The Speed Of The Stars

Days had gone by since Collei's intense race with Diluc, the one that left her prized Eight-Six with a busted suspension. Now, she was back in action, tearing down Yougou Pass's downhill route behind the wheel of Arlecchino's R34 Skyline. The engine's growl echoed through the mountain as she whipped through a tight left-hand hairpin, her confidence growing with every controlled four-wheel drift. The car responded to her commands like an extension of her body, and she was finally getting used to its handling quirks.

"I still don't understand how the hell Diluc does it—racing with just one hand on the wheel. The guy's nuts," Collei muttered under her breath, gripping the wheel with both hands as she exited the corner.

Her thoughts drifted back to the time she faced Silverwolf in a duct-tape deathmatch. That ridiculous race on this very mountain—her right hand taped to the steering wheel—flashed vividly in her mind.

"But still," she murmured, eyes narrowing as the memory sharpened, "I managed to keep up with her. One hand or not, I didn't let that damn Integra get the better of me."

The thought made her smirk, but her tone turned somber as she whispered, "Even if you're the best, you can't dodge everything with one hand. Reacting fast in a tight spot like that? A nightmare waiting to happen."

Her thoughts cleared as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, spilling golden light across the mountainside. Collei completed her downhill run with a satisfied grin, the adrenaline settling into a warm buzz.

Moments later, she parked the R34 in the driveway, its engine purring to a stop. She stepped out and handed the keys back to Arlecchino, who was waiting for her.

"All done with the runs, Dad," Collei said with a yawn.

Arlecchino nodded, her expression softening. "Nicely done."

"I'm gonna grab some sleep before work," Collei said, stretching her arms.

"Alright," Arlecchino replied, but stopped her as she reached the door. "When's your next expedition?"

Collei turned slightly, hand on the doorframe. "Tsurumi. But we're on a break this week while the Eight-Six gets repaired and upgraded."

"Upgraded, huh?" Arlecchino raised an eyebrow. "What kind of upgrades?"

Collei rattled off the list, counting on her fingers. "Strengthening the chassis with roll cages and reinforcement kits, swapping the dashboard, lighter bucket seats, ditching the rear seats and carpets. All the soundproofing's going too, and we're replacing the glass with Lexan. Then there's the engine tuning."

"That's a lot of work," Arlecchino said, arms crossed.

"No kidding," Collei replied with a small laugh. "But she's almost done. Another day or two, and she'll be back."

She disappeared inside to her room, leaving Arlecchino standing on the porch. The older woman looked up at the sky, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Looks like you're almost there, Collei," she murmured. "Graduation is just around the corner."

Later that night, Collei finished her shift at the gas station. She leaned against the R34, now in her casual clothes, waiting for Amber, March, and Beidou. The sound of an engine caught her ear as Amber arrived in her Sileighty, stepping out with her usual bright smile.

"Hey, Collei!" Amber called, rushing over to hug her. "Congratulations!"

Collei chuckled and returned the hug. "Thanks. But honestly, it feels more like a tie."

Amber pulled back, hands on her hips. "Oh, come on! You still crossed the line first!"

"Yeah, and busted the suspension while I was at it," Collei shot back, smirking.

Amber waved it off, leaning against the R34. "She'll be back in no time. Don't sweat it."

March and Beidou joined them, nodding in agreement. "Seriously," March said, "it's just a scratch in the grand scheme. Your winning streak's still alive."

"Exactly," Beidou added, grinning. "And besides, you're upgrading her, right?"

Collei nodded, repeating the details of the Eight-Six's overhaul. Beidou whistled, impressed.

"Damn, that's practically a race car now," she said.

"That's the idea," Collei replied with a wink.

Amber, her expression turning thoughtful, asked, "By the way, Collei, do you and Clorinde ever sneak in some races when you're not on expeditions?"

Collei raised an eyebrow. "Nope. We're saving it for after the last expedition race with Team Speed Stars. Then we'll have our race... Ace versus ace."

Amber sighed heavily. "My worst fear is happening."

"What fear?" Collei asked, frowning.

Amber leaned in, lowering her voice. "A buddy of mine said they saw Team Speed Stars' double aces in Tatarasuna. Driving an Eight-Six and what looked like a Lancia Rally 037."

Collei shook her head, her voice incredulous. "Bullshit. Neither Clorinde nor I went there. And no one's getting their hands on a Rally 037—those things are rare as hell and cost a fortune."

Amber groaned. "Great. Impostors."

She perked up, turning to Collei with a mischievous grin. "Why don't we head to Tatarasuna and check it out for ourselves?"

Collei nodded, already moving toward the driver's seat of the R34. "Fine by me. Let me drop this off at home first."

Amber smiled. "I'll meet you there."

As Collei started the engine, the Skyline roared to life, ready for its next destination.

As time passed, Amber and Collei made their way up Tatrasuna in Amber's Sileighty, the car humming steadily as it cruised up the winding roads. Amber kept her hands relaxed on the wheel, occasionally glancing at Collei, who was staring out the window, her thoughts far away.

"So, Collei," Amber began, breaking the silence, "what if they really are impostors?"

Collei shook her head, her green hair shifting slightly. "I don't know, Amber. But I've got this nagging feeling someone's pulling the strings."

Amber scoffed. "Like who? Albert? After what you did to that guy, I doubt he'd even think about trying to screw you over again."

Collei smirked. "No kidding. But if it is Albert, his ass is getting handed to him again."

Amber laughed, shaking her head. "No kidding. Hell, it'd take your whole team to drag you off him if that's the case."

She glanced at Collei again, her expression turning curious. "So, what do you think Fake Clorinde might be driving? A genuine 037 like the real Clorinde's? Not exactly something you can pick up at a dealership."

Collei sighed, crossing her arms. "Probably some junked-out Lancia Montecarlo with an 037 body kit slapped on it."

Amber raised an eyebrow. "You can even do that?"

"Kind of," Collei replied with a shrug. "You can buy the body panels online, but good luck getting the tubular frame, the wheels, or the engine. That's on you."

Amber snapped her fingers. "Oh yeah. That'd explain why it might look the part but not be the part."

Moments later, they reached Tatrasuna's midpoint, where a drinks vending machine stood in a clearing, flanked by a few parked cars. They grabbed a couple of canned coffees, popping them open with soft clicks. Amber leaned against the machine, her ears perking up as muffled voices from a group of spectators nearby drifted toward them.

"What's the buzz about?" Amber asked, tilting her head.

Collei shrugged, sipping her coffee. "No idea. It's a popular meeting spot. Could be anything."

Before Collei could take another sip, a loud voice rang out from the crowd. "Team Speed Stars' Aces are coming here—with their supervisor!"

Collei choked on her coffee, coughing violently. "What!?"

Amber's eyes widened. "Supervisor!? But isn't your supervisor Ningguang?"

Collei nodded, setting her can down. "And Keqing."

Right on cue, the sound of approaching engines broke the chatter. Two cars pulled up: a panda-style AE86 Trueno and a Lancia Montecarlo with an 037 body kit. The cars looked polished but… off.

Collei's eyes narrowed. "No… fucking… way."

As the cars stopped, their drivers stepped out. A young woman with green hair, another with purple hair, and a black-haired man emerged. Collei's pupils dilated as her gaze locked onto the trio.

"Who in the hell are they!?"

Amber squinted at the Montecarlo. "Wait, is that an actual 037?"

Collei scoffed. "Not a chance. That's a Montecarlo with some cheap bodywork slapped on. And that Eight-Six?" She gestured sharply. "Wrong model. Mine's a Zenki. That's a Kouki. No fog lights, wrong wheels—it's a joke."

She turned to Amber, arms crossed. "And does that green-haired poser look like me to you? Because I sure as hell don't see it."

Amber shook her head. "Not even close. And fake Clorinde? Doesn't even have short hair."

Collei's glare shifted to the black-haired man. Her jaw clenched as realization hit. "I know him…"

"Albert…" she muttered venomously.

Amber groaned, throwing her hands up. "Oh, for fuck's sake. What does he think he is now, Ryosuke Takahashi? This isn't Initial D!"

The crowd began gathering around the fake team, the energy buzzing. A spectator approached the fake Collei eagerly. "Can you show us some drifting, Miss Collei?"

Fake Collei raised her hand, shaking her head with a smirk. "Now, now, we can't do that. Supervisor's orders."

Amber nudged Collei. "Should we confront them?"

Collei's eyes narrowed dangerously. "No. Not yet. But I'm letting the team know."

Before she could step away, one of the spectators—a man who seemed to recognize Albert—walked up to him. "You made up with Collei!?"

Albert nodded confidently, a smug smile on his face. "That's right. We're even dating now."

Collei froze. Her eye twitched. Her fists clenched. "That son of a—"

She stormed forward, her anger boiling over. "Why you little—!"

Amber quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Collei! Now's not the time!"

Collei yanked her arm free, fuming. "Fine. But he's not getting away with this."

Amber sighed, shaking her head. "Let's get out of here before you explode."

The two retreated to Amber's Sileighty, sliding into the car. As the engine roared to life, Collei crossed her arms, seething.

"Enjoy your moment, Albert," she muttered under her breath. "It's not gonna last."

Amber glanced at her as they pulled away. "We'll handle this. Let's just regroup for now."

The Sileighty disappeared into the night, leaving the chaos of Tatrasuna behind—for now.

The following afternoon, Collei and Amber sat with Beidou, March, and Seele at a small café near their usual meetup spot. The tension in the air was palpable as Collei broke the news.

Seele gasped, her violet eyes wide. "You met them!?"

Collei nodded, her expression sour. "Yeah. And guess who the so-called 'supervisor' is? Albert."

March nearly choked on her drink. "Albert!? No way."

Collei scoffed, clenching her fist. "I should've punched that bastard's face in when I had the chance last night."

Amber quickly bumped Collei's arm, a warning look in her eyes. "Collei, don't say that! If you had, you'd have ruined Team Speed Stars' reputation with that outburst."

Collei sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "You're right. I can't let him drag us down to his level."

March leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "So, what's the plan now?"

Collei drummed her fingers on the table, thinking. "Visit Keqing and Albedo at the garage later. Talk to them about the situation. We'll get Ningguang and Clorinde involved too."

Amber nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a solid plan. Mind if I tag along?"

Collei smiled faintly. "Of course. You're part of this now."

Hours later...

Amber's Sileighty rolled smoothly into the garage, its engine humming softly before shutting off. Keqing, dressed in her usual sharp attire, approached the car, curious. "Who could this be?" she called out.

The driver's side door opened, and Collei stepped out, waving. "Hey, Keqing!"

Keqing smiled warmly. "Collei! Dropping by to check on the Eight-Six?"

Collei chuckled, stepping aside as Amber emerged. "Yes, but I also wanted to introduce you to someone. This is my partner."

Keqing snapped her fingers in recognition. "Ah, of course!" She turned to Amber, extending a hand. "You must be Amber, right?"

Amber nodded enthusiastically, shaking Keqing's hand. "That's me! It's great to meet you, Miss Keqing."

Keqing's smile grew. "Likewise, Miss Amber." She gestured for the two to follow her deeper into the garage. "Come on, let me show you the Eight-Six."

The trio stopped near Collei's iconic car, now sitting confidently on all four wheels. The interior was stripped but sleek, with only the harness left to be installed. Keqing motioned to it with pride. "She's almost done. The engine's running 20% more power with a boosted powerband at 7,500 RPMs. Just waiting on the harness now."

Collei nodded, her green eyes gleaming with excitement. "Good to know. But I also need to talk to you about something else."

Keqing tilted her head. "What's the matter?"

Collei sighed deeply, her expression darkening. "Last night, Amber and I ran into impostors. Someone's pretending to be me and Clorinde."

Keqing took a step back in surprise. "Impostors?"

Collei nodded firmly. "Yeah. Fake Collei drives a similar Eight-Six, but it's all wrong. No carbon hood, wrong lights, and the wheels are completely off. It's a Kouki, not a Zenki like mine."

Keqing's eyes narrowed. "And the 037?"

"Not even close. Some beat-up Montecarlo slapped together with a body kit," Collei muttered.

Keqing crossed her arms, sighing. "Figures. Cheap tricks won't fool anyone who knows cars."

Collei took a step closer. "Should we inform Clorinde and Ningguang?"

Before Keqing could answer, the distinct roar of a twin-charged engine echoed through the garage. A moment later, Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037 pulled up smoothly, its engine purring as it shut off. Clorinde stepped out, her figure catching the light as she waved. "Hey, Keqing."

Keqing nodded. "Clorinde. Just who I needed to see."

Clorinde smirked. "Funny. I was looking for you too."

The two women approached each other, speaking in unison. "We need to talk about the impostor situation."

Both froze, stepping back in surprise.

"You know!?" Clorinde gasped.

"You've heard!?" Keqing exclaimed.

Clorinde nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah. A friend tipped me off. The fake Clorinde's driving some beat-up Montecarlo."

Collei tapped her foot impatiently, arms crossed. "See? She's already in the loop."

Clorinde turned to Collei, her expression resolute. "Don't worry. We'll show them who the real aces are."

She shifted her gaze to Amber, a smile breaking through her stern demeanor. "I'm sorry—I didn't introduce myself. You must be Amber, right? Collei's partner?"

Amber smiled back, shaking Clorinde's hand. "That's me! And you're Collei's uphill ace—Miss Clorinde, right?"

Clorinde chuckled softly. "That's me."

Keqing, standing nearby, checked her phone as a notification buzzed. Her eyes scanned the screen, her brow furrowing before a small smile formed. "It's from Ningguang."

She read aloud:

'We need to discuss the impostor situation. Have the Eight-Six ready by tomorrow. Tell Collei and Clorinde to drop by the garage. We'll plan a little surprise for them. Ayaka will be there too.'

The group exchanged glances before nodding in unison. The plan was falling into place. Tomorrow, the impostors would learn exactly who they were dealing with.

The Following Afternoon. Everyone is Gathered at the garage. Ayaka, Ningguang, Clorinde, Collei, and Amber stood in a semi-circle around Ningguang in the dimly lit garage, the faint smell of motor oil and burnt rubber lingering in the air. Outside, the golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the slatted windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors.

Ningguang straightened her posture, exuding her usual air of authority, and began the briefing.

"Alright, thanks for dropping by today, everyone. I'm sure you all have your hands full, but we've got something pressing to handle. Now, I'm already aware that you've encountered those Team Speed Stars impostors, correct?"

The group exchanged glances, their nods unanimous. The tension in the air was palpable, the shared distaste for the impostors almost electric.

Ningguang's crimson-painted lips curled into a sly smile. "Perfect. Because I have a plan that's going to leave them with something they won't forget for the rest of their damn lives."

Her sharp gaze swept across the group before landing on Ayaka. She gestured subtly, her earrings catching the light as she turned.

"Ayaka, you'll make the first move. Approach them casually—don't give anything away. Engage them and bait them into showing off a tandem drift. We both know they can't pull it off, not without exposing themselves as the frauds they are." Her voice lowered slightly, taking on a conspiratorial tone. "When you hear the echo of their cars from a distance, let them in on a little truth. Say something like, 'Only three people in this world could do that without a practice run. And one of them will show you now.' Just enough to rattle them."

Ayaka nodded with poise, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her blade—a habitual motion that revealed her readiness.

"Understood. They won't know what hit them."

Ningguang turned next to Amber, her expression softening slightly. "Amber, I'm aware of your history with Albert, courtesy of Collei. Because of that, I'm trusting you to keep things smooth. We don't need any extra complications when you see him. You'll be riding with Collei for this one."

Amber crossed her arms, leaning casually against the wall, but her fiery eyes betrayed a glint of determination. "I know. But let's be real—this guy's got his head so far up his own ass, he thinks he's pulling off a Ryosuke Takahashi persona. Does he think this is Initial D or something?"

That quip earned a stifled laugh from Ningguang. She quickly covered her mouth with a delicate hand, trying to keep her composure. "A-Ah… okay. Alright. Stay professional, Amber."

Amber chuckled, clearly pleased to have cracked Ningguang's composed exterior, however briefly.

Ningguang's attention shifted to Collei, her expression sharpening again. "As for you, Collei…" She paused for emphasis, her words cutting through the room like a blade. "Show them the most incredible drift they'll ever see in their fucking lives. Make it clear why you're Team Speed Stars' ace."

Collei's eyes gleamed with excitement, her fists tightening at her sides. "Roger that. They won't forget me anytime soon."

Finally, Ningguang turned to Clorinde, her gaze steady and piercing. "Clorinde. Once Collei passes you, you'll make your move. Appear out of nowhere, like a ghost. Let them see what real precision and timing look like. That's when we reveal who the real Team Speed Stars are."

Clorinde gave a sharp nod, her expression unreadable but her aura unshakable. "Understood."

Ningguang clapped her hands together, the sound resonating through the space like a starting gun. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she looked at each of them in turn, her confidence infectious.

"Alright, let's show these impostors who the hell they're dealing with. We are the real Team Speed Stars, and tonight, they're going to learn exactly what that means."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they began to disperse, their preparations already forming in their minds. Engines roared to life in the distance, their unmistakable growl signaling the battle that was about to unfold.

That Night at Tatrasuna

The impostors, along with Albert, stood confidently among the spectators, regaling them with exaggerated stories of their so-called feats as "Team Speed Stars." Their act drew murmurs of approval from the unknowing crowd.

Then, a calm voice cut through the chatter. "Hey, you must be Miss Collei and Miss Clorinde, right?"

The group turned to see Ayaka approaching, her presence radiating cool confidence.

The fake Collei crossed her arms. "And who might you be?"

Ayaka gave a sly smile. "Oh, just a nobody. Kamisato Ayaka."

The impostors stiffened, their postures shifting defensively. Ayaka waved her hand nonchalantly. "Relax, ladies. I'm not here to pick a fight."

She pointed casually to her AE86 parked nearby. "I'm a fellow Eight-Six driver myself. Thought I'd swing by."

Somewhere on Tatrasuna Pass

Collei, Clorinde, and Ningguang raced up the mountain pass in formation, their engines roaring as they timed their approach perfectly. Collei led the charge, her panda-schemed AE86 weaving effortlessly through the turns, followed closely by Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037 and Ningguang's sleek RX-7 FC.

Halfway Point

Back at the spectator spot, Ayaka scratched the side of her head, feigning casual interest. "Miss Collei, as a fellow Eight-Six driver, I've heard so much about your world-renowned drifting technique. Think you could show me?"

The fake Collei scoffed. "No can do, Miss Ayaka."

Ayaka tilted her head. "Come on. Just one drift. Take this corner, slide through the bridge sideways, and blast out of the exit. Should be easy for someone with your reputation."

Fake Collei snapped, "That's impossible! Nobody can do that!"

Albert chimed in smugly. "That's right. Safety first, Miss Ayaka."

Ayaka sighed, shaking her head. "Technically, it is impossible—for amateurs."

At that moment, the echo of an engine filled the air, accompanied by the sharp screech of tires. Ayaka's smile widened. She stepped closer to the corner, addressing the crowd.

"Alright, everyone, eyes on this corner! You're about to see something unforgettable."

She smirks. "This... This is real drifting."

With a snap of her fingers, Collei's AE86 roared into view, sliding through the corner at blistering speed. The car moved like it was on rails, its tires screaming as it hugged the turn, exiting the bridge with perfect precision.

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps.

The impostors froze in shock, before consulting Albert.

Fake Collei whispered urgently to Albert and the fake Clorinde. "That has to be the real one. We need to leave!"

Fake Collei then Stood Up. "I just remembered something Clorinde! We have to go!"

But before they could move, the unmistakable growl of Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037 stopped them in their tracks. The car pulled up beside them, its fiberglass door swinging open to reveal the real Clorinde leaning casually against it.

"Funny," she said with a smirk. "Your name's Clorinde? What a coincidence—it's mine too."

The impostors stared, their faces pale as Ayaka joined Clorinde, fist-bumping her.

"How's it going, Ayaka?" Clorinde asked.

"Not much," Ayaka replied with a wink. "Just putting these lowlifes in their place."

Right on cue, Collei's AE86 pulled up on one side, with Ningguang's sleek FC3S taking the other. The two drivers stepped out, the real Team Speed Stars standing united.

Albert's face went pale. "I'm... so screwed."

Ayaka turned to Clorinde, her tone mockingly casual. "So, what should we do with them?"

Before Clorinde could answer, the fake Collei and Clorinde blurted out, "It was all Albert's idea! Revenge for last winter!" They scrambled into their cars and sped off into the night.

Clorinde watched them go, unimpressed. "Not surprised."

Collei's eyes twitched with fury. "You little—!" She lunged for Albert, who stumbled backward, cowering.

"Calm down!" Clorinde barked, stepping in to hold her back.

With Collei being restrained by Amber, Clorinde and Keqing. Ningguang approached Albert, who was now on his knees, covering his head. Ningguang crouched down, her voice chilling. "Albert, its best you confess right now... if you don't confess, I'll let Collei finish what she started... You don't want a broken nose again, do you?"

Albert broke instantly. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done it!"

Collei strained against Clorinde and Amber's hold, shouting, "Damn right, you shouldn't have, you fucking psycho!"

Ningguang stood, brushing off her hands. "Try something like this again, and next time, no one will hold her back."

Amber stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. "Albert..."

Albert stood up slowly, trembling. "A-Amber?"

Without warning, Amber's fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground. She stood over him, her voice steady. "I should've done that years ago."

Turning to the spectators, she raised her voice. "Let it be known! I'm not part of Team Speed Stars. This man tried to kidnap me last winter, and before that, he was... inappropriate when I was in high school."

The crowd erupted into cheers of support.

"That's justice!"

"Show him what you're made of!"

Eventually as time progresses, the crowds to dispersed, Albert walked away and the team regrouped, the impostor threat now a memory. But as they headed back to their cars, whispers of a new challenge at Tsurumi began to stir in the crisp night air.