The Speed Of The Stars

As the race is all set. Yelan rolls her passenger side window down and leans near it. 

- Hey Kid. Got a name? The name's Yelan.

Collei Then Rolls her passenger window down. Struggling a little due to the Blackbird being Left hand drive.

- My Name's Collei.

Yelan gives her the thumbs up and rolls her passenger window up. Collei does the same thing. She then speaks to herself.

- I'll remember that... Collei.

As the two of them rev their engines. Ningguang calls for Keqing.

- Hey Keqing! Get in the car! We got the best seats in the house!

Keqing rushes to Ningguang's FC and straps herself in. March then does the honors to do the countdown.

- Alright we are gonna start the countdown! 

- Three! 

- Two!

- One!

 - GO!

March drops both her hands. Both cars launch forward. The blackbird wheelspins up to third gear thanks to its High power input. March notices the Blackbird leads

- The Blackbird is in the lead!

Beidou then clenches her fists

- But Collei will take her on in the Hairpins!

As the Two reach the end of the Rest area exit. Ningguang then mashes the gas and launches her FC to give chase to the Two Racers.

Seele notices them.

- Looks like they got the VIP Tickets to this race...

As they race towards the first corner. Yelan is Smug as all hell 

- I could loose you immediately. But I've decided the race begins after the first corner

Ningguang notices this.

- Looks like Yelan is being cocky. She's holding up the eight six.

Keqing agrees. tightening her 5 Point harness

- Lets see if this'll cost her the race at the halfway mark...

They reach the first corner. Yelan Exits with lightning speeds and she then picks up the pace. The eight six follows behind giving chase along with the FC. They continue to race down Turn after turn. The gap between the eight six and blackbird growing during the straights. but Shrinking drastically in the corners Yelan then takes a glimpse at her rear view mirror.

- No Way. She's catching up!

Ningguang on the other hand is taking notes of the Eight Six's Technique.

- That's amazing. Are you seeing this Keqing? She's pulling a 4-Wheel drift at full throttle with barely any countersteer. And she's using all the available power in the Eight six's 1.6 liter engine. Her car control is phenomenal 

Keqing also takes notes.

- You are just like her. You control your FC with that much Precision.

Ningguang Chuckles a little.

- We are essentially watching an Artist at work here Keqing.

At the blackbird. Yelan speaks to herself again as they race along a straightaway.

- Yes! this is what makes my blood boil! Alright kid. Its time to cut you loose!

As they reach another hairpin. Collei immediately catches up to Yelan. Loosing most of the gap she's built up. In the eight six. Collei notices some changes to the way it drives.

- Something's different. When i'm drifting, its like im not loosing control when i plant my foot to the gas pedal.

 Collei then mashes the gas pedal

- This means I can accelerate way sooner than i normally do! 

Collei then understands why Arlecchino took the eight six.

- Now i understand why you took the eight six. You changed its suspension settings... I like this!

They race through another hairpin turn but followed that is another straightaway near the ice rink. The FC of Ningguang and Keqing keeping pace to not interfere with the race Keqing notices the gap growing

- Damn. The lead's growing! Yelan's pulling away!

Ningguang chuckles.

- Heh. Yelan's got a big mouth, thats for sure. But she's got skills to back it up. That Porsche is a beast in her hands

Keqing raises an eyebrow

- Damn Ning, Who's side are you really on!?

Ningguang sighs, Shaking her head slightly.

- The battle hasnt even begun yet Keqing. This first half? its merely all straightaways and Gentle slopes. This is the eight six's weakness.

Right on cue. The incline starts to get steeper.

- But now.. Now we'll see what a true, Downhill specialist can do...

As they near the Five consecutive hairpin turns. The blackbird and eight six reaches the next hairpin. Yelan noticing that her rear wheels are sliding more than usual. 

- God damnit! The rear's are starting to loose grip!

At each moment. Collei's confidence grows as she gets the hang of the New suspension setup her father did. And each hairpin the gap continues to diminish. The tensions continue to grow every meter. Neither driver yield to one another.

 As they reach the Next hairpin. Lyney is on the phone with Arlecchino. Still.

- I hear them coming!

 As if right on cue. The Eight six and the Blackbird drifts side by side at the hairpin. The blackbird fishtailing its tail on exit. while the eight six exits with controlled precision. Mere centimeters to the guardrail. Lyney is in shock in what he just saw

- You should have came Arlecchino! Collei is on rails! She's eating that blackbird's Bumper!

Arlecchino Responds, Lyney's phone crackling

- I know. Like i said. its about endurance. Now excuse me. I gotta make dinner.

 Arlecchino cuts the call. Lyney lets out a sigh.

The two cars are now heading towards the first of five consecutive hairpins Ningguang calls for Keqing's attention

- Keqing you better focus... They're approaching the five consecutive hairpins. This is where Collei left you in the dust. 

Keqing focuses. Trying not to blink once. Both Blackbird and Eight six brake at the same time. The eight six goes for the outside line but the blackbird blocks Collei's move

- Nice try Kid, But you aren't passing me that easily...

Collei tries again on the second, third and fourth hairpins but to no avail. Yelan blocking each move swiftly. But as they approach the fifth hairpin. Collei goes for the outside line once again. Yelan goes in for the block

- Gotcha Kid!

The suddenly. The lights of suddenly shift from the outside. To the inside. Yelan's eye wide open. As she looks to her right. The eight six is gone. But as she looks to her left. Horror.

- What the hell!?

The eight six goes in on the inside line. Hooking its left wheels over the gutter and into the grass. Dirt flying everywhere. They are side by side as they exit out of the next hairpin. Keqing is in shock on what she just witnessed. Eyes wide open.

- Incredible! She faked going to the outside and dove right to the inside when Yelan blocked her.. All that in an Eight Six! Spectacular!

As they Exit the hairpin. Yelan's Shock then turns into anger. She floors the accelerator in hopes to gain the lead back.

- Damn It All! I can still take back the lead in second gear!

As the turbo spools up. Her rear wheels swings out violently, Yelan wrestles with the steering wheel but it was too late. Her Rear right Fender Slams into the guardrail, sending her into a spin. Ningguang sees this and avoids it entirely. The eight six disappears into the darkness As the clear victor. Yelan sits in her Damaged Blackbird silent for a couple moments.

- I.. Lost.. My Blackbird.. Defeated by an eight six..

Yelan's expression shifts. A hint of a smile playing at her lips.

- No. I shouldn't think like that. The car didn't loose. I did.

Yelan then unbuckles her harness and steps out of the car. She is then drawn to by the Damaged Rear Fender. Cracked. She then lights a cigarette. And kneels near the damaged fender. 

- I cant blame the car for my own mistakes. Sure, I'm shocked that i lost. But in a way. I feel satisfied. Cause deep down, I know i gave it all i had.

She then sighs, stands up and flicks her cigarette.

- Well isnt this gonna suck. This'll cost me a cool One hundred thousand mora to get fixed.

At the summit, word spreads quickly about Collei's victory and Yelan's Defeat

March Jumps up and down Shaking both Hands of Seele, Beidou And Pela Who all stand there frozen. Speechless that Collei won.

Seele then Exhales " An Eight Six... Beaten the Blackbird...."

Beidou unfreezes herself looking around. "That's. I don't know what to say. 

Pela Hugs herself in shock " I got Chills guys..."

Spectators around them start buzzing with shock and excitement. Discussing the victory of the eight six. Then it all sinks in to The Team. and the three begin Laughing uncontrollably.

As the crowd begins to disperse. Ningguang and Keqing are parked at a nearby convenience store. Leaning against it. Arms crossed.

- That was spectacular. Collei is really something else.

Keqing then approaches Ningguang with coffee in hand.

- You tell me Despite having no ABS System. Her braking technique is amazing keeping those wheels from locking up.

Ningguang looks up at the sky and exhales.

- I've never been excited for our future race together.

At the home of Arlecchino. Collei Is looking at the Eight Six. Appreciating it. Arlecchino then steps out and checks in on Collei.

Arlecchino puts a hand on Collei's Shoulder.

- Everything alright kiddo?

Collei then turns to Arlecchino. A face full of questions.

- Did You.. Change the settings of the suspension before my race with the Blackbird?

Arlecchino Nods, A hint of pride in her eyes.

- Yeah. I changed it before your race tonight.

Collei closes her eyes and smiles. 

- No wonder why you took the eight six.

Collei yawns and heads to her room. Leaving Arlecchino alone with the Eight Six.

- That's my girl.

Collei Pauses at her door. she then looks at a window Where she sees Arlecchino, Smiling at the eight six.

- Goodnight dad. And thank You..

A night full of Excitement comes to a close. With another win for Yougou's Eight Six.