The Speed Of The Stars

The following morning, Collei and Amber were walking toward the gas station when Amber struck up a conversation.

"So, umm... Collei? Despite the race being a draw last night, what are your thoughts?" Amber asked, her tone light but curious.

Collei sighed, her expression clouded. "I don't know. Sure, it's a draw, and Clorinde and I agreed we're both winners. But... I expected to actually be ahead of that Lancia. Somehow, I don't feel satisfied at all."

Amber gasped. "What!? How come?"

Collei glanced at her friend, her voice tinged with frustration. "Because I think I'm not fast enough. The race being a draw means one thing: someone else is on par with my technique and driving skills."

The pair continued their walk, the gas station just coming into view, the tension lingering in the air

That afternoon, a gray Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX cruised steadily up the Araumi mountain pass. Its pace was deliberate, the driver clearly studying every curve and gradient of the course. At the summit, a parking lot overlooked the valley below, and there stood Ningguang, leaning casually against her pristine RX-7 FC.

With a practiced flick, Ningguang crushed her cigarette under her heel as the Lancer Evo approached and parked behind her car. The vehicle's door opened, and out stepped a white-haired girl with fox-like ears. Her stance exuded confidence.

"Hey, Ningguang. Long time no see," the girl said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

Ningguang smirked, slipping on her sunglasses. "Feixiao. It's been a while. Tell me, what brings you to Araumi?"

Feixiao's grin widened. "Nothing wrong with meeting up with an old friend, right? Besides, I've been bored with Jakotsu Pass. I figured I'd drop by... and maybe challenge you to a rematch."

Ningguang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A rematch, huh?"

Feixiao crossed her arms, her confidence unwavering. "Yeah. Last year's race was epic—you shattered my winning streak. But I've improved since then. Now it's my turn to take yours down."

Ningguang chuckled, the sound rich and amused. "Hate to break your heart, Feixiao, but my winning streak was broken recently... on a downhill race."

Feixiao's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? By who?"

Ningguang straightened, her tone becoming more serious. "I was beaten in Yougou... by an Eight Six."

Feixiao stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "The Eight Six? You mean Yougou's Eight Six?"

Ningguang nodded solemnly. "That's right. I even considered retiring after that, but I know myself too well—the streets will always pull me back. Here's the deal: I'll arrange for the course to be clear over the next couple of days so you can practice. Drive it as hard as you want. Once you're ready, I'll race you."

With that, Ningguang climbed into her RX-7 FC, the engine purring to life. She drove off down the mountain, her composure unshaken. Feixiao stood there, the realization dawning on her.

"Ningguang, beaten by Yougou's Eight Six? I never saw that coming... I've heard of that car winning race after race, but I never imagined it would beat Ningguang."

Two days later, back at the gas station, it was business as usual. March approached Beidou, her brow furrowed.

"Is it just me, or has Collei been acting weird lately?" she asked.

Beidou nodded knowingly. "No denying it. Ever since that draw with Clorinde's Lancia, she's been different—like she's not satisfied."

Amber chimed in, her expression thoughtful. "I can't agree more. We talked on our way to work the other day, and she said she expected to be ahead of the Lancia. She doesn't feel like it was enough."

Seele crossed her arms, her tone decisive. "I'd feel the same way. Nobody likes a draw. It's either a win or a loss—there's no in-between."

Right on cue, the roar of a supercharged engine filled the air as a familiar Lancia 037 pulled into the station, parking neatly behind Seele's Devil Z. Clorinde stepped out, her usual calm demeanor intact.

"Hey! Anything happening here?" she called out.

March waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Clorinde! Not much, really."

Clorinde smiled, closing the door of her car. "Good. I just got word about something interesting happening in Araumi."

The group perked up, gathering around her. Clorinde explained, "Ningguang's old rival from last year showed up a couple of days ago in a Lancer Evo and challenged her to a rematch."

Beidou raised an eyebrow. "A rematch?"

Clorinde nodded. "Yeah. They've been doing practice and exhibition runs since yesterday. It'll go on until Friday. It's just for fun—no winners or losers—just pure driving."

Seele's eyes lit up. "Really? We should go check it out—maybe tonight or tomorrow."

The others nodded in agreement, but Clorinde turned her attention to Collei. "What about you, Collei? Are you planning to head up there?"

Collei shrugged, her voice uncertain. "I don't know... I'll think about it."

Clorinde nodded, a confident smile on her face. "Alright. You have my phone number anyway. Let me know—or have one of your buddies let me know—if you're heading up."

Collei gave a firm nod in return. "Alright."

With a casual wave goodbye, Clorinde headed toward her Lancia. The engine purred to life as she started it, the car's iconic lines gleaming under the sunlight. Moments later, she merged onto the highway, her destination set for Araumi.

Amber stepped closer to Collei, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Cheer up, Collei! You should take that offer and show up! Push yourself to the limit out there."

Collei's spirits lifted, a newfound determination lighting up her expression. "You're right. Considering it was a draw, I can always challenge Clorinde to a rematch when the time is right!"

Amber grinned, pumping her fist into the air. "That's the spirit! A rematch is always an option if you're not satisfied with how the last race turned out."

Collei nodded again, her resolve solidifying. "Yeah… I'll show up tonight."

Beidou, standing nearby with arms crossed, raised her fist in solidarity. "Let's go! Bring your A-game, team! We're heading to Araumi tonight!"

That evening, at Arlecchino's home, a quiet conversation unfolded between Arlecchino and Lynette. The two stood near the Eight Six, its sleek yet humble frame resting under the soft glow of the porch light.

Lynette examined the car, her gaze thoughtful. "Still can't believe your daughter's the one driving this thing," she said, nodding toward the Eight Six. "If you consider how fast she is now, who knows how long this engine is going to last. Maybe it's already on its last legs."

Arlecchino, cigarette in hand, took a measured drag and exhaled a stream of smoke into the night air. "Well, it's only a matter of time until it finally gives out," she said, her tone calm yet reflective.

Lynette crossed her arms, leaning slightly against a nearby stack of crates. "So what's the plan when that happens? You've said before you'd replace the engine after her first loss. But in the last race, both drivers were declared winners. And if her winning streak keeps up, it might not happen anytime soon."

Arlecchino tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "When I raced that Lancia's old driver, all our matches ended in draws. We agreed both drivers were winners every time. I didn't expect Collei's streak to last this long... but I can't do much if she keeps winning."

Lynette raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "So what's going to give out first? Her streak or the engine? Either way, I'll be ready when the time comes."

Arlecchino gave a rare, small smile. "Very good."

Right on cue, Collei stepped out of the house, her footsteps light yet purposeful. She approached Arlecchino, her confidence tempered with respect. "Hey, Dad? Is it okay if I take the car? Me and my friends are heading up to Araumi for some practice runs."

Arlecchino glanced at Collei, then casually tossed her the keys. "Sure thing."

Grinning, Collei caught the keys and slid into the driver's seat of the Eight Six. Moments later, the car rumbled to life, and she was on her way.

At Araumi, near the summit and the first hairpin, Ningguang and Keqing stood by the roadside. The chill of the evening air was offset by the roar of approaching engines. A convoy of cars streaked past them in a blur of lights and color: the Lancia 037, R32, the Devil Z, a Supra, and the unmistakable Eight Six at the rear.

Keqing rushed to Ningguang's side, her excitement barely contained. "Ningguang! Did you see that?"

Ningguang gave a measured nod, her sharp eyes tracking the cars. "I did. Looks like Clorinde invited some friends from Yougou for exhibition runs."

Back at Arlecchino's home, the stillness of the driveway felt palpable. Lynette sat upright on the crates, her gaze steady. "Still can't believe Collei's only eighteen," she remarked.

Arlecchino scoffed lightly, folding her arms. "Big deal. When I was eighteen, I was a million times better than her."

Lynette's smirk widened. "You'd say that, wouldn't you? Funny, though. When I talked to my brother the other day, he said Collei's got more talent than you ever did. His exact words were, 'Arlecchino's just too stubborn to admit her daughter's faster and better.'"

Arlecchino sneezed abruptly, then sniffed, waving it off. "Typical Lyney," she muttered.

Lynette leaned forward slightly. "Anyway, when Collei pushes past her limits, the engine will probably follow right behind. That old thing won't last long. But… do you think she can keep winning after that?"

Arlecchino crushed her cigarette in the ashtray, her expression darkening ever so slightly. "Who knows…"

At the Araumi parking lot, the convoy arrived. Feixiao stood waiting, casually leaning against her Lancer Evolution. Her posture radiated confidence, her presence commanding.

The drivers stepped out of their cars, following Clorinde as she approached Feixiao.

Clorinde gestured toward her. "Everyone, this is Feixiao. She's from the Mumei Prefecture. She's here to challenge Ningguang to a rematch."

Feixiao straightened up, smiling warmly. "Pleasure to meet you all."

Beidou, Seele, March, Pela, and Amber shook hands with her one by one. When it was Collei's turn, Feixiao's smile widened.

"Nice to finally meet you, Collei!" Feixiao exclaimed.

Collei blinked, surprised. "Oh! So you know me?"

Feixiao nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! With the way you've been winning lately, everyone knows about you!"

Their hands clasped in a firm handshake, both smiling, an unspoken camaraderie forming instantly.

Feixiao's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, I was wondering if you'd be up for an exhibition run with me. Just to help me practice against someone from here. No stakes—no winner, no loser."

Collei nodded, her expression brightening. "Sure thing, Feixiao. I could use the practice too."

Feixiao clenched her fists in excitement. "Yes! This is going to be awesome!"

Back at home, Arlecchino stood by the doorway, staring at the empty driveway. The stillness around her was almost oppressive. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, a rare glimmer of unease crossing her face. "Something big is going to happen tonight..." she murmured. "Why am I feeling so uneasy all of a sudden?"