Act: 2 Chapter: 1 | A Lone Wolf's Rematch

The morning sun had not yet fully risen when Collei found herself standing at the edge of Araumi Pass, looking out at the winding roads below. She couldn't help but replay the events of the previous night—the thrill of the race, the adrenaline coursing through her veins, and that final moment when the two cars crossed the finish line, side by side. She had won the race, in a way, but it wasn't the kind of victory she had expected.

Amber approached quietly, noticing Collei's distant gaze.

"Hey, you alright?" Amber asked gently, her voice full of concern.

Collei snapped out of her reverie, her eyes refocusing on her friend. "Yeah, just... thinking. About last night."

Amber raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You mean about the draw?"

Collei nodded slowly, frustration creeping into her voice. "Yeah. I mean, it's a draw, and technically, that means no one lost. But I can't help feeling like I didn't win. It's like I'm still not fast enough... like Clorinde is on the same level as me. I wanted to beat her, to prove that I'm faster, but instead, we just matched each other."

Amber's eyes softened. "Collei, come on. You were incredible last night! It was a close race, and a draw doesn't mean you're slow. It just means that you two are evenly matched."

Collei shook her head, her thoughts swirling. "But I don't want to just be 'evenly matched.' I want to be better than everyone else. I want to prove that I'm faster. The fact that I couldn't leave her behind... it's making me doubt myself."

Amber placed a comforting hand on Collei's shoulder. "You'll get there. I know you will. You're the one who made it to the top in the first place, right? This race wasn't the end, it's just another step."

Collei gave her a weak smile. "I hope you're right, Amber. I really do."

That afternoon, the quiet hum of an approaching car echoed through Araumi Pass.

A sleek, gray Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX weaved through the mountain curves with precise control. The driver wasn't racing—she was studying the road, absorbing every gradient and corner with keen attention.

At the summit, a parking lot overlooked the valley.

Leaning casually against her pristine RX-7 FC, Ningguang stood, watching the approaching car with a knowing smirk.

With a flick of her foot, she crushed her cigarette under her heel just as the Lancer Evo rolled to a stop behind her.

The door opened, and a white-haired girl with fox-like ears stepped out. Her stance exuded confidence.

A sly grin played on her lips. "Hey, Ningguang. Long time no see."

Ningguang smirked, slipping on her sunglasses. "Feixiao. It's been a while. What brings you to Araumi?"

Feixiao crossed her arms. "Nothing wrong with meeting up with an old friend, right? Besides, I got bored of Jakotsu Pass. Figured I'd drop by... and maybe challenge you to a rematch."

Ningguang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A rematch, huh?"

Feixiao's grin widened. "Yeah. Last year's race was epic—you shattered my winning streak. But I've improved since then. Now it's my turn to take yours down."

A chuckle escaped Ningguang, rich and amused. "Hate to break your heart, Feixiao, but my winning streak was broken recently... on a downhill race."

Feixiao's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? By who?"

Ningguang straightened, her tone serious.

"I was beaten in Yougou... by an Eight Six."

Feixiao took a step closer, her curiosity piqued. "The Eight Six? You mean Yougou's Eight Six?"

Ningguang nodded. "That's right. I even considered retiring after that, but I know myself too well—the streets will always pull me back."

She pushed herself off her car, adjusting her coat. "Here's the deal. I'll arrange for the course to be clear over the next couple of days so you can practice. Drive it as hard as you want. Once you're ready, I'll race you."

With that, Ningguang climbed into her RX-7 FC. The rotary engine purred to life before she drove off down the mountain, her composure unshaken.

Feixiao stood there, the realization sinking in.

"Ningguang, beaten by Yougou's Eight Six? I never saw that coming... I've heard of that car winning race after race, but I never imagined it would beat Ningguang."

Her grip tightened on her racing gloves.

A storm was brewing.

Feixiao had come to challenge Ningguang.

But maybe... a new target loomed in her mind.

The sun hung low over Yougou Pass, casting long shadows across the gas station lot. It had been two days since the legendary battle between Collei's Eight Six and Clorinde's Lancia 037, but the aftershocks were still being felt.

Collei's Lingering Doubt

March furrowed her brows, watching as Collei quietly refueled her car. Something about her was different today. The usual spark in her eyes was gone, replaced by an unmistakable unease.

She glanced over at Beidou, who was leaning against her Skyline, arms crossed, looking just as observant.

"Is it just me, or has Collei been acting weird lately?" March asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Beidou let out a deep sigh, her gaze never leaving Collei. "No denying it. Ever since that draw with Clorinde, she's been different. Like she's not satisfied with anything."

Amber, ever the empathetic one, added, "Yeah, I talked to her about it earlier. She expected to be ahead of the Lancia... But she doesn't feel like it was enough."

Seele, blunt as ever, crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "I'd feel the same way. Nobody likes a draw. It's either a win or a loss—there's no in-between."

Before anyone could add anything further, the unmistakable roar of a supercharged engine cut through the air.

A familiar Lancia 037 rolled into the gas station, pulling neatly behind Seele's Devil Z. The car's aggressive presence seemed to fill the space, demanding attention.

Clorinde stepped out, exuding her usual calm confidence.

"Hey! What's going on here?" she called out, her tone friendly yet carrying the weight of someone who'd been through countless races.

March waved enthusiastically, glad for the distraction. "Hey, Clorinde! Not much, really."

Clorinde smiled, shutting the door behind her with a soft thud. "Good. I just got word about something interesting happening up in Araumi."

The mention of Araumi had everyone leaning in.

The group gathered around as Clorinde continued, her words drawing them in.

"Ningguang's old rival from last year showed up in a Lancer Evo and challenged her to a rematch."

Beidou raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A rematch?"

Clorinde nodded, her smile hinting at the story behind it. "Yeah. They've been doing practice and exhibition runs since yesterday. It's just for fun—no winners or losers, just pure driving."

Seele's eyes lit up at the idea. "Really? We should check it out—maybe tonight or tomorrow."

The group murmured their agreement, the prospect of a high-intensity race sparking their interest. But Clorinde's eyes shifted toward Collei, studying her carefully.

"What about you, Collei? Are you planning to head up there?" she asked, her tone soft yet probing.

Collei hesitated, the question weighing on her. She shrugged, her voice unsure. "I don't know... I'll think about it."

Clorinde offered a confident smile, her tone light but with a hint of challenge. "Alright. You have my number. Let me know—or have one of your buddies let me know—if you're heading up."

Collei nodded, her mind still conflicted. "Alright."

With that, Clorinde gave a casual wave before climbing back into her Lancia. The engine purred to life as she merged onto the highway, the sleek silhouette of the car disappearing into the distance.

As soon as Clorinde was out of sight, Amber stepped up beside Collei, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Cheer up, Collei! You should take that offer and show up! Push yourself to the limit out there."

Something clicked in Collei's mind. Her gaze sharpened, and the fog of doubt that had clouded her expression began to clear.

Amber's voice was full of encouragement. "You've got this. A rematch is always an option if you're not satisfied with how the last race turned out."

A determined smile spread across Collei's face as resolve began to solidify within her. "You're right. Considering it was a draw, I can always challenge Clorinde to a rematch when the time is right!"

Amber grinned, pumping her fist in the air. "That's the spirit! A rematch could be just what you need to push yourself further."

Nearby, Beidou smirked, arms still crossed, but her gaze was full of quiet approval.

"Let's go! Bring your A-game, team! We're heading to Araumi tonight!"

The atmosphere shifted, excitement and anticipation building.

A new road lay ahead. This time, Collei was ready to push past her limits.

The soft glow of the porch light illuminated the sleek yet humble frame of the Eight Six, its silhouette casting long shadows against the ground. Arlecchino and Lynette stood beside it, the night air heavy with quiet contemplation.

Lynette ran a hand along the car's roof, her gaze thoughtful. "Still can't believe your daughter's the one behind the wheel of this thing," she mused. "With the way she drives, who knows how much longer this engine's going to last? Might already be on its last legs."

Arlecchino took a slow drag of her cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke into the darkness. "It's only a matter of time," she said, her voice unreadable.

Lynette crossed her arms, leaning against a stack of crates. "So what's the plan when that happens? You always said you'd swap the engine after her first loss. But that race against the Lancia ended in a draw. And if she keeps winning, that moment might not come anytime soon."

Arlecchino tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes reflecting the embers of her cigarette. "When I raced that Lancia's old driver, we never settled anything—just draw after draw. Both of us walked away as winners every time. I didn't expect Collei's streak to last this long… but I can't do much if she refuses to lose."

Lynette smirked. "So what's going to give out first? Her streak or the engine?" She tapped the hood of the car lightly. "Either way, I'll be ready when the time comes."

A rare, small smile tugged at Arlecchino's lips. "Very good."

Right on cue, the front door creaked open. Collei stepped outside, her movements light but purposeful. She approached the two, her confidence tempered with respect.

"Hey, Dad? Mind if I take the car? My friends and I are heading up to Araumi for some practice runs."

Arlecchino studied her daughter for a moment, then wordlessly tossed her the keys.

"Sure thing."

Grinning, Collei caught them midair and slid into the driver's seat. Moments later, the Eight Six rumbled to life, its distinct exhaust note cutting through the stillness of the night as she drove off into the distance.

At the Araumi Summit

Near the first hairpin of the mountain pass, Ningguang and Keqing stood by the roadside. The chill of the evening air was offset by the distant sound of approaching engines. Moments later, a convoy of cars tore through the mountain roads, streaking past in a blur of headlights and exhaust flames.

The Lancia 037. The R32. The Devil Z. A Supra. And finally, bringing up the rear—the unmistakable Eight Six.

Keqing's eyes widened as she turned excitedly to Ningguang. "Did you see that?"

Ningguang gave a measured nod, tracking the vehicles with sharp eyes. "I did. It looks like Clorinde invited some friends from Yougou for exhibition runs."

Back at Arlecchino's Home

The driveway was eerily quiet. Lynette sat upright on the crates, arms folded as she watched Arlecchino. "Still can't believe Collei's only eighteen," she murmured.

Arlecchino scoffed, lighting another cigarette. "Big deal. When I was eighteen, I was a million times better than her."

Lynette's smirk widened. "You'd say that, wouldn't you?" She leaned forward slightly. "Funny, though. When I talked to my brother the other day, he said Collei's got more talent than you ever did. His exact words were, 'Arlecchino's just too stubborn to admit her daughter's faster and better.'"

Arlecchino sneezed abruptly, then sniffed, waving it off. "Typical Lyney," she muttered.

Lynette chuckled. "Anyway, when Collei pushes past her limits, the engine won't be far behind. That old thing won't last much longer. But…" Her eyes flickered with curiosity. "Do you think she can keep winning after that?"

Arlecchino crushed her cigarette in the ashtray, her expression darkening slightly.

"Who knows…"

At the Araumi Parking Lot

The convoy rolled into the lot, engines humming as they came to a stop. A lone figure was already waiting—Feixiao, leaning casually against her Lancer Evolution. Her posture exuded confidence, her presence commanding.

Clorinde led the group forward, gesturing toward her. "Everyone, this is Feixiao. She's from the Mumei Prefecture. She's here for a rematch against Ningguang."

Feixiao straightened up, offering a warm smile. "Pleasure to meet you all."

One by one, Beidou, Seele, March, Pela, and Amber exchanged greetings with her. Then, Feixiao turned her gaze to Collei, her expression lighting up.

"Nice to finally meet you, Collei!"

Collei blinked in surprise. "Oh? You know me?"

Feixiao nodded eagerly. "Of course! With the way you've been winning lately, everyone knows about you!"

They shook hands, an unspoken camaraderie forming between them.

Feixiao's grin widened. "So, how about an exhibition run? No stakes—just a practice round."

Collei's expression brightened. "Sure thing, Feixiao. I could use the practice too."

Feixiao clenched her fists in excitement. "Yes! This is going to be awesome!"

Back at Home

Arlecchino stood in the doorway, arms folded, staring at the empty driveway. The silence around her felt almost oppressive. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, a rare flicker of unease crossing her features.

"Something big is going to happen tonight…" she murmured.

Her fingers tightened slightly around her arm.

"Why am I feeling so uneasy all of a sudden?"