The Speed Of The Stars

Days had passed since Clorinde and Collei's intense race at Nazuchi Pass. Collei was now back in Yougou, finishing another set of delivery runs. As she descended the winding Yougou Pass, the high-pitched roar of her four-cylinder engine echoed through the mountains, a symphony of precision and power.

The cup of water in her cup holder trembled with each drift, yet not a single drop spilled. Collei navigated the hairpins with effortless mastery, her hands steady on the wheel and her eyes sharp. Every corner brought the thrill of perfection as she executed flawless four-wheel drifts, her tires screeching in protest but obediently holding the line.

Then came the infamous five consecutive hairpins. The challenge they posed was well known, but Collei was undeterred. She gunned the engine down the straightaway, her foot slamming on the brakes as she approached the first corner. With a swift heel-toe movement, she downshifted from fourth to third, then to second, hooking her right wheels into the gutter. The maneuver sent her car gliding through the bends with surgical precision.

The water remained undisturbed, a testament to her control. Not once did her confidence waver, her focus razor-sharp until the downhill run was complete. As the road leveled out, Collei sighed in quiet satisfaction and headed home to Arlecchino's house.

The Eight-Six gleamed in the early morning sunlight, its black and white paint glistening as it came to a stop in front of the house. Inside, Arlecchino was lounging in the living room, sipping a cup of tea.

"Hey, Dad. The deliveries are done," Collei called as she walked in.

Arlecchino looked up and smiled. "Nicely done. Breakfast is on the table."

Collei hesitated as she approached the dining room. "I hope it's okay if I do the deliveries tomorrow and the day after that... if you don't mind," she said, her voice a mix of casualness and resolve.

Arlecchino raised an eyebrow, setting her cup down. "Huh? What happened to us taking turns with the deliveries? I thought you hated doing them."

Collei waved her hands dismissively. "It's not that I hate it! It's just... the team's got another course we're tackling next week. I'm covering for the days I'll be missing."

As she stepped closer to the dining room, Arlecchino smirked. "Oh, so things are changing now, huh? You're calling the shots?" Her tone was playful, teasing. "You always complained before. Now you like doing deliveries?"

Collei giggled softly, stopping in her tracks. "It's not like I like it, either. But if I don't drive Yougou here and there, I might get out of the groove. Then I'd get nervous." She glanced over her shoulder.

"When I'm away from home, I'm always driving on unfamiliar courses, in places I've never even seen before. My focus is always on breaking records or going as fast as I can. There's no time to think about anything else."

She turned to face Arlecchino fully, her expression thoughtful. "I never realized it before, but I like it here in Yougou. It's where I'm at my best. Driving here puts me at ease. And it gives me room to experiment, to try new things with my technique. I'd be more comfortable practicing here than anywhere else."

She slipped off her flats, stepping into the dining room to eat breakfast.

Arlecchino's smile widened as she watched her daughter. "I'm proud of you, Collei," she said softly. "You've finally embraced the fundamentals of a home course."

Later, the sun was high in the sky, and the team had gathered at the gas station. Seele, Amber, Pela, Beidou, and March stood around, chatting excitedly about the recent race at Nazuchi Pass.

Amber punched the air enthusiastically. "That's my Collei! Another win in the bag!"

Seele nodded, a small smile on her face. "And she set a new course record, too."

March bounced on her toes, her pigtails swaying. "Man! I wish I could drive like Collei!"

Beidou chuckled heartily. "The more you practice, March, the better your chances of catching up to her. Keep at it!"

Pela, ever observant, glanced toward the road. "Speaking of Collei... our two aces have arrived."

All heads turned as the Eight-Six and a sleek Lancia 037 roared into the parking lot, pulling up beside the group. Collei and Clorinde stepped out, waving to their friends.

Amber wasted no time, rushing forward to envelop Collei in a massive hug. "Collei! You're back! Congratulations, sweetheart!"

Collei smiled, hugging her back. "Thanks, Amber."

The rest of the group joined them, grinning.

"Our two aces!" Beidou exclaimed. "Congrats to both of ya!"

Clorinde nodded politely. "Thanks. It was a decent battle."

March leaned in eagerly. "So, who's your next rival?!"

Collei scratched the back of her head. "They call themselves 'Feiyun Racing' or something like that."

Clorinde crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah. They're based in Musoujin Pass."

Lyney, who had just joined the group, perked up. "Wait. Did you say Feiyun Racing?"

Collei nodded. "That's right."

Seele glanced at Lyney. "You know them?"

Lyney nodded, his face serious. "Yeah. They're not just a racing team; they're a racing school. They specialize in teaching techniques. The guy running it is super young but already a multiple-time rally champion. The school's gotten really popular over the years. It started out as a niche thing for car enthusiasts, but now it's huge."

March's eyes widened. "A school just for racing techniques? You're kidding!"

Lyney shook his head. "Not at all. Most of their alumni go pro or semi-pro after graduating. They're a group of racers who are obsessed with speed and precision."

March gulped. "Whoa. That's... someone I wouldn't want to go up against." She turned to Collei. "What about you? How do you feel about them?"

Collei stood silently, her gaze distant as she processed the information. A new challenge loomed ahead, and the weight of it settled over her.

But in her silence, there was a spark—a growing determination that promised she wouldn't back down.

Over at Musouji Pass, a Toyota Celica 4WD pulls up to the Feiyun Racing School's garage, its engine purring as the driver steps out. The cool mountain air carries a faint scent of pine and asphalt, mingling with the hum of nocturnal insects. The figure exiting the car is Thoma, clad in a leather jacket and driving gloves, his expression a mix of curiosity and purpose.

He calls out as he approaches the garage. "Hey, Xingqiu. You said you needed to see me? What's up?"

From within, Xingqiu straightens up from where he'd been leaning against a workbench, the faint glow of a cigarette butt between his fingers. He stubs it out and turns to greet Thoma. "That's right, Thoma. Thanks for coming. Step inside the garage—I've got something to show you."

Thoma follows, his boots crunching lightly against the gravel. "You mentioned an outside team. Speed Stars, right? I'm racing them tonight."

Xingqiu nods, his movements precise and composed. "Exactly. I wanted to discuss something before you head out."

As they step into the dimly lit garage, Xingqiu flicks a switch, and the overhead lights buzz to life. A sharp white glow washes over the centerpiece of the room—a pristine Subaru Legacy Group A demo car, its metallic paint catching the light like a blade.

Thoma's eyes widen, his tone laced with awe. "Xingqiu... this car... It's incredible."

A sly smirk spreads across Xingqiu's face. "It's the Feiyun Racing School's pride and joy. A Group A beast, tuned to perfection. I was thinking... maybe you'd want to race with it tonight. What do you say?"

Thoma takes a step closer, running his hand lightly along the Legacy's hood. He lets out a low whistle of appreciation before shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather stick with my Celica. She's my partner in these battles—I know her like the back of my hand."

Xingqiu shrugs, his expression unbothered. "Fair enough. I figured I'd give you the option. No hard feelings."

Without another word, he strides toward his office at the back of the garage, leaving Thoma standing with Heizou, who'd been quietly tinkering with a nearby tool chest.

Heizou glances over, a grin tugging at his lips. "Relax, dude. You've got this. Just race like you always do. No overthinking."

Thoma cracks a small smile. "That's the plan. But who knows what these Speed Stars are packing under their hoods?"

Heizou shrugs, leaning back casually. "You'll find out soon enough. Just focus on what you do best."

The following night, the stillness of Musouji Pass is shattered as the rumble of engines echoes through the mountains. Team Speed Stars' convoy ascends the winding road like a procession. At the front is Clorinde's Lancia 037, its aggressive stance cutting through the darkness. Behind her, Collei's iconic Eight-Six hugs the road, followed by three HiAce support vans carrying tools, tires, and spare parts.

The group reaches the summit, a secluded lot that overlooks the sprawling valleys below. The drivers and crew quickly set to work, the lot transforming into a makeshift pit area. The crisp night air buzzes with activity as tools clink, laptops boot up, and engines rev for warm-ups.

Keqing, clipboard in hand, gathers Clorinde, Collei, and Ningguang near the edge of the lot. Her tone is brisk but tinged with unease. "They've redirected all the traffic for us. It seems we have the entire pass to ourselves tonight."

Clorinde arches an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "That's generous of them. But why?"

Keqing gestures toward the hillside, where faint construction equipment is visible under the moonlight. "Apparently, some kind of roadwork. They've closed off the area completely."

Collei tilts her head, frowning. "Construction? At this hour?"

Clorinde shrugs, her lips curving into a wry smile. "Doesn't matter. What's important is that we have the course to ourselves. It's perfect for tonight's practice." She glances toward the winding stretch of road, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Uphills, downhills, and enough twists to keep things interesting. Though those fallen rocks might complicate things."

Nearby, Albedo finishes fine-tuning the Eight-Six's suspension. He leans back, wiping his hands on a cloth, and glances at Navia, who's perched beside her laptop, inputting engine mapping adjustments for the Lancia.

Navia closes the laptop with a satisfied nod and stands. "Alright, everything's set. Time for some practice runs. I'll ride shotgun with you, Clorinde, and monitor the new intake system's performance in real-time."

Clorinde smirks, giving her a wink. "Sounds like a plan. Let's see what she can do."

The two climb into the Lancia, its cockpit illuminated by the glow of digital displays. Moments later, its engine growls to life, and the car rockets forward, its tires screeching as it dives into the first corner.

Behind them, Collei and Albedo follow suit in the Eight-Six. Albedo's laptop rests securely in his lap, capturing live suspension feedback. "Steady through this corner," he mutters as Collei drifts skillfully through a high-speed right-hander, the car's balance holding firm.

In the Lancia, Navia watches the engine parameters closely, noting how the newly fitted air intake improves low-end acceleration. "Looking good so far," she says, her voice calm despite the car's relentless pace.

Clorinde grins as she mashes the gas, the Lancia surging forward before she slams the brakes. A perfect four-wheel drift carries them through a sharp left hairpin, gravel scattering under the tires.

Back at the summit, Keqing paces nervously, casting glances down the darkened course. "It's strange. The locals haven't come out to practice with us. Not a single car from Feiyun."

Ningguang chuckles softly, her demeanor as composed as ever. "It's not so unusual. Feixiao did the same during our battles in Araumi. She never showed up to watch my runs, and I did the same when it was her home turf. It's just how these things go sometimes."

Hours pass, the moon climbing higher in the night sky as the team continues their practice. Both the Eight-Six and the Lancia roar through the pass, their engines echoing in the stillness.

Navia taps on Clorinde's window after their latest run. Sliding the small panel open, Clorinde leans out.

"Filled her up to half-tank," Navia says, patting the roof with a grin. "Go give them hell."

Clorinde smirks, her confidence unwavering. "Will do."

Slamming the car into reverse, she executes a flawless J-turn, tires screeching as the Lancia spins and tears off into the night.

Meanwhile, Albedo leans into Collei's window, his expression thoughtful. "I swapped the brake discs for carbon ceramics. Do five more runs, and then we'll check the pad wear."

Collei nods firmly. "Got it. I'll be back soon."

She accelerates smoothly into the darkness, the Eight-Six's high-revving four-cylinder roaring in response.

As the night stretches on, the sounds of engines, tires, and determination fill the air—a symphony of speed and precision echoing through Musouji Pass.

The following day, as the sun begins its descent behind the jagged peaks of Musouji Pass, Keqing, Collei, and Clorinde gather at the parking lot near the summit. The faint hum of distant cicadas fills the air, blending with the occasional chirp of birds winding down their day. A soft golden hue blankets the asphalt and the surrounding pines, casting long shadows across the lot.

Keqing leans against the hood of a HiAce van, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand. She takes a slow sip, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers among the clouds. "Last night felt... weird," she says finally, her voice tinged with unease. "So weird."

Clorinde sits cross-legged on a nearby bench, the polished surface of her Lancia 037 gleaming in the fading sunlight behind her. She nods in agreement, her brow furrowed slightly. "True. The local racers didn't even show up for practice runs. It's like they're avoiding us."

Keqing sighs, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her cup. "And because of that, we weren't able to gather any data on them. No notes on their lines, braking points, or setups. It's like we're racing ghosts."

Collei, sitting on a curb with her elbows on her knees, raises her head and offers a small smile. "Honestly? I kind of like it that way."

Keqing and Clorinde turn to her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"Why's that?" Keqing asks, tilting her head slightly.

Collei leans back, resting her palms on the asphalt behind her. Her green eyes gleam with a spark of determination as she speaks. "Before I joined this team, I never knew anything about my opponents—their driving style, their car's specs, none of it. Apart from two races, that is—Clorinde's Lancia and Yelan's Blackbird. But for every other battle? I went in blind. And you know what? I concentrate better that way. No distractions. No overthinking. Just me, my car, and the road. That's all that matters."

Clorinde's lips curl into a knowing smile as she listens. She turns her gaze to Keqing. "I like that perspective. If you think about it, that's pretty much how we've always raced, too. No matter the opponent, the focus has always been on the driving itself."

Keqing nods thoughtfully, swirling the last of her coffee before setting the cup down on the van. "You're right. It's always been about instinct. Racing isn't about knowing every detail beforehand—it's about adapting, reacting, and pushing your limits."

The three of them fall silent for a moment, the atmosphere charged with a quiet anticipation. The sun slips lower, painting the mountains in deep oranges and purples. Shadows stretch across the pass, and the golden light gives way to the cool blues of twilight.

Clorinde stands, brushing dust from her pants as she glances toward the cars. "The sun's almost down. It's time to get ready. Tonight's going to be intense."

Keqing looks toward the darkening horizon, her jaw tightening slightly. "Yeah. Whether the locals show up or not, we're going to give it everything we've got."

Collei rises to her feet, rolling her shoulders to loosen up. Her Eight-Six sits parked nearby, its silhouette sharp against the dimming light. She smirks, her voice calm but resolute. "Let's see who owns Musouji Pass tonight."

The last rays of sunlight disappear behind the mountains, and the night descends, cool and still. The stars begin to emerge, faint but promising. In the distance, the hum of engines echoes faintly—an omen of the battles yet to come.