#Dili day walk

[jontycrane]

Tasi Tolu Ridge Hike

For the detailed route and logistical information please select this hike below (click top left for the list of hikes). One of the harder hikes I’ve done in Dili, this took me about 3.15 hours (with breaks) to hike ~11km along the ridgeline behind Tasi Tolu in west Dili. I was rewarded with incredible views for much of the way, a sense of remoteness close to the city, and a constant fear of dogs…

[southeastasianists]

On a Saturday night, outside a dark building in Smithfield in the south-west of Sydney, the street is deadly quiet and deserted.

On one side of a driveway is a kitchen wholesaler; on the other an auto parts dealer. 

But right at the end of that driveway, through some roller doors, is a huge hall teeming with life and activity.

The people gathered here tonight have travelled from all over Sydney to meet.

They share a proud culture and language.

But they also share the experience of horrific human rights violations.

Theirs is a story not enough Australians know about. 

Torture, famine, killings

More than 100 members of the Timor Chinese Association of NSW (TCA NSW), whose cultural background is Chinese Hakka, are gathered in the Sydney warehouse. 

Each of them grew up in Timor-Leste, known as East Timor before the country gained independence in 2002.

Most lived through the civil war following the country's decolonisation from Portugal in 1974 and then under years of Indonesian occupation, which lasted from December 1975 to 1999.

During this time, it's estimated that between 100,000 and 180,000 Timorese people died. Many were also victims of human rights violations including displacement, sexual violence, torture, famine, detention and killings.

Hugo Fernandes, director of Timor-Leste's Centro Nacional Chega (Centre of Truth and Reconciliation) is the co-editor of the Chega report, the first official document of the atrocities experienced by the people of East Timor.

He says the Timorese Chinese community were targeted during Indonesia's invasion of East Timor because of suspicions they were communists.

In 1965, half a million people died in a coup in Indonesia in the mass targeting of communists.

The biggest atrocities that happened to the ethnic Chinese community in Dili occurred in the first week of the Indonesian invasion in 1975. It's believed that up to 40 Chinese civilians were killed during this time.

Manuela's story

That first week of invasion began on December 7, 1975. It's a day Manuela Jong, who now lives in Sydney, remembers well.

She was eight years old in 1975 and living with her family, including nine brothers and sisters, in the district of Colmera, Dili.

She recalls the knock on the door, soon after the Indonesian army parachuted down just outside her house.

"My dad was holding my brother's hand as they walked, probably about four or five steps away from all of us," Mrs Jong tells ABC RN's History Listen.

"The soldiers start shooting them from behind. And straight away my dad was rolling on the floor and we [were] all watching.

"My mum was screaming and said all in Chinese, in [the Timor language] Tetum, but they didn't understand … 'Come, come, come back and shoot all of us.

Mrs Jong's father was killed, but her 17-year-old brother survived.

Later Mrs Jong, her pregnantmum and siblings took turns digging a shallow grave to bury their father. As isthe local custom, they planted a banana tree in the same spot.

Witness to mass execution

Yi Jung Fi, a Chinese Timorese man now living in Sydney, was also in Dili on December 7, 1975.

Only 12 years old at the time, he remembers hearing gunfire and seeking safety at night under his parents' bed.

"[My] parents said best to sleep on the ground, because if there's any shooting, you're less likely to get shot," Mr Yi said.

"We saw one [soldier] was hanging on the coconut tree, dangling there. So we know the Indonesians are here." 

Mr Yi's recollection of that day is disturbingly visceral.

"During the invasion, the smell, the smell was incredible. You could taste it. "They tried to burn the bodies. I remember that smell," he says.

In 1984, another Chinese Timorese survivor, Chong Kui Yan, recorded a testimony for Amnesty International in which he said he saw 40 men killed in the first two days of the Indonesian invasion.

Mr Chong witnessed mass executions at the Dili wharf, where groups of East Timorese people and ethnic Chinese civilians were shot and pushed into the sea.

The Chega report noted that dozens of ethnic Chinese were executed near the harbour between December 7 and 9, 1975.

In his testimony, Mr Chong said that on the morning of December 7, Indonesian soldiers forced him, his pregnant wife and child, and all occupants of an apartment block called the Toko Lay, out onto the street.

He was among a "work party" who were then taken and forced to dig graves to bury Indonesian soldiers. The following day, they were taken to Dili wharf.

"At the harbour were many dead bodies," he said.

"We were told to tie the bodies to iron poles, attach bricks and throw the bodies in the sea.

"After we had thrown all the bodies in the sea, about 20 people were brought in, made to face the sea and shot dead. They were Chinese people who lived in Colmera."

The Amnesty International report also described how one father had to throw his own son into the sea.

There were roughly 4,500 Chinese in Timor in 1960. By 1980, following the civil war and the first five years of Indonesian occupation, that population had more than halved.

The fear of violence and retribution by the Indonesians meant victims rarely spoke about their experiences outside their immediate family.

Sometimes people learnt about the fate of their friends and extended family years later, and often only once they had left East Timor.

Reconnecting in a new land

Many of the people who survived the violence in East Timor managed to flee to places like Taiwan, Portugal, Macau and Australia.

In Australia, the first refugees from East Timor arrived by merchant ships in Darwin in August 1975.

Between 1976 and 1986, more than 2,000 Chinese Timorese sought refuge in Australia. Most settled in Sydney, but also in Darwin and Melbourne.

Lai Li Shao Lorraine, who was born in Dili and had been sent to a Sydney boarding school in 1970 before the Indonesian invasion, remembers seeing on the TV news the first refugees arriving in Australia. 

It was a powerful time for Mrs Lai, who'd had little communication with her family prior to the civil war and invasion, and didn't know how many of them had survived.

"We found out where they were. All the people, we know each other," Mrs Lai says.

Some were reunited with friends and family in Perth, Melbourne, Darwin and Sydney. The drive to share news from home and talk about their journeys to get to Australia is what led to the formation of the Timor Chinese Association of NSW.

Forty-five years later, the close-knit community is still connected.

In that huge hidden hall in Sydney, the close friends gather monthly to celebrate each other's birthdays, or to come together for celebrations like the Moon Festival or Chinese New Year.

Mrs Lai is passionate about her community that has reunited in Australia.

"I'm very happy because we're all refugees and Timor is not that big, and so we all know each other," she says.

"All my school mates from Timor are all in Sydney."

At their meet-ups, everyone brings a plate of food, and there's free flowing beer and tea, dancing and live music.

"We're still together," Tony Von, the association's president, says.

"Every Timorese comes back together this way."

[filipeanut]

“Buhat pasultihon dili sulti pabuhaton," loosely translates to actions speak louder than words, or “walk the talk.”

Learning a Bisaya language might seem intimidating, or nonessential to some, but many popular tourist destinations in the country are in Bisaya-speaking areas. Though many Visayans speak English, a basic foundation in Bisaya enables you to connect to people on a deeper level. Luckily Baba Bisaya is holding online lessons once a week this September to November. They are offering classes on Hiligaynon (spoken in Panay and Negros), Cebuano (Central Visayas and Northern Mindano), and Waray-waray (Samar and Leyte). Follow them on Instagram at bababisaya and keep watch for free online events prior to start of classes. There will be an IG Live Q&A on August 20 and a free open house on August 31. Last day to enroll is September 2!

[wcmensworld]

closed starter for dilys ( @delvedinto​ ) 

“you look sexy as fuck.” david told dilys when she ( finally ) walked out in her outfit. “i’m gonna be staring at your ass all day and i’m not sorry about it.” he stood up, some flowers crumped from where he’d sat but he didn’t truly care. the outfit was for shits and giggles only. “kay so, i propose we make a deal that we have to make sure that we’re either both splitting off to get laid or we’re both sticking together. wing personing for real.” he raised his cup up in a toast.

[ralhshsstuff]

01.08.23 10:10 pm

twh:

i've heard my mother called me and asking gi kuha ba daw nako ang fifty (50) pesos sa selopane na gibutang niya. and, i answered yes kay gi sukli nako sa nipalit na customer kagaina. i was blind kay kadtong gi lahi mao to ang first halin sa new year's eve. and it's their tradition i guess to keep the halin. idk para aha(?) or maybe, for business stuff since we have a small sari-sari store and internitan. at first, wala ra nako gi pansin ang yaw-yaw ni mama kay huna-huna nako basin mo stop ra siya. but no, si papa nag start nag butt's in and i can sense na nag strong na siya for that fucking fifty (50) pesos. ga duet sila ni mama to the point wala nako nakaya nga gi ignan nasab ko'g "ambot aha ang utok ana" and bubbling "kung mangiskwela gani mo, manarbaho... so on and so forth." mura mag in that scenario murag bulok na jud ko bitaw? naka feel pa jud ko'g kaulaw kay naa si ate (which is my half sister) na naka dungog. nawala nako sa poise. I stand up and nisulod ko sa kwarto dala akoang foods then, ni ingkod ko sa bed and start scrolling through my phone to avoid crying kay nasakitan jud ko. minutes after nisulod si mama and starting nasab mag ingon ug "ngano nisulod manka? kabalo baya ka na ang halin to sa first day unya gi sukli pa jud nimo kadaghan blah blah blah..." " dili ka mugawas? ni uli imuhang ate kay once a week rana maka uli (since she's working sa other city.) unya, bya-an nimo." "unya, gidala pa nimo ng mga makaon unsa may pasabot nimo ana? utruha ng batasan nimo ngil-ad." and then i burst out to cry. grabe, gipa feel na gani sa akoa na bulok ko, worthless and na ignan pa gyud ug ngil-ad ug batasan sa part nga gidala ra nako akoang food sa room kay i was upset. you think ma in that scenario/actions ngil-ad na jud diay ko'g batasan? what do you mean? na i-pareha ko nimo sa other relatives namo na hilig ga keep ug food and selfish shit actions just by doing that shit? yawa. dili ba pwedi mag walk out ma kay nasakitan ko? dili ba pwedi mag walk out kay naka feel kog kaulaw? not just si ate maka dungog but the people who surrounds us. as always, nothing's new man ma/pa never ninyo gi na validate amoang feelings, emotions, mental health. murag gusto ninyo kami permi mag adjust kay kumo kamo always rights just because older mo? usba ninyo na mindset please lang. dili healthy, dili maayo. toxic kaayo mo. kamo raman gahimo ug butang na mag ampo mi na unta maka agto mi ug place kung aha ma-feel namo ang freedom nga deserve ug para namo.

[yellowcrispycake]

Forty and Expecting

A woman in her 40s

At the mention of her age, we were immediately intrigued on what lies more. "This is my 3rd pregnancy, but my first with my current husband. My first child was unfortunately taken away when they were barely two, while my 2nd child is a 16-year-old girl focused on school— Was this pregnancy expected? Yes!" She asserts confidently. "We have been planning this with my husband and preparing in our own ways. Preparing in a sense of my physical well-being, I'm well aware of the risk of being pregnant at my age, and the last thing I want is to have a cesarean delivery with this child." We were further impressed on her dedication evident as she elaborated on the restraints of her diets and vitamin regimen for both her and the baby. She was even unabashed to share her practicing how she would push whenever she's in restrooms.

Let's Get Typical

" Pregnancy often comes with well-known symptoms like ‘pregnancy brain’ and persistent cravings. What are your experiences with that?” We asked

"Talong (Eggplant). biskan unsa nga pagkaluto: fried, torta, sinabaw, ginisa. Basta kay Talong, kay dali lang usapon ug tunlon."

"Ug sa mga pag huna.x nako, di gyd ko ka deny nga naa gyd dili maayo akong mahuna-huna usahay. Maonang sa first trimester nako kay sige ra ko sa balay, dili ko ganahan mag guwas, magpakita sa uban, biskan pa'g cellphone. Dili ko. Kay mo iwas ko sa lain na pag huna.x."

"Ug sa kanang sa mga pagkatanga ug lutang. Oo, naa gyd na siya. Di gyd na maiwasan."

"Hangak siya-- dali lang ko hangakon"

Walking presents its own set of challenges for her, as the pain from her bloated veins makes each step a struggle. At night, cramps disrupt her sleep, making even a good night’s rest elusive, especially when frequent trips to the bathroom add to her discomfort. The drowsiness and fatigue from her condition make the thought of long-distance walking or travel unappealing, with even short strolls feeling exhausting.

Yet, amidst these difficulties, the support she receives brings moments of immense comfort. The simple acts of her husband helping with her clothing, assisting her in the bath, or guiding her through walks are cherished. She describes these as "priceless moments.” appreciating how he is always at her beck and call, providing care and companionship through every challenge.

"Siyempre apil pd sila pamilya nako ga adjust"

Pregnancy is known for its unique emotional changes, and Ate Kath was no exception. Sudden bursts of emotion often caught her off guard, leaving her puzzled about their origin until she realized they stemmed from subconscious fatigue and the overwhelming nature of her situation. These mood swings extended beyond occasional breakdowns, affecting her relationships as well.

During her first trimester, not only was Ate Kath adjusting, but so were those around her. They had to adapt to her increased need for support and her heightened emotional vulnerability. She shared how these adjustments led to multiple conflicts with her husband. Even her daughter, excited as she was for her future sibling, found the wait and changes challenging. Yet, we sensed Ate Kath’s gratitude toward her daughter for choosing to understand, often seeking guidance from her aunts to better comprehend her mother’s state.

Over time, with persistent communication, the fights with her husband subsided. He became more understanding and considerate, transitioning from a source of stress to a shoulder to lean on after tiring days. This emotional support was crucial for Ate Kath, helping her persevere through the pregnancy. Without it, she admitted, her stress levels might have exceeded the borderline.

As a result, interactions with strangers that escalated to frustration or anger, especially with customers, didn’t bother her as much. She would eventually calm down, let it go, and even apologize if she realized her mistake. What stood out most about Ate Kath was her mindset—negativity didn’t matter much if it didn’t involve her family. She wasn’t troubled by not keeping up with distant friends, feeling thankful instead for having her family close by when she needed them.

Her friends at the store also understood her situation and adjusted accordingly, aware of the risks she faced being pregnant at her age.

“kanus-a pani mahuman?”

When we face suffering and pain, this is a common thought that arises. When our runny nose gets clogged up, during a terrible sore throat, or even having a mere hiccup; during those circumstances we recall the times when simple acts like breathing, drinking, and talking were effortless.

This reflection becomes even more poignant in extreme situations when you find yourself kneeling in the bathroom, emptying your stomach with each wave of nausea, or when even picking up a sock and getting dressed feels like an ordeal, When breakdowns become a daily routine, you're restrained from the joys of traveling and meeting up with friends from another part of town, the challenges can seem overwhelming.

These multitude of challenges all rolled up to the conception of a life, it would surprise me that everyone who has been in this situation never once had a slight thought of regret. Well, we didn't get surprised with Ate Kath because she did, especially in the first trimester. Yet, even with these thoughts, they were just but fleeting. Instead of dwelling on what she’s lost, she looks forward with hope. After all, rest isn't solely a privilege of yesterday—tomorrow holds the promise of respite too. And with that rest comes the reward for enduring the divine journey of bringing a new life into the world.

"ma okay rani, mahuman lang ni, ma okay nako, and mo abot na siya. Lahi napud siya na mga challenges ug adjustments, Oo. Pero in the end worth it gihapon tanan."

[losterthanlost]

Compilation 1

The archive-worthy rants from my other account.

Compilation from my other account:

June 4, 9:16 am

Samokan ko sa thought na like need nako i-regulate og sobra akong reactions and response sa iyaha kay basi og ma-hurt na iyang feelings and mental health– AKO WALA? wala ko na-hurt??? Mas kadaghan ko naghilak tungod sa iyang ka-maldita na wala sa lugar. Akoang future ang na-compromise. Siya? Feelings lang niya iyang ginaisip. Makabwisit jud. Galagot ko. Naa siyay complete right na mag-undang sa mga bagay na gikapoyan na siya like ang magpakaon sa amoa pero dili siya muundang. Cge ra gihapon siya para lang yawyawan mi og grabe ka sakit na mga istorya to the point na gusto na lang nako mag disappear on the spot.

June 4, 7:45 pm

Was crying while in the middle of showering this morning. I was just asian-squatting on the floor while staring at the reflection of the light bulb on the rough concrete floor. There were continuous drops of water from my wet hair and it always hit and bent this small reflection of light. I stared at it and noticed how there were like thin light blue – blue and yellow – red gradients on the edges. The shape is kinda like a smooth-edged star. Has a head and two pointed arms and pointed legs. Every drop of water, it is disturbed, annoyed and goes into a defensive pose. After every drop the light bends and the figure strikes different defensive poses. It seemed bullied by the droplets. My sick head made me feel bad so I finished showering after that. My point is that it's what inspired me to make my current icon.

June 6, 3:52 am

I swear to God, I don't like academic cheating nor want to ever do that. I would rather be shot with a gun. It's the most self-insulting act. Among the most embarrassing things to ever do even if no one will know about me doing it. I don't even let others cheat. I don't just give out answers. I teach them how to answer the problem first using another problem then make them answer the problem themselves. Because letting others cheat through me is an insult to them too even if they don't feel like it.

June 6, 10:04 am

Naistorya na jud nako si Ma'am. :< It's so embarrassing to cry in front of her but I swear I cannot help it when I have to explain my severe writing skill issue. I didn't mention the noise and lack of cooperation in our household because I think that's too personal. It's embarrassing and it hurts to have to say that as my reason for not submitting my lab reports on time when there are other students out there who don't even have their own laptops and bedrooms or even sufficient living allowance. Still, I am very grateful for the grace, Ma'am. I wasn't given an easy way out, of course. And I also won't accept that because it's even more embarrassing and will be very bad for my self-esteem. I have june 10 & 13 as sci pap deadlines. Then 14 will be my removal exam, 9 am.

June 6, 5:48 pm

And we walked down the block to my car and I almost brought him up but you start to talk about the movies that your family watches every single christmas and I want to talk about that. For the first time, what's passed is past. Until that time, ga sad girl daw gihapon ko about sa nahitabo sa akong early college experience about sa kasaba sa balay during pandemic and sa dost and sa everything. Unya naging close enough na mi na murag mag open up na pud unta ko about ato na pain pero nauna siya mag-insert og topic, without being aware of me about to shift to an angst mood like she's just being herself, about sa experience niya or a question na related sa present or future and... I want to talk about that. So while talking I felt a part of me start to heal. And we just talked and talked. And we spend our days ahead together or at least with each other in mind. Anddddd.... yeah whatever else happened. Life would go on into a different better life. The world will feel brighter. There will be hope everywhere. I will not think of ending it all. I will reach my potential. I will be better. Basta better things lang. And a simp to a goddess.

June 6, 9:27 pm

Hmmm... What if my instructor is thinking that my well written (she said this) exer 1 lab report doesn't match with my claim that I am struggling to write and ends up thinking my exer 1 lab report is not honest work?! NO T^T please noooooo. I probably cried to every sentence of that. Though I used ai tools they were all for assisting me in searching information and related studies. But THE. WORDS. Every word there is arranged according to my own brain effort. THAT english is MY english (I dunno if this sentence sounds right). I would rather get shot in the head than ruin my self-esteem like that.

June 7, 9:24 am

It's here.

June 8, 7:38 am

In the dangers in my heart, the cold bitter mindset of Ichikawa resonates with me more although I am much more mature than that kid. I am following the manga so I know how their relationship progressed after the ending of the anime. And I swear I wish to meet someone in my life who's like what Anna Yamada is to his life. Doesn't have to be romantic though. Even just as a close close friend. Sorry, I just want to vent a little because I love these two so much they make me so happy!

June 8, 10:08 am

I hope my friends just don't greet me today. I'll be okay. I'm kinda cringing at the thought. I also don't want to celebrate it in any way with my family especially with my mother. Not even eating celebratory foods or eating out. No no. Not this year.

June 10, 6:48 am

I still love my friends but that's it. I just saved a Hendery fan edit and usually I would send it to the gc but this time I think I won't. I'll reach out when it's something more serious. I think by having these feelings I am being a bad friend. But also no. I can't be the only one sharing stuff there. Also, as my fst 145 instructor said, I should be mature now.

June 12, 1:11 pm

Taka told Michika before they started fighting, "I won't let you kill Noa". Then I searched up what the name Noa could mean in Japanese if there is and the results saying it's like "my love"! 😭 So it's just like Taka saying "I'll never let you kill my love" or something like that 😭 GODD this story is intense even in the very little parts of it 😭💔 #heavenly delusion#tengoku daimakyou#of course as someone who doesn't speak nor understand Japanese this realization may not be on point#but this is all I can find so I am eating up this crumb of unverified information to cope with the heartbreaking fate of the children#the new director woman was right#they were innocent but their conception is immoral so the God/s punished them by turning them into monsters once they die from the disease

[celhouette]

Life

What am I doing in this life? I can't wait to just disappear completely and drown myself into oblivion. Everyone is having a hard time and no one could care less about each other. I constantly ask God past few months but now, I won't ask anymore. Even if I don't know the answers, maybe I will never know. If reincarnation is a thing, I don't want it. I just want to be in heaven and be with God. There are sudden deaths happening almost every second of every day, and here's me hoping that i'll be next in line. For now, having faith is indeed a challenge but who am I to complain when everything is already having a harder time? I am walking into the waters fixing my eyes on Jesus even if I don't know if I am doing it right. Wala koi laing ikapanghinambog sa Ginoo kay dli ko parehas sa uban na grabe ang pag serbisyo sa simbahan, or even grabe ang pag memorize sa mga nakasulat sa bible, wala koy laing ika offer sa Ginoo kundi akong pagka ako lamang. Akong kasing-kasing, huna-huna, espiritu ug kalag tanan2 na naa skoa, i don't even think about my future anymore and in my mind, if the Lord finally takes me away, I am not worried for the people I'll be leaving behind, especially my family. Kay kabalo ko na kaya nila maski wala ko, for sure manghilak pero i know kaya ra nila hantod sa manigulang sila. All I hope is to give my years to my nanay, tatay and two brothers so that they could live life to the fullest, healthy sila tanan, akoon tanan ilang sakit and even for my friends and strangers, it is okay if all my prayers don't get answered, as long as the prayers of my family and loved ones get answered and as long as it doesn't concern me. Ana ragyud. Sa karon I am living the day, bed rotting, sleeping as if I'm not gonna wake up the next day. Tanan naman sguro sd nakaagi ug pgka depress and i am not in the position para mag dungag2 pa. All i wish and hope ky maulian natong mga tawo na nag sakit, may it be physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually or even having a hard time financially. Even if naay iring or iro na kamatyunon karon, I am willing to give up my own and let that precious animal live instead. Ug sa tinuod lang some people may view me or my problems as shallow but no one really knows the "real" me except God. Mao sd na ang rason wa nakoi labot kung unsay mga sturya sa mga tawo na nakapalibot skoa, ug gaka anad nako ug unsa ilang pagview sa kung kinsa ko, hala so be it. Dli na nako kapoyon akong kaugalingon ug explain kay mana nako ana ug gikapoy nako. ug dili maminaw ang mga tawo skoa ok ra.. Ang Ginoo najud bahala sa tanan. Ug byaan ko sa tanan, aw ok ra, ug mawala sd skoa tanan, ok rsd. Basta nakabalo ko na ang Ginoo kabalo sa kung kinsa ko ug gihigugma ko sa kung kinsa pd ko. I can't wait to be there Lord, kwaa nako gud hehehe kato akong prayer btaw Lord, please maski kato lang. dli na nako i detalye diri maski kabalo ko wala mn japon makabasa ani kundi ako ra kaugalingon but we don't really know the future dba, basin diay makabalik ug basa akong old future self diri and let's see what will be my realizations after. But sa karon, I am writing here para lng jd naa ko outlet and as if I am talking to you Lord. And I know na even if dili ko mag sulat diri, you still know me, you know my story and you know what I've been through, labaw na sa mga sturya pd na wala nko nahibal an ug mga butang na naka cause ug kasakit skoa. You know it all my Lord. Ikaw najud bahala sa tanan. I've been trying to fix my sleeping schedule but here I am again. gahapon sakto mn ako tulog ky nakatulog kog 10pm kapin tas nakamata kog 6am or 7 ba to, tas ga lanay whole day, tas nag nap nsd inig ka alas 12 sa udto or 1pm na guro tas naka mata nsd alas 5pm, tas karon time check 2:47 AM. unsa naman? kaya pa? might go for a walk later. watch the sunrise. might not. idk. Lord, I wanna see you. I love you. please hear that one prayer of mine. but ofcourse, let your will ALWAYS be done. I give up, I surrender, I already gave up months ago, but if you need me to surrender every hour of everyday, I will do it. Thank you Lord.

[onnry]

Laag

There was one time we traveled to Bukidnon. That day, I was so down and drained that I decided  to come along with Tita Anna even though I wasn't invited. Tita Anna saw me on the chair near  the door, and suddenly she approached me. She said, "Nak, gamaoy man ka?" I answered her,  "Tita, badtrip man gud ko kay gamay kaayo akong kuha sa among exam gahapon. Basin masuko  si mama ba pagkabalo niya aning results sa akong exam. I tried my best man, Tita, pero mao  gihapon, naguol lang ko." She saw me crying, and she tapped my back, saying, "Sakto nana nak,  ayaw nag hilak kay okay naman to imong score, dili lagi na masuko imong mama akoy bahala  niya. Ubanon nalang tika ugma sa byahe nako papunta Bukidnon": after I heard those, I couldn't  explain how I felt because my manifest got satisfied, and at that time I wanted to travel just to  forget some problems in my academic status. 

The next morning, I woke up and found out that Tita Anna hadn't woken up yet. I intentionally ran  fast and went to her room because at that time I was so excited. I knocked on the door while saying,  "Tita, mata na manglakaw pata diba?" I didn't hear someone answer me, and I started to overthink  because there was something wrong with Tita in her own room. I started to panic, and there are so  many thoughts in my mind—maybe she doesn't hear her alarm clock. Maybe she is so stressed by  her work at night. I go down quickly just to call my mom and tell her what happened to Tita  because she won't reply. I told Mommy, and we started to panic. I knocked and knocked on her  door, but no one was able to respond until I decided to stay calm because I thought everything  would be alright. After an hour, I felt and heard her room being gently opened, and I quickly went 

out to my room. I saw her so threatened, and I think that something happened to her. I approached  her, saying, "Tita, unsay nahitabo nimo? Mura lagi kag nakulbaan diha? Ganiha rako ga toktok  toktok sa imong purtahan unya di ka katubag" she answered to me "Nak, pasensya na gyud kaayo  kay gi urom ko kagabie bantog walay nakatubag nimo". I saw on her face that she was so  threatened, and her voice was so calm. She tells me that she wasn't able to pray before she slept  that night. She also tells me that it's her first time missing her prayer at night because she also had  a problem with her boss and wasn't able to tell me on time. She explained to me what happened. I  found out that her boss is firing her because their company needs a new and young employee. She  also tells me about her boyfriend, who broke up with her because of some problems. Her boyfriend  used to hurt Tita Anna for small things. 

I expect that Tita Anna is happy and content with her life, but my expectation is very wrong. It  was a long period of time when Tita Anna had anxiety, but she wasn't able to tell me. I thought  Tita was so peaceful inside because she had a complete license and had everything except the baby.  She tells me that she wanted to have a baby boy with her boyfriend, but she broke up with him at  6 months. She wanted to have a baby just like me. I realized that happiness in this world is  temporary; it doesn't matter how wealthy and pretty you are because those are some of the  temporary things in this world. I asked her if we would continue to travel in Bukidnon so we could  be happy for a period of time. She said yes; she also wanted peace of mind and the smell of a fresh  breeze in there.

We traveled to Bukidnon, and my brother was the one who drove us, and after 2 hours, we came  in there. We find the house of my cousin Nico because the plan is to stay there to save our means  or budget. She said that we don't need to go to hotels in there because Nico is here; they have a  house here in Bukidnon for us to stay. As we walked on the street, finding the house of Nico, I  finally saw him with his wife, and they welcomed us. As night is approaching, I suddenly think  about my score and how my mommy would feel if she could see the results, but luckily Tita Anna  is there, and she approaches me once again. He gives me ice cream, which is my comfort food.  She said that we're going to travel to Dahilayan because there are many tourist spots there and  different kinds of views and foods. We are going to bond with each other, forget our own problems,  and stay positive. 

The next day, we successfully traveled to Dahilayan. This is the first time I've seen fog, and the  weather is so cold. I used to wear my jacket, and Tita Anna also wears her sweater jacket. We rode  some of the rides in there and became happy for a short period of time. 

One day, I was sitting beside the mango tree. Tita Anna saw me, and she suddenly sat down after  me and gave me some advice. That day I was so drained, and I realized the saying, "You know, I  was just taking a dump one day, and then as I sat there, I realized, I really do deserve better." by  Zach Braff. The saying of Zach makes me realize my worth, and I know to my very own self that  I don't deserve those pains. My smile comes back, and I feel so fine. That day I realized that there  is nothing wrong with being happy; it depends on the person if he or she chooses to be happy or  not. We should always find our happiness without feeling judged. Tita Anna is so understanding, 

to the point that she used to prioritize how I feel over being happy on her own. She used to bond  with me and make me happy because we had so many problems at that time, and we used to travel  just to forget our problems in our own homes and become happy for a short period of time.

[stocklivemarket]

This charming and notoriously slow coastal city is a city that has suddenly found itself as the leading national capital after East Timor became an independent country in May 2002. Located on the northern coast of East Timor along the narrow plains between Timor and the mountain range that runs through the Ombai Strait, Dili is also the capital of the region of the same name. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdEhU7WKOQ[/embed] Dili, a remote colonial city in a remote part of the world in colonial times, has now become the bearer of its rich heritage. With a pronounced Portuguese influence, Macau is probably the furthest eastern city where you can experience the most authentic Portuguese food and architecture. In the city, where a lot of violence took place during the referendum period after 1999, Dili, which had gone through a bad period when many buildings were burned and many infrastructures were destroyed, however, recovered in an extraordinary way. The south side of Dili, which is quite small, is surrounded by the Palacio Governo, the State Palace and impressive Government Buildings, and is referred to as the heart of the city. To the east, the commercial district of Lecidere was conceived as part of Portugal, to the west it is surrounded by Colmera and the old Central Market. Head west along the coastal road (Ave de Portugal) and you can follow the Portuguese Farol houses, several embassies and restaurant districts. To the east of the Comoro Road, which is quite touristic, is the region also called Metiaut. This place is famous for its seaside restaurants. Trip To Dili Cristo Rei: Standing on a ledge in the east of Dili, Cristo Rei, also known as the Statue of Christ, is one of the must-see places. Legend has it that the structure, built by mostly Muslim Indonesians as a gift to the mostly Christian East Timorese, was designed for Jesus to return to Jakarta. The statue is about 27 meters high and stands on a globe. Following the steps to the statue of Christ along the beach of Dili, the path passes through various niches representing popular and cross stations where international and local fishermen also gather to exercise. The view of the statue in Dili Bay is magnificent. Fatucama Beach, in the form of the letter C, just behind the statue, is fascinating with its clear sea. Museum of the Resistance: Located within the borders of Rua University, just near the center of Dili, this museum is the right address for those who are curious about what happened during East Timor's 25-year struggle for independence. Brave War Memorial: The monument, which is 10 kilometers away from the mountains along the main line of the south road, leans its back on a magnificent view. Next to this memorial to the Australian Sparrow Force, which fought the Japanese for several years in Timor, there is also a permanent exhibit on Timor's war experience. This part, where the visit is free, also hosts a cafe with a very wide view. Beaches: There are many beaches in Dili. Among these, Areia Branca, right next to Cristo Rei, is one of the cleanest and most popular. Since there are many bars and restaurants along this beach, this is a very lively area not only during the day but also at night. The Jesus Backside beach, which is also within walking distance of Cristo Rei, has an insatiable view lying at the foot of the mountain. Outdoor Sports: Dili is a unique opportunity for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Diving is available in the area between Dili and Aturo Islands. In addition, tours are organized to the Jaco Islands for those who desire a more distant route, and diving is offered in this region. Another popular activity in the area is hiking and climbing. Mountaineers from all over the world come to Mount Ramalau. It is the highest mountain in East Timor. Even if you are not a professional climber, you have the opportunity to climb the mountain, which can be freezing at night. Because many tour companies provide services in this regard.

[icouldntfinditsoiwroteit]

Back in town Part 2

<<Previous

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"I'll make your life hell," Vance said already squaring up.

"Now now, let's calm down, this is just a misunderstanding," Finn tried to dissuade.

But (F/N) didn't bother to look at him or Robin, their eyes were looking from Vance to Dylan worriedly.

"(F/N) please, we just need to talk this out," Robin stepped beside Vance.

"Not sure what there's to talk about," (F/N) finally said still looking at Dylan, which made Robin look at him and sigh.

"I say you stop worrying about yourself because when I'm done with you little Dily will look fine and dandy in comparison," Vance took a step forward cracking his knuckles.

"C'mon, (F/N) I don't want you to get hurt," Robin said but he didn't move to stop Vance.

"Less talk, I bet it's scaring the brute," (F/N) taunted and this was enough for Vance to begin his assault.

Change of pov

Dylan laid on the ground unable to do anything but watch as (F/N) began dodging and blocking Vance's attacks, he wanted to tell them to stand down, it wasn't worth it, he wasn't worth it.

But he doubted it would make a difference, they had barely known each other for a day and they were already throwing hands to protect him.

Dylan couldn't help but wonder why.

He would have never done anything like this, why were they doing something he wouldn't do in return?

Change of pov

(F/N) panted heavily, they had managed to stand their ground against Vance, and even if Finn and Robin had tried to tell him to not attack you they really had done anything else.

But if (F/N) was a little tired Vance was exhausted, they had made sure of it, after all, the best way to deal with bigger opponents is to tire them out.

"How about you go and cool off, this much heat must have fried your last brain cells, that is if you had any to start with," (F/N) taunted which seemed to be enough to fire Vance up enough to resume his assault.

But he was sloppy, tired, and slow, which gave (F/N) the perfect opening to trip him over and make him fall to the ground.

As he did (F/N) didn't give him time to recover as they kicked him in the stomach hard enough to keep anyone down for a while.

"Anyone else?" (F/N) asked ready to start dodging again as they turned back to the other two boys.

*Two?* (F/N) thought in alarm as they turned in time to dodge Robin's kick, (F/N) could tell that if it had landed it would have been game over.

*Alright, his kicks are what I should worry about then,* (F/N) thought as they dodged and blocked but it was less effective as they were already tired from the previous fight.

"I tried to warn you dude," Robin said.

"But for old times sake, I'll-" (F/N) didn't let Robin finish as they managed to knock him over by shoving him with their shoulder.

(F/N) didn't waste time and kicked him in the face.

"You should talk less," (F/N) said taking a moment to breathe.

Finn stood between (F/N) and Dylan

"C'mon dude, just move," (F/N) said tired of everything already.

"Look out!" Dylan said his voice hoarse making (F/N) turn and barely block the blow of the wooden baseball bat that had been aimed at their stomach.

But the hit was still strong enough to knock the breath out of (F/N) momentarily.

Which Billy took whole advantage of as he kicked (F/N) to the ground.

(F/N) rolled over barely avoiding the attack.

"Dude, Bruce is going to kill you for using his bat," Finn said casually as if Billy wasn't trying to hit someone with it.

"He can go cry about it," Billy said turning to Finn for a second which gave (F/N) the time to catch the bat and rip it off the boy's arms, which in his surprise stumble backward tripping with Robin's form made him fall over the boy who had been getting up again.

(F/N) stood up not taking their eyes off Finn who seemed to be deep in thought.

after a second he simply shook his head with a low chuckle before walking over his hands held up.

But (F/N) still remained on guard as he went to check on the other three boys.

Change of pov

"You've really gotten good, last I saw you we both would always run from our bullies," Finn hummed.

"I had never seen anyone but Robin be able to stand their ground with Vance,"

"Very impressive," Finn pocked Robin's cheek.

"Makes me wonder, why would you do this for a kid you don't even know," Finn stood back up.

"Maybe we can-" Finn stopped talking as he turned around and noticed how both Dylan and (F/N) were nowhere in sight.

"Did they just leave?" Finn asked offended.

"Yeah, probably didn't want to hear your monologue," Vance said holding his stomach as he tried to stand up.

"Oh shut it, I'm not the one who got their ass handed to them," Finn narrowed his eyes.

Meanwhile

"C'mon, do you know where the nurse is?" (F/N) asked as they helped Dylan walk down the stairs.

"First floor, near the cafeteria," Dylan said as he winced in pain.

"Should we tell the nurse?" (F/N) asked.

"She already knows," 

"But she does nothing...great," 

"It's not that, she's the only one who knows how bad they can get, but she kind of has a deal with them,"

"Anyone who has to go to her after their beating has to be given time to recover and she won't tell and also patch them up," Dylan explained.

"And other adults don't know?"

"Nah, they are smart enough to keep this hidden," Dylan pointed at himself.

"But how do they manage to keep everyone quiet?"

"Six can't actually keep everyone quiet can they?" (F/N) questioned.

"Well, at the start no one said anything mostly because we thought it was just the effect of what happened to them, but now, they also have some minions under them, anyone who even thinks about snitching is dealt with," Dylan explained.

"Right...damn, can't imagine what happened with that psychopath," (F/N) muttered.

"Nothing good, it's not hard to imagine what when you pay enough attention," Dylan said.

"Did, you know them before?" 

"Only Billy, we were both paperboys, and we would hang out together,"

"But he just stood there as they beat you up,"

"Well, I can say the same for you, it seemed Blake and Arellano knew you too, they didn't do much to stop Vance and Arellano actually going at you," Dylan reminded.

"Yeah...but I mean, I moved away when we were like twelve, why would your friend do that to you?" (F/N) asked.

"I guess he didn't like it when I tried to tell his mom about it, I was worried but it's not a good enough excuse for them,"

"It's here," Dylan said before (F/N) could continue pointing at a door with the sign of infirmary glued to it.

(F/N) knocked on the door and as an old lady opened the door and took one look at them she sighed loudly.

"I guess you two didn't just fall down the stairs," She said as she ushered them in.

"Sorry miss Noceda, I know it's late," Dylan apologized as he sat on one of the infirmary's beds.

"Nothing to apologize for boy," She said as she took out a medical kit and gave Dylan a piece of cloth to stop his bleeding nose.

"Seat down dear, I can see you're tired," She instructed (F/N) and they obeyed wanting nothing but seat down and take a break, the exhaustion of the fight catching up to them.

"Now, you know the drill, head up please," She instructed Dylan as she began assessing Dylan's state.

"Pupils are responsive, that's good, did you cough any blood?"

Dylan shook his head.

"No lost teeth?"

Dylan shook his head again.

"Alright, I need you to lift up your shirt now," She instructed.

She put a stethoscope on Dylan's side.

"Breathe in....breathe out....again..."

"Okay, nothing wrong inside either, just some nasty bruise forming," She said.

"Now, this cream will help lessen the pain slightly as the bruises form, please put it where you feel the most pain while I look at your friend," She gave Dylan a bottle before walking towards (F/N).

"Now dear, I've never seen you before, how come?" She asked trying to make talk.

"I...I'm new here," (F/N) admitted.

"Oh...well, at least you'll have a memorable first day," The woman joked making (F/N) smile.

"Yeah, although I doubt my dad will be happy," (F/N) admitted.

"I'm sure, now, head up please," She instructed and did the same examination that she had previously done on Dylan.

"You're going to have a nasty bruise on your left side, did you get hit somewhere else?" She asked.

"Well...I was blocking mostly with my arms so I don't think they are going to look pretty tomorrow," (F/N) said with a strained smile, the adrenaline rush having been gone for a while making them more aware of the pain coming from their arms.

"Alright, please move your sleeves up," The nurse asked, and (F/N) did slowly as touching their arms became even more painful.

As they finished their arms were already forming purple bruises barely leaving any spot without bruises.

"Oh my, that looks painful," She said as she gently took one arm to examine and make sure there was no fracture in either of them.

After this, she took out two bandages.

"I'm going to put some anti-inflammatory gel and then bandage them up," She said as she began rubbing the gel as gently as possible to try and not hurt (F/N) any more than necessary.

After she finished bandaging up the arms she turned to Dylan.

"All done dear?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am, thanks," Dylan said.

The woman began picking everything up and tidying up.

"I'm afraid that's all I can do, you two should get on your way back home, I'm sure those troublemakers will be coming here soon,"

"After all, I'm sure your new friend gave them a good beat-up," She smiled and (F/N) rubbed the back of their neck slightly embarrassed.

"She's right, better get on our way," Dylan said standing up.

(F/N) stood up to follow him.

"Thank you miss Noceda," Dylan said as he opened the door.

"Anytime dear," She assured.

"Thanks, Ma'am," (F/N) said before closing the door.

They made their way to the exit and Dylan yawned.

"Well, at least they'll leave us alone for a week, that's usually the time one gets to recover," Dylan said.

"Really?" (F/N) asked.

"Yup," Dylan said.

"So none of your parents notice when you come home all beaten up?" (F/N) asked.

"Nah, there always at work and when they come back they are barely awake, so it's easy to hide the bruises," Dylan explained.

"You?"

"I mean, my dad will only be mad because I got into a fight on the first day, but he is pretty used to it by now," (F/N) explained.

"Really?"

"I mean, you did manage to beat Vance, so how do you know to fight so well?" Dylan asked as they finally left the school and began walking down the street.

"Let's just say my family is anything but conventional, so with the three big brothers I got I had to learn pretty early on how to beat up people three times my size,"

"Damn, do your brothers?" Dylan asked worriedly.

"Oh no, not that, but they were never good at standing up for themselves, so I had to get my hands dirty from time to time," (F/N) explained.

"Cool,"

"I can teach you someday if you want," (F/N) offered.

"I doubt it would actually help, but thanks,"

"Oh, here's my house, I'll see you tomorrow," Dylan said pointing at a house.

"Yup, see ya," (F/N) said as they kept walking.

Timeskip

(F/N) opened the door of the house.

"I'm home," They announced hearing no answer let them know they were the first to arrive.

Making a beeline for their room they basically collapsed into bed and as soon as they hit the pillow they were knocked out like a light.

It wasn't until someone gently shook them awake that they opened their eyes again.

"Oi, dad sent me to wake you up," It was Mark.

"What for?" (F/N) asked as they tried to go back to sleep.

"We've got guests," He explained.

"And?"

"Well, I thought you'd be happy to see your old friends again, especially Arellano's mom and her delicious food," Mark said and the mention of the Arellano last name was enough to have (F/N) bolting down the hallway and to the living room.

When they arrived they almost forgot how to breathe as they saw the two people they wanted to see the least at the moment.

"Ah, there they are, (F/N) come say hi, you remember Miss Arellano and her son right?" (F/N)'s dad said.

"I hope you also remember your old friend Finn,"

(F/N) made eye contact with the two boys who were smiling innocently.

"Yeah, I remember them,"

[jontycrane]

Tasi Tolu to Pope John Paul II Statue

For the detailed route and logistical information please select this hike below (click top left for the list of hikes). An enjoyably varied and scenic easy short walk to the west of Dili that included beaches, lakes, and not one, but two memorials to the visit of Pope John Paul II to Timor-Leste in 1989. It was a logistically straightforward walk. I caught microlet #10 to the western end of the…

[dearlawdimasimp]

A/n: ITS FINALLY HERE FELLAS!! CHAPTER ONE IS PUBLISHED BABEYYYY- now things msy get confusing as this was not beta read, i enjoyed writting this and will probably enjoy writting the upcoming chaps sorry i havent written any of them but this and chap two😭 this chap experienced a major re-write, as well as the chap two, so shit might get crazy if it did just ignore it and remember that you are a badass, You tried to help with your diamond hands but they're sharper than a knife, now you're Aimed to Kill (direct qoute from the song the title of this pic is inspired from, Aimed to Kill by Jade LeMac :>) now ONTO THE FIC-

As the sun meets the moon

Aimed to Kill - Chapter 1

Parings: Filo!Reader x Ynaguinid(platonic); eventual Khonshu x Filo!reader; eventual Marc/Steven/Jake x Filo!reader

Chapter Summary: The conceiving of the Poison Warrior, known by an alias made by the media and the locals as Python and how they met the Moon and His Knight.

Warnings: grammar, swearing, NOT beta read, oc!reader, mentions of blood and gore, intrusive thoughts(if i missed any pls let me know in the comments! ^-^)

As you near the end of your college years, your urge, this thirst for blood, is becoming a little too hard to ignore. Ever since you had that weird dream of being blessed by a diwata after reading an old book you found in your house attic, the want to hold something sharp and stab the person who's going to step even just a little bit of their toe across the line is so concerningly high.

And at the dawn of the day after your graduation, you did just that. 

You were somehow holding a kampilan in your hand and stabbed the person trying to mug you. Horror was in your eyes as blood spilled from your assailant's- no, victim's lips.

And a female disembodied voice, praised you and announced, "Ikaw na ang permamente nakong Lasong Sundalo, sukad karon hangtod sa kuhaon ka sa kamatayon. Ikaw ang mo-protekta sa mga inosinteng tawo nga na-damay sa mga gubat, Ikaw ang mag-dala sa akong ka-isug, sa akong kusog, ug sa akong lason."'You have now become my Poison Warrior, from here on until death takes you. You are the protector of the innocents who have been affected by wars, you carry my wrath, my strength and my poison.' 

And you were wrapped by a vest and pants in cloths worth and reserved for Datus* that is drenched in red, its linings and the sun on the center split in the middle is weaved in gold, a cobra stuck in a pose that is ready to strike emblems itself on the back of the vest, a skin tone garment underneath the vest materializes as a g-string flows from your waist down to your knees on top of your pants. Something engulfs itself on your head, you look at the puddle of water and see that your head looked like a snake swallowed your head whole as the jaws of a cobra's skull had clamped down on your head. 

You were stupefied. All of this was just happening after a good graduation party. You were certain you've been drugged by some one hell of a narcotic but the faint red stain as you had scrubbed your palms raw on a nearby well after the incident that you found on your hands later that morning said otherwise.  

You had thought all of it was just some weird dream with some mad coincidence, but here you are, in a dark alley, slicing a man's back who nearly assaulted a lone man who had just walked from work to home, with the same kampilan you held that night. After severe training from your ancestors. Three years later.

It was one hell of a graduation celebration now that you look back to it.

The man falls down with a heavy thud, a pool of his red substance starts to form around his lifeless body. The man who you just saved was terrified, both at the situation and you. You calm him down, as gently as you could, "It's okay sir, dili tika hilabtan.. pwede naka mo uli."'I won't hurt you….you can go home now.'

"I-Ikaw tong gih-gihanlag Python sa?"'You're that person named Python, aren't you?' 

You bob your head once, his breathing becoming even as seconds pass by. You see his adam's apple move up and down as he swallows, his eyes searching for your face but knowing you have a glamour that allows a shadow to be casted on half of your face you are certain that he won't be able to identify you. 

"S-salamat kaayo!" He thanks you and slowly walks away from the wall he had tried to shrink back to as he was being assaulted. 

You give him a smile, "Walay problema."'No problem.'

You watch him walk away from you, his gait a little wobbly after being mugged and then saved by a vigilante that the media had named Python. 

"Good job." You hear the voice of your goddess to your right, you turn your attention to the other end of the dark alley and see her. Ynaguinid. Clad in her traditional clothing, nearly identical to yours and donning the same headdress as yours emerges from the shadows. Her gold snake armlets and bib necklace glints under the waning moon.

You preen under the praise and bow your head, thanking her for her kind words. "You gotta admit though, that was kinda easy." You jest, glancing over to the dead man and getting a glimpse of your pakwar* becoming longer until it slightly pools on the ground, signifying your mourning for the dead man. He may have been bad, doesn't mean you won't mourn for his death. Same as to every person you have killed before.

"Ay pag-hambog diha, n/n."'Don't get ahead of yourself, n/n.' You hear her groan playfully, in which you reply with a chuckle. 

"Dali na, ma-abot na niya tong mga gago na mga pulis.." 'Come on, those stupid police officers might arrive soon..' Ynaguinid grumbles beside you and gently pulls you away from the corpse. 

Ever since you tugged on that tiny sliver of thread connecting you to the deity, becoming her warrior, you had formed this sort of mother-daughter bestfriend-like bond to Ynaguinid. Your lame jokes and comments was at first gained an awkward silence and laugh but as time passed by, Yna became closer to you and finally understood your humor as well as accepting and adapting to your personality. Thus, resulting to this mother-daughter relationship, which was further strengthened after that accident.

You hum and let her guide you to where you were needed. Killing all those people to keep the nights in Cebu as safe as possible.

There are also times you do your own raids. Whispers and gossips in the night, and with the help of Mayari, allows you to get to the location of drug cartels, illegal imports and exports of any kinds, house of kidnappers and many other bases of criminals, whether low-life or high-grade. You ambush them all with only your kampilan, your kris dagger, a pair of arnis and kalasag. 

You always come out bloody, bruised and wounded, but you are the last person standing.

Your deity always heals you, although it takes time as it wasn't her specialty so she needs some help from other deities, she always heals you after every fight.

And when your kills reach to a hundred, you have to travel to Luzon to get tattooed by an elder of a tribe in Kalinga, Apo Whang-Od, and your tattoos grow larger in amount year by year that your both legs had been inked from your ankle to the top of your thigh.

Your first tattoos were on the top of your ankle, symbolizing your first kills, on your lower face with a cobra jaw motif to symbolize your status as a warrior, and on your dominant arm with a circling snake from your shoulder down to your upper forearm with a sun and a flower inside it on the middle of your upper bicep area symbolizing your connection with the Poison goddess of the Philippines of the Visayan Region.

Boy was that experience something.

After a productive night, you always sit on a ledge of a rooftop where you can clearly see the glory of the rising sun. Its warm rays touching your skin reminds you of another night of successful elimination of the scums of the earth. 

And nights of killing like a maniac.

Oh no not now- you groan and immediately stand up. Ynaguinid casting you a worried glance, probably hearing the voice too. She places a hand on your shoulder and cups your face on the other, gently moving your head to meet her reassuring gaze. You nod, having known what was spoken through her mahogany eyes and take deep breaths.

Later that early morning, you checked your emails as you took your breakfast. The radio anchor going off about the summary of last night's spree of Python. 

"Niya, kamusta imo application sa London?"'How's your application in London, hm?' Manang Lita, a distant cousin of your mother from your grandfather's side, inquires as she prepares lunch as it was already 11 am. The sweet, funny yet still stern woman had taken you under her wing after the accident, after that night. 

The night when your own family, their blood flowing through your veins, kicked you out and disowned you in front of your neighbors.

"Uy!.." The old woman calls your attention, maybe not taking your unresponsiveness lightly, with a small nudge on your shoulder, as she walks past you to get to the kitchen. You blink and inhale, taking a sip of your coffee and glance up at Manang Lita when she comes back to the table. She gives you a look that says 'you're thinking about that again, aren't you?', which you looked away from and sigh dejectedly. 

The older woman tuts and shakes her head, "Hay nako, wala na jud kay mabuhat atu nila, inday."'Oh, my dear, you cannot do anything about it now.' 

"Kabalo ko, manaaang.."'I know, manaaang*…' You whine as you take a bite of your pandesal*, looking back to your phone. She was about to give you another long lecture when you noticed an email with a distinct email address, your eyes widened in realization and this made Manang Lita stop talking, asking you what it is. 

"IT'S FROM LONDON!!" You yelled and dropped your bread on the table as you scrambled to open the email in excitement, your mother figure sharing the same sentiment goes behind you and takes her glasses from the collar of her daster. 

You read the email out loud, and when the sentence, "We welcome you with open arms-" you two shrieked in joy, she shakes your form and hugged you from behind, already congratulating you before you have even finished reading. And when you did, she did not hesitate to yell out your distant cousin's name to share the news. 

A small celebration was held that day before you packed your stuff, Ynaguinid visiting you as were and had asked what the preparation was for. 

"I got accepted in London!!" You cheered with a small jump, "My tickets have been bought and all I needed to do was to give my ID and show this email every time-" "Mo-adtu jud ka?" 'You're really going there?'

You halt in zipping up your luggage. Ynaguinid was really not comfortable with you leaving the country because who will protect the Cebuanos at night now that you're in another country? But going to places out of the country has been your goal ever since you graduated, and London just accepted your application as a tour guide for a museum that stores lots of Philippine historical artifacts. 

Sure, the UK was at the middle of your list on where to go, but it is the first email you've received after months of waiting ever since you've sent your application to multiple countries with the same job. 

"Yes, Yna.. mo-adtu jud ko.." 'I am really going there..' You continue to zip the luggage and re-checked everything, not meeting the deity's eye. 

You hear her sigh, the small jingles of jewelry indicate her walking to you before you see her in your peripheral vision sitting on your bed. "Wala man ko nasuko langga.. ang ako lang kay.. imo jud dad-on ang imong pagka-sundalo nako ug protektahan ang mga langyaw?"'I am not mad, my child, it's just…you would really bring your job as a warrior of mine and protect foreigners?' You hear her grimace at the thought, and you just silently grumble. 

"Nag-sturya nata ani, Yna.." 'We've talked about this, Yna..' You mumble as you walk over to the boxes you had packed before packing your clothes and started to label them according to its contents.

Small talk was exchanged, an agreement was the conclusion. That no matter what, you'll have to have to come back to the Philippines every start of a new year. The war goddess had at first wanted it to be monthly but you reminded her that you don't have a teleportation ability and it will be very tiring on your end, so she settled with your suggestion to an annual home visit. 

When you got to the airport, teary goodbyes and long hugs were reciprocated, assurances of video calls were made before you get to start the process of your traveling papers. Grueling hours passed before you were able to settle on the seat you were assigned to in the plane.

•

A month had already passed by since you arrived in London. You were able to settle in a flat with a reasonable price and a little close to the museum you are working at, saving you from traveling expenses. 

A month has also passed ever since you started your work as a foreign vigilante of the city. Your local news anchor from Cebu immediately noticing your absence after you left the country made you feel a little special that they were able to catch on as soon as you flew abroad. 

A week has passed though, since you first encountered the London vigilante. He was like you, a manifestation of a deity's power on Earth. And also meeting the deity himself.

He was the Moon's Knight. The Fist of Vengeance of the Moon God Khonshu, The God of Vengeance, Healing and Protector of the Travelers of the Night of the Egyptian Pantheon.

You were scouting a dingy area of the city that night, Mayari still communicating to you whenever the moon is high up on the night sky and illuminating its reflected natural light on the artificially lighted city. She had gathered that there was a group of mobsters housing an old building in the area. Leading you into ambushing the place. You had just stabbed a man on his lower back and used him as a human shield from his firing comrades when you heard daggers slice through the air, effectively killing the firing goons. 

Multiple heavy thuds echoed through the building as its settlers took their last breaths. 

You drop your human shield and look up at where you had seen the daggers come from. 

And there he stood, with all his gauzed glory and glowing white eyes under his hood, the Moon Knight.

He jumped down the ledge with a flare of his crescent cape and landed on the ground same as you. You'd be lying if that didn't look badass. You were then able to notice the heavy contrast of your themes. You had sun emblems both on your skin and on your costume while he had the moon as his motif for his.

"Well, I wasn't expecting an eclipse in this new moon but here we are." You quipped as he passed by you, "Get it? 'cuz, you're the moon, and I kinda have suns on my costume-" Your explanation of the joke was cut off by a loud, timbre of a deep voice,

"A warrior from another land?" 

You turn your head to the source and what you saw made you question your perception of reality…As well as your sexuality because what the fuck why is a literal lanky mummified bird skull of a head hot-

"Not that I am flauting my foreigner status but uh yeah, I'm from another land." You responded to the being who disappeared from sitting on the ledge of the opposite building. Amputa-

"You can see and hear him?" The hooded vigilante finally said a word to you, and gestures to the being you had just seen meters away now appear a few feet on your side, after he retrieved his, also crecent shaped, daggers..knives? plates??

"Yeah…" you confirmed with a nod, and face the two gauzed beings. From what you are seeing they are Egyptian themed so the spirit could be an Egyptian deity? Oh wait, bird head, moon, egyptian…this is, this is Khonshu!- 

"Yo-" "God of the Moon.." 

Your question was stopped when Ynaguinid appears on your side, making you jump at her sudden appearance.

"Pasidan-e sad ko sunod po.." 'A little warning next time please..' You mumble as sheath your sword to your side. The goddess only gives a 'really?' look at your comment and shook her head a little.

"Goddess of War…and Poison. A friend of Mayari's, if I am not mistaken?" 

You and the hooded fella could only watch the interaction between the deities, not wanting to interfere with whatever businesses they had with each other. But you could not help yourself and join the conversation, 

"Deities with the same title, even from another pantheons, know each other?" You asked them, looking back and forth from Khonshu to Yna with a slightly ajarred mouth, the revelation of information has left you in awe.

"Yes, warrior, we do." Was the court reply of the big being. Yna nods to answer your question.

"If I may ask though, from which pantheon are you, ma'am?" The hooded fella asks your deity, to which Ynaguinid answers with a proud, "Philippine Pantheon, Visayan Region, langyaw."

"Technically, kita ang langyaw dire dapita-" 'we're the foreigners in this place-' You shut your mouth after seeing the glare Yna sent your way and glanced every where but her form.

"And meet my Posion Warrior." She introduces you as she place her arm around your back. You closed your feet and raised your fist to your chest, and bowed to the two, a greeting you've been taught to do after being introduced.

"This is my Moon Knight, my fist of vengeance." The tall being motions to the hooded fella with his hands, the introduced fella bows his head in acknowledgement. You hear him mumble something along the lines of 'not given a script to rehearse' or something, you chuckle silently. 

After the formal introductions, the deities delved into a deeper conversation. About alliances. About who's part of the city is who's. What will become of the arrangement of this now that there two avatars/warriors of the city.

Meanwhile you're still in the shock stage that there are actually deities from other pantheons and are also utilizing humans to be their extension of power.

Moon Knight however, as much as he displays, is neutral on the whole ordeal. The light of his eyes looks a bit bored of the conversation, but then widens a bit when Khonshu and Ynaguinid came up with an alliance, that you'll be working side-by-side with the Moon's Knight as a symbol of collaboration of pantheons and a start of a new path for avatars and warriors alike.

That night was the start of your journey as a vigilante of London with the Moon Knight alongside you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Pakwar = the back flap of the g-sting

*Manang = what we call our elderly who are female

*Datus/Datu = a title which denotes the rulers (variously described in historical accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs) of numerous indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. (Wikipedia)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WOOHHH hopefully you guys enjoyed what i have enstored for y'all and i'll probably edit this this morning bc sht its already 3 am HAHAHHAAHHAHA

Anyways, i am open for construcrive criticism! feel free to comment them and hope you guys have a great day/night!!! thank you for reading chap 1!💞

PSPSPSPSPS BESTIE @m4nd0l0r

[reignof-fyre]

Saw a post about Daenerys' name meaning and decided to do some research for myself :)

So the name Daenerys itself was created by GRRM, but if we pull it apart into "Dae" and "Nerys" - both of which are names themselves - we get these meanings.

Dae - Greatness, the great one; shining, "light and hope" as in "a new day."

"The name Dae is primarily a male name of Korean origin that means Greatness."

Nerys - Lord, chief, hero, manliness, courage, lady

Nerys is a Welsh feminine given name. It may be a modern coinage, an elaboration of Middle Welsh ner "lord, chief" (which relates to the modern Welsh words nêr "hero" and nerth "manliness, courage") using the popular suffix -ys (found in Carys, Dilys, Gladys and Glenys).

Meaning: uncertain; possibly "lady"

Gender: Feminine

So, GRRM has admitted that he choses the names of his main characters with intent. Daenerys' name is a glaring indication of her future.

Something her name meaning reminds me of is the famous quote Barristan Selmy says to Daenerys:

"King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, he said, the gods toss the coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land."

Dany's name legit means "greatness", so safe to say she's dodged the "madness" coin-flip.

As for the Nerys part of her name, it reminds me of this:

"Lead us from the darkness, O my Lord. Fill our hearts with fire, so we may walk your shining path. R'hllor, you are the light in our eyes, the fire in our hearts, the heat in our loins. Yours is the sun that warms our days, yours the stars that guard us in the dark of night."

New days begin with dawns, and what is the Prince who was Promised said to bring?

The Dawn.

Daenerys is associated with many things: a fiery heart (she ate a horse heart, her dragons burned the blue, rotting heart in the House of the Undying), dragons (fire made flesh), blood magic, day, heat, she is called "bride of fire" by the Undying, and "moon of my life" by Khal Drogo, and R'hllor is associated with stars and the moon. She also slept with Khal Drogo in the womb of the world ("the heat in our loins").

Azor Ahai was also said to have a Red Sword of Heroes, and Drogon is red and black with black and red fire. I think he's Lightbringer.

With all this, it makes sense that Dany is the Prince Who was Promised, and will bring the dawn.

[twst-drabbles]

I just went and read through your whole blog and let me tell ya chief, your content is ✨SCRUMPT-DILI-ICIOUS✨ LIKE ELDRITCH MC??? GENIUS??? THE WRITING?? SMOOTH, CHILL, UNIQUE, UNDERSTANDABLE WHILE ALSO HAVING THAT TINGE OF YOU IN IT, LOVE EM 💳💳💳💳

I AM ✨OBSESSED ✨ LET ME TELL YOU THAT, YOU MY DEAR WRITER NEED MORE RECOGNITION BECAUSE YOUR WRITING IS JUST??? SO GOOD??? Like this kinda dont make sense but it's low-key comforting in a " Laughing at a nostalgic joke with an old friend that you havent met in a long time but can still act like you've never been seperated while knowing they've been growing up without you by their side" type of beat because it just has this slight fun tone to it while also being refined and unique!

Don't forget to take care of yourself and enjoy your time, Have a self care day or a deep clean day whether physical, mental or enviromental helps, i wish you luck and happiness on your journey ❤❤❤❤

... Okay Anon, thank you for sending me this. I was actually having a bit of trouble getting up cause I was so tired and this gave me such a nice boost of energy. If there's one thing I admire about some novels I've read in the past, it's the ability of some authors to write in such a nostalgic sense, even though I never grew up on their works, so I always aim to write in such a way. Like a slow walk down a creak next to friend kind of deal, and you have no idea how incredibly happy I am to see that it does somehow come through, that it managed to reach someone.

And going through my entire blog too? You are sweet, dear. Thank you thank you thank you for taking the time to read everything and I hope I can continue to entertain you further!

[worryinglyinnocent]

Fic: Diverging Paths (15/31)

Summary: Xerxes falls and the only two survivors walk away from the dead city.

Homunculus is keen to make the most of the new human body he now wears, and he goes out into the world, still planning his ascension to godhood as he strips away his vices and turns them into homunculi.

Van Hohenheim believes he has become a monster, and he hides himself away, befriending the other abominations of the world, failed human transmutations doomed to agonising half-life without the intervention of a Philosopher’s Stone.

Years later, Homunculus meets Trisha Elric and sires two sons with her before vanishing into the night, whilst Hohenheim tries to foil his doppelgänger’s schemes.

Years after that, Edward and Alphonse Elric are caught up in the middle of it all…

A Father-Hohenheim role reversal switcheroo, following Mangahood’s main plot with elements of ‘03, based on the premise ‘what if Father was Ed and Al’s father and Hohenheim was the one hiding under Central?’

Rated: Teen

==

[One] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five] [Six] [Seven] [Eight] [Nine] [Ten] [Eleven] [Twelve] [Thirteen] [Fourteen] [AO3]

==

Fifteen

“Al?”

“Yes, brother?”

“Has anything gone right for us over these last few days?”

“Well…”

“We successfully captured a homunculus that then broke out and ate me, Lan Fan lost her arm, we found out that we nearly killed our mother, we found out that our father probably killed her the first time around, we found out that she’s sort of alive but has no idea who we are; Lieutenant Hawkeye is in the hospital, Mustang’s about to have a heart attack, Scar’s vanished without trace, and on top of that, we’ve just discovered that the entirety of Amestris is a giant transmutation circle that’s going to get activated and kill everyone in a few months, because our father, who isn’t even human, wants to make himself into God.”

“That does just about cover it.” Al sighed. “I guess there are some positives to it all though. We met Hohenheim and his homunculi and we know that they’re working to try and stop the impending apocalypse. Ling, Lan Fan and Fu have gone to Rush Valley to get a new arm for Lan Fan, and we set them on that path. We know that Father’s homunculi can be destroyed and we know that three of them already have been. And we know that despite everything, Mom’s alive.”

Ed nodded. “I guess we ought to be grateful for the small things, huh.”

There was a persistent tapping at the window, and Ed raised an eyebrow before going over and opening the curtains. Patience was leaning on the window frame, and they gave a genial wave as Ed rolled his eyes and opened the window. 

“I thought I’d come and see how you were doing after all the excitement of the last few days,” they said. “Dili and Hohenheim were worried about you.”

Ed sighed, stepping back to let Patience into the room. “We’re ok. Kind of stuck back at square one with no idea where to go from here and no idea who to trust.”

“Well, that’s something I can’t really help with, I’m afraid, but if you’re looking for something to do next, then we can always use more recruits to help us stop the end of the world as we know it. Really, we need as much help as we can get. There are only eight of us at the moment and whilst we’ve got more than enough enthusiasm, the fact remains that seven of us can’t do alchemy and the one that can is a hermit.”

Ed gave a snort of laughter, and he wondered what it would take to get Hohenheim to leave the catacombs for a meeting with Mustang.

There was a knock at the door, and Patience leapt into the closet to hide as Ed went to open it just a fraction, peering around the frame. There was a soldier outside, not one whom Ed recognised, and he could tell from the stars and bars and he was just a sergeant and likely newly promoted.

“Mr Elric, sir, I have orders directly from Fuhrer Bradley, he’s asked me to escort you to Central Command immediately.”

“What’s all this about?”

“I am not at liberty to say, sir.” The sergeant shifted uncomfortably. “That is to say, he didn’t tell me.”

Ed and Al exchanged a look and Patience peeped out of the closet, raising an eyebrow. 

“Well, I think it’s more than our lives are worth to go against a direct order from the Fuhrer,” Ed said eventually. “All right. Give us a minute.” 

He closed the door and Patience stepped out of the closet fully before heading to the window to make their escape. 

“I don’t like this,” Ed muttered as he grabbed his coat and packed up their things into the suitcase. At least that was one advantage of travelling like this; they could pack up their entire lives and not leave anything behind. “This can’t be for anything good, and now that we know that Bradley’s a homunculus, I think we can probably work on the principle that he knows we know.”

“It feels like we’re walking straight into the lion’s den,” Al agreed. 

“Well, I’ll stop by again at the same time tomorrow and if you’re not here I’ll send the others on a raiding party into Central Command,” Patience said. “We know all the secret passageways, we should be able to get you out in no time.” They waved and bounded out of the window, leaving no indication that they had been there at all.

Ed didn’t know whether to be reassured or terrified by that statement. “Ok. Let’s go.”

They left the room; the sergeant was still waiting for them. The journey to Central Command was made in tense, awkward silence, neither Ed nor Al wanting to speak and potentially let slip anything that could make this sergeant wonder what the hell was going on and report it back to Bradley, who could make their lives even worse than they were already about to be made. 

Eventually Ed spoke, trying to get the lay of the land. 

“Do you know if Lieutenant Hawkeye is still in the hospital?” he asked. 

“Yes sir, she is, but the doctors are confident that she will make a full recovery, and the Fuhrer himself has taken charge of her continued safety.”

Ed really did not like the sound of that at all. 

The Fuhrer was waiting for them in the main foyer of Central Command, all of the other soldiers giving him a wide berth; indeed their escort also scampered away as soon as he had handed them over. 

“I’m glad you answered my summons, Elrics,” Bradley began, his demeanour disarmingly mild considering everything that had happened over the past couple of days. It made Ed’s skin crawl, knowing that this was just the facade he put on to keep his power over his underlings, and that his true nature was so much darker. “In light of recent events, I think it’s important for all of us to know where we stand. Come with me.”

They entered the elevator to take them up to the Fuhrer’s office on the almost-top floor of the building, and the ride was agonisingly slow. 

“Now that we have the chance to speak in private, I have no qualms in giving you a direct warning to stop meddling in things that are out of your control and far above your concern.”

“Yeah?” Ed snorted. 

“Yes. To sow the seeds of dissent within the military now, at this most crucial stage of our plan, would be nothing short of treasonous. I know what you’re going to say,” he continued before Ed could get any words out. “But I really would hate for anything to happen to your charming automail mechanic. Rush Valley can be a dangerous place, after all. So much heavy machinery and molten metal.”

“Winry has nothing to do with this,” Ed growled. 

“On the contrary, she has everything to do with this, since she’s the most effective way to ensure that you toe the line. Do I make myself understood?”

“Yeah, clear as crystal. You’ve already got Hawkeye under armed guard to keep Mustang on a leash and now you’re threatening Winry to choke me and Al.”

“Yes, that’s an accurate summation.”

The elevator doors dinged and began to roll open onto the Fuhrer’s office. “But don’t take it personally, Elrics. The orders come from a higher power than I.”

The figure sitting in Bradley’s imposing chair was horribly familiar, and this time, there could be no mistaken identity, not like with Hohenheim. This man, with his expression so cold and cruel and superior, was definitely their father. 

“Ah, the Brothers Elric. Thank you, Wrath.”

Bradley gave a slight bow and stood back, guarding the door. It was kind of strange to see him in such a subordinate position, the most powerful man in the country reduced to a mere lieutenant, but it had never been clearer that Bradley was not really the most powerful man in the country.

“Do take a seat.”

Ed and Al sat, unable to do anything else, just staring at this mythical man in the flesh, for the first time in memory for Ed and the first time ever for Al.

“I’ve been watching your progress through the State Alchemist programme with great interest, Elrics. I must say that I’m impressed with your scope. I had not anticipated you being quite so young.”

Of all the many tumultuous emotions jostling for space in Ed’s veins at that moment, rage rang out the loudest and clearest and boiled over.

“What the hell is it to you?” he asked. “You weren’t exactly interested in us when we were babies. You left before Al was even born!”

“Please. I’m hardly interested in you as my offspring, that’s merely a natural consequence of what I had to do to ensure your use to me as sacrifices, which interests me far more.”

Ed could not believe what he was hearing. He didn’t want to believe what he was hearing. At the same time, after everything that he had learned about his father in the last few days, he absolutely believed what he was hearing. 

“You mean that we were a part of your plan from the start? You meeting Mom, having children with her… that was all just part of your grand plan?”

“What else would it be? Although the freedoms of human form were indeed fascinating for a while, they soon grew tedious, and there was no other reason for me to concern myself with the petty love affairs of small mortal minds.”

“You created us specifically to be sacrifices,” Al said quietly. “You intended for us to perform human transmutation. You knew that we would try it.” The little pause before he spoke again dropped the temperature in the room by several degrees. “You made Mom get sick and die.”

“The alchemy involved in transmuting living tissue is really quite simple for an experienced alchemist,” Father said calmly. “Just a little switch in her lungs and lymph nodes to leave her susceptible. She wouldn’t have noticed.”

The blood was pounding in Ed’s ears, the heat in his face searing, and he leapt forward, with no intent other than causing his father as much pain as physically possible. He didn’t even get close, the arms of the chair snaking around him and pulling him back down, holding him tightly. Out of the corner of his eye, Ed saw that Bradley had drawn his sword and was halfway towards them. Their father hadn’t moved a muscle, and he just gave Ed an unimpressed look. 

“Brother!” Al clapped and reached out towards the chair arms as they strapped Ed down even tighter the more he struggled against them, but nothing happened, not even the slightest spark. 

“Please don’t embarrass yourselves, either of you. It’s pointless to try and use your alchemy at this point in time. Remember where you are. This country has been shaped to my specification for centuries now, and I have more power over it than you could possibly imagine.”

“She loved you,” Ed growled, the revelation of his nullified alchemy still secondary to the confirmation that this man had killed their mother. “She loved you, and you killed her.”

“I know. It was quite pathetic really but I can’t deny she served her purpose well.”

“I’m going to kill you.”

“No, you’re not, because let’s face it, Edward, without your alchemy you are nothing, and you are currently without your alchemy.”

Although Edward was still seething, he had to accept that there was nothing that he could do right now, and he sat back in his chair, its grip on him relaxing slightly but not letting him go fully.

“You did this to our teacher too. You made sure that her baby would never be born alive so that she’d try to bring him back. How many times have you done this?” he asked, teeth gritted to try and stop him shouting. “How many lives have you ruined to try and get your precious human sacrifices?”

“As many as necessary.” Father was so flippant about the whole thing, so uninterested in the human lives he had caused to be wasted. “Please don’t take it personally, you’re hardly special in that regard, as impressive as your prodigious talent is. Now, I hope that we understand each other and we don’t need to have this conversation again. We are on the verge of achieving greatness that has never been seen before. Do not get in our way.”

Ed fumed, desperate to have the last word, to say something that would elicit a reaction from the bastard, to rile him up in the way he had riled Ed, to get an emotional response, any kind would do. 

“No, I think you’ve made things very clear,” he said eventually. “I just have one more question.”

“Yes?”

“We won’t get in your way when it comes to your mad scheme to kill everyone and destroy the world. There’s too much at stake for that. But can we at least continue to try and get our bodies back?”

Father considered this for a moment. “I see no reason why not,” he said eventually, “although I can’t foresee you having a very fruitful journey in that respect.”

“You’d be surprised,” Ed growled. Father ignored him, and the chair released its grip fully, returning to the inert item of furniture that it had been before.

“I think that will be all. I’m glad we’re on the same page. Wrath, these two can go now.”

Bradley opened the door, indicating for the two of them to follow him through it, and Ed stomped down the corridor, going over all of the things he could have, but probably shouldn’t have, said to his father. If there was one thing that was certain now, it was that Ed definitely no longer considered him to be a father. He was a gene donor, nothing more, and it made his skin crawl to think that he shared his genes with that monster in the first place.

They reached the foyer of Central Command again, everyone continuing to give Bradley a wide berth as he saw them to the door.

“Be careful now, Elrics.” It sounded so mild and concerned, but Ed could see the threatening look in his visible eye. They wasted no time in getting out of Central Command and getting as far away from the imposing building as they could.

“I want to check in with Winry,” Ed said eventually as they walked down the street away from Central Command. “We can’t tell her outright what’s going on, they might have the phones tapped, besides, we don’t want her to worry about us and what’s happening up here. But we need to check that she’s safe.”

“We can ask Ling and the others to look out for her. They won’t be going back to Xing until Lan Fan is healed enough to travel, so Fu and Ling could act as bodyguards for her for a while.”

They headed down towards the nearest phone booth, Al leaning in whilst Ed dialled. The ringing as it connected was way too loud.

“Atelier Garfiel, Winry speaking.”

“Hi Winry, it’s Ed.”

“Hey Ed. Is your arm busted again? I only left you a week ago!”

“No, no, the arm and leg are both fine.” Ed would have been offended that the first thing to come to Winry’s mind when he called her was that he’d broken his automail again, but considering how often it had happened in the past, he probably couldn’t blame her. “I was just calling to check that you were ok.”

“Yeah, I’m good. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You know, after everything that happened in Central. I was concerned.”

“That’s unusual for you.”

“Hey! All right, if that’s what I get for trying to be nice, I won’t try again.”

On the other end of the phone, Winry just laughed. “I’m kind of touched that you’re concerned. But I’m ok, honestly. I’ve got Ling and the others here keeping me on my toes.”

“Actually, if Ling’s there, can I speak to him?”

“Sure, I’ll go get him.” There was a long pause. “Take care of yourselves, ok? Stay safe.”

“Yeah. You too. Stay safe, Winry.”

“I will.”

There was a shuffle on the other end of the phone as it was handed over.

“Hey Ed. How are things?”

“Ok. A lot’s happened in the last couple of days.” In the last couple of hours, more like, Ed thought to himself. “How’s Lan Fan?”

“She’s doing ok. As stubborn as ever. When Winry told her you’d got through your automail rehab within a year, she vowed to do it in six months, and she’s now trying to convince Fu that it should only take her six months because she’s only got one arm to deal with whereas you had an arm and a leg, so obviously it should only take half the time. I don’t think he’s buying it.”

“I’m glad she’s ok. Listen, Ling, whilst you’re in Rush Valley with Winry… just… make sure everyone’s safe, ok?”

“OK.” There was a long pause. “I’m not going to ask why, but you have my word.”

“Thanks, Ling. Hang in there.”

“We will. Good luck homunculus hunting!”

Ed rolled his eyes as he hung up, before letting out a long sigh of relief. 

“It doesn’t sound like Winry has any idea what’s going on, so that’s good. She can just get on with her life in peace until we can do something to get her to safety again. Why do I get the feeling that we’ll be into faked deaths and madcap missions to Xing soon?”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Al sighed. “We should probably think of a way to warn Teacher as well. If she’s a sacrifice too because she performed human transmutation, then Father and the military will probably be looking for her.”

“Yeah, you’re right. We should try and let her know if we can.”

“Do you think we ought to tell Teacher about Pasha?” Al asked. 

Ed shook his head. “No. It was different for us; we found out how the homunculi were created first and then had to know whether Mom was the same. Teacher doesn’t know about the homunculi. We should probably leave it alone. It would only cause her more pain to know that her child’s here in Central and she can’t be his mom right now.”

Ed dropped a couple more coins into the phone and dialled the number for the butcher’s shop in Dublith. There might not be much that they could do to help their teacher, and after all, she was more than capable of taking care of herself, but the least that they could do was to try and warn her that Central would be coming for her.

“Curtis Butchers.”

“Hello Teacher. It’s Ed.”

“This isn’t like you to ring. Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, yeah, we’re fine. We’re just…” Ed racked his brains to try and think of the best way to tell Teacher about everything that was happening without actually telling Teacher about anything that was happening. “Look, you remember what we talked about when Al and I were down in Dublith? About the Philosopher’s Stone?”

“Yes, of course, Ed, what’s the meaning of all this, you’re not making any sense…”

“Your hunch was right,” Ed said quickly, cutting her off. 

“Oh.” Teacher’s voice was very soft on the other end of the phone. “Oh. I understand.”

“You know that Bradley tried to recruit you to the State Alchemists whilst we were there? Well, I think that he might renew his interest, if you know what I mean.”

“Yes. I know what you mean.” At least Ed was convinced that Teacher really did know what he meant and would act on it accordingly. “Don’t worry about us. You two stay safe in Central.”

“We will. Thanks, Teacher.”

“Thanks for calling, Ed.”

He hung up again, letting out a sigh of relief. There was nothing more that they could do for their friends and family now. All that remained was to work out what the hell to do next. 

And potentially warn Hohenheim that their theory had been correct, and that Father was now rattled enough to start taking hostages to ensure that his plan went off without a hitch.