The Speed Of The Stars

As dusk settled over the horizon, the team regrouped at the summit of the mountain pass. The resting area buzzed with quiet anticipation, lit faintly by the golden remnants of sunlight. Everyone was there except Collei. She had taken the Eight-Six on a reconnaissance run, determined to familiarize herself with the track's minutest details.

Collei drove at a deliberate pace, her focus unwavering. As she approached a sharp hairpin, she brought the car to a halt and stepped out, her boots crunching softly against the gravel. She walked the length of the turn, her eyes scanning every curve and imperfection in the asphalt, memorizing the terrain as though it held the secrets to victory.

Back at the summit, Keqing, Albedo, and Ganyu gathered near Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037, a beast of a car that seemed to exude a predatory presence even at rest. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of deep purple and gold, as they waited for nightfall.

Leaning casually against the Lancia, Keqing smirked. "Looks like Collei is really taking her sweet time with that recon run," she quipped, her tone tinged with mild impatience.

Albedo checked his watch, arching an eyebrow. "No kidding. She's been gone, what? An hour?"

"Something like that," Keqing replied with a sigh. She shifted her gaze to Clorinde, who was leaning against her car with one arm draped lazily over its roof. "And Clorinde here was in and out in the time it takes someone to take a piss."

Ganyu chuckled, her laughter light and teasing. "No kidding. Hey, Clorinde, are you actually planning to race today, or are you just showing off?"

Navia's laugh rang out, but Clorinde simply scoffed, brushing off the comment.

"Take a hike, Ganyu," Clorinde shot back, her tone playful but firm. "I've got my own style when it comes to recon. Sure, I might be fast, but I got what I needed."

Keqing grinned. "No worries, Clorinde. We're counting on you for this one. Remember, you're the first one up. Don't hold back."

Clorinde's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Don't worry about me. I'm ready. I've had my rest, and I'll take whatever time I need to nail this run." Her gaze flicked toward Jean's Audi Quattro parked nearby, her expression hardening. "Especially since an old rivalry from 1983 is about to light up again."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the mountain pass came alive under a canopy of stars. The Lancia and the Audi Quattro lined up side by side at the starting line, their engines growling low, like predators ready to pounce. Spectators lined the road, their excitement palpable, reminiscent of the electrifying chaos of Group B rally stages.

"It's been ages since Jean went head-to-head with someone," one spectator remarked, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Another nodded. "No kidding. And this isn't just any race—it's a continuation of the legendary Audi versus Lancia rivalry."

"The pressure's on," a third chimed in. "Team Speed Stars hasn't lost a race yet."

Across the road, Heizou and Thoma leaned against the guardrail, watching the scene unfold.

"Man," Heizou mused, scanning the growing crowd, "a lot of people turned up for this one."

Thoma nodded. "Yeah, no kidding. This whole pass looks like a Group B stage. Spectators everywhere."

At the bottom of the pass, Keqing approached Jean, her expression calm but authoritative. "We're starting with the uphill section. The cone at the top marks the turnaround point. Once you've turned around, race back down. If no one changes positions, we'll do another round." She gave Jean a thumbs up. "That work for you?"

Jean nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Exactly what I wanted."

Keqing stepped aside, leaving Jean and Clorinde face-to-face.

Jean smirked, her blue eyes glinting with determination. "This is more than a race, Clorinde. It's a continuation of a battle that started four decades ago. In case you forgot, I'm Jean Gunnhildr."

Clorinde matched her smirk. "And I'm Clorinde. Now let's quit talking and get this race started."

The two shook hands firmly before heading to their respective cars. Clorinde climbed into her Lancia, securing her five-point harness with precision. As she reached for the ignition, a knock on her Lexan window drew her attention. She opened the door to find Ningguang leaning in.

"Ningguang," Clorinde said with a faint smile, "what's up?"

"This isn't something I'd usually ask, but you need to hear me out," Ningguang began, her tone serious.

Clorinde nodded. "I'm listening."

Ningguang rested a hand on the roof of the Lancia. "On the uphill, I want you to hold back. Keep the pressure on her, but don't overtake. Stay close, match her pace."

Clorinde's brow furrowed. "Understood. But according to your simulations, what's the maximum time gap I can give her at the turnaround?"

"Seven to eight seconds," Ningguang replied after a moment's thought.

Clorinde nodded again, her expression resolute. "Got it."

Ningguang gave the roof a firm pat. "Then give it everything you've got, Group B style."

As Ningguang stepped away, Clorinde fired up the Lancia's twin-charged engine, the roar reverberating through the pass.

Over in the Audi Quattro, Diluc leaned into Jean's window. "So, what's your plan?"

Jean's grin was razor-sharp. "Simple: prove that the Audi Quattro dominates everything—even tarmac."

Diluc raised an eyebrow. "Jean, I'll be honest. The Lancia's a monster on tarmac. Sure, Clorinde's running the Evo 2 spec with stock 350 horsepower, but that's still a hell of a lot to handle."

Jean nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I know. But I'll give it my damnedest."

With a nod, Diluc stepped back and signaled to Keqing, who raised her hand to signal the start.

The stage was set, and the tension was electric.

Keqing raised her hand high, her voice cutting through the anticipation. "On my count!"

"FOUR!"

"THREE!"

"TWO!"

"ONE!"

"GO!"

She dropped her hand like a flag, and the Audi Quattro surged forward with a thunderous growl. Jean's skillful launch set the tone, the Quattro's legendary all-wheel-drive system biting into the asphalt with precision. The Lancia, by contrast, spun its rear wheels momentarily, but Clorinde expertly feathered the throttle, reducing wheelspin and coaxing her twin-charged beast into action. The Lancia screamed as it accelerated, its supercharger and turbocharger working in harmony, closing the gap on Jean's Quattro.

The two cars barreled into a fast-paced left-hander, the tarmac gripping beneath their tires. Clorinde held back, keeping close but refraining from an aggressive move. They exited the corner and rocketed through a short straightaway, the glowing brake lights flaring as they both approached a sharp right-hand hairpin.

Jean braked hard, her Audi gripping with surgical precision, while Clorinde worked the Lancia's throttle and brake masterfully. Quick blips of the accelerator balanced her car's delicate dance between understeer and oversteer. The Lancia behaved beautifully, its lightweight frame gliding through the hairpin's exit, chasing the Quattro with relentless determination.

Up at the summit's parking area, the echo of the Quattro's five-cylinder turbo and the Lancia's twin-charged four-cylinder reverberated through the mountains, sending chills down the spines of spectators. The sound alone was enough to conjure memories of the adrenaline-charged Group B rally era.

Leaning casually against the support van for the Eight-Six, Albedo smirked. "Looks like the race has started."

Collei nodded, her expression a mix of awe and focus. "No kidding. It reminds me of those old Group B videos I used to watch with friends back in Yougou. Before…" she hesitated, a slight grin appearing, "…before I raced Clorinde in the downhill."

Albedo chuckled, crossing his arms. "Yeah, those were the glory days of the WRC. But don't forget, Collei, Clorinde's opponent tonight is Jean Gunnhildr—a master of accelerator technique. She's got years of experience on her side."

He glanced meaningfully at Collei. "Still, don't underestimate yourself. Clorinde's style draws heavily from Senna's throttle technique, and Jean might be good, but it doesn't mean she's unbeatable."

Collei sighed softly. "Just meeting her made me nervous."

"Don't let it get to you," Albedo said, his tone firm. "You've got your own race to focus on. Remember, you're up against Diluc next. He's known for his one-handed driving technique, and you'll need to be sharp."

Collei nodded silently, determination replacing her nerves.

Meanwhile, on the course, Jean narrowed her eyes, her grip on the wheel tightening. "Time to push," she muttered. She floored the accelerator, the Audi Quattro surging ahead with ferocious power.

Clorinde was unfazed. She matched Jean's intensity, refusing to let the gap widen. They hurtled into another left-hand corner, both cars gripping the tarmac with near-perfect precision.

Clorinde's eyes narrowed as she sized up the Quattro ahead of her. "Not bad," she muttered to herself. "That Quattro handles like a dream. But let's not forget what Walter Röhrl said: 'The Lancia handles like a formula car.' It may be fragile, but on tarmac, this lightweight beast is unbeatable."

She downshifted smoothly, her foot slamming the accelerator. The Lancia's roar changed tone as its supercharger disengaged, sending all the power to the turbo. The revs climbed higher, from 7000 RPM to 8000, then to 8500. The Lancia screamed through a small left-hand kink, followed by a short straight, closing the gap as they approached another right-hand hairpin.

Both cars braked hard, their glowing rotors lighting up the night. Tires screeched against the tarmac, but neither driver faltered. The Lancia stayed glued to the Audi's tail, refusing to yield.

Jean glanced in her rearview mirror, smirking. "Not bad. That Lancia's got no business keeping up with me, but here it is. Gotta hand it to her—that's one hell of a car. Lightweight and nimble. She's giving me a run for my money."

She blipped the throttle, her Audi handling the hairpin with impeccable composure. The Quattro shot out of the corner, its power on full display.

But Clorinde was right there. She grinned as she watched Jean's technique. "You've got a good right foot, Jean, I'll give you that. Your throttle control's impressive."

Her grin widened as she eased into the next corner. "But you're forgetting something. That Quattro might be a masterpiece on dirt, but on tarmac? It understeers like crazy if you're not careful." She chuckled softly, her tone brimming with confidence. "The real question is—can your tires hold up?"

With that, Clorinde pushed the Lancia harder, her confidence growing as the race continued. The battle between the legendary machines—and the legendary drivers—was only just beginning.

Back at the starting line, Keqing approached Ningguang, her brows furrowed in curiosity.

"So, Ning," Keqing began, crossing her arms. "It seems like you're letting Clorinde do whatever she wants in this race. What's the strategy here?"

Ningguang nodded slightly, her calm demeanor betraying none of the tension simmering beneath. "Mhm."

Keqing raised an eyebrow. "What makes this race different from the others? I can tell it's not the usual scene."

Ningguang turned to face her, crossing her arms. "If you're wondering, these drivers aren't your average work-by-day, race-by-night street racers. They're far more skilled—seasoned veterans who know these machines like the backs of their hands."

Keqing nodded. "No kidding. The way they handle their cars speaks volumes."

Ningguang exhaled slowly, her gaze shifting to the mountain pass. "Clorinde has an advantage, though it might not seem obvious at first. She understands the quirks of the Audi Quattro better than most. And when it comes to the uphill, it's all about tire management. The Quattro's understeering tendencies on tarmac are its Achilles' heel. But..."

Keqing stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "But what about Clorinde's throttle technique? She's come a long way since she first started practicing it."

Ningguang turned back to Keqing, her expression thoughtful. "It's improved significantly, no doubt. But that's not what concerns me. My real worry is Jean. Her throttle control is second to none, and it's what sets her apart. You can hear it in the precise, rhythmic blips of her engine as she dances through corners."

Keqing sighed. "Yeah, Jean's reputation precedes her. She's a beast behind the wheel, and her technique is damn near flawless."

Ningguang nodded. "Exactly. That's why I told Clorinde to hold back on the uphill. If she pushes now, she risks burning out her tires and giving Jean an unassailable lead. The downhill is where we'll make our move. It's the only way to win."

Keqing tilted her head slightly. "But isn't 7 to 8 seconds a bit too close for comfort? That's a lot of ground to cover on a downhill run."

Ningguang smirked, her confidence unwavering. "It's risky, I know. But it's calculated. If anyone can make up that gap and turn the tide, it's Clorinde. I trust her instincts and her skill. This race is hers to seal—if she executes perfectly."

Back in the race, the intensity continued to rise. Clorinde eased off the accelerator slightly, letting the gap between her and Jean grow. Her grip on the wheel tightened as she prepared to execute Ningguang's plan.

"Ningguang," she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with determination, "this is a risky move. But I'll make it count. She's fast—faster than I expected—but seven seconds is nothing I can't claw back on the downhill."

The Lancia and the Quattro roared through a short right-hand turn, their engines echoing through the mountains. They surged into another straightaway, the crowd's cheers becoming a distant murmur as Clorinde focused solely on the task ahead.

"If Ning says I can do it, then I can," Clorinde thought, her jaw set. "Just concentrate. Trust your training. Focus on your right foot, Clorinde. This is what all that work was for."

As they approached a sharp right-hand hairpin, Clorinde's movements were precise and deliberate. She downshifted smoothly, her foot dancing over the pedals. A quick blip of the accelerator balanced the Lancia perfectly between oversteer and understeer. The car flowed through the corner with grace, maintaining its pace as it exited the turn.

Spectators lining the course were in awe.

"Badass!" one exclaimed, his voice nearly drowned out by the engines. "The Quattro leads!"

Another nodded. "No kidding. When it comes to rallying, the Quattro's the definitive answer!"

A third scoffed. "But what's up with Team Speed Stars? They hyped up their driver and car so much. Where's the magic?"

Across the road, Thoma shook his head, exasperated. "Those guys didn't do their homework, did they?"

Heizou smirked. "Not a chance. Sure, the Quattro's great, but it's not invincible. On tarmac, the Lancia 037 dominates. Lightweight, nimble, and designed to shred corners. It's the definitive Group B tarmac car—better than the Quattro in every way that counts here."

Back on the course, Jean maintained her lead, her focus unwavering. She glanced in her rearview mirror, catching sight of Clorinde's fading headlights. A small smile played on her lips. "I'm impressed, kid," she murmured. "You've got talent—more than I expected. Whatever you're doing, it's working."

Clorinde, now trailing by a calculated seven seconds, felt the pressure mounting but didn't falter. She kept her pace steady, her mind locked onto Ningguang's plan.

Her eyes narrowed, her voice a low growl of determination. "I'm ready. This is what all that footwork training was for. Lagging behind? That ends now. It's time to finish this—Group B style."

The Lancia roared as Clorinde pressed forward, her confidence growing with each corner. The downhill awaited, and with it, the moment she'd been preparing for.

The tension mounted as the race entered its critical downhill stage. Clorinde's Lancia surged forward with a ferocity that matched her determination. The turbocharger whined louder, the twin-charged system delivering every ounce of power as the car screamed through a fast left-hander. The Lancia danced through the corner in a controlled four-wheel drift, tires clinging to the edge of their grip.

Clorinde muttered to herself, her voice calm but firm. "Stay focused, Clorinde. Keep the pace up. Hit your marks. The downhill is yours to own."

The Lancia flew into a left-hand hairpin, Clorinde's foot performing precise throttle blips. Each tap of the accelerator sent the engine growling with purpose, the car responding instantly, carving through the hairpin with surgical precision.

At the Summit Turnaround Area

Collei and Albedo reached the edge of the turnaround zone, the distant roar of engines signaling the approaching racers. Collei peered into the darkness of the downhill, her voice tense. "They're coming in fast."

As if on cue, Ganyu sprinted over, slightly out of breath. "I heard Clorinde is trailing Jean!"

Collei's and Albedo's eyes widened in unison.

Albedo nodded, his expression pensive. "Perhaps. But remember—the Quattro has its disadvantages. The real battle starts on the downhill."

Collei sighed, her gaze distant. "Still... I feel bad for her. Falling behind like that—it must feel awful. I'd be a wreck." She looked up at the night sky, her voice soft but filled with hope. "But... knowing Clorinde, she's probably doing this for a reason."

Back in the Race. Clorinde pushed harder, her confidence and pace steadily building. Her focus was razor-sharp, her mind cycling through Ningguang's advice.

"Keep the pace, Clorinde. No wasted movements. Manage your tires and trust your instincts," she muttered under her breath, her grip firm on the wheel.

The Lancia approached a tight right-hand hairpin. Clorinde slammed on the brakes, downshifting with quick, precise heel-and-toe movements. The car entered the corner in a seamless four-wheel drift, its taillights leaving streaks of red in the dark as it powered out with a surge of speed.

She gritted her teeth. "After this corner... punch it. No holding back."

The Lancia bolted forward, the engine roaring at its redline. Clorinde's hands and feet worked in perfect harmony as she attacked a fast left turn, followed immediately by a right. The Lancia responded flawlessly, hugging the tarmac with an agility that made it clear why it was a legend on asphalt.

At the Starting Line, Ningguang stood with Keqing, her expression calm but her words weighted with pride. "If you remember our battles back in Kannazuka, Clorinde began refining her throttle technique during those runs. She realized her shortcomings on her own, and ever since then, she's been relentless in her pursuit of improvement. Even I'm amazed at how quickly she's mastered it."

Keqing nodded thoughtfully. "She's like Collei in that way. Once she sets her mind to something, it's not a matter of if—it's when. And she learns faster than most can keep up."

Ningguang smiled faintly. "Exactly. If Clorinde wants to win this, she'll need to push that Lancia to its absolute limit and then some. No room for hesitation now."

At the Summit, The Audi Quattro roared into the turnaround area, Jean expertly yanking the handbrake and executing a flawless 180-degree spin around the cone. The crowd cheered as she bolted back down the mountain, the unmistakable howl of the five-cylinder turbo echoing through the night.

Moments later, Clorinde's Lancia screamed into view, its headlights cutting through the dark. She braked hard, the car skidding briefly before she pulled off an equally precise 180-turn.

The engine roared as Clorinde stomped on the accelerator, the Lancia's twin-charged system working overtime. Flames spat from the exhaust as she chased after Jean's Audi with unwavering determination.

Ganyu clicked her stopwatch and raised a fist in support. "Go get them, Clorinde!" she yelled, her voice carrying over the noise.

The Lancia disappeared into the darkness, its taillights trailing behind as it dove into the downhill section, closing in on the Quattro. The battle was far from over—it had just begun.

The mountain echoed with the triumphant roar of engines as Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037 crossed the finish line ahead of Jean's Audi Quattro, cementing a moment of history that would echo through the annals of racing lore. The spectators erupted into cheers, their voices blending with the sounds of cooling engines and fading echoes of the race.

Clorinde's Lancia hurtled down the mountain, the turbocharger screaming with power and precision. Her grip on the wheel was firm, her eyes unyielding, as she carved through the final left-hand hairpin. Behind her, Jean fought desperately to keep the Audi under control, her face a mask of frustration and determination.

The Quattro slid closer to the guardrail, its understeer worsening with every turn. "Come on!" Jean growled, her hands working frantically to wrestle the car back into line. But it was too late. The Lancia, with its superior agility and lighter frame, had already seized the lead, flying past the struggling Audi like a predator overtaking its prey.

As they approached the final right-hand hairpin, Clorinde braked hard, smoothly navigating the turn while maintaining her lead. The Lancia gripped the tarmac with a confidence born of mastery, its twin-charged engine howling in victory. By the time Clorinde exited the hairpin, the race was hers.

The Lancia slowed as it crossed the line, its triumphant victory unmistakable. Clorinde opened her door, raising a hand in celebration, her fingers forming a confident number one. Her face lit up with a radiant smile, the exhilaration of her victory coursing through her veins.

Keqing and Navia, stationed near the finish line, leaped into the air, fists pumping in excitement.

"That's how it's done!" Keqing yelled, her voice ringing with pride.

Navia added, "Clorinde, you're unstoppable!"

Ningguang watched the scene unfold, her expression serene but her words brimming with warmth. "Nicely done, Clorinde. You've earned this. I'm very proud."

Jean pulled the Audi to a stop just past the finish line, her hands still gripping the wheel tightly. She exhaled slowly, then smiled wryly, shaking her head. "Kid, you've got the makings of a legend. That was one hell of a race."

Clorinde, now surrounded by her cheering team, stepped out of the Lancia. Her victory wasn't just a personal triumph—it was a statement, a testament to her relentless drive and the timeless capability of the iconic Lancia Rally 037.

The spectators buzzed with excitement, some murmuring about the echoes of Group B legends, others marveling at Clorinde's skill. The mountain road had witnessed another David-versus-Goliath tale, with the lightweight, rear-wheel-drive Lancia prevailing against the formidable, four-wheel-drive Audi Quattro.

As Clorinde joined her team, the mountain road quieted, the echoes of engines replaced by the chatter of excited fans and the cool whisper of the night breeze. The uphill battle was over, but its memory would live on—a modern reimagining of Group B's glory, a race where precision, skill, and determination triumphed over raw power.

David had beaten Goliath once more. Forty years later, the spirit of the Lancia Rally 037 was alive and well.

But the night is far from over. As Collei's Downhill Battle against Diluc. Was about to take place.