The Speed Of The Stars

The weeks had flown by since Clorinde and Yoimiya's thrilling race at Jakotsu Pass. Now, winter had settled in, blanketing the world in icy stillness. It was a chilly Christmas Eve afternoon at the gas station. March was pacing back and forth, her arms crossed tightly against her body as she tried to keep warm.

"Collei, are you planning on going full-time here?" March asked, her breath visible in the frosty air.

Collei scoffed lightly, leaning against a nearby pump. "Full-time? I don't know, March."

March grinned and nudged Collei's shoulder. "Come on! The two of us working full-time together would be so much fun!"

Collei's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You're joking, right?"

March shook her head with a resolute smile. "Nope. I already asked Lyney for a full-time spot starting January. It feels like the next best step for me going into the new year."

Collei tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, I guess it's possible… but with me joining the expedition team next year, my schedule's probably going to be all over the place."

The conversation faded as the sun began its descent, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. A while later, Collei and Amber were driving up to Lake Yougou in Collei's trusty Eight-Six. The hum of the engine filled the car as snowflakes began to drift lazily from the sky.

Amber glanced over at Collei. "So, um… do you celebrate Christmas with your dad?"

Collei kept her eyes on the winding road but shook her head. "Every now and then we do. Mostly, it's just a simple celebration."

Amber nodded slowly. "Alright. What about next year? Do you plan on joining Ningguang's team?"

Collei gave a small smile. "Yeah. I already told everyone, even Clorinde. But I made Clorinde promise not to tell Ningguang yet. There's something I need to ask her first."

Amber tilted her head in confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Collei chuckled softly and patted Amber's leg reassuringly. "Don't worry. You'll see when spring comes around."

Moments later, the pair stepped out onto the docks of Lake Yougou. The water was unnervingly still, its surface a perfect mirror. Snowflakes landed gently, dissolving as they touched the glassy lake.

Amber gazed out at the tranquil scene. "This has been one hell of a year."

Collei nodded, her breath misting in the cold air. "Yeah… it sure has."

Amber turned to Collei, her expression shifting to one of bittersweet emotion. "Just think about it. You had your racing debut, won multiple races, broke Ningguang's winning streak… and now look at you. Still undefeated and about to join her expedition team."

Collei's cheeks flushed at the praise. "Y-Yeah… it's been a wild ride."

Amber hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her voice tinged with guilt. "I wish I'd told you I was here the past two and a half years."

Collei placed a comforting hand on Amber's shoulder, her smile warm. "Don't blame yourself. We all get caught up in life sometimes."

Amber pulled Collei into a quick hug. "I'm so glad to have you, Collei. I really am."

Collei returned the gesture, her voice soft. "And I'm so glad to have you too."

Elsewhere, at a rest area near Yougou Pass, Clorinde and Navia were relaxing beside Clorinde's Lancia 037. The car's sleek frame was now outfitted with winter wheels, gleaming under the fading daylight as the pair shared a quick meal.

Navia gestured toward the Lancia with a small smirk. "Think this setup will help you tackle the pass?"

Clorinde grinned as she unwrapped her hamburger. "We'll find out soon enough—right after we finish eating."

Just as she was about to take a bite, Clorinde's phone buzzed. She set her burger down and picked it up. "Hey, Ningguang! What's up?"

On the other end, Ningguang paced her office, her tone unusually casual. "Clorinde, I need to ask you something."

Clorinde raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Sure thing. What's going on?"

Ningguang sighed, a rare trace of frustration in her voice. "I've been asking around, trying to find someone experienced in tuning a rally car—specifically, a Group B rally car. None of my current team members have the expertise. Do you know anyone who can handle a car like your Lancia?"

Clorinde smirked knowingly. "As it happens, I do. My partner, Navia Caspar. Her dad was a mechanic for my dad when he raced for Lancia Martini Rally in the '80s. She's right here—want to talk to her?"

Ningguang's voice perked up immediately. "Yes, please! Can I speak to her?"

Clorinde grinned and handed the phone to Navia. "This one's for you."

Navia took the phone, her tone polite but confident. "Hello, Navia speaking."

"Hi, Ms. Caspar," Ningguang replied. "I understand your father was a mechanic for Clorinde's dad during his rally days?"

Navia nodded, though Ningguang couldn't see her. "That's right. He taught me everything about tuning and maintaining these kinds of cars."

Ningguang's excitement was palpable. "That's perfect! How about joining my expedition team? We could really use someone with your skills to tune Clorinde's Lancia."

Navia glanced at the Lancia, a smile spreading across her face. "Sounds like a deal, Ms. Ningguang."

"Wonderful! Clorinde will fill you in on the details. I'll catch up with you both soon."

As the call ended, Navia handed the phone back to Clorinde. "Looks like I'll be traveling with you!"

Clorinde chuckled. "Sure does sound like it."

That evening, under the shimmering glow of string lights at the gas station, Seele and Pela pulled up in Seele's iconic Devil Z. The rumbling engine came to a halt, and the duo stepped out, their breath visible in the crisp winter air.

Seele waved enthusiastically. "Hey, guys! Any plans tonight?"

Pela followed with a polite nod, adjusting her glasses. "Yeah! We were thinking of heading out to this karaoke restaurant to celebrate Christmas Eve. You all should come."

Beidou grinned, leaning against the counter. "Of course! I'm always up for a good time. What do you say, March? You in?"

March nodded frantically, her usual energy shining through. "Yes! Absolutely! I've got nothing better to do anyway." She then turned and playfully nudged Collei's shoulder. "What about you?"

Collei offered a small smile. "Sounds fun, but I already have plans with my dad and Amber tonight."

"Ah, fair enough," March replied with a shrug, before bouncing back to Seele and Pela. "Guess it's just us! Let's make it a night to remember!"

Meanwhile, on the Narukami shopping street, Amber was driving her Sileighty through the lightly snow-dusted roads, the car's engine humming softly as she searched for Collei's home.

"Damn, where is it?" Amber muttered, glancing at her GPS.

She took a left at an intersection and slowed her pace, scanning the houses on either side. Finally, her gaze landed on Collei's Eight-Six parked in front of a cozy two-story home. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she pulled up and parked behind it.

Stepping out, Amber popped the trunk to retrieve several bags filled with gifts and other items. She was midway through lifting the last one when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"God, it's cold," muttered Arlecchino, stepping out onto her porch and hugging herself against the chill. Her sharp eyes scanned the street, falling on the blue Sileighty. She raised an eyebrow. "Who could this be?"

Amber shut the trunk with a soft thud, muttering to herself, "This is way too much stuff…"

Arlecchino's eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Amber!?"

Amber turned with a warm smile. "Hey there, Ms. Arlecchino! It's so nice to see you again!"

Arlecchino hurried over, waving off the biting cold as she approached. "Let me help you with those bags," she offered, grabbing a couple from Amber's arms.

Amber beamed. "Thank you so much, Ms. Arlecchino!"

Arlecchino chuckled. "Don't sweat it, kid. What brings you here tonight?"

"I'm here to celebrate Christmas Eve with you and Collei!" Amber said cheerfully. "I've been spending more time with Collei lately, so I figured it was time I finally paid you a visit."

Arlecchino's smile softened. "Aww, that's so thoughtful. Come on in! We've got food cooking, and you're more than welcome. If you're looking for Collei, she's still on her way back from her shift at the gas station."

Amber nodded, her face lighting up. "Thanks! That sounds great."

The two carried the bags inside, the warmth of the house immediately melting away the winter chill. Across town, Collei was browsing a bookstore, flipping through a book on car mechanics. She finally purchased it, tucking it under her arm as she made her way home.

Minutes later, she approached her house, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a car parked in front of her Eight-Six.

"Huh? Is that… Amber's car?" she muttered, curiosity piqued.

Entering the house, Collei removed her shoes and slid open the door, only to be greeted by an explosion of confetti.

"Surprise!" Amber and Arlecchino yelled in unison, grinning from ear to ear.

Collei stumbled slightly, her hand gripping the wall for support. "What the hell!?" she exclaimed, though a laugh escaped her lips.

Meanwhile, downtown in Yougou, March, Seele, Beidou, and Pela were at a lively karaoke bar. March held the microphone like a trophy, her voice booming through the speakers.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" she hollered, the echo of her cheer drawing the attention of other patrons.

Lowering the microphone, she turned to her companions with sparkling eyes. "This is awesome! What should we sing next?!"

Seele, nursing a cocktail, chuckled at the display. "How is she this energetic without a single drink?" she asked incredulously.

Beidou roared with laughter. "Beats the hell outta me!"

Pela joined in, adjusting her scarf. "That's March for you. She doesn't need drinks to be the life of the party."

The group burst into laughter as March dove back into the song queue, her enthusiasm infectious.

Back at Arlecchino's home, the three women sat around the dining table, the soft glow of Christmas lights adding a festive warmth to the room. Plates of food were spread across the table, their scents mingling in the cozy air.

Amber leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "You know, it's so nice to actually celebrate Christmas with you two. Especially since it's been so long since we've seen each other, Ms. Arlecchino."

Arlecchino smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're here, Amber. It's moments like this that remind you what's important—spending time with people who matter."

Collei tilted her head, her voice thoughtful. "I'm just glad we're ending the year on a high note."

The trio laughed as the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the day—and the year. Outside, snow continued to fall, blanketing the town in a pristine white.

This year had been a whirlwind—a year of challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable memories. Collei's racing debut, her undefeated streak, and the friendships she strengthened along the way marked a chapter she'd never forget. With the old year behind them, they looked forward to the fresh possibilities of the new one.