The Speed Of The Stars

The following afternoon. Its another Normal day At Lyney's Gas station. Collei approaches a customer who just pulled up in a Civic Type R. She then attends to it. Filling it up with gas. Cleaning its windshield and so on. March, Amber, Seele And Beidou are in conversation right by the garage 

"Its crazy that Collei is your average Teenager who just graduated high school." Beidou said

"No Kidding. When she was racing there. Its like she's a whole new person. She's like glued to the road. Even with me screaming." March said

Seele then turns to March. "Say. You said Collei asked you to sit in the back? Why's that?"

March puts a finger on her chin. "I don't know. She didn't say anything at all. Even on the way back."

Seele smirks "I think i know why."

Beidou and March Get closer to Seele. "Tell Us!!!"

Seele hear head up high and smiles "Cause March is Annoying!"

Beidou and March dramatically collapse. They then quickly stand up. Laughing around

March continues to laugh "Alright. You caught me!"

Lyney's face turns to annoyance "Seriously forgot the fundamentals of racing in wet conditions? The reason why is so Collei can gain extra traction with the weight in the back. And knowing Collei. She immediately knew it as soon as she saw rain."

Amber leans against the back of her Sileighty "Kinda think of it. You said Collei was hesitant on accepting challenges in the past right?"

March, Seele and Beidou Respond at the same time "Yeah?"

Amber smiles "Look at her last night. She accepted that challange like its nothing at all. She sounds like a true street racer now"

Everyone nods "Totally agree."

Beidou then looks at Collei who's finishing up with the customer "Its still crazy that when she first began racing. She didn't even know what an eight six is.. But look at our girl grow. She's getting the hang of this street racing attitude."

Amber then walks to Collei who already finished up with the customer. 

Collei notices Amber "Oh. Hey Amber."

Amber smiles "So Collei. Why don't we head up to Yougou Lake tonight? We can take my car"

Collei blushes "Sure thing Amber. I got time"

As the sun sets. Collei arrives at home and looks at the Eight Six parked at Arlecchino's driveway

Collei sighs and looks at the Dirty Eight Six "What a mess. Must be from all of the rain last night... Well. time to clean her up"

Collei then heads inside to change to her casual clothes for home. A brown sleeveless dress. She then comes out holding a bucket and fills it up with Water and soap. She begins washing the car using a pressure washer. Rinsing the car of all the dirt and grime. Then after. She takes a microfiber wash cloth and rinses it with Car soap, She then begins wiping the car with soap to remove any dirt and mud stuck in the car after rinsing it with the pressure washer. she then takes a Brush and soaks it with Soapy water and rinses the Tires Sidewall and the Black and silver deep dished Watanabe wheels.

As Collei continues to wash the Eight Six. Back inside. Arlecchino receives a phone call from an old friend in her racing days.

"What a surprise Lisa, Been a while now isn't it Let Me guess. You Got into an accident and are in the hospital right? As Arlecchino Chuckles

The Phone Crackles "You're too funny Arlecchino! Anyways. I've been hearing alot of things about your daughter. I've been told that she's quite the prodigy."

Arlecchino Smiles "That's my Girl. She's been driving faster and faster lately"

Lisa Smiles "That's great to hear. Have you also heard she's going up against Ningguang? Ten on Saturday"

Arlecchino raises an eyebrow "Ningguang huh? Should i know who she might be?"

Lisa scoffs "You seriously don't know her? She's the fastest street racer in the Narukami Prefecture! Even the fellow Stewards in FOM Know her." 

Back outside. Collei finishes rinsing the Eight Six and begins drying the car with a Microfiber cloth

"And she's racing my daughter on Saturday. Right?" Arlecchino said

"Yes. So lets hear it from you. Who do you think is gonna win the race?" Lisa said

"I don't know. But we will all find out on Saturday with the rest" As Arlecchino giggles a little.

Lisa Laughs "You haven't changed one bit. You still scare me with those monstrous drifts all those years ago"

Arlecchino also laughs "That was years ago Lisa"

Then a Lady comes on the background "Ms. Minci? The Race is about to start."

Lisa then comes back on the phone "Gotta run Arlecchino. Talk to ya soon."

The phone call ends. And Arlecchino stands up and heads outside to check on Collei. Collei Wipes her sweat off and glosses over the now Cleaned Eight Six. Arlecchino Looks at the car from a distance and smiles 

"Good as new!" Collei said, As she wipes her sweat using her towel

Arlecchino watches from behind and also smiles. She chooses to remain silent. She then heads back inside.

That Night Amber And Collei are headed up to Yougou Lake. The Roar of the Sileighty echo's around Yougou. With Each corner. Amber Swiftly drifts through them with ease 

Collei's eyes widen "I gotta say Amber. I'm impressed you drive this well!"

Amber chuckles "Thanks Collei! You know. I've been driving this course everyday since I've moved back"

As they reach the final hairpin Amber Slams on the brakes and drifts through the final hairpin with practiced precision and finesse and race down to the finish line. Amber then eases off the gas and starts slowing down as they head to Yougou lake. They then arrive and park at a popular parking spot. The two of them step out and admire the night sky glowing and the calm and peaceful lake below.

Collei then takes a deep breath "Look at that view. Its so... Peaceful" speaking softly.

Amber leans into the wooden barrier "Yeah.. It sure is..." Her voice barely a whisper soft.

"You know something Collei. This reminds me back when we were kids. Our Parents always bring us here for us to bond together." her voice still soft

Collei giggles "Yeah... Those were the days."

Amber then leans against the Wooden Barrier and crosses her arms. "Oh Yeah? I know that you're gonna win this race." 

Collei then comes closer to Amber. "I hope so too Amber."

For a few moments the two of them glance over the lake. Taking in the scene.

Then Collei speaks up "You know something Amber?"

Amber then looks at Collei, Still smiling "Hm?"

Collei smiles "This is just like the night we first met."

Amber blushes "How can i forget? I remember how socially anxious you were. And there i am. The energetic one. The one that gets along with everyone.."

She then looks at Collei "But look at your now.. All grown up. Interacting with everyone. And Now. A Street Racing Superstar!"

Collei Blushes "Well.. I couldn't have done it without you ya know. You were there to help me when i'm to socially anxious to talk to anyone. When the others didn't pick me. You chose me to be part of your projects at school"

The two then turns back, and looks at The Nissan Sileighty. The Night sky shines upon its perfect Blue Paint.

Collei then turns to face Amber. Her hands trembling a little "Amber, I... There's something i need to tell you"

Amber looks at Collei and places her hand over her hand "Yes, Collei? Anything you want to tell me?"

Collei takes a deep breath, and exhales it "I.. I have feelings for you... M- More than a F- Friendship"

She then looks up at Amber "Y- you've been my light. M- my Inspiration, A-and. I think.. Th-That I'm In love with you." as her voice grows softer.

Amber's eyes widen. A blush spreading across her cheeks "Collei, I... I've been feeling the same way since that day in Amakane... I just... I, didn't want to say it when we had that conversation in that convenience store. Considering what happened that night."

Collei's face turns red. "R-Really!? You mean it?"

Amber nods "Of course. You're one amazing person Collei. Your skill, your kindness. The crazy drifts around those hairpins." as her voice grows softer.

Collei sheds a small tear in her eye "Amber... I... I don't know what to say."

Amber then hugs Collei. "Then don't say anything. Let us enjoy this moment."

The bright night sky continues to shine away. As Amber and Collei continues to hug each other. Taking their time, and enjoying their time together.

The following morning at the gas station. Pela Pulls up beside the office.

She parks and steps out of her MR2 "Hey guys!, thought you might want to see something" she then holds up a flash drive.

"Oooh! is it your "Homework" Pela?" as March starts to smug up

Pela then hits March's shoulder "Cut it out March! This is something about the upcoming race!"

"Could it be something for Collei i presume?" Beidou asks

"Yes. And it will all shock you" As pela waves around the Flash drive. 

Inside the office. Pela inserts the flash drive into her laptop and plays a compilation of videos.

"Its just a Street race somewhere Pela. How's this for Collei?" as Beidou watches the video

"Wait till you see" As Pela waits for the right moment "Here!" She then presses pause on the video

"That's just an RX7 FC" March points out.

"Not just any RX7 FC. Let me play the next video" said Pela

Pela then plays the next video. A recorded video from the sidelines of a street race around the Narukami Prefecture. As the video Plays. The Camera points to a White FC. The door swings open and out comes a young girl.

"Holy Shit! That's Ningguang!" March points out

Pela plays the video in slow motion as a Young Ningguang Steps out of her Plain White FC3S at the time.

"Look at how young she Is!" said Beidou.

"That looks like. Araumi to me. Say Pela. Where did you get these videos?" Seele said.

"Some of my guys i know shared me this video. It was round 5 to 6 years ago. Ningguang at the time was called the White Star Of Araumi. That's way before She and Keqing started their team. She was at the time. A Lone Wolf" Pela Points out.

As they watch on the video. Lyney then steps in "Hey, What are Y'all watching?"

Seele then blocks the Laptop monitor "Nothing Lyney!"

Lyney then waves his hands "No, No. Its all okay." he then walks towards the laptop and sits down at a chair "Keep playing it. I want to see this."

Pela then plays the video, showing Ningguang's Massive drifts around corners in Araumi.

"So this is the gal Collei's going to race tomorrow huh?" said Lyney as he points at the FC3S

Beidou sighs "I don't know. But looks to me Collei might not stand a chance against her."

March gasps "What are you talking about Beidou!? She's gonna win! Right?"

Seele shakes her head in disapproval "Ningguang's fast. Like. Very fucking fast. Every single street race she's entered. She never lost to a single one of them. To this day its the longest winning streak of all. And worse still. She claims that all those races she's done, she's never given 100%"

As hours tick by. The sun begins to set at Araumi. At a nearby cafe. Ningguang And Keqing are having a chat.

"So i received an e-mail from a racing team all the way from Inazuma City Ningguang. They said they want to talk and discuss a future racing opportunity with you." as Keqing takes a sip of coffee"

Ningguang puts the cup down "Tell them No thanks." 

Keqing's eyes widen "No Thanks? But why!?"

Ningguang smirks "Cause i'm not interested in going professional. Not even the slightest bit"

"And waste your talent here in the streets? Come on Ningguang! Who knows what kind of opportunities you have there!" said Keqing

"The only racing that catches my attention is here, in the streets. This is where i can express my true skills freely. No sponsor is going to judge you on how you drive. No contract obligations. Nothing of that" as Ningguang takes another sip of her Coffee.

That night. Arlecchino's Eight six pulls up on Lyney's gas station.

Arlecchino rolls down her window and leans out "Hey Lyney. You done? Lets go for a ride in Yougou. Test out the new suspension settings."

"Uhh. With you?" As Lyney stares at Arlecchino.

"Yeah. But its going to be an easy ride. No big deal" she then smirks

"Easy ride huh? Fine. But i have a feeling i might regret this" Lyney said.

Moments later. The two of them are driving down a straightaway near the Skating rink in Yougou. Arlecchino up to this point is only driving mildly.

Lyney strikes up a conversation. "So Arlecchino. You didnt adjust the suspension for Collei's upcoming race with Ningguang now did you?" 

"I did." said Arlecchino.

Then Arlecchino tightens her grip on the steering wheel "Lyney. I'm gonna pick up the pace here."

This catches Lyney off guard. As Arlecchino then puts her hand over the gear shifter. Lyney looks at her "Like. Right Now!?"

He then grabs ahold of the overhead handle and the door handle "Alright! I'm Ready! But don't over do it! 

Arlecchino smirks and puts her foot to the floor. The Eight six jolts forward. Going faster and faster as they head for the next hairpin right. As the hairpin comes closer and closer. Arlecchino then slams on the brakes, Downshifting from fourth to second and initiating a perfect braking drift. They slide through the corner with unbelievable speeds. 

"Amazing entry speeds! I can feel the g-forces pushing me out the door!" as lyney hold on tight on the handles.

As Lyney hangs on. He then glances towards Arlecchino. Who has both hands off the steering wheel

"AAARGH WHAT ARE YOU DOING ARLECHCINO!?!?" Lyney yells, his voice sharp.

"What does it look like to you? I'm taking a piece of cigar." as Arlecchino taps the box of cigarettes to grab a piece.

"THEN WHO'S STEERING THE FUCKING CAR!?!?" lyney yells

As the eight six's drift starts to straighten out. The car starts getting closer and closer to the guardrail. Arlecchino tries to light the cigarette with her lighter. It lights. She then opens the Ashtray

"YOU'RE NOT EVEN WATCHING THE DAMNED ROAD!" lyney yells as he closes his eyes "I CANT WATCH!"

The eight six straightens out, narrowly misses the guardrail by mere centimeters.

Arlecchino smirks "Not bad."

She then puts the cigarette out. "Now that's done. Time to get serious."

Lyney then looks at Arlecchino with a worried face "WHA- WHAT!?!?"

Arlecchino downshifts, mashing the gas again. The eight six jolts forwards. Faster and faster. they reach another hairpin, and the Eight six drifts flawlessly. 

The following Afternoon at Araumi. Keqing And Ningguang are in deep conversation about the FC3S's tuning for the race. The FC, Idling away in harmony.

"Engine, tyres and suspension have all ben tuned for the race tonight." said Ningguang as she crosses her arms.

"So. with the engine tuning. How much horsepower is she pushing now?" said Keqing.

Ningguang smirks "Around 280 Horsepower now."

Keqing's eyes widen "Only 280!? Why did you lower its output!? You had at least 350 before!"

Ningguang smirks again "I thought you remembered? Power on a downhill isnt always the solution."

"Oh Right." as Keqing facepalms.

Ningguang giggles "Come on Keqing. Lets head down. We got to prepare."

On the way down. Keqing tails Ningguang while Ningguang leads. Cause its in the middle of the afternoon. There's no racing.

"Right now. Im no longer a team leader. Now. I'm the lone wolf. I am. The White Star Of Araumi." Ningguang mutters.

That night. The swarm of modified cars roar around Lyney's gas station. Lyney watches from a distance.

"Looks like they are headed up to the pass. There's no turning back from this. This race will be massive." muttered Lyney.

Beidou then approaches from behind "Hey Boss."

"Oh. Hey" replied Lyney.

"I finished locking up the pumps and Cleaning the garage. I'll be heading off to the pass now" said Beidou as she holds her bag

Lyney smiles, "Oh thank you. You're gonna watch the race right?"

Beidou nods "Yeah. Seele, Pela March and Amber will be there too."

"I see. But i guess you still have no hope that Collei might win?" Lyney said

"I dont know Boss. She's one of the most talented without a doubt. She's got no experience compared to Ningguang. She just graduated from high school. And Ningguang's a former circuit racer." as Beidou sighs.

Right on cue. The Convoy of cars pull up to the gas station. Seele's Devil Z being ahead. Followed by March's Supra, Pela's MR2 And Amber's Sileighty.

"Well Boss. I'm off" Beidou then hops in Seele's Devil Z and the convoy leaves for Yougou.

Lyney heads off inside his office and sits down at the couch "The only reason i believe Collei will win is. Because she has the same attitude as Arlecchino behind the wheel... And she can be one crazy son of a bitch."

As The Convoy of Beidou And Seele drive up Yougou. Beidou looks around the crowd

"I knew it. This crowd's gonna be massive." Beidou said. 

Seele sighs "If i were Collei. I'd be shitting my pants right about now."

By the five consecutive hairpin turns. A Blue GT86 pulls up to a rest area. 

"Hey. Isn't that Amakane's GT86?" A Spotter said

"Yeah. That is the GT86" another spectator said.

Eula steps out of her GT86 and walks towards behind the guardrail

Eula then takes a breather "Looks like this is the perfect spot for watching Collei race Ningguang" she mutters.

At the top of Yougou. The crowd awaits the Arrival Of Ningguang's FC3S and Collei's AE86

March checks her phone "Its almost 9:30. They should be here any minute now"

Right on Cue. Ningguang and Keqing Arrive. Keqing Parks at the rest area while Ningguang Turns around and parks at the start line. Ningguang then steps out. And leans against Her FC

"Looks like the Eight Six isnt here yet" as Ningguang looks around

Keqing smirks "She's always like that. Always shows up fashionably late to a race".

Ningguang then takes a deep breath. She lets it all out "Keqing. I got to tell you something. When that day arrives when i loose a race. I'll retire."

Keqing looks at Ningguang "Retire!? You cant retire yet!"

Ningguang moves her hand up and down "Relax Keqing. If i mean retire. i dont mean quitting street racing all together. That means that i'll officially step down from the Number one spot.. But that doesnt mean i'll walk away and loose. I still dont plan on loosing anytime soon."

Then. The Downhill Ace finally shows up. Collei's Eight six's Pop up headlights show up. The two racers have finally arrived. Its now all.. Or Nothing...