Act: 10 Chapter: 3 | The Home Stretch | AE86 VS NA1 NSX

Minutes have passed, and Clorinde and Stelle returned to the Sky Lounge parking area to cool down. The tension from their race still hung in the air. Nearby, Collei and Lumine's cars were already lined up at the starting line, engines humming with anticipation, ready for the downhill race.

Clorinde stepped out of her sleek, white Lancia 037, her movements deliberate and composed. She stretched briefly, her gloved hands reaching toward the starry sky before making her way toward Collei and her iconic Eight Six at the starting line. The crisp night air carried the distant sound of engines revving, a symphony for the enthusiasts gathered along the route.

As Stelle climbed out of her black Supra, the sharp sound of boots on asphalt broke through the calm. Lumine stormed toward her, her face a mask of frustration.

"What the fuck was that, Stelle!?" Lumine's voice cut through the night like a whip. "You seriously didn't take the outside line on that center island turn! Are you kidding me right now?"

Stelle squared her shoulders and stepped forward, her tone defensive yet restrained. "I made the mistake thinking she'd go for the outside move. I didn't think—"

"Bullshit!" Lumine snapped, jabbing a finger toward Stelle's chest. "You lost focus staring at that damn rearview mirror! How many times do I have to tell you—stop looking at it! It's like you forget what's ahead of you the moment you glance at it!"

Stelle sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Look, Lumine, I'm sorry. I really am. It won't happen again."

Lumine threw up her hands, her frustration palpable, before turning and stalking off.

Left alone, Stelle let out another heavy sigh, her breath visible in the cold air. Her brother, Caelus, approached her with a quiet sense of understanding. Placing a firm hand on her shoulder, he offered a soft smile.

"Take a breather, Stelle. Cool your head. This bad blood will pass—it always does. Just give it time, alright?"

Stelle nodded silently, her lips pressed into a thin line.

At the starting line, Collei and Clorinde had witnessed the heated exchange. The tension from the opposing team was impossible to miss.

"Yikes," Collei muttered, her grip tightening on her steering wheel. "She's really not in a good mood, huh?"

"No kidding," Clorinde replied, crossing her arms as she leaned against the Eight Six. "Stelle took the outside line when she shouldn't have. I used the inside and made my move to take the lead. Rookie mistake on her part."

Collei shook her head with a faint smile, though her voice carried a hint of sympathy. "Well, it happens to the best of us. Even Stelle."

Clorinde gave her a firm pat on the shoulder. "Don't dwell on it. Focus on your run. Good luck out there. I'll be in my Lancia catching some shut-eye."

"Will do." Collei nodded, her expression softening.

As Clorinde headed back toward her car, Keqing finished her conversation with Lumine and made her way to Collei. She approached with a purposeful stride, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the earlier chaos.

"She'll be leading," Keqing said simply, referring to Lumine.

Collei gave a curt nod. "Alright."

Keqing turned away, walking toward Ningguang, who stood overseeing the preparation. Moments later, Lumine approached Collei, extending a hand with a surprisingly composed expression.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Lumine."

Collei shook her hand firmly, matching her calm energy. "Collei, of Team Speed Stars. Likewise."

Meanwhile, at a left-hand turn's parking area on Autake Pass, the crowd of spectators swelled. Among them, three new arrivals stepped out of a sleek, silver R34: Lyney, Lynette, and Arlecchino.

Lyney stretched dramatically, his usual smirk gracing his lips. "I still can't believe I agreed to ride in your R34 instead of my Century, Arlecchino. I've got bruises from that suspension!"

Arlecchino rolled her eyes, her voice tinged with amusement. "Quit whining, Lyney. We're here now, aren't we?"

Lynette chuckled, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against the car. "You've got to admit, though—it's a hell of a way to arrive. The crowd's here in all kinds of cars, but we showed up in style."

Lyney sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose you've got a point."

Lynette turned her attention to Arlecchino, her tone teasing. "But I've got to ask—what made you agree to come out here?"

Arlecchino's expression softened, her gaze drifting to the illuminated mountainside. "This is Collei's team's final race," she said quietly.

Her voice carried a weight of emotion as she looked to the skies. "For me, this is her graduation."

"Graduation?" Lyney arched an eyebrow.

Arlecchino chuckled softly, the sound laced with pride. "That's right. She's learned everything I could teach her. Hell, she probably knows more than I do by now."

Lyney smirked, crossing his arms. "So you're finally admitting she's faster than you?"

"For once… yeah." Arlecchino nodded, her tone uncharacteristically vulnerable. "She's evolved. That's why I call this her graduation. She doesn't need my advice anymore—not unless she asks for it. She's an adult now. It's her choice where she goes from here. That's why I gave her my Eight Six in the first place. She's… she's my successor."

Lynette and Lyney exchanged a glance before stepping forward and wrapping Arlecchino in a heartfelt hug.

"That's amazing to hear," Lynette said warmly. "All that in just one year?"

Arlecchino nodded, her eyes glistening under the faint moonlight. "That's right. She didn't even like driving at first. Racing wasn't her thing—it was just about helping the family business. But now… who knows? She might even go pro."

Lyney's eyebrows shot up. "Pro? What kind of racing?"

Arlecchino smirked, her usual edge returning. "If it's anything close to touge racing, then rally's her best bet. Collei excels on tight courses. She's got adaptability that's off the charts. I haven't seen her on dirt, but if anyone can master it, it's her."

Lynette grinned. "Then let's see how she does tonight. Graduation or not, it sounds like this is just the beginning for her."

Back at the summit, the race was set. The anticipation in the air was palpable, with Collei positioned behind Lumine, ready to chase her down the winding mountain road. The two cars were lined up at the starting line, their engines growling in harmony with the buzz of the gathered spectators.

Keqing stood on the side, her arm raised high. Her voice rang out clearly:

"Let the race begin!"

"FIVE!"

"FOUR!"

"THREE!"

"TWO!"

"ONE!"

"GO!"

Keqing dropped her hand, and the cars roared to life, launching off the line in a symphony of screeching tires and unleashed horsepower.

Lumine's NSX surged forward with a slight edge, its MR layout providing superior traction off the line. But Collei's Eight Six, significantly lighter, quickly closed the gap, its nimble frame darting forward with sharp acceleration.

The cars barreled into the first obstacle, a sharp 90-degree right-hand turn. Both drivers braked hard, their tires gripping the tarmac with precision. The NSX drifted smoothly through the corner, with the Eight Six just a heartbeat behind. They powered out of the turn, tearing down a short straightaway before encountering another 90-degree left-hand turn.

Lumine stayed steady, her NSX holding the lead as they approached a winding straightaway. The road ahead twisted with subtle left and right turns, bordered by a lidless gutter that loomed as a silent threat to any miscalculation.

Inside the NSX, Lumine stole a glance at her side-view mirror. The Eight Six was close—too close—its headlights glaring against her rear bumper like twin fireflies in the night.

Her thoughts raced as fast as her car.

Chasing the Eight Six might've been a great way to learn how it moves, how it behaves. But if I let her lead for even a second, she'll pull away like she did last time.

Lumine refocused her gaze on the road ahead, her determination hardening.

I won't let that happen again. I just need to drive as hard as I can!

The sharp right-hand hairpin came into view, its curve daring the drivers to slow down or risk spinning out. Lumine braked hard, her foot deftly modulating the pedal, and threw the NSX into a controlled four-wheel drift. The car's rear swung out gracefully, tires screaming in protest as it hugged the inside line.

Collei mirrored the maneuver, her Eight Six slicing through the turn with uncanny precision. The two cars shot out of the hairpin in tandem, racing down another straightaway and into a slight right-hand bend.

Back at the summit, the atmosphere was calmer. Clorinde sat slumped in her Lancia 037, her body sinking into the bucket seat as she rested, her eyes closed. The distant sounds of the race faintly echoed through the night air, but for now, she let herself drift into a light doze.

Her rest was abruptly interrupted by a knock on the window. Groggily, Clorinde turned her head to see Ningguang standing outside. Blinking away her drowsiness, she reached for the door handle and pushed it open.

"Y-Yeah?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Ningguang chuckled softly. "Sorry for waking you from your beauty sleep, but nicely done earlier."

Clorinde gave a small smile, nodding sluggishly. "T-Thanks."

She swung her legs out of the car, sitting on the door sill, and rubbed her eyes again. "So… how's the race going so far?"

Ningguang leaned casually against the Lancia, her expression calm. "Lumine's still in the lead, but not by much. Collei's keeping the gap close. It's neck and neck."

Clorinde nodded slowly, bowing her head slightly. "Good to hear."

After a moment, Ningguang tilted her head curiously. "What happened with Stelle during your race?"

Clorinde sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You remember that turn with the center island?"

Ningguang nodded. "Yeah. What about it?"

Clorinde chuckled dryly. "Well, Stelle went wide and took the outside-most line. I took the inside and passed her. It cost her a lot of time. That's how I managed to take the lead."

Ningguang shook her head with a sympathetic sigh. "Must've hit her hard, huh?"

Clorinde's gaze drifted toward Stelle's Supra parked near the Sky Lounge. "Looks like their little raccoon got lost in the woods," she said with a faint smirk.

On the other side of the summit, Stelle leaned heavily against her Supra, frustration radiating off her in waves. She ran a hand through her hair before letting it drop to her side.

"God damn it, Stelle," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Good job cocking it all up."

As she let her head drop into her hands, she heard familiar footsteps approaching. Aether leaned casually against the Supra beside her, his presence warm and unintrusive.

"Hey, Stelle," he said softly.

She didn't look up. "What?"

Aether leaned a little closer, his voice gentle. "Don't be so hard on yourself, okay? Everyone makes mistakes. It's part of the game."

Stelle let out a bitter laugh, finally meeting his gaze. "What about your sister? She's pissed. Like, really pissed. She was right in my face about it."

Aether waved a hand dismissively, his grin easing the tension. "Lumine's always been like that. Don't take it personally. She just wants you to be your best—that's all."

Stelle nodded slowly, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "Alright. I'll try."

Aether placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his smile unwavering. "Hang in there, okay? You've got this."

For the first time that night, Stelle allowed herself a small, tentative smile.

Back in the race, the stakes had never been higher. Collei gripped her steering wheel tightly, her heart pounding as they raced through the halfway point of the course. The roaring engines echoed through the mountain, a battle cry in the dead of night.

Collei's desperation was palpable—she knew if she didn't pass Lumine soon, the race would go to a second run. She didn't want to risk it. This was her chance to finish it now.

"I need more speed," she muttered to herself, her eyes darting between Lumine's NSX and the road ahead. "She's got me on the exits. I've got to make my move before it's too late."

The course ahead curved into a left-hand turn, followed by a short straightaway. The tight right-hand hairpin loomed in the distance, its sharp curve daring them to approach at full throttle.

Collei moved her right hand to the light switch, her fingers trembling with anticipation.

This is it. I'll show them what I've got.

"Wait for it..." she whispered under her breath, her green eyes narrowing.

Ahead of her, Lumine braked hard, her brake lights flaring bright red in the darkness.

"NOW!" Collei yelled, flicking her headlight switch.

In an instant, her headlights retracted, plunging her car into near-invisibility. The Eight Six disappeared into the shadows as they entered the hairpin turn.

Inside the NSX, Lumine's heart skipped a beat as she glanced at her rearview mirror.

Her eyes widened in alarm. "Wh-Where did she go!?"

She quickly checked her side mirrors, her head darting left and right. But all she saw was the black void of the night. The Eight Six was gone, and for a fleeting moment, she felt completely alone on the track.

Farther down the road, at a sharp left-hand turn, Lyney, Lynette, and Arlecchino stood with the other spectators, waiting eagerly for the cars to pass.

Lyney turned his head, squinting as the distant sound of roaring engines grew louder. "Here they come!" he shouted.

The two cars came into view, hurtling through the darkness. Lumine's NSX led the way, its taillights blazing. Right behind it was Collei's Eight Six—its headlights still retracted, giving it an almost ghostly, predatory presence.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the cars sped through the left-hand turn, their tires gripping the pavement with precision. The sharp right-hand turn came and went in a blur of screeching rubber and roaring exhausts.

Lyney leaned over the guardrail, watching the cars disappear into the distance. "Holy shit, Arlecchino! Did you see Collei!?"

Lynette joined him, her voice rising in excitement. "Yeah, she's driving with her headlights off!"

Arlecchino chuckled, crossing her arms as she leaned casually against the guardrail. "That's pretty outstanding for Collei."

Lyney and Lynette both turned to her, eyebrows raised in unison. "Huh?" they uttered in confusion.

Arlecchino smirked, her eyes glinting with pride. "Collei's technique is genius. It serves two purposes. First, it distracts her opponent—she disappears from their mirrors, creating confusion. Second, it reduces drag from the headlights, giving her a slight edge in acceleration and top speed."

She gazed down the road, her voice soft but confident. "Go get them, Collei. Show them what you're made of."

Back in the race, Lumine's nerves were unraveling as they neared the final hairpin. Her hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white.

"I still can't see her!" she muttered, her voice laced with panic.

Her focus faltered as she realized too late that she was approaching the right-hand hairpin far too fast. She slammed on the brakes, her tires screeching in protest.

At that moment, Collei seized her chance. She pulled alongside the NSX, flipping her headlights back on. The Eight Six's pop-up headlights snapped up, their bright beams cutting through the darkness and catching Lumine completely off guard.

"What the hell!?" Lumine exclaimed, her heart pounding as the Eight Six suddenly appeared beside her like a ghost materializing from the shadows.

In her panic, Lumine stomped on the accelerator too hard. Her rear wheels spun violently, sending her NSX into an uncontrollable spin.

The crowd gasped as the NSX twirled across the track. Among the spectators, Beidou, March, Seele, Amber, and Pela watched the dramatic moment unfold.

March pointed toward the spinning car, her voice filled with shock. "She's spun out!"

Beidou grinned, her voice booming. "Collei's done it! She pulled it off!"

Amber jumped up, pumping her fist in the air. "You've got this in the bag, Collei!"

Inside the NSX, Lumine slumped back in her seat, exhaling shakily. The world around her seemed to go quiet.

"It's over..." she whispered to herself. "I lost."

Ahead of her, Collei navigated the final right-hand turn with surgical precision. Her Eight Six disappeared into the darkness, crossing the finish line first.

The spectators at the Sky Lounge erupted into cheers as the news spreads.

Ganyu raised her fist triumphantly. "Collei's won! It's done!"

Keqing smirked, crossing her arms. "Nice. But it's not over yet."

Ningguang, standing nearby, gazed at the starlit sky, her expression calm and contemplative. "The official races are over," she said softly. "But there's one more to go."

The crowd murmured in anticipation, the name on everyone's lips clear as day.

Team Speed Stars had dominated Autake Pass and the Tsurumi Prefecture. Their reign was cemented. But one last race remained, lingering in everyone's mind.

Collei and her Eight Six versus Clorinde and her Lancia Rally 037.

Ace versus Ace.