Act: 3 Chapter: 1 | A Legend. Reborn.

Two days after Feixiao and Ningguang's intense race, Beidou, March, Seele, and Pela sat in a small breakfast diner, waiting for Collei and Amber to arrive. The low hum of conversation filled the space, mingling with the clatter of plates and the sizzle of food from the open kitchen.

But at their table, something heavier lingered in the air.

The conversation had shifted to a rumor circulating around Yougou—one that had caught everyone's attention.

Beidou leaned in toward Pela, her voice low, tinged with doubt. "Are you sure about this? Could be some other car trying to copy Collei's Eight-Six."

Pela shook her head, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "No. I saw the license plate myself. Same one as Collei's Eight-Six."

Right on cue, the unmistakable roar of a turbocharged engine cut through the morning calm. The group turned toward the diner's window as a blue Sileighty glided into the lot, parking neatly between Seele's Devil Z and March's Supra.

March smirked, nodding toward the entrance. "Look who just pulled up."

The bell above the diner's door jingled as Collei and Amber stepped inside, the sunlight casting their silhouettes against the entrance before they made their way over. They sat down, greeted with nods and quiet smiles, but there was an unspoken tension in the air.

Beidou leaned forward first, her tone gentle. "How are you feeling, Collei?"

Collei let out a slow sigh, her shoulders sagging. "A little better. Still... uneasy, though."

March gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You'll pull through. We know you will."

Their orders arrived moments later, and the table fell into a familiar rhythm—the clinking of forks against plates, idle conversation, the occasional sip of coffee.

But Pela hadn't let go of the earlier topic.

She leaned in, her voice just above a whisper. "So, Collei… two nights ago, I saw your Eight-Six running Yougou's uphill and downhill. Same thing last night. After the uphill run, I passed the summit and saw your dad standing by it—almost like he was inspecting something under the hood."

Collei's fork froze mid-air. "Wait… are you sure it was my dad? And my Eight-Six?"

She shook her head quickly, trying to push the thought away. "No… that can't be. If it were true, she would've told me. She always does."

But Pela wasn't backing down. "It wasn't just any car, Collei. Same license plate. Same wheels. Same everything."

Beidou exhaled, crossing her arms. "Yeah, that's not something you forget. Your Eight-Six is the most well-known car around Yougou." She studied Collei's expression carefully. "Any idea where it is now?"

Collei's gaze dropped to her plate. "No. After the incident, we had it towed back to Yougou. My dad dropped me off at the street entrance and took the Eight-Six with him. I have no clue where it ended up."

March raised an eyebrow. "Then what are you driving around in Yougou for your morning runs?"

Collei let out a quiet sigh, gripping the edge of her plate. "An old Toyota pickup truck." She frowned. "It's… garbage."

Seele's voice was hesitant, almost careful. "You don't think it's being scrapped, do you?"

Collei shook her head firmly. "No. Last I heard, the Eight-Six is getting a new engine. And my dad… he's not scrapping it. Not after everything he put into that car."

Amber nudged her shoulder, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Don't tell me he's just putting another stock 4AGE in it?"

Collei took a bite of her food, her eyes drifting toward the diner's window. Her thoughts seemed miles away.

"I don't know, Amber… I really don't."

Yougou - Midnight

The stillness of the empty course was shattered by the shrill wail of a high-revving engine. The unmistakable sound of an Eight-Six echoed through the cool night air, its tires screeching as it drifted flawlessly through the final hairpin. The car barreled toward the finish line, the engine's aggressive roar settling into a steady purr as it rolled to a smooth stop in the dimly lit rest area.

On the gravel shoulder, Lyney and Lynette approached, their footsteps soft against the earth. The scent of hot rubber and burnt fuel lingered in the crisp night air as they reached the driver's side.

The window rolled down, revealing Arlecchino behind the wheel—her expression a mix of exhilaration and satisfaction.

Lynette leaned in, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "So, Arlecchino… what do you think?"

A slow grin spread across Arlecchino's face. "It's almost there. This engine is incredible. Even the setup we ran before couldn't keep up. Just a little more tweaking, and it'll be perfect."

Lyney folded his arms, skeptical. "Is it really that good of an engine?"

Arlecchino's grin widened. "Let's just say—I've never driven anything like this before."

Lyney smirked, cocking an eyebrow. "Oh? Why don't I ride with you and see how good it is myself?"

For the first time, Arlecchino hesitated. Her amusement faltered, replaced by a small chuckle as she shook her head. "I don't know, Lyney… she's… scary."

Lyney's confidence wavered slightly. "Scary? What do you mean?"

With a sigh, Arlecchino pushed open the door and stepped out. She rolled up the leg of her pants, revealing a massive, deep bruise along her right shin, the dark discoloration stretching down to the edge of her boot.

Lyney's eyes widened. "What the hell happened to you?!"

Arlecchino winced as she rubbed her leg. "I leaned too hard on my shin during one of the runs. Hurts like hell, but I had no choice." She exhaled, shaking her head. "I always thought bucket seats were overrated for mountain pass racing. Now? I get it."

She pulled her pant leg back down and stood tall, turning her gaze toward the Eight-Six, its headlights dimmed but its presence still commanding. "Before I take this car out again, we're installing a bucket seat. Otherwise, this bruise is only gonna get worse."

She exhaled slowly, running a hand through her hair. "I'm done for today. This new engine's a beast… just a few more adjustments, and it'll be perfect."

Lynette exchanged glances with Lyney, the weight of Arlecchino's words sinking in. Whatever was under that hood—it wasn't just an upgrade.

It was something else entirely.

Three Days Later – An Unusually Chilly Morning at Arlecchino's Home

Collei shuffled into the living room, rubbing her arms with an irritated shiver. "Jesus Christ, it's cold! Even with my sweater on, I'm freezing my ass off. Can we turn the heater up?"

Arlecchino, seated on the couch, didn't even glance up from her book. "You standing there like a statue is what's making you cold."

Collei sighed, rolling her eyes. "You sound just like my old chemistry teacher, you know."

Before Arlecchino could retort, a deep, familiar engine hum rumbled through the house, cutting through the morning silence. Collei's head snapped toward the window, her brow furrowing.

"What's that noise?"

She walked to the door, scratching her head. The moment she stepped outside, her breath caught in her throat.

Parked in the driveway, gleaming under the pale morning light, was her Eight-Six—fully repaired, looking pristine as if it had never been wrecked.

Collei stood frozen, staring at the car in disbelief.

Arlecchino followed, her boots crunching lightly against the frost-covered ground.

Collei finally managed to speak, her voice shaky. "No way... it's fixed? Did you just clean it up, or is it actually running?"

Arlecchino's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "Of course it's running. Running better than before, actually, thanks to its new engine. You can start using it for deliveries again."

Collei stepped closer, reaching for the driver's side door, but before she could open it, Arlecchino spoke again.

"Collei, I have to tell you something else."

Something in her tone made Collei turn back, eyebrows raised. "What is it?"

Arlecchino exhaled, folding her arms. "I had no choice but to use some of your hard-earned money for the installation, repairs, and tuning. So, from this day forward... the Eight-Six is half yours, half mine."

Collei blinked in surprise, scratching the back of her head. "Are you sure? I... I mean, I was the one who blew the engine."

Arlecchino stepped forward, resting a firm but reassuring hand on Collei's shoulder. "I'm sure. And I told you already—it wasn't your fault the engine blew."

Collei hesitated, then nodded, feeling a weight lift from her chest. She turned back to the Eight-Six, opened the door, and slid into the driver's seat. The moment her body met the new bucket seat, something felt… off.

She shifted her weight uncomfortably. "Something feels different about this seat, Dad."

Arlecchino leaned against the open window, handing her a small cup of water. "I installed a bucket seat to help with the G-forces during hairpin turns. But don't worry. The more you drive, the less you'll notice the change."

Collei accepted the cup, placing it in the cupholder before buckling her seatbelt. Her eyes flickered to the steering wheel. She turned it in two small, deliberate 90-degree motions.

Her gaze sharpened. "The steering feels heavier."

She pressed the clutch pedal. "Same with the clutch…"

Arlecchino smirked slightly. "You'll adjust. Just take it out and feel it for yourself."

Collei nodded and reached for the ignition. The iconic pop-up headlights clicked open with their signature sound. The key turned, and the engine growled to life, settling into a smooth, confident idle.

Shifting into first gear, she eased off the clutch and pulled out of the driveway. The car hummed through the morning air, its new powerplant responding effortlessly. The Eight-Six moved with a refined sharpness, as if it had shed its old skin and emerged something more.

Arlecchino stood watching, arms crossed, her eyes following the car as it disappeared down the road.

"When you first start moving in a car that's been reborn… that's the moment you truly realize it's changed."

A slow smirk played on her lips.

And Collei was about to find out just how much.

Autumn Mist & A Struggle on the Downhill

The mist clung to the mountain pass as daylight filtered through the thinning autumn canopy. The air was crisp, cool, and perfect for a run down the mountain.

But something was wrong.

Collei's hands gripped the wheel too tightly—a sign of unease. The Eight-Six should have felt like an extension of her own body, like it always did. But now?

It felt foreign.

She reached the next hairpin, clutch in, heel-toe downshift, flicking the wheel to initiate the drift—

The rear swings out… but fights to correct itself.

Collei's eyes widen. The Eight-Six is trying to straighten out instead of holding the drift. She wrestles with it, barely saving the slide before powering through.

Her patience starts to fray. "Fuck! This car is really hard to control!"

Another hairpin—same issue. The fishtailing is unpredictable. The new engine demands a different approach, but Collei doesn't know how to speak its language yet.

By the time she reaches the bottom, frustration is boiling in her chest.

Gas Station Gathering

That afternoon, at a gas station near the foot of the mountain, Collei finishes refueling. She gathers Amber, Seele, Beidou, Pela, and March to fill them in on the "rebirth" of the Eight-Six.

The group explodes at once.

"What!? It's fixed already!?"

Beidou leans forward, grinning like a shark. "Tell me then, Collei! What's it like? More power?"

A few meters away, Lyney sits in his office, sipping coffee. The conversation catches his attention, and a smirk tugs at his lips.

"Once they find out what that engine is, they'll lose their minds…"

But then—Collei scratches her head, her frustration slipping through.

"I don't know how to tell you this… but it feels like the engine has less power."

Lyney's cup nearly slips from his fingers. He stands up so fast his chair screeches against the floor.

"No fucking way."

Within seconds, he's storming outside, his boots crunching against the pavement.

"Hey, Collei! I just overheard what you said. You said the new engine lacks power?"

Collei turns, caught off guard. But she nods, arms crossed, shoulders tense. "Yeah. It doesn't feel strong at all. It even tries to correct itself when I try to drift."

Lyney shakes his head. "That's impossible. Your dad told me that this engine is premium—best in its class."

Collei frowns, her frustration bubbling. "I don't believe it's premium. It's too sloppy to drive."

The group falls silent. Eyes shift toward Lyney, waiting for an explanation.

It's Seele who finally speaks, cautious. "Did you hear anything else from Collei's father?"

Lyney hesitates. Then, a slow shake of his head. "All I was told was that the engine is top-tier… 'A premium one,' she said."

The Next Morning – Another Struggle on the Pass

Collei finishes her usual delivery runs, but her mind is locked on one thing: figuring out the Eight-Six.

She heads back to the downhill course.

This time, she changes up her approach—different throttle control, smoother weight transfers—but still… the car refuses to behave.

As she enters a fast right-hander, she tries a four-wheel drift—

The rear end fishtails violently. It won't stay sideways.

The car is fighting her.

Ningguang & Keqing – Watching from the Summit

At the final hairpin, Ningguang and Keqing stand near the guardrail, waiting for Collei's approach. The autumn wind bites at them, and Keqing shivers, pulling her jacket tight.

"When will she show up? I'm freezing my ass off here!"

Ningguang, calm as ever, keeps her eyes on the road. "Patience, Keqing. She'll show…"

Right on cue, the sound of individual throttle bodies roars through the mountain.

The Eight-Six appears, but something's wrong—Collei is still struggling.

The car swings side to side, unstable, refusing to drift properly.

Ningguang narrows her eyes. "Looks like Collei isn't accustomed to its new beating heart…"

Back Home – A Frustrated Collei

Back at Arlecchino's home, the smell of freshly prepared breakfast fills the air.

The Eight-Six rolls into its usual spot, its engine humming softly before shutting off. Collei steps out, shoulders slumped, exhaustion in her every movement.

She trudges inside, kicking off her shoes.

"Hey, Father."

Arlecchino, leaning against the counter, gives her a knowing wink. "Hey there, kid. Anything new?"

Collei lets out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of her neck.

"No. It's getting really frustrating. I had to change up my driving style, hoping it'd make a difference. Hopefully, after a few more runs, it'll sort itself out…"

She slumps into her chair, eating breakfast in silence, her thoughts heavy.

Arlecchino watches, smirking slightly.

"That's the spirit, kid," she thinks to herself. "Rather than messing with the suspension setup, you're adapting your driving style. Keep it up…"

A faint glimmer of pride flickers in her eyes.

Collei might not realize it yet—but she was already beginning to understand the Eight-Six's new language.

And soon enough, she'd be speaking it fluently.

Araumi – Under the Streetlights

The warm glow of streetlights bathed the quiet racing hub of Araumi, casting long shadows over the sleek cars parked along the lot.

Keqing leaned against her RX-7 FD, her fingers idly tracing the contours of the hood. Her sharp eyes were locked onto the engine bay, lips pressed into a thin line.

"Something's off," she muttered under her breath, almost as if she were speaking to the car itself.

From the side, Ganyu, casually perched against her S2000, tilted her head in curiosity. "Go on, Keqing. What do you mean?"

Keqing exhaled softly, narrowing her gaze. "For starters, the intake sounds different. Almost like it's running on individual throttle bodies. And the exhaust—it's too refined. Not that harsh, raspy growl, but something smooth… controlled. This engine wasn't tuned by an amateur."

Before Ganyu could respond, the low hum of an approaching car interrupted the quiet atmosphere.

A pristine white AE86 Levin rolled into the parking lot, pulling into the spot beside Keqing's RX-7. The engine idled cleanly, its exhaust note distinct but restrained.

The driver stepped out, adjusting the brim of her cap slightly before speaking.

"Hey there. Hope you don't mind me parking here?"

Keqing waved a hand, offering a polite smile. "Not at all. Go ahead."

The girl stepped forward, offering a handshake. "I'm Kamisato Ayaka. From the Kannazuka Prefecture."

Keqing shook her hand, giving an approving nod. "Nice to meet you, Ayaka. I'm Keqing, and this is Ganyu."

Ayaka turned to Ganyu, offering a small wave before shifting her attention back to Keqing. "I'm just exploring the racing scene here in Narukami. Thought I'd see it for myself."

Keqing's gaze flicked to Ayaka's Eight-Six, an eyebrow raising slightly. "Your car is spec'd out nicely. Running anything special under the hood?"

A playful grin crossed Ayaka's face. "Yeah, actually. It's turbocharged."

Keqing blinked, eyes widening in surprise. "A turbocharged Eight-Six? That's rare."

Ayaka chuckled. "Instead of a traditional mechanical tune, I opted for a turbo. Figured it'd be more fun."

Keqing smirked. "Lightweight chassis with a turbo? That's a solid setup."

Ayaka simply smiled, the conversation settling into an easy rhythm.

The Next Morning – A Chance Encounter at the Gas Station

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the road as Ayaka cruised toward Yougou Pass. She glanced at her dashboard—

Fuel gauge: running low.

"Tch. Gotta fill up."

Fortune was on her side. A gas station appeared up ahead, its neon sign flickering softly. Ayaka pulled in smoothly, not realizing that this was the very station where Collei and her friends often gathered.

She parked at a pump, rolling down her window.

Before she could even step out, a friendly voice greeted her.

"Welcome! How can I help you today?"

Ayaka turned her head. Collei stood beside her, offering a polite but genuine smile.

Ayaka glanced at the fuel options, then back at Collei. "Full tank of high-octane, please."

Collei nodded, grabbing the pump and beginning to refuel the turbocharged Levin.

For a moment, neither spoke. The soft hum of the fuel pump filled the silence. Then, Ayaka leaned slightly out of the window.

"By the way, you must be the driver of Yougou's Eight-Six. Collei, right?"

Collei, eyes calm, gave a small nod. "That's right."

A grin tugged at Ayaka's lips. "Sweet. I actually wanted to ask you something—if you're free."

Collei arched an eyebrow. "Go on."

Ayaka's expression shifted, playful yet serious. "Why don't we meet up at my home course, Nazuchi? Eight-Six versus Eight-Six."

Collei tapped the pump handle idly, considering it. She glanced around—Beidou and March were inside the garage, working on a customer's car. Amber, Seele, and Pela were nowhere to be seen.

After a brief pause, she nodded. "Sounds good. Saturday night?"

Ayaka grinned. "Great. How's 10:00 PM?"

Collei slid the pump back into place, sealing Ayaka's fuel door. "Perfect."

With that, Ayaka paid for the fuel, hopped back into her AE86 Levin, and smoothly pulled out onto the expressway.

Collei watched her go, the taillights disappearing into the distance.

An Eavesdropped Conversation

As Collei turned back toward the garage, she overheard a conversation—Lyney's voice, low but urgent.

"Sis, tell me—what are the engine specs? Arlecchino won't tell me anything, and I'm starting to get suspicious."

She froze, ears tuning in.

On the other end, Lynette's voice crackled through the speaker.

"I don't know for sure. All I heard from Arlecchino is that it's a high-revving unit."

Collei's eyes narrowed. A high-revving unit? That detail hadn't been mentioned before.

Her mind began to race.

"I better call Seele…"

Stepping away from the garage, she pulled out her phone, dialing Seele's number.

It rang once. Then—

"Hey, Collei! What's up?" Seele's voice came through, light and cheerful.

Collei glanced around the quiet gas station, making sure no one was listening in.

"Hey, Seele. Can we meet tonight at Yougou's summit? I need to ask you something about my Eight-Six's engine."

There was a pause, followed by a faint crackle on the line.

"Sure thing. I'll make arrangements."

Collei ended the call, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

Her expression remained neutral, but her mind was already churning with possibilities.

As she walked back toward the garage, a single thought played on repeat in her head—

What the hell did dad put under the hood of my car?

That Night in Yougou – A Mystery Unfolds

At the summit of Yougou Pass, the cool night air swirled around Collei and Seele, their breath faintly visible in the dim glow of the streetlights. The silence of the mountains was broken only by the distant sound of cicadas and the occasional rustling of leaves.

Collei leaned against the hood of her Eight-Six, her green eyes scanning the dark horizon, thoughts swirling in her head.

"I overheard Lyney saying that the engine under my hood is a high-revving unit."

Seele, ever sharp and calculating, tapped a finger against her chin. "There's only one way to confirm it. Let's go for a downhill run. Drive like you usually do, and I'll analyze how the engine responds."

Collei hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's do it."

Without another word, the two slid into the bucket seats, strapping themselves in. The moment Collei turned the key, the engine hummed to life, sending a familiar vibration through the chassis. It was a comforting feeling, yet tonight, a shadow of doubt loomed over it.

The Downhill Run – Something Feels Off

The first few turns felt normal, but Seele's trained eye immediately noticed something strange.

She leaned forward, her sharp gaze shifting between Collei's steering inputs, the tachometer, and the way the car responded.

Something was wrong.

Back at a small diner in Yougou, two figures sat in a quiet booth.

The soft glow of a neon "OPEN" sign flickered above them, illuminating Arlecchino and Lynette as they quietly discussed Collei's Eight-Six. A stack of uninstalled car parts lay on the table, untouched.

Lynette stirred her tea absentmindedly. "Those parts you ordered when we installed the engine… When do you plan on installing them?"

Arlecchino leaned back, arms crossed, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "When Collei realizes that her engine revs higher than her stock tachometer can handle."

Lynette raised an eyebrow. "So you're making her figure it out on her own? You're teaching her through experience, instead of just giving her the answer."

Arlecchino snapped her fingers, pointing at Lynette. "Exactly! The best lessons in racing come from the driver adapting to the car—not the other way around."

Lynette exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "You really like testing people, don't you?"

Arlecchino chuckled, taking a sip of her coffee. "It's the only way she'll truly understand the potential of that engine."

The Engine's True Nature Revealed

Back on Yougou Pass, Collei pushed her Eight-Six harder.

She approached a tight left hairpin, heel-toeing into the downshift before initiating the drift. The rear end stepped out, but something felt wrong.

The tires lost grip more than usual, and the car suddenly fishtailed, snapping into an unstable slide.

Collei gritted her teeth, fighting to regain control.

"Come on, come on—!"

With a quick countersteer and a tap of the throttle, she saved the drift, but her heart pounded against her chest.

What the hell was that?

The engine roared, the tach needle climbing—5000, 6000, 7000 RPMs.

Then, at 8000 RPMs, the car suddenly lurched forward, as if it had just been unleashed.

Collei's eyes widened in shock. "Whoa—!"

She shifted gears—the tach needle dropped—and suddenly, the power vanished again, leaving the car feeling sluggish.

Seele's fingers tapped rapidly against the door panel, her mind working through the puzzle.

"There's a lack of power in the lower and mid-range," she murmured, half to herself. "But as soon as it hits the high RPMs… it just wakes up. Almost like a switch flips. Is this engine defective? Or… is it tuned differently?"

Collei tried to keep her composure, but the inconsistency in power delivery was throwing her off.

Seele suddenly leaned forward, her tone urgent. "I've seen enough. Let's head back."

Collei hesitated but nodded, pulling a U-turn and guiding the Eight-Six back up the mountain.

The Revelation

At the summit, Collei pulled into the parking area and shut off the engine. She turned to Seele, eyes filled with curiosity.

"Alright, Seele. What's the verdict?"

Seele pointed at the tachometer.

"It's your tachometer."

Collei blinked, confused. "Huh? What about it?"

Seele leaned back against the dashboard, crossing her arms. "The problem isn't the engine—it's the fact that you don't know how high it can actually rev."

She gestured toward the gauge cluster. "Your tachometer only reads up to 8000 RPMs. But your engine? I'm willing to bet it can go beyond 10,000. Maybe even more."

Collei's jaw tightened as realization sank in.

Seele unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out. "Come on. Let me show you."

They popped the hood, and under the dim light of the parking lot, the truth was laid bare.

Seele's voice took on an instructive tone.

"Your original engine was a 1.6L 4AGE, a solid motor for its time. But this…" she gestured at the gleaming mechanical beast before them, "is no ordinary 4AGE. It's a 20-valve Silvertop. It's got individual throttle bodies, meaning your throttle response is razor-sharp."

Collei exhaled, taking it all in.

"So this is a different version of the same engine?"

Seele nodded. "Yes and no. The stock Silvertop had variable valve timing, but yours is missing it. Which tells me one thing…"

She turned to Collei, her gaze sharp.

"This engine was built for racing. It's a high-revving monster."

Collei's breath caught. "You mean… its true limit was sealed off?"

Seele smirked. "Bingo. My guess? Your dad, put a limiter on it—so you wouldn't accidentally push it too far without understanding how it works."

She folded her arms. "That's why you've been struggling with drifts. In mid-range RPMs, the power just isn't there. But when you hit the real powerband—above 8000 RPMs—the car suddenly comes alive. And that's why you're losing control."

Collei clenched her fists. "So all this time… I've been fighting against a limiter?"

Seele placed a hand on her hip. "That's right. And if you want to unleash this engine's true potential, you'll need a proper tachometer—one that reads up to at least 13,000 RPMs."

She pointed at the dashboard. "And you'll need additional gauges. Oil pressure, oil temp, water temp. If you're revving this high, you need to monitor everything. Otherwise, you'll blow the engine."

Collei crouched down, placing a hand on the side of her Eight-Six.

"You've been holding out on me this whole time?" she whispered.

The engine block gleamed softly under the night sky, as if waiting for the day she would finally unleash its true potential.

And for the first time, Collei felt something new.

Excitement.