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Back to the road he went to buy groceries. He sees that right next to it is a bunch of John Blocks constructing a new city. Peppino wondered if they would make it into a concrete jungle or not just like in the one in the Tower. He doesn't know much about the pigs other than they love taking pictures and having fun so it might be possible that they change the building type to something much more creative.
However, something like that would cost a lot of moolah. And Peppino doesn't think this town has much left. When he came back to the road where the Pizzamart was, it was forked to two paths. Peppino wasn’t sure whether to go left or right, his thoughts say go left but Peppino had a conflicting feeling to disobey his thoughts and went right without a second thought.
Peppino has completely wandered off to the wrong side of town. This isn’t pig city! He thought to himself as he reads characters in a language he can’t understand at all. A lot of seafood, more than he’d ever seen and he hasn’t been to the sea for 2 decades now! Is that shrimp? Oh what is the shrimp selling? Peppino hopes he doesn’t has to pull out mone- IS THAT A BASS? Peppino hasn’t eaten fish in a long long time. He doesn’t have any money with him right now and the idea of breaking open yet another piggy bank isn’t really appealing. But, just looking wouldn’t hurt right?
Peppino walked extremely slowly, and by that I meant he dead on fully stopped right in front of the shop and just gazed up in awe. It was still being stocked with a lobster crew still trying to port the goods inside the storage. Peppino really didn’t care if the shop was open or not, it seemed open enough considering there was already a tuna fish cashier ready behind the counter. So Peppino took a stride inside the shop and woah mama HE WANTS IT. He sees a bunch of potential ingredients he can use to make anything that isn’t pizza! He could make Calamari Ripieni with that squid over there. Beautifully baked and stuffed with garlic, breadcrumbs, onions and more!
There was also an entire bag full of mussels, Peppino could immediately picture a Fruitti di Mare chock full of shrimp, mussel, squid and crab. Maybe even fish! Peppino doesn’t realize it but he is currently rubbing his tummy a little. He sees a gallery that was just recently stashed filled to brim with rows and rows of all sorts of fish! From spiky, to small and smooth to curvy to weird. Peppino already has started dreaming about making all kinds of fish based dishes just from the fish alone.. baccalà mantecato, spigola al forno, sarde a beccafico, sarde in saor, raviolis à la sarde, and.. Peppino’s secret favourite: involtinini di pesce spada alla siciliana!
Peppino misses his hometown dearly. He can still taste all those meals he had even until today in his memories. But alas, no money. Peppino really wishes he wasn’t poor. He really wanted to keep looking at everything the shop has to offer but Peppino knows if he stays any longer he’s going to run back to his shop to buy everything! So he tried to silently walk away from the shop when suddenly the store owner stood in front of Peppino.
“你想要什么?” The Shrimp Shopkeeper asked Peppino what he wanted. Peppino short circuited and ended up talking back in italian. “Io non ho rubato niente!” Peppino claimed he didn’t steal anything while making a huge gesturing X. The Shrimp Shopkeeper is confused by the body language Peppino displayed. What exactly is he saying no to? Looks like neither party understood what the other said so they both started to speak in broken english. “You want buy?” The Shrimp Shopkeeper asked Peppino, while motioning their leg over the products. Peppino shook his head. “No no! Only look!” Peppino claimed, however, The Shrimp Shopkeeper is not buying it.
“No money! Look!” Peppino took out everything from his pocket and somehow spaghetti spilled to the floor. Not even a single penny! The Shrimp Shopkeeper was more baffled that somehow the noodle fell out of his pocket, but when Peppino tried cleaning it with a leftover tissue The Shrimp Shopkeeper stopped him. “No no. Let… uh.. 弟弟(little brother) clean!” The Shrimp Shopkeeper then yelled “嘿！弟弟，清理这里!” for the Tuna fish Cashier to clean up the mess. “啊!你不用大喊大叫!” The Tuna fish Cashier yelled back at the Shrimp Shopkeeper. “你时间不多了！歇会儿好吗” The Tuna fish Cashier made a slightly snarky remark about how The Shrimp Shopkeeper doesn’t have much time left and should relax. The Shrimp Shopkeeper audibly gasp at the Tuna fish Cashier.
“这家店是我建的！我教过你！不能这样和你的老师说话！你的礼貌在哪里!?” The Shrimp Shopkeeper rebutted, reminding the Tuna fish Cashier who had built this shop and who taught them. The Shrimp Shopkeeper was their teacher, they shouldn’t say something so disrespectful! Peppino knew from the tone of their voice conflict was about to arise so he silently tried to walk away from the scene. When he went to the door he was greeted by an octopus who was carrying some goods to put inside the shop and saw Peppino. “Oh how can I help yo- haiya.. they are fighting again. Sorry. Do you want anything, mister customer? “ The Octopus With a Hat asked Peppino. Peppino didn’t want to be in this shop anymore and felt maybe he could visit another time.
“I was just-a about to leave, sorry. I have no money. But shop very interesting! Will come later again!” Peppino tried his best to explain in broken english. There’s an unspoken rule about when people who speak multiple languages start speaking their mother tongue to each other, their English becomes broken. “Ah okay! Come again! Sale soon!” The Octopus With a Hat said while starting to breakdown the arguments between The Shrimp Shopkeeper and The Tuna fish Cashier. Peppino started running away from the shop like the mad man he is.
Peppino went back the forked road he was previously on. He chose the one on the left this time, no longer wanting to find out what's more to come with the path on the right. He had no money and the language barrier mixed with anxiety can only create confusion and conflict!
This time Peppino made sure to basically not interact with anyone when he's out exploring the town unless he knows them and with money available. Especially in shops. Yes that's right, no shop can ever stop him!
That was until he was greeted by a Piggy Butcher who claims he knows Peppino. "I know you, Mister Peppino. " The Piggy Butcher had a really deep voice and a large cleaver. Peppino really didn't want to do anything with this guy at all! He's giving me the creeps!
The Piggy Butcher insisted on Peppino to visit the butcher shop that had just recently opened. "I have some leftover stock. I'm planning to give it away to a very lucky customer. You just happened to be one of them. " The Piggy Butcher gave a wide smile and went inside while gesturing to Peppino to come inside.
How did I ended up here? Peppino wondered, he didn't even come close to entering the shop. He just stood still while visibly sweating. The Piggy Butcher notices this and goes behind the counter to pick up a suspiciously wet and heavy bag. He gives the bag to Peppino, Peppino is afraid of looking inside the bag.
"Freshly chopped just a few hours ago. I heard you are a great chef. I would like to eat everything from your menu. I would also like it if we can become business partners. I sell meat. You cook meat. How does that sound to Mister Peppino?" The Piggy Butcher offered with a huge grin on his face. Peppino could only manage a weak smile and nod while visibly shaking.
"Come to my shop often, Mister Peppino. I always have something for sale." The Piggy Butcher said, he then went back to his shop and left Peppino alone. Without hesitation he ran to the nearest alleyway to calm himself down.
Looks like Peppino is starting to have a streak of bad luck. Peppino could really use a hug right now. He kept the mystery meat inside his comically large pocket and just sat down for a bit. He tried collecting his thoughts and trying to steady his breathing. He should probably go home but, curiousity got the best of him and it's worth the time to explore the town during its construction so Peppino probably in the later future could be fond of how much it grew.
If it ever finishes construction of course. Peppino hopes it does, otherwise it'll turn into another ghost town. Peppino sometimes wished he was dead but if he was dead he would be a ghost so what's the point of it all?
Peppino, regardless of the void eating him away every second of his life, pushed forward. There's always something to look forward to, right? Who knows something good might happen for once!
Peppino was just about to walk out of the alleyway when he heard a familiar voice. Peppino knew that slight Irish accent from anyone. It was Mr Stick! How curious, what is he doing in this side of town?
Peppino notices the alleyway he's in already has a fully built and functional building while everything else is still in the middle of construction. He hears another voice coming from the building, sounds rougher and blunt. Reminds him of that one time he stumbled upon a mafia meetup back home when he was out delivering meals from his family restaurant.
"What are we supposed to do now? That tower the freak built made bank and now it's less than rubble! " The Suited Piggy oinked. "Yeah, I got kids to feed and businesses to manage. How are we supposed to live in these conditions?! " A Smoking Piggy oinked. "Not to worry lads, I have a plan. " Mr Stick tried to elevate the situation. "See I got contacts outside the tower, been drippin all the worth of that cretino fella for years now. With all due respect, even if he destroyed the tower, he still got more than enough to hold him back! " Mr Stick presented a large bag of money. "There's more where that came from, let's say he was my back up investment in case the tower ever went South. "
"Ah.. I see.. Taking advantage of the immigrant Italian? Bravo Mr Stick. " The Suited Piggy clapped his hooves. "We could use all this money to squeeze out all the worthy business plans we had in our hands. And after that, the idiota would've gone bankrupt. That building was old anyway, better to wreck it and rebuild am I right fellas? "
They all gave a hearty laugh. Peppino was not surprised by the betrayal Mr Stick had done, he'd predicted it ever since he first met him back in the big city. He always tried to reason to himself that this would probably never happen because deep down Peppino hoped his initial response to Mr Stick had been false. He felt a little heartbroken being seen as a backup piggy bank. What a loan shark!
Well, at least now Peppino has a reason to finally beat him up. Time is money for sure but these hands come in free. Peppino waited silently, listening to their conversation while the smell of cigar haunts the area. Mr Stick started to put the bag on money inside of a non suspicious suitcase.
"Well, I gotta go now lads. Gotta catch the cab before night falls. Getting to the city would take a while after all, so better now than never. See ya later! " Mr Stick waved and so did the pigs. Peppino hid inside a nearby trash bin when Mr Stick went out to the exit. Afterwards he slowly followed Mr Stick until he reached an area where no one was there.
"You loan shark! " Peppino yelled and started to manhandle Mr Stick. "AGH PEPPINO! YOU'RE STRANGLING ME! " Mr Stick yelped. Peppino slammed him to the ground. "You good for nothing traitor! I knew I should have not trusted you. Selling me out? Trying to bankrupt my already failing business? You think the Tower is worth more than me? " Peppino is trying his best to not punch Mr Stick, while Mr Stick is very much afraid.
"I do not like being used Mr Stick. You want what happened to the tower happen to you? " Peppino offered, Mr Stick took it instantly. "I wasn't even planning on selling ye out. Now let me go! " Mr Stick squirmed in place.
"What? What was that all about then?! " Peppino demanded an answer, Mr Stick signed. "Look pal, I've been in the business for years. The only reason why your business failed in the first place is because of the location, otherwise it would've made bank anywhere else. That tower sucked up any opportunity you had no too so that's why I thought about making you bankrupt so you can start fresh somewhere else. You a stubborn stool ye know! " Mr Stick explained, Peppino is now confused but also slightly relieved.
"You insisted on making your pizzaria stay open when you could have the chance to move out anywhere else, you really outta stop hyperfocusing on one thing Pep. Anyway, now that the tower fell I was gonna invest some money on moving you to a new area but out of luck a town started building right in front of your pizzaria. I thought maybe we could make this town have it's own little stable economy so I was gonna go to the bank to get some cash for the mayor. Turns out those Suited bastards we're still trying to tail behind the tower success. So they asked me if I can be of any use. " Mr Stick explained.
"I can beat them up if you have any problems. " Peppino insisted, he knew he could trust his conscious. Mr Stick wasn't as bad as he is! Still greedy but not all the way.
"Don't worry, I got a scheme of my own. After a few months they'll taste their own medicine. Playing the long game here ye see? " Ohhh so that's how it is? Peppino understood and let go.
"Sorry for that pal, even I think sucking you dry is no good. Especially when you're well, pretty much a menace when angered, no hard feelings. " Mr Stick apologized, Peppino didn't mind as he was used to the comment.
"So, that bag of money? Is that for me? " Peppino asked while pointing at the suitcase. "Yeah, figured it's about time I cut ya debt a little now the tower is no longer a threat. I'll cut.. 30% how does that sound? I can't do anymore and I can't pay for the loans either so you're still going to have to work hard to get them paid. " Peppino was surprised, Mr Stick is helping him out of his debt? It almost felt like a dream.
Peppino started to cry a little. "Hey, quit the water works! Anymore and I'll reduce the cut to a 5%! " Peppino then hugged Mr Stick. Mr Stick isn't really fond of the tight hug and just patted Peppino's back.
"Jeez, since when ye became so soft? Ehh whatever. Just don't tell anyone capiche?" Mr Stick motioned an okay sign, Peppino motioned back with a zip to the mouth and an okay sign as well.
"Oh and Pep, don't worry about this month's and next month's rent. On the house. " Mr Stick said before he propelled himself somewhere else. Probably the nearest cab stop. Peppino couldn't believe it, he can finally start paying his debt again? And make his pizzaria better?
Peppino felt like what just happened was just a dream, Mr Stick being nice? Debt being slightly reduced? Potential customers? Being worthy enough to be seen?
Peppino walked back to his pizzaria slowly just rewinding in his head what had happened. He completely forgot about the 3 jump scares he had today. It almost felt too good to be true. Would Gustavo and Brick ever believe him? Maybe he can finally look into a mirror and not hate himself?! Peppino felt a strange level of calmness he hasn't experienced in years.
When he went back to his pizzaria, he was reminded that in his pocket didn't only have his keys but also a sack of mystery meat. He didn't bother opening it today and wasn't privy to find out what it had in store so he just stored it for now.
He went to one of the cabinets full of files in his living area and started to count off how much debt he was in. Not bad, he thought to himself, but not good either. He still had so much to pay it took forever. But knowing the colourful characters that like bothering him and his pizzaria maybe things could change.
Peppino went outside once again and almost forgot he left a jug of lemonade with Gerome. He goes to check and sees Gerome has finished digging up a really large hole. "Thanks for the drink. " Gerome notices Peppino even though he can't see him. "You're-a welcome. " Peppino replied, he took back the tray while ignoring Pepperman who is currently working on the pavement of the area.
Was Pepperman also an architect and engineer? A designer? He was an artist for sure but he had range! Peppino put the jug and tray into a sink left it there, he can wash it later he thought.
Now.. Where to go? Peppino stood for a minute to think. He hasn't seen The Vigilante for a while and he's on good terms with him so maybe he'll look for him now. Peppino wondered if he's going to see a farm here too.