Act: 1 Chapter: 2 | The Rallyist's Challange

The following morning at Lyney's gas station.

Inside the cramped office, the low hum of fluorescent lights barely competed with the rhythmic clicking of a laptop keyboard. A soft glow illuminated the faces of Amber, Lyney, Pela, Seele, and Beidou as they huddled around the screen, completely absorbed in the old Group B rally footage from 1983. The grainy video showcased the legendary Lancia Rally 037 tearing through the treacherous, ice-covered mountain roads of Snezhnaya, its headlights piercing through the thick, swirling snow.

Amber leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Check out those tight bends! That Lancia's taking them like they're nothing!"

"Yeah," Lyney murmured, his voice carrying a nostalgic tone. "That's Snezhnaya's mountain stages. Back then, those roads were even narrower. And with all that snow? Racing at full throttle like that was straight-up suicidal."

Pela adjusted her glasses, her analytical mind focused on the sound rather than the visuals. "But listen to that engine! That four-cylinder sounds way more aggressive than I expected!"

Before anyone could respond, another clip played. This time, it showed the same Lancia carving through the muddy banks of Fontaine, sending thick waves of dirt and water into the air as it executed a perfect four-wheel drift around a tight bend.

"Holy shit! Look at that drift!" Beidou shouted, her jaw practically on the floor.

"Wait, wait—play that back!" Amber demanded, pointing at the screen with wide eyes.

Pela quickly rewound the footage, slowing it down to frame-by-frame as they watched intently. The car's livery, the way it moved, the sound—everything about it felt familiar.

Seele's sharp gaze locked onto the screen. "No way… That's the same Lancia we saw last night."

Silence fell over the group as realization hit.

The video continued, transitioning to a rally stage set in the rocky plains of Natlan, where the Lancia soared over uneven terrain, kicking up clouds of dust as it gracefully landed after a small jump.

Lyney smirked, crossing his arms. "You know, despite the 037 being one of the most fragile cars of Group B, it was surprisingly tough in the actual rallies."

"Wait, really!?" Pela turned to him, her curiosity piqued.

Lyney nodded, his expression calm but carrying a hint of pride. "Yeah. Four of these Lancias entered the rally that year, and the best the Audi Quattros could do was fifth place. But get this—every single Audi that started the Natlan stages broke down before finishing."

"Damn, that's brutal," Beidou muttered.

Lyney chuckled and clicked on the next video. The footage cut to a breathtaking sight—an entire fleet of Lancia 037s lined up in a grand plaza in Italy, their Martini liveries gleaming under the golden sunset. A crowd of enthusiastic fans surrounded the cars, and in the background, the podium awaited the race winners.

Amber's eyes nearly popped out of her skull. "Hold up—how many Lancias are we looking at right now?!"

"Last time I checked?" Lyney grinned. "Six."

Beidou whistled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Six Lancias? Damn, they really went all in, huh?"

Lyney smirked. "Of course. That was San Remo, Lancia's home turf. They threw everything they had at that rally. And by the time the dust settled, they took home both the Driver's and Constructors' titles."

Amber narrowed her eyes at the screen, pointing at one of the racers standing atop the podium. "Let me guess… That's the Inazuman guy, isn't it?"

Lyney nodded. "Yep. That's him."

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Collei stepped inside, rubbing the back of her neck. "Hey, guys. What's up?"

Amber waved her over. "Oh, hey, Collei! We're just checking out some old Group B rally videos."

Collei's curiosity piqued as she walked over, her eyes fixated on the laptop screen. But just as she was about to sit down, a deafening roar shattered the morning stillness outside.

A vicious, high-pitched whine cut through the air, followed by the deep, thunderous growl of an engine. The unmistakable scream of a supercharger echoed across the gas station.

"Huh?" Beidou's head snapped toward the sound. "What the hell was that?"

Before anyone could answer, March's voice rang out from outside. "Guys! It's here!"

In an instant, the entire group bolted for the door, pushing past each other as they spilled out into the gas station lot.

And there it was.

The Lancia 037 Rally.

It sat under the morning sun, its white Martini livery almost glowing against the asphalt. The aggressive stance, the lack of a rear bumper, the unmistakable ducktail spoiler—it was the same car they had seen roaring through the mountain pass last night. The same car that had haunted the roads of Yougou like a phantom.

The engine let out one final low growl before shutting off. The sudden silence felt deafening.

Beidou's fists clenched at her sides. "Oh, hell no… What's it doing here?"

Lyney exhaled slowly, his sharp gaze never leaving the car. "I don't know… But if it's here, it's not just for show."

The driver's side door clicked open.

Collei held her breath.

Out stepped its driver—a young girl with striking purple hair, exuding confidence as she casually shut the door behind her.

Lyney narrowed his eyes, murmuring under his breath, "Could that be… the driver?"

The girl didn't seem fazed by the attention. Instead, she flashed a friendly yet assured smile. "Hey, can I get some fuel, please?"

"Sure thing! Coming right up!" Collei responded, hurrying over to the Lancia and beginning the refuel.

Meanwhile, the girl turned her attention to Beidou, who was wiping down the windshield. She gave her a small nod before speaking. "Hey there. Name's Clorinde. I'm looking for someone—if you don't mind me asking."

Beidou hesitated, gripping the rag a little tighter. "S-Sure… Who are you looking for?"

Clorinde leaned casually against the Lancia, her smirk widening ever so slightly. "Yougou's Eight Six. You know it, right?"

Beidou's eyes immediately widened. "…The Eight Six?"

Clorinde chuckled. "Yeah. The one that beat Ningguang a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure you've heard of it."

Beidou swallowed hard. "Y-Yeah… I've heard."

The rest of the group—Amber, Lyney, March, and Seele—watched in tense silence as Collei finished fueling the Lancia and cautiously approached. "How can I assist you, Miss Clorinde?"

Clorinde turned to her, scanning her with an amused glint in her eyes before extending a hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Miss Collei."

Collei hesitated for a second before shaking her hand. The others let out a collective sigh of relief, momentarily believing this was just a casual visit.

But then, Clorinde's next words shattered that illusion.

"So, Collei," she said smoothly, her voice carrying an unmistakable challenge, "I challenge you to a downhill race. Saturday. Ten o'clock."

Collei's breath hitched. "…A challenge?"

Beidou's eyes darted to Seele, whispering, "I can't believe it… She's actually issuing a challenge."

Collei exhaled sharply, shaking off her initial shock before locking eyes with Clorinde. There was no hesitation in her voice now.

"Challenge accepted."

The moment the words left her lips, the atmosphere shifted. A charged energy crackled between the two drivers as they shook hands once more—this time, sealing the battle ahead.

Seele let out a deep sigh. "It's official. Yougou's rallyist is taking on Collei."

Pela crossed her arms, her voice tinged with concern. "This is going to be tough… four times harder than Ningguang's race."

Clorinde simply smirked. "Well then, Collei. See you on Saturday." She hopped back into her Lancia, the supercharger whine filling the air as she sped off, disappearing into the twists of Yougou Pass.

Collei stood frozen, staring at the empty road. "What the hell just happened?"

Seele turned to Beidou. "What do you think? Is it time we did something about Collei's Eight Six?"

Beidou smirked. "I was just thinking the same thing… It's time for an upgrade."

March shot her hand up, practically bouncing. "Ooh! I know! How about a TURBO?!"

Beidou grinned and waved Collei over. "Hey, Collei, come here a sec."

Collei walked over, raising an eyebrow. "What's up?"

Beidou placed a hand on her shoulder, her tone serious. "Listen. Have you ever considered upgrading the Eight Six? Maybe, I don't know… adding a turbo?"

Collei's eyes widened. "Huh? Upgrade? I can't even modify it—it's not my car."

Beidou groaned. "Damn. I forgot it's your father's car…"

Seele perked up. "Then maybe… there's a way we can convince her to let you upgrade it?"

Beidou suddenly snapped her fingers, a plan forming in her mind. "I've got it! What if we pay for the upgrades? There's no way she'd turn that down, right?"

Seele nodded. "Yeah! If we chip in for the upgrades, your father might actually approve."

March clenched her fists, practically vibrating with excitement. "So?! What do you say, Collei?!"

Collei scratched her head, looking torn. "I… don't know, guys. She's the stingiest person in all of Narukami."

The group dramatically collapsed in despair before quickly snapping back up.

Beidou and Seele shouted in unison, "You can't say that! You know we idolize her!"

Collei blinked. "Wait… you guys idolize my father that much?!"

March nodded enthusiastically. "Are you kidding?! The way he drives—he's a living legend! The best of the best! If we could get even a fraction of his skill, we'd be set for life!"

Lyney chimed in from the side, his tone playful but earnest. "It's not just his driving, either. It's his discipline, his focus, the way he always knows the perfect line to take. Your dad's the kind of guy who could teach us all a thing or two."

Collei felt a small sense of pride swell in her chest. "Well… he does have his moments, I guess. But he's also a huge pain."

Amber threw her hands up in mock horror. "No way! The legendary Arlecchino is a pain?!"

Collei sighed. "He's a perfectionist. Never satisfied with anything I do unless it's exactly what he wants. It's… hard."

Seele's expression softened. "Sounds like he wants the best for you. You just gotta show him that you're ready to take things up a notch."

Collei hesitated, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her jacket. "Yeah… I know. But I don't want to disappoint him. This car... it's important to him. It's all we have left of him."

Beidou's tone softened, but her voice still carried a certain determination. "We're not saying you should go behind his back or anything, Collei. We just want to help you push yourself. You've got the skills, and with a little more power under the hood, you could really take on anyone—including that Clorinde."

Collei looked at them all, their faces filled with determination and hope. A quiet moment passed before she exhaled slowly.

"...Alright," she finally said, her voice filled with quiet resolution. "I'll think about it. But I'll need to talk to him first. And I don't know how he'll take it, but... I'll try."

The group erupted into cheers, their energy suddenly lifted. Beidou slapped Collei on the back, a grin spreading across her face.

"That's the spirit! Now we've got a race to prepare for!"

March bounced on her heels. "I'm already imagining all the upgrades! It's gonna be amazing!"

Seele smiled warmly, her eyes full of admiration. "You've got this, Collei. We'll help however we can."

Collei smiled, albeit with a hint of nervousness still lingering. "Thanks, guys. I just hope I can make it work."

As the group rallied together, plotting their next steps, the weight of the challenge ahead grew heavier. But with their support, Collei knew one thing for sure—whatever happened, she wasn't facing it alone.

That night, Lyney made his way to Arlecchino's place, his thoughts heavy with anticipation. There was only one thing on his mind—upgrading the Eight Six.

Arlecchino sat at the edge of her garage, arms crossed, eyes sharp. As soon as Lyney brought up the idea, she raised an eyebrow.

"Upgrading the Eight Six, huh?" she mused.

Lyney chuckled, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Of course. It was bound to cross your mind eventually. Collei's improving fast—so fast that, at some point, the car just won't be enough. She'll hit a wall, and she'll need more from the old faithful. The Eight Six deserves an upgrade."

Arlecchino exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting to the car. "You're not wrong. The engine's wearing down, and sooner or later, it'll give out completely. It's about time for an upgrade."

"Exactly," Lyney muttered, nodding.

But then, Arlecchino's expression shifted. A smirk played on her lips, something confident and almost mischievous.

"Actually… I already have a plan for it."

Lyney's eyes widened. "You do? Don't mess with me, Arlecchino!"

She crossed her arms, her smirk deepening. "Do I look like I'm messing with you? I just so happen to have come across something… incredible. Something from outside this town."

Lyney ran a hand through his hair. "Something… incredible?"

Arlecchino leaned in slightly, excitement flickering in her eyes. "Yeah. I'll show you. Let's go to your sister's shop—you'll see for yourself. You won't believe your eyes."

Without hesitation, Lyney hopped into the Eight Six, Arlecchino slipping into the passenger seat beside him. The two sped through the quiet town, heading straight for Lynette's garage.

Inside, the dim glow of the overhead lights cast long shadows over the shop. Something sat beneath a cover in the corner of the garage. Lyney crouched down, gripping the fabric with trembling hands. He took a deep breath and pulled it away.

And then—his eyes went wide.

"No way… It's… it's surreal! This is gold!"

His voice was laced with awe, his hands frozen just above the pristine engine before him.

Arlecchino grinned. "Told you. Even I get chills just thinking about it."

Lyney turned to her, his voice still tinged with disbelief. "And this… this is for the Eight Six?"

Arlecchino straightened up, her expression firm. "Yes. But it's not as simple as just swapping engines. We'll need to re-tune the suspension, make sure everything is dialed in perfectly."

Lynette, who had been silently watching, finally spoke up. "And with this setup… the Eight Six will become a monster you can't defeat."

The words hung in the air. This wasn't just an upgrade—it was a rebirth.

The group stepped outside, the distant hum of an engine still ringing in their ears. Arlecchino pulled a cigarette from her pocket, lighting it with a flick before taking a slow drag. Then, she spoke again, her tone calm… but deliberate.

"But there's one thing Collei hasn't done yet."

Lyney glanced at her, frowning. "What do you mean?"

Arlecchino exhaled, the smoke curling into the night air. Then, she turned her gaze toward him—cold, calculating.

"I'll tell you… but promise me you won't tell her."

Lyney and Lynette exchanged quick glances before nodding in unison. "Not a word."

Arlecchino smiled slightly. "Good." Then, her voice lowered.

"The thing is… Collei hasn't lost a race yet."

Lyney took a sharp breath. "Lose?" His voice was almost incredulous. "She's worked so hard to maintain her winning streak! She hasn't lost a single race so far!"

Arlecchino let out a slow sigh. "And that's exactly the problem."

Her eyes glinted under the dim streetlights, her tone unwavering.

"If Collei keeps winning, she won't truly understand what this upgrade means. Right now, she only sees her Eight Six as a machine that's always enough. But when she loses—really loses—only then will she realize its limits. Only then will she truly appreciate what it means to grow as a racer."

A heavy silence followed.

Then, Arlecchino dropped her cigarette and crushed it underfoot.

"So until she loses…" she said, her voice quiet but absolute, "I won't be upgrading the Eight Six."

Days pass. Finally, race day arrives.

The news spread like wildfire across Narukami—Collei's Eight Six was set to go head-to-head with a Lancia Rally 037. A battle between legends, past and present. The excitement buzzed in the air, with whispers of the race spreading faster than wildfire.

Ningguang's Apartment – Afternoon

Ningguang sat at her desk, eyes focused on the sleek glow of her laptop screen. Her fingers moved with practiced precision over the keys, typing away as though nothing could interrupt her flow.

Then—

BAM!

The door swung open with a force that rattled the frame. Keqing burst in, her energy practically radiating from her, her excitement palpable as she bounced on her heels.

"Hey! Did you hear?" she exclaimed, her voice so filled with adrenaline that Ningguang could feel the rush in the room. "The Eight Six is racing a damn Rally Car tonight!"

Ningguang didn't even glance up, continuing her task without missing a beat. "Yeah, I heard. Lancia Rally 037."

Keqing closed the distance between them, her voice crackling with enthusiasm. "It's huge! Some old-timers said it's the only car that's ever tied with the Eight Six."

Ningguang's hands paused mid-type, her expression tightening just slightly. "Tied?" Her gaze sharpened as she lifted her eyes to meet Keqing's. "That's a first. Even I couldn't pull that off."

Keqing nodded, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. Apparently, this guy was a legend in Yougou's uphill courses. He raced in the '80s for Lancia Martini Racing."

Ningguang's curiosity flared, her posture shifting. "WRC?" Her voice dropped an octave, the hint of admiration clear.

Keqing smirked, her eyes sparkling. "Yup. Group B era. But he retired years ago… and now?" She crossed her arms, her tone hinting at something more. "His daughter, Clorinde, is the one behind the wheel."

Ningguang raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "A battle between the next generation, then?" She folded her arms and glanced out the window, her thoughts clearly turning. "When history repeats itself… you don't look away."

Collei & March – Walking Home

Later that afternoon, Collei and March walked side by side down the quiet streets of Narukami, the golden glow of the setting sun painting the world in hues of orange and pink. The hum of the city around them seemed distant as they walked, lost in their own thoughts.

Then—

March spoke up, her voice suddenly quiet, an uncharacteristic seriousness in her tone. "Collei, you should really consider adding a turbo to your Eight Six. Clorinde and that Lancia are no joke."

Collei exhaled, her lips pressing together as she kicked a small stone along the road. "I know." Her words came slow, weighed down by frustration. "But if my father won't budge, then it's not happening." She kicked the stone again, her eyes narrowing at the ground as she added, "Right now, I have to focus on driving the car I have. Doesn't matter what I'm up against."

March studied her closely, sensing the tension beneath Collei's calm exterior. She didn't press further but let the silence settle between them.

When they arrived at Arlecchino's home, March gave Collei a brief nod, a gesture of understanding, before heading off to prepare for the evening.

Collei lingered in front of the house, her gaze drawn to the Eight Six parked in the driveway. The car stood still, yet its presence felt as though it was calling to her. She couldn't help but be drawn to it, the constant companion that had seen her through every race, every challenge.

She stared at it for a long moment, almost as though it were another person, a confidant that knew her inside and out.

"More power…" she muttered to herself, her voice quiet but firm. "I need more power."

She stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted the hood and gazed at the heart of the car—the 1.6-liter 4A-GE Bluetop engine. Solid. Reliable. But was it enough?

Her thoughts churned as she stood there, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her. Could she really keep relying on this engine, knowing it was nearing its limit?

Her hands balled into fists at her sides.

After what felt like an eternity, she shut the hood, the click of it echoing in the quiet street.

"I don't even know where to start…" Her voice was barely a whisper, but it held a weight that pressed down on her chest.

And then—

The sound of a turbocharged engine broke through the silence.

Collei snapped her head toward the sound, her pulse quickening. A blue Nissan Sileighty rolled up the street, its headlights cutting through the dimming light like a blade. The engine hummed with quiet power before the driver killed the ignition.

The door swung open.

Amber stepped out, her grin wide and easy. "Hey, Collei!" she called out, waving as she walked toward her.

Collei blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden appearance. "Amber? What's up?"

Amber rubbed the back of her neck, her usual swagger replaced with a hint of awkwardness. "Oh, uh… I was wondering if you wanted to go for a drive before the race? You know, just to clear your head."

Collei exhaled, a slow breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Then, she smiled, the weight on her chest easing just a little. "Yeah," she said, her voice lighter now. "Let's do it."

Under the Sunset – A Moment of Clarity

The Sileighty and the Eight Six carved their way up the winding road leading to a scenic overlook above Lake Yougou, the asphalt twisting through the dense forest. The sky, bathed in the last golden rays of dusk, painted everything in a soft, amber glow.

They parked near the edge, the cars resting side by side like two long-lost companions reunited after a long journey. The soft chirping of cicadas filled the air, their steady hum adding to the stillness of the moment.

Amber was the first to step out of the car, her boots crunching softly on the gravel as she moved toward the barrier. She leaned over, her gaze settling on the lake below.

"Look at that," she murmured, her voice soft as she watched the water glisten beneath the fading sun, the surface shimmering like a sheet of glass. The mountains surrounding the lake were painted in deep shadows, the trees swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Collei joined her, her footsteps light but deliberate. She let out a breath, one she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Yeah… it's beautiful," she said, her voice quiet, almost reverent.

Amber studied her for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the subtle tension in Collei's posture. Her shoulders were stiff, and her jaw clenched tighter than usual. It wasn't just the view that had her on edge.

"…Nervous?" Amber asked, her tone gentle but knowing.

Collei wiped a stray bead of sweat from her forehead, her fingers brushing against her skin as though trying to push the anxiety away. "Yeah. A lot. It's been almost a month since I raced Ningguang." Her voice wavered just a little, betraying the weight of the moment. "And this time… it feels different."

Amber took a small step closer, her presence warm and steady. She nudged Collei lightly with her elbow, her lips curving into a reassuring smile. "You'll do great. I know you will."

Collei let out a deep exhale, her breath shaky. "I don't know, Amber. Clorinde's a rally driver. And that Lancia—" She paused, her mind flashing back to two nights ago, when the roar of the Lancia's supercharged engine tore through the pass like a beast unleashed. "It's fast."

Amber's smile didn't falter. She took a slow, deliberate step closer, placing a hand gently on Collei's arm. "Hey." Her voice was warm, steady, the weight of her words offering a grounding presence. "So what? You've beaten fast cars before. You know this mountain better than anyone. You've got the skills and the heart. You just have to believe in yourself."

Collei hesitated, her eyes drifting down to the ground as doubt gnawed at her. "I… I'm not sure."

Then—

Before she could overthink it any longer, Amber reached up and pulled her into a kiss.

It was sudden. Brief. But full of warmth, a spark of confidence, a promise wrapped in tenderness.

Collei stiffened at first, her eyes wide with surprise. But then the tension in her body began to melt away. She leaned in, her lips softening as she returned the kiss, a wave of calm washing over her.

When Amber pulled back, she grinned, her fingers brushing a stray strand of Collei's hair behind her ear, a playful spark dancing in her eyes.

"That's for good luck, sunshine."

Collei blinked, her heart racing, her cheeks flushed a deep red. "I—uh—" She stammered, the words catching in her throat. But then, the corners of her mouth lifted into a small, genuine smile. "T-Thanks, Amber."

Amber chuckled softly, her voice light with amusement. "C'mon, let's get back. You've got a race to win."

The two climbed back into their cars, the moment of peace lingering in the air between them, but quickly giving way to the storm that awaited ahead. As the engines roared to life, the familiar hum of adrenaline filled the spaces between them. They drove side by side, their tires eating up the road beneath them, heading toward the heart of the challenge that would define everything.

Yougou Pass – The Gathering Storm

Night falls, and the mountain awakens.

The entire pass is packed—spectators line the guardrails, headlights and flashlights flickering like a constellation of stars in the darkness. The buzz of excited chatter fills the air, mixing with the soft rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze. It's a restless energy, charged with anticipation. People from all corners of Inazuma City have gathered for this moment—the kind of showdown that only comes once in a lifetime.

Among the crowd, Arlecchino stands with her arms crossed, her posture stiff and casual all at once. Her gaze sweeps the scene, eyes calculating, unreadable.

"I still can't believe you dragged me here," she mutters under her breath, her tone flat.

Beside her, Lyney grins mischievously, a sparkle of excitement in his eyes. "Come on! This is your rival's daughter racing your daughter! It's practically history repeating itself. How could you miss this?"

Arlecchino exhales through her nose, shaking her head with a resigned smile. "Fair point," she murmurs, though there's a flicker of something—nostalgia, perhaps—in her gaze.

At the summit, Clorinde leans casually against her Lancia 037, arms folded, her eyes locked on the road below. Her car sits like a beast ready to pounce, its body sleek and purposeful under the floodlights. Nearby, Navia leans against her Acura NSX, the polished curves of the car catching the light, her calm demeanor unruffled as she watches the mountain.

Clorinde checks her watch, tapping her fingers impatiently. "Where's that Eight Six? It's almost ten," she mutters, eyes narrowing slightly.

Navia lets out a soft chuckle, her smile serene. "She'll be here. She always is."

And just as the words leave her lips—

A pair of headlights cut through the darkness, slicing the night like a blade. A high-revving, unmistakable four-cylinder scream echoes through the trees, sharp and distinct. The crowd reacts in a ripple, murmurs spreading like wildfire.

Collei's Eight Six rolls into view, its sleek white frame gliding to a stop beside the Lancia. The sound of its 4A-GE engine whines in the distance, cutting through the stillness of the night, a familiar cry that brings an anticipatory hush over the spectators. The crowd stirs. It's time.

Collei steps out, her green eyes sharp, focused—like a predator that's been waiting for the hunt. She adjusts her gloves, her expression calm yet intense. "Well, I'm here," she says, her voice steady despite the weight of what's about to unfold.

Before she can settle into the moment, Beidou's group rushes in, filling the space around her with their loud, supportive presence.

"You've got this, kid," Beidou says with a firm clap on Collei's shoulder, her tone both commanding and encouraging. "Don't let the weight of history slow you down."

Seele grins wide, raising her fist into the air. "Yeah! Show that rally driver what street racing's all about!"

Pela gives her a soft pat on the back, a quiet encouragement in her voice. "Make it count."

March winks playfully. "Go get 'er, champ."

The group steps aside as Pela, the ever-gracious bridge between the two worlds, moves to the front. She stands between the two legendary cars, her voice calm and firm as she addresses both drivers.

Before slipping back into her car, Collei strides up to Clorinde with purpose. She extends her hand in the dimming light, her voice steady despite the tension. "It's time to continue some history," she says, her gaze unwavering. "Shall we?"

Clorinde's grin widens, her hand gripping Collei's with confidence. "You betcha."

Both drivers turn away from one another, their focus narrowing on the machines that will carry them through the night.

Then—

"Hey, Collei!"

Collei pauses, her head turning slightly to look over her shoulder. Her heart gives a little jump when she sees Amber pushing her way through the crowd, her face bright with determination.

Amber rushes forward, her arms reaching out, and before Collei can react, she's swept into a tight, comforting hug. The world around them seems to disappear for a moment as Amber holds her close, her warmth grounding Collei.

"Good luck," Amber whispers, her voice full of quiet confidence.

Collei holds her close for a moment longer, breathing in the familiar scent of her. "Thanks, sunshine," she says softly, her voice steadying under Amber's embrace.

Reluctantly, Amber pulls back, a playful smile lighting her face. "Now go show 'em what you've got."

Collei smiles, a small but genuine thing, as she steps away and climbs into the Eight Six. The engine rumbles to life, its familiar 4A-GE growl rising into the night. The sound of the car starting is almost like a signal, and the crowd grows silent in anticipation.

Beside her, Clorinde's Lancia 037 comes to life with a deep, throaty growl. The supercharged inline-four rumbles in the darkness, its voice sending chills down the spines of the spectators. The two cars sit side by side, their engines humming in perfect synchrony as the night air thickens with excitement.

Two legends. Two drivers. One race.