The Speed Of The Stars

The following morning at Lyney's gas station. Amber, Lyney, Pela, Seele, And Beidou are inside the Gas station's office. Watching old Group B Videos from 1983. Specifically Of the Lancia Rally 037. Racing along Snezhnaya.

"Check out those tight bends!" said Amber

"Yeah. In Snezhnaya's mountains. its a narrow Course. And during those times. They were racing in the snow" said Lyney.

"But those sounds! For a four cylinder. It sounds aggressive!" said Pela

Then another video plays. Showing the Lancia pulling a fast Aggressive drift on the muddy Banks of Fontaine 

"Holy! Look at that drift!" exclaimed Beidou

"Wait! Play it back!" as Amber points at the Laptop Monitor

Pela plays the video back and puts it in slow motion. Then she stops the video.

"That's the same Lancia we saw last night!" Seele said out loud

The video then continues to play. Now showing is a video of the Lancia Racing along the rocky plains of Natlan.

"You know something. Despite the Lancia being the most fragile car of the group at that year.. They were surprisingly the most Durable cars during that race." as Lyney points at the monitor.

"Really!?" said Pela

Lyney Nods "Yeah. That time. they raced with 4 cars. So the best The Quattro's can do. Was fifth. But the thing was. All the Audi's broke during those stages in Natlan. Same thing with Fontaine too."

Then the next video plays. It shows the Stack of Lancia's. Parked at a Square in Italy.

"Holy! How many Lancia's were there!?" exclaimed Amber

"I don't know. But last i remember. It was Six." Lyney claims

Beidou's eyes widen, "SIX!? That many Lancia's!?"

Lyney laughs "Of course! San Remo Is their Home turf. So they brought out all the Lancia's they can get their hands on. And raced them all. And at the end of the Rally. Lancia came out on top. And claimed the Driver's title And Constructors title on that day."

"Let me guess. That's the Inazuman guy right? The one standing on the podium?" as Amber raises an eyebrow

Lyney nods. "Yeah. That's the guy."

Collei then enters the Office. "Hey Guys. What's going on?"

"Oh. Hey Collei. We're just watching some old Group B Videos here." said Amber

As Collei approaches the Laptop screen to watch more Group B Videos. A loud supercharged roar echo's its surroundings

"Huh what's that?" exclaimed Beidou.

March then rushes outside the office. Then suddenly a White Martini Lancia Rally 037 Pulls up the gas station

"God. Guys! Its Here!" March Yelled

The Group then rushes outside the office. And there standing before them. Is a Lancia 037 Rally

"Oh No.. What's it doing here!?" exclaimed Beidou

"Don't know. If its here. There has to be a reason. said Seele.

Then. Its door opens. And out comes its driver. A young girl with purple hair. 

"Could it be its driver?" Lyney said softly

Its driver then shuts the door "Hey! Can i get some fuel Please?" 

"Sure thing! Coming up!" exclaimed Collei.

Collei then approaches its driver "High Octane Miss?"

Its driver nods "Yeah. High Octane. Full tank please." 

Collei then begins filling up the Lancia's Fuel tank. The driver then turns to Beidou who's cleaning the windshield.

"Hey there. My name's Clorinde. I'm looking for someone if you don't mind me asking?" Leaning against her Lancia

"S- Sure thing. How can i help?" said Beidou. Trembling.

"I'm looking for Yougou's Eight Six. You know it right?" said Clorinde

Beidou's eyes widens "Oh. Umm. Th- The Eight Six?"

Clorinde smirks a little "Yeah. The one that beaten Ningguang a couple weeks ago. Pretty sure you heard of it right?"

"Yeah. I've heard." said Beidou.

Collei finishes up fueling the Lancia and looks at Clorinde. "How can i be of assistance Miss Clorinde?"

Beidou, Seele, Lyney, March and Amber's Eyes widen. Collei then walks to Clorinde. Now they are face to face.

"This isn't good." muttered Amber.

Clorinde takes a look at Collei before Smiling.

"Its nice to finally meet you Miss Collei." she then holds out her hand

"Oh. Umm Nice to Meet, you?" said Collei

The two then shakes hands. Giving everyone a sigh of relief as they though that something might be going down. Only for Clorinde to shatter that relief.

"So. Collei. May i ask you something?" said Clorinde

"Sure thing Clorinde." said Collei

Clorinde smirks a little "Alright. I challange you to a downhill race. Ten on Saturday."

Collei's eyes widen So does everybody else 

"A Ch- Challange?" Stuttered Collei

"Its happened. She's issued a challange." muttered Beidou.

Collei's eyes then narrows. "Challange Accepted..." 

Then. Beidou's vision deceives her. An Aura then appears as Collei And Clorinde shakes their hands once again. 

"Its official. The Yougou Rallyist has Challenged Collei to a downhill battle" said Seele.

"This is going to be hard. Like. Four times harder than Ningguang's Race" said Pela

Clorinde "Well then Collei. See you on Saturday!" 

She then Hops in her Lancia and leaves. its distinctive Supercharger wine echo's as the Lancia disappears to Yougou pass

Collei stares as the Lancia Disappears into a corner "What the hell just happened.

Seele looks at Beidou. "What do you think. You think its time for something to happen to Collei's eight Six?"

Beidou smirks a little "I think its time for a Little Upgrade to Collei's Eight Six."

March then raises a hand "I know I Know! How about a turbo!?"

Beidou then waves Collei to come "Collei! Come here for a second!"

Collei then walks up to Beidou

"What's up Beidou?" said Collei

Beidou puts a hand on Collei's shoulder

"Look. We Want you to put it in as a thought. Have you considered potentially upgrading the eight six? Maybe you know. Add A Turbo?" said Beidou

Collei's eyes widen "Huh? Upgrade? I cant even add modifications to it. And besides. Its not my car"

Beidou's shoulder slump "Damn. I forgot it's your Fathers car..."

Seele then join in. "Maybe there's a way for us to convince your Father to upgrade it?"

Beidou then snaps her finger "I got it! If we paid for the upgrades. Surely she's going to agree right!?"

Seele then puts a hand on Beidou shoulder "Yeah! Your father might love some of us to pay for upgrades. Right?

March then tips on her toes and clenches her fists "So!? What do you say!?"

Collei scratches her head. "I don't know guys. She's the most stingiest person in all of Narukami."

They then collapse out of drama and quickly straightens out

"You cant say that! You know We Idolize Her!" exclaimed Beidou and Seele

"Wait. You Idolize my Father that much!?" exclaimed Collei

That Night. Lyney stops by Arlecchino's place and are in deep conversation about potentially upgrading the Eight Six.

Arlecchino raises an eyebrow. "Upgrading the Eight Six huh?

Lyney giggles "Of Course. It must have crossed your mind at some point you know. Collei is an evolving racer. At one point she'll hit a barrier and would want something more out of the old faithful. Bring the Eight Six's capabilities up a notch."

Arlecchino sighs and looks at the Eight Six. "That's true. This engine is getting pretty worn down. Who knows how long till it finally gives out... Its really about time for an upgrade indeed."

"Yeah." Lyney muttered

Arlecchino smirks "Actually. I already got one plan for it already."

Lyney's eyes widen "You do? Please don't screw with me Arlecchino!"

Arlecchino crosses her arms and smiles "Of course i'm not screwing with you. I just so happen to stumble across something amazing from a source, outside this town."

Lyney then scratches his head "Something.. Incredible?

Arlecchino Smiles "Yes. I'll show you. We'll head to Your Sister's Shop. Then you'll see. Its so amazing. You're eyes wont believe it."

The two then hops in the Eight six and Drives of To Lyney's sister's mechanic shop across town. Inside Lynette's garage. Lyney crouches and takes a peek under the cover. And his eyes widens

"No way. Its.. Its surreal! This is Gold!" Lyney Exclaims.

Arlecchino smiles "I told you. Its Something you're eyes wouldn't believe. Even i get the chills when i think about it.

Lyney then looks at Arlecchino "And this is just for the Eight Six!?"

Arlecchino then stands up "Yeah. Its for the eight six indeed. But that also means re-tuning the suspension and the little details. "

"And with this Engine. This will be a monster that you cant defeat" Lynette said.

The group then walks out of the garage 

"And i'll be the one to test it myself. And once i'm done with that. I'll need your help Lynette" said Arlecchino

Lynette smiles "Don't worry Arlecchino. I'll be ready any time."

Arlecchino then looks at the Eight Six and lights a Cigarette. "But there's one thing, Collei hasn't done yet though.."

Lyney raises an eyebrow "Mind telling us what it is then?"

Arlecchino glances back "I'll tell you. But promise me you wont tell her."

Lyney and Lynette look at each other and looks at Arlecchino "Not a word." Said the both.

Arlecchino smirks. "I'll be happy to tell you then."

She then takes a drag from her cigar and looks at the Eight Six. "The thing she hasn't done yet. is... She hasn't lost a race yet"

The two's eyes then widen. Lyney steps forward "Loose!? She's tried so hard not to loose at this time! She's in a winning streak you know!"

Arlecchino sighs "And that's the problem. If Collei keeps succeeding. She wont appreciate the upgrade the Eight six receives. All it will be to her is just a minor change to her. What i want is for her to get an upgrade that she's Happy and appreciative about. She'll then realize that the current form of the Eight Six isn't going to be enough. And eventually loose. Then that's when she'll realize that its not good enough to simply win a race. Cause a lesson from humility. Is taken from failing."

"So until she looses... I won't be upgrading the Eight Six..." as Arlecchino looks at the pair

Days have passed. Its finally race day. Word spreads quick around the Narukami region about a race against a Lancia Rally car. At Ningguang's household Ningguang is working on something when Keqing barges in Ningguang's room 

"Hey! Did you hear!? The Eight six is going up a Rally Car!" exclaimed Keqing

Ningguang turns away from her laptop "Yeah. I heard. She's going up against a Lancia Rally 037"

"Its massive! I head from some old timers that its the only car to actually tie the Eight Six in the past!" exclaimed Keqing.

Ningguang raises an eyebrow "Tie the Eight Six? That's a first. Even I cant tie the Eight six when we raced." 

"Yeah. It turns out that this guy was an Uphill Legend in Yougou. And his background goes all the way back to the 80's with the WRC" said Keqing

"WRC huh?" as Ningguang turns to her laptop

"Yeah. He Raced for Lancia Martini Racing. People said that he retired. And that his daughter Clorinde is now the one behind the wheel." As Keqing leans forwards

"Looks like we might have to show up to that race and watch the two of them Battle" Ningguang smirks

That afternoon March and Collei are walking home when March strikes up a conversation

"You really have to consider adding a turbo to your Eight six Collei. Clorinde and that Lancia is no joke.." March Claimed.

"I know but if my Father wont budge. Then there's nothing we can do about this. The only thing right now on my mind is how can i drive the Eight Six Faster at its current setup.. It doesnt matter what car i'm up against." said Collei

They then went their own separate ways to their houses. As Collei arrives at Arlecchino's home. She then looks at the Eight Six.

"More Power for the Eight Six..." she said in her mind.

She then opens the hood of the Eight Six And there lies the beating heart. The 1.6 Liter 4A-GE Bluetop 16 Valve engine. She glances at it for a few moments before sighing and closing the hood.

She then turns around and scratches her head. "I don't even know where to start at..."

As Collei heads inside the house. The Distinctive sound of a Four Cylinder Turbocharged engine echo's. Then out from an intersection. A Blue Nissan Sileighty Appears and parks in front of the house. 

Amber steps out "Hey Collei!" as she waves her hand 

Collei turns around "Oh, Hey Amber! What brings you here?"

Amber blushes "Oh. Umm. I was wondering if we head up Yougou for an afternoon drive before the race?"

Collei smiles "Of Course. Lets do that."

The two of them drive up to a nearby spotting area Near Lake Yougou. They then arrive and park up.

Amber leans in to the barrier "Look at the lake. Isn't that beautiful"

Collei leans in and takes in the scene "Yeah. That sure is lovely."

Amber then glances at Collei "So... How nervous are you tonight?"

Collei wipes off a sweat "Pretty Nervous... Its almost been a month since i raced Ningguang..." 

Amber closes in on Collei "Aw, Come on! You'll do just fine!

Collei sighs. "I don't know Amber. She's a rally driver. I think. You seen two nights ago how quick it is."

Amber Pulls Collei closer "You'll get her. I know you will. You just need to believe yourself!"

Collei blushes. "I- I'm not so sure, Amber. I-"

Then. Out of nowhere. Amber pulls Collei towards her and Kisses her. Despite Catching Collei as a surprise. Collei accepts it. And takes it all in. It took a few moments before stepping back"

Amber smiles "That's for good luck, sunshine."

Collei smiles back "Th-Thank You Amber."

The two then head back to the car and drive back to the town, in preparation for the race. That night. The entire Yougou Pass is packed. People came all the way from Inazuma City To watch the race. It was so massive. Arlecchino for the first time with Lyney and Lynette are watching the race from the Sidelines.

"Cant believe that you actually dragged me here you two" said an annoyed Arlecchino

"Come on! This is your Rival's Daughter racing your daughter! This is a chance to see your daughter with your techniques Race against your rivals daughter with his techniques!" exclaimed Lyney

Arlecchino sighs "Fair point there Lyney..."

At the summit. Clorinde leans against her 037 with her partner, Navia's NSX parked right near it in the rest area

"Where's that Eight Six? It's almost Ten..." said Clorinde

"She'll be here. She does this normally" said Navia.

Then right on Cue. Collei's Eight Six Shows up. The car slows down right before crossing the Starting line. Collei then turns the Eight Six around and parks its beside the Lancia.

Collei then steps out of the car "Well. I'm here.."

Beidou's group the Approaches Collei 

Beidou puts a hand on her shoulder "You got this Collei. Don't let the history of both cars get the better of you!"

Seele clenches her fists "Yeah! show that rally star what you can do!"

Pela then pats Collei's shoulders "Give er' hell!"

March winks at her and gives her a thumbs up "Go get er!"

The group then disperses. Pela walks to the front and stands right in between the two cars.

Collei then walks to Clorinde and hold her hand out. "It's time to continue some history. Shall we?" 

Clorinde smiles and shakes Collei's hands "You betcha!"

The two then walk to their cars and gets in them. As Collei steps in. Amber interrupts her

"Hey Collei!" yelled Amber.

"Oh! Amber! What do you ya need?"

Amber Then hugs Collei "Good luck!" 

Collei the puts her hands around Amber "Thanks, sunshine."

Collei then stops hugging Amber and steps in her Eight six. Starting its engine. A deep rivalry between An Eight Six. And a Lancia Rally 037. Is about to re-ignite.