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ereardon · 1 year

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Friends Don't || Chapter 3

Summary: Bob Floyd has been your best friend for almost a decade, ever since he quietly agreed to tutor you in college. The two of you have spent years chasing each other around the globe – Bob as a WSO, you as a travel blogger. You’ve always been the anywhere-but-here girl, and he’s been your rock. But when a surprise diagnosis threatens to crumble your picture-perfect life, you’re on the first flight back to San Diego, desperate to put down roots for the first time. Will Bob finally have it in him to admit that you could be the love of his life? What will he say when he finds out the secret you’ve been skillfully hiding from him? Or worse, what if he doesn’t find out until it’s too late?��

Pairing: Robert “Bob” Floyd x OC [Reid]

Tropes: Friends to lovers

Warnings: Cursing, angst, alcohol

WC: 2.8K

Series masterlist here; previous chapter here; next chapter here

You met Denver when Bob got stationed at Lemoore. You had still been living in New Orleans, planning your move up to San Francisco, but it was taking a while because the magazine had you doing an Asia tour: Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal.

On your way back from Tokyo, you stopped in San Francisco to do some apartment hunting, before renting a car and driving down to Lemoore to visit Bob.

He was still a newer member on the team; everyone but Denver had been there for years. They were a knit family, and he was the odd one out. But at least he had her.

“You’re going to love her,” Bob said. He was teeming with excitement. Seeing him happy made you happy. You knew that he hadn’t quite fit in at Newport, his station before Lemoore. You knew that he desperately wanted to be part of a team.

And he had found that with Denver.

The bar was crowded. And hot. You were wearing a tiny tank top and a pair of denim shorts, not much of a going out outfit but Bob had insisted the two of you go straight to the bar so you could meet his friends.

Bob weaved through the packed bar, his hand warm in yours, over toward one side of the curved wooden bar. You spotted the familiar khaki outfits that screamed military. Bob raised his free hand excitedly in a wave and you smiled up at him.

“Hey guys,” he said, and a few of the khaki uniforms turned. Their eyes shamelessly rolled over you, and your hand in Bob’s, jaws going slack.

“Floyd,” one of them, a classically attractive guy with a broad jawline, said. “Who’s the girl?”

“Reid,” you said, sticking out one hand, keeping your left firmly in Bob’s. You shook his hand.

“Harvard,” he said.

You squinted. Another guy, even more ridiculously handsome, sidled up behind him. “I’m Fritz.”

You nodded. The other two were Omaha and Yale. The callsigns went in one ear and out the other. You were notoriously bad with names.

And then you heard a small voice, like a delicate bird. “Stop drooling all over her, fuckheads. She’s way too hot for any of you.”

All eyes turned to the right. A tiny redhead was making her way over to the group, her hands full of beer bottles. She handed one to Omaha and then another to Bob. Finally, her piercing green eyes landed on you and she smiled, holding out the remaining beer bottle. “You must be Sunny.”

You grinned. “I am. You must be Denver.”

“Sure hope so, otherwise I’m wearing someone else’s uniform.”

You laughed and took the beer, sipping it carefully. You watched Bob’s face light up as he spoke to the pilot. The casual way she put her hand on his forearm. How easy and light they were together. The way his eyes tracked her across the room. How she always brought him back into the conversation where he might have fallen out of it.

For the rest of the night you snuck glances at the two of them. And for the first time you saw what Bob looked like when he was in love.

“Hey.” Fritz approached you from your right, leaning against the wall where you had your butt pressed, staring out across the bar at Bob and Denver.

“Hi,” you replied, taking a swig from the gin and tonic in your hand. You were tipsy, edging on drunk.

Fritz followed your gaze. “They’re good together, don’t you think?”

You nodded. “Yeah, they are. Never seen him like that before.”

“Like what?”

“So happy,” you replied. “Carefree.” The two of you watched as Bob laughed at something Denver said, her eyes sparkling as she faced him.

“He looked pretty damn happy when he told us you were coming,” Fritz said.

You shook your head. “Nothing like that.”

Fritz moved slightly closer and you looked up at him with a smile.

“Live nearby?” you asked.

He grinned. “In fact, I do.”

You took his hand, weaving through the crowd toward where Bob was standing near the bar next to Denver and Yale. “Bobby?” you said softly, raising a hand and pressing it to his upper arm.

He turned around with a smile. “Hey Sunny, where’d you go?”

You looked up at Fritz. “Just got another drink. I, uh, think we’re gonna head out. Can I call you tomorrow, get a ride back to your place?”

He frowned. “Are you sure?”

You felt Fritz’s hand slide into the back pocket of your jeans, fingers gripping the swell of your ass. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

Bob looked between you and Fritz with narrowed eyes. “Sunny? Gonna ask you one more time, darlin’, are you sure?”

You nodded then leaned up and kissed his cheek, letting your hand fall from his arm. “See you tomorrow, Bobby.”

You let Fritz’s hand migrate to your low back, guiding you out of the bar and into the humid California night. You weren’t sure why, but it took everything you had not to turn around and take one last look at Bob before you walked out the door.

Bob looked up at Denver with angry eyes.

“I shouldn’t have let her go. She’s been here twelve hours, she has no idea where she is. Fritz is a goddamn stranger to her.”

“Reid can do what she wants, Floyd,” Denver said, leaning her small arm against the bar. “She’s a grown woman. Besides, Fritz is a puppy dog. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

He shook his head. “I’m going after her.” He put his glass of seltzer down and started to walk toward the door when Denver grabbed him, yanking him back shockingly hard for such a small person.

“Floyd! Snap out of it man. She isn’t yours.”

“Yes, she is. She’s my responsibility, don’t you get that? I brought her here.”

Harvard shook his head. “Fuck, man, you’re down bad for her aren’t you?”

Bob squinted his eyes. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Harvard laughed. “See, I always thought you had a thing for Denver over here. But apparently you’re just the nerd in love with the hot girl next door. And she ditched you the first chance she got.”

Bob felt like his eyes were going to pop out of his head. He lunged forward, but Denver grabbed his arm. “Come on, let’s get some air, Floyd.”

He let her yank him out onto the back patio of the bar, anger already starting to pool in his stomach.

“Is it because of Fritz, or is it because she left with anyone but you?”

Bob shook his head, taking a deep breath. “Please, Denver, just drop it.”

“No. I won’t drop it. Tell me the truth. What is it about her that has you so wound up, ready to fucking combust?”

Bob sighed. “It’s just been me and Reid for a long time, OK? It’s a hard dynamic to change. That’s all, I promise.”

Her green eyes scanned his face. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you Robert?” she asked softly, stepping closer.

Bob raised his eyes to hers. “No, Sarah. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

She nodded, lips pursed in a tight line. The two of them stood side by side, leaning against the railing of the patio, staring off into the distance in silence.

***

You hadn’t meant for it to happen, but somehow you ended up hosting a pizza night at the house as a way to repay the team for helping to unbox all your stuff that had finally arrived from Brooklyn, along with all of the new items you had purchased that had shown up on the doorstep, much to Bob’s dismay.

The two of you arrived home one night to no less than twenty boxes from Crate & Barrel on the front porch. Bob turned to you with wide eyes and you gave him a small shrug across the middle console of the car, hopping out to examine the boxes.

“Sunny,” he said, exasperated. “I said yes to redecorating. But what on Earth? Did you buy the whole store or what?”

“Hate to break it to you, honey,” you said, opening the door and scooting the nearest box inside. “But your house? Your stuff? It’s depressing.”

“I’m offended,” he said, following after you with a box in his arms.

“No you’re not,” you replied. “And if you are, you’ll get over it when you see how much cute shit I got for us.”

Bob groaned, digging in his pocket.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling in backup,” he said, hitting a button and lifting the phone to his ear. “Rooster? Yeah, can you and Hangman and Phoenix come over? Bring Coyote. Reid bought all this stuff and we’re never going to be able to unload it all ourselves.” He paused, nodding. “Yeah, we’ll buy you guys dinner.”

He clicked off the phone and you laughed, already headed to your room to change into athletic clothing. “Remember that you love me!” you called from down the hall.

“How could I ever forget?” Bob replied, shaking his head and grabbing a box cutter from the top drawer in the kitchen.

That was how you found yourself sitting on the floor in the middle of Bob’s kitchen unwrapping a set of Estelle colored wine glasses and handing them to Phoenix, who was carefully placing them in a cabinet.

In the living room, Rooster and Hangman were fighting over the instructions for the media center that you had ordered, while Bob was chatting with Coyote as he built a coffee table.

You handed a blue stemless wine glass to Phoenix who took it with a smile. “So, how are you liking San Diego?”

You shrugged. “It’s alright. I like the beach nearby.”

“Bob said you’ve lived all over the place.”

You nodded. “Yeah, I’ve bounced around a lot. I did New Orleans, Seattle, Austin, SF, London, Barcelona. Most recently I was in Greenpoint.”

Phoenix put one hand on her slim hip. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Why here, then? Sounds like you’ve lived in the best cities in the US, maybe even the world. So why the hell would you want to move to San Diego?”

You looked out over into the living room. “It’s the only place where I can see him every day.”

Phoenix raised an eyebrow as you stood up from the floor, dusting off your knees with your hands. “Bradshaw is gonna ask you out. Even got a blessing from Floyd.”

You turned to her. “Bob said yes?”

She nodded. “Wasn’t too convincing, but he said Bradshaw was free to do whatever he liked. So just keep an eye out. He’s a good guy, Rooster. You could do worse.”

You ducked down, opening a new box to reveal a set of ivory plates. “I’m not really looking to date right now.”

“Anyone, or does that just apply to Rooster?”

“You two gossiping about me?” Bradley appeared in your field of vision, guzzling from a water bottle on the counter. He set it down and wiped his mouth, revealing a wide grin.

You looked at Phoenix with panic and she cleared her throat. “Was just telling Reid here that you’re a sore loser because Hangman beat you at darts last week.”

“Fuck, it was one time!” Rooster tossed his hands up and his genuine nature made you laugh. He dropped his hands and smiled. “Listen, Reid, if you’re not busy tomorrow, I’d love to take you to dinner.”

You hesitated. What you had told Phoenix wasn’t a lie. You moved to San Diego to spend time with Bob. It wasn’t about a new crop of potential suitors. But the way that Bradley was smiling down at you, and the broadness of his shoulders, and the air in the kitchen, all had you nodding. “Sure,” you said softly. “I’d love to.”

Bradley smiled so wide it threatened to split his face in half. “Great. I’ll pick you up here, say seven thirty?”

You nodded. The rest of the night was spent unpacking boxes, you and Phoenix largely sequestered to the kitchen. Hangman and Rooster finally stopped yelling at each other long enough to get the black wood and cane media console set up and you watched with a grin as all four men argued about how exactly the tv should be set up.

At the end of the night, you swept the empty pizza boxes into a trash bag and followed everyone out into the driveway to say goodbye, dumping the trash inside the can near the garage door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you said lightly to Bradley and he stepped closer, kissing your cheek softly.

“See you tomorrow Reid.”

He walked away and you heard Jake huff to himself, muttering under his breath, “What does fucking Bradshaw have that I don’t?”

You smirked to yourself, waving to Phoenix as she got in her truck, before heading back inside. In the kitchen, Bob was wiping down the counter, placing the last beer can in the recycling.

“Good work tonight,” you said, looking around with your hands crossed over your chest. You still had some boxes to unpack and you were lacking a dining room table, but the living room was practically brand new.

Bob shook his head. “You didn’t have to do this, Sunny.”

“Um, I kind of did if I didn’t want to live in a frat basement for a house.”

“It wasn’t that bad.” “Whatever you need to tell yourself.” You slipped past him, opening the fridge and pulling out a water bottle. “Alright, I’m gonna take a shower and head to bed. Goodnight.”

You started down the hall when Bob’s voice stopped you. “Are you really going out with Bradley tomorrow?”

You turned. Bob stood in the middle of the hallway, his hands in his pockets. There was an air around him that you couldn’t place. You nodded. “Yeah, I am. Phoenix said you told Bradley it was OK to ask me out.”

Bob grunted, turning around and heading for the kitchen, breaking down a cardboard box in frustrated silence.

You followed him back into the kitchen, one hand on your hip. “Bobby? Are you mad? Do you not want me to date your colleague, is that what this is about?”

“You always do this, Reid,” he said, shaking his head. There was something unnerving about Bob calling you by your first name. It was always Sunny, honey, darlin’, sweetheart. Never Reid.

“Do what?”

Bob looked up. “You leave a trail of men everywhere we go, Reid. I get it. You’re the anywhere-but-here girl. But you have to realize that you can’t do that this time. This is my life you’re walking into. You’re meeting my friends, living in my house. You told me you were settling down this time. But you’re still acting like the same Reid as before.”

“And who exactly is that?” you demanded, crossing your arms over your chest.

Bob let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t want to do this right now.”

“You started this,” you practically shouted. “So fucking end it, Bobby. How am I acting?”

“You’re doing what you always do!” he yelled. “You’re acting like the Reid that fucks any guy that’s halfway decent to you. And then you run away before it can become anything more than a one night stand because you’re fucking terrified of having to stay and owning up to responsibility for the first time in your life. You just steamroll over everyone and everything, have your fun and then you’re gone. And you’ve always been like that. But this time you don’t get to just flit off to Mexico or Sweden or Croatia and send me a little gift basket and act like it never happened. This time you’re fucking with the people in my life, Reid, and it will have consequences. For once can you care about someone other than yourself and look at the situation and realize that what you do impacts me, too?”

The two of you stood, frozen, in the kitchen. The tension in the air was palpable. You could count on one hand the number of fights you and Bob had gotten into over the last nine years.

This was one of them.

Your eyes were locked on Bob’s blue ones. You watched as his face fell. As the realization of what he had just said washed over his familiar face.

“Sunny,” he murmured, stepping closer and you shook your head, backing away.

“No.” You whispered it, but there was venom laced in the word. “Don’t you dare try and take that back,” you added. “Because you can’t.”

“Honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it.”

You whipped around, practically jogging down the hall toward the stairs at the front of the house.

“Reid!”

You climbed the stairs, two at a time, and slammed the door to your room, locking it behind you, sliding down against the back of the door onto the ground in a heap.

You hated fighting with Bob. But this time, what you hated the most was that he was right.

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caw4brandon · 5 months

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- Caw4B's : ANIS AND THE SERPENTS -

Anis Rusli makes another snakey return with a mild change in her design. Anis Rusli (Pronounced as: A-knee-s Rue's-lee) is a character based on a local Malaysian Legend.

Legends among village folk and fishermen in some parts of the Malaysian Peninsula tell tales of a mysterious phenomenon that they witnessed and survived to tell the tale. A creature that is suggested to be larger than the boats due to the amounts of bubbles it produces from beneath the murky waters.

The Sulur Bidar (Su-lur Bi-da-r) is a Man-eating carpet monster who is said to look like a normal carpet/Tikar (a type of woven mat) with snake heads for tendrils on each corner. In some illustrations, they are described to have a beautiful woman's head as a lure.

If you ever get curious and get too close. The Sulur Bidar will release a foul odor. Described to have a disgustingly old chicken eggs smell. The creature will then unleash its snake heads and drown its victims like a burrito to be consumed.

The legends say, the Sulur Bidar is a type of Jin/demon that likes to disturb/eat mortals. However, modern explorations believe that its a scientific phenomenon called, Oil and Gas. Which releases a lethal gas known as Hydrogen Sulphide.

- Meet ANIS RUSLI -

Anis Rusli is the human torso part of this body. A beautiful and rather young-looking girl who dwells on both the surface but mostly living in the wild by the local rivers. By appearance, she is about twenty-one-years-old or so but her actual age is centuries older.

In public, Anis is elusive. Often attempting to avoid contact. She is seen covering up from face to bottom in layers of clothes to avoid suspicion. However, once you get to know her. Anis is actually a cheery girl who is both kind-hearted and fiercely protective. Her serpent sisters are named as the following;

Tepi The Left - The Dominant and aggressive striker.

Depan The Bottom - The Mobility, muscle and biggest eater.

Belakang The Right - The Assistant and silly little jokester.

As a unit, They function in perfect synchronicity. Anis plans and leads her team. Depan moves defensively as the limb to avoid blind spots. Lastly, Tepi and Belakang strike opponents in turns.

- Anis Fun Facts -

The name; Anis is of Arabic origin. Meaning; genial or close friend.

Anis's voice is described as "sweet and soothing; may put you to sleep."

Anis's hair color is described as; Raspberry. A rather maroon-ish red with hints of purple in the mix.

Anis is a natural Bilingual. She is fluent in, Malay and English. She knows a little bit of Mandarin and Cantonese through Chinese and Hong Kong Dramas.

Anis and her sisters share a secret language. Some would even say its technically Parseltongue but Anis replies in Malay (Which is her native language)

The names of the Serpents is a reference to local icebreaker game known as [Tepi, Depan, Belakang] Translation; Side, Front, Back.

Contrary to her actual species, Anis hates eating humans and considers them as "junk food" She eats normal human food.

Anis's sisters however, eats regular snake food such as rats, bird eggs or other small mammals.

In MTCR, Anis is nicknamed as Guardian of the Emerald Forest and the Serpent Witch of Kingshaven.

Anis is inspired by three core characters; Sucy Manbavaran, Misato Katsuragi and Olivia "Liv" Octavius.

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firelance2361 · 7 months

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What If...The Ronin Took The Ten Rings?

Following up on my recent train of What If…? ideas, here’s a cool design for an idea I had connecting a few different parts of the MCU together.

——————

[In this universe, after losing his family in the Snap and donning the Ronin persona, Clint Barton’s quest for vengeance as the Ronin led him into the sights of Xu Wenwu and the Ten Rings. While the other members found the Ronin to be a threat to their regime, Wenwu saw in the former Avenger a possible new means to return Shang-Chi and Xialing to him.

Setting up a fake hit job to lure in the Ronin, Wenwu approached Clint with an offer to join him, telling them they can protect the world better than his former allies did.

Clint points out his Ten Rings, recognizing him as the true Mandarin who was responsible for Tony Stark’s capture in Afghanistan. Wenwu laments to him about his family’s death, emphasizing with him over his wife Ying Li’s death. He tells him that he can help him clear the board and remove players like Kingpin and Power Broker from the table. Ronin accepts his offer, becoming Wenwu’s enforcer, but in secret forms ulterior motives to overthrow him.

——————

Over the course of a year and a half, Ronin works as the Ten Rings best assassin alongside Razorfist and Death Dealer, removing their enemies in places like Madripoor, New York, Hong Kong, etc. He clears through his targets one after the next, leaving nothing but death and bloodshed in his wake.

His warpath drew the attention of people like Wilson Fisk and Sharon Carter, who saw the potential threat of this assassin if he were to rise to power, as well as his former friend Natasha Romanoff who becomes worried for her friend’s safety and mentality as his rampage grows more dangerous.

All the while, as the Ronin rises in the ranks of the Ten Rings, he starts building his own group of followers within it, working towards his ultimate goal of overthrowing the Warrior King.

——————

During a mission to infiltrate the Power Broker’s operations, he spots her with Xu Xialing discussing the potential prospects of the new batch of Super Solider Serum. Seizing the opportunity, the Robin goes rogue; he knocks out the lights, takes out Sharon and her guards and corners Xialing, engaging her in a duel. While Xialing easily overpowers him and is prepared to kill him in a chokehold, Ronin breaks free by grabbing her by the arm, dislocating it, allowing him to knock her back down.

As he takes her away, Sharon, still groggy, puts in a distress call to Natasha, believing if anyone can stop him, she can. She relays the message to Fisk, who in retaliation sends Maya Lopez after him, knowing this could go south if the Ronin succeeds in his plan.

After locating and tracking down her brother Shang-Chi at his apartment in San Francisco, the duel lasts a bit longer than expected, with Shang-Chi managing to actually pin the former Avenger down for a killing blow, until Nat arrives, telling him that’s Clint Barton. Ronin uses this to his advantage, using Shang-Chi’s pendant as a projectile to activate Nat’s Widow’s Bites, before pushing Shang-Chi right in the line of fire, shocking him unconscious.

Nat tries to stop him, but Ronin throws a smoke bomb at the ground, blinding her. When it clears, he’s gone with Shang-Chi. Knowing where he’s likely going, she races off to try and stop him, unaware that Maya is watching and following her all the while.

——————

Back at the Ten Rings’ HQ, Wenwu and Razor Fist are looking over the scrolls of Ta-Lo, trying to find the gateway to it, when the guards start clamoring outside as something is happening. Wenwu armors up and steps outside, only to his horror to find both Xialing and Shang-Chi tied up, bloodied, and held hostage by Ronin and his loyalists.

A grief-fueled Ronin then calls out Wenwu for his actions, and that even a man over a thousand years could never understand what it was like to live as a mere mortal like him, one gave everything to the world despite having no powers or special abilities, yet was shunned and received nothing but shame, ridicule, and ultimately death. He challenges the Mandarin to a duel: One match against him for his children’s life, or else they die.

Remembering what the Iron Gang did to Ying Li on these very grounds, Wenwu ultimately accepts, wanting to put the Ronin back in his place for the sake of his family.

——————

Elsewhere, Nat is trying desperately to reach the fortress in a rainy blur, until she gets stopped by Maya Lopez, still hellbent on avenging her father and killing Clint.

As Nat fights to get there first, both factions of the Ten Rings gather around the palace; Shang-Chi and Xialing, still bound, are forced to watch the duel that will decide their fate and their family’s. Clint and Wenwu, both armored up, draw their weapons, the rain shimmering around the both of them.

The battle begins, the two warriors engage in an all-out melee, Wenwu’s power only being matched by Clint’s swiftness and agility, his sword clashing with the Rings’s in a cacophony of combat. Eventually though, Wenwu’s sheer strength starts to overpower Clint, beating him senseless, but Clint anticipated this, waiting for the moment when Wenwu would get more reckless in his attacks. Meanwhile, back outside, Nat manages to knock off Maya’s leg and stun her with a Widow Bite, apologizing for that before running off to stop Clint.

As Clint gets smashed into the ground, Wenwu raises his fist, readying his Rings to kill him, but in doing so gives Ronin the opening he needed. Clint manages to slip a piece of sharp debris into his glove when he was pinned, so now, using the same trick as he did with Shang-Chi with his deadly accuracy, ricochets his new projectile right into Wenwu’s median nerve, severing it.

Wasting not a second, Clint grabs his sword and stabs Wenwu in the leg, further crippling him. As he continues fighting, Wenwu’s strength begins to give, as the Ronin keeps hitting him at critical points to take him off the edge. Then the game-changer comes as Wenwu tries to blast Clint with the Rings, allowing Clint to knock him down as he calls them back to him. Whirring around, Clint manages to catch the Rings on his own arm mid-flight, before spinning back to finish off Wenwu with a downward slam, knocking everyone back. He continues beating into Wenwu, visions of his family, of his pain, of everything he suffered though, and yet even that was never enough.

——————

Nat sees the concentric bursts of power from the palace, knowing that either way, something’s wrong. As Wenwu lays bloodied and defeated, Ronin uses his new Rings to take the rest from Wenwu, claiming them for himself. Shang-Chi and Xialing try to break free to save their father, but Ronin uses the Rings to hold them in place and watch. Wenwu looks over at them, accepting that his goal of reuniting his family was somewhat successful in the end, telling them both to avenge their family.

Wenwu accepts his fate, surrendering to the Ronin as Shang-Chi and Xialing are left helpless to watch. Clint then channels the Rings’ power into his blade, preparing to finish off the Mandarin for good.

Nat then barges in, witnessing the unfortunate scene before her. Clint glares at her, the friend she once knew gone, now replaced by a madman. As Ronin unmasks himself, Nat tells him she’s sorry she failed him, that she knows why he’s doing this but that he needs to stop, but Clint isn’t having any of it. As Nat begs for Clint to see reason and asks what will it take for him to listen, he simply tells her the same thing he’s told all his enemies:

“What I want…you can’t give me.”

He stabs Wenwu, as Nat, Shang-Chi, and Xialing watch in horror. Nat leaps in to try and stop him, but Clint just throws the two at her, before ordering his men to take them captive. Razor Fist breaks through and holds Ronin’s loyalists back, allowing them time to escape, but sacrificing himself in the process.

As the three make their escape, they find Maya on the ground still reeling from the Widow Bite. Nat removes it and tells her that if she wants to live, then they all need to go. As the group escape the oncoming convoy of troops after them, The Ronin watches on, not even fazed. He admires this new strength and commands the rest of his troops to submit to him or die, gesturing to Wenwu’s and Razor Fist’s dead bodies. The other troops submit to him, declaring the Ronin as their new leader.

——————

As both groups report to their higher-ups - Nat, Shang-Chi, and Xialing to the other remaining Avengers; Maya to Wilson Fisk and Sharon Carter - both sides receive a message from Ronin, informing them that Wenwu’s death was just the beginning. He tells them all that a new era has begun, one from which only reckoning will come for all who bar him from his goal.

With that, the Ronin assumes his new throne as the ruler of the Ten Rings, his aim and his empire now secured as one, all while forces beyond watch in preparation.

——————

Sorry if the bio’s a bit lengthier than most, but I thought it would be an interesting concept for a future What If..? scenario plus a fun way to revisit a more unexplored part of Marvel’s past with the Blip.

Hope you like it!

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schrijverr · 5 months

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What Happens in Hong Kong…

What if the fight in 1x19: Unfinished Business had gone a little differently and Tommy learned about Oliver kidnapping him in Hong Kong?

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: mentions of canonical violence and canonical character death

~~~

Oliver is still off balance about today as he wanders back into the club. Seeing the Count like that, deciding not to kill him, it’s strange. There was a time where he wouldn’t have hesitated to put that arrow in his brain, but today he couldn’t do it.

He wonders how he’s changing. There is so much darkness inside of him that he ripped out and put into this persona, transmitting it from Kapyushon to the Hood. But now that darkness is leaving the Hood and he isn’t sure if it’s leaving him all together, or if Oliver Queen is reabsorbing that darkness.

A movement catches his eyes and he instinctively focuses on it, assessing it as a threat.

It’s Tommy and he immediately feels guilty about putting Tommy in the threat category, even though he knows his brain just works that way. He spots the folder in Tommy’s hand and sees an opportunity to make up, calling out a “Hey,” that stops Tommy in his tracks.

“How are we doing?” Oliver asks. He knows the other man is mad at him, but he doesn’t know how much. The question feels neutral enough to get a gauge on where they stand, before making his next move.

“In the black,” Tommy answers curtly, not meeting his eyes. Still mad then. It’s confirmed when Tommy coolly asks: “Did the Hood get his man?”

“Well,” Oliver lets out a breath, “we won’t have any problems with Vertigo anymore.” He isn’t sure if the question was genuine, but he’d rather not risk it. Plus, maybe showing he did some good will make Tommy less mad.

It doesn’t seem to work. Tommy keeps his back turned to him and is now counting money. If he wants to make it right, he’s going to have to do better than pretending it didn’t happen. It’s difficult for him, but Oliver manages to start: “Look, Tommy, I’m sorry-”

“I’ve caught up the bookkeeping and all my notes on the inventory are in there, along with the list of supplier that we use,” Tommy cuts him off.

An uncomfortable feeling crawls down Oliver’s throat and constricts his chest, but he doesn’t want to read into the situation. Doesn’t want to believe what his brain clicks together. Doesn’t want to assess all possibilities and plan. He doesn’t want to let Tommy go. So, he falls into an easy pattern that has always come to him and plays dumb, saying: “Okay? I don’t see why you’re telling me that.”

Tommy turns around, meeting his gaze with eyes he barely recognizes. He has never seen Tommy upset with him like this.

“This club is important to me,” Tommy tells him, then walks forward accusingly. “But for you it’s just a front. You want me to keep your secret, help you be this thing you’ve become, but you refuse to see me for what I’ve become. I’ve got just a bit more self-respect for that.”

Each and every word hits him in his chest and he watches helplessly as Tommy walks away. His brother in all but blood is leaving his club – their club – with nothing more than an, “I quit,” thrown over his shoulder.

Oliver can’t let that happen.

Tommy is his rock, always has been. Being able to work with him is one of the best thing that has happened to him. Tommy is such a joy, so innocent and untainted by all the darkness Oliver carries inside him. When he’s with him, he can almost forget his own darkness.

There is a truth to Tommy’s words. He doesn’t see Tommy for who he has become, not entirely at least, and that hurts. Because Tommy isn’t the same. He has gotten more mature. Oliver just saw that same happiness and mistook it for immaturity, because his own happiness has been beaten out of him so he could survive and he can’t fathom surviving while being happy, can’t fathom living instead of surviving.

“Wait,” he calls out, before Tommy can open the door, needing him to stay.

A relief washes over him when Tommy pauses, however, he doesn’t turn around, just stills as he waits to see what will come out of Oliver’s mouth next. It’s terrifying, because he has lost the way he would charm himself out of trouble, replaced it with beating the problem until it’s gone. But now he has to talk and hope it’s enough to keep his friend.

“It’s not-” he starts, then realizes that saying it’s not you, but me, probably isn’t the best idea. He bites his lips, then starts again: “When I was on the island, I- I wasn’t alone.”

Tommy makes a confused noise and turns just a bit, throwing a glance Oliver’s way. He knows everyone wants him to open up about what happened there, talk to them. Whether it’s concern or morbid curiosity. Tommy isn’t immune either.

He could talk about Slade, how he turned in a matter of minutes due to drugs in his system. How he’s had friends turn against him. But he doesn’t. It won’t work. Because it’s not Tommy, who is the problem; it’s him.

“There were these group of mercenaries, who were trying to set up a base of operation there. Off the grid,” Oliver twists the truth. He’s sure Amanda Waller won’t like him talking about her involvement there and he doesn’t fancy A.R.G.U.S. showing up on his doorstep any time soon.

“I ran into a special ops, who’d been trying to stop them, but got stranded on the island when his plane was shot down. He helped me survive and get away from these men, but he’d gotten shot. We had targets on our back,” Oliver says, watching as Tommy turns around fully now, listening intently, though with a confused frown on his face.

“There were these herbs in a previous hideout we’d used and we needed them to treat his wound, so I went to get them,” Oliver explains, glad he found a good way to present this, though a little sick for what he was about to admit next.

“When I got there, I found a man. He was tied up, beaten bloody,” Oliver says, swallowing thickly as he remembers him. “He told me he was on a school trip on a fishing boat and it went down, that he washed up here and was found by those mercs, who were about to kill them until they’d been called away for a scuffle. Me and my friend, probably.”

Tommy is now letting go of the handle. Oliver has successfully convinced him to stay and listen, interesting him enough to not want to leave. A part of him wishes he would have failed, so he doesn’t have to actually get to telling this part.

“He begged me to cut him free, terrified those men would come back and finish what they started,” he says, dragging it out, because he doesn’t want to say it, until he has to. He is quiet for a beat, taking a harsh breath, before he rips the band aid off: “I didn’t cut him free. I left him there.”

Oliver looks at the ground, determined not to see Tommy’s expression and glad for that determination when an outraged Tommy exclaims: “What the hell, man! Why not?”

He looks up, his eyes filled with emotions that are warring in his chest as he admits: “Because I didn’t know him, Tommy. I left him there to die, because I couldn’t confirm his story and we couldn’t use a liability.”

Tommy is quiet for a moment, then scoffs: “So what? Am I the liability? Is that what you’re saying?”

He had a whole point with the story, about how he doesn’t know anyone anymore. That he knows they’ve all changed, but he doesn’t know how and he can’t risk it. But having Tommy think that… it’s the worst. Tommy has always been too good. Oliver must rectify it immediately.

“No!” the word comes out quick and harsh, followed by a waterfall of words that had been trapped inside him and now come rushing out: “It’s me. Can’t you see that? For five years, I had to mistrust everyone, try to find their masks, before it got me. Because that guy? He wasn’t a student on a field trip at all. He was one of them. When we got captured, he was there, manning their equipment. It was a trap. I made the right call by leaving someone to die, Tommy.”

His breathing is harsh now and Tommy has recoiled from him when he started talking, his voice getting louder and louder.

When he opens his mouth again, his voice is softer, almost a whisper and coated in shame: “I see that you’ve changed. I see it, Tommy, I do. But a part of my brain can’t help but wonder if it’s a mask, a ruse. When it’s gonna drop and how it’s going to screw me over. Mistrusting everyone comes so much easier to me now.”

He swallows and admits: “It’s not you, it’s everyone. I don’t trust my mom when she says that I’m home, that I’m safe and she loves me. Don’t trust Thea when she hugs me, afraid she’ll have a knife at my back. And that’s on me. Not them.”

He meets Tommy’s eyes, tears in his own, though he valiantly fights them down. He has turned off his emotions for years now, he can manage not crying, no matter how hard it is. Across from him, Tommy looks shocked and a little heartbroken. Oliver wishes he wasn’t used to getting that expression from people, confirming how fucked in the head he is.

“I am so sorry that I thought you dealt those drugs. I know you better than that- I should know you better than that. It’s not a mask with you, it couldn’t have been. Anyone who’d fly across the world to find me, wouldn’t be going behind my back,” Oliver says, needing Tommy to understand.

At first it looks like it’s going to work, like opening up is actually going to help. Which is great, because he’ll keep his friend, but horrible, because then he might have to do it more.

However, then Tommy frowns and suspicious he asks: “How did you know I’d flown across the world to try and find you?”

“Uhm, Laurel mentioned it,” Oliver says, kicking himself for bringing it up.

“No, she couldn’t have. No one knew, except my dad. I didn’t want to give anyone false hope,” Tommy shakes his head. “You couldn’t have known, unless- unless you were there.”

Oliver’s heart stops. He never should have let that slip, how could he have been so stupid. Now, he needs to do damage control as quickly as he can. Tommy can never – never – end up on Amanda’s radar.

“Tommy, look at me, look at me right now,” Oliver snaps, moving towards the other as fast as he can to grab his face to force him to meet his eyes, having to force himself to not care about how Tommy flinches back and struggles. “You cannot tell anyone, and I mean anyone, about Hong Kong.”

“So you were really there?” Tommy asks, his voice distorted by Oliver’s grip, which would have been funnier were it not for the betrayal that’s in there too.

“Promise me you won’t tell,” Oliver insists.

“Did you see me?” Tommy demands, not replying to Oliver.

Oliver lets go of his face to shake his shoulders, repeating: “Promise me you won’t tell.”

“Not until you tell me how you know,” Tommy says angrily.

After quickly running through all his options, Oliver admits: “I was the one that kidnapped you. Now promise me.”

“What the hell, man!”

“Promise me,” Oliver yells.

“You just said you kidnapped me! You were not on that island. Why the hell would you not come home? Why would you lie about that? Why would you hide that?”

“Just promise me you won’t tell, it’s important.”

“Why?”

“Because they might come for you,” Oliver explodes.

“Who?” Tommy explodes right back.

“The- the people that got me from the island,” Oliver says, quietly, looking around as if he expects Amanda to appear from the shadows.

“Oliver, tell me what happened,” Tommy asks. He isn’t angry anymore, but confused and obviously hurt, as well as concerned. He’s so Tommy. So like his mother. Oliver has never been good at saying no to Tommy, it’s how they got into so much trouble together.

He sighs, looks around, then drags Tommy down to the basement, making sure to close the door behind him and sweep the room.

“Uhm, you’re- you’re kind of scaring me, dude,” Tommy chuckles nervously.

“Good,” Oliver says, giving him a glare. Before taking a centering breath. He doesn’t want to be mad at Tommy. It’s not his fault.

“The wrong kind of people heard about what happened on the island. We stopped those mercs. Not because it was the right thing to do or some noble reason or whatever. They were a threat to me, so they had to go, and they had a possible way off the island, which was good. We took them down, because of selfish reasons,” Oliver says.

“We? Your friend, the spy dude?” Tommy asks.

“Yes,” Oliver says, seeing no reason in mentioning Shado… or Sara. “He- He didn’t make it. I did.” It still hurts to say that, no matter how many years have passed and how it ended between them. He still misses his friend, despite what he turned into.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, uhm, the wrong people heard? What does that mean?” Tommy says, an obvious prompt to get him to talk and get the uncomfortable silence to end. Oliver misses the time their silences were never uncomfortable.

“At first I actually thought they rescued me,” Oliver says bitterly. “But they just needed me to break in somewhere. As a dead man, no one would notice if I didn’t come back. And no one would suspect it was me. Perfect fall guy.”

“That’s seven kinds of fucked up.”

“Tell me about it,” Oliver grins, though it’s more a quirk of his lips these days. “I tried to escape, logged into my email, before I was recaptured.”

“It was really you,” Tommy breathes, still a little disbelieving.

“It was,” Oliver confirms. “A few days later, I find myself on a rooftop with a gun pointed at your head.”

“What?” Tommy chokes.

“They needed me inconspicuous. You can’t be that if there is someone going around town with your picture. They needed you off the board. I didn’t want to shoot you.”

“And you didn’t, because I would have known that.”

Oliver smiles at the reaction, a bit of his guilt alleviated by Tommy’s ability to make a joke about the whole situation. “No, I didn’t,” he agrees. “The kidnapping you was necessary to get you out, because if I didn’t take you off the board, someone else would have. And they wouldn’t have hesitated in pulling that trigger.”

Tommy pales and swallows heavily, retroactively scared for his life, which had been in danger without him even knowing. Oliver wishes he could take that fear, that Tommy would have never known that he had a gun pointed at him, that he tranquilized him and took him to a warehouse where he scared the shit out of him.

“So you saved my life?” Tommy squeaks after a second. And Oliver’s heart lets out a rush of warmth while breaking. Of course Tommy would see that as saving his life, not endangering it.

“I made sure you weren’t killed, sure,” Oliver agrees, because he doesn’t feel like flaying himself open more than he already has. This is why he doesn’t open up to anyone, it just invites questions and feelings.

“Did you do the break in for them?” Tommy asks.

Oliver nods tightly. “Not much else I could do,” he says, trying to forget seeing everyone here, being home, as well as the devastation in Hong Kong. Akio dying, General Shrieve tortured. Both by his hands.

“And what then, this was years ago. Did they keep you captive?” Tommy demands to know, which is valid, since he did say he was on the island for five years when he obviously wasn’t.

The more Tommy knows, the more danger he’s in, he doesn’t need to know about the Bratva and he probably wouldn’t believe the magic bit. Yeah, if he tells him about the magic bit, he’ll probably end up right next to the Count.

So he tells another half truth, pretending to be sincere, because that’s his entire life at this point. At least he doesn’t have to fake the bitterness when he says: “When it was done, they drugged me and dropped me right back on that god forsaken island. Covering up their tracks. I suppose I should be grateful they kept their end of the bargain and didn’t kill me.”

Tommy has wide disbelieving eyes and he staggers to the chair Felicity usually sits in as he processes everything Oliver just told him.

Oliver gives him a minute or so, before he softly says: “You’re free to walk away, Tommy. You’re free to hate me for lying to you about it, or suspecting you for the drugs. I’m fine with that. But, please, promise me you won’t tell anyone I was off that island.”

“You think they’re still watching you?” Tommy hisses, looking around now too, much like Oliver did earlier.

“I don’t think they have someone trailing me, but they likely will show up if rumors about this start going around,” Oliver says honestly. Amanda likes her status quo, she won’t let Oliver risk her operation.

“Fuck, man,” Tommy says, letting out a deep breath. He leans back in the chair and rubs his face, while Oliver studies him nervously.

Tommy hasn’t retracted his quitting, nor has he reacted beyond telling Oliver how fucked it all was, which is nice and strange. Oliver does know what happened to him was kind of fucked up, but fucked up has become his normal that he didn’t even realize until he saw Tommy react to what he told him.

“Are you still going to quit?” Oliver asks after a bit, unable to take the silence that is interspersed with mutterings of that’s so fucked up from his friend.

“I’m still a bit mad at you,” Tommy says and Oliver feels his gut churn, so much for opening up to people. “However,” Tommy goes on, “I would also be a suspicious fuck if that shit happened to me, so when I- when I process all… this, uhm, I’ll- I’ll get back to you.”

“…So I shouldn’t look for your replacement?” Oliver inquires shyly, unable to stop the bit of hope that creeps into his chest.

“Nah, man, this is our club, right?” Tommy smiles. “Just gimme a few days and we’ll be cool.”

“Thank you,” Oliver says and he has never meant two words more.

Tommy is still kind, not hardened by the world the way Oliver is. He still forgives easily, forgets just as quick. It will get him killed some day, but Oliver doesn’t want him to stop. Learning that the world is unforgiving is not fun and he doesn’t want Tommy to have to learn it, doesn’t want him to loose that innocence.

His darkness is forever a part of him, no matter how much he puts it into the Hood, it still haunts his every interaction. Today has shown him that much. However, not everyone is like him and that’s good. That’s the best actually. He hates who he is, he wouldn’t want anyone to be like him.

Oliver vows to keep an eye on Tommy, make sure he’s not being too kind to the world that will never be kind back and will never deserve that kindness. Because Oliver is being given that kindness now, and he cherishes it. He’ll preserve it in Tommy, keep the darkness as far away from him as possible.

At that point, Oliver couldn’t have known how hard that promise would be to keep. How Tommy would hurt due to the sins of his father, much like Oliver does. How Oliver would wish, he hadn’t tried to preserve that kindness, because it’s the lack of kindness that has helped him survive regardless and it’s the excess Tommy has of it, that gets him killed.

But that’s the future. Right now, he’s happy that his friend is still there with him, that he didn’t royally screw up everything he touches. That despite the darkness of the Hood, Oliver Queen still has enough humanity to have people like Tommy in his life.

A/N:

Do I think Oliver – especially season 1 Oliver – would ever open up like this? No. But I like him talking about Lian Yu, so he will here for my entertainment.

#rr writing #green arrow #arrow #cw arrow #arrowverse #arrowverse fanfiction #cw arrow fanfic #oliver queen #tommy merlyn #arrow 2012 #oliver queen talks about the five years he was gone #dc #dc comics #detective comics

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sl-newsie · 8 months

Text

Query: Q x 00 Agent- Ch. 3: Whatever It Takes

The next day I have to head back to MI6 for one last training session, where I run into Bond.

“You’re off to Hong Kong now?” I pant as I dab my sweaty face off.

Bond gives a stiff nod. “And you, little Levie, are off to Ireland. I’m guessing Q treated you well, Mrs. White?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Haha, very funny. Did you think I’d like him because he’s younger?”

The older agent simply shrugs and the gleam in his eye is undisguisable.

“Bravo, Bond. You’ve still got a sense of humor.”

We keep walking to the office space in a comfortable silence. “Joking aside, congratulations on your first solo mission,” Bond says sincerely. “It’s a big moment for you. Still, I’ll be sad to not have you with me. You’re one of my favorite partners.”

I playfully punch his shoulder. “Because I keep your ego in check?”

“Because you’re the only one I treat like a sister.”

I grin. “Aw. Big brother’s going to miss me.”

Once we’ve gotten to the office center we both spot Q, Eve, and M waiting for us.

“Say goodbye, Bond.” M instructs. “This may be the last time you two see each other.”

Bond and I exchange looks. I must say I am nervous about being on my own, but Bond’s prepared me well.

“Good luck, Bond. The whole force is counting on you, no pressure.”

“Goodbye, Levie.” Bond gives my hand a sturdy shake. “You don’t need luck, because I know you’ll do brilliant. You’re still young, but healthily spirited. Just don’t let your heart get in the way.”

With that, he follows M down the hall and for the first time we go our separate ways.

“Is he still mad at me for shooting him?” Eve asks.

“Hasn’t mentioned it, at least not to me. But I do know one thing:” I look up with a slightly defiant demeanor. “If I had been on that mission with Bond, I would have jumped off that bridge after him. I don’t care what M says, I don’t leave a man behind.” I look at Q and ask: “When do I leave for Ireland?”

“In one hour. I will quickly brief you on a few last minute updates on your way to the airport.”

“You won't be accompanying me, husband?” I bring up the repeating joke as we start walking out.

It either flies over his head or he ignores it. “I don’t like flying.”

“It’s rather accelerating,” I comment as we enter a company SUV. “You should try it again. It makes you think.”

Q sets his face straight and begins looking through some paper files in his bag. “I can do much better thinking at home with my cats.”

Huh. Nerd guy who sits at a computer desk with cats. Who knew?

“You seem like a cat person. I respect that.”

Q accepts my statement with a small grin. “At least there’s one person who does.”

The quick trip through the airport flashes by, and soon enough I’m seated in first class and headed off to Ireland. From what Q tells me, I am to penetrate a secret lab and retrieve a formula for a new type of cyanide. Not as extreme as Bond’s assignment, but I’m still excited. Over the flight, Q apparently took the liberty of placing a few audio books in my bag.

“Hello, 0011. Or Levie, as Bond called you. I still prefer Mrs. White. I’ve recorded a few history books to entertain you for the duration of your flight, because I picture you as more of a history fan rather than a science geek such as myself. Your options are: The American Revolution, World War II, or the Spanish Civil War.”

I chose World War II and am surprised to find that I actually enjoy Q lecturing about history. Something about his voice makes it seem like a hobby rather than a chore. Maybe it’s because he’s younger? Why am I becoming friends with my Quartermaster?

In an hour I arrive in Dublin and meet up with my contact at a local pub called The Cobblestone. He’s a local Paddy with a thick accent, who tells me that the best way for me to sneak into the lab is through the sewer tunnels much to my distaste.

“What I’m wondering is why a lass like you is charged with this mission,” the man thinks out loud.

I down the whiskey I’ve ordered and narrow my eyes. “Don’t underestimate a 00 agent.”

Nighttime falls and my nerves are a jumbled mess. Unlike Bond I don’t always dress in fancy attire for missions. Instead I’m sporting a long-sleeved black jumpsuit with dress flats. Less stylish, but effective. I station myself a few yards from the sewer entrance outside the lab. After I put in my earpiece both M and Q’s voices ring in my ear.

“Voice check, please,” Q requests.

“Good evening lady and gentleman. Tonight’s forecast calls for one 00 agent and the loss of one cyanide formula. Possible celebration may be sighted in the morning.”

“Very cute,” Q replies dryly. “I expect you’re dressed for the occasion?”

I smirk from behind the tree I’m using to hide. “Wouldn’t you like to know, dear?”

“Can we cut the jibber jabber and focus?” M states harshly. “0011, are you in position?”

My agent instincts kick in and I stiffen up. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. You are clear to proceed.”

Thankfully the sewer entrance doors aren’t locked, but I wish it didn’t smell so putrid. It seems luck is on my side because there are no lights to expose my location. However there is one security camera.

“Q, I’d very much appreciate it if you could disable the camera.”

On the other end I hear the nerd chuckle. “Oh? I thought you liked drawing attention to yourself.”

“Just kill the bloody camera!”

He does so without another word and soon the blinking light on the camera dies. I keep scrolling through the checklist in my mind of everything I need to accomplish, deciding that I can continue on. Once I scale down the ladder into the inky darkness I switch on my night vision contact lenses. I have a few rat friends to accompany me but other than that there’s no security here.

“Now go to your right for about 50 paces, then turn left,” Q voices in my ear.

“0011, there appears to be a maximum of only 5 guards in the area you will be infiltrating,” M adds.

Only 5? Bond and I have a record of taking out 50 in 10 minutes. But a rookie mission is a rookie mission.

Now I’ve arrived at a small door. Still no sign of trouble.

“This leads to the boiler room,” Q informs. “No human heat signatures detected.”

There’s just one problem: the door’s lock is far beyond crackable. Normally Bond is the one for cracking locks while I stand watch, but it’s time to be adaptable. Somewhere in my pocket- I think there’s…

“0011, what’s taking so long?” M asks.

“Trying to bust the lock. Ever heard of liquid nitrogen?”

I take out a small vial and tilt it to apply the cold substance over the lock. After a few moments the metal freezes over, and after a hard kick it shatters to the floor.

“All done.”

I burst through the door holding my pistol and search for any threats in the boiler room. Only a few leaky faucets.

“We can’t scramble all the cameras in the building. You should be on their radar now. If anyone asks, you are here for an appointment with Dr. Lambert,” M says. “Mention Project Ares.”

“Seems like a rather late appointment,” I comment as I make my way up the stairs and out of the room. “Where to now?”

Q speaks up. “Turn left, then take the elevator to the 5th level.”

Right as rain, the elevator is right down the hall. Unfortunately I’m not the only one riding it. There’s one older man and a younger woman who appears to be a secretary.

“Going up?” The woman asks.

“Yes, please.”

I hope for there to be no conversation on our ascent but am proven unlucky.

“That’s a lovely necklace,” the man comments.

“Thank you. It’s a gift from my husband.” I finger the blue pendant, letting it comfort my nerves.

"You're not wearing a ring?"

"I'm afraid I lost it a few weeks ago."

“Where do you work?” the secretary inquires.

I keep a steady smile. “I don’t work here. I’m visiting on account of my boss to visit Dr. Lambert.”

This surprises the older man. “Really? I didn’t think Norman took appointments this late.”

“It’s a special case. For Project Ares.”

This quiets both people and we ride the rest of the way in silence. Obviously Project Ares is a big deal. The elevator drops me off at the 5th floor and I give a wave goodbye to the two employees.

“I’m on the 5th level.”

“Good. Now go straight until you see a door marked X,” Q says.

I walk a few feet down and sure enough there’s a door with a large X on the front. You’d think this project would be hidden better. This lock may pose another issue because it’s activated by a fingerprint-

“Miss? What are you doing here?” A voice asks.

I keep my cool and pivot to find a man in a lab coat walking towards me. He looks to be in his mid-thirties, with light brown hair and a little stubble. Must be a scientist.

“Ah, yes. I was looking for Dr. Lambert. It’s about Project Ares.”

The man’s face lights up. “You must be the reporter! Yes yes, come in!”

He strides past me and swipes a card to open the door, gesturing for me to follow him. This seems too easy. The room I enter is obviously a lab, one filled with many different vials and chemistry equipment.

“Are you in?” M asks in my ear.

“I had a little help,” I whisper to keep discreet from the man behind me. “What am I looking for?”

“A test tube full of the new formula,” Q says. “Any amount of a sample. Who helped you in?”

“One of the project scientists. He thinks I’m a reporter.”

“Over here!” The man in question beckons me over to a table that displays a rack of test tubes. “My name is Watson, by the way. Daniel Watson in case you’re going to include me. But I don’t care for fame, I only want to help with the progress of science.”

Aw. I’m beginning to feel sad for stealing from you.

“Is this the new cyanide formula I heard about?” I try to sound unbearably dumb.

“Indeed it is! This is our company’s most recent accomplishment, one we boys in the lab are extremely proud of. Its symptoms are quick to take over the body’s cardiovascular system and can go undetected through drug screens.”

Thank God I have a pencil and small pad of paper in my pocket so I actually look like a reporter. I write down all highlights of his lecture while side-eyeing the tubes within an arm's reach. So close!

“Do you have any other questions?”

I zoom back to focus on Watson, trying to think of a way to sneak a vial… What would Bond do? Huh. There’s no question about what he would do. Whatever it takes to make them lower their guard.

“No, I don’t think so,” I use a more airy voice as I bat my eyelashes at the scientist. “Thank you so much, Watson! My boss will love hearing about this!” I put away my pad of paper and saunter over to the blushing man. “How can I ever repay the favor?”

He shakes his head frantically. “No, that’s not necessary. Achievement through science is it’s own reward.”

Now I’ve got him trapped against the counter. “That’s not always enough. Maybe just one kiss?”

Before he can decline I press a firm kiss to his lips, rendering him speechless. In a split-second I look to see that he has his eyes closed, right as I slip a vial into my chest pocket. When I pull away, Watson still can’t find words to say.

“Thanks again, Watson!” I wave as I strut out. “Q, M, I have it. Ready for a quick exit before they ring the alarm.”

“Right. This time you’re going to use the stairs, a few paces down to your right,” Q states.

Is it just me or is he acting a bit differently?

“Everything alright, Quartermaster?” I ask as I begin my descent.

“Peachy. Will you please continue with the mission?”

“I thought I was. Did I do something wrong?”

He doesn’t answer, which just makes me even more curious. By now I’m at the 2nd floor-

Beep! Beep! Beep!

“Bad news, folks. Watson turned traitor on me.”

“Who?” Q asks with disgust.

“Doesn’t matter. Right now I have to get out.”

“I just detonated an explosive on the south side of the building to cover your exit window. You're welcome.”

My eyebrows raise in surprise. “Thanks very much, chap. Remind me to repay the favor someday.”

“B squad, you check the bottom levels. We’ll get the upper floors!” Voices shout from below.

Uh-oh. Looks like I’ll have to take a detour to the ground floor. I make a dash for the exit and find multiple security guards scurrying all throughout the hall. The lobby is only a few yards away-

“Miss! Quick, there’s been a security breach. You must get evacuated and head home immediately,” one man in a suit informs me.

I play dumb. “Oh my goodness! What happened?”

“A bomb exploded at the end of the property so we’re evacuating all staff. Now hurry!”

Pretending to be in a jumbled panic like everyone else, I flock down the hall and am almost there-!

“Hold up! Where’s your badge?” One guy stops me just before I reach the lobby. A college jock if I ever saw one.

“Well, you see sir,” I bat my eyelashes. “I was having a private meeting with one of your employees that shall go unnamed. That’s how my business works. Technically I’m not supposed to be here, but he needed some stress relief, if you catch my drift. Do you think you could possibly look the other way and let me slip out?”

Lord save my soul. I can’t even register my own words as they pour almost too easily from my mouth. I really have learned a lot from Bond. And it must work, because the young guard is now looking at me with a new-found hunger.

“I dunno about that, but I’ll let it slide if you use that pretty mouth of yours to give me a little loving.”

It’s all I can do not to vomit. “Very well.” I take his hand and lead him to a nearby closet, locking the door behind me. “One kiss, one favor? Sounds enchanting.” I give him a blunt punch to the head and he drops to the ground, out cold. “But I’ve already had my date for the evening.”

I hide him behind a crate and sprint for the lobby, speeding through the door into the cool night air towards the rendezvous point for my getaway. Once I’ve cleared the hill and the lab is out of sight I relax. Finally! I’ve done it! My first mission-!

Bam!

The shot rings out and I stop dead in my tracks. The blood is already dripping down my pant leg. I’ve been lucky to have been shot only twice before, both in the arm. But this is my first leg injury. And I don’t like it.

The guard who’s holding the gun is standing a short distance behind me. “I won’t miss next time. You seemed unfamiliar when I saw you earlier. Now tell me, who are you? And don’t bother trying to sell the whole reporter scheme. Tell me who you’re working for!”

Bond wouldn’t have gotten into this. Think, think!

I kneel down and make it seem as if I’m surrendering, then-

“Ah!”

My knife, Mrs. White, lands perfectly in the center of the guard’s chest. Thanks, Q. He topples over and, with what force I can muster with a shot leg, I jog over and knock him out cold. That’s one check off the list. But my adrenaline is wearing off and the injury’s starting to get to me.

“Q? M? Anybody copy?” I grunt as I keep walking, wanting to get to the rendezvous point as quickly as possible.

“Q here. Sorry about that, got caught up with Bond’s radio call. What’s up?”

“Agent wounded. I’ve been shot in the thigh, losing blood fast. How far away is the car?”

It’s like I flipped a switch when I said ‘shot,’ because now Q’s manner has definitely changed.

“I see your position. Keep going straight for another 50 yards, and whatever you do don’t fall asleep. Is your head spinning?”

“Starting to. I’m not sure if the bullet nicked the femoral artery, but I’m fresh out of tourniquets.”

“Stay calm, keep your breathing steady. Do you think you can last?”

I try to give a laid-back chuckle but it turns into a short coughing fit, bringing up specs of blood on my hand. “You should know, Quartermaster, that my intentions as a 00 agent keep me motivated to keep going until I literally die? Yes, I can last.”

Q is quiet for a time, leaving me to notice how heavy my breathing has gotten. My leg feels numb now, which cannot be a good thing.

“Are you still there?”

“Yes,” I answer in a tired voice. “Would you mind chatting with me so I can ignore death?”

“I’d think that you would have kicked death in the crotch by now,” Q jokes lightheartedly. “You’re almost there, just a few more yards. Don’t mess up, or you’ll be the first agent to die under my watch.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t. I’m going to rub my victory in your face when I get back.”

“There’s the 0011 I remember,” he groans. “Just get back alive.”

I’d really like to, but my head’s starting to feel even more dizzy. So much for a flawless first solo mission. Is this really how I’m going to go out? Slowly bleeding to death? I’d hoped my death would be something dramatic. Should I say goodbye to everyone? It would mean I’m accepting defeat, but I’d be disappointed not say farewell to my few friends. Bond, Eve, the other 00s, M- Q? Is Q my friend? That would be the first time I’ve been friends with my Quartermaster. It’s not like he’s unlikeable, only annoying at times. Annoying, witty, attractive-

The new thought makes me go into another coughing fit. Q, attractive? My blood loss is clearly making me delusional. He’s mildly cute at best. Wait- no. Why am I cogitating about his appealing looks? Just keep focused and stay alive!

“Q, I’m starting to see spots.” I look behind and see a pathetic trail of blood behind me.

“You’re almost there. Do you see the car yet?”

“I see a bright light-”

“No! Not that one-!”

“Just kidding. Yes, I see it.”

Q sighs. “Shut your trap and get in the bloody car before I tell them to leave you behind.”

I try to laugh but end up spitting up more blood. Now the driver of the black Jeep sees me limping towards her and she rushes over to help.

“Are you 0011?”

“Yeah. Or at least I’ll stay that way if I can stay alive.”

“Stay calm, miss! I’m going to get the stretcher-”

“Forget it. If I can walk this far I can walk 10 more feet to the back of the car.”

The driver quickly opens the rear food and I climb inside with what little strength I have left. As soon as I’m seated my eyes begin to droop and she panics.

“No, no sleeping! We need to get your wound dressed…”

Her words are drowned out by my building fatigue, and soon all I can hear is my faint heartbeat as I start to drift off. So close… Maybe if I wake up after this I’ll copy Bond and top it off with a drink…

#quartermaster x reader #quartermaster #q x reader #james bond #daniel craig #ben whishaw #skyfall #spectre #no time to die #007 #james bond 007

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mostlysignssomeportents · 3 months

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This day in history

On THURSDAY (June 20) I'm live onstage in LOS ANGELES for a recording of the GO FACT YOURSELF podcast. On FRIDAY (June 21) I'm doing an ONLINE READING for the LOCUS AWARDS at 16hPT. On SATURDAY (June 22) I'll be in OAKLAND, CA for a panel and a keynote at the LOCUS AWARDS.

#20yrsago Why Microsoft should get out of DRM https://craphound.com/msftdrm.txt

#20yrsago Fark posts 1,000,000th link, Web surrenders https://www.fark.com/comments/1000000/Birds-learn-how-to-open-doors-at-Home-Depot-Finally-they-can-make-that-deck-for-birdhouse-In-other-news-this-is-1000000th-link

#15yrsago Vancouver cops affirm your right to take pictures https://web.archive.org/web/20090618134523/http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20090617_112051_8240

#15yrsago UK cop: ‘War on terror means no pictures of police vans in disabled parking spots’ https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2009/06/police-camera-action/

#15yrsago British cops stop and hassle thousands to “balance racial statistics” https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/jun/17/stop-search-terror-law-met

#15yrsago Mind Over Ship: David Marusek’s hyperfuturistic, hyperimaginative soap-opera https://memex.craphound.com/2009/06/17/mind-over-ship-david-maruseks-hyperfuturistic-hyperimaginative-soap-opera/

#15yrsago Bozeman, Montana requires job applicants to hand over all social network logins and passwords for background checks https://web.archive.org/web/20090621103931/montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10551414&nav=menu227_3

#15yrsago Canadian cops want to wiretap the net https://web.archive.org/web/20090618223330/http://www.calgaryherald.com/Technology/Feds+give+cops+Internet+snooping+powers/1706191/story.html

#10yrsago Copyright trolls cut and run at suggestion that they’re a front for disgraced firm Guardaley https://www.techdirt.com/2014/06/16/once-again-as-details-questionable-copyright-trolling-practices-come-to-light-troll-desperately-tries-to-run-away/

#10yrsago London police’s secret “domestic extremist” list includes people who sketch protests https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/16/domestic-extremist-metropolitan-police-spying-elected-politician

#10yrsago Riot control drone that fires paintballs, pepper-spray and rubber bullets at protesters https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/desert-wolf-unveils-riot-control-drone/

#10yrsago Seattle paid $17.5K to “manage” online rep of public utility CEO https://web.archive.org/web/20140623210450/http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2023849447_citylightbrandxml.html

#10yrsago Oligopolistic America: anti-competitive, unequal, and deliberate https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-america-became-uncompetitive-and-unequal/2014/06/13/a690ad94-ec00-11e3-b98c-72cef4a00499_story.html?hpid=z3

#5yrsago Structural Separation: antitrust’s tried-and-true weapon for monopolists who bottleneck markets https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/17/structural-separation-antitrusts-tried-and-true-weapon-for-monopolists-who-bottleneck-markets/

#5yrsago Fox News poll has Trump losing to Sanders, Biden, Warren, Harris, or Buttigieg https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/06/16/fox-news-poll-bernie-sanders-would-beat-trump-9-points

#5yrsago Traverse City, MI braves the wrath of telcoms lobbyists, pushes ahead with municipal fiber network https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/traverse-city-light-and-power-approves-fiber-optic-internet

#5yrsago After Hong Kong’s leaders delay plan to render dissidents to mainland China, 2,000,000 Hong Kongers march and demand resignations https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48655634

#5yrsago The UK government gave away cheap money for property purchase deposits, which the wealthy abused, driving up property prices and leaving UK taxpayers exposed https://wolfstreet.com/2019/06/13/uk-government-blew-billions-on-help-to-buy-scheme-that-enriched-home-builders-and-drove-up-home-prices-taxpayers-on-the-hook-when-prices-sink-new-report-warns/

#1yrago Pizzaburgers https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/17/pizzaburgers/

#pluralistic

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queensharotto · 1 year

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Honeymoon Vol. 4 Translation

Listen to the audio here!

Ryou Kashiwagi (柏木稜, Kashiwagi Ryou)

Voiced by: Koji Yusa

Age: Early 30s

Job: Company President

Country: Hong Kong

For the translation, view below. Note that it isn’t 100% accurate.

🌃 Track 1: The Prologue

It’s been almost three years since we started dating, and I still remember when we first met.

When you were still a new employee, you started talking to me in the company halls, not knowing that I was the president.

The button on my suit was coming off so I asked you to fix it, and you reattached the button.

I was so attracted by your kindness that I decided to ask you out on a date, all while hiding my identity as the company president.

*chuckles* I didn’t want you to look at me with a title, so I kept quiet.

After several days, I confessed to you.

You accepted my confession, and that was when I finally confessed to you about being the president.

A lot has happened in the three years since then.

Due to my position, I’ve kept our relationship a secret, but now I thought it would be time to make it public.

No, I’m not going to be announcing that we’re dating.

Marry me, I stopped by today to propose to you.

An engagement ring I made for you. Will you continue to support me from now on?

I thank you for accepting.

Let’s be happy together. That’s right! I have something to show you, follow me!

This is the hotel reception hall, the facilities and staff here are top notch, and there’s no perfect wedding, so how about it?

Then let’s have our wedding here. I look forward to seeing you in your wedding dress.

🌃 Track 2: Honeymoon Consultation

I’m back. The meeting was long and so I was late.

Were you lonely? *kiss*

Hmm? Television? Is this a weekly travel show or a show you like?

A trip to Hong Kong and Macau? It’s a place I would love to visit once.

I often go to America and Europe for business, but I don’t have many opportunities to go to Asia.

Have you ever been there? So you haven’t… Let’s go on honeymoon.

The place will be a little closer, but let’s make it a later trip instead.

Leave the plans to me, I’ll think of a lot of events that will please you.

The problem is that it’s a serious area, I’ll be busy with work after the wedding, but maybe next month I’ll be able to take some time off, before the wedding, okay?

Alright! I’ll make it a honeymoon you’ll never forget, so look forward to it!

🌃 Track 3: Hong Kong

Well, we’re at the hotel, let’s get out of the car.

I’m glad you liked the limousine, but you don’t have to be disappointed, because I’m planning on using the limousine for the rest of our trip.

Let’s get off and check in at hotel already.

I booked this hotel in Hong Kong, I promised that we would have a gorgeous trip, so I booked one of the finest hotels in Hong Kong, and of course our room is a suite.

*laughs* I’m glad you like it so much! Come, let’s hurry to our room.

This is the room we’ll be staying in, it’s spacious, has a beautiful view of the night sky and the mood is prefect.

Hey, hey! You’re like a child when you talk like that.

Hmm? Would you like me to express it with your demeanor and not your words? So, that’s what it means?

*kiss* Today, I want you to listen to everything I say. *more kissing*

Your face after kissing is so adorable. If you show me that, I’ll want to tease you.

*laughs* Even though I blew my breath into your ear, you let that voice out. If your ears are good, why don’t you blame them more?

Good response.

Now it’s time for the real thing, I’ll take my time and love you so much, so be prepared. *kissing*

🌃 Track 4: Ocean Park and Chinese Food

This is Ocean Park. Home to an amusement park, a zoo and an aquarium, it’s Hong Kong’s famous leisure spot, I don’t usually come to facilities for children like this, but today I have a big child with me.

*laughs* It’s childish to give in right away like that. Rather than that, look, there’s your favorite panda.

Hey! Don’t fall over kid!

He’s happily eating grass, he’s a cute guy. Oh, the panda seems to be looking at you.

I think he thought we were friends, and you’re just as cute as a panda.

There, there. I enjoyed the panda, next is the aquarium.

Let’s return home for the day and enjoy the ocean park to it’s fullest.

I didn’t expect you to be so excited. Well, I had fun too, since I had never been to an amusement park since I was a kid.

It’s almost time for dinner, so I’ve made a reservation at a famous restaurant where I want to have Chinese food, and I’ve booked it and I’m expecting it because it looks very delicious.

We’ve arrived at the Chinese restaurant. That’s it. Hey, be careful! Oh go ahead, ladies first.

A reservation for Kashiwagi. Right, a private room. Yes, I don’t want to be disturbed when I’m alone with you, so I’ll keep it in the private room.

What do you want to eat? So, is it okay if I like it? That’s right, Peking duck, braised shark fin, bird’s nest soup and boiled abalone cream. I wonder if it’s like that.

Is this your first time eating this? Come to think of it, we never went out to eat Chinese food together.

There’s a restaurant that I recommend in Japan, so let’s go there together when we return.

Look, it’s the dish you’ve been waiting for, so which one are you going to eat?

*laughs* Shark fin, understood. It looks delicious, look, open wide.

Oh, but I’m not going to feed you.

The shark fin here is as good as the rumors say.

*laughs* Do you want to eat it that much? Then, please try to beg me to give it to you.

Hm? *laughs* Then open your mouth again.

Ah. I can’t get it in with such a small mouth, open wider.

You are honest. All right, it’s a reward. See is it good?

Good, I’m more satisfied with just your smile.

🌃 Track 5: Night Scenery Award in Hong Kong

Today we’re taking a ferry and enjoying a night cruise at Victoria Harbor.

This is the Star Ferry that peaks at the top, and it’s familiar to residents and tourists in Hong Kong.

Oh, it looks like we’re leaving.

If you look at the Hong Kong site, it’s amazing.

I’ve seen many night scenes all over the world, but this is the first time I’ve seen them so beautiful.

As expected, it is said to be a million dollar night view, and it’s Hong Kong.

It’s still to early to be impressed, the main event is about to begin.

It’s already 8 PM. It starts next, so watch it.

This is the Symphony of Light. It’s a light and sound show made possible by the searchlights on top of the skyscrapers. On an important day in Victoria Harbor, I wanted to show you this show, so I took a night cruise.

You really are playful like a child, and I love that innocent side of you. *kiss*

🌃 Track 6: To Macau by Ferry

For now on, we’re taking the ferry to Macau. It’ll arrive in about 50 minutes.

While it saddens me to leave Hong Kong, but more than that, I’m looking forward to going to Macau.

Macau is renowned for its casinos and is said to be the Las Vegas of the East.

If you’re new to casinos, I’ll teach you my rules. Roulette and blackjack are easy to remember, and Macau has a lot of historical architecture, and it’s has much fun as Hong Kong, which is a renowned world tourist destination, or even more.

That’s good, now let’s get on the ferry.

Let’s sit here.

The ferry has canceled? I’m feeling a little sick.

You may not be able to do it, please release me. Thank you, let me lean on your shoulder. It’s gotten better, but it’s still not enough. Could you rub my back?

Your hands are warm and I’m feeling a little better. What else would I like for you to do?

Right, I think it would be easier if your knees could be a pillow, thank you. Your lap feels so good, I feel like I can sleep better than any other pillow.

If I get thirsty, did you mind getting me some water?

I’m sick and can’t get up, so put it in your mouth and let me drink it from there.

Please, my throat is already parched.

*mouth to mouth water drinking*

The water you gave me to drink tasted exceptionally good. Besides, you’re the cutest when you work hard for me.

*laughs* You finally noticed, I was pretending the whole time! Sorry, sorry. Sometimes I just want to spoil you, please forgive me. *kiss*

I won’t deceive you this time, so let me spoil you again.

🌃 Track 7: Macau Tower

This is the best view from Macau Tower.

The apartment building I live in is also a high floor so I’m used to high places, are you okay with high places?

I’m relieved to hear that because I didn’t come to Macau Tower for the purpose of taking in the view.

There are some interesting attractions, just look out the window as they’re on right now.

Look, you can see people jumping off, that’s the best bungee jump in the world! You have to experience it when you come to Macau Tower.

What? Weren’t you okay with high places? Are you that strong?

Then how about a full sky jump instead? You can adjust the fall speed with wires, so you can fall more slowly than bungee jumping.

And if it’s a sky jump, we’ll do it together. If you’re with me, it’ll be a bit more reassuring.

It’s decided! Let’s go to the Sky Jump reception immediately!

When you stand on the jumping platform, the tension is different, it is indeed a tremendous height.

It’s okay, I’m with you. Well then, let’s go! Three, Two, One, Now!

Whoa! It’s amazing! *laughing*

*applause* It’s over! Hey, are you alright? You did your best.

So, how was the Sky Jump?

I mean, I had a lot of fun too. I feel like I can get through anything with you because we stopped together, and here’s a reward for your hard work. *kiss*

🌃 Track 8: Macau Sightseeing & The Casino

This is the central location of Macau, which has been recognized as a World Heritage State in Sendo Square.

Beautiful cobblestone with a beautiful cityscape and pastel colors.

Macau used to be a colony of the Portugal, so there are many buildings like this in Southern Europe.

Since we’ve come all the way here, let’s take a walk around the World Heritage townscape.

At the top of those stairs is the Ruins of St. Paul’s in the west, Macau’s most famous historic building.

Majority of it was destroyed in a fire with the exception of the front. At the time of it’s construction, it’s was the largest Catholic Church in Asia. There’s even a theory that Japanese Christians who were exiled from Japan were involved in its construction.

Wait! If you climb the stairs in such a hurry, you’ll fall and get hurt! Look out!

I did it again. If I hadn’t saved you, you would’ve fallen down the stairs and hurt yourself.

This is what happens when you leave me, so don’t make me worry.

I’ll have to hold you like this and move so that you don’t go anywhere on your own.

No good, tourist spots always hold you like a princess.

*Timeskip to the arrival at the Casino*

Speaking of adult entertainment, let’s play at the hotel casino.

I’ve had some experience with casinos in Las Vegas, so I know the rules.

Well, baccarat seems to be the most popular in Macau casinos, so let’s play baccarat.

Baccarat is about predicting who will win, the best player or the artery banker. The winner is determined by the total number of cards dealt to the player and the banker. Cards with 2 to 9 are their numbers while Ace is the bookmark of the number closest to 10 and F, and if the total score of the cards exceeds two digits, it’s the last digit.

Well, I knew it was like this. It would be difficult to explain it alone. I’ll show you an example, you can watch for the side.

This is the Baccarat Table.

First, bet 500 on the player side. Yes, the player wins. You get 500, the same amount as your initial bet.

Next, yes. Shall we put it all into a draw? The odds are low, but if you win, you’ll get 8 times the bet.

Alright! *applause* This is also my win!

Of course, it’s a secret to winning the game. *laughs*

Agreed, because the goddess of victory was by my side. Where did you go?

It’s been a long time, enough is enough. Let’s go to the next match.

🌃 Track 9: Night of the Sixth Day

If the week flew by, how would our honeymoon have been?

I had fun to, but it’s not over yet.

I’ll make a lasting memory for our final night.

*passionate kisses*

Do you like being kissed on different parts of your body?

Then I’ll give you more kisses. Right, anywhere but the lips.

*more passionate kissing*

Hmm? On your lips?

If you really want me to do that, just ask me to kiss you on the lips.

If you don’t tell me, then I won’t give you a kiss on the lips.

Hmm? I can’t hear you, talk more clearly.

Good girl, because you said it properly, I’ll give you plenty.

*even more passionate kissing*

Now, what do you want me to do?

If you want me to embrace you, then embrace me.

Hmm? You can’t say?

Your face turned red. What is it, do you really want me to embrace you?

So you finally admitted it, then, as you wish.

I’ll hold you.

🌃 Track 10: The Epilogue Wedding

Thank You for joining us for our wedding reception today.

I’m sure everyone is very surprised that we were getting married, since we didn’t make our relationship public.

But from now on, without hiding anything, the two of us will continue to love and support each other in life.

Actually, I secretly wrote a letter for her today, so please, allow me to read it in front of all of you.

“My love, until I met you, I thought there was nothing more important than work. I believed that if I was successful in my career, I could get eyes, money, anything. But you thought me that the most important thing in this world is to love people. Now, the most important thing to me, is you. Thank You for being my wife, I vow to love you for the rest of my life. From your husband, Ryou Kashiwagi”

*The audience’s applause*

#honeymoon drama cd #ryou kashiwagi #honeymoon series #drama cd #koji yusa #honeymoon translations

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qiumenglin · 1 year

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Made another hetalia AI.

I think this came out well. The characterization was pretty much spot-on(I added some of my own headcanons). Just some appreciation for Hong Kong :)

*This ai contains elements of the "nations are secret" troupe

#hetalia #aph hong kong #hws hong kong #hetalia ai

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bysumex · 13 hours

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Hong Kong: Photo Tips for Capturing the Neon Magic 👉 https://bysumex.com/hong-kong-photo-tips-for-capturing-the-neon-magic/

Cyber Night Vibes in Hong Kong: How to Capture the Futuristic Glow of the City After Dark 🌃✨

Hong Kong is a photographer's dream when night falls—where the streets become illuminated with neon lights, futuristic architecture, and a bustling urban energy that creates the perfect cyberpunk aesthetic. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to capture some stunning night shots for Instagram, here are some in-depth tips to help you harness the full potential of Hong Kong’s electric nightlife through your lens.

1. Scout the Best Locations for Neon Vibes

Hong Kong is full of iconic spots that scream cyberpunk. Knowing where to go will make a huge difference in your photos:

Mong Kok: One of the most vibrant and dense neighborhoods, Mong Kok is famous for its towering signs, glowing advertisements, and constant flow of people. Capture the energy of the crowds or focus on the neon-soaked street signs.

Temple Street Night Market: The gritty atmosphere of this night market is perfect for moody shots. The blend of glowing signs, bustling market stalls, and locals haggling gives you a raw, urban vibe. Look for unique characters to add human elements to your frame.

Central and SoHo Districts: For a more polished, high-tech aesthetic, head to the heart of Hong Kong Island. Glass skyscrapers and futuristic architecture make this area great for long-exposure shots of glowing buildings and reflections.

Victoria Harbour: You can’t leave without capturing the iconic skyline from either side of the harbor. The lights of Hong Kong Island reflecting off the water create stunning visual contrasts between the modern city and the natural beauty of the bay.

2. Leverage Reflections to Create Surreal Effects

Reflections are your secret weapon for adding depth and complexity to night shots. In Hong Kong, reflections can come from just about anything:

Puddles on the Street: Wait for the rain or find small pools of water that can reflect the neon lights of the city.

Glass Windows and Doors: Frame your shot so that signs and lights bounce off reflective surfaces, creating a layered, futuristic look.

Moving Cars and Trams: If you’re doing long exposure shots (more on that below), the reflections of car lights or tram windows can add motion and a sense of movement through the city.

3. Master Long Exposure for Stunning Light Trails

Long exposure photography is perfect for Hong Kong’s dynamic, neon-drenched nights. It allows you to capture the movement of traffic, people, and city lights in a way that feels alive:

Set a Slow Shutter Speed: Anywhere between 1 to 15 seconds is a good place to start depending on how much movement and light you want to capture. Experiment with different speeds to get unique results.

Use a Tripod: This is crucial to ensure your shot stays sharp while capturing the motion of the city around it. A tripod will allow you to use longer shutter speeds without the risk of camera shake.

Capture Light Trails: Hong Kong’s busy streets and trams are perfect for light trails. Set up near a busy intersection or along the tram line in Central, and let the streaks of car headlights or moving trains create futuristic, high-energy lines of light in your frame.

4. Embrace Hong Kong’s Moody Atmosphere

Hong Kong’s humid weather often creates a natural fog or haze at night, which is perfect for enhancing the otherworldly, sci-fi feel in your images. Use it to your advantage:

Fog and Haze: If you're lucky enough to be shooting on a misty evening, the glow of the neon lights cutting through the fog can give your photos a dreamlike, atmospheric quality.

Rainy Nights: Don’t shy away from a little rain! In fact, it’s one of the best times to shoot. Wet streets reflect neon lights more vividly, making your photos pop with color and giving the city an even more cinematic feel.

5. Use Wide-Angle Lenses for Dramatic Cityscapes

Hong Kong is a city that grows vertically, with towering buildings and densely packed streets. To capture this sense of scale and depth, a wide-angle lens is a must:

Vertical Composition: Don’t forget to shoot vertically to capture the sheer height of buildings and the density of neon signs stacked one on top of the other. This technique works especially well in narrow streets where the buildings seem to rise endlessly.

Dramatic Perspectives: Get creative by shooting from low angles, looking up at the glowing skyline, or from high vantage points where you can capture the sprawl of lights stretching out across the city.

6. Shoot in RAW for Maximum Post-Processing Flexibility

Night shots often need some adjustments to really shine. Shooting in RAW gives you more control over your images during post-processing:

Adjust Shadows and Highlights: Recover details in both the darkest and brightest parts of your photo to avoid losing the intricate textures of the city.

Boost Color Saturation: The neon lights of Hong Kong are naturally vibrant, but a little extra saturation during editing can bring out the otherworldly glow even more.

Noise Reduction: Shooting at night often means using higher ISOs, which can result in noise. RAW files give you more flexibility to clean up this noise without sacrificing detail.

7. Practical Tips for Night Photography in Hong Kong

Bring a Tripod: As mentioned before, a tripod is crucial for long-exposure shots, especially at night when even the steadiest hands can’t hold a camera still for long.

Use a Fast Lens: If you want to capture handheld shots, opt for a fast lens (like an f/1.8 or f/1.4) to allow more light into your camera and avoid blur.

Scout Your Location During the Day: It’s easier to plan your night shoot if you’re already familiar with your surroundings. Find the angles and spots you want to capture in daylight so you’re not scrambling in the dark.

Keep Safety in Mind: Hong Kong is generally very safe, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when wandering through busy areas with expensive equipment.

Hong Kong’s nighttime glow is like stepping into a scene from a sci-fi movie, where the neon lights and urban energy create a photographer’s playground. With the right techniques, a little creativity, and patience, you can capture the city’s electrifying cyberpunk aesthetic in a way that stands out. So pack your camera, grab your tripod, and get ready to lose yourself in the mesmerizing cyber night vibes of Hong Kong!

#hongkong

#bysumex #hong kong #travel #photo #street photography

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companyknowledgenews · 11 days

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"Ashes of the Kingdom" Breaks Barriers to Captivate the World: Chinese Female-Oriented Games Showcase Global Impact - Notice Today Web https://www.merchant-business.com/ashes-of-the-kingdom-breaks-barriers-to-captivate-the-world-chinese-female-oriented-games-showcase-global-impact/?feed_id=197038&_unique_id=66e2b5cb1e00c #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally.At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one particular character caught the attention of attendees – the striking and charismatic Sun Ce from Ashes of the Kingdom. This character has become a favorite among cosplay enthusiasts this year. After one Japanese cosplayer impersonated Sun Ce, a user commented, “He looks powerful and cool, I really like him.”Not only Sun Ce, but another character, Liu Bian, has also garnered much admiration. In a video featuring Liu Bian’s monologue, fans fervently discussed the plot, demanding faster localization translations. One even remarked, “I need to learn Chinese just to play this game.”Ashes of the Kingdom, developed by Ling Xi Games and published by Qookka Games, was launched in 2023. It quickly rose to the top of the free game charts in Hong Kong and Macao and became one of the top downloads in several Southeast Asian countries. It was also shortlisted for Google’s Best Storyline Game of the Year, marking a new highlight for China’s cultural export efforts.So, what makes this game so captivating? First and foremost, its outstanding quality. Ashes of the Kingdom is a card-based narrative game with a female-centered storyline and rich Eastern aesthetics. It utilizes high-precision Live2D technology and cinematic camera work to create an immersive narrative experience for players. The game is set in a chaotic era, where the player assumes the role of the cross-dressing Prince of Guangling, who also leads the intelligence organization, Xiu Yi Lou. Players uncover hidden secrets beneath gentle appearances and experience intense emotional confrontations between equals. In China, several media outlets have praised the game as “irreplaceable,” recognizing its uniqueness.The allure of Ashes of the Kingdom extends beyond its stunning visuals and engaging plot to its rich infusion of Chinese culture. The game’s scenes, props, and music are steeped in Han cultural elements, sparking players’ curiosity. On TikTok, a Vietnamese player translated the eyebrow-painting scene featuring Yuan Ji, garnering over ten thousand likes. The comment section buzzed with excitement, with viewers sharing that in Chinese culture, painting eyebrows is a way of expressing love. The Han-style music in the game has also left Vietnamese players in awe.Beyond Southeast Asia, Ashes of the Kingdom seems to be spreading its influence worldwide. In the U.S., one player voluntarily translated the game into English, aiming to share the captivating plot with a wider audience.In London, players dressed in Ashes of the Kingdom cosplay were spotted at landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, drawing admiring glances from passersby.The game’s influence has transcended the virtual world and entered the physical market. According to data from Taobao’s overseas platform, Ashes of the Kingdom merchandise has been sold in over 120 countries and regions, particularly thriving in Asian markets. Consumers from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have shown a special preference for products such as apparel and stationery, reflecting the game’s IP influence far beyond the game itself.In recent years, many Chinese games, like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, have captured the attention of global players. These games are striving to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, showcasing the modern allure of an ancient civilization.

The new trend sparked by Ashes of the Kingdom further demonstrates the growing strength of China’s gaming industry. Ashes of the Kingdom’s journey is far from over, and its legend is only just beginning. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.qookkagames.globalTopic: Press release summarySource: Ashes of the Kingdom Sectors: eSports, Gaminghttp://www.acnnewswire.comFrom the Asia Corporate News NetworkCopyright © 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.“SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline,…” http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gd5c00ea9675444c722f2bf5e4c37c8346863dc28b0301c16d3ad09770a42a28a081d5a6662f53a078b63d29b94b0d8acc48.jpeg SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally. At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one … Read More

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bravecompanynews · 11 days

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"Ashes of the Kingdom" Breaks Barriers to Captivate the World: Chinese Female-Oriented Games Showcase Global Impact - Notice Today Web - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/ashes-of-the-kingdom-breaks-barriers-to-captivate-the-world-chinese-female-oriented-games-showcase-global-impact/?feed_id=197037&_unique_id=66e2b5c99dddf SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally.At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one particular character caught the attention of attendees – the striking and charismatic Sun Ce from Ashes of the Kingdom. This character has become a favorite among cosplay enthusiasts this year. After one Japanese cosplayer impersonated Sun Ce, a user commented, “He looks powerful and cool, I really like him.”Not only Sun Ce, but another character, Liu Bian, has also garnered much admiration. In a video featuring Liu Bian’s monologue, fans fervently discussed the plot, demanding faster localization translations. One even remarked, “I need to learn Chinese just to play this game.”Ashes of the Kingdom, developed by Ling Xi Games and published by Qookka Games, was launched in 2023. It quickly rose to the top of the free game charts in Hong Kong and Macao and became one of the top downloads in several Southeast Asian countries. It was also shortlisted for Google’s Best Storyline Game of the Year, marking a new highlight for China’s cultural export efforts.So, what makes this game so captivating? First and foremost, its outstanding quality. Ashes of the Kingdom is a card-based narrative game with a female-centered storyline and rich Eastern aesthetics. It utilizes high-precision Live2D technology and cinematic camera work to create an immersive narrative experience for players. The game is set in a chaotic era, where the player assumes the role of the cross-dressing Prince of Guangling, who also leads the intelligence organization, Xiu Yi Lou. Players uncover hidden secrets beneath gentle appearances and experience intense emotional confrontations between equals. In China, several media outlets have praised the game as “irreplaceable,” recognizing its uniqueness.The allure of Ashes of the Kingdom extends beyond its stunning visuals and engaging plot to its rich infusion of Chinese culture. The game’s scenes, props, and music are steeped in Han cultural elements, sparking players’ curiosity. On TikTok, a Vietnamese player translated the eyebrow-painting scene featuring Yuan Ji, garnering over ten thousand likes. The comment section buzzed with excitement, with viewers sharing that in Chinese culture, painting eyebrows is a way of expressing love. The Han-style music in the game has also left Vietnamese players in awe.Beyond Southeast Asia, Ashes of the Kingdom seems to be spreading its influence worldwide. In the U.S., one player voluntarily translated the game into English, aiming to share the captivating plot with a wider audience.In London, players dressed in Ashes of the Kingdom cosplay were spotted at landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, drawing admiring glances from passersby.The game’s influence has transcended the virtual world and entered the physical market. According to data from Taobao’s overseas platform, Ashes of the Kingdom merchandise has been sold in over 120 countries and regions, particularly thriving in Asian markets. Consumers from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have shown a special preference for products such as apparel and stationery, reflecting the game’s IP influence far beyond the game itself.In recent years, many Chinese games, like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, have captured the attention of global players. These games are striving to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, showcasing the modern allure of an ancient civilization.

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boldcompanynews · 11 days

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"Ashes of the Kingdom" Breaks Barriers to Captivate the World: Chinese Female-Oriented Games Showcase Global Impact - Notice Today Web - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/ashes-of-the-kingdom-breaks-barriers-to-captivate-the-world-chinese-female-oriented-games-showcase-global-impact/?feed_id=197036&_unique_id=66e2b5c8b72bd SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally.At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one particular character caught the attention of attendees – the striking and charismatic Sun Ce from Ashes of the Kingdom. This character has become a favorite among cosplay enthusiasts this year. After one Japanese cosplayer impersonated Sun Ce, a user commented, “He looks powerful and cool, I really like him.”Not only Sun Ce, but another character, Liu Bian, has also garnered much admiration. In a video featuring Liu Bian’s monologue, fans fervently discussed the plot, demanding faster localization translations. One even remarked, “I need to learn Chinese just to play this game.”Ashes of the Kingdom, developed by Ling Xi Games and published by Qookka Games, was launched in 2023. It quickly rose to the top of the free game charts in Hong Kong and Macao and became one of the top downloads in several Southeast Asian countries. It was also shortlisted for Google’s Best Storyline Game of the Year, marking a new highlight for China’s cultural export efforts.So, what makes this game so captivating? First and foremost, its outstanding quality. Ashes of the Kingdom is a card-based narrative game with a female-centered storyline and rich Eastern aesthetics. It utilizes high-precision Live2D technology and cinematic camera work to create an immersive narrative experience for players. The game is set in a chaotic era, where the player assumes the role of the cross-dressing Prince of Guangling, who also leads the intelligence organization, Xiu Yi Lou. Players uncover hidden secrets beneath gentle appearances and experience intense emotional confrontations between equals. In China, several media outlets have praised the game as “irreplaceable,” recognizing its uniqueness.The allure of Ashes of the Kingdom extends beyond its stunning visuals and engaging plot to its rich infusion of Chinese culture. The game’s scenes, props, and music are steeped in Han cultural elements, sparking players’ curiosity. On TikTok, a Vietnamese player translated the eyebrow-painting scene featuring Yuan Ji, garnering over ten thousand likes. The comment section buzzed with excitement, with viewers sharing that in Chinese culture, painting eyebrows is a way of expressing love. The Han-style music in the game has also left Vietnamese players in awe.Beyond Southeast Asia, Ashes of the Kingdom seems to be spreading its influence worldwide. In the U.S., one player voluntarily translated the game into English, aiming to share the captivating plot with a wider audience.In London, players dressed in Ashes of the Kingdom cosplay were spotted at landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, drawing admiring glances from passersby.The game’s influence has transcended the virtual world and entered the physical market. According to data from Taobao’s overseas platform, Ashes of the Kingdom merchandise has been sold in over 120 countries and regions, particularly thriving in Asian markets. Consumers from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have shown a special preference for products such as apparel and stationery, reflecting the game’s IP influence far beyond the game itself.In recent years, many Chinese games, like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, have captured the attention of global players. These games are striving to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, showcasing the modern allure of an ancient civilization.

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technologycompanynews · 11 days

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"Ashes of the Kingdom" Breaks Barriers to Captivate the World: Chinese Female-Oriented Games Showcase Global Impact - Notice Today Web - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/ashes-of-the-kingdom-breaks-barriers-to-captivate-the-world-chinese-female-oriented-games-showcase-global-impact/?feed_id=197035&_unique_id=66e2b5c754faf SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally.At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one particular character caught the attention of attendees – the striking and charismatic Sun Ce from Ashes of the Kingdom. This character has become a favorite among cosplay enthusiasts this year. After one Japanese cosplayer impersonated Sun Ce, a user commented, “He looks powerful and cool, I really like him.”Not only Sun Ce, but another character, Liu Bian, has also garnered much admiration. In a video featuring Liu Bian’s monologue, fans fervently discussed the plot, demanding faster localization translations. One even remarked, “I need to learn Chinese just to play this game.”Ashes of the Kingdom, developed by Ling Xi Games and published by Qookka Games, was launched in 2023. It quickly rose to the top of the free game charts in Hong Kong and Macao and became one of the top downloads in several Southeast Asian countries. It was also shortlisted for Google’s Best Storyline Game of the Year, marking a new highlight for China’s cultural export efforts.So, what makes this game so captivating? First and foremost, its outstanding quality. Ashes of the Kingdom is a card-based narrative game with a female-centered storyline and rich Eastern aesthetics. It utilizes high-precision Live2D technology and cinematic camera work to create an immersive narrative experience for players. The game is set in a chaotic era, where the player assumes the role of the cross-dressing Prince of Guangling, who also leads the intelligence organization, Xiu Yi Lou. Players uncover hidden secrets beneath gentle appearances and experience intense emotional confrontations between equals. In China, several media outlets have praised the game as “irreplaceable,” recognizing its uniqueness.The allure of Ashes of the Kingdom extends beyond its stunning visuals and engaging plot to its rich infusion of Chinese culture. The game’s scenes, props, and music are steeped in Han cultural elements, sparking players’ curiosity. On TikTok, a Vietnamese player translated the eyebrow-painting scene featuring Yuan Ji, garnering over ten thousand likes. The comment section buzzed with excitement, with viewers sharing that in Chinese culture, painting eyebrows is a way of expressing love. The Han-style music in the game has also left Vietnamese players in awe.Beyond Southeast Asia, Ashes of the Kingdom seems to be spreading its influence worldwide. In the U.S., one player voluntarily translated the game into English, aiming to share the captivating plot with a wider audience.In London, players dressed in Ashes of the Kingdom cosplay were spotted at landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, drawing admiring glances from passersby.The game’s influence has transcended the virtual world and entered the physical market. According to data from Taobao’s overseas platform, Ashes of the Kingdom merchandise has been sold in over 120 countries and regions, particularly thriving in Asian markets. Consumers from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have shown a special preference for products such as apparel and stationery, reflecting the game’s IP influence far beyond the game itself.In recent years, many Chinese games, like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, have captured the attention of global players. These games are striving to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, showcasing the modern allure of an ancient civilization.

The new trend sparked by Ashes of the Kingdom further demonstrates the growing strength of China’s gaming industry. Ashes of the Kingdom’s journey is far from over, and its legend is only just beginning. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.qookkagames.globalTopic: Press release summarySource: Ashes of the Kingdom Sectors: eSports, Gaminghttp://www.acnnewswire.comFrom the Asia Corporate News NetworkCopyright © 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.“SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline,…” http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gd5c00ea9675444c722f2bf5e4c37c8346863dc28b0301c16d3ad09770a42a28a081d5a6662f53a078b63d29b94b0d8acc48.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally. At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one … Read More

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onlinecompanynews · 11 days

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"Ashes of the Kingdom" Breaks Barriers to Captivate the World: Chinese Female-Oriented Games Showcase Global Impact - Notice Today Web https://www.merchant-business.com/ashes-of-the-kingdom-breaks-barriers-to-captivate-the-world-chinese-female-oriented-games-showcase-global-impact/?feed_id=197034&_unique_id=66e2b4abcd4bd ... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally.At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one particular character caught the attention of attendees – the striking and charismatic Sun Ce from Ashes of the Kingdom. This character has become a favorite among cosplay enthusiasts this year. After one Japanese cosplayer impersonated Sun Ce, a user commented, “He looks powerful and cool, I really like him.”Not only Sun Ce, but another character, Liu Bian, has also garnered much admiration. In a video featuring Liu Bian’s monologue, fans fervently discussed the plot, demanding faster localization translations. One even remarked, “I need to learn Chinese just to play this game.”Ashes of the Kingdom, developed by Ling Xi Games and published by Qookka Games, was launched in 2023. It quickly rose to the top of the free game charts in Hong Kong and Macao and became one of the top downloads in several Southeast Asian countries. It was also shortlisted for Google’s Best Storyline Game of the Year, marking a new highlight for China’s cultural export efforts.So, what makes this game so captivating? First and foremost, its outstanding quality. Ashes of the Kingdom is a card-based narrative game with a female-centered storyline and rich Eastern aesthetics. It utilizes high-precision Live2D technology and cinematic camera work to create an immersive narrative experience for players. The game is set in a chaotic era, where the player assumes the role of the cross-dressing Prince of Guangling, who also leads the intelligence organization, Xiu Yi Lou. Players uncover hidden secrets beneath gentle appearances and experience intense emotional confrontations between equals. In China, several media outlets have praised the game as “irreplaceable,” recognizing its uniqueness.The allure of Ashes of the Kingdom extends beyond its stunning visuals and engaging plot to its rich infusion of Chinese culture. The game’s scenes, props, and music are steeped in Han cultural elements, sparking players’ curiosity. On TikTok, a Vietnamese player translated the eyebrow-painting scene featuring Yuan Ji, garnering over ten thousand likes. The comment section buzzed with excitement, with viewers sharing that in Chinese culture, painting eyebrows is a way of expressing love. The Han-style music in the game has also left Vietnamese players in awe.Beyond Southeast Asia, Ashes of the Kingdom seems to be spreading its influence worldwide. In the U.S., one player voluntarily translated the game into English, aiming to share the captivating plot with a wider audience.In London, players dressed in Ashes of the Kingdom cosplay were spotted at landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, drawing admiring glances from passersby.The game’s influence has transcended the virtual world and entered the physical market. According to data from Taobao’s overseas platform, Ashes of the Kingdom merchandise has been sold in over 120 countries and regions, particularly thriving in Asian markets. Consumers from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand have shown a special preference for products such as apparel and stationery, reflecting the game’s IP influence far beyond the game itself.In recent years, many Chinese games, like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, have captured the attention of global players. These games are striving to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, showcasing the modern allure of an ancient civilization.

The new trend sparked by Ashes of the Kingdom further demonstrates the growing strength of China’s gaming industry. Ashes of the Kingdom’s journey is far from over, and its legend is only just beginning. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.qookkagames.globalTopic: Press release summarySource: Ashes of the Kingdom Sectors: eSports, Gaminghttp://www.acnnewswire.comFrom the Asia Corporate News NetworkCopyright © 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.“SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline,…” http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gd5c00ea9675444c722f2bf5e4c37c8346863dc28b0301c16d3ad09770a42a28a081d5a6662f53a078b63d29b94b0d8acc48.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER SINGAPORE, Sept 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Recently, a Chinese female-oriented game, Ashes of the Kingdom, has been making waves across East Asia. With its exceptional artwork and unique storyline, it is overcoming language barriers and winning the hearts of players across East Asia and even globally. At the AFA Anime Festival in Singapore, one … Read More

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