauses looking over at Rudolf then towards me. “Eh? President? Who is this?” The smile is still present on her face, but part of me feels as if she’s already suspicious. She steps in closer, her blue eyes seem to shine in curiosity, her horse ears move subtly, a gold medal seeming to be pinned near her right ear, as her thin tail between her legs moves occasionally.

  Rudolf coughs. “Teio, this is a new transfer umamusume to Tracen Academy.”

  My ears perk up as I see sudden worry between Tazuna and Yayoi. I presume I wasn’t supposed to be approached by someone like this. Their reaction tells me all I need, I can’t greet this girl in the same manner as these three.

  I stand up. My arms initially get ready for the usual salute, but I stop myself before I fully place them on my shoulders. “Er, right. I’m. Aven…” Part of me is worried to say my real famliy name, would it not be correct in this circumstances? I glance around the room, looking for anything I know to use as a pseudonym. What feels like seconds ticking by can’t be more than a single one in reality, but my mind acts quick. What did this uma come through? Door? “Door.” I stop after saying it, damn, that was a stupid pick. But I can’t think of anything else. “Um…”

  The girl tilts her head slightly. “Aven Door-um?”

  I hold my hand out. “N-No, sorry, I fumbled my words. Aven, Doram.” The best I could come up under such manners. I just hope it doesn’t sound too off.

  “Oh! Neat!” The girl smiles as she sets the uniform down on the bed. Bearing my name no curiosity. “I’m Tokei Teio!” She smiles proudly. “Have you heard of me? I almost got the triple crown!”

  I blink staring at her. “Three crowns?” My mind instantly goes back home, crowns to multiple kingdoms? To be such a conqueror in this era of instant couriers and magic? “You are almost Queen of three queendoms?”

  Teio blinks, seemingly confused by my question. She looks at me for a second before she has a realization. “Oh! I think I get it?” She shrugs. “I bet President is going to like your jokes.”

  My head shifts to Symboli Rudolf, curious about what the uma means, only to see her smiling slightly, almost seeming to be attempting to cover her mouth as she tries to turn her head slightly. She… finds my question funny? She has seemed extremely stern through most everything?

  Teio shrugs. “Now President is going to be doing more of those jokes.” She sighs before turning to Rudolf “President! We should go get ice cream when you’re done with Aven Doram!” She says out loud.

  Symboli Rudolf gives the small uma a comforting smile. “This might be a little bit Teio, I’ll see what I can do. I need to show Aven around Tracen.”

  “Can’t you just get Air Groove to do it?” Teio whines. But Rudolf gives her neutral expression. Teio seems to understand and sighs as she heads out. “Fine, I’ll just wait in your office!” She folds her arms, seeming to be… pouting?” It’s not long before she exits the room.

  Yayoi fans herself letting out a sigh of relief. “Whew! You handled that well Aven!” She says, quickly recomposing herself and closes her fan to point at me. “I commend you for adapting so well!”

  Rudolf is still snickering. “Crown, queens.” She smiles at me. “Apologies, I know you only speak what you know. But, perhaps I could get some good material from you.”

  Material? Before I can question what materials I have that she needs to borrow (I have nothing to my name in this world.) Tazuna speaks up.

  “Aven, with everything seeming different, do you know how to get dressed in ‘aristocratic’ clothing like your uniform?”

  I blush, the idea of needing help to put on something like this?! I may be in a different world I’m used to, but tunics should be normal to put on, and while I’ve never worn a skirt, I assume it will be like pulling up tights. “I-I may be out of place. But dressing oneself should be universal.”

  I instantly begin taking off my tunic. Only to be assaulted by a barrage of voices.

  “AH WAIT!” Yayoi lets out in horror, as she blushes brightly. Even the cat on top of her hat perks up in shock.

  “Don’t do that so suddenly!” Tazuna joins in.

  “Modesty will be something else we need to teach her.” Rudolf sighs.

  I pause, slowly lowering my tunic. “Are you three okay?” I ask calmly.

  Yayoi jumps up. “Okay! First rule!” She opens her fan that has “Rule 1” written on it in black ink. “Undressing should be done in private! Not around others!”

  I sigh. “Very well… If that is what is normal here.”

  The three go towards the exit of the infirmary.

  Tazuna smiles as she waits for the director and Rudolf to leave. “Please let us know if you need help with anything! I’ll gladly come in and help.” With that she closes the door behind her, leaving me on my bed, with the new ‘normal’ wear of aristocratic academy, and the full length mirror. I let out a sigh. I must look like an aristocrat to learn the ways of this world...