Act: 2 Chapter: 3 | Vengeance at Araumi

The Following Morning

Beidou and Amber had just finished briefing Lyney on everything that went down the night before.

Lyney's eyes widened in shock. "Collei actually lost!?"

Amber sighed, shaking her head. "Technically, it wasn't a loss. It was just an exhibition run, not a full-on race. Nobody officially lost."

She paused, her voice softening.

"But… Collei lost something much more personal—her pride and joy."

Beidou crossed her arms, her expression serious. "Yeah, it's a tough break for her. She texted us last night—said she couldn't sleep at all. She's still hung up on the engine blowing up. It's all she can think about."

Right on cue, the unmistakable roar of a high-performance engine broke the morning stillness.

The trio turned as a familiar car pulled into the gas station—Clorinde's Lancia 037.

The sleek, iconic rally machine glided smoothly to a stop by one of the pumps. The sound of the supercharged four-cylinder idling was sharp and aggressive, yet controlled.

Clorinde stepped out, her demeanor as composed as ever. She approached the group, her sharp gaze scanning the area.

"Is Collei here by any chance?"

Amber shook her head. "No. She took the day off. She's still trying to process what happened last night. It's been rough on her."

Clorinde nodded thoughtfully. "I figured as much."

She exhaled quietly, arms crossed.

"It's unfortunate, but it happened. There's no undoing it now. She just has to find a way to move forward."

Beidou nodded in agreement. "Couldn't have said it better myself. When my R32's engine gave out a few months back, I felt the same way. It was devastating, but honestly? It was inevitable. Machines fail."

She glanced toward the horizon, as if remembering the moment.

"You just have to accept it and keep moving."

Clorinde offered a small, understanding smile. "Exactly."

She glanced at the time on her phone. "Anyway, I just wanted to check in and see how things were going. I need to head back to Araumi now and prepare for tonight's race. Busy evening ahead."

With that, she turned back toward her Lancia, sliding into the driver's seat.

The engine growled to life, a deep, aggressive purr as she revved it once. Moments later, she pulled out of the station, her taillights vanishing into the morning light.

Afternoon – Collei's Home

Collei lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Her mind was a relentless replay of the previous night.

The BANG of the engine failure.

The wild fishtail of the rear wheels losing control.

The chaotic spin before the Eight Six came to a final, lifeless halt.

She could still see the thick smoke pouring from the hood, the oil pooling on the asphalt beneath her beloved car. Her car.

A tightness gripped her chest.

She squeezed her eyes shut, as if that might erase the memory.

But it didn't.

A knock at the door snapped her out of her trance.

She didn't move. Maybe if she ignored it, they'd go away.

The knock came again, firmer this time.

Collei groaned, dragging herself out of bed. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Her voice was tinged with irritation as she trudged downstairs.

When she pulled the door open, Amber stood there, her expression full of concern.

"Oh… hey, Amber." Collei's voice was low, weary.

Amber stepped closer, studying her carefully. "Collei… are you okay?"

Collei shook her head. "Not really… no."

Amber placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Come on. Let's go for a drive. Maybe to Yougou Lake? Some fresh air might help clear your head."

Collei hesitated, her tired green eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Then, with a slow nod, she exhaled. "Yeah… I guess we can go."

She locked the door and followed Amber outside, where the Sileighty's sleek, two-tone body gleamed under the soft afternoon light.

The engine purred to life, and with a quiet whoosh, the car rolled out toward Yougou Pass.

Evening – Araumi Pass

Meanwhile, at Araumi Pass, Beidou and Seele were on their way to catch the much-anticipated showdown between Ningguang and Feixiao.

Beidou leaned back in the passenger seat, glancing at Seele with a smirk. "So, she's back to 600 horsepower now, huh?"

Seele grinned, a glint of pride in her violet eyes. "Yep."

She gestured toward the boost controller mounted on the dashboard. "Running full boost tonight, so I'm unleashing all 600 horses."

Beidou raised an eyebrow. "And the suspension? Pela fine-tuned it again, right?"

Seele nodded. "Sure did. Adjusted for better grip on throttle application. Also swapped out the old tires for semi-slicks—should be perfect for tonight's conditions."

As they climbed higher into the mountain roads, a pair of headlights loomed in the rearview mirror.

The car behind them inched closer. Too close.

Seele's eyes narrowed. "Tch. Someone's tailgating."

Beidou glanced back. "Yeah, no kidding. They're practically glued to your bumper."

A mischievous grin spread across Seele's face. "Wanna remind them who they're messing with?"

Beidou chuckled. "You've got 600 horsepower under the hood. Why not?"

With pleasure.

Seele downshifted and slammed the accelerator.

The Devil Z's turbos spooled up, unleashing an ear-splitting whoosh as the car launched forward like a slingshot. The rear tires bit into the asphalt, and the blue Fairlady Z rocketed ahead, leaving the tailgater in its wake.

The gap widened instantly.

Seele let out a low chuckle, her grip on the wheel steady. "And that, my friend, is why they call her the Devil Z."

Beidou laughed, clearly impressed. "Yeah, you've definitely earned that name. But let's dial it back—switch to cruise mode."

Seele smirked but eased off the throttle. The engine's ferocious growl softened, and the car settled into a smooth, effortless cruise.

As the lights of Araumi Pass came into view, the anticipation in the air was palpable.

Tonight was going to be one hell of a race.

By Yougou Lake – Sunset

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake's tranquil waters.

Amber and Collei stood near the shore, the soft murmur of ripples filling the silence. The scene was serene, yet in Collei's heart, the storm still raged.

Amber broke the quiet. "Clorinde stopped by earlier. She wanted to check on you."

Collei crouched near the water's edge, staring at her own reflection. Clouded eyes, just like her thoughts.

"I'm okay… I guess. Sorta," she muttered. "I just… I can't get my head around it."

Amber crouched beside her. "What can't you wrap your head around?"

Collei's hand skimmed the water's surface. "I was outmatched," she admitted. "I pushed the Eight Six to its limits. Then I went beyond them. And that's when it all fell apart."

Amber hesitated before asking the question lingering on her mind. "What's gonna happen to the Eight Six now?"

Collei exhaled, shoulders slumping. "I don't know. Dad'll probably swap in a new engine. But… beyond that? I have no idea."

The Corners of Araumi – Night Falls

The streets buzzed with anticipation. The air was electric, packed corners teeming with spectators jostling for a better view. The distant screech of tires echoed through the mountain pass.

Then, a white AE86 Levin came into view—turbocharged, flying past a hairpin with surgical precision. Its polished exterior gleamed under the floodlights, its presence sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd.

"Whoa!" A spectator pointed. "Is that Yougou's Eight Six!?"

Another shook his head. "Nah, check the plates—Kannazuka. Different driver."

The Levin pulled into a rest area. A young girl stepped out, adjusting her slightly wrinkled school uniform. She stretched, exhaustion evident in her movements.

She leaned against the guardrail, gazing at the winding road ahead.

"Finally. That drive was brutal… been at it since sunset."

The Summit – Feixiao vs. Ningguang

The night deepened.

A Lancer Evo IX rolled into view, its headlights slicing through the darkness, its engine purring with restrained power. Feixiao brought the car smoothly to the starting line.

Murmurs spread among the gathered drivers and spectators.

With a fluid motion, Feixiao executed a perfect U-turn, parking beside Ningguang's sleek FC RX-7.

Two machines. Two rivals. A long-awaited rematch.

Feixiao stepped out, arms crossed, her sharp gaze locking onto Ningguang. "Well," she said, her tone edged with determination, "looks like the time has finally come."

Ningguang smirked, confidence radiating off her like heat off asphalt. "Just you and me this time."

Feixiao's lips curled into a fierce grin. "That's the spirit. You'll see—I'm not the same Feixiao from last year."

Their engines idled, their battle about to begin.

Back at Yougou Lake – Midnight

Amber and Collei walked along the dock, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden planks.

The lake was still. It mirrored the sky, yet beneath its surface, hidden currents churned.

Just like Collei's heart.

Amber studied her. "Still feeling the weight of it?"

Collei nodded, barely whispering. "Yeah… I can't shake it."

Amber wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Talk to me. We're partners, remember?"

Collei exhaled, then finally let her thoughts spill.

"Ever since I raced Clorinde, I've been chasing speed. Trying to get faster, sharper. But the harder I push… the angrier I get. And that anger?" She clenched her fists. "It makes me sloppy. I've been making mistakes—even in my deliveries, I almost spill the water all the time now."

She looked up at the vast, star-dotted sky. Her voice wavered. "And then Araumi happened. Chasing that Lancer Evo… I pushed the Eight Six past its edge. And when I went beyond that?"

A breath hitched in her throat.

"It was over."

Her composure cracked. Tears welled up.

Amber sighed softly and pulled her into a hug.

"Come on, Collei. You know that wasn't your fault."

"How can it not be?" Collei's voice trembled. "I was the one driving. I should've known better."

Amber held her tighter. "Don't do this to yourself. It wasn't even a real race—it was an exhibition. There wasn't supposed to be a winner or loser."

Collei's defenses broke. The tears came freely.

"But… I was a loser. I lost my Eight Six…"

Amber let her cry into her sweater, stroking her hair.

"We'll get through this. Together."

At Lynette's Garage – Resurrection Begins

The garage was silent, save for the faint hum of a lone fluorescent light.

Lynette slipped on her gloves, her gaze focused, her hands steady.

She stepped toward the covered engine, the Eight Six's new heart hidden beneath the tarp.

With a swift pull, she unveiled the beast beneath.

A smirk played on Arlecchino's lips. "By tomorrow, everyone will be talking." She crossed her arms, watching as Lynette inspected the parts. "Yougou's Eight Six—back from the dead."

Lynette exhaled, rolling up her sleeves. She walked to the car itself—battered, but not broken.

Her golden eyes gleamed with determination.

"Let's make it happen."