The following morning at Lyney's gas station.
Amber, Lyney, Pela, Seele, and Beidou were gathered inside the gas station's office, the hum of the fluorescent lights barely audible above the soft clicking of the laptop. The group was absorbed in watching old Group B rally videos from 1983, specifically one that featured the iconic Lancia Rally 037 racing through the icy mountain roads of Snezhnaya.
"Check out those tight bends!" Amber exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
"Yeah," Lyney said, a nostalgic tone creeping into his voice. "In Snezhnaya's mountains. It's a narrow course, and back in those days, they were racing through snow. Makes it even more impressive."
"But those sounds! For a four-cylinder, it sounds aggressive!" Pela remarked, clearly impressed by the engine's growl.
Just then, another video played. This time, it showed the Lancia pulling off an aggressive drift along the muddy banks of Fontaine.
"Holy! Look at that drift!" Beidou shouted, her eyes wide in awe.
"Wait! Play it back!" Amber demanded, pointing at the laptop screen.
Pela quickly hit rewind and slowed the video down, watching intently. She stopped the footage at just the right moment.
"That's the same Lancia we saw last night!" Seele said out loud, eyes growing wide with recognition.
The video continued, now showing the Lancia racing across the rocky plains of Natlan.
"You know something?" Lyney began, leaning forward. "Despite the Lancia being the most fragile car of the group that year, it was surprisingly durable during those races."
"Really!?" Pela asked, her curiosity piqued.
Lyney nodded. "Yeah. Back then, there were four Lancias in the race. The best the Audi Quattros could do was fifth place. But the real surprise came when all the Audi's broke down during the stages in Natlan. Same thing happened in Fontaine too."
The next video showed a stunning sight—an entire fleet of Lancias parked at a square in Italy.
"Holy! How many Lancias were there?!" Amber exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"I don't know for sure, but the last time I checked, it was six," Lyney replied with a grin.
Beidou's eyes widened further. "Six?! That many Lancias?!"
Lyney chuckled. "Of course! San Remo is their home turf. They brought every Lancia they could get their hands on. They raced them all, and at the end of the rally, Lancia came out on top, taking both the Driver's and Constructors' titles."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. That's the Inazuman guy, right? The one standing on the podium?"
Lyney nodded. "Yeah. That's the guy."
Just then, Collei walked into the office. "Hey, guys. What's going on?"
"Oh, hey, Collei! We're just watching some old Group B rally videos," Amber explained with a wave.
As Collei walked closer to the laptop to watch more of the footage, a loud supercharged roar suddenly echoed through the gas station.
"Huh? What's that?" Beidou exclaimed, her attention snapping to the sound.
March immediately rushed outside, her voice ringing out with excitement. "Guys! It's here!"
The group hurried outside, and standing before them was none other than the Lancia 037 Rally, its distinctive white Martini livery gleaming under the sun.
"Oh no… What's it doing here?" Beidou muttered, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I don't know," Lyney said, his eyes narrowing. "But if it's here, there's got to be a reason."
The Lancia's door opened, and out stepped its driver—a young girl with striking purple hair.
"Could it be the driver?" Lyney whispered to himself, unsure of what was happening.
The girl shut the door behind her, her expression confident yet friendly. "Hey, can I get some fuel, please?"
"Sure thing! Coming right up!" Collei responded enthusiastically.
She walked over to the Lancia and began fueling it. The driver turned to Beidou, who was cleaning the windshield, and gave her a nod.
"Hey there. My name's Clorinde. I'm looking for someone, if you don't mind me asking?" Clorinde leaned casually against the Lancia.
"S-Sure thing. How can I help?" Beidou replied, her voice trembling slightly.
"I'm looking for Yougou's Eight Six. You know it, right?" Clorinde asked, her smirk widening ever so slightly.
Beidou's eyes widened. "Oh... the Eight Six?"
Clorinde's smirk deepened. "Yeah, the one that beat Ningguang a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure you've heard of it."
"Yeah... I've heard," Beidou stammered, suddenly feeling uneasy.
As Collei finished fueling the Lancia, she looked up at Clorinde. "How can I assist you, Miss Clorinde?"
The rest of the group—Amber, Lyney, March, and Seele—watched in tense silence as Collei walked over to Clorinde. The air felt thick with anticipation.
"This isn't good," Amber muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Clorinde turned to Collei, scanning her briefly before smiling. "It's nice to finally meet you, Miss Collei." She extended her hand.
"Oh, um, nice to meet you?" Collei hesitated, then shook Clorinde's hand. The others let out a collective sigh of relief, thinking for a moment that the situation might just be a casual encounter.
But then, Clorinde shattered their relief with her next words.
"So, Collei," she said, her voice dripping with mischief, "I challenge you to a downhill race. Ten o'clock, Saturday."
Collei's eyes widened, and so did the eyes of everyone around her.
"A... Challenge?" Collei stuttered, still trying to process the sudden turn of events.
"I can't believe it... she's issued a challenge," Beidou muttered under her breath.
Collei's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with resolve. "Challenge accepted."
The atmosphere shifted. A strange aura seemed to appear around Collei and Clorinde as they shook hands once again.
"It's official. The Yougou rallyist has challenged Collei to a downhill battle," Seele said with a soft sigh.
"This is going to be tough... four times harder than Ningguang's race," Pela added, her voice filled with concern.
Clorinde gave them a confident smirk. "Well then, Collei. See you on Saturday!" she said, before hopping into her Lancia and speeding off. The unmistakable whine of the supercharger echoed in the distance as the Lancia disappeared into the curves of Yougou pass.
Collei stood there, staring after the car, her thoughts a whirlwind. "What the hell just happened?"
Seele looked over at Beidou. "What do you think? Is it time for something to happen to Collei's Eight Six?"
Beidou smirked. "I think it's time for a little upgrade to Collei's Eight Six."
March raised her hand, her enthusiasm practically bubbling over. "I know! I know! How about a turbo?!"
Beidou waved Collei over, a conspiratorial grin forming on her face. "Collei! Come here for a second!"
Collei walked over, her curiosity piqued. "What's up, Beidou?"
Beidou placed a hand on Collei's shoulder, speaking in a low, serious tone. "Look. We want you to consider something. Have you thought about upgrading the Eight Six? Maybe, you know, add a turbo?"
Collei's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? Upgrade? I can't even add modifications to it. And besides... it's not even my car."
Beidou's shoulders slumped. "Damn. I forgot it's your father's car..."
Seele chimed in, her voice hopeful. "Maybe there's a way we can convince your father to let you upgrade it?"
Beidou snapped her fingers, a sudden idea coming to her. "I've got it! If we paid for the upgrades, your dad would surely agree, right?"
Seele placed a hand on Beidou's shoulder. "Yeah! Your father might love it if we chip in for the upgrades, don't you think?"
March, now practically bouncing on her toes, clenched her fists excitedly. "So?! What do you say?!"
Collei scratched her head, torn. "I don't know, guys... She's the most stingy person in all of Narukami."
The others collapsed in dramatic fashion, their faces full of mock despair, before quickly straightening up.
"You can't say that! You know we idolize her!" Beidou and Seele exclaimed in unison.
"Wait... you idolize my father that much?" Collei said, genuinely shocked.
That Night. Lyney stops by Arlecchino's place, and the two fall into a deep conversation about potentially upgrading the Eight Six.
Arlecchino raises an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "Upgrading the Eight Six, huh?"
Lyney chuckles, the hint of a plan forming in his eyes. "Of course. It's bound to cross your mind at some point. Collei is an evolving racer. Eventually, she'll hit a barrier with this car, and she'll need more from the old faithful. The Eight Six deserves an upgrade."
Arlecchino lets out a long sigh as she eyes the car. "That's true. This engine's getting pretty worn down. Who knows how long until it finally gives out? It's really about time for an upgrade."
"Yeah," Lyney mutters, a thoughtful tone in his voice.
Arlecchino smirks slightly, her confidence growing. "Actually, I've already got a plan for it."
Lyney's eyes widen, disbelief mixing with curiosity. "You do? Please, don't screw with me, Arlecchino!"
Arlecchino crosses her arms and smiles knowingly. "Of course I'm not messing with you. I just so happen to have stumbled across something incredible from a source outside this town."
Lyney scratches his head. "Something… incredible?"
Arlecchino's smile widens as her excitement grows. "Yes. I'll show you. We'll head to your sister's shop, and you'll see for yourself. You won't believe your eyes."
Without hesitation, the two hop into the Eight Six and drive across town toward Lyney's sister's mechanic shop. Inside Lynette's garage, Lyney crouches down, lifting the cover with trembling hands. As his eyes fall on the engine, they widen in shock.
"No way… It's… It's surreal! This is gold!" Lyney exclaims, his voice full of awe.
Arlecchino grins. "Told you. It's something you wouldn't believe. Even I get chills thinking about it."
Lyney turns to her, his voice tinged with disbelief. "And this is just for the Eight Six?"
Arlecchino stands up, her confidence unwavering. "Yes. But that means re-tuning the suspension and making sure all the little details are right."
"And with this engine, this will be a monster you can't defeat," Lynette adds, her voice calm but filled with excitement.
The group walks out of the garage, the hum of the engine echoing in their ears.
Arlecchino puffs on a cigarette, looking at the Eight Six with a knowing smirk. "But there's one thing Collei hasn't done yet…"
Lyney raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Arlecchino glances at him, her gaze almost cold. "I'll tell you, but promise me you won't tell her."
Lyney and Lynette exchange glances before nodding in unison. "Not a word," they say together.
Arlecchino's smirk deepens. "I'm glad you understand. The thing is… Collei hasn't lost a race yet."
Both Lyney and Lynette stare at her in shock. Lyney takes a step forward, disbelief in his voice. "Lose? She's tried so hard to maintain her winning streak! She hasn't lost a race so far!"
Arlecchino sighs deeply. "And that's the problem. If Collei keeps winning, she won't truly appreciate the upgrade the Eight Six receives. It'll just feel like a minor change to her. What I want is for her to experience a loss, so she can understand what it feels like to fall. Only then will she appreciate the real value of this upgrade. A lesson in humility can only be learned through failure."
"So, until she loses…" Arlecchino's voice grows quiet but firm, "I won't be upgrading the Eight Six."
Days pass. Finally, race day arrives. News spreads like wildfire across the Narukami region—Collei's Eight Six is going up against a legendary Lancia Rally 037. At Ningguang's household, Ningguang is working on something when Keqing barges into her room, excitement clear on her face.
"Hey! Did you hear? The Eight Six is going up against a Rally Car!" Keqing exclaims, her voice full of energy.
Ningguang doesn't even glance up from her laptop. "Yeah, I heard. The Eight Six is going up against a Lancia Rally 037."
Keqing leans in, her voice growing more animated. "It's massive! I heard from some old-timers that it's the only car that's ever tied with the Eight Six in the past!"
Ningguang raises an eyebrow. "Tied with the Eight Six? That's a first. Even I can't claim that when we raced."
Keqing nods, clearly impressed. "Yeah, apparently this guy was a legend on the uphill courses in Yougou. He raced in the 80s with Lancia Martini Racing."
"WRC?" Ningguang turns her attention to her laptop, intrigued now.
"Yeah. He retired years ago, and now his daughter, Clorinde, is the one behind the wheel," Keqing adds.
Ningguang smirks, leaning back. "Looks like we'll need to show up and watch this battle, then. Let's see what happens when the history of these two cars meets."
That afternoon, Collei and March walk home, when March strikes up a conversation.
"You really should consider adding a turbo to your Eight Six, Collei. Clorinde and that Lancia are no joke," March warns, her tone serious.
Collei sighs, her gaze fixed ahead. "I know, but if my father won't budge, there's nothing we can do about it. Right now, all I can think about is how to drive the Eight Six faster in its current setup. I don't care what car I'm up against."
They part ways when Collei reaches Arlecchino's home. She stares at the Eight Six, the thoughts of more power weighing heavily on her mind.
"More power for the Eight Six…" she mutters under her breath, before opening the hood and gazing at the engine—the heart of the car. The 1.6-liter 4A-GE Bluetop 16-valve engine stares back at her, but her doubt lingers. After a long moment, she closes the hood with a heavy sigh.
"I don't even know where to start…"
As she heads inside, the sound of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine cuts through the air. A blue Nissan Sileighty appears, parking in front of the house. Amber steps out, waving energetically.
"Hey, Collei!" she calls.
Collei turns, surprised. "Oh, hey Amber! What brings you here?"
Amber blushes slightly. "Oh, uh… I was wondering if you'd want to go for an afternoon drive up to Yougou before the race?"
Collei smiles warmly. "Of course! Let's do it."
The two drive up to a nearby spot overlooking Lake Yougou, parking the car as they take in the stunning view. Amber leans over the barrier, gazing at the lake.
"Look at the lake. Isn't it beautiful?" she asks, her voice soft.
Collei leans in too, soaking in the scene. "Yeah. It really is."
Amber glances at her, noticing the tension in Collei's posture. "So… How nervous are you for tonight?"
Collei wipes a bead of sweat from her forehead. "Pretty nervous… It's been almost a month since I raced Ningguang."
Amber moves closer, her voice soothing. "Aw, come on! You'll do just fine! You've got this!"
Collei sighs. "I don't know, Amber. She's a rally driver, and the car's quick. You saw how fast it was two nights ago…"
Amber pulls Collei closer, holding her gently. "You'll get her, I know you will. You just need to believe in yourself!"
Collei blushes, unsure of herself. "I- I'm not so sure, Amber…"
Without warning, Amber pulls Collei toward her and kisses her. Collei, initially surprised, relaxes and returns the kiss. After a moment, Amber pulls away, a smile playing on her lips.
"That's for good luck, sunshine."
Collei stammers, a smile spreading across her face. "Th-Thank you, Amber."
The two head back to the car and drive toward the town, preparing for the race.
That night, the entire Yougou Pass is packed with spectators. People from all over Inazuma City have gathered to watch the race. It's the talk of the town, and Arlecchino, for the first time, joins Lyney and Lynette on the sidelines.
"I can't believe you actually dragged me here," Arlecchino mutters, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Come on! This is your rival's daughter racing your daughter! This is a chance to see your techniques in action against his daughter's!" Lyney grins.
Arlecchino sighs, shaking her head. "Fair point, Lyney…"
At the summit, Clorinde leans against her Lancia 037, her partner Navia's NSX parked nearby. She checks the time, growing impatient.
"Where's that Eight Six? It's almost ten," Clorinde says, her voice tight.
Navia smiles reassuringly. "She'll be here. She always does."
Just as she finishes speaking, Collei's Eight Six appears, slowing down before crossing the starting line. Collei parks beside the Lancia.
She steps out of the car, looking determined. "Well, I'm here."
Beidou's group approaches, all offering words of encouragement.
"You've got this, Collei," Beidou says, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let the history of these cars get the better of you."
Seele clenches her fists. "Yeah! Show that rally star what you've got!"
Pela pats Collei's back. "Give 'er hell!"
March winks, giving a thumbs up. "Go get 'er!"
The group disperses as Pela steps to the front to stand between the two cars. Collei walks over to Clorinde, holding out her hand.
"It's time to continue some history. Shall we?" she asks, her voice steady.
Clorinde grins and shakes Collei's hand. "You betcha!"
They head back to their cars. Just before Collei gets in, Amber calls out to her.
"Hey, Collei!"
Collei turns, surprised. "Oh! Amber! What do you need?"
Amber hugs her tightly. "Good luck!"
Collei wraps her arms around Amber in return. "Thanks, sunshine."
After the hug, Collei steps into the Eight Six, starting the engine. The rivalry between the Eight Six and the Lancia 037 is about to re-ignite, and the roar of the engines signals the beginning of an unforgettable race.