Weight of Expectations

"Ate! Wait for me!" Danee shrieked.

"Haha! Too slooow!" Ibarra cackled as Danee chased after her. The afternoon glow bathed them in a dream-like hue, their makeshift capes flapping happily in the warm breeze.

Danee huffed as her legs carried her forward, leaping and shouting silly superhero moves. Occasionally, Ibarra grinned back at her before sprinting ahead, as if she were the fastest uma alive.

To Ibarra, it was just another ordinary day with her precious sister. But to Danee, her sister’s flowing cape meant something more.

Something to look up to.

The memory faded as Danee tore past the markers to the finish line. A whistle blew, signaling the end of the Academy trials.

Three races. Three different distances.

Three first-place finishes.

Ibarra looked at her trainer, her lips quivering as they curled into a nervous smile.

"Did you see that?" she asked.

The trainer nodded, speechless.

"Ate!!!"

Danee jogged over with a giddy smirk. "I won the Triple Crown," she teased, sticking her tongue out.

"Yeah right." Ibarra locked Danee’s neck playfully and drilled a knuckle on her head. "Good job!"

Danee broke free, rubbing the sore spot. Her wince melted into a proud smirk—and a giggle.

---

After the trials, the Student President requested the presence of Ibarra and Danee in her office.

Danee twirled her fingers as she walked slowl. Ibarra, ever observant, noticed her sister’s unease.

"Relax, bunso," Ibarra said gently. "They just want to meet you."

"I’m sorry..." Danee muttered. "I didn’t expect the Academy to look this scary."

Ibarra snickered.

"Do you see that?" she pointed down the hallway. Something hung on the wall, covered by a cloth.

Danee blinked once. Twice.

"They covered that mirror because the janitors claim they see ghosts when cleaning at night..."

Danee’s spine shivered.

"Ateee!" she grumbled, stomping. "I’m going home!"

Ibarra’s laughter echoed through the hall, drawing stares from passing students.

"Sorry, sorry. Just kidding!" She wheezed, wrapping an arm around Danee.

---

In the office, President Sun and Vice-President Wind turned toward the door as it opened.

"Ibarra. I can hear you laughing a mile away," the President teased.

"Sorry, Pres. My sister and I were just goofing around," Ibarra said, nudging the partly annoyed Danee.

Sun turned to the younger Uma.

"You must be Danee. Hagdang Bato. Nice to meet you."

Danee stepped forward shyly. "Hello..."

"I’m Sun Dancer, President of the Student Council. This is Vice-President Wind Blown."

"Nice to meet you," Wind added.

"Congratulations on passing the trials," Sun said, pulling Danee’s attention back. "Your transfer will be processed within a month. After that, you’ll be listed as a full scholar—just like your sister."

"However, in the accelerated program, your current condition and skill level need to be assessed properly. For now, just relax and wait for the official invitation."

"Th-thank you, Ms. President," Danee replied coyly.

Sun smiled. Her ears twitched forward, sensing something great about the incoming student.

"Danee, may I ask you something?"

"Uhm... yes?"

"Why do you want to enter the Academy?"

Danee paused, searching for the right words.

"I want to be a strong horse girl..." she declared. "...so I can beat my sister in a race."

Sun and Ibarra exchanged knowing glances.

"I like your spirit. Study hard and train well, and you’ll achieve whatever you set your heart on."

The President stood, extending her hand. "Again, congratulations. I expect great things from you, Danee."

Danee shook her hand with an eager smile.

---

A month quickly passed.

The campus buzzed with new and returning students. Danee, in her crisp school uniform, walked through the gate with a wide grin. She gazed at the tall building ahead, still in disbelief. She smacked her cheeks with both hands, rallying herself.

Meanwhile, Ibarra had successfully undergone knee surgery. Three weeks into therapy, her progress was remarkable. Though she couldn’t resume her routines, she managed mobility with crutches.

After a therapy session, Ibarra visited the team office. As she stepped inside, the familiar scent of old wood and its warm atmosphere felt like home away from home.

The Trainer, frowning at his computer, fumbled when he noticed Ibarra.

"Ibarra! How are you doing?" the trainer greeted warmly.

"Hey, Trainer! I’m good," Ibarra smiled. "What’s with the grumpy look earlier?"

"Oh, that? Sorry, just clearing emails." He chuckled, quickly shuffling books on nutrition and injury management out of sight. Ibarra tilted her head, curious.

"It’s Danee’s first day, right? How’s she doing?" he asked.

"I haven’t seen her yet," Ibarra replied, taking a seat. "She said she’d drop by during her break."

"Has she chosen a team yet?"

"I told her she’s free to choose. But if she doesn’t pick Tri-Star, no fried chicken from me," Ibarra snorted.

"Blackmailing your sister?" The trainer shook his head. "Evil."

They both laughed as a knock interrupted them. The door creaked open.

"Ate!!!" Danee burst in.

"Danee!" Ibarra lit up. "How’s your first day?"

"Great so far," Danee beamed. "What about you, Ate? How’s your knee?"

"Going well, I guess." Ibarra leaned back. "By the way, welcome to Team Tri-Star!"

"But I haven’t decided yet," Danee countered.

"This is our Trainer." Ibarra chimed, half-lidded.

"She's ignoring me!" Danee's nerves twitched.

"Hello, sir..."

"Nice to meet you, Danee," the trainer said.

He cleared his throat. "Since you’re here, let me formally invite you to join Team Tri-Star."

Danee nodded thoughtfully.

"I know we’re not as big as other teams, but I’m sure as hell committed to our members' health and success. And fun, probably."

He pointed at the emblem on the wall. "That’s our team emblem—and our motto."

Danee’s eyes followed. Dreams Never Die. The words resonated.

"So, I hope you consider joining."

She glanced at Ibarra, who gave her an approving grin.

"Alright, sir. I’ll join your team."

The trainer beamed, handing her a pen and form. "Alright! We’ve got a few new members—you’ll meet them soon. For now, let’s set your first goal..."

The Trainer encircled a date on his calendar.

"Your Debut Run in seven days. Let’s work together and win it."

Danee straightened up. "I’ll do my best, sir!"

Ibarra and the trainer exchanged excited glances, hopes running high.

---

The day arrived.

Ibarra had just finished her therapy session. Her recovery was progressing well, though she still relied on crutches.

But her heart raced faster than her legs could carry her. She rushed out of the hall, desperate to catch her sister’s debut race.

The skies darkened. Thunder rumbled. By the time she reached the stands, the rain poured.

And so did Danee.

The race had just ended. Ibarra saw her sister on the ground, clutching at the earth, gasping for breath.

Her eyes darted to the scoreboard, breath caught.

2ND - Hagdang Bato.