The Speed Of The Stars

As the night deepened, the Base buzzed with anticipation. The cold mountain air carried the faint scent of oil and burning rubber, mingling with the subdued chatter of the gathered teams. The sound of engines revving in the distance grew louder, cutting through the stillness like the howl of a predator in the dark.

From around the corner, two cars appeared. The Lancia 037 led the charge, its boxy yet aerodynamic design glinting under the dim floodlights. It rolled smoothly to a stop beside Collei's AE86, its engine idling for a moment before Clorinde shut it off. Behind her, Firefly's RX-7 glided in and parked beside Kazuha and his team.

Inside the FD, Firefly sat motionless, slumped in her seat. Her hands rested limply on the wheel as her chest rose and fell in steady, exhausted breaths. Kazuha approached, his steps quiet but deliberate, and leaned in to glance through the driver's side window. The sight of Firefly's fazed expression tugged at him. She looked worn but resolute, her body clearly drained from the effort.

Over on the Speed Stars' side, Clorinde unlatched her harness and swung open the Lancia's door. The cool air hit her as she stepped out, and she exhaled deeply, her breath visible in the cold.

"I actually can't believe I pulled that shit off," she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Leaning over the roof of her car, she rested her arm and bowed her head. "Can't believe I started with the wrong setup. I struggled so much at first… but once I adjusted my throttle technique, it all clicked. That made gripping the corners so much easier."

Keqing, who had been observing from the side, nodded in approval. "At least you figured it out quickly. That's what matters."

Ningguang crossed her arms and stepped forward, her authoritative voice cutting through the moment. "Just because you won today doesn't mean you should ignore what I've taught you. Senna's throttle technique isn't something you can just skim over. When you return to Yougou, make it a priority to practice until it becomes second nature."

Clorinde glanced at Ningguang and smiled, her respect evident in her expression. "I hear you, Ning. I've got it."

On Kazuha's side, Firefly finally mustered the strength to push open her door. She stepped out of the RX-7, her movements slow and heavy. Lowering her head, she spoke softly, her voice barely audible.

"I'm sorry, guys. I tried my damnedest," Firefly muttered.

Kazuha approached her, his presence calm and grounding. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice carrying a gentle warmth. "Don't sweat it, Firefly. You gave it your all, didn't you?"

Firefly nodded, though the sting of defeat lingered in her posture.

"Then there's no shame in losing," Kazuha said with conviction. "Losses teach us more than victories ever could. Honestly, I expected Clorinde to struggle on the straightaways with her car's lack of power. I didn't factor in how much the Lancia's weight would play to her advantage in the corners."

His gaze shifted toward Collei's AE86, which sat nearby under the lights. The car had an understated charm, its clean lines and compact frame almost modest compared to the others. Yet, it emanated a quiet, undeniable confidence. Collei stood beside it, deep in discussion with Albedo, her trusted mechanic.

"But I still have a chance to take on that Eight-Six," Kazuha murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

Time passed as Albedo worked under the hood with precision, his movements smooth and efficient. The faint clink of tools filled the air as Collei observed quietly, her expression focused.

Keqing approached the duo, her voice breaking the silence. "I'm pretty sure you've heard about the starting order, right?"

Collei looked up and nodded. "Yeah. I'm leading the start."

Keqing glanced at Albedo, her tone inquisitive. "Is it ready to go, Albedo?"

Albedo secured the hood strut with a final twist and let the hood fall shut. "She's ready," he confirmed.

Keqing nodded, her expression resolute. "Good. I'll inform them that we're ready."

Collei climbed into her AE86, strapping herself in with practiced ease. The car's engine roared to life, the familiar hum sending a ripple of excitement through the air.

Meanwhile, Keqing moved toward Kazuha's team and raised her voice to address everyone. "Attention! Cars to the starting line!"

The tension thickened as Kazuha entered his Altezza, the sleek sedan's low stance and sharp angles catching the light. He turned the key, and the engine rumbled to life—a deep, throaty growl from the 3S-GE four-cylinder under the hood. The car's sound reverberated through the Base as Collei backed her AE86 out, the two cars aligning in synchronized movements.

They rolled toward the intersection together, turning right before halting at the starting line, where Keqing stood waiting with an authoritative stance. The night seemed to hold its breath as the next race was about to begin.

As the countdown to the race began, the energy at the Base grew electric. Ningguang and Kokomi approached the respective cars, their presence commanding attention.

Kokomi leaned into Kazuha's window, her expression calm but serious. "Remember, stay cool."

Kazuha scoffed lightly, his tone laced with confidence. "I know that." But inwardly, his thoughts churned. I might not have a chance to pass her on the first run, but that's fine. All I need is to stay close enough to study her driving style. I'll use what I learn for the next round.

Over by Collei's AE86, Ningguang leaned down to give her instructions. Her voice was firm but encouraging. "Don't lose him right away, alright? Let him chase you for a bit. Once you reach the first tight hairpin, leave him in the dust. Make him suck your exhaust."

Collei nodded confidently, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. Ningguang stepped back as Keqing raised her hand, her voice loud and clear as she called out the countdown.

"FIVE!"

"FOUR!"

"THREE!"

"TWO!"

"ONE!"

"GO!" Keqing's hand dropped, signaling the start of the race.

The roar of engines filled the air as the AE86 and Altezza launched off the line, tires screeching and smoke billowing in their wake. The two cars sped down the straightaway, their tail lights disappearing into the dark mountain road.

Farther along the course, a familiar white AE86 Levin was parked at the side of the road. Its driver, a young woman with white hair, leaned casually against the hood, her gaze fixed on the distant glow of headlights.

"Whoa, I'm surprised to see you here, Ayaka," a nearby spectator remarked.

Ayaka smirked, her confidence understated but palpable. "Of course I'm here. Team Speed Stars' aces are racing tonight. I couldn't pass up the chance to see how Collei's doing after our battle last year."

Back at the Base, Ganyu wandered over to Clorinde, who was leaning against her Lancia 037, watching the race unfold on a monitor.

"Clorinde, do we have any snacks? I'm starving," Ganyu asked, her tone plaintive.

Clorinde glanced toward one of the HiAce vans. "Check Van Two. I think there are still some snacks in one of the bags. Help yourself."

Ganyu's face lit up. "Thanks!" She hurried to the van, sliding the door open and rummaging inside until she found the snack bag.

Meanwhile, Firefly approached Clorinde, a determined look on her face. "Thanks for helping me out earlier," she said, nodding in gratitude.

Clorinde smiled warmly. "Hey, don't mention it. And… sorry if I was a bit hard on you before the race."

Firefly waved her hand dismissively, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh, um, don't worry about it! Really!"

As Firefly walked back to her RX-7, practically skipping with joy, Clorinde scratched her head, muttering to herself. "I don't know… is it just me, or does she act weird sometimes? She's talented, no doubt, but it's like she lights up around me—like I'm some kind of idol or something."

Nearby, Ganyu crouched behind the van, snacking quietly. She muttered softly to herself, "Awkward…"

On the course, the tension between the two racers heightened. Collei kept Kazuha at bay, staying just far enough ahead to control the pace. As they approached a fast-paced left-hand corner, both drivers braked hard, their cars gliding through the turn in synchronized motion.

Kazuha's eyes were glued to Collei's car. "I can't tell if her cornering is amazing or outright crazy," he muttered.

The AE86's tachometer climbed to 9000 RPM as Collei shifted into fourth gear, the engine roaring as the needle dropped back to 7500 before climbing again.

The two cars approached the first tight hairpin. Collei's grip on the wheel tightened as Ningguang's words echoed in her mind: Let him chase you. And once you reach the first tight hairpin, ditch him.

With a determined nod, she executed the maneuver flawlessly, braking hard and downshifting using the Heel-and-Toe technique, going from fourth to third, then second. The sudden move caught Kazuha off guard. His Altezza's front-left wheel momentarily locked as he over-braked, but he quickly regained control and slid through the hairpin.

By the time he exited the turn, however, Collei was already six car lengths ahead. The AE86 disappeared around a left-hand hairpin, leaving Kazuha trailing in her wake. The gap widened with each corner until it was clear—Collei had won the round.

As the night wore on, Kazuha wandered to the side of the road where Ayaka was still observing. She smiled as he approached. "So, Kazuha, how does it feel to race Team Speed Stars' downhill ace?"

Kazuha shook his head, a hint of admiration in his tone. "I don't know… she's special. There's a lot of talent behind the wheel."

Back at the starting line, Keqing raised her hand again, signaling Collei's time trial run. As her AE86 launched off the line, the car roared through the first and second corners with surgical precision. It sped past Ayaka and Kazuha at nearly top speed, the exhaust note echoing down the mountain.

Ayaka's eyes widened in awe. "Look at her go… she's faster than she was when I raced her last year."

Kazuha nodded. "No kidding. You were still in high school then, right?"

Ayaka smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "Yeah. Since then, I've graduated. But watching her drive now… it's like seeing a racer evolve. From humble beginnings to something legendary."

The night ended with two more victories for Team Speed Stars, including a new track record—one more achievement added to their growing legacy.