#ninda

[spiritualsoull1969]

Ninda (Slander): Cultivating a Respectful Workplace

The Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred text of Sikhism, emphasizes the importance of Ninda (Slander). It goes beyond simply avoiding gossip; it's a call to cultivate a respectful and positive work environment. In today's interconnected world, where negativity can spread quickly, Ninda offers valuable guidance for fostering trust, collaboration, and a more fulfilling work experience.

The Harms of Ninda:

Ninda, or slander, involves spreading negativity about someone, often through gossip, rumours, or unfounded criticism. It can damage reputations, erode trust, and create a toxic work environment. Here's how Ninda can be detrimental:

Reduced Morale: When negativity spreads, it can demotivate employees and create a climate of fear and anxiety.

Damaged Relationships: Gossip can damage trust between colleagues and make collaboration difficult.

Loss of Productivity: Engaging in or being around negativity can distract from work and reduce productivity.

Legal Issues: In some cases, slander can lead to legal repercussions.

The Power of Positivity:

Ninda encourages a shift towards positive communication. By focusing on the good in others and fostering a respectful atmosphere, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Here are the benefits of a positive work environment:

Increased Morale: A positive environment boosts employee morale and satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and engagement.

Stronger Relationships: Respectful communication fosters trust and collaboration, leading to stronger relationships between colleagues.

Improved Problem-Solving: A positive environment encourages open communication and allows for better problem-solving as a team.

Reduced Stress: A workplace free from negativity fosters a sense of well-being and reduces stress levels for employees.

Practicing Ninda in the Workplace:

Here are some ways to embody the spirit of Ninda and cultivate a respectful workplace:

Think Before You Speak: Consider the impact of your words before speaking. Is what you're about to say helpful or constructive?

Assume Positive Intent: Often, perceived negativity stems from misunderstandings. Try to understand the situation and the person's intent before jumping to conclusions.

Address Concerns Directly: If you have an issue with a colleague, address it directly with them in a respectful and private manner.

Focus on the Positive: Make a conscious effort to compliment colleagues, celebrate successes, and offer encouragement.

Be a Role Model: Set a positive example by practicing respectful communication and avoiding negativity yourself.

Ninda Toolkit for a Respectful Workplace:

The Three Sieve Test: Before sharing information about someone, consider the "Three Sieve Test" attributed to Socrates. Ask yourself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If the answer isn't yes to all three, don't share it.

Positive Gossip: Instead of gossiping about others, make a conscious effort to spread positive stories about colleagues and their accomplishments.

Assume Positive Intent: Don't jump to conclusions about someone's motives. Give colleagues the benefit of the doubt and try to understand their perspective.

Focus on Solutions: If you witness negativity or conflict, don't just complain. Look for ways to contribute to a solution.

Be a Role Model: By consistently demonstrating respectful communication, you can inspire others to do the same.

Remember, change starts with you. By embodying the principles of Ninda, you can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same. A more respectful and positive workplace benefits everyone, leading to increased collaboration, improved productivity, and a more enjoyable work experience.

The Guru Granth Sahib offers this powerful teaching:

"Speak sweetly, even in anger. Sweet speech is always pleasing."

Let these words guide your interactions and contribute to building a workplace where respect and positivity flourish.

Ninda is a continuous practice. There will be times when negativity arises. The key is to be mindful of your words and actions, and actively contribute to a more positive and respectful work environment. By following these steps and embodying the spirit of Ninda, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.

[empthylee]

🍳𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈💙

[phantomdoofer]

Tower Town, Chapter 22 - The Final Slice

Part 5

Gustavo managed to squirm out from under the bulky corpse just in time to see the Pizzamancer explode. He saw Peppino standing, panting, obviously exhausted…

He saw the blood soaking his friend’s clothes…

Then Peppino collapsed.

Gustavo ran towards him. “PEPPINO! PEPPINO!!” He rolled him over - Peppino's face was soaked with blood. He wasn't breathing. His eyes were already lifeless.

Gustavo shook his head. “No. No. Nonono…”

He looked around, his vision blurred by tears. Mi… Mio Dio, Giuseppe, Anita, the Noises, they're all…”

Suddenly a pair of arms grabbed Peppino and picked him up. “Come on, all of you! Grab the soldiers and the rabbits and follow me!”

“P… Pizzahe- we mean, Paolo?” Fake said.

Paolo strode off. “Hurry up! We might be able to save them!”

Gustavo nodded, and grabbed Noise and Noisette, hoisting them up with the strength of desperation. Pepperman lifted Giuseppe's corpse, piling Anita's small frame on top of him. 

The group trotted after the tall Ninda, into a room full of glass tubes. Cloning tanks? Gustavo wondered.

Paolo gestured at a staircase next to the clone tanks. “Hurry! Up there! Put each one in a separate tank! Hurry!”

As they did so, Fake glared at him. “If you are planning on cloning them-”

Paolo waved irritably. “These ‘cloning tanks’ are actually medical capsules!” He  closed the lid, and quickly hustled to the control panel. “If we're fast enough, it can regenerate them before brain death sets in!”

Everyone gathered beside him. “How do you know that?” Fake asked suspiciously.

Paolo tapped the side of his head as he typed frantically. “Remember what I said? While I was monitoring you guys, the Tower hit me with some sort of… beam. It recognized my memory loss and filled in the holes with what it thought I needed.” 

Brando nodded. “So you know how these operate?”

Paolo nodded. “I think so.” He finished typing, and the bodies in the tubes buoyed up as the force fields held them. “There. I've initiated the regeneration program… I think. I was in such a rush, that… never mind. Now, we can only wait.”

Gustavo moved Fake aside. “Why are you doing this? You got what you wanted. The Pizzamancer's dead.”

Paolo frowned. “I pay my debts. Despite what you all feel towards me, I have no ill will towards you.” He glanced up at the bodies of Noisette, Giuseppe, and Anita. “And… some people recently showed me the value of kindness… and friendship.”

Gustavo paused, then nodded. “All right. How long do you think it'll take?”

Paolo shook his head. “Hours, certainly.” He motioned at Pepperman, Brick, and Fake - all three, while standing, were trembling with pain. “Let's get you all patched up.”

~~~~

Paolo handed Brando a small device. “Here, hold this button down and run it over their wounds. It should mend even them.”

As the Ninda walked away, Brando turned to the froglike clone, and dutifully ran the device over their flesh. Fake shivered as the device wove their doughy form back together. “That feels very uncomfortable,” they said.

“I can only imagine,” Brando said absently. He spoke as he waved the device around. “In there… you said… you had to save your son?”

Fake looked at Brando warily. “We… we did not wish to tell you. We saw how… angry you were. At us.”

Brando sat back. “What are you, Fake?”

Fake sat silently, then finally nodded. “When Bruno disappeared… Pizzahead kidnapped him. Assimilated his restaurant into the Tower. Did… horrible things to him. To us.” Fake shivered. “He - we died. He used Bruno's brain as the base for us.” 

Brando reached up and touched the being's head. “So you're saying… you're my father? Bruno Tagliatelle?”

Fake cringed back from the look of reflexive hatred that appeared on the boy's face. “Part of us is. And we regret… he regrets so very much how he treated you.” They looked downcast. “We know you cannot forgive us for how we treated you, but… we could not stand by and watch you die.”

Brando’s face was unreadable. “You… nearly sacrificed your life to save me. And you didn't have to. I could have protected myself.”

Fake nodded. “We did not think. It was… reflex. And besides, we have come to understand how much we lost. The terrible mistakes we made. We cannot change the past. But we…” they looked up at Brando's face, “we would like to think we could be with you in the future.”

Brando said nothing at first. “I hated you. I hate you so much.”

Fake nodded. “You had good reason to, young one. Bruno was horrible to you. He knows that now. We are so sorry.”

Brando shook his head. “I don't know… I don't know if I can forgive him.” Then he smiled, weakly. “But it does give me some comfort, knowing the part of him that lives actually cares.”

Fake nodded. “The Bruno in us wishes they could have been a different person, now.”

Brando chuckled. “Well, he - you - are, are you not?”

Fake stopped, then chuckled. “So we are.”

Brando held out a hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you.”

Fake shook it. “Nice to meet you, Brando.”

~~~~

Peppino found himself in a shapeless void. He stared around, then looked down. The hole in his chest was gone.

He also wasn't breathing.

“I finally-a get to meet you in person, l'altro mio figlio.”

Suddenly Peppino was aware of a figure in front of him. He was tall, a good head taller than himself, heavyset, with long curling hair.

Peppino’s memory stirred. “P… Papa?”

The man turned - behind his bushy mustache was a warm smile. “Peppino. Il mio piccolino. How you've-a grown.” He walked forward and embraced Peppino.

Peppino found tears welling up in his eyes, and he hugged his father for the first time in over forty years.

For an unmeasurable time, they stood, together.

Finally, Peppino spoke. “Papa, you should know… I’m not-a the original Peppino. I'm-”

“A clone?” Sergio said, smiling. “I know. Your brother told me.”

“Giuseppe’s here?” Peppino said, confused. He looked around. 

Sergio chuckled. “None of us are-a here in a physical sense, you silly polpetta. We're…” he paused, “in between. In between life and-a death. And yes, I know. You are still my son, however you came-a to be.”

The statement was so simple and yet profound. Peppino couldn't help himself anymore, and he plunged his face into his father's chest, bawling like a child. 

Forty years of pain and suffering poured out of him like poison from a wound.

Sergio hugged the man to him. “My poor-a little Peppino. The world has been so hard on you. Would that I could have-a been there to take some of the burden from you.”

“I missed-a you so much, Papa,” Peppino choked.

Sergio stroked Peppino's head. “I have always been beside you, Peppino. You and-a your brother both. As much as I could be.” He held him at arm's length. “You have seen-a so much, felt so much torment. But you are strong, Peppino. Stronger than-a you realize. You have survived things that most other people would not.”

Peppino hung his head. “But-a now it's over. I died defeating the Pizzamancer. What happens now?”

Sergio smiled. “Who said you were dead?”

Peppino shook his head, confused. “But… you're here, Papa. Where else would I-a see you?”

Sergio laughed. “Ah, you were on-a the verge of death, it's true. But your friends found a way to return you. It's only a matter of time, now.”

Peppino blinked. “But, even so… you are here. You died long, long ago…”

“Sì, that's true,” Sergio conceded. “But just-a because we're dead doesn't mean we're gone. How many-a times did you end up a ghost in-a the Tower the first time?”

Peppino shivered. “More times than I want-a to think about. But I thought that was-a just a transformation…?”

“They don't-a have to be mutually exclusive, figlio,” Sergio said. “Now, our-a time is drawing to a close. I wanted to-a tell you: I am, and always have been, proud of you, Peppino. Despite-a your hardships, you haven't given up. Either of you.” 

He started to slowly fade away, and Peppino reached out to him. “Wait! Papa, wait, please!”

Sergio’s voice was fading, too. “You're being pulled-a back to the real world, Peppino. It's-a not your time, and won't be for a long time. Look after your brother and-a your friends, Peppino. They are as good as family.” He turned, then turned back. “Oh, one last thing…”

Peppino wiped his eyes. “Sì, Papa?”

“Tell your Mama… I'll always love her, and I'll wait as long as it-a takes for her. Tell her… take-a her time.”

Peppino nodded. “I will, Papa. Grazie. And goodbye, for now.”

Sergio waved. “I'm always-a with you, my sons. Take care of Margherita for me… and don't-a let go of those you love…”

~~~~

Paolo wandered the capsule room, alone. The others had all fallen asleep; Fake and Brando huddled together, Gustavo laying on top of Brick. Vigi crouched on Pepperman's head - apparently he'd gotten accustomed to the perch.

Or maybe he's just comforted by a friend's proximity. He paused. Friends, Paolo thought. Must be nice.

He checked the gauges, and nodded. They'd all managed to pull through. Barely. 

Then he looked more closely - the regeneration process should have stopped long before, it seemed. He quickly hit an END command, and the machines hummed to a stop. Whoops. He carefully checked - while their minds were fine, it looked like they had all been physically regressed. Looks like roughly twenty years. He snorted. I doubt any of them will mind.

He walked over to the room where the Pizzamancer - my ancestor - had reigned. The room was an absolute disaster - holes, broken walls, spikes and debris everywhere.

They'd left the Pizzamancer's remains where Peppino had felled him. Good riddance. He walked over, intending to get one last kick in -

Wait. What?

He crouched and looked more closely. His wounds. They're closing. Paolo stood up, horrified. I thought we destroyed his immortality! Then he realized. Of course he'd have a backup! It's slow, but he's regenerating!

He started to run back, to warn the others… and stopped. 

No. They've done their part, and more. This time, I'll take care of it.

“Tower, new command. Authorization: Paolo Totino.”

Confirmed. Awaiting command.

“Command: Tower will no longer accept or acknowledge commands or requests, both direct or indirect, from the spirit of Dominic Totino, in perpetuity. Include sub-command: any attempt by Dominic Totino, in any direct or indirect capacity, to alter or interfere in Tower technology will enact Tower destruction of compromised technology instantly. Fatal compromisation of Tower technology will enact Final Solution Protocol, subset: Tower Subquantum Annihilation. Execute.”

Execution successful. Dominic Totino’s access has been permanently rescinded. Any attempt by indicated individual to subvert indicated protocols in any way will be rendered unsuccessful.

“Command list.”

Command list verified. Awaiting command.

“First command: Tower will confirm total regeneration of all subjects currently in resuscitation, decant them, and ensure their consciousness and health. Confirm.”

Confirmed. Awaiting command.

“Command: Tower will teleport all technology, except that vital to Tower integrity, as well as control room terminal, to a stable, unoccupied location one mile outside Tower Town. Confirm.”

Confirmed. Awaiting command.

“Command: Tower will teleport all occupants, excepting the body, spirit, and mind of Dominic Totino, to a stable, unoccupied location 100 meters outside Tower Town.”

Confirmed. Awaiting command.

“Command: Tower will enact protective protocols, then teleport itself to planetary coordinates 0, 0, 0. Confirm.”

Confirmed. CAUTION: command will place Tower at the planetary core. Tower will not be accessible. Verify.

“Verified. Command: Destroy any and all teleportation technology remaining within the Tower upon arrival at previously described coordinates. Comfirm.”

Confirmed. Awaiting command.

Final Command. Tower will enact full concealment protocols. Parameters: all. Concealment will continue until rescinded by myself. Confirm.”

Confirmed. Awaiting execute command.

Paolo looked at the tubes in the room behind him, holding the barely-living bodies of his allies. The people who'd sacrificed themselves to save the world.

My friends.

He looked at the still form of the Pizzamancer, his ancestor, who'd offered him the world, but he knew in his heart would turn on him at the slightest whim.

No decision at all, really.

“Execute.”

~~~~

Peppino blinked as he felt some sort of force let him go. He fell to his knees.

Then it all rushed back to him.

Frantically he put his hand to his chest. His shirt had a huge hole in it, but of the gaping wound that had killed him, there was no sign.

What…?

He heard a coughing sound next to him. He glanced over-

Giuseppe was on his knees, coughing and shaking.

Peppino felt pure joy rise in his heart. “Fratello!!” He hopped over and snatched the man up, hugging and spinning him around. “Sei vivo! SEI VIVO!!”

Giuseppe laughed. “Put me down, Pino! I-”

He stopped, then put his hands to his throat. “The scar's still there… but I sound… normal?” Indeed, he sounded almost exactly like Peppino now. He held a hand up - his hair had grown back, and his ear had regrown, but the scar remained. “What… what happened?”

Peppino looked around. To the side, Noise and Noisette were hugging, crying. Farther along, Anita was staggering out, looking confused. “I... don't-a know. I feel… good, actually. Really-a good.” He bounced experimentally. “Better than-a I have in years, in fact.”

He looked over - Gustavo, Brick, Fake, Brando, Pepperman, and Vigi were asleep. 

“Maybe we-”

Bwip

~~~~

Bwip

“-should… ask… them?” Peppino blinked. 

Giuseppe looked around. “We got teleported again.” He turned, then pointed. “Just outside town, in fact.”

“That's my doing,” Paolo said, strolling up, looking smug.

Everyone turned towards him. “What did you do?” Peppino said.

Paolo polished his fingers on his shirt, and grinned. “Well, long story short, after you killed the Pizzamancer, we managed to get you and the others in the medical pods and save you. Then, while you were regenerating, I noticed the Pizzamancer was regenerating, too. So I had you all teleported here, removed all the tech from the Tower, and had it teleport and seal itself in the planet’s core.” He grinned maliciously. “He may live forever, but he'll be stuck there forever, too. In fact, I bet he's waking up to a nasty surprise, right now…”

~~~~

Dominic stirred as the regeneration power he'd engineered finally restored him to life. He pushed himself off the ground, in immense pain but alive. He grinned. A clever ruse, Raphael, but I planned for such an eventuality. He gasped just a little - he wasn't fully healed, yet. That Spaghetti fool did quite a number on me. In all his plans, he ruefully realized he'd never thought what might happen if they'd acquired two powers. 

He looked around. The room was a wreck - spikes everywhere, holes blown in the walls, floor, and ceiling. And blood. Blood everywhere… but no bodies. 

They must have fled. Took the bodies with them. He stretched. “No matter. I'll capture them, and they can watch as I melt the world again!” He chuckled maliciously. “Tower, Command: search for previous invaders.”

Silence.

Dominic looked upward. “Tower, Command.”

Nothing.

Dominic felt the first tingle of fear run through his heart. I know that boy Paolo was controlling some of the Tower's functions. Surely he couldn't…

Dominic strode over to his throne, flipping up a hidden panel on the arm. He held his hand to it. “Tower, verify access.”

The Tower was silent as the grave.

The Pizzamancer felt real panic now. “Respond, damn you! I order you to respond!”

He ran from room to room, looking for something, anything. It was all gone. Damn you, you little crumb. What have you done to my Tower??

Finally, he entered the medical lab where he knew the other Ninda had been controlling things. Despite being mostly empty, a single screen glowed.

Aha. A fatal mistake, boy. All I need is one… Dominic strode over and touched the screen.

The screen made no sound, gave no response. Instead, it showed a message:

Many-times-great-Grandpa Dominic,

You are the most horrible, vile person I've ever met. You deserve an eternity in hell, but you seem to have found a way to avoid that. So, I've created one for you.

I made sure while I was regenerating everyone - they're all alive and well, by the way - that I was now the sole master of the Tower. The Tower will never again respond to you in any way. Any and all attempts to circumvent this physically will result in the Tower itself instantly destroying anything you so much as look askance at. Oh, and just to be sure, the Tower is now locked at the center of the planet, and no one, not even myself, can find it, thanks to its concealment protocols.

You wanted eternity, Dominic. You destroyed the world for it. You tried to destroy it again. You destroyed my life. Now I'm going to rebuild my life, with these people, while you sit in hell forever.

Requiescat en pace, Dominic.

The Pizzamancer stared at the screen, unable to comprehend. He looked around desperately, trying to think of a way out of his eternal prison.

As if to taunt him, a single wall had been made transparent, and he could see the truth of it: outside was a brilliant wall of liquid rock and metal, swirling and spinning.

Dominic sat down on the floor, horrified.

“No…”

He held his head in his hands.

The empty halls echoed with his rage and despair.

~~~~

Peppino sat down hard. “So, thats-a it? It's-a over?”

Paolo nodded. “It's over.”

Peppino reeled and sat on the ground.

Giuseppe stood, staring at the sky. He was clenching and unclenching his fists.

Suddenly, Gustavo was wrapped around Peppino's neck. “You're alive! You're alive, amico!”

Peppino grinned and patted his friend on the head. “Sì, Gustavo. I should-a be dead, but…” he looked up at Paolo. “I feel-a good. Is that a side-effect of the regeneration process?”

Paolo looked uncomfortable. “Well, I, uh, kind of didn't set the parameters exactly right and sort of… left you in the oven too long, as it were. The five of you have been physically regressed twenty years.” 

Everyone stopped talking. Finally, Noise spoke up. “I thought I felt wrong. Dammit, I don't wanna be fifteen again!”

Noisette giggled. “Oh I dunno, hun, I didn't know ya back then, and I gotta say, you were pretty cute.” She batted her eyelashes at him.

Noise perked up immediately. “Ya think? Well, lemme tell ya then, back when I was…”

Peppino turned back to Paolo, who was trying to look confident but instead looked like he wanted to run. Giuseppe walked up to him. “My voice is normal again,” he said, “and my ear’s whole, too. But the scars are still there. Shouldn't those have been healed, too?”

Paolo shrugged. “I was in a hurry. I guess the system concluded that since they didn't really impede you, they didn't need to be fixed.”

Giuseppe nodded. “Considering the benefits, I think I can live with scars.” He grinned, then reached down, hauling Peppino to his feet and into a bear hug. “We did it, fratellino!” 

Peppino chuckled. “I guess-a we can say we died to save the world, eh?”

Giuseppe laughed. “Indeed we can! I should let the authorities know!” He reached down to his pocket… and pulled out a broken mess of glass and metal. “Ah, damn, my phone!” 

Vigi oozed up. “No worries, big guy. I didn' get hit. I'll give ‘em a call.” He pulled out his phone, looked at it, then grinned and handed it up to Giuseppe. “Actually, how about you do th’ honors? I think one o’ the heroes of the day should spread th’ word.” 

Giuseppe paused, then smiled. “I mean, don't you qualify too?” He grinned down at his friend.

Vigi laughed. “Maybe, yeah. But I think it'll sound better comin’ from you.”

Giuseppe sighed, and dialed from memory. “Second time I've saved the world…”

~~~~

All of them sat on gurneys, rocks, whatever was available, as the EMTs looked them over. Police vehicles flashed lights everywhere. 

Giuseppe walked over and sat down next to Peppino, grinning. “The news hounds will be here soon, I bet.”

Peppino grimaced. “Dio ci aiuti. I don't-a know if I'm up to answering that many questions…”

Then a series of unmarked vehicles pulled up… vehicles that looked familiar. Giuseppe smiled, though a bit painfully. “Looks like Spec Ops got here first. Thank God.”

Peppino raised an eyebrow. “You're more happy the military got here first?”

“Sì. They already know most of the story. They'll just want to know what happened.” 

As the doors opened, a variety of figures stepped out, most forming a cordon just in time: the dreaded news vans pulled up, the reporters swarming towards them, only to be stopped by the soldiers.

One soldier, however, stepped towards them. “Lieutenant Morelli, Major Spaghetti. Did you really do it? Did you stop this… fou?”

Giuseppe smiled. “That's right, Louis. He's gone.” He gestured at Paolo. “At least, that's what Mr. Totino told us… and I'm inclined to believe him.”

As Paolo walked up, the Frenchman blanched. “Mon dieu, Major, that's Pizzahead! How can you-”

Paolo held up his hands. “Mr… what is your name?”

The Frenchman stopped, stunned. “Er… Lambert, monsieur. Captain Louis Lambert.”

Paolo nodded. “Paolo Totino. Formerly possessed by the Pizzamancer, I was Pizzahead.” He frowned. “Please, before you arrest me, please send someone to these coordinates.” He rattled off latitude and longitude.

Lambert looked even more confused. “Why?”

“Because that's where I ordered the Tower to transport all its technology to. It's inert - it only responds to me - but it could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.”

Lambert's eyes grew wide, and he nodded. “Give me a moment to confer with my superiors…” He turned, frantically speaking in French into a lapel mike.

Giuseppe turned to Paolo. “Quite the bombshell you dropped there.”

Paolo shrugged and grinned. “After all, it's mine, more or less. I am the Pizzamancer's direct descendant. Just don't want it causing too much trouble, sitting in a field somewhere.”

Peppino reached out and tentatively touched the Ninda’s arm. “You're-a turning yourself in? But you were brainwashed! Possessed!”

“Maybe. But it'll be better for the courts to work that out for themselves,” Giuseppe said. “It also looks better for him.”

Louis turned back to them. “We have several teams setting out now.” He gestured to the others, who gathered together. “Everyone, if you don't mind, we'd like to take you briefly into custody, for your own protection.” He jerked a thumb towards the rabid mob of reporters, and grinned wryly. “I doubt any of you will mind.”

“Thank god,” Vigi said, oozing towards a vehicle. “Can’t stand reporters.”

As the other operatives gently gathered the exhausted party into the gathered vehicles, Giuseppe, Peppino, and Louis sat down in the lead vehicle. “Pardon my bluntness, messieurs, but you look like you've been to Hell and back.” He gestured at the various holes in their clothing, specifically the giant hole in Peppino's shirt, just below the breastbone. “A blow there should have killed you, but you appear undamaged. How-?”

Peppino grinned. “Well, technically, it-a did kill me. He killed us both.”

The Captain’s eyes widened. “But how-?”

“Just drive, Louis,” Giuseppe said, grinning, “it's a long story.”

~~~~

Peppino sat in the pizzeria. The place was packed. After word of the end of the Pizzamancer's reign of terror had gotten out, people had surged out of hiding, and cities all over the world had an air of celebration. 

All the others were there. Noise and Noisette were off in a corner, Noise trying not to panic as he was surrounded by clamoring fans. Noisette was firmly deflecting some of the more aggressive ones.

Pepperman and Vigi sat at a table closer by. Vigi was taking a leave of absence to recover, but several officers kept stopping by to speak to him. Peppino had never seen him look so pleased. Pepperman, meanwhile, was all but bringing down the roof with his laughter, talking of making a series of paintings to commemorate their victory.

Giuseppe and Anita sat at a table close to the counter. Margherita sat with them, and the three were talking and laughing quietly. Margherita was grilling Anita like she was interviewing the woman for a job, but Anita was taking it in stride. 

Brando was moving among the customers. His smile seemed even bigger than usual. His confidence had skyrocketed since the Tower. He's earned it, Peppino thought happily.

Fake was in the kitchen. They had split up into five again, each moving with purpose. With the burden of secrecy off them, they were much more relaxed.

Gustavo stood on a stool next to Peppino, Brick napping beside him. He looked up at his friend and grinned. “Hard to believe just a few days ago the world was on the verge of collapse.”

Peppino sighed. “Sì.” He felt more content than he had in… he couldn't remember when. 

Giuseppe looked at his watch, then waved at Peppino. “Hey, fratellino! Get the TV on, it'll be starting soon!”

Peppino grinned and grabbed the TV remote. “Go get-a Fake from the kitchen, would you, Gus? He'll-a want to see this.”

Gus nodded, hopping down as Peppino turned on the TV. It was a new, large flat-screen - his old one, the old reliable purple one, had finally given out.

At least I can afford it, now.

Gus returned with Fake, who was wiping their hands. “What did you need, Peppino?”

“You should-a see this, amico,” he said. As he spoke, the sitcom that had been playing was interrupted. “This is a National News Special Report…”

The entire pizzeria grew quiet.

The President herself stepped onto the podium, the reporters’ cameras flashing like lightning as they waved and smiled. Finally, the cacophony quieted, and they spoke.

“Good evening, everyone. We'll try to keep this brief but accurate.”

“Approximately three days ago, a group of citizens discovered a way to reach the mobile base of the international terrorist known as the Pizzamancer, who had been terrorizing the entire planet for weeks.”

“While military intervention was considered, it was decided that a small group, with intimate knowledge of the Pizzamancer and his technology, would infiltrate the Tower and stop him.”

Anita chuckled. “Like we gave them a choice.”

Everyone in the room laughed.

Giuseppe snorted. “They're just covering their asses so they don't look incompetent. Gotta keep up appearances, after all.”

“This group was successful due to the effort of many individuals, including the person once known as Pizzahead.”

The crowd of reporters started an uproar, but the President waved them down. “Let me explain. Using Old Technology, the Pizzamancer had, for all intents and purposes, possessed a man named Paolo Totino, his descendant, and forced him to perform the deeds Pizzahead perpetrated. Mr. Totino is currently in custody of his own volition, and we are investigating.”

The President cleared her throat. “While security concerns mean we are unable to release most of the details at this time, due to the singular nature of the aggressor, there should be no fear of reprisals, and as such, we spoke to the individuals involved about revealing themselves. Some few have elected to remain anonymous, and we will honor that request. Others have given us permission, and as such, we wish to honor them publicly.”

The entire pizzeria looked at Fake and cheered, who blushed. “We felt the world at large was not quite ready for our… nature,” Fake muttered.

Peppino put a hand on their shoulder. “It's Ok, amico. We all know what you did.”

“First, we have Major Giuseppe Spaghetti. A decorated hero of the Great War, whose deeds are so myriad listing them all would take all night.”

The reporters, as well as the pizzeria audience, both laughed. Giuseppe blushed, but laughed as well.

“Not only is he a decorated hero of the War, he is  one of the founders of our Special Operations branch.”

The crowd cheered, and Giuseppe smiled.

“Next, we have another retired veteran, Lieutenant Anita Morelli. Again, a highly decorated member of our military forces during the Great War, she had retired as well. Recently she returned to assist in this time of crisis, and served a pivotal role in the success of this mission.”

A round of applause made the tiny woman blush herself. “No need for all that,” she muttered.

“Next, we have Mr. Theodore Noise.”

Noise hissed. “Stop announcin' my real name, ya-”

Noisette innocently swatted Noise in the back of the head, and the crowd laughed. He sat up, grumbling, but didn't continue.

“Many of you know him as the owner, and occasional star, of NTV.” The reporter crowd cheered, and Noise smiled in satisfaction. “Being a former employee - and victim - of Pizzahead, and by extension, the Pizzamancer, he joined the other former Pizza Tower Bosses, as they were known, in the assault.”

“An’ they can pay me back in visibility,” he quipped.

“I think-a you're visible enough already, gremlin,” Peppino snorted.

“The next member was the internationally-acclaimed artist, Phillip Pepperman. Another former inhabitant of the old Pizza Tower, he lent his immense strength to the effort.”

Pepperman preened, but unusually, said nothing. 

“Joining him was Vigert L. Lannte, Sheriff of Tower Town. Another former Boss, and a gifted marksman.”

Vigi practically gleamed with repressed pride.

“A new player on the field was Mr. Brando Tagliatelle. A man with a personal grudge against the Pizzamancer, we have recently discovered that the disappearance of Mr. Bruno Tagliatelle, his father, was the work of the Pizzamancer - he captured, and killed, the man. The younger Mr. Tagliatelles then joined the battle, avenging his lost family.”

The audience, both TV and pizzeria, murmured in shock. Peppino put his hand on the young man's shoulder. “Are you sure you're Ok with-a such a public confession, ragazzo?”

Brando shrugged and smiled. “It's honestly a relief.” He glanced at Fake, and grinned, if a bit weakly. “And it's not like it's a total loss.” He'd informed his mother the day before, and she'd been disconsolate. “Mama will finally grieve… assuming she remembers.”

“Another member, Mr. Gustavo Farina, you may recognize from the destruction of the original Pizza Tower.”

The crowd cheered and Gus blushed furiously, ducking behind the counter. Peppino laughed and poked the gnome. “You-a knew you were going to be mentioned, amico.”

Gus blushed but smiled.

The President grinned. “And last, but certainly not least, was the leader of this movement, Mr. Peppino Spaghetti.” 

The pizzeria erupted in applause. Peppino chuckled.

“The destroyer of the original Pizza Tower, himself a veteran himself of the Great War, and brother to the previously mentioned Mr. Giuseppe Spaghetti. Despite the terror involved in again brain g the Tower, he not only led the expedition, but dealt the final, decisive blow to their opponent, nearly at the cost of his own life.”

Giuseppe quirked an eyebrow. “Almost?”

Peppino wave his hand. “You know what would-a likely happen if word got out that we died and-a were resurrected. Everyone in-a the world would be fighting over that Old-a Tech.”

“We, as a nation and as a world, cannot express how indebted we are to these people. Evidence discovered in the Tower indicate that the Pizzamancer was responsible for what we know as the Plague of Spite, which nearly wiped out the world 2500 years before. We have evidence that he was designing a new plague, even more deadly, but the effort of these individuals stopped him, and destroyed the plague.”

The shouting reached a deafening pitch. Peppino and the others hadn't said anything about the plague. Now the back-slapping and clapping was downright feverish.

The President stood smiling while the cacophony wore down, then cleared her throat. “Mr. Spaghetti reached out to us just yesterday and asked us to drive one point home: it was the former Pizzahead who destroyed the plague.”

The room went dead silent, then broke out in a raucous barrage of questions, but the President waved them down. “A full statement will be issued to all media outlets after this announcement.” She paused, looking down, then back up. “I say again, the world cannot adequately express how much it owes to these people. However, I have moved to have that day declared an international holiday. While we haven't heard back from all nations, all the ones who have have been vogorously in favor.”

The audience cheered, but Anita snorted. “Wonder what they'll call it?”

Gustavo chuckled. “Knowing them, probably ‘Pizza Day’ or something like that. Sounds ridiculous.”

Peppino crossed his arms. “It-a would be appropriate, though.”

“To all of you, if you're watching…”

All of them sat up straight.

“I would like to personally say: Thank you. We are forever in your debt.”

The audience roared with approval.

~~~~

Later that night, Peppino sat on the roof of the pizzeria. Fake was downstairs, taking care of the stragglers. Everyone has gone home - even Gus and Brick had left.

Except Giuseppe. He sat beside Peppino, watching the sky. Fireworks were exploding everywhere, celebrating the final destruction of an enemy who'd held the world in fear for millenia.

For once, Peppino didn't cringe at the explosions. The voices were silent.

Both men swung their legs, smiling, watching the display. “Hard to believe this is-a for us,” Peppino said. “I'm-a not used to being… an international hero.”

Giuseppe chuckled. “You get used to it. People will calm down after a while, but… well, for me, I was only known in the military, before. Now… now we're known everywhere.” He turned. “Don't be surprised if you get flooded for a while.”

“Ah. Maybe I should-a order more stock, then,” Peppino said ruefully.

Giuseppe laughed out loud. “Peppino, you just saved the world. Not us. You. Take some time off, or something!”

Peppino laughed but shook his head. “I've-a taken enough time off in my life, living in-a my own doubts and fears. Trapped in-a my own head.” He watched the brilliant bursts of light above, and for the first time in over twenty years, he enjoyed them.

“From now on, I want to live.”

The two men sat back, watching the world express its relief and joy.

~~~~

Peppino, Gustavo, and Brick slowly walked up the hill towards the pit where the Tower had stood. Gus carefully cradled the small purple egg that the Tower had given them. “Are you sure they'll be here?” Gus said.

Peppino nodded. “Believe it or not, Gerome has a cell phone, and he called me. He said they're-a gonna build a house up here.” He looked around. “Something about ‘good rock’ here…”

As they topped the last hill before the rise to the cliff, they could indeed see the beginnings of a house. Stone, of course, but Peppino was surprised to see it was purple.

As they approached, they saw John lift up a block and place it on top of the wall. The world seemed to shift, and the rock changed, reshaping to fit the ones below tightly. 

“Well, if-a nothing else, you could make a killing building stone monuments,” Peppino said cheerfully.

John turned, smiling. “Hey there, Peppino.” He yelled. “Hey! Gerome! They're here!”

From around the corner came… another slab of stone, with two small legs working busily underneath. John lifted the stone, and Gerome, who'd been underneath, saluted. “Hey.”

Peppino's eyebrows shot up. “How-a were you carrying that, Gerome?”

John chuckled. “Gerome's stronger than me, what do you mean?”

The three stared at the taciturn little man, who said nothing. Then they all shrugged. “Ah, well, we just came up because… well, we have something for you…”

~~~~

John held the small purple egg, which was shivering gently above his cupped hands. “Well, will wonders never cease. The old ones in the Tower left us a present.”

Gerome walked up and put a hand on his brother's hip. “Not a present, John. A future.”

“What is it?” Gustavo said.

“It's… exactly what it looks like, sort of,” John said. “It's an egg… but it's also an idea.” He stood. “With this, our people… the Litha… can be reborn.” He looked ready to cry. “It'll take years… but…”

Gerome looked up and gave one of his rare grins. “We won't be the last anymore.”

John looked down, tearing up, and nodded. “Yup.” Then he held the egg down at Gerome's level. “You want to do the honors?”

Gerome gently took the egg, holding it carefully.

Peppino, Gustavo, and Brick held their breath…

Then Gerome chucked the egg into the pit.

Peppino and Gustavo both gasped, and Brick squeaked her own surprise. “Gerome, what-a the-”

Gerome dusted off his hands. “It's OK. It'll embed in the rock below. This is good rock for us Litha. That egg’ll spread itself out through the rock, an’ in a year or two, we'll see the first new ones climb out.” He looked happier than they'd ever seen him. “Thank ya, Peppino. For gettin’ us out, and givin’ us hope.”

John roared with laughter and slapped Peppino on the back. “Yeah! We got a new beginnin’ because of you! Things are looking up!”

Peppino looked over at Gus and Brick, who gave a thumbs-up. “Yeah, they really are, aren't they?”

[im-marijuana]

ninda

[yourmeltedsunsets]

I’m not certain, but I think that my Mama and Papa were in their 50’s when they adopted me.

Mayo pakong aram kan mga panahon na ito, but I think that it was the most exciting day for them — and same man sakuya simply because it was a new beginning for me. Not that I’m discrediting the womb that I came from, it’s just that, para sakuya man kaya, that was the day and time that God clothe me with a totally different life. Something that is unique and extraordinary. I’d say, something greater than the life that I would’ve gotten from the other side.

I had a great childhood ~ kung ano man si mga nagigibo kan younger parents, dawa may edad na sila Mama and Papa, nagibo man ninda ito.

Pick me up from bed dawa magabat ako.

Give me a bath whenever I feel lazy getting one on my own.

My papa, he would play with me all the time.

He sends and picks me up at school.

He would take me for a ride with his bicycle.

Sometimes he would take me to his workplace kung ang pipinturahan na harong is just within the area.

He is a great painter by the way. He can tell how and what colors need to be mixed in order to get a particular tint. It was like a natural, innate skill of his, despite of the fact that he was an undergrad. It’s one of the things he’s greatest at. He is actually known for it. I remember, retired na sya sa pag pintura, may mga tao padin nagdidigdi samo ta gusto siyang kuanon para mag trabaho. Since dae nya na kaya ta nagluluya na an pag hiling, people would just come to our house and ‘consult’ nalang pag abot sa mga gagamiton na kulay and klase ning paint na pang kahoy, simento or bakal. Also, maski nuarin, dae lamang ko kayan narapado. NEVER ako kayan kinulugan maski sarong beses.

He is a great dad and is still being one.

My mama naman would buy things and dresses dawa dae baragay ta grabeng pagkatutong ko kadto. Iyo man yan ang pambawi nya ta pirming mayo ta school principal baya. She never failed to show her support for us. She would take me and my brother to Naga (almost every month) ~ for McDonalds, Naga Restaurant, minsan makakan duman sa Master. Babakalan bado sa Robertsons (the old one na Puregold na ngunyan) or Garmas, mabakal sapatos sa Footsteps.

Simplehon lang kadto ang lifestyle.

We never knew the branded stuff. Basta pag uli, may bitbit, may masusulot na pag simba or sa sunod na pag luwas luwas.

Every December, I would hang my socks sa may bintana, would even write my wishes and post it sa may pinto because “Santa Claus” is coming to town. I believed it for years. It was innocent, hopeful and exciting years kase, you always had this notion that by the end of the year, may maabot talaga na nakasakay sa sled, may reindeer and dara na si gift na gusto mo. I remember, minsan na din ako nagsäbit sako ta sabi ko gusto kong bike. Though mayo man nag abot na bike, kan nagdaradakula na ako, si Fuji bike na ni papa ang nagagamit ko.

These are just fractions of my childhood. Glimpse of my innocent years and the younger years of my Mama and Papa and kung paano sinda naging magurang samuya. Sobrang blessed and grateful na sinda ang naging magurang mi. They sent me and my brother to good schools and university. They provided everything that we needed. Supported everything that we wanted. Gosh kala ngani kang iba, mga spoiled kami. I’d say I was the favorite child tho. I didn’t had any scholarship when I was in college (so I didn’t have to maintain grades) didn’t even have to work ~ I was a full ‘Scholar ni Mama’. Which was a little different from my Kuya’s. If I’m not mistaken, scholar sya kadto so need nya mag maintain grades, nag part time din yan sa Jollibee. Dae yan sako pinaranas ni Mama. All I had to do was to study, eat, sleep and repeat with a weekly allowance of 1500 to 2000 pesos. She even bought me a Windows and Apple computer. Sobrang boot and supportive ninda sako.

Sadly, my mom passed away in 2020. Cancer took her. I remember the phone call I received, August 1st. That was the day I approved my mom’s DNR. Painful and heartbreaking decision ever but it was for the best. Dae naman siya mararahay digdi sa ibabaw. Naisip mi kadto, masakit lang din siya in the long run kung lalagan pang tubo ta nagtutubig na si lungs nya. I missed the chance na makabawi man lang saiya. Although I started working right away after mag graduate at the age of 19. It was just 5-short-years that I was given para makabawi saiya. Sobrang lïpot. She didn’t even saw the plaques of certificates and commendations I’ve acquired in my chosen field.

Ngunyan si Papa nalang ang natatada.

Halos gusto ko nang burutungon ang panahon to be stable sa gabos na aspect.

I may have wasted some good years sa ibang bagay, prioritized other people na dae ko man dapat ininot, pero iba ang pressure talaga pag nag gugurang na ang parents. Iniisip mo, pano ka mabawi when you don’t even have enough means. Although, I know, money is NOT the most important thing in the world, but it affects everything that is. Food, healthcare and even simple things such as clothing and other material things, of course, you want the best for them. Especially, when it comes to things na dae pa ninda naranasan and gusto mo iparanas ta nuarin pa.

I know God has a plan for me. And I believe dakul pang taon ang nakalaan sakuya. Sa ngunyan, mayo akong ibang gusto saka pangadyi, kundi ang maparahay si Papa saka maglawig pa ang buhay niya. Sana mahalat niya pa and mahiling ang mga maarabot pang achievements ko sa buhay. Dawa siya nalang makahiling and makaexperience kan gabos na dae ko naparanas ki Mama…

Dawa siya nalang.

PS: Take care of your parents. They won’t be around forever. Treasure every moment na yaon pa sinda and nakakaibahan mo pa. You don’t wanna live the rest of your life na pano ning regrets. They were once our feet, hands, everything especially kan kita nga saradit pa.

Though I know norms and traditions are changing, pero sana dae mabago an kaugalian ta pag abot sa pag ataman nin magurang.🤍

[paradox-egoria]

𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐭𝐬𝟒​

Bem, eu também crio skin para o jogos TS4. Faço elas baseado em ator/atriz/modelo que eu costumo usar em meus rpgs de escrita. Essa piteuzinha é a Carmen (Madeline Ford), uma OC que tem uns 5-6 anos e que já criei no TS4 5 anos atrás, mas agora eu finalmente fiz a skin dela. Ela é a neném da momoin! Coisa ninda!

[goddessofroyalty]

Well my idea is based kn the fact that Sephirith is known as th3 Calamity's Son. What if in turn Cloud is known as the Son of Gaia and it wasn't just soem title someone made up. He isn't a Cetra, but he's still Gaia's son the same way Sephirith is Jenova's, ita jsut somewhat healthier cuz Gaia isn't trying to use Cloud as a puppet to destroy the world with the planet just really, Really likes this ine dude who keeps fighting back the Calamity and ninda decides to become his psuedoparent in a way. This in turn only goes to amplify Sephiroth's obsession because he sees Cloud as another God and his equal, therefore a perfect mate, much to Cloud and Gaia's own distaste because Gaia has become somewhat protective of her favorite nonCetra and the only reason Seph can even get close is cuz Cloud is sadly the only one strong enough to stop Seph.

TLDR: Let Cloud be Gaia's favorite and have her he overprotective and disapproving of Jwnova and her son trying to court him (sorry if it don't make since I wrote this at like 5 am)

I mean there's definitively evidence in the canon that Cloud is someone chosen/special to the planet at least after the events of the main game. So I could definitively see that ending in the form of him being effectively treated as it's champion.

Sephiroth is absolutely using it to justify/feed his obsession with Cloud. And I can honestly see him coming to the conclusion that Cloud was always going to end up Gaia's chosen champion - that is why Cloud was the only one able to defeat him and why their destinies are so clearly intertwined. And I mean how many mythologies start with two dieties of opposites coming together? Of course Sephiroth's next logical step is that he and Cloud are destined mates (probably continuing with a logic of through them a new planet/world will be created).

While I do think Gaia would probably get protective of her chosen champion generally there is probably a slightly pragmatic level of there's only so often you can throw a champion of destruction and a champion of life together before you are going to get something weird and possibly reality warping happening. And Gaia kind of wants to have things return to the status quo which is the exact opposite of that.

But the only person who has a chance of defeating Sephiroth is Cloud so Cloud has to go face him whenever he drags himself back up from the afterlife. Which Sephiroth of course loves - he wants to see what will happen when he and Cloud do trigger something new in their clashing and is very interested in seeing what a different kind of union between them will cause.

[isadays]

Hoy es 14 de febrero, falta muchísimo para tu cumpleaños pero desde este día tan especial quiero comenzar a decirte que estoy muy emocionado por tu día tan especial, y es que hoy en específico nació el amor de mi vida, la persona que me hace tan feliz pero sobre todo, la personita perfecta del mundo.

Te amo, te amo como no te imaginas y estoy muy nervioso de que te guste por qué no sé hacer cositas muy nindas pero te mereces mucho por qué eres mucho, te amo y espero no te canses le leer jiji, TE AMO!!

[mahayanapilgrim]

The eight worldly conditions - 03

Praise (pasansa) and blame (ninda)

Unenlightened worldly beings are eager to receive praise from others around them and react to them with delight and craving, while feeling unhappy and dejected when they hear any criticism, disapproval or blame about themselves or their activities. This is due to the wrong belief that one's happiness, worth and recognition in the society depends on the validation and approval that they receive from the others in the form of praise. Even if one's behaviour and actions deserve to be criticised and disapproved, one is unable to receive them and correct oneself. They are also ignorant of the fact that it is natural for all human beings to receive both praise and blame sometime during their life in small or large quantities. The Buddha has stated that there is no one in this world who is always praised or always blamed during one's life time.

There are many instances in the Buddhist literature where even the Buddha was blamed and accused by many people.

Pleasure (sukha) and pain (dukkha)

The natural tendency of the unenlightened worldly beings is to enjoy pleasant sensations and to reject any unpleasant sensations. They are preoccupied with pleasurable sensations received from the external objects such as pleasant visual objects, sounds, smells, tastes, touches and mental objects through the six sense doors of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and the mind. When they receive pleasant objects they react to them with desire, delight and craving for even more pleasant experiences. At the same time, they react to any unpleasant experiences with ill-will, aversion and rejection. They react thus due to the false belief that pleasant experiences are necessary for one's success and happiness and the unpleasant experiences are detrimental to one's success and happiness in life. This is due to the ignorance of the universal characteristics of any physical and mental phenomena that; they are impermanent (anicca), unsatisfactory (dukkha) and lack any substantiality (not-self).

It is also due to the wrong belief that one's happiness and unhappiness are caused by one's pleasant or unpleasant external experiences in life. Both pleasant and unpleasant sensations are associated with suffering to the person experiencing them. The unpleasant sensation is suffering by it's very nature, while the pleasant sensation will lead to suffering when it ceases due to it's transient nature. The Buddhist teaching does not advocate denial or avoidance of any pleasant experiences altogether, but to experience them with equanimity with no craving or attachment for pleasant experiences or aversion for unpleasant experiences with an understanding of their conditioned and transient nature.

[lebensmoode]

Demi apa mimpi jalan bareng Jung Hae In. Trus digangguin mulu sama cewe2 di sekitar karna banyak yg iri, bahkan sampe hp gw diambilin dan jilbab gw dirampas 🥹

Hae In udah ngebelain banyak, sampe baku hantam HAHA YA ALLAH HW LU SOKAP. Tapi di cerita itu gw ngerasanya kayak udah deket sama doi, doi juga sering rangkul. DAN TIAP DIGANDENG GW KEPIKIRAN LAH GW KAN DAH PUNYA COWO, INI GW BERANI BGT GONDANG GANDENG COWO LAIN??? Trus setan bisikin "tapi dia cakep kan?? Lu gabisa nolak kan?? Ya khan??"

*help*

Btw pernah main kuis random sama Rubby, pertanyaannya tu what if your gf was dreaming abt her celeb crush. Doi jawab gak keganggu sama sekali. Berarti ini harusnya gpp dong ya?? Lah Hae In udah kayak karakter fiksi aja kalo ceritanya begini mah 🥹

Endingnya tragis btw, pas lagi di jalan pulang dan neduh sebentar, lagi2 kami disamperin sama a group of girls yg ngajak berantem. Hae In diseret buat berantem masuk ke ruangan gitu sama satu cowo, trus satu cewe nindas gw. Bolak balik gw celingukan nyari Hae In ke dalem, kagak ada. Cuma ada penampakan darah di lantai yg menggumpal banyak.

SAD 😭

Bahkan di mimpi pun kisah menyenangkan berakhir horor.

SAD KUADRAT 😭

Tapi memilih senang aja lah, kapan lagi mimpi dirangkul sama babang Hae In hwehehehehe

[empthylee]

Azula Beastman Ashes🐺🔔🐺

[444names]

the entire article on osman i from wikipedia in turkish BUT with (most) diacritics removed

Abahmaya Abanıtımıs Akanyar Akcebeyen Akdek Akili Aklarafete Akleri Aktadıgına Akteperin Alamıs Alaracher Aldcakselen Alesim Aligisez Anaradenic Anist Anıtle Aradlarını Asangruda Askeye Asıgı Asılı Asınım Atmekip Atorek Atorlar Atunu Ayanmalipe Ayaran Ayrında Babdu Bactiklari Bahalliki Bantin Baradinini Barceblu Barini Basalirdi Basiki Basinyadan Baskefezi Baskii Batımıstin Batır Bekenlıcina Belerilamıs Berid Berilmut Beyilin Beyli Biceper Bildıne Biler Bileris Bilibasınlı Biligi Biliki Bilirli Bilmack Bilmamluna Birihli Birlenik Birli Birmisin Bizisayi Boyleri Boynan Bulası Buldiza Bulini Bulmen Bulun Bundende Bunun Bunusturu Buresi Burmes Bursavrid Buyunan Cadır Cakabirlin Ceptınde Ciriya Cismuth Cizlu Cları Cocek Coken Comakilesik Comanevs Cıkarinda Danyaptir Dasını Dekis Delerdegiz Delerlekiya Denzenin Derilgeli Derine Deslanmi Doglarına Dogonran Dogucak Doktek Dolmaldir Donun Donur Donyayıp Dunmal Dustuldi Dımca Dırlduz Dısmaya Edaydir Edderlir Edigitlem Ediresik Ekemrimesti Elcininda Eldeliginin Emaclarına Erincildını Erles Eselbir Esimsah Esivi Esiylart Etigi Etilgud Etini Etmanları Evasınde Evler Fahin Fahir Fakin Farımsı Ferilerin Fetift Fetirme Floyli Founu Furad Fızlık Gahaitir Gecek Gecirmesi Geciverinin Gecli Gelde Geler Gelerletik Gelgerlin Gercekter Geren Gerip Geyeri Gilmisah Girldizis Gocih Gonesi Gonevler Gozoreciydi Gucukracık Gulmelgini Guthsah Guyayen Hailge Halnundır Halıp Hamic Hanlaye Hanmeden Harına Haskınınım Hasızı Hellemik Herdugu Heustır Hirne Histopha Hulme Ichirmemek Idagı Idizide Ihtısman Ildiken Ilerdebirsi Impactehlı Iseli Isiyastır Isligi Ispiterini Itarco Itigi Ivasandes İcik İstirlar İtbululun Kakceleri Kaldiatır Kaldulk Kaldın Kalleri Kaneri Kanesren Kapıldip Karinda Karınını Kaslarına Katmek Kattinda Katına Kayak Kayap Kaybac Kaylerce Keleyete Kethse Kitarleli Komincundak Kompasat Kompazi Komuzlun Konan Konda Konden Koneski Kordenine Korisi Kosma Kosman Koylin Koyuklen Koyuksen Koyuna Kralma Kumde Kurasıgı Kuratin Kurman Kurne Kustası Kutanmevni Kzyıstime Kılaraktek Kıncin Kıtırımlub Kıyap Kızlerin Layıda Madıgıyıp Manda Masti Medigi Mekenarı Mektin Melindan Mellibarı Menden Merles Mettorhlat Mincak Mirmismi Miser Mistidi Mucatsı Mununucak Musme Mustirda Mutal Neddirl Nedid Neshucuk Neskeyipek Ninda Nlıgı Nratibile Ocukarkara Oktekfır Okumasınde Olereldu Olgecetesi Olgeolmedi Olmaligi Olmisar Olopkasıl Olugu Oluklayınme Olunakoya Olusuz Orden Orebenmas Orkumucakce Oslas Osmadde Osmıs Ostanla Osyanslen Ottir Oylilirber Ozeri Padır Panım Pasiktabis Permeklemet Pirinyat Plukna Polarmeyip Powikleyi Precek Pının Redir Rencına Rolatiki Rolulmar Sablustan Safiysi Sagları Saimiligi Salmalmar Sarıoser Satihci Savak Sayakiligil Sayigiti Sazimpit Sehinicen Sehrilayat Sehurup Semirlambe Semrilanlı Seradır Seyenimsa Seyet Seyip Seyiped Siksi Sincı Sinda Sinece Sinici Sirdu Sivii Soglans Sogrunurak Soguzeniz Sonda Sonisan Sorebezlisi Soykur Soyluguni Sozenin Spekiv Suddini Sulanıt Sullar Sululdıgı Sunda Sununulur Suruya Tabireteri Tacak Tadakısansı Tahir Taktini Talmun Taloverdil Tanda Tarleki Tarınından Taslartarhi Tedik Tehmesi Temekte Tenda Tenines Teyeri Toguluk Tomuhac Topların Toporildi Topre Tosmasaya Tralaydirel Tunda Turmaliglak Turne Turtek Turtler Turumlunum Ucaven Ufinedev Ugulermi Ullar Ultıgınde Unmetmez Unyapı Uylerihcift Uylerip Uzelemluk Uzuns Vadır Valdu Vansınım Vasan Verin Verire Veris Verlizi Vikkemmorda Vi̇brasız Yakay Yakip Yakletteji Yakomel Yalpartır Yalteki Yanlemia Yanlesi Yarinek Yaslayılan Yayapmıs Yayeshum Yegecmihari Yeten Yetmalayı Yolmadıgı Yolmutalı Yoncan Yongrakde Yorluguman Yorumuttı Yukle Yuntv Yuzun Yınındulnı Zadımısmala Zeles Zikkesch Zilihate Zirefir Zistıraftar

[phantomdoofer]

Tower Town, Chapter 20 - Leftovers

Paolo sat down on a bench in one of the college's many courtyards. He leaned back, staring at the sky, and sighed. 

The others were calling people, exchanging information, making plans. I can barely remember who I am. Fat lot of good I would be.

He felt more than heard someone sit down next to him. He said nothing. He didn't particularly want company.

“Come on big guy, what's eating you?” A perky voice said next to him.

He looked down - the strange woman with the pink bunny hood sat next to him. She was grinning happily.

He growled and leaned back again. “What do you want? I'm not really in the mood to humor you, you know."

He felt something shake the bench, and he heard a bonk that told him the woman had hit the bench with her shoes. Swinging her feet.

“Come on big guy, I know you're bothered by something. You wanna talk?”

He looked back down, fighting the urge to get up and walk away.

Then he paused. She's the first one who's really been nice to me since… whatever the hell this is happened. He nodded. “You're… the yellow guy's girlfriend, aren't you? Noisette, I think someone said?”

She grinned toothily. “That's me! I'm not his girlfriend though - we're actually married.” She leaned over and whispered, “my name's actually Hazel. I prefer Noisette, though.” She leaned back and smiled. “Ok, I told you a secret, now you tell me something about you!”

Paolo blinked. What is this woman? “I… still don't know. My past is… fuzzy. Not just the last few years, but everything. Who was I? What did I do for a living? How do I know all this stuff bouncing around in my head?” He shook his head ruefully. “I don't think I even have a home.” 

Noisette smiled up at him. “Well, that's OK! You could stay with one of us til you get back on your feet!”

Paolo thought about the open hostility the others had shown. “I doubt that.”

Noisette made a “pshaw” motion with her hand. “Noisey has all kinds of places we don't use much. You can stay in one’a them!” Her grin took on a slightly malicious edge. “I'll just talk to him.”

Paolo didn't know how to respond. He wasn't used to people being nice to him without being paid first. How do I know that? “That's, uh, very generous of you.”

Noisette's face fell just  a little. “Well… I don't blame the others for havin’ hard feelins, after all. What you did as Pizzahead was… pretty bad.” She brightened up again. “But that was this Pizzamancer guy, right? It wasn't you!”

Paolo found himself being completely truthful. “I think… part of it was me. I don't always… feel emotions right, I think.”

Noisette’s mouth made an O of surprise. “Oh. Are you one of those, what do they call them… sociopaths? Don't ya ever feel sad about anybody? Or happy?”

Paolo thought back. When have I ever had a chance to, really? I always had to put on a mask… I think?  “I… honestly don't know. It never really, er… came up.”

Suddenly a splitting headache lanced through his head. He grabbed his head with both hands.

He heard Noisette's voice, but it was echoing weirdly, distorting…

“Y-y-ou OhohooOK biiiig GuYyyY..?”

Then he was looking at a young Ninda's face, pale. Feminine.

Paolo felt a flood of warmth and safety pour through him at her face.

Look at him, for once in your life, Giorgio!

A round, greasy face hove into view. Instantly the feeling changed to fear and loathing.

He's weak an’ pathetic, is what he is! He ain't gonna amount t’ nothin’!

Don't say stuff like that in front of him! You'll twist his mind! 

Then he snapped back to reality.

Noisette was staring up at him, a look of mild horror on her face.

He felt something warm on his face… he reached up and wiped it away. Tears? And pizza sauce? “I… I remembered something. I think it was… my mother?” His head felt like it was splitting open. “Aagh.”

Noisette gently touched his arm. “You remembered somethin’? Your nose started bleeding.”

Paolo shook his head. “It felt… warm, for a second. Happy. Then my father showed up.” His brow furrowed. “Then it was hatred.”

Noisette nodded. “Maybe you repressed some stuff? An’ now that you're out from under the Pizzamancer, it's comin’ back!”

Paolo gripped his head in both hands. “I hope the rest of it isn't so painful.”

Noisette clapped her hands. “But that proves you've got emotions! Maybe you just… need to find ‘em again!” She hopped off the bench, waving for him to do the same. “Come on, come on! Let's go walk!”

Paolo hesitated. I barely know what's going on. These people hate me, and from what they're saying, it's not exactly unfounded. Then he paused again. Then again, I have no home, no life, and barely know who I am. What have I got to lose, really? 

He nodded. “All right. Not like I can be much help here.”

Noisette hopped up and down, clapping and looking ecstatic. “Yay!” She grabbed his arm and dragged him along. “Ok, first things first! Let's get you some fresh clothes! People are gonna be uneasy enough til they get used to ya without ya walkin’ around in that old clown outfit!”

Paolo looked down - he was still wearing the overalls and white shirt he'd woken up in, but they were ripped, stained, and, in a few places, burned. “Can't argue with you there.”

Noisette let go and started walking briskly. “I know just the place! Come on!”

~~~~

Paolo walked out of the clothing store, turning to examine himself. It was a simple outfit - slacks, a white cotton shirt, and a light coat. But the material was quality. “Gotta say, it's nice having fresh clothes.”

Noisette emerged behind him, festooned with bags. “I picked up some other outfits, too! We'll just drop them at the apartment I called ahead to, get you a key, and then,” she giggled, “I wanna show you the town!”

Paolo was still uneasy. Everyone was staring at him. What did I do to these people? “Uh, Noisette,” he said, “what… exactly… did Pizzahead do? I feel like I'm gonna be lynched.”

Noisette’s expression fell. “I… You'll have to talk to people to find that out, Paolo. I only know… a few things.” She squirmed. “He was always nice to me… but Noisey told me Pizzahead used to use me as leverage to get Noise to do what he wanted. And I heard… other things. Horrible things.” She looked pale. “Almost everyone here is from the Tower… and almost everyone here has a story. About Pizzahead.”

Paolo stared into the distance. Sweet pizza father, what did I do to these people? 

~~~~

Noisette opened the door, and gestured broadly. “Ta-da! Welcome to your new digs!”

Paolo stepped inside. It was a standard apartment at first glance… but he noticed the plush couch, the giant TV, the dishes in the cabinet. He put down a bag. “And you're OK with just… letting me use this?”

Noisette nodded. “We've got a few places around for guests to use. But with the Tower floatin’ around, we're not gettin’ any visitors. “She smiled up at him. “So don't worry about it! It's all paid for!”

He hung his head. “Th… thank you. You're being… so nice to me. And if what you said is true… I don't deserve it.” 

Noisette sat down, and gestured for him to do the same. “Aw, Paolo, don't be like that! It wasn't really you!”

Paolo slumped into a recliner. “That's the thing, Mrs…"

Noisette waggled a finger. “Just Noisette, Paolo.”

He nodded. “Noisette, the thing is… I don't think the Pizzamancer was totally controlling me, not until later. He was influencing me. Some of that…” he shuddered, “some of that was me. I'm not… really a good person. I…” he clutched this head. “Aagh, I can't remember who I was! It just feels like I was a bad guy!”

Noisette nodded, her smile gone. “Maybe ya were, big guy.” She hopped up, walked over, and put a hand on his knee. “Don't mean ya can't start over. Think of this as a chance to be someone else!” The toothy smile returned.

Paolo smiled back, hesitantly, then more confidently. “That's… that's a good point. Thank you.” He was silent a few moments. “I feel like you're the first person who's ever really been nice to me.”

Noisette poked him. “Maybe ya just needed a friend!”

Paolo nodded.

She grabbed his arm and dragged him to a standing position. “Come on, let me show you the Town!”

~~~~

As Paolo sat down, Noisette brought a plate of pastries over, a long with two cups of coffee. “Here ya go! My own recipes!”

He held up the pastry - he'd never seen one look so… lurid before. “Are you sure this is OK?”

She was already chewing on one. “Oh yeah,” she muttered around crumbs, “they're some of my best sellers!”

Hesitantly, he bit into one. A burst of flavors assaulted his mouth, and he stopped. He was picking up at least three different flavors of fruit - strawberry, blueberry, and… what is that? 

As he swallowed, she grinned. “You like it?”

“I… think so,” he said. “What's that third flavor?”

“Something the gnomes cooked up. Said it was a cross-breed of a bunch of different fruits. They call them flashberries, because they really make other stuff pop!” Noisette kicked her feet. “Really gives food some bite, don't it?”

“It does.” He looked around as he sipped his coffee - everyone other than Noisette in the cafe was either glaring or looked extremely uncomfortable. He hunched his shoulders. 

Noisette noticed the motion, and stood up. “Hey, everybody!” she said, “I just wanna let everybody know - I know this guy looks like Pizzahead, an’ he used to be, but he ain't Pizzahead no more! He was bein’ mind-controlled! His name's Paolo, an’ he's lost his memory! So be nice to him, OK?”

Several of the patrons’ faces shifted then, looking more sympathetic. 

“He's still trying to figure out what's goin’ on, and he's gonna be livin’ here for a while!” Suddenly the smile took on a dangerous edge. “If I hear about anyone causin’ him trouble, there'll be problems, an’ I don't want that, OK? Everybody spread the word!”

Suddenly every smile was bright and shining, and everyone nodded vigorously. Paolo was bemused. 

Someone came and whispered in the bunny woman's ear, and she waved. “Sorry, hun, got something I need to check on. Be right back!”

As she went into the back, a young Pig lady approached him. “So, you're not… not Pizzahead?”

Paolo shook his head. “No. Pizzahead was… partially me, but mostly the Pizzamancer. I think he took my dark side and made it… a lot worse.”

She nodded, sitting down. “And you can't remember any of it?”

As if on cue, his eye twitched as a shard of glassy pain shot through his head. He vaguely remembered seeing the woman's face… twisted in fear. “I…” he clutched this head. “I get… flashes. I saw… your face just now.” He shook his head. “Whatever I did to you, I'm sorry. But, could you tell me?”

The young Pig went pale. “You, you came to Pig City. You came to our cafe… you told us if we didn't clean it up you'd turn us into bacon.”

Paolo’s eyes went wide. “Oh Gods.”

The young woman quickly waved her hands in a conciliatory gesture. “Oh, you didn't hurt us. And… your face is different now.” She stared into his eyes, and nodded. “You're different. I don't think I'm afraid of you.”

He nodded, and gave a weak smile. “Well, that's a good start, I guess.”

Suddenly the entire cafe seemed to be wanting to ask him questions, to tell him about his past. Words flew past faster than he could respond.

He couldn't take it. His head started aching. “Stop, please stop,” he whispered.

“Hey hey HEY! Everybody, back up!” he heard Noisette's voice say over the cacophony. Everyone backed up, and she gently touched his shoulder. “Paolo? You OK?”

He slowly took his hands off his head. “I'm… OK,” he said. “I'm sorry, it was just too much at once… AGH!” He grabbed this head again as more stabbing pain lanced through it, a series of jumbled images and feelings flashing before his mind's eye.

“Oof, overloaded, huh?” Noisette said. “Everybody, please, give him some space.”

A chorus of quiet apologies sounded around him, and everyone returned to their seats. Everyone spoke in hushed voices, occasionally glancing at him.

At least they're glances of concern, not fear.

His head slowly stopped throbbing as Noisette sat across from him. “Sorry,” he said.

Noisette reached across and grabbed his hand. “They never got to get this close to Pizzahead without risking their lives before. Now… they're curious. The real Pizzahead would've gone on a rampage if that had happened to him.”

He considered. “I just wanted them to stop.”

She nodded. “If that ain't proof yer not Pizzahead, I don't know what is.”

~~~~

Paolo flopped down in a chair in the apartment Noisette had loaned him. His head throbbed. He leaned back, covering his eyes. Impulsively he jumped up, flipping the lights off.

Immediately he felt better. 

The whole world felt like it was too bright, too loud, too sharp. Every sensation is like a knife in my head! As he sat in the quiet dark, the throbbing slowly eased, and he found himself able to think again.

Migraines, he thought, they're called migraines.

Amazing that he could forget something even that basic.

Another memory floated to the surface, a newer one: a doctor at the hospital…

~~~~

“Mr. Pizzahead…”

“Please, don't call me that,” Paolo had said. “My name is… is… Paolo. Ach.” He'd clutched his head again.

The doctor had looked nonplussed. “Well, Mr. Paolo, I've never seen a pattern quite like this before, but it's plain you've got some noticeable brain damage, mainly to your memory regions. Please, take it easy. You may experience episodes of sensory overload. Try to stay somewhere quiet for a few days.” He'd huffed. “I'd prefer to keep you here for observation…”

Paolo had gently shaken his head. “I probably can't afford it.”

The doctor had shaken his head, as well. “Well, aside from massive memory loss, I'd say you're in good health. What will you do?”

Paolo had brushed his pocket - in it was the mysterious letter, addresses to him:

Please come to the History Department of La Crosta University immediately. It’s vital to your future. You will be cared for.

“I've got somewhere to be.”

~~~~

He'd gone to the meeting, memories floating to the surface of his mind as he walked. He couldn't even begin to guess how much he'd lost, but he'd known one thing: the Pizzamancer had ruined his life.

I'll kill him.

He looked around at the darkened room. At least he was right: I got taken care of. He considered his good fortune, that he'd taken the little rabbit’s word. He had a home… for now… he had - well, maybe not friends, but allies - to be with.

Now I just have to find out who I was as a person.

He leaned back in the chair. The seat was comfortable enough he could just… nod off…

~~~~

Paolo stood patiently as the man waited on other customers. He was nervous. Hate the man as he did, the last words of the dying were not easily ignored.

“Don't let it out of your sight. I mean it, boy! If you listen to one thing I've ever said, don't let it go…”

He shivered. It was only the second time his father had sounded scared.

“Can I help you, young man?”

Paolo squared his shoulders. My turn. He walked up to the counter. he old human across from him smiled in a friendly way. “I have something I wanted to get appraised, and possibly sell.”

The man nodded. “Very well, then. Let's see it.”

Paolo carefully took the ring out of his pocket and laid it on the counter. Just as carefully, the man picked it up, carefully fitting a jeweler's loupe to his eye. He looked the ring over. “Ohh, this is quite the treasure, young man! The workmanship is…” he paused; Paolo knew he was choosing his words carefully - the more lavish the praise, the higher a price Paolo could ask. Finally he spoke again… “passable. The ruby is… is…”

The ruby, the size of a pepperoni, glistened like old blood in the light of the shop. It had never needed polishing. It seemed to beckon to him, even now.

Paolo cleared his throat, and the man jumped. “Sorry, my boy, don't know what came over me, there. It's quite an impressive piece, but I'm not sure if I could find a buyer. I'm afraid I could only give you $5000 for it.”

Paolo kept his face blank. It's worth far more than that. He shook his head. “Now now, sir, while that's quite a generous sum, I couldn't possibly part with it for that much.”

Paolo could practically smell the man's avarice. “I… I could perhaps give you 10- no, 15,000?”

Paolo tried not to smile. He wants it, but I can get more. He reached out and gently plucked it out of the man's hands. “I appreciate your time, sir, but a man offered me $50,000 at another store. I thought perhaps you would be more honest, but I see you aren't interested.”

The man was practically salivating now. He reached out and grasped Paolo’s clenched hand. “No, no! Sorry, sorry, young man, I misspoke! Not sure what I was thinking. I'll give you $100,000 for it!”

Paolo’s heart leapt. $100,000! That would be more than enough to invest and grow in the time I have! He nodded. “Deal.”

The pawnbroker nodded, smiling widely. “Come, come, let's set up the details. I assume you don't want it in cash.”

Not if I don't want to be robbed before I get to the bank. “No, sir. A direct deposit will do nicely.”

As they worked out the details, Paolo found a strange dread gnawing at his happiness. He shook his head, looking down at the ring. Can't wait to be rid of you.

And yet the idea seemed to fill him with dread.

Finally the old man hung up his phone. “Very well, young man. Simply hand over the ring, and I'll send you the money immediately.” The old man held out his hand, expectantly.

Paolo held the ring out… and hesitated. His hand seemed to want to lock up. He swore he heard his father screaming at him.

In fact, he swore he heard a cacophony of voices screaming defiance and denial at him. 

Paolo shook his head, and dropped the ring in the man's hand.

As the man smiled and cradled the ring, Paolo felt a tiny twinge of… something… in the back of his mind. As for the voices… they had gone silent.

The man reached over and tapped a few keys. “There you go, young man. $100,000. Here's your paperwork.”

Paolo took the paperwork, stood, and shook hands. “Glad to be rid of it.”

The man held the ring up to the light. “Can't imagine why! It's quite the striking piece!”

“It holds… bad memories for me.” Paolo bowed, feeling wooden and strange. “Good day, sir.”

As he walked out, Paolo felt a strange hollowness in the back of his mind. The world seemed to change and fade, growing fuzzy and distorted.

Suddenly the ground erupted, a huge, clawed hand bursting up from beneath the street.

Paolo fell backwards, screaming in terror. But the people around him said nothing, not reacting. He saw one turn…

They had no face. None of them have faces!

The hand slammed down, pulling a monstrous being up from the earth - a round, greasy body, a face picked out in pizza toppings. The strips of green pepper opened, and a roar like the furnaces of hell itself burst out. 

Paolo realized that, despite being deafening and many octaves deeper, it was his father's voice.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, BOOOOOY?” It roared. 

Paolo scrambled backwards on his hands and feet. “I - I don't know what-’

A huge hand snatched him up, holding him to the huge face. Below, the faceless masses continued about their days. The monster smashed several of them, but there was no reaction.

“I TOLD YOOOOU! DON'T LOSE THE RINNNNG!”

Paolo squirmed. “I didn't lose it! I sold it! I just- just want a life to live!”

The creatures roared in rage. “DOOMED! THE WORRRRLD IS DOOOMED BECAUSE OF YOOOOOU! HE IS IN YOU NOW! HAVE TO STOP YOOOU!”

The beast opened its maw, and flames crackled in its mouth. Paolo writhed. “NO! NO, PLEASE! I'M SORRY!”

The creature dropped him into its mouth.

As he fell for what felt like an eternity, Paolo screamed. 

“I'M SORRYYYY…!”

~~~~

Paolo rocketed up from his reclined position, gasping. Frantically he patted over his body - no burns, no scrapes. He rubbed his face - it was covered in sweat and tears. His head was pounding in time with his heart. What was that? A nightmare? A memory? 

Both?

He stood, stumbling over to the bathroom. He looked into the mirror - he looked haggard, tired. Behind his eyes, it felt like dull needles were being stabbed into his head.

And yet… he found memories there, too.

A pizzeria, full of joy and laughter.

Mechanical figures, dancing and singing, as he watched from the shadows, proud that the mechanical aptitude he'd hated had been useful, after all.

A growing unease, an inability to let go of the memory of the ring…

His employees, finally abandoning him after all his abuse…

Paolo grabbed his head as the throbbing got worse. Too much at once. The dream seemed to have been a catalyst, though. He was catching bits and pieces of his time as Pizzahead.

The blood, the pain, the enjoyment he'd taken in it…

All with a smile. That same damn smile.

Paolo fought not to vomit.

He glanced over at the shower. Shower would do me good.

~~~~

Paolo wandered into Noisette's cafe. A few customers cautiously waved and smiled, and he waved back, though his smile was probably a little sickly.

The memories were still surfacing, and none of them were pleasant.

Noisette herself bounced over. “Hello, Paolo! How're you…” she paused, noticing his pallor. She sat down, concerned. “Actually, maybe I should take you to the doctor or somethin’. You OK, big guy?”

Paolo grimaced. “I had… a nightmare. Last night. I remembered… selling that ring. And then my father appeared as a monster, telling me I'd doomed us all… and he ate me, dropping me in a pit of fire.”

Noisette looked horrified. “That's terrible! Let me get you some coffee and something to eat!”

He reached out and grabbed her arm. “Nothing too sweet, please. I don't think my stomach could take it.”

She nodded, and jogged off. Shortly she arrived with the aforementioned coffee, and a pair of bagels. He sipped the coffee - it had cream, but little sugar. He nodded. “Perfect.” He held up the bagels - there were small dark spots. He looked more closely. “Raisins?”

Noisette nodded, looking down. “One of the only times Pizzahead was actually nice to me was one time he came into my place inn the Tower, asking for raisins. He seemed so happy…”

Paolo felt a twinge, and he remembered - he had loved raisins as a kid. He took a huge bite of a bagel, and immediately smiled. “Guess a bit of me was coming through there. Good call, Hazel.”

Noisette immediately perked up. “So, you're remembering more about yourself?”

He nodded. “Bits and fragments. Most of it is… nauseating.” He stared at the bagel. “It's, it's giving me an idea of what the Pizzamancer is like.”

“Oh?” Noisette leaned forward.

“I thought I had trouble feeling emotions, but…” he paused. “He's… he's a complete monster. The worst kind. He's a narcissist, a sociopath, a murderer more times than I want to think about.” His stomach roiled, and he took a shot of coffee. “Honestly, it really doesn't matter how it happens, but… we can't let him stay around. We can't let him live.”

Noisette made an “O” of surprise. “That bad?”

Paolo shuddered. “Hazel, whatever you thinking is the worst that can happen… he's capable of so much worse. I was thinking he brought out my dark side, and he did, but… I think I was holding him back.” He paused, practically inhaling the other bagel in his nervousness. “Please tell me the others have found a way to find this guy.”

Noisette twiddled her thumbs. “I don't think they're havin' much luck. Giuseppe and Anita's government and criminal connections, Vigi’s old bounty hunter buddies… even Noisey’s been talking to other media people.” She shook her head. “It's like findin’ a ghost.”

Paolo slapped his hands down on the table, angry. “We have to find him! I don't- AGH!” His head felt like it was being stabbed again. Noisette jumped up, running to his side, but he held up his hand. “We can't give him time! He'll… he'll…” Paolo sat back down.

Noisette sat back down. “But, what can we do that ain't being done? We-”

A huge shadow fell over the two of them, and Noisette gasped. Paolo looked up…

A giant stood in front of him. He was enormous, a good nine feet tall, made of purple stone. He was wearing patched pants, and oddly, a small flat hat. He was looking down at Paolo with a stern expression.

Noisette gasped. “Huh? John? Pillar John? What are you doing here?”

John bent slowly, looking Paolo in the eyes. He'd heard of Litha before, but he'd never met one. They were even more rare than his own kind - it was thought there were less than a thousand left in the world. He cringed back. “Can… can I help you, Mr… John?”

John stared into his eyes, saying nothing. It felt like the giant stone man was digging into the deepest parts of his soul. Finally, he nodded. “There's a lotta damage there, but yer you again. Looks like th’ bastard really truly ditched ya.” The Litha gently sat down next to the table, gesturing for them to sit down. “I'm here fer you, pizza man. Or rather, you and yer friends.”

“My… friends?” Paolo repeated. He was so off-balance all he could do was parrot.

John nodded. “We tol’ Peppino we'd be there when he needed us, an’ he needs us. But firs’, I gotta let ya in on a lil’ secret.” He leaned closer. “Sorry, but this is gonna hurt. A lot.”

John reached out and gently grasped Paolo's head.

Paolo felt something snap inside his head, and he stood, then fell to his knees, clutching his head. Tears boiled out of his eyes. The pain was indescribable.

Noisette crouched beside him. “Oh, no! Paolo? Paolo!” She turned to a bystander. “Someone call an ambulance, quick!”

His hand shot out and gripped her arm. “N-no! No! Wa… wait…”

The pain was lessening, and a memory surfaced….

~~~~

Pillar John stood next to him, grinning.

“Now watch this, buddy.” John gently grabbed Pizzahead's arm… there was a feeling of the world bending…

And then they were standing beside Gerome.

Pizzahead was impressed. “Well, well, how'd you do that?”

Pillar John laughed. “Ah, we can do stuff like that. I can move us here ‘cause I always know where Gerome is. I can move ‘im around, too!”

Pizzahead grinned inside. He already knew it, but he'd wanted to be sure the two Litha had that level of power before he continued. It had been so long since his ‘death,’ the Litha making up the tower had all gone moribund. They were slowly falling apart. But with a fresh Litha, split up amongst the different parts of the Tower… he could have his invincible, unfindable fortress again. “Well, that's good, old rock! I've got a good job for you, then…

~~~~

Suddenly his vision snapped back to a circle of concerned bystanders… and John, who looked more solemn than he'd ever been.

Paolo reached towards him. “John… I'm so sorry. Where is Gerome?”

John nodded. “Inside the Tower.”

Paolo grabbed Noisette's arm. “Noisette, call the others. I know how to get to the Tower.”

Noisette gaped for a moment, then nodded, and quickly dialed a number. The crowd around them backed up, murmuring.

John stared at him, saying nothing.

Paolo was shaking. “John. John. The Tower. It's made out of… out of Litha, isn't it? Thousands of Litha…!”

The giant nodded. “Yeah. I talked to ‘em while I was stuck there. That's why there's so few of us now. The Pizzamancer turned ‘em all into that thing. That's why it can do some o’ the things it can do.”

Paolo felt like vomiting again. “That's… that's sick.”

John nodded again. “Now ya know why we been keepin’ an eye on th’ Tower. An’ you.”

Noisette clicked off her phone. “All right, they're in their way.”

John stood up. “I'll wait for ya where the Tower used t’ be. Lemme know when you're all ready.”

As the Litha ambled off, Noisette grabbed Paolo's arm. “You really know how to get us there?”

Paolo nodded. “I do.” He clapped his hands together. “I just hope we can finish this when we get there.”

[im-marijuana]

ninda

[lungsareforlove]

there's Filipino already but here's my third language!

ako: nyata nindo tigaraot an kinaban!!

mga taga-ibang planeta: ta may mga tawong una ninda ingles sana an kaipuhan ninda maukudan

ako: ah sige nasasabutan ko

me: why are you destroying earth!!!

aliens: because theres people who think that english is the only language they need to speak

me: thats fair i understand

[thangnhommaxbuy]

Khám Phá Lợi Ích Của Thang Nhôm Rút Đơn Trong Công Việc Hàng Ngày

Thang nhôm rút đơn là một sản phẩm hữu ích cho nhiều nhu cầu sử dụng trong gia đình và công việc.

Với thiết kế gọn nhẹ và khả năng kéo dài linh hoạt, thang nhôm rút đơn dễ dàng di chuyển và lưu trữ, giúp tiết kiệm không gian tối đa.

🏠💼 Được làm từ chất liệu nhôm cao cấp, sản phẩm này không chỉ bền bỉ mà còn chống gỉ sét, đảm bảo an toàn cho người sử dụng.

Tính năng tự khóa khi kéo dài giúp tăng cường độ an toàn, giảm nguy cơ tai nạn khi làm việc trên cao.

🌟 Thang nhôm rút đơn là lựa chọn lý tưởng cho những ai thường xuyên cần làm việc ở độ cao, từ sửa chữa, lắp đặt đến trang trí không gian sống.

Hãy trải nghiệm sự tiện lợi mà sản phẩm mang lại!