#H&A Automotive

[pphoto]

The McLaren F1 at the Petersen Automotive Museum's Totally Awesome! Cars and Culture of the '80s and '90s exhibit

If you dig '80s and '90s culture, I highly recommend checking this exhibit out

Los Angeles, CA - June 2025

[mad--house]

[stone-cold-groove]

Kelsey-Hayes disc brakes set the pace.

[watchilove]

Breaking New Ground: H. Moser & Cie. emerges as Alpine Motorsports' first-ever global partner, enveloping the entire Alpine brand spectrum 

H. Moser & Cie. proudly announces its partnership with Alpine Motorsports, taking central stage as the First Global Partner of Alpine Motorsports. H. Moser & Cie. will be present across all of Alpine’s Motorsport programme, which includes the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Alpine Endurance Team, Alpine Academy, Rac(H)er and other projects. This dynamic collaboration brings together two entities synonymous…

[diagnozabam]

Noua generație Dodge Charger va fi disponibilă și în Europa, cu motorizări termice și electrice începând cu 2025

Stellantis a confirmat că toate versiunile noii generații Dodge Charger vor fi disponibile și în Europa. Noul model va fi disponibil atât cu motoare termice, cât și în formă electrică, începând cu 2025. Pasionații de mașini americane vor putea cumpăra noua generație Dodge Charger pe cale oficială și în Europa. Stellantis a confirmat oficial faptul că toate variantele noului Charger (sedan, coupe,…

[vmantras]

Tata Curvv EV Accomplished+ S 45: A Sustainable Electric Coupe

₹19.29Lakh The Tata Curvv EV Accomplished+ S 45 represents a bold step for Tata Motors into the electric vehicle market, combining a futuristic design with impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and a range that suits both city driving and long-distance travel. Below is a detailed breakdown of its features across various domains. General Overview Country of Origin: IndiaThe Curvv EV…

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1961 Lincoln Continental

The 1961 Lincoln Continental represents a pivotal moment in American automotive design, marking a shift towards sleeker, more refined styling.

Performance:

- Top Speed: 120-130 mph (193-209 km/h)

- 0-60 mph: 10-12 seconds

Rarity:

- 1 of 4 Continental generations (1939-1948, 1956-1958, 1961-1969, 1970-1980)

- 1 of 2 Lincoln models with the 430 V8 engine

[nabazakk75]

**The BAC Mono: A Singular Experience in Automotive Performance**

In a world dominated by multi-seat sports cars and luxury performance vehicles, the **BAC Mono** stands as an anomaly. With its singular, monocoque design and an almost obsessive focus on the driving experience, this British-made hypercar offers enthusiasts something entirely different—a car built for pure driving pleasure. The BAC Mono isn’t just a car; it’s a reminder of the connection between man, machine, and road.

### **A Brief Introduction to the BAC Mono**

Manufactured by **Briggs Automotive Company (BAC)**, the Mono is a single-seater, track-inspired sports car that blurs the lines between street-legal car and racing machine. Introduced in 2011, the BAC Mono has quickly gained a cult following among driving purists who appreciate its minimalistic design, extreme performance, and exhilarating driving dynamics. This car isn’t meant for daily commuting or family trips—it's built for those who crave an unfiltered, high-performance driving experience.

### **Performance That Rivals the Best**

At the heart of the BAC Mono is a **2.5-liter four-cylinder engine** that produces 305 horsepower. On paper, this might not sound like a massive number when compared to other supercars, but thanks to its incredibly lightweight construction (weighing just 540 kg or 1,190 pounds), the Mono has a power-to-weight ratio that rivals the most exotic cars on the planet.

The engine is paired with a **6-speed sequential gearbox** that allows for lightning-fast gear changes, contributing to the car's superb track performance. The Mono's 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) time is a blistering **2.8 seconds**, while it can reach a top speed of 170 mph (274 km/h). These numbers, coupled with a fully independent suspension system and lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork, result in a vehicle that is agile, responsive, and remarkably stable at high speeds.

### **Design Focused on the Driver**

The **BAC Mono** is fundamentally designed around the idea of the "driver's car." The cabin is minimalist but functional, with a single racing seat at the center, surrounded by a digital dashboard and a steering wheel that places all critical information and controls at the driver’s fingertips. The design makes it clear that this car is all about the person behind the wheel.

With its fully enclosed cockpit, a low stance, and an open-wheel layout, the Mono feels more like a Formula 1 car than a typical road-going sports car. The carbon fiber body not only reduces weight but also provides exceptional strength and rigidity, allowing the car to tackle tight corners and high-speed straights with precision and confidence.

The car’s adjustable suspension system ensures that it can be fine-tuned for a variety of driving conditions, from smooth tarmac to the rigors of a race track. The open-wheel design, while visually striking, also serves a functional purpose: it improves airflow around the vehicle, contributing to both aerodynamics and cooling, crucial for the kind of high-performance driving the Mono is built for.

### **Precision Handling**

The steering of the BAC Mono is precise, quick, and offers an incredible level of feedback. With its **low center of gravity**, the car feels glued to the road, providing a sense of control and responsiveness that is hard to find in many other vehicles. The Mono’s suspension system and high-performance tires ensure that it delivers an incredibly stable ride, whether you're taking tight corners or pushing it to its limits on a race track.

Driving the Mono is a visceral experience. The car is designed to be felt as much as it is driven. With every input, you feel the direct connection between the car and the road. Its lightweight nature and finely tuned handling make it an absolute joy to drive, especially in track conditions where its true potential can be unleashed.

### **Exclusivity and Customization**

BAC takes the idea of exclusivity to heart. Each Mono is built to order, with the company offering a range of customization options to ensure that each car is unique to its owner. Whether it’s bespoke paintwork, interior finishes, or specialized performance components, the Mono is made to reflect the personality and preferences of its driver.

Additionally, BAC offers a "Mono Track Pack" option for those who want to take the performance up a notch. This package includes enhancements like track-focused tires, additional aerodynamic elements, and lighter materials that further reduce the car's weight, pushing it even closer to the performance characteristics of a full-blown race car.

### **A Thrilling Driving Experience**

The BAC Mono is more than just an amazing feat of engineering; it’s about the **experience**. This car is not meant to be a comfortable, cushioned ride. Instead, it’s about immersion, about feeling every twist in the road and every shift in the gear lever. There are no distractions—no radio, no luxury features—just a focused, raw connection with the driving experience. It’s an experience that only those who have had the privilege of driving the Mono can fully appreciate.

### **Conclusion: A Driver's Dream**

The BAC Mono is a car that represents the purest form of driving. While most hypercars focus on speed, luxury, or technology, the Mono prioritizes one thing above all: an unadulterated driving experience. Every aspect of the car is engineered with the singular purpose of delivering the most thrilling, responsive, and dynamic performance possible.

For those who value the art of driving, the **BAC Mono** is a dream come true. It's not a car for everyone, but for those who crave the purest connection between man and machine, it offers an experience that few vehicles can match. In a world where the line between road car and race car continues to blur, the BAC Mono stands out as a reminder of the joy of driving in its most unrefined, exhilarating form.

[autotopic]

1939/1940 Daimler-Benz T80

World-renown German auto racer Hans Stuck’s pet project was to take the world land speed record and he convinced Mercedes-Benz to build a special racing car for the attempt. Officially sanctioned by Hitler himself (a race car fan influenced by Stuck), the project was started in 1937.

Automotive designer Dr. Ferdinand Porsche first targeted a speed of 550 km/h (340 mph), but after George Euston’s and John Cobb’s successful LSR (Land Speed Record) runs of 1938-39 the target speed was raised to 600 km/h (373 mph). By late 1939, when the project was finished, the target speed was a much higher 750 km/h (465 mph). Since this would also be the first Land Speed Record attempt on German soil, Hitler envisioned the T80 as another propaganda triumph of German technological superiority to be witnessed by the entire world courtesy of German television.

[germany-beer-ask]

What is your relationship with your provinces?

I think I'd like to start by telling you about them briefly

Bavaria (capital Munich):

The largest land, and at the same time one of the oldest entities in my territory.

Baden-Württemberg (capital Stuttgart):

Formed during the unification of the three states. It is the headquarters of corporations like Porsche, Mercedes, Audi Sport, etc(so it is literally my automotive heart🙏)

Berlin (the capital is Berlin):

It is both the land and the capital at the same time.

The state of Berlin has the most activities in the service sector. It is in the center of the state of Brandenburg, which it has not been a part of since 1920. Speaking of Brandenburg

Brandenburg (the capital is Potsdam):

This is a large in area but sparsely populated federal state.There are few towns, but many lakes and rivers. The forests are home to rare species of animals and birds

Bremen or Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, as you prefer (the capital is Bremen):

The smallest state.Along with Bavaria, considered one of the oldest entities. The only federal state with a speed limit on the autobahns. No more than 130 km/h.

Free Hanseatic city Hamburg.Democracy and "freedom" (capital is Hamburg):

Europe's largest port city.About half of exports and imports pass through the port

Hesse (capital Wiesbaden):

Frankfurt Airport, the third largest airport in Europe, is located there.Unfortunately, Hesse is rarely on the radar of tourists. It is therefore more of a business center than a tourist destination

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (capital Schwerin):

This region is known for historic Baltic resorts, sandy beaches as I remember.

Lower Saxony (capital is Hannover):

The most important agricultural region, also about one third of mobility-related products are produced there. Let me explain. Airplane parts, cars, wagons, and agricultural machinery.

Rhineland-Palatinate (capital Mainz):

This land is home to the oldest city-Trier. I suggest visiting the Rheingessen wine region. Hmmm... I can also mention a lot of autobahns, high-speed railroads, as well as the waterways of the Rhine and Moselle

Saarland (capital Saarbrücken):

France still believes this territory should belong to it 💢

Saxony (capital Dresden):

Great people lived and worked in Saxony, such as Johann Sabastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn-Batroldi and others. I consider Dresden my center of culture and art. I would also advise you to visit the Zwinger Palace

Saxony-Anhalt (the capital is Magdeburg):

The Magdeburg plain and the Harz foothills are considered to be among the most fertile lands. Therefore, vegetables, potatoes, sugar beets and cereals are often grown there.

North Rhine-Westphalia (capital is Düsseldorf):

9 of my 20 largest cities are located here.

I have to mention Cologne Cathedral! And Düsseldorf has the largest Japanese community in hah

Thuringia (capital is Erfurt):

16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a history of Bauhaus architecture and many castles and palaces.

Schleswig-Holstein (capital Kiel):

A special dialect of German - Lower German - is spoken in the region, keep in mind. Schleswig-Holstein has an important position in the production of electricity from wind power

I really appreciate and cherish my provinces

[praxcrown5]

Carstober Prompt 21: Crash

Trigger warning: harassment, attempted suicide

Excerpt from my fanfic. Year is 1937, and Doc's mom, Annette, isn't dealing with life very well.

Annette left home quietly, not even bothering to close the garage door. 

Sam was still asleep after their most recent siring attempt; the act taking a lot more out of him than usual…which was surprising since she was, once again, leaving his side with an empty plasma condenser. 

Ahhh yes, her husband: the largest, strongest truck this side of the Mississippi.  He could carry loads all across the country, but he could never seem to drive one home.

She snarled at her own, bitter wit and coasted to the end of the driveway. 

It was late in the evening, and the moon was just starting to crest the pines.  Despite it being fall, there was a wintery chill in the air.

She took a deep breath, letting the cool air cycle through her TR system.

What now…?  She thought, sadly.  She had already tried talking Sam around to visiting the clinic and, when that didn’t work, bringing up the topic to her in-laws.

After that…the harassment got worse.  Most of the Longhauler women wouldn’t talk to her.  The men were more sympathetic…mostly on account of her being a damn-good mechanic—you didn’t want to offend the person changing out your piston belts, after all.  But, even so, they only made small talk. Her mother-in-law had become especially cruel, gossiping about Annette to anyone who’d listen, slapping Annette with snide, degrading comments when they were alone, introducing Annette at parties and social gatherings as her “barren” daughter-in-law. 

Despite all of this, Annette had tried her best to remain positive.  She forced herself to get up every morning…with no partner to snuggle against, sang to herself at dinner to beat back the oppressive silence of their empty home, cleaned and tended the garden to keep herself busy when she wasn’t working and did her best to smile and give her clients the best automotive care possible…despite hearing them call her things like “gold-digger” behind her boot. 

She’d been maintaining, thanks mostly to her father and brothers.  Her father, especially, did everything that he could to make her feel loved and appreciated…but, ultimately, he couldn’t solve her problems.  He couldn’t make Sam get his siring cable repaired.  He couldn’t stop Claire from spreading gossip to the rest of the townsfolk.  At the end of the day, the best he could do was lean against her and tell her that it would get better. 

Somehow.

Someday.

Tears started pooling in the corner of her eyes.  She had been clinging to this notion, whispering it to herself like a personal mantra whenever doubt began to rear its ugly head. 

It’ll get better.  It’ll get better.  Someday, It’ll get better...

Will it, though?

Annette gritted her teeth and started her engine to try to banish the thought from her mind…but it clung to her like cheap grease.  Will things actually get better? 

Her fuel pump squeezed painfully, fearfully and she gunned her engine, kicking up gravel and dust as she turned out onto the road, heading south, flicking on her headlights only as an afterthought.

Annette and Sam lived in a large, converted barn about fifteen minutes from town.  As she sped down the old logging road, the terrain grew more rugged, with tall black pine and oak replacing the smaller saplings from the reclaimed Dawson Woods.  The road began to switchback, ducking around steep exposures of sedimentary rock, but always gaining in elevation.

She was driving more recklessly than she probably should have been…but she couldn’t help it.

For years she had successfully managed use the “it’ll get better” mantra as a wall to block out any thoughts that might argue otherwise.  Working long hours at the shop and taking on extra work from the clinic helped to reinforce it. 

And up until tonight, the integrity of said wall had never been undermined.

Annette reached the top of a prominent, east-west trending hill that the locals called Oracle ridge and paused to catch her breath.

You’re not sure…are you?

Annette closed her eyes, fighting back tears.

Sam was only home for a week this time, so Annette wasn’t expecting much, surely not another siring attempt.  But…he offered…because he knew that having a child meant the world to his wife, and he was willing to keep trying in the hopes that they’d somehow be successful.  It was the first time in their two years of marriage that he’d done something like that, made an effort to show her that he cared, a rare expression of vulnerability when he had always been forced to be “strong” and “fearless.” She eagerly accepted his offer, and as they made love, the hope that she saw in his eyes and the compassion that she felt in his touch rejuvenated her, made her think that there was still a chance.  That the planets and the stars would align just for them and they could have their happy ending. 

And then she waited. Hours and hours of waiting with giddy anticipation, faithfully hoping for a factory notification.

She was going to be a mother! It was going to happen this time!

But…it didn’t. 

And, for the first time in her life, the voices on the other side of the wall began to make themselves known, hissing and spitting at her through a spiderweb of newly formed cracks.

Wiper fluid was leaking freely down her fenders and her breath came in ragged sobs. 

It’s not going to get better.

Annette shook her front end, trying to dislodge the thought.

It’s NOT going to get better.

Her eyes shot open and she revved her engine.  It will!  It HAS to! 

Sam won’t go to the doctor.  His parents won’t force him to go because they believe that you and your father are lying to them.  So, logically, every future siring attempt will fail…and your life will always be just miserable as it is at present.  It’s an exercise in futility if there ever was one.

No… No it’s not… Annette’s throat constricted

It’s hopeless.

Annette froze. 

Hopeless.

The wall shattered.  All the rogue thoughts that she’d tried to keep bottled up broke free and surged through her brain with the force of a tidal wave. 

If nothing is going to change, what’s the point in trying?  In caring?  You care so much about other people…but they don’t seem to care much for you, do they?

Panicking, Annette gunned her engine and tore down the ridge.  Her model wasn’t particularly fast on account of its weight, but the steep slope combined with her Cadillac standard V8 made sure that when she hit the first switchback, her tires had to really scrabble for traction.  She cleared the curve, but just barely. 

You’re pathetic.  A waste of metal desperately clinging to false hopes and yearning for a life that you’ll never have.

The ghostly outlines of trees blurred in her peripheral vision.  Another switchback ahead, not as sharp as the first one, but even so she could feel the literal edge of the road under her rear tires, the loose scree falling away to tumble down into the river below.  

Really, is running all you can do? 

Her eyes narrowed.  Another switchback.  Another close call, though this one came with a jolt of pain and a loud snap as she clipped a rock with her left back tire.  The snap must have been her coil spring, because from that moment onward, her body seemed to list to that side and she’d bottom out on every dip and rise in the road. 

A Sudden dip.  Something large and sharp caught her undercarriage and tore the metal; the pain made her eyes water, but rather than slow down, she gunned it harder.  Red line.  Her engine was straining under the stress, and she was starting to feel nauseous as the hot metal began to effect nearby systems.

Annette, you’re a coward.  You always have been.  You could have stood up to your in-laws, but instead you kept your chassis low.  You’re pathetic.  So pathetic, that your family just stood by in silence while you suffered.

No!  My father stood up for me!

Your father stood up for the Glenrunner name.  Not you.

Annette counter steered the last curve, almost skidding into the river, but her flattening left rear tire helped keep her on the road.  There was another sharp pain, this time further up into the axle; she could feel hydraulic fluid running down the inside of the tire.

She was on a straightaway, now, heading for Timing-Belt Bridge. There was a sharp turn on the other side, the sort of turn you had to make at less than twenty miles per hour, otherwise you’d end up hitting a wall of limestone.

Time seemed to slow as a deadly realization sunk its claws into her brain.

By the time her tires tore into the concrete of the bridge, she had reached sixty miles per hour.  Even with her left rear tire about to give out, she would still be doing sixty as she hit the curve on the other side. 

No. More. Pain.

Her engine screamed.  Her vision was blacking out and she was starting to taste oil and other vital fluids in her mouth… 

And then…the lights.  Right in front of her.  Head-on.

Instinct kicked in.  She slammed on her brakes, but her momentum kept her going forward.

[notf1obsessed]

wrapped round my finger: Charles Leclerc x Carlos Sainz (AU!)

Carlos and Charles are both automotive designers who are big names in the car industry, having worked with many companies before. They have both set aside their past, but what happens when they're forced to work together?

Chapter 1: disrupt my life (again)

"It's wonderful to have you with us Mr.Leclerc," Vettel shakes his hand in greeting, "Im sure you'll make a wonderful addition to the team."

Charles shook his hand in response, smile on his face. After many hours spent working, he'd finally made it. He'd finally been able to join Ferrari in designing their new car model. This was a lifetime goal of his; working with Ferrari. This was the moment he'd worked up his whole life for, he knew it.

They were standing in the Ferrari HQ in Maranello, right in front of the meeting room.  If you had told younger Charles he'd be standing here, he'd be laughing in your face. But now, Charles's fantasy was very much a reality.

"Right, you and one other will be our head of this project," Vettel continued, "Come with me so I can introduce you to them."

Vettel pushed open the doors to the meeting room, holding it open for Charles to enter.

His smile was immediately wiped off his face.

"This is-"

"Carlos," Charles interrupted him before he can continue.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in response taking a seat in front, "I see you have met before."

"Yes something like that," Carlos joins in, smile on his face. He was at on the opposite end of the table, hands clasped together and bent forward.

Charles felt bitterness boil in him, trying hard to keep his doll face on.

He would rather be anywhere in the world than with Sainz right now.

"Well then no need for introductions I see," Vettel now continued, expression much more relaxed, "We can get straight to the point."

Charles took a seat on the table opposite Carlos, eyes glued to Vettel. He turned over his papers as he spoke, dimming his voice which was quite quiet.

Not much help to Charles. Words entered through one ear and exited through the other, though he did manage to pick up some points. It was hard to stay focused with Sainz in front of him.

He could feel Carlos's eyes pierce through him.

Seb went through the points of them having to work on the main design, nothing much besides the clauses and contracts. Though Charles payed particular attention to when Seb mentioned they would have to work together.

Together.

He dwells about that point for a short time before refocusing. He can't throw away his opportunity at Ferrari just for some guy who didn't even earn it.

He can't.

The meeting ends quite quickly, Seb simply explaining the days they will work on the design. Charles shakes Seb's hand, walking through the door afterwards. His excitement is very much bursting through him, the goal of his life finally achieved.

"Long time no see, mi amigo," A familiar voice calls from behind.

His excitement is damped rather quickly, stopping slightly before continuing to walk towards the exit.

"You too," he responded, voice barely above a whisper. He doesn't turn to face Carlos, eyes on the glass doors in front.

Sainz picked up his pace slightly, meeting level with Charles (a few centimeters taller).

"Haven't seen you around since you moved away from town," he countinued.

The mention of his past town made Charles freeze abruptly. He left all his memories there and didn't want them to return. Though, with the arrival of Carlos, 2/3 of them already had.

"Yeah well work's been busy," he responded blandly, wanting to end the conversation as quickly as possible. He raises his wrist to look at his watch, trying to find an excuse to leave.

Carlos didn't speak for a minute, hands ruffling to fix his black suit.

"I have lunch with some of my friends so I better not keep them waiting," he lied through his teeth, eyes now lifting from his watch, still not daring to face Carlos.

"Well, see you on Monday," Carlos responded, his face indicating that he knew Charles was lying. The uncomfortable silence stretched for what seemed like hours before they finally reached the doors.

Charles didn't repsond, instead walking towards his Mercedes. He opened the door to throw himself on the seat.

He buried his face in his hands, groaning loudly.

That idiotic Carlos with his idiot smile his idiot hair his idiot suit his idiot-

He lent back on the seat's headrest, slowly opening his eyes to see Carlos smiling smugly through the window.

He wanted to rip that smile off his face so badly.

___________________________________________

Charles arrived in his Mercedes on Monday, confidence spilling over. He adjusted it quickly, taking the sunglasses off his face as he entered the building and shoving them into his shirt. His hair was ruffled, not very messy though. He's planning on making a good impression, and he isn't going to allow a shitty Carlos interfere. His eyes navigate the place, looking for any sign of someone who will lead him to the designers. His trip isn't long lasting as he sees a person approaching him.

He seemed quite old, probably in his early 40's. He wore a Ferrari employee fit, his hair combed neatly to one side (probably using a lot of gel in the process considering how his hair glistened under the light).

"You must be Mr.Leclerc?" the man asks, eyes glued to a clipboard in front of him.

Charles nods, not sure the man saw him, so he replies as well, "Yes."

The man nods into his papers, finally taking his eyes off to look at Charles, "Right this way then."

The man leads him to a fairly sized room, not a lot of people crowded inside. Charles stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, not sure what to do. What doesn't help is that the man immediately abandons him afterwards. The people in the room, chattering amongst themselves, turn to face him. He freezes on the spot, not sure of how to take this forwards. And while he had worked on large projects before, this one was Ferrari, and the nerves seemed to kick in quite quickly.

He was brought out if his trance by a tap on his shoulder. A voice leaned into his ear, hot breath on his cheek sending shudders down his spine, "Leave it to me, Charlie."

He hadn't heard that nickname in a very long time, and there were only very few people who called him that. Specifically the one standing next to him, hand still on shoulder.

Carlos.

Carlos's hand left his shoulder, making his way to the front of the room. Charles stayed frozen to the spot, watching as Carlos talked. He wasn't listening for the majority of the time, words becoming noises to him. He wasn't sure when Carlos's little speech ended, but he was snapped out by Carlos walking towards him.

He leaned in closer to him this time, lips millimeters away from Charles's cheek.

"No wonder you always froze in class."

Charles hated what he was doing, pulling out pieces from the past to remind him with. He had already buried his past deep, and was not planning on reviving it.

But Carlos had other plans.

The next day of him working, Charles decided he was not going to let Carlos's reminders of his past affect him from doing his best. So he made sure that before Carlos was to go and give another one of his 'little speeches' that he was going to actually inform him what the fuck he was doing. So that's exactly what he did, trying to avoid his remarks and focus on getting to the point.

"What was your little presentation even about yesterday," Charles grabs hold of his arm, wishing slightly he hadn't. His muscles were tense, veins tracing his skin.

Carlos turns around to face him, same smug face that he always has. Charles hated that smug expression that he had, like he was the one who hung the stars. Like he was the one who brought life to earth. Like he was the centre of the universe.

"I see Mr.Leclerc wasn't really paying attention to the speech, am I really that handsome and distracting," he snarkily replies.

Charles rolls his eyes at him, "and maybe Mr.Sainz wasn't planned out enough to tell his partner what he was actually doing."

"Fine fine, it was simple points about the car's design, someone in here should have the points printed out," he said, eyes tracing as they lit up when someone waved a stack of papers in hand. He went to grab them before shoving them in Leclerc's face.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered taking the papers out of his face, "no need to be aggressive Sainz." He looked through them, they were quite short considering the time Carlos had taken to go through them.

"Since you did all the simple, baby stuff, let's get going with the real shit, shall we?"

Carlos rolled his eyes at him before going to take a seat, paper and pencil in front of him, "If you insist on being so wise, how about you begin the designs."

Charles smiled sarcastically, hand going to grab the pencil from Carlos's hand. Carlos's hands held a slightly longer than expected grip on the pencil before letting go, letting Charles take it out of his hand.

Charles leaned in to the paper, finding an angle for him to work at, pencil lightly waving over the sheet. His brows furrowed and he stuck out his tongue in concentration, taking slow steps in drawing details to the car.

Carlos thought he looked ridiculous like this, but it wasn't unusual to him.

He's seen Charles like this a million times before.

Charles sketched out a very light base of the car, only drawing the rough shape. It was the outline of a convertible, its shape curved inwards giving it a sharp front.

"What do you think," he dropped his pencil from his hand and leaned back into his chair, proud with the sketch he'd made.

Carlos did the opposite by leaning in closer to get a better look of it. His lips folded back into his mouth, dissatisfied with some details.

Read: a lot of it.

He picked up the pencil, fingers holding a firm grip. He flipped the pencil to the erasing side, taking out large chunks from the car. He then went back in to give it a more outwards curved shape, this time closing the sunroof with his detailing.

"Much better"

Charles shot him a look, picking up the pencil and re erasing the shape, restoring his once more. It gave the paper a slight wrinkle, but Charles didn't pay attention to it.

Carlos smiled sarcastically in response, snatching the pencil out of Charles's hand and once again erasing the shape. He roughly restored the shape, giving the paper an uneven look.

Charles shot him a menacing look, aggressively snapping the pencil out of his hands, once again restoring the shape. This time, the paper was severely distorted.

"Better."

It seemed like Carlos wasn't going to win this time.

Not like this.

So instead, he shot daggers through his eyes before smiling.

"Whatever you say, Charlie."

Charles ignored his remark, eyes darting to the silver clock hung on the wall.

"Oh would you look at that, it's time for my lunch," he responded, getting up from his chair, "See you in the cafeteria, Carlito."

He decided if Carlos was going to have some fun, so would he.

He turned around before exiting the door, his smile fumbling slightly.

Carlos's expression wasn't his usual one. It was a mixture of softness and hurt at the same time. Like a piece of him had been brought back, but cutting him in the process. Like going through a photo album and getting a paper cut.

Like his hope had been shattered and restored at the same time.

Charles didn't waste anymore time analyzing Carlos's expressions, instead darting his way towards the cafeteria.

He wasn't going to let Carlos's emotions interfere with him.

Not again.

[prashantvermaa]

Oragadam: Chennai’s Emerging Real Estate Hotspot for Homebuyers and Investors

Chennai’s Expanding Horizons

When people think of Chennai, they often picture a dense urban landscape with congested roads and limited open spaces. With the city’s central areas reaching saturation, expansion is naturally shifting towards new growth corridors. Oragadam, located southwest of Chennai, is fast becoming a thriving business and residential hub. Fueled by rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure projects, a flourishing commercial sector, and an increasing demand for a better quality of life, this evolving district is attracting real estate developers. Recognizing this potential early on, Hiranandani Communities has been instrumental in shaping Oragadam’s transformation with its flagship project Hiranandani Parks, a 360-acre integrated township.

Why Oragadam is the Preferred Choice

As demand for residential and commercial spaces continues to grow, Oragadam stands out for its enhanced connectivity and township-based development. Its strategic location, affordability, integrated lifestyle, and vibrant community appeal to homebuyers seeking a balanced and high-quality living experience. With a first-mover advantage, Hiranandani Communities has played a crucial role in turning Oragadam into a desirable real estate destination.

Oragadam’s Rise as an Industrial and Residential Hub

Once considered a suburban extension of Chennai, Oragadam has rapidly evolved into a key industrial and residential zone. The area is home to major industries such as automotive, IT, and manufacturing, attracting professionals and businesses alike. Its seamless connectivity via major highways makes it an ideal location for workers in these industries. This surge in employment opportunities has created a growing demand for premium residential developments. Hiranandani Parks caters to this demand by offering a well-planned, modern living experience enriched with world-class amenities and lush green spaces.

Beyond the City: A Smarter and More Sustainable Lifestyle

Chennai’s core areas are reaching their limits, leaving little room for large-scale developments. This has pushed homebuyers to explore options beyond the city’s conventional boundaries. Oragadam presents the perfect alternative meticulously planned township that provides all the conveniences of urban life without the chaos of overcrowding and pollution. Here, residents enjoy open green spaces, top-tier infrastructure, and modern amenities while staying connected to Chennai’s economic and industrial centers. This self-sufficient township ensures that home, work, and recreation coexist seamlessly, offering a better way of living.

A New Definition of Work-Life Balance

One of Oragadam’s strongest appeals is its growing employment ecosystem. With leading companies such as Renault-Nissan, Daimler, and Apollo Tyres setting up operations in the area, the demand for nearby residential spaces has surged. Employees now have the luxury of living closer to work, eliminating long, stressful commutes and allowing for a healthier work-life balance. Oragadam’s integrated townships provide a peaceful and well-structured living environment, ensuring that professionals can enjoy both career success and a high quality of life.

A Prime Investment Destination with Promising Returns

For real estate investors, Oragadam presents an excellent opportunity for both long-term appreciation and rental income. As industries continue to expand, property values are expected to rise steadily, making investments here highly lucrative. Unlike Chennai’s densely packed urban zones, Oragadam offers ample space for modern developments, ensuring continuous growth and value appreciation. The increasing workforce in the area further fuels demand for rental housing, making it a reliable source of passive income for investors.

From Renters to Homeowners: A Growing Trend

A unique trend in Oragadam’s real estate market is the transition from renters to homeowners. Many professionals who initially moved to the area for affordable rentals have now chosen to invest in their own homes. Having experienced the benefits of integrated township living—modern infrastructure, green landscapes, and proximity to workplaces these residents are making long-term commitments to the area. With rising property values and high-quality living standards, Oragadam is becoming not just a place to rent but a place to call home.

The Future of Chennai’s Real Estate Lies in Oragadam

Oragadam is redefining the way Chennai grows offering a smarter, more sustainable approach to urbanization. Its seamless integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces makes it an ideal choice for professionals, families, and investors alike. With steady capital appreciation, a rising workforce, and increasing demand for quality housing, Oragadam is set to lead Chennai’s real estate expansion.

For those considering an investment in Hiranandani Chennai, Oragadam presents an unparalleled opportunity. Whether for long-term financial gains or rental income, this emerging hub offers not only great returns but also an enhanced living experience where home, work, and leisure are perfectly integrated.

Oragadam’s growth trajectory is on the rise, making now the perfect time to invest. Whether you're looking for your dream home, a high-yield property investment, or a fresh approach to urban living, Oragadam has everything to offer. The future here is bright, and the possibilities are endless.

[stevebattle]

Toyota Partner Robot – Bipedal Runner (2009), by Ryosuke Tajima, Daisaku Honda, and Keisuke Suga, Toyota, Japan. Toyota modified the legs and feet of their bipedal humanoid robot for running and balancing experiments. "Toyota’s most recent humanoid robot prototype (one of many partner robots the automotive giant is developing) stands 130cm tall and weighs 50Kg. Its legs have 7 degrees of freedom and it can run at an average speed of 7 km/h. In contrast, ASIMO’s maximum speed is 6km/h. The Toyota researchers had to develop new real-time methods for balance control. These methods make it possible for the robot to remain balanced when an external force such as a push from a human is applied when in motion. … The robot takes a step every 340ms and has no contact with the ground for 100ms of that. … Even though this new robot is impressive, it is still limited on moving over flat surfaces and it can only recover from small external forces." – Toyota’s running humanoid robot.

[stargazestories]

WITHOUT A FACE

Parring: MinghaoxReader

Warnings: attempt at dirty talk?will say this is mildly suggestive at best still don’t want minors to read

A/N: I am so (not fully) back. I felt like finishing off one of my stories and this one haunted me for a while so it’s just a small one and if maybe I come back to it ever again I’ll follow up with a part 2 with smut but please enjoy this small story~

This is so stupid, y/n thought as she heard the line on her phone connecting. The thought of her calling a phone sex line was not something she had on her bingo card. The idea only lingered in her mind when her friend had mentioned she had called this line and had such a good time, that y/n should try it out as there was a particular operator who had such a smooth and sensual voice, that she simply had to share this with y/n.

Mentally y/n laughed as she wasn’t prone to peer pressure, but it was enticing. What kind of voice did the operator have? What would he say exactly? What kind of tone did he use? All these questions made her dial the number her friend provided for her, and here she was regretting her decision as soon as she heard the ringing.

The line quickly changed and thinking she was being connected, the voice of an automatic operator took over.

“Thank you for calling Naughty or Nice Hotline, if you wish to be connected to the next available operator please stay on the line, if you know the operator you would like to connect to, please enter their line number now followed by the pound sign”

“Naughty or nice hot line?” She couldn’t help but laugh at the cheesy name they had. She was sure that her friend might just be pulling a prank on her but she still continued.

As her friend instructed, once at the automotive menu, she had to press the number 8 to get the operator she was referring to. After pressing the number 8 followed by the # the line went silent for a moment. At this point y/n felt her heart beat pounding.

“Hello” the caller at the other end of the line finally spoke.

Y/n wanted to hang up, as realistically she didn’t think she would allow herself to get as far as she did, and now she is actually talking with a phone sex operator.

“H-hi” she managed to talk

“Nervous are we?” She could hear the playful tone of the man whose voice was soft.

“Umm…yeah” she was now embarrassed and turning a shade of pink.

“Don’t be, we can start slow” he reassured her, which was nice but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to do this.

“I…I’m” she paused wondering if she should introduce herself with her real name or a fake name. Would it matter? He’s never met her or will ever meet her.

“You don’t have to tell me your name if you don’t want to, I can just call you darling, is that alright with you?” He asked with such tenderness that made y/n blush and bite her lips.

“Yeah, I’d like that….I ummm…im not sure…about all this” she confessed. She wasn’t a stranger to sex, but the whole phone sex line and talking to a man she’s never met made her nervous and a little off put.

“It’s okay darling, we are just having a conversation, we don’t need to do anything else” The way he said it, made it seem like he was really okay with just talking, there was no mean spirited tone, no teasing or any hint of disdain. Feeling a bit more calm because of this she continued on.

“Do you have a name? Or I don’t suppose you wouldn’t give that out would you?” She chuckled while shaking her head, of course why would he give her his real name?

“I can go by any name, you can call me whatever you like”

She pondered for a moment, thinking of a name to call him. “8” she spoke without really thinking it fully through.

“8?” He was genuinely intrigued by this name.

“I sorry” she laughed, “I figured…your line is the number 8…it’s not very creative, I know” she admitted it was a bit ridiculous but it’s not like it really mattered.

“It’s truly unique” he laughed,

god even his laugh was dreamy, she couldn’t help but to laugh with him.

“So what made you call in? I don’t suppose you went out of your way to get an erotic hotline number for kicks, did you?” The question made her laugh more , not knowing if she should answer honestly that her friend told her to talk so she can talk to him specifically. Would that be weird? Or was he used to this already?

“No, I didn’t. My friend recommended this…I feel silly for actually going through with it if I’m honest, ” she sighed deeply, she really didn’t know why she was so honest with him.

“It’s alright. Again, if you feel so strongly about it, you can disconnect, there won’t be any hard feelings” he reassured her again with his velvety voice, one that made her want to stay and talk to him.

“No it’s okay...can I ask you something actually ?” She bit her lip softly.

“Anything”

“Do you enjoy this? You know the whole erotic hot line business?” She tried her best not to insult his line of work.

“I don’t mind it, It definitely was not something I saw myself ever doing but life is funny that way isn’t it?” she nodded at his response, as it wasn’t one she had expected. She assumed he would say something along the lines of ‘of course I do’.

“Do you…..” she stopped, wondering if she should ask this.

“Do I what darling?” He asked with a curious and warm tone.

“Do you also….enjoy it?” She was now red as a tomato asking such an intimate question, then again it was a erotic hotline, this might not be as intimate as anything else he’s gotten, right?

The voice at the other end took a moment before answering, she wondered if this was maybe a little too much of a personal question to ask a hotline worker.

“Sometimes, yes. I do enjoy myself on a call but in reality it’s not as often as you would think”

“Are you at least enjoying this call?” She joked.

“I’m enjoying it very much”

“Are you lying?”

“Never” he didn’t think about it twice, again the call wasn’t sexual but the suave he carried in voice, she could see why many women would call in.

The conversation never took a sexual turn, they talked on the line about many things; their favorite movies, their favorite genres of music, even their favorite books. Y/n found out that he was a fan of dancing, as he has been a dancer. She couldn’t help but to share about her life to him as well, how she worked a corporate job, how she spent her days. The conversation moved effortless and seamless until y/n noticed the time, nearly 3am and here she was on the line still.

“It’s getting late, I think I’ve taken up a lot of your time already, I’m sure others are waiting”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, you were my last call, and even then I’d enjoy you for as long as you allow me to”, his comment made her blush red now.

“I guess this is bye” she felt her heart sink a little

“I would say this is good night darling, hope to hear from you soon” the call soon disconnected.

Setting her phone to her nightstand, she smiled as she thought of the man.

“See you soon”

[rain-dom]

Touhou: The Origins of Reimu Hakurei. [MtF]

Splash! A wave of water fell over Ethan, as a car went by.

“Ugh! Shit!” he groaned. “Of course, the universe just has to remind me how much my life sucks today, of all days.”

He wiped the water from his eyes and continued to drag himself home. Ethan, a young Japanese-American man aged twenty-one, found work at an automotive company, but due to a global recession, he was let go. Born in the States, he wanted to reside in Japan for a time to get in touch with his culture, and to jump start his career in marketing and sales. He had dreams of being on top of the world - living in lavish luxury, on top of the world in tall, gleaming skyscrapers, and being among the richest suits-and-ties.

But now, like his dreams, his black suit, black vest and gray tie were all soaking wet, and had nowhere to go. He couldn’t stay here - he didn’t have much of a family to connect to, after his parents had cut ties with them a few decades earlier - and he couldn’t go back to the U.S., even if he wanted to, due to being flat broke. And he would feel ashamed if he had to move in with his folks again, so he was pretty much all alone.

As he walked home, however, he remembered there was a place in a nearby forest he liked to visit. There was an old, abandoned shrine, which sat in the center of some beautiful cherry blossom trees. He decided he should go there and let his stresses melt away, at least for a little while.

He turned left and crossed the street, making sure there were no more annoying cars greeting home with puddles of water. He took a nice, long stroll through the forest, until he finally reached the shrine. It was old and worn down, the cracks in the wood showing its age. Though luckily, it still stood well enough. Ethan dropped his suitcase and sat down on its steps and let out a heavy sigh, as he looked up to the sky. It was covered by dark, gray clouds, reminders or the rainstorm that had just passed by earlier that day. The clouds were darker now, signaling that the end of the day was at hand. Ethan then dozed off to sleep, allowing himself let go of the stresses of his dull, gray life.

The next morning, Ethan awoke to something warm that danced on his face, as if a ray of light that beamed down on him. He blinked himself awake and got up, and yawned. He looked up once again, noticing the sky had changed significantly this time. Unlike yesterday, in which a storm had rolled in, bringing with it dark, stormy clouds and heavy rain, today the clouds had receded into light puffs of smoke painted across the light blue sky. As a matter of fact, as he looked around, the was something different about the entire area - the shrine itself seemed to have had been fully restored to its former glory, its wooden exterior and roof was fully intact, with no dings of damage. The stone path leading to it no longer was covered in bushes and twigs - it now was fully restored as well, with there now being a clear stone path. Ethan’s eyes widened as he observed his new surroundings.

“Holy shit…did someone just renovate this place overnight? This must be a dream, right?” He toured the updated shrine; the rooms - once desolate and barren - now looked as if they were occupied just this morning - a bed was made, with a white cup of warm tea next two it, complete with steam brewing off it. He took a sip. “Mmm…this is great! God, I needed this…” He sat the tea down and went back outside and stepped onto the porch, and took a breath of the fresh air. He smiled. He like that this old, forgotten place somehow returned to its glory.

Then he remembered - he had to go home.

“Goddammit! It’s a shame I’ll have to leave here and go back to my house, and deal with…god, everything. What I would give to just relax and drink tea at this beautiful shrine. Sigh I wish I could stay at this place forever…”

Then, almost as soon as he said those words, he started to feel hot as he felt his body shake and tremble beyond his control. He could hear his bones begin to crack under the pressure, though he didn’t feel any pain, just discomfort and heat. His shoulders began to push in, as his height decreased with them. He saw as the world around him seemed to be growing around him, but in reality, *he* was the one who was shrinking.

“Nngh…ugh…wh-what the fuck is- gah!” Ethan exclaimed, as he felt his hips push out, and his waist starting to curve inwards. His hands shrunk and became daintier, his arms and legs shrunk in length and muscle (not that he had much of that, anyway). It felt like his entire body - inside and out - were being massaged, itched, broken, and remolded into something almost foreign to him.

But, as suddenly as it began, it stopped. Huffing and puffing, he ripped off his suit, vest, and tie, and stripped himself down to his boxers. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Coated in sweat, his body had gone through some significant changes - he was smaller for one, his shoulders and waist had narrowed, and his arms and legs were shorter and more petite, too.

“Huff, hah What…what is this? What’s hah hah h-happening to me?!” He barely noticed that by now that his skin was softer to the touch, his body hair had all but evaporated, his voice had jumped at few octaves higher, his short brown hair had grown slightly longer, and that his face had become more androgynous. In between deep breaths, it was starting to become obvious to him now - he could no her deny it. He was becoming-

“…a girl? Hah hah I’m…I’m turning into a girl?!How is this even possible—AH!”

His conclusion, which was coated with fear and confusion on one hand, and curiosity and excitement on the other, was interrupted by an alien sensation residing in his chest.

Then, it started again.

Power, heat and energy ripped through his increasingly feminine body, begging it to change even further. Two lumps of fat began to push out of his chest, creating sensations Ethan has never felt before. He fell to his knees, moaning, letting his new girls blossom forth, as they replaced his flat chest, expanding into small A cups.

“Oh, god this feels…ah …sooo, good!” Ethan exclaimed as he let his hands massage his new assets in circular motions, feeling how sensitive they were becoming, helping them grow to modest B cups.

“Agh! Ewgh! Gah!”Ethan groaned as brought his hands to his face, clenching his teeth together as his face crunched and contorted, as his body worked to give him a less defined jaw line, a smaller nose, and bigger eyes, erasing the last major marks of his masculine face. This also had consequences for his neck; becoming thinner, while his voice finally completely gave way, becoming high pitched and undeniably feminine, as his Adam’s apple disappeared without a trace.

“Hah, hah…ngh…what’s that feeling i-in my — AHH!!” Falling now on all fours, he moaned as his ass started to grow, his thighs becoming softer and thicker, and becoming slightly more plump.

”Mmn…yess…” Ethan said as his messy brown hair grew longer darker, and softer over his face, his shoulders, and finally his back, becoming a dark brown. He rolled over on his back, pushing his new, soft silky hair out of his eyes.

The final changes were being finalized — his thighs and ass grew to their final size, his waist narrowed in one last time, adding slight but noticeable abs to his belly.

Ethan looked down at his body, still overflowing with this essence, this power. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing or feeling, but he couldn’t deny that it felt so good, so rejuvenating.

Now, there was one last thing that need to change. And although he knew what change was coming, he didn’t know what feelings would come with it, nor how intense those feelings would be.

Ethan quickly pushed off his boxers - which barely even hugged his feminine frame at this point - already panting and moaning as he spread his legs wide open, already anticipating the arrival of his womanhood. His dick and balls - which were noticeably smaller than before the changes started - started to shrink. Ethan almost absentmindedly wrapped his now-feminine hand around his cock, and stroke his shrinking member, closing his eyes and tilting his head back, as the new, strong, unapologetic feelings burst from his crotch. His penis - erect and hard from the changes her that had taken place before - twitched and morphed, as if trying to salvage itself form the inevitable, but to no avail. As a new slit formed underneath his ballsack, his balls shrunk one last time, then went inside, becoming his new ovaries. His penis pathetically came one last time, then gurgled as it, too, was pushed inside by his body, becoming a tiny but sensitive clit instead. Ethan opened his eyes and looked at where his dick and balls once were, although now there was only a slit, with a clit at the top of it, just barely sticking out. His fingers on his right hand were coated in both his old cum - sticky and white- and his new cum - slimy and clear.

He was wet.

And he wanted more.

Something was stirring between his legs, the remaining heat and tension from the transformation rushed to his new equipment. It felt as if his vagina was emanating, pulsing with life, begging him to give in to his new body.

And he couldn’t resist the blossoming flower between his legs.

With trembling hands, Ethan touched his slit - he felt his entire body shudder and shiver. He immediately succumbed to the waves of pleasure that glowed in his crotch. At thing point, he started to slowly finger himself, pushing his fingers in and out of his vagina. This action slowly accelerated, his desire, his heat, rose all throughout his body the faster he went, wanting, no, needing to get that last bit of heat out of his system.

Ahh…ahhh!! Yess!!” He moaned, as he fingered himself faster and faster, enjoying the waves of pleasure coming over him.

Then, his eyes widened, and he let out a gasp.

He was almost there.

Faster and faster he went, his mind being completely overtaken by the overwhelming pleasure he was feeling. Sweat reigned supreme over his skin, as warm, panting breaths of a girl in heat escaped Ethan’s lips. This heat, this power, it kept rising, higher and higher, faster and faster, until-

AAAaaahnn!!!” Ethan finally let out on last series of loud, unapologetic moans as his new body arched upwards, squirting cum all over the wooden porch, and his inner thighs. He took his hand and tasted his new cum in his mouth, savoring the taste of his new equipment.

Afterwards, he settled down and closed his eyes. Satisfied, he wore a smile on his face, letting himself rest once again after his hard work was done. He ran his hands all over his new body; him feminine face, and his soft boobs and skin. He sighed and chuckled at his new form, overflowing with relief.

Until he fully realized what had just transpired.

“Wait - h-holy shit! I’m a girl?? H-how…why- what the fuck? He said as he jumped to his feet. He looked around at not only his body, but also at the mess he had made on the porch. “Did…did I actually enjoy this? Oh…oh god…”

“Oh, my…seems like you had a lot of fun, hm?” An unfamiliar voice said behind him.

“A-ah!” Ethan yelped. He covered his mouth, still not used to the voice he was carrying. Then, he covered up his chest and crotch with his clothes, and looked up to the woman that appeared before him.

“Oh, shit! I-I wasn’t doing anything! I’m not here to cause any trouble-“

“Oh, you’re certainly not here to cause trouble, shrine maiden. Quite the opposite, in fact.” The lady smiled smugly and giggled. She wore a long flowing pink and purple dress, and had long blonde hair that flowed under her pink mob cap.

“Shrine maiden? What…what are you talking about? I’m not-“

“Ah, but you are! Ever since you stumbled into this shrine and wished to reside here forever, you were destined to become the shrine maiden - the girl that keeps the peace between all beings, human, youkai, or otherwise, in the land of gensokyo.”

“But I’m not a girl *or* the shrine maiden!”

“Says the one who was just pleasuring herself without a care in the world just a few moments ago.”

Ethan blushed, twirling a lock of his hair with his finger. “L-look, can you just get me out of here? Send me back to the outside world with my old body?”

“Oh, but that’s not how this works, I’m afraid. Although I could teleport you back to your world…no, that would be too boring. And I can’t turn you back into your former self - you wished for this to happen, deep down, after all.”

Speaking of which, your old stuffy clothes don’t fit you anymore, so I ll be taking those.”

She took Ethan’s suit and tie out of her hands and took them with her into her portal, as if they never even existed.

“H-hey! Those are my clothes!” Ethan stammered as he covered up his chest and crotch with his hands.

“I have some clothes that suit you far better. Try them on, I’m sure you’ll like them.” She said smugly.

The strange woman disappeared as she opened a new portal, and Ethan’s apparent new clothes appeared.

“This lady, I swear-“, he muttered under his breath.

Having nothing else on hand to wear, he begrudgingly put them on, which included: a sarashi that covered up his breasts, a red skirt, a red bow, and a sleeveless red top that showed off his midriff and armpits.

After putting everything on, he looked down at the clothes that hugged his body.

His heart skipped a beat, his face turning red.

“O-oh wow…you know, I…I don’t look so bad, I guess.” He said as he tugged at the edges of his skirt, and got a closer look as to how his new clothes fit with his new assets. “As a matter of fact, I do look kinda…cute.”

“See?” The strange lady said as she reappeared behind her again. “Isn’t this so much better than before?”

Ethan nodded, still in awe of the fact that he even took a liking to this new form.

“Now…do you still want to go back to your old, miserable life, in desperate search of fulfillment? Or, would you like to stay here and complete your true task - the task of the shrine maiden, as Reimu Hakurei?”

“I…I…”

“You will make so many friends and so many wonderful memories here, resolving incidents of all kinds - and living in color rather than living in eternal gray. And, of course, you will be paid with donations at the shrine - you will no longer have to worry about running out of those silly human currencies ever again. And when you’re not solving incidents, you would be able to drink tea and relax as much as you please. Now - how does that sound?”

Ethan thought for a moment - he don’t have have in the way of friends, his career wasn’t going anywhere, and he would rather be homeless than return to his parent’s place again. He wanted to start all over again, and in this weird place, he could do just that, as Reimu Hakerei. Not only that, he was really starting to come around to living his life as a girl, especially since the transformation let him - now her - see a side of herself she never gave much thought about before.

“Wait, then…if I’m going to stay here, what am I going to say when I introduce myself - I don’t want people to know who I am - er, used to be.

“We’ll just say that you’re were an orphan, for now, unless you so choose to talk about your past.”

“Hm…I guess we can work out those details later, huh?” Ethan said.

The lady chuckled. “I suppose”, she said as she opened her portal. “There seems to be an incident currently taking place at a certain Scarlet Devil Mansion. To find it, follow the red mist.” Before she left, she stopped and added, “Oh, and before I forget, my name is Yukari Yakumo.” She then disappeared without a trace.

A bewildered Reimu was about to pester this “Yukari” lady some more, until she looked up at the sky. Dark red mist was slowly enveloping the blue sky that she adored, coming form some place she couldn’t see.

“An incident already?? Well, I better get on it, than.” Ethan, now the soon-to-be legendary shrine maiden Reimu Hakurei, accepted her new role in this strange new world. She took out her purification rod, and, after a few attempts of trial and error, she started to fly towards the red mist, looking forward to solving her first incident.