The Speed Of The Stars

The following morning, everyone gathered at Collei's Eight-Six at a nearby café perched on the scenic slopes of Mt. Yougou. The sun was just starting to crest the mountain, casting a warm, golden hue over the area, but no one was paying attention to the view. Instead, all eyes were fixed on Collei's car, jaws collectively dropped as they took in the transformation.

The interior of the car had undergone a complete metamorphosis. Gone was the old, somewhat worn setup—it now sported a 7-point roll cage, a removed rear seat, and a sleek five-point harness paired with a lighter Alcantara bucket seat, its contours hugging the frame with precision. The dashboard had been stripped down to a minimalist layout, centered around a simpler gauge cluster featuring an ultra-clubman stepping tachometer that maxed out at a jaw-dropping 11,000 RPM. A row of Lamco auxiliary gauges sat elegantly within the cluster, next to a new digital speedometer.

The steering wheel had been upgraded too—a classic Italvolanti Imola R, replacing the old Admiral Red trim wheel. The soft sheen of the Alcantara contrasted beautifully with the subtle metallic accents, and the whole setup screamed functionality and precision.

It was a masterpiece of lightweight engineering and racing aesthetics, and the sheer transformation left everyone stunned.

Seele was the first to break the silence. "Holy moly, Collei!" she exclaimed, her violet eyes practically sparkling as she leaned forward for a better look. "Must feel real nice in there, huh?"

Beidou chimed in next, nodding appreciatively as she crossed her arms. "Yeah! The whole car must feel snug—like you're wrapped in a cocoon of speed!"

Collei chuckled, resting a hand on the car's roof. "Precisely. It's a solid box now. Everything about it feels more… alive. More responsive. The roll cage alone makes it feel like I'm sitting inside a fortress."

March grinned and added her two cents, "Well, it's gotta be classified as a race car now. I mean, look at it!"

Collei nodded again, her purple eyes bright with pride. "Exactly. Oh, and March? With no back seat, there's no more sloshing around for you during test drives!"

March's smile quickly turned into a mock pout as she straightened up, crossing her arms. "Seriously? You're kicking me out of my favorite spot?"

Collei laughed, her voice ringing out like a wind chime in the crisp mountain air. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! But hey, the setup's worth it. Tighter, lighter, stronger—that's what counts."

Beidou leaned against the table they were gathered around, her expression turning serious. "So… the race in Tsurumi? That's gotta be tough, right?"

Collei nodded, her tone measured. "Pretty much. After the last race, the chassis needed to be reinforced. And with this expedition to Tsurumi, it's all about preparation. This is the second-to-last expedition, by the way. After Chirai, we're headed then headed Autake."

Her voice grew quieter as she added, "And after Autake… it's the Ace vs. Ace race."

Amber, who had been quietly sipping her tea, suddenly sprang to life, nearly spilling her cup. "You versus Clorinde!?"

"Yep," Collei replied, her voice steady despite the weight of the words. "The title-deciding race. Who will come out undefeated—me, or Clorinde?"

Pela sighed, her fingers nervously playing with the rim of her mug. "Well, that's… tough. You and Clorinde… you're both so close to us. It's hard to imagine cheering against either of you."

Beidou scoffed and gave Pela a playful nudge. "Come on! We've known Collei for ages. Of course we're cheering for her! Right, everyone?"

There were murmurs of agreement, though a few still exchanged hesitant glances. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, a mix of camaraderie and the bittersweet tension of knowing friendships would soon collide with competition.

Collei chuckled softly, breaking the silence. Her gaze shifted upward, fixing on the silhouette of Mt. Yougou against the morning sky. "One thing's for sure," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "Everyone will be there. Opponents I've faced over the past year. Friends who've supported me along the way. This race… it's going to be the culmination of everything."

A hush fell over the group as they took in her words. The café's usual morning bustle seemed distant, almost irrelevant, as they all imagined what lay ahead: the roaring engines, the screeching tires, the breathtaking curves of the courses, and the final showdown that would decide everything.

And for a brief moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.

Days Later. At Chirai Pass. The crisp mountain air was punctuated by the growl of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine echoing through the pass. Moments later, a sleek, white Ford Sierra RS Cosworth pulled into the summit's parking area, its headlights cutting through the encroaching dusk. The car came to a smooth stop, its engine rumbling briefly before quieting. From the driver's side, Yoimiya stepped out, her movements casual but purposeful, the faint scent of hot brakes and rubber lingering in the air.

Leaning against a nearby silver Nissan S13 Rocket Bunny, a woman clad in a sleek racing jacket tilted her head. Her presence was commanding, and her posture exuded quiet confidence. Chiori, the leader of their team, waved lazily.

"Hey, Yoimiya! How're the new upgrades handling?" she called out, her voice carrying easily in the stillness of the summit.

Yoimiya shut the Cosworth's door with a satisfying thunk and walked over, leaning against her car. She gave a small nod, her lips curling into a grin. "Very well. Everything's dialed in perfectly—like a dream. It's holding on tight, and it's just what I need for the uphill race."

Chiori mirrored her stance, casually crossing her arms as she smirked. "Glad to hear it. How's the Sierra treating you otherwise?"

"Like a champ," Yoimiya replied, tapping the hood affectionately. "But what about your S13? Still behaving?"

Chiori's smirk deepened. "Treating me nicely. Smooth on the straights, steady in the corners. All we've gotta do now is show Team Speed Stars who really owns this pass."

Yoimiya scoffed lightly, her grin turning into a sly smirk. "Yeah, well, I've got my sights set on Clorinde. She's been a thorn in my side long enough. This won't be the first time I've raced her."

Her voice trailed off, her gaze growing distant as her mind drifted to last winter—a vivid memory of a bitterly cold night at Jakotsu Pass. She could still hear the howling wind and the roar of engines as her Sierra Cosworth battled Clorinde's legendary Lancia Rally 037. She clenched her fists unconsciously, recalling how the Lancia mimicked her daring hairpin jump, landing with surgical precision on all four wheels. Then came the three-tunnel stretch, where the Lancia's raw power eclipsed her Sierra, surging ahead and crossing the finish line first.

Yoimiya's eyes twitched slightly at the memory, the sting of defeat still fresh. "I lost that night," she muttered, her voice almost inaudible. "But at least now I know how Clorinde's 037 handles."

Chiori's brow furrowed, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait… Clorinde drives a Lancia Rally 037? As in, the last rear-wheel-drive rally car to win a championship?"

Yoimiya nodded, her gaze locked on the horizon as the dying sunlight painted the sky in shades of orange and purple. "Yeah. And it's not just some homologated street version, either. That car Clorinde's driving? It's the real deal—the actual rally-spec machine."

Chiori whistled low, shaking her head. "Damn. That's serious hardware. No wonder she's tough competition."

"Yeah," Yoimiya said, her voice carrying a tinge of respect. She glanced up at the sky, where stars were beginning to peek through the fading light. "So… did Team Speed Stars do their practice runs already?"

Chiori nodded, pushing off the S13 and stretching her arms. "Yeah. A few hours ago. They left not long after. The Eight-Six looked solid out there. It's fast."

Yoimiya's lips curled into a wry smirk. "Well, you've got it easy. I've never raced that Eight-Six myself, so I wouldn't know how it handles."

Chiori's expression shifted into one of playful confidence. "Good thing I've got the Eight-Six, then. It's nothing I can't handle."

Yoimiya raised an eyebrow, her voice calm but firm. "Don't underestimate it, Chiori. That Eight-Six is no joke."

Chiori scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, come on. It's just a regular Eight-Six. What's so special about it?"

Yoimiya let out a long sigh, crossing her arms. "If you'd seen that Eight-Six go up against Clorinde last year, you wouldn't be saying that. That car's not just special—it's a monster on the mountain."

Chiori opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, her mind racing with curiosity and doubt. Instead, she simply nodded, her expression thoughtful.

The two stood in silence for a moment, the night deepening around them as the temperature dropped. Eventually, the stillness was broken as they climbed back into their cars, the sound of engines roaring to life filling the summit once more.

As the headlights of the Sierra and S13 pierced the darkness, the pair descended the mountain, heading back to their base. The stakes were clear, the tension mounting with every passing moment. Chirai Pass would soon witness another chapter in the ongoing battle for dominance.

And neither Yoimiya nor Chiori planned to back down.

Eventually. The Sun Rises Above the Mountains of Chirai Pass. A soft golden light bathed the rugged peaks, casting long shadows over the valleys below. The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of pine, and the skies above were a vast expanse of cerulean, with only the barest hint of clouds lingering at the edges of the horizon. On the wooden balcony of the lodge, the members of Team Speed Stars—Collei, Navia, Albedo, Keqing, and Ganyu—stood in quiet awe, taking in the breathtaking view of Mount Kanna, its jagged peaks glowing in the early light. Though it was second in height to Mt. Narukami, its grandeur was undeniable.

"Wow," Ganyu breathed, her sapphire eyes sparkling as the sunlight kissed her face. "What a view! Even though it was too cloudy to see anything during our runs last night, it's absolutely stunning during the day."

She turned to Keqing, who was leaning casually against the railing, and added with a teasing smile, "I wonder… is it taller than Mt. Narukami?"

Keqing groaned, rolling her eyes with a playful exasperation. "Seriously, Ganyu? Mt. Narukami is the highest mountain in all of Inazuma! Everyone knows that."

Ganyu giggled, bowing her head over the railing in mock defeat. "Of course… of course Mt. Narukami's the tallest!" Her laughter tinkled like wind chimes, light and infectious.

Before anyone could respond, the sliding door to the lodge was shoved open with an audible thwack. Clorinde stepped out, her expression set in a mix of irritation and mild amusement. Her long coat fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, and her sharp gaze swept over the group.

"For fuck's sake, guys," she said, her voice cutting through the tranquil moment like the edge of a blade. "Are we here as tourists, or are we actually going to race?"

The others exchanged sheepish looks, stifling giggles. Clorinde didn't wait for a response. She jerked her thumb over her shoulder toward the dining table inside. "Breakfast's ready. Get in here before it gets cold."

Ganyu raised her hand enthusiastically, her cheerful energy undiminished. "Alright! Food time!"

Keqing, barely containing her laughter, shot a sly grin at Clorinde. "So, Clorinde… are you the new team leader now? Or are you just a street racer moonlighting as a Group B rally car driver?"

The room erupted into laughter, even from Clorinde herself. Despite her initial annoyance, she couldn't help but chuckle, her stoic exterior cracking ever so slightly. She shook her head, muttering under her breath, "You guys are insufferable oafs."

The group filed back into the lodge, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon drawing them toward the dining table. Plates were stacked high with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast, and the room buzzed with lighthearted conversation as they sat down to eat. The camaraderie between them was palpable, their shared laughter echoing through the cozy lodge.

But the lighthearted morning was only the calm before the storm. The day's main event loomed large on everyone's minds—the race at Chirai Pass. With the sun rising higher and the shadows retreating, the tension in the air began to build.

It wasn't just another run. It was a proving ground, a clash of skill, strategy, and the will to win. And as they finished their breakfast, a quiet determination settled over the group.

The engines would roar soon enough, and by the end of the day, Chirai Pass would witness the next chapter in the saga of Team Speed Stars.