The Speed Of The Stars

As night descends upon Hiraumi Pass, nestled in the southernmost part of the Seirai Prefecture, two cars carve through the winding roads, their engines echoing into the stillness. A sleek two-door notchback coupe with a striking blue and red rally scheme blazes down the mountain, its male driver firmly gripping the wheel. Meanwhile, a legendary red-and-blue, five-cylinder rally car roars upward, piloted by a determined female driver.

The woman smirks, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Alright," she mutters under her breath, the words carrying a mix of anticipation and adrenaline.

Her foot slams onto the gas pedal, the five-cylinder engine snarling in response. The Audi Quattro grips the asphalt with precision, devouring each hairpin and corner as if the road itself were bowing to her skill.

Down below, Mika, a junior member of their team, leans against a guardrail, watching the cars with a critical eye. The distant screech of tires and the roar of engines tell him all he needs to know.

"Hey," Mika calls to another team member nearby. "Have you heard? Jean and Diluc are out practicing again."

The other team member perks up. "No kidding? The two founding members of Team Favonius? Out there racing together? Something big must be going down."

Mika lets out a scoff, shaking his head. "You forget already? Team Speed Stars challenged us. And guess what—Jean and Diluc are taking this one personally."

The other member's eyes widen in disbelief. "You're telling me Jean and Diluc are racing those guys? For real?"

"Yeah," Mika nods. "Crazy, right? I mean, these guys are legends. Do they really need to come down here and race kids in our age range? It's like they're itching to prove something."

As their conversation unfolds, the roar of engines grows louder. Moments later, the two rally cars roll into the parking lot, their exhausts crackling as they come to a stop side by side. The team gathers, their eyes fixed on the iconic vehicles as their drivers step out.

Mika whistles low, his gaze shifting between the cars. "Jean Gunnhildr and Diluc Ragnvindr. Driving two Group B legends." He points at each car with admiration. "Diluc's got the Nissan 240RS. And Jean? She's rocking the Audi Quattro Group B."

Building up his courage, Mika strides forward to meet them. "So, uh… you're really going to race? It's been ages since we've seen you two in action."

Jean offers a warm smile. "Of course. It's not every day we get a challenge like this. Besides, we thought it'd be a good chance to shake off the dust."

Mika waves his hand dismissively. "No way we'd mind. But… isn't it a bit strange for our senior members to step in against Team Speed Stars?"

Diluc chuckles, his voice calm and assured. "Seniority has nothing to do with it. These guys are coming all the way from Narukami, right? It's only polite to give them a proper Hiraumi welcome."

Mika raises an eyebrow. "Sure, but wouldn't it be better to let us handle it? I mean, this is our turf too."

Jean sighs, resting a hand on Mika's shoulder. "Listen, kid. Don't worry about us. Just let us take care of this one. I promise, you'll like what you see."

Diluc nods in agreement. "We started Team Favonius when we were your age, remember? We've been in your shoes. We taught kids like you a lot of what you know now. But we've got lives, jobs—this isn't our full-time gig anymore. That's why we're asking. Is it alright if we do this?"

Mika hesitates, then nods firmly. "Of course. We'd be honored."

Jean smiles. "Good. Then if you don't mind, we'll head back out for a few more practice runs."

Without wasting a second, Jean and Diluc climb into their respective cars. The Nissan 240RS growls to life, Diluc pulling out first, its engine echoing into the night. Jean lingers for a moment, her hands steady on the wheel as she revs the turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The sound is electric. With a quick dump of the clutch, the Audi launches forward aggressively, tearing down the road and leaving the team in awe.

Mika watches them disappear into the darkness, his expression thoughtful. "If anyone thinks they're rusty, they're dead wrong. Their techniques are sharper than a katana. Diluc Ragnvindr, with his legendary one-handed driving style. And Jean Gunnhildr, a master of throttle control. Their racing records speak for themselves. Around here, their names are still the stuff of legend."

The team stands in silence, the air heavy with anticipation, as the distant echoes of engines continue to ring out from the mountain roads.

The following morning at Yougou, the soft golden light of dawn streams through the windows of Arlecchino's modest home. Collei is still asleep, curled up under a light blanket, her breaths steady and calm. The faint scent of morning dew and the distant chirping of birds fill the air, but none of it stirs her from her slumber.

Arlecchino had left early—it was her turn to do the morning deliveries, and she was long gone by the time the first rays of sunlight broke the horizon.

As Collei shifts to her other side, a sharp buzzing jolts her awake. She groans, eyes half-lidded, reaching out to fumble for her phone on the nearby nightstand. Picking it up, she answers without even opening her eyes.

"H-Hello?" she mumbles, her voice hoarse with sleep.

"Hey, Collei! It's Ayaka," a cheerful voice chirps through the speaker. "Sorry if I bothered you so early in the morning. I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd invite you out for some breakfast. You know, catch up."

Collei lets out a tired groan, her free hand rubbing her face. "Yeah, sure. I'll see you at the diner…" she mutters, her words trailing off in a yawn.

"Great! I'll see ya there!" Ayaka replies with her characteristic energy before the call ends.

Collei lets the phone fall back onto the nightstand with a soft thud. She stares at the ceiling for a moment, then groans again, this time louder. With a sigh, she drags both hands over her face, wiping away the remnants of sleep. Finally, she pushes herself upright and swings her legs over the side of the bed. The floor feels cool beneath her feet.

The sun now hangs low in the sky, painting the town in warm hues as Collei arrives at the diner. Her iconic Eight Six is parked neatly beside Ayaka's matching model, the two cars gleaming side by side like a pair of racing legends. Inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air, mingling with the quiet hum of conversation.

Ayaka is already seated at a booth, her breakfast half-eaten. She waves as Collei enters, and the two friends settle into an easy rhythm as Collei joins her.

Ayaka takes another bite of her breakfast before speaking. "So, Collei," she begins, her tone curious but light, "what's it like racing those pricks?"

Collei sighs, leaning back in her seat. "Well, the girl—Kafka? She's surprisingly sane, I'll give her that. Blade, though?" She shakes her head, her expression darkening. "That guy's a fucking maniac."

Ayaka rolls her eyes. "Not surprised. What did Bladie pull this time?"

Collei's brow twitches, her grip tightening around her fork. Her mind flashes back to the practice run at Asase Pass, the memory vivid and raw.

The cool night air whipped past her open windows as she expertly maneuvered her Eight Six down the serpentine roads of Asase Pass. Each hairpin turn demanded precision, and she delivered, the car responding to her every command like an extension of her body.

As she approached a sharp left-hand hairpin, she noticed a figure waving both hands frantically by the roadside. It was Navia, her gestures urgent and deliberate. Collei slowed down, her instincts on high alert.

Further down the straightaway, Clorinde stood, one arm raised to signal her to stop. Collei brought her car to a halt, and Clorinde strode up to the driver's side window, her expression grim.

Collei rolled down the window. "What's going on?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Clorinde didn't waste a second. "Stop the practice runs. It's dangerous."

Collei raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Instead of answering, Clorinde slammed her hand down on the roof of the Eight Six. "Come, and you'll see."

Moments later, Collei and Albedo were following Clorinde on foot, the tension palpable. They rounded a bend, and there it was—the wreckage of Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037. The car sat mangled near the hairpin, its rear left suspension torn from the chassis. The rear engine hatch was cracked and splintered, and the ducktail spoiler hung precariously, swaying in the breeze.

Clorinde gestured toward the car with an expression of pure fury. "Look what these assholes did to my fucking car!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage.

Collei crouched by the damaged area, inspecting it closely. Her brows furrowed as she traced her fingers over the ruined metal, her chest tightening with anger. "Jesus fucking Christ," she muttered under her breath.

The oil spill on the road shimmered ominously under the moonlight, the cause of the crash painfully evident. Collei's hands balled into fists, her jaw clenched tight.

The memory faded, and Collei found herself back at the diner, Ayaka's voice pulling her from the past.

"Hey, you alright?" Ayaka asked, her tone softer now.

Collei blinked, shaking off the remnants of the memory. "Yeah.

Collei sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly as she stirs her coffee. "Blade had his goons spill oil in a right-hand hairpin... Unfortunately, Clorinde hit the slick. The rear left slammed straight into the outside railing, tearing the suspension apart."

Ayaka's fork hovers mid-air, her expression a mix of disbelief and anger. "Seriously? What the hell is wrong with them?"

Collei reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone. Unlocking it, she scrolls through a series of photos, then slides it across the table to Ayaka. The images capture the devastation—Clorinde's Lancia, battered and bruised. The rear left suspension is mangled beyond recognition, and the patched-up rear engine hatch tells a story of desperation and resilience.

Ayaka's eyebrows twitch as she swipes through the photos, her tone sharp. "Holy fucking shit…"

"Yeah." Collei leans back in her seat, crossing her arms. "It was bad. But, at the end of the day, the Lancia got repaired. The rear engine hatch was patched up, and…" She smirks, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "…Clorinde kicked Blade's ass on the uphill."

Ayaka lets out a low whistle, leaning back in her seat. "Damn right. He deserved it. Every bit of it."

For a moment, the two of them sit in silence, the weight of the story lingering. Ayaka finally breaks it, her tone lighter. "So. Where's your next expedition?"

"Hiraumi Pass," Collei answers simply, glancing out the window.

Ayaka nods approvingly, a grin spreading across her face. "Right on! Hiraumi's no joke. You ready for it?"

Collei meets her gaze with a soft smile. "I think so. By the way, Ayaka, thanks for the advice. I'm really starting to understand it now."

Ayaka tilts her head, her smile growing. "Glad to hear it. My advice doesn't always stick with people, so it's good to know it helped someone like you."

Collei chuckles softly. "Seems like I'm finally getting a grasp of the Eight Six for the first time."

Ayaka freezes for a moment, her eyes widening. "Huh?" Her internal monologue kicks in as she stares at Collei: Oh boy... Here we go again...

She sighs, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. "Seriously, Collei, the things that come out of your mouth sometimes baffle me."

Collei waves a dismissive hand, unbothered by the comment. "Hear me out on this one, Ayaka. I already know how to conquer the Eight Six's limitations in other ways. Like figuring out how to tackle a new course the first time or balancing the suspension setup. I've just recently started to really get the hang of it."

Ayaka relaxes, her expression softening. "That's good to hear. About time you started learning more about your car. Every little detail makes a difference, especially with something like the Eight Six."

Collei glances out the window, her gaze landing on her car parked beside Ayaka's. The sunlight gleams off its polished body, and for a moment, her expression shifts—reverence, determination, and pride all rolled into one. "That Eight Six is special…" she says quietly, almost to herself.

Ayaka smiles knowingly, watching her friend. "Yeah. I can see that."

The moment lingers between them, a shared understanding of what it means to truly connect with the machines they trust on the road.

That night, the air was crisp and cool at the rest area before the expressway entrance. The sky, dimming with the arrival of night, hinted at the long journey ahead. Ningguang stood at the head of the group, her commanding presence drawing everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone! Gather around!" Ningguang called, her voice cutting through the quiet hum of the surroundings.

The team quickly assembled, some leaning against their cars, others adjusting their gear. Ningguang glanced around, ensuring everyone was present before speaking again.

"Alright. If you've noticed, we've brought in a fourth support van for this run," she continued, her tone efficient yet warm. "For the entire weekend, we'll be staying at Hiraumi Pass. The fourth van has spare tires and parts for both cars, so I don't want anyone being careless. Got it?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping across the group.

Everyone nodded, some with determined looks, others with that quiet, competitive edge they'd been honing all year.

Ningguang smiled and clapped her hands together, the sound sharp in the night air. "Perfect. Let's roll, people. We've got a long drive ahead of us."

With that, the team moved toward their cars. Clorinde was the first to step into her Lancia. She turned the key in the ignition, and the car roared to life. The upgraded Twin-Charged 2.1-liter Lampredi Twin-Cam four-cylinder engine growled deeply, shaking the air around them with its power.

Behind her, Collei's Eight Six came to life, its signature hum filling the space. One by one, the support vans followed, forming a convoy that would soon be cutting through the night towards Hiraumi Pass.

Clorinde's Lancia led the pack, the powerful engine purring as it pulled away, followed by Collei's Eight Six and the convoy of support vehicles. The road stretched ahead, the headlights of the convoy cutting through the darkness as they began their long haul.

Meanwhile, in the Kannazuka Prefecture, Heizou and Thoma were in the Feiyun School garage, pacing back and forth, talking shop with Xingqiu.

"Hey, Boss," Thoma said, his tone a mix of excitement and curiosity. "Did you hear? Team Speed Stars is racing at Hiraumi Pass this weekend."

Heizou's eyes sparkled with interest as he wiped his hands on a rag. "Yeah. And they're going up against Jean and Diluc."

Xingqiu, sitting at a nearby workbench, nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, you two should go watch them. It'll be a good opportunity to learn something from the sidelines."

Heizou and Thoma exchanged a look, and then Heizou spoke again. "Yeah, that's exactly what we were thinking. We came by to ask for permission."

Xingqiu flashed a grin. "Permission granted. Go ahead. Take notes, but don't get too distracted."

Hours later, the convoy finally arrived at Hiraumi Pass. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the sharp crispness of the mountains. They entered the parking lot, the rumble of engines still vibrating in the air. Clorinde's Lancia pulled in first, followed closely by Collei's Eight Six. The two cars parked behind their respective support vans, their engines settling into a deep, steady rhythm.

As the two drivers stepped out of their cars, Clorinde's gaze immediately locked onto something. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she spotted the opposition's cars parked a few spaces away.

"No way... an '83 Audi Quattro?!" she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with surprise and admiration.

She gestured for Collei to come over. "Hey, check this out."

Collei, still stretching her legs after the long drive, walked over to her. "What's up, Clorinde?"

Clorinde pointed towards the Nissan 240RS parked not far away. "Do you see that car with the blue and white livery? That's your opponent for the downhill. Looks like it's gonna be a good challenge."

Collei's eyes widened as she followed Clorinde's finger to the car. "No way..." she whispered, the challenge already forming in her mind.

Just then, Ningguang, Clorinde, Keqing, and Collei walked up to Jean and Diluc. Ningguang was already in the middle of a conversation with Jean.

"The track is all set and broken in for you," Jean said with a smile, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Ningguang nodded in appreciation. "We appreciate that. Thank you."

The two teams shook hands, and as they did, they bowed slightly in respect. "It's a pleasure meeting you," they all said in unison, their voices calm and respectful.

Once the formalities were over, they turned back toward their cars, preparing for the impending race. Jean turned to Diluc, her voice a touch softer now. "Well, didn't expect that. They seem nicer than we thought."

Diluc nodded, his expression unreadable. "No kidding. I was expecting some hotheads, not people who actually know how to respect the competition."

Jean's gaze shifted to Clorinde's Lancia 037, her eyes narrowing. "And it looks like a rivalry that dates back to 1983 is about to reignite..." she muttered under her breath.

Ningguang then gathered Collei and Clorinde for the final briefing.

"Alright, you both know the routine. Run the course at 80% for the first few passes. Get familiar with the turns, the layout, and the feeling of the road. Once you're comfortable, then push it all the way. Got it?"

Clorinde and Collei both nodded, their expressions set with determination. Without further words, they made their way back to their cars.

Clorinde's Lancia roared to life first, the distinctive growl of its newly upgraded twin-charged engine echoing through the pass. With a sudden burst of speed, she surged forward, carving through the twists and turns with precision. The Lancia's power advantage was clear, its wheels digging into the mountain road as it drifted effortlessly through the hairpins.

But Collei wasn't far behind. Her Eight Six, despite the Lancia's raw power, kept a steady pace, its agile frame hugging the curves of the road with a level of control and finesse that only experience could bring. The gap between them remained constant as they tore through the winding mountain pass, Collei keeping a close distance on Clorinde's rear end.

Despite the Lancia's great power advantage, Collei's Eight Six held its own, the two cars locked in a high-speed dance down the mountain. The engines roared, the tires screeched as they took the corners, but neither driver faltered. It was clear that the challenge ahead would push them both to their limits—and beyond.

As practice continued, the scene shifted back to base, where Ganyu stood frozen in disbelief, staring at the contents of the fourth support van.

"Whoa. It's all mostly spare tires and spare parts. That's crazy," Ganyu said, her voice tinged with awe as she observed the well-organized chaos within the van.

Keqing, leaning casually against the van, nodded with a knowing smile. "Yeah, considering the distance from Narukami, it's best we bring everything we might need. Better safe than sorry."

Hours passed, and soon Collei returned to base, the tires on her Eight Six needing a quick change after a series of practice runs. Albedo was finishing the last tire and lowered the car back to the ground.

"Alright, Collei. She's all yours," Albedo said, flashing a confident smirk.

Collei grinned, pleased with the work. "Awesome."

She slid into the driver's seat of her Eight Six and fired up the engine, its familiar growl filling the air. With a wave to Albedo, she revved the engine and sped off back toward Hiraumi Pass to continue her practice runs.

Meanwhile, Ningguang walked up to Albedo, who was watching Collei leave. "How's the Eight Six's setup holding up?" she asked, her eyes following the car as it disappeared into the distance.

Albedo smirked, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "It's perfect. Like a well-oiled machine."

He crossed his arms, watching Collei's car as it began the downhill runs. "And it looks like Collei is beginning to grasp the basic fundamentals of setting up her car right before a race."

Ningguang nodded in agreement. "I'm noticing the difference too. She's come a long way since her first race with Team Speed Stars. She's been up to something while she's been away with the team, and whatever it is... it's working. She's definitely improving."

Hours later, Clorinde returned from her runs, parking the Lancia in front of her support van. As she stepped out of the car, she grabbed a bottle of water and took a long sip, feeling the heat of the day.

Just then, Navia walked over, a curious expression on her face. "How's the engine setup treating you?" she asked.

Clorinde wiped her brow and nodded. "Feels amazing. Instant boost in the lower RPMs, with raw power kicking in at the higher end. But the rear is shifting too quickly on the turns... a little too much oversteer."

Navia, always quick to analyze, gave a thoughtful nod. "We can lower the suspension a bit further to correct that."

Clorinde smiled, grateful for the suggestion. "Yeah. Do that, please."

Navia winked. "You got it."

As Navia got to work on the Lancia's suspension, Clorinde stood back, admiring her car. The sleek, iconic lines of the Lancia 037 were a testament to years of history, and it was clear to Clorinde that this car had a spirit of its own.

Just then, Jean walked over, her confident stride carrying her toward Clorinde.

"Hey, you must be Clorinde, right?" Jean asked, her voice smooth, yet carrying a hint of respect.

Clorinde turned to face her. "That's right."

Jean's gaze shifted to the Lancia, and her eyes softened with admiration. "Well, she still looks pretty after all these years."

Clorinde smirked. "Yeah. And looking at you, you must be the driver of the Audi Quattro."

Jean nodded, her expression serious. "That's right. Looks like an old rivalry between two constructors is coming back after almost 40 years."

Clorinde grinned. "Couldn't agree more. But hey, seems like fate decided to meet again."

As Jean began to walk away, she turned back to Clorinde. "By the way, could I make a request, if that's possible?"

Clorinde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure, what do you have in mind?"

Jean smiled. "How about a mixed stage? A combination of uphill and downhill. At the halfway point, there's a cone where we turn around and race back up. What do you say?"

Clorinde's lips curled into a grin. "Sounds like fun. I'm in."

Jean gave a thumbs up. "Great! I'll see you then!"

As Jean walked away, Ningguang and Keqing joined her, standing beside Clorinde.

Clorinde raised an eyebrow at Ningguang. "Hope you don't mind me taking that call, Ningguang."

Ningguang shook her head. "Don't worry. It's alright. It might be an unexpected twist, but after meeting them, I don't sense any ill intent. Besides, this might actually work to our advantage. The race just got a little more... interesting."

As the day wore on, the sun slowly began its descent, and the practice runs came to an end. The two drivers, exhausted but satisfied, leaned against a railing, sipping water as they watched the horizon.

Keqing and Ningguang approached them, breaking the quiet moment.

"We booked a lodge at the base of the mountain for you two to stay in," Keqing said, a sly grin on her face.

Clorinde blinked, surprised. "You what?"

Keqing shrugged nonchalantly. "That's right. For once, you'll be sleeping in a nice air-conditioned room. A well-deserved rest."

Clorinde raised her fists slightly in victory. "Yes! After that hot night of practice, my Lancia feels like a sauna."

Her eyebrows raised in curiosity. "But why just the two of us?"

Keqing smirked. "Because you two are the drivers. You'll be the ones either winning or losing this race for us tonight."

Collei waved her hands dismissively, already content. "Don't worry about it! I'll sleep in the back of the Eight Six. No big deal!"

Ningguang sighed, a more serious look on her face. "I never want to pull rank before, but consider this a direct order from your team leader. It's far too hot to sleep in your car at a time like this. It could affect both your rest and your driving."

Keqing nodded. "Exactly. It's best you two get your beauty sleep before the race. Grab your things and hop in van number one."

Later, Keqing and Ningguang dropped Clorinde and Collei off at the lodge, leaving the two drivers to unwind.

After undressing and putting on their sleeping gowns, Clorinde flopped onto one bed while Collei took the other.

"Keqing said they'll swing by around 4 to pick us up for the race," Clorinde remarked, settling into the cool comfort of the bed.

Collei yawned, already lying back with her eyes half-closed. "Nice. This is the most sleep I've gotten in ages. Definitely more than at home."

Clorinde stretched, looking up at the ceiling. "I feel bad for the others, but I have to say, it feels amazing to be in an air-conditioned room after spending all that time in the Lancia."

Collei chuckled softly. "No kidding. Your car's a fully bred rally car, and this is the first time we've actually had something like this happen since we joined the team."

Clorinde smiled, a trace of seriousness in her voice. "No question. This will be a tough battle ahead. It might be short, but it has its quirks—especially those tight corners that are so close to each other."

Collei nodded, eyes drifting closed. "And it's just as bumpy as the course in Tatrasuna."

Clorinde turned to her side, surprised to find Collei already asleep. "She's already asleep?" she muttered quietly.

Looking back up at the ceiling, she let out a sigh. "I wish I didn't feel the pressure at all. It must be nice to be like you, Collei. She might come across as naïve, even dumb at times, but when she's behind the wheel, she's a tough cookie."

Clorinde closed her eyes, letting the silence of the room settle over her. "But I'm the delicate one…"

Back at the mountain's rest area, the heat was oppressive. Clear skies offered no reprieve from the sun's relentless rays. The team set up camp under a lone tree, while Ganyu, ever serene, was lying on the grass, almost as if soaking up the sun.

Navia squinted toward Ganyu. "How can she lie down in direct sunlight like that? I'd be burning up."

Keqing shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know. But Ganyu is something else."

Keqing's gaze shifted to the parking lot, where the Lancia and Eight Six rested, the sun baking them. She sighed. "It's a good thing they got a cool room to rest in."

Navia nodded in agreement. "No kidding. With this heat, the cars are practically oven toasters. And they need to be in their best shape for this battle. This isn't going to be an easy one."

As the sun began to set, the night was only beginning to unfold. Team Speed Stars' toughest race was about to take place—and the tension in the air was palpable.