The Speed Of The Stars

The morning, Collei is preparing for her Delivery Runs. Knowing that she is curious about the Blackbird, Collei asks Arlecchino about the blackbird.

- Hey Dad. Have you heard about the Blackbird before? And is it any good?

Arlecchino then turns to Collei, Cigarette in hand.

- Yeah. I heard about it before. She can do some serious damage if driven right.

Collei then ponders, and scratches her chin a little.

- Yeah, but can you win a race against it? I mean on Yougou's Downhill?

Arlecchino Puts out her cigarette, crushing it with her heeled boots 

- Of course. I cant think of any car that i couldn't beat. Blackbird or not

Collei then looks down at her feet. It trebling a little bit.

- What about me? Do you think i can win against it?

Arlecchino's right eyebrow raises a little. Giving her a sign that she might be up against the Blackbird next.

- Hmmm, It'd be a close race I'll tell you that much. But why the sudden interest Collei? Racing against the Blackbird?

Collei then waves her hand 

- No no, I was just curious. I heard about it from my Friends at the gas station. Well i'll be off then.

Collei then rolls up the window and drives off into the distance towards Yougou. Arlecchino watching as the eight six disappears.

- Hmmm. Show she's up against the Porsche Turbo Named The Blackbird... I better get in there and change up the drift settings.

As Collei drives up Yougou. At a nearby rest area half way up Yougou. Beidou, Seele, Ningguang and Keqing are waiting for Collei to pass by and try to talk to her before continuing on. All four of them are freezing while waiting for Collei. Keqing wished she brought her scarf.

- Damnit! Its so cold! I should have brought my scarf. When will she arrive?

Ningguang Giggles and looks at Keqing

- Be patient Keqing! She'll arrive soon enough

As if right on queue. Screeching tyres and the sound of a 4 cylinder can be heard, echoing around the mountain pass. Beidou notices instantly

- She's Here! Collei's coming!

As Collei reaches the Straightaway, She sees Two cars with flashing hazard lights blinking away. Collei then pulls over and sees four familiar faces. She then steps out and a conversation begins

Collei approaches The four of them

- What are you guys doing here? Its freezing at a time like this!

Keqing then Approaches Collei and brings her along the pack

- We gotta talk to you about the Blackbird. Its very very important for you to know about it.

Collei scratches her head.

- What about it?

Ningguang takes a piece of stick and draws the drive layout of the Blackbird

- The blackbird you are racing later tonight uses a Rear engine, Rear wheel drive layout. its engine is located to the rear, with its rear wheels driving it forward.

Ningguang then passes the stick to Keqing

- We already know you are fast on the corners, And this is where you shine. You see, A rear engine rear wheel drive layout is very prone to a thing called snap oversteer. 

Keqing then draws on the dirt to help Collei understand

- When under braking. The weight from the back shifts forward, causing the rear to lighten up. Cause it lightens up. the rear wants to sway left and right more.

Seele then joins in on the conversation

- All you have to do Collei. Is find a way to disrupt its flow during corners. Per say, find a way to distract Yelan.

Keqing then throws the stick aside and stands up.

- You got this Collei. We know how good you are.

Collei then Looks at all four of them.

- Thanks guys. I'll take note of this. But for now.

Collei then heads back to her eight six to continue the Deliveries.

- I gotta continue my deliveries. See ya when i get to see ya.

Collei hops in the eight six and drives of into the darkness. The others looking as the eight six disappears into the next hairpin corner. 

That afternoon. Beidou and march are cleaning up the gas station's garage to tidy things up a bit. March then calls for Beidou's attention

- Hey Beidou. Are we really gonna have to race Yelan?

Beidou adjusts her Collar.

- We have no choice. I'm not so sure though if Collei is convinced...

March stands there, staring at the ground.

- I know Collei Beidou, She'll never do it. That's the way it is. She hates being pushed into doing things or having to follow other peoples order. She's a chill person most of the time but once she has a goal in her mind. There's no going back for her.

 In the background. Lyney Leans against the wall Hiding from plain sight of Beidou And March. Listening to their conversation.

- Heh. Stubborn. Just like Arlecchino...

March then brings up something Beidou doesn't know about about Collei.

- If she's forced to do something she doesn't want to do. She will snap. One time In the 10th Grade, She beaten the living shit of a senior after chemistry because she was being forced into doing something she didn't want to do After that the guy had to go to the hospital cause Collei broke his nose.

Beidou gasps backing up slightly.

- Seriously? That doesn't sound like something Collei would do at all.

Lyney's hear enough and heads back to his office. In another part of town. Arlecchino take the eight six to get the suspension tuned in preparation for the Upcoming race later in the night.

That night. Collei finishes up closing and locking the Gas pumps She heads inside the office to inform Lyney. As she heads off Lyney grabs her attention and asks her to take a seat with him. Collei sits in front of Lyney and a conversation about the upcoming race begins.

- I heard from the girls that you are heading up to Yougou to race the Blackbird right? I'm gonna give you some advice. Do not race her.

Collei's eyes widen 

- Y- Yeah I was- 

As collei was about to say something. Lyney then interrupts.

- No, no. Listen to me for a second I can tell what happened. You got forced into accepting the challenge because March ran her mouth to Yelan and told her you'd race.

Collei Scratches her head, Lyney continues.

- Its time for you to let your friends deal with their own messes. Believe me when i say this. Do.Not. Race. That Blackbird... There's alot you dont know about that car.

As Lyney puts out his Cigarette. Collei then speaks

- Is the Blackbird really that good?

Lyney then looks at Collei and notices a Serious demeanor in Collei's face. Like she's angry. Lyney's plan is working and speaks in his mind.

- Thats it. She took the bait.

Lyney then talks about the Blackbird.

- Good? Its a legend around Inazuma. Originating from Inazuma City, It was owned by a Doctor and Wangan Racer named Natasha. She raced around in the Highways of Inazuma City with her friend opponent In a Midnight Blue S30Z, Nicknamed. "The Devil Z" With its twin turbo Flat-Six engine paired with a Light carbon fiber body. If driven right. It can defeat anything in the Touge.

When he looks at Collei again. She's seen leaving. But before leaving Collei speaks to Lyney one more time.

- Boss. I appreciate the warning... But to be honest. After what you told me about this Car Called the blackbird. I dont care about the street cred or fame i get from racing this chick. Hearing what you said about that car, makes me want to see what it can really do for myself.

Collei then walks out and changes to her casual clothes. Walking to her house to grab the eight six to race the blackbird. Lyney then Puts his hand over his head. 

- Though that little conversation would work. She is literally exactly like her father.

As Collei arrives at the House. She then discovers a note at the door. The Note Reads. "Temporarily closed" Collei is shocked. Her father never said anything about this She then scratches her head

- Temporarily Closed? Dad never mentioned anything about this. And how will she earn money with the shop closed.

Collei's situation gets worse. She realizes that she needs the car

- Oh No The Car!

She rushes to the Driveway only to see nothing. but Darkness. The eight six is gone.

- If she went out drinking with her buddies then i'm totally screwed!

Collei then face palms

- She wont be back at least morning! this sucks!

Collei then messes up her hair Moving it up and down repeatedly.

- What am i gonna do now!?

Collei then Puts both hands behind her head and crouch in anger and panic

- Argh!!! I cant do anything with out a car! DAMNIT TO ALL HELL! I SHOULD HAVE ASKED TO BRORROW THE STUPID THING BEFORE I LEFT! 

Yougou is mostly packed. All people are now awaiting for the arrival of the Eight six. At the top of Yougou Beidou, Seele, March and Pela now await for the arrival Of Collei. Keqing and Ningguang too waiting. Leaning against Ningguang's FC. Yelan is there at the starting line. Awaiting The Eight Six's arrival.

Back at The house of Arlecchino and Collei. It gets even worse. Collei finishes up talking to bars around town to see if Arlecchino is there drinking.

- Its useless. I'm never gonna find that idiot!

She slams the Landline phone down. And completely looses it. Her Voice echo's around the street

- DAMNIT WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!? BRING ME BACK MY EIGHT SIX!

As hours tick by. At this summit of Yougou. Seele And Beidou Leave the summit and head to Collei's House, Leaving March and Pela With Her MR2. Ningguang talks to Yelan about the Blackbird

- So tell me Yelan. Did you tune her down from 700 Horsepower? 

Yelan Giggles a little.

- You kidding me? What I want when I win this race is Total Domination. That's what I want...

Ningguang is shocked.

- At least tell me you tuned the car to make it stick to the road at least?

Yelan Scoffs

- I didn't change anything. What ever I'm familiar with on this beast. is what I kept it at.

Ningguang is so dumbfounded she walks away and approaches Keqing. Keqing then asks Ningguang.

- So... What did she say?

Ningguang lights a cigarette and takes a short drag from it.

- She's crazy ill tell you that. She's running full power on the blackbird. She didn't even modify it to try and make it grip around the course.. If those tyres are worn down. She wont even last half way this course without drifting.

Keqing who put out her cigarette moments ago now takes another one from her pocket and lights it up.

- She's crazy... It'd be a miracle if she won.

Back at the house of Collei. Collei is lying down at the couch. thinking to her self. The Clock reads 9:30

- What the hell is going on... Its like im drowning here. Why am i so tense? Mt. Yougou is calling me. I need to race that Blackbird....

Collei then straightens herself out. Walking back and forth around the living room

- I've driven this course. Rain or shine for the past 5 and a half years... The Course is practically a part of me... But i know for a fact I've scratched the surface of what is still yet to come...

Suddenly The Familiar sound of a Twin turbo Inline-Six roars around Collei's street. She then exits the house and screeching to a halt is Seele's Devil Z. With Beidou in the passenger's seat. They both exit the car and quickly rush towards Collei. Beidou is relieved.

- Thank goodness you are home Collei. We oughta talk!

Moments later. Collei finishes filling in Seele and Beidou. Beidou is dumbfounded.

- You cant be serious? Your dad took the car and you have no idea where she is or where she went and you don't know when she'll be back!?

Collei silently nods. Seele almost looses it.

- Argh we are so screwed! If the eight six isn't here then there's no point going back to Yougou! 

Beidou stomps her feet.

- Of all the nights your dad has to take the car, why tonight!?

Collei looks at Beidou.

- Let me guess, You came here to try and convince me to race now did you?

Both Seele And Beidou Nod their heads silently Seele lets her in on the situation at Yougou.

- The Course is packed. Even the Rotary duo is there to watch the race.

Beidou continues.

- You are the star attraction. People are practically talking about you and wondering where you are!

Collei Slightly blushes.

- I wish i can be up there. But with no car. I'm practically stranded here.

Beidou suddenly has an idea.

- You can Race in Seele's Devil Z!

Collei then wonders.

- Devil... Z??

Seele Explains.

- We were at a café before we went to Yougou to intervene and inform you about the blackbird. Ningguang Told me that my S30Z, nicknamed "Devil Z" Raced with the blackbird in the past in Inazuma City's Bayshore Routes, named the Wangan. And Its just like the FD you raced last time. Heck it even has Power and its as agile! 

Collei waves her hand

- I cant do that. It's your ride, If i'm gonna race The blackbird. It oughta be something that i'm familiar with, even when my eyes are shut.

Suddenly. The echo's of an Inline-Four Roar into life. Downshifting from Fourth to third to second. Followed by a double blip on the gas. Collei immediately stands up.

- That's her! That's the Eight Six!

Seele is skeptical.

- That can be any car with a Four Cylinder Collei.

Collei insists.

- No.. It's definitely her. Trust me. I know.

Back at the summit of Yougou. Ningguang then looks at Keqing.

- You think she'll appear? its getting late.

Keqing Takes a drag from her cigarette.

- She'll be here. No question. I saw that look in her face when we encountered her last night. Trust me. She'll be here. Just fashionably late.

Moment later, back at Collei's house. Collei just finished settling herself at the Eight Six. She then looks at Arlecchino.

- Sorry for borrowing the car this late dad. I owe you big time!

Seele then signals collei

- Come on Collei we gotta hurry! And Thank you Ms. Arlecchino for letting us whisk her away like this. I'll buy more boxes of fried tofu the next time i come back!

Collei then signals the two to hit the road. She then puts the car into first gear and slams on the accelerator. Launching away towards Yougou. Seele then follows suit. Arlecchino watches them disappear as they race to the top to catch the 10PM Showdown

- Something's changed in you kid. I can see it in your eyes and attitude. I wonder what's going down.

As they reach the Start of the uphill. Beidou then turns to Seele.

- You think you can catch up to the eight six?

Seele Giggles.

- Are you kidding me? She has a 1.6 Non turbo. I got a 3.1 Liter Twin turbo! Of course i'll catch up. 

As they reach the corners. The Eight six starts gapping the Devil Z. they continue to race down the straightaway. And when they reached the hairpin turn. Their jaws drop. The eight six's incredible Cornering speed leaves them in the darkness. The eight six seemed that it dissapeared. They continue to race up the uphill. trying to catch the deadline. 

At the summit. Pela is trying to persuade March not to give in.

- Come on March! You know Collei. She appeared late on the Race with the FD, You know she'll appear late again!

March is trying to tug her arm out of Pela's grip

- There's no use Pela. She's not gonna appear.

 March manages to loose Pela's Grip. And slowly marches her way towards the Blackbird of Yelan. As she walks. She starts to panic and Kneels right in the middle of the road. As she ducks and covers her face. A bright light suddenly Flashes behind her. The distinctive sound of a Four Cylinder engine. She then Looks behind and it was Collei and her Eight Six. She then straightens out. Looking at Collei as tears suddenly start dropping from her eyes

- Hey There march! Sorry if i'm late. You are right. I'm a street racer and i've been challanged. This is where i belong.

March then starts crying and rushes to Collei and hugs her tightly. Collei starting to slightly choke from the tight hug. Moments later Seele And Beidou see the commotion and sigh in relief. 

Moments later Collei's Eight six is parked beside the Blackbird. Taking a short break and delaying the start a little so Collei Can take a breather. Lyney is there at the five consecutive hairpin turns talking to Arlecchino in his Cellphone. Arlecchino talks to Lyney about the blackbird.

- The Blackbirds weakness is a little too obvious if you ask me. Assuming she knows what to look for. But her only advantage is Body weight.

Similarly Ningguang is talking to Keqing about the same thing.

- With the Rear being heavy. Its Oversteer is near impossible to control. Even if you fine tune the suspension and your Pedal technique. There's too much bulk for her technique to offset the downsides. And on a downhill like this, with the amount of power she's running. Those tyres will be long gone by the time they reach the halfway mark.

Arlecchino continues to speak to Lyney.

- By the time they reach the bottom. The oversteer will fight her tooth and nail going into the hairpin turns. Just you watch Lyney. That's where Collei shines. The tight hairpins on the end. And I also messed around with the Drift settings on the eight six just to be safe.

Lyney is curious Scratches his chin a little

- Drift settings? What do you mean by that?

Arlecchino then takes a cold beer from the fridge and cracks it open,

- When she stomps on the gas. The Understeer will be heavy.

Lyney yells at Arlecchino.

- Are you Insane? Understeer when Punching the Gas? Her technique Relies on the car oversteering! Why In the hell would you do something like that!?

Arlecchino takes a quick sip of beer.

- Of course she can. I turned those drift settings down so the tofu in the back doesnt get sloshed around during the delivery runs. And with those settings now, You can get an FR to pull serious G's around those hairpins and corners. In this case. The name of the game when it comes to racing a Blackbird. Is Endurance...

The race is set to begin. The eight six And the Blackbird revving their engines in anticipation of the race. But this night. Is far from over for the both of them...