Act: 1 Chapter: 4 | The Downhill Ace Emerges!

The Night Before the Race

Morning – Gas Station

The usual hum of the gas station felt heavier than usual. The news had spread fast—Beidou's R32 was out.

Seele and Pela stood near the pumps, breaking the news to March and Collei.

March's heart dropped. "Wait—her engine blew up?!"

Pela nodded, her fingers absently twirling a strand of her hair. "Last night, during practice at Yougou."

March looked between them, the weight of the situation sinking in. "Is Beidou okay?"

Seele let out a slow sigh, arms crossed as she leaned against the pump. "Yeah, she's fine. Barely avoided the guardrail. It could've been way worse."

Pela adjusted her glasses, her tone calm but serious. "She lost control in a 360-degree spin but managed to recover before it got ugly. Her technique is top-notch."

March exhaled in relief, but then her mind shifted to the next pressing question.

"Then… who's racing in her place?"

Seele didn't even hesitate, her voice firm with resolve. "That'd be me. With my S30Z."

March and Collei exchanged glances. A subtle spark of hope ignited. If Seele was stepping in, then they still had a fighting chance.

Beidou's Garage – The Aftermath

Beidou stood in her garage, arms folded as she stared at the ruins of her R32's engine. The garage, once a sanctuary filled with the scent of fresh rubber and gasoline, now carried the bitter stench of burnt oil.

The RB26DETT—once the heart of her machine—was now a scorched, oil-stained mess. The once-throaty roar of the engine had been silenced. It was an open wound, a mechanical beast reduced to scrap.

Her mechanic, arms crossed, let out a low whistle as he studied the damage. "Lucky you made it out of that in one piece."

Beidou exhaled sharply, her lips tight. "Yeah. Not exactly how I wanted the night to go."

The mechanic wiped his hands on a rag, his eyes scanning the engine bay. "You know, the RB26 is a damn good engine, but it's been pushed too far in this car. Lucky it didn't blow completely." He paused, letting out a breath. "We've got a contact—someone who specializes in modified engines. No more stock RB26s for this car. We've already ordered a billet RB26DETT. Custom-built. It'll handle the pressure, but it'll take time to get here."

Beidou's eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and hope. She could already imagine the power a custom engine would unleash, the raw aggression it would bring to her beloved R32.

But the weight of reality quickly set in. She rubbed her face with a gloved hand, eyes drifting back to the wreckage.

Her voice dropped, quieter now. "That's… incredible, but the race is tomorrow."

The mechanic's expression softened, a flash of sympathy crossing his face. "We'll get her back in shape, don't you worry. But for now…" He trailed off, not needing to finish the sentence.

Beidou already knew the truth. The race was in less than 24 hours, and there was no way the car would be ready. For now, someone else had to race in her place.

She turned away from the wreckage, fists clenched at her sides. "Shit…"

The mechanic paused, then added, "It's not the end of the road for your car. We'll fix this, Beidou. But for now, you've got to let someone else take the wheel."

Beidou nodded, the weight of the decision already settling deep in her chest. "I know."

The mechanic clapped her on the shoulder. "We'll handle the rebuild. You go focus on what's next."

But Beidou's mind was already elsewhere. The race. The team. Whoever was stepping in would have to carry the weight of not just the R32's reputation, but hers as well.

The garage door creaked as it closed behind her, sealing off the remnants of her R32. Tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow would decide everything.

Hours Later

Beidou sat in the passenger seat of Seele's S30Z, her fingers tapping a quick rhythm against her knee, the smooth leather of the seat creaking as she shifted slightly. The sound of the engine humming beneath them was familiar, but it didn't carry the same thrill it usually did. Her eyes traced the lines of the old Nissan, appreciating its power, its presence. Still, it didn't matter. The thought of her R32, sitting lifeless in the garage, gnawed at her.

Seele, who had been silent up until now, pulled into the parking lot outside Hearth's Tofu Shop, the sleek midnight blue Z coasting to a stop. Beidou unbuckled her seatbelt, sliding out of the car with practiced ease. The doorbell above the entrance chimed as she pushed it open, and the comforting, familiar aroma of fried tofu and warm oil flooded her senses.

Behind the counter, Arlecchino was wiping down the counter, the rhythmic sound of the cloth against wood filling the air. Her eyes lifted slowly, locking with Beidou's. A knowing smirk slid across her face, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, it's you."

Beidou paused for a moment before answering. "Where's your car?"

Beidou's words lingered in the air, her gaze faltering for just a moment before she managed to steady herself. She clenched her fists at her sides. "Its… engine blew up. Two nights ago."

For a split second, Arlecchino's expression softened, a flicker of something—maybe concern—dancing across her features. "Damn. That's rough." Her eyes studied Beidou carefully, gauging her reaction, before she continued, her tone softer now. "Glad you're alright, though."

Beidou forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah…" She cleared her throat. "I'll take a box of fried tofu."

Arlecchino nodded, her movements smooth as she began to prepare the order, all while her mind seemed to work through something. Without looking up, her voice broke the silence.

"You know, kid… I thought it over."

Beidou watched her, curiosity piqued.

Arlecchino slid the box of golden-brown tofu across the counter with a casual grace. "I might race for you tonight."

Beidou's breath caught in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat, and sheer relief and excitement quickly washed over her, her voice trembling slightly. "Wait—you will?!"

Arlecchino's lips curled into a sly smirk. "Guess you'll find out."

Beidou practically radiated gratitude as she grabbed the box of tofu, clutching it tightly against her chest. "You won't regret this!" She turned quickly, rushing back to the car before she could say anything else.

Arlecchino leaned casually on the counter, her gaze lingering on Beidou as she dashed out the door. A cryptic smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and her voice, low and teasing, echoed in the empty shop.

"You won't regret this, Ms. Arlecchino!" Beidou's voice carried in the distance, already fading as she hopped into the car.

Arlecchino's smile widened, amusement flickering in her eyes as she glanced down at the tofu shop's countertop.

"Little do you know… I'm not the one driving the Eight-Six tonight."

Later That Afternoon – Gas Station

Collei leaned against the counter, arms crossed, her eyes narrowed as she watched Arlecchino, who was scrolling through her phone with an expression of amusement. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, hesitating.

"Hey, Dad—" Collei started, her voice uncertain as she carefully chose her words. "Can I borrow the car tomorrow?"

Arlecchino didn't even look up from her phone. "No can do, kiddo. I've got a meeting."

Collei groaned, frustration bubbling up. "Seriously? Your timing sucks. I need it."

Arlecchino chuckled softly, her eyes still fixed on her phone as she scrolled with unbothered ease. "Ohh, I see how it is. Taking your pink-haired friend on a date, are you?"

Collei's face flushed a deep red. "Wha—?! None of your business!"

She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Stop being annoying and just let me take the car!"

She turned to leave, but Arlecchino's voice stopped her in her tracks, a knowing lilt to her words.

"That car isn't moving without the key, and that key's gonna be hanging around my neck like a necklace."

Collei whipped around, already annoyed. "Ugh, what's your deal?"

Arlecchino let the silence linger, enjoying the moment, before finally smirking. "Fine. You can take the car."

Collei blinked, a surge of surprise flooding her. "Really?! Thanks, Dad—"

Arlecchino's grin turned sharp, a predatory edge to it. "On one condition."

Collei narrowed her eyes, a sense of unease settling in. "...What condition?"

Arlecchino twirled the AE86's key around her finger, the sound of it lightly tapping against her knuckles. Her voice dropped lower, carrying an edge of danger. "Tonight. 10 PM. You're heading up to Yougou Pass."

Collei tilted her head, clearly confused. "Okay…?"

Arlecchino's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "There's a girl up there. Drives an FD."

Collei's expression shifted, the realization dawning. Her eyes narrowed. "Wait, what are you saying?"

Arlecchino tossed the key to Collei, the small object clinking as it landed in her palm. "Beat the living fire out of her in a downhill race."

Collei stared at her, still processing the challenge. Her heart began to pound, but she couldn't deny the thrill creeping up her spine.

Arlecchino raised an eyebrow, her tone growing more serious. "Win, and I'll throw in a full tank of gas."

Collei hesitated, staring at the key, but then—her grin spread.

"A full tank of gas? Deal."

Arlecchino chuckled, satisfied. "That's my girl."

As Collei turned to leave, Arlecchino leaned back in her chair, her voice dropping into something almost dangerous.

"Now get some rest, kid. You're gonna need it tonight."

Gas Station – Pre-Race Preparations

In the dim glow of the garage lights, Beidou leaned over the S30Z's open hood, her hands tracing the polished intake manifold. Her sharp gaze flickered across the components, mentally running through the specs she knew all too well.

"3.1-liter L28, twin turbos… tuned to around 600 horsepower."

She exhaled slowly, her thoughts shifting. "Look, Seele, I get it—power's great. But on a downhill run, it's not just about horsepower."

Straightening up, she wiped her hands on a rag and adjusted her gloves, her voice steady and focused. "Cornering wins races. If your car can't hold its line through the hairpins, 600 horsepower won't mean a damn thing."

Across the bay, Seele, who had been fine-tuning the intercooler piping, shot her a glance, her face a mixture of determination and unease.

"I know that," Seele replied, her voice defensive. "I already turned the boost down. Last time we dyno'd it, we had it sitting around 400 horsepower."

Beidou arched an eyebrow, her gaze skeptical. "Hmph. Better, but still..."

Before she could continue, Pela crawled out from under the car, dusting off her hands with a satisfied smile. "Suspension's dialed in. Alignment's perfect. If you're up against Keqing, you're ready."

Seele let out a slow, steady breath, the tension in her shoulders still not quite gone. Her hands flexed, still unsure, still anxious.

"…I'm still not convinced Arlecchino's gonna show," she muttered, her voice quieter than before.

Beidou's smirk grew wider as she clapped a firm hand on her shoulder, her confidence unwavering.

"She'll be here," she said, her voice like steel. "She promised me."

Seele glanced away, her doubts lingering, but there was little time left to dwell on them. The race was coming.

As the last of the twilight faded into night, Lyney locked up the gas station, and the streets of Inazuma burst into life. Engines roared, headlights cut through the darkness, and a convoy of modified cars snaked their way up Mt. Yougou—glowing fireflies on a deadly trail. Word had spread fast; tonight wasn't just any race. It was a clash of titans.

At the summit, the atmosphere was electric. The air was thick with tension as street racers, spectators, and tuning experts filled every inch of the summit. The scent of burning rubber and gasoline mixed with the cold night air, creating an unmistakable cocktail of anticipation. Beidou stood with her team, her eyes flicking between her watch and the winding road. Her pulse matched the racing engines around her.

They weren't just waiting for Keqing and Ningguang's RX-7s. They were waiting for something else—the ghost of the mountain.

And then, the FC and FD arrived.

Ningguang parked her FC with a graceful turn into the rest area, stepping out of the car with the poise of a queen. Keqing, on the other hand, was a flame—sharp, focused, and intense. She killed the engine of her FD, the sound of it dying with an almost ominous finality. As she swung the door open, her sharp gaze swept over the crowd, eyes scanning for any hint of weakness.

Ningguang leaned in, her voice smooth like polished stone. "You sure about this?"

Keqing's lips quirked into a confident smirk, cracking her neck with the practiced ease of someone who had been here a hundred times. "I didn't come all this way for a friendly chat." She narrowed her eyes. "Where's the Eight-Six?"

Beidou's exhale was deep, the creeping doubt making itself known. But she shook it off. Arlecchino wouldn't let her down. "She'll be here. She promised me."

Meanwhile, at the base of Yougou…

Collei's fingers tightened around the steering wheel, heart pounding in her chest as she pulled up to the gas station. The mountain loomed ahead, just as familiar as it was unforgiving. She had driven it a hundred times. She knew every bump, every hairpin, every perfect line—but tonight… tonight felt different.

She hesitated for a brief moment, her mind racing, before she looked toward Arlecchino, who stood casually against the gas pump, her expression unreadable under the flickering streetlights.

"Hey, Dad," Collei said, adjusting her jacket as her eyes flicked nervously between the car and her father. "Should I bring a cup of water for the race?"

Arlecchino chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. She shook her head, a glimmer of amusement in her red eyes. "You won't need a water cup, kid." Her tone was light, but there was a steel edge to it. "You're not carrying tofu this time. All you need to do is drive your hardest."

Collei nodded, rolling up the window, and driving away. The AE86 roared to life, the familiar howl of the NA 4A-GE filling her ears as she sped toward the mountain.

Back at the Summit, 9:30 PM…

Keqing let out an impatient sigh, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her gaze flickering toward the dark road. "Come on. If that Eight-Six isn't showing up, at least tell me who I'm racing."

Beidou clenched her jaw, frustration mounting as time ticked away. There was no turning back now. She turned to Seele, who stood beside the S30Z, still fidgeting with her gloves.

"Alright, Seele," Beidou said, her voice firm, "looks like it's your turn with the S30Z."

Seele inhaled sharply, her nerves visible in the tension of her body as she walked toward the car, her hands still trembling slightly.

Beidou stepped in front of her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. "Breathe. You've got this."

Seele exhaled, her chest tight as she stared at the car. "I don't know, Beidou… I'm so fucking nervous."

Beidou grinned, slapping her on the back with a playful chuckle. "Good. Use that. Drive it like you fucking stole it."

But before Seele could even line her car up, a sudden radio crackled to life, cutting through the tension.

Ningguang's spotter, at the finish line, sounded urgent.

"Yo! We got a car coming up fast!"

Keqing snapped her head up, her eyes narrowing. "What car?"

The spotter's voice came through breathless, like they'd just seen a ghost.

"It's a black-and-white car. Pop-up headlights. Could be an Eight-Six? But holy shit, it just blew past us like a goddamn bullet."

Silence hit the summit like a wave.

Keqing's lips curled into a dangerous grin, her fingers tightening around the radio as adrenaline surged through her. "Finally. You showed up… Phantom."

She turned to Seele, eyes burning. "Mind moving your car?"

Seele's exhale was a mix of relief and surprise. "Not a problem at all."

The crowd erupted in noise as the legendary AE86 rounded the final corner, its engine howling as it stormed up to the summit.

The Eight-Six came to a precise stop at the starting line, its driver executing a perfect U-turn, and the moment it settled, the driver's side door swung open.

March stared at the car, her mind racing. No way. That car—it looked just like Collei's.

And then, the driver stepped out.

A young girl with green hair.

The crowd went silent.

Beidou's breath caught in her throat. Seele's eyes widened. Keqing's confident grin faltered, just for a brief, fleeting moment.