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Chapter Text

The city of Krat.

Once the rising star, strifing with succes now it nothing much a decapilated graveyard where the gravetenders put you into the grave.
The once graceful and helping puppets turned against their creators, massacring every living on their sight.

But that only a half truth.

The puppets are just the lesser devil in this foolish place.
The ones, who took my mentor are the masterminds behind this.

And we'll make than pay for what they did.

Right, Blade?

Chapter Text

“Everyone who ever searched for eternal life failed, and it cost thousands of lives. Don't forget this Carla. Everything you take, you’ll lost something equal with that. With immortality, it costs your humanity…”

As i walked the burned and blood-smeared streets of Krat, I started to understand what Andre told me every time. Maybe the ones who captured him never heard of the equivalent exchange and they took granted what they obtained- regardless of the cost.

With Jester on my shoulder looking back and Blade run before to check every corner i feel a little bit ease, but my wires are ready to cut down everything what its on my way.

Jester grabbed my collar with an alarmed expression, we turned around and there was two robotic dogs.

• Dont need to worry Jester- i put him down the top the coffer.- I’ll handle the bad doggies.- They charged toward us, but i quickly jumped on the side and get one of the dogs head with ease. The other turned around to attack again but that time Blade jumped on his head and pierced with his hook.
• Oh, you back? What did you find? - I lifted him and he showed toward the staircase nearby and later up. There was a big building and around it many immobilized puppets.
• Hm, so the security system still active and strong. That give some hope.- I knocked the door and a mechanical voice asked “what are you?”
• I am Carla Toulon. Im here for and to help. - i told as Blade tried to knock again.
• What are you? - the voice asked again.
• I said…
• Are you a human or a puppet?
• Ah, so that why…still stupid what whatever.- murmured with slight discomfort. - Im a human.- The door explained that a puppet cannot lie and the door finally opened. The inside was much more well-kept than i originally guessed and there was 3 woman with varied age, 1 puppet (!) butler and a cute cat. They looked at me with surprised expression. The elderly woman in the wheelchair approached me at first.
• Glad to see another survivor. I guess you’re not from Krat.- she looked Jester with curiosity.
• That right mrs….
• Antonia Cerasani my name dear. May we know yours? 
• My name is Carla Toulon. And he is Jester, there Blade, and the rest of gang are sleeping in here.- I topped the coffer.
• Amazing! - The younger girl with glasses said as she walked closer to us - i never saw such cute yet complex puppet just from mr Gepetto.  - Jester changed his face to happy, make her squeal.
• Hehe, he likes you erm..
• Eugénie, and the quiet lady is Sophia.
• Did i just heard the name, Toulon?! - A male voice asked, and not much later a fancy dressed man jumped out from the corner. Blade readied his hook against him, but i quickly just grabbed and calmed him down.
• It okay, he means no harm.- i looked at the man.- i guess?
• No, not at all miss. But i heard…
• Yes, my father is Andre Toulon.  Im here to find him.- the man face became a little bit sad, so as Sophia.
• Im not sure he still alive…
• Im 100% sure he is.- i corrected him - just don't know where should i start to search. the whole city is a mess. - They looked each other than he door behind me, which just start to open again.
• Maybe there someone who can help you.- the flamboyant gentleman said and turned toward the door. - My friend, there a young lady and her lovely puppets who need your help.- When i looked back to check who is he taling to i…I…

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I'm going to hell for this, but honest to goodness i whistled loudly when i saw the guy who just entered. Jet black hair, shining blue eyes and cute freckles. Gods not crafted like this handsome..wait a minute? Crafted?

• His name is Pinocchio. Or P in short.- Sophia said in a melancholic voice - he is Gepetto’s puppet, and our savior.
• Hmmm, interesting.- I checked him from afar, but he start to walk closer to me. Jester and Blade jumped in my shoulders, but i murmured them to rest. When P stopped in the front of me, i gasped. He is truly like a real a human! How the old man did this?
• Hello - i raised my hand for shake - my name is Carla. Nice to meet you P.- He stunned for a good 5 seconds, but after he used his regular hand to return my greeting.
• Nice to meet you Carla.
• Ah my son, you returned. And who is this?- We both looked up, that when i saw the old man Gepetto. Ceh. Awfully honeyed voice, just like Andre said. I saw his visage changed when he saw my two puppets.
• Ah, you’re Toulon daughter! It is a pleasure to see you unharmed.
• Likewise, Mr Gepetto. I wanted to talk with you too.
• First i need to check on Pinocchio, after we can speak.
• Im fine.- P said and we both surprised.He still not let my hand out from his, more like he start to use his thumb to draw circles on it.
• Hehe, it tickles.
• It nice. Warm.- he said with a low tone. We looked each other until Blade not start to pinch my cheek.
• Ah, okay sorry. Im here for you too Bladie.- I let P hand and grabbed the two troublemakers. - I put both you back to the coffer. - You can go upstairs, i’ll go a little bit later.- P just nodded and start to walk toward the staircase. I moved my luggage to a place where no one chan see and used the old sleep chant. Even they needed a little rest. The other puppet Polendina showed my little room where i can sleep and i talked with Venigni at first for more information about the city structure and the puppet frenzy.
• P is strong, he saved my life and so do Pulcinellas- he waved toward the strange looking buttler-like puppet -  but now he is heading toward the Cathedral. Im sure he’ll appreciate some backup.- He winked.
• I’ll gladly help, at least maybe i find some clues about where the Alch…i mean about Andre whereabouts.
• Hope so.- He said and turned around where P was ready to go out.
• Just a second P! - I said and from the coffer i picked out my pint-sized pyromaniac puppet.- Lets go Torch!- He jumped happily and sat in my head.
• Heh. Clingy like the others.
• Here.- P wanted give me a sword - you need this.- I just smiled.
• Thank you, but i have my own weapon.- The wires shined on my wrist. P also realised what are they, but still put the spare sword on his back.
• Dont worry, Gemini will show the way.- He said and the little lamp on his wrist start to glow.
• Ready to go partner and…m’lady.- He chirped. Torch patted my forehead to get start moving and we finally managed to get out from the hotel to the rainy streets.

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Moonlight Town, or once it was called now nothing more than a nest for these strange, seemingly infected humanoid figures. When P chopped some apart I checked the remains. Gemini let out a gagging sound and Torch wanted to obliterate it, but P was just curious as am.

• Hmmm…
• Is this bad?- he asked and i nodded.
• Very. This..things was clearly once were humans. But, something…infected them. Gemini, there was a quarantine zone in the city. What kind of disease it was?
• It is called Petrification disease. - He replied - unfortunately nothing about its origin know nor possible treatment. The patient's body slowly turns into a stone.
• And there are these husks…it not just a simple coincidence. I need to check this further. for now…- I just lifted my finger and Torch - knowing the singal - lit the whole mess into fire. P just watched the dark smoke until i touched his shoulder.
• We need to go faster, the Cathedral just above us.
• Right, lets go.- he said.
• What wrong pal?- Gemini chimed in - The cat got your tongue?
• Cat? Tongue?- He looked innocently toward the little lamp, i simply smiled.
• Gemini means, you’re more quiet than usual. Is there something bothering you P?- Its strange to ask this to a puppet, but i cannot shake the strange feeling about him. P is clearly…more…
• Im fine, just nice to hear you talk.- he said. My cheeks are flushed with red stain, Gemini chirped loudly, Torch was ready to throw hands with P if im not grabbed the little troublemaker.
• It okay Torchy. No need to fight with P. - I try to hide my embarrassed face.- Let go to the…-i quickly sliced to pieces the crawling husk. - Cathedral.- Walking twice as fast we reached the place, but there was a masked individual. P muttered me to stand back with Torch as he handle it. As he talked with a woman and showed her a strange greeting gesture, she let both of us in to the cable car.

On the way up, instead of listening to Gemini blabbering, I checked P mechanical arm structure, much Torch annoyance.

• Fascinating. But this hand are not Geppetto work, im correct?
• No. The original are his work, but im able to change to a different one thanks to mr. Venigni. -P said, looking as my hand roamed around his metalic one. 
• Oh, i see.- I muttered and continued to check the arm. 
• Ahhh, get a room you too! - Gemini said loudly. P - as usual - don't understand what he meant, but now i let Torch punch the lamp a little bit.
• Hey pal, help! Help! - Gemini yelled, but P just looked at me.
• He deserved it?
• Very.

When we finally reached the upper part, there was a creepy cemetery and many other husks. Luckily, fire is really helpful against them, just as P sword and wires. Suddenly a faint shout was heard from the distance. He asked for help. P ran toward the noise without any second thought, i was a little bit slower, but still run after him. My gut said it not the best idea. We found a statue of angel and a whimpering man behind it. He was shocked and relieved at same time when he saw us.

• Oh, thank for the god i found someone alive. My name is Giangio. - He stated that he is infected with the disease, but also want to find a Golden Tree. He also said he gave P a strange cube if he get some golden fruit for him as Giangio cannot get near to the tree.
• Leave him P. We dont have time for this scoundrel.- Giangio let out a scared yelp and P looked at me with puppy eyes. What wrong with Geppetto to make him this cute?!
• But Carla, he need help. - I cannot argue with that. Dont know why, but my gut told me to not fully trust this man. He surely now lost and alone, but if he not know more of this situation then i am the Pope.
• Okay, we’ll find the tree for you and get some fruit. Now off we go.- I grabbed P hand and we start to walk back to the main trail. Giangio just waved toward us as we reached the corner.

Giangio POV

Huh. That was a close one. Why is the younger Toulon there? With a fire puppet noneless? Maybe Simon finally captured master Andre?

Heh, that just make the whole ordeal more interesting….

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The Cathedral was not better inside  than the outside. These carcasses roamed around and beneath the place and some of them eerily mutated. I used Torch as a rickrocket, throwed against them and he burned them into crisps. If they was lucky and managed to not get roasted, P cut them in half.

• Not bad P! - I gave him a thumbs up, but the just looked at me like a poor sheep.
• It means you did a good job Pal! - Gemini explained to him and i saw his eyes lit up with excitement. 
• Thank you.- he smiled and i almost got a heart attack from it. Why he need to be so cute?!

After a while we managed to get to a pretty tricky area with wooden logs in great high, along with many stinky corpses. I was quite fed up with them, so along with P, used some of the looted thermite and literally bombarded them. When we reached a quite open area, a sudden bad feeling stuck on my stomach.

• Careful P, something is wrong here. - He nodded but still went for the shining blue thing in the end of the room. Just as he grabbed at a really big carcass jumped on him. He evaded the following hit and i throw Torch at the monster; he burned its big, shield-like tumor but not so much, but successfully made the creature run toward me.
• Carla! Run!- P shouted and I ran further from the monster whose third hit managed to get my left forearm.
• Urgh.- I hissed but still evaded the more heavy part of the attack. Torch tried with the fire from a little higher with P stronger attack, finally managed to kill the carcass. Both immediately ran for me, I already checked the extent of the injury  and managed to bandage it.
• Dont worry it not broken.- P frantically checked my hand over and over, caressed a little bit. After 5 minutes he finally calmed down, so does Torch.
• Im sorry, i was not fast enough.- he said with a sad look on his face. I touched his head and petted a little bit. His hair is so soft!
• You did nothing wrong, it was a little bit tougher enemy the regular ones. Dont need to be sorry.- he looked at me with big doe eyes.
• Really?- Im really tempted. Im really tempted to say something.
• Yes, you’re a good boy P.- When i said that, his pupils grow twice as their original and grabbed my not injured head.
• Could you…say that again?- He asked.
• You’re a good boy P.- i smiled and he jumped on me for a hug.
• Thank you! Thank you!- he said with a happy, relieved voice. It was a very sweet moment but…
•  You.Are.Really.Heavy! - I tried to pull back , but when I succeeded, i stumbled upon a freaking stone and we both fell into the ground, with him on the top of me. Normally i consider this scenario somewhat romantic but as he was at least 250 pounds, he almost crushed my ribs.
• Cant…breath..- i struggled to say a word and Gemini start to chirp.
• Pal, dont kill her.- he mused and P quickly rolled over and helped me up too. He was clearly embarrassed, but i just smiled and start to walk toward the nearby elevator. At the bottom we a met a nun-looking woman, who asked us to bring back something precious to her from the Archbishop office. She looked scared ( and a little bit crazed to be honest) , but P accepted the request without hesitation. After many freaking traps and enemies we finally manage to get the item, and also met another survivor; the famous Alidoro. He fancied himself as a legendary figure in Krat, but my instinct tell me otherwise. P also suspected something in him as when he asked about a safe place, he told Alidoro the factory instead of the hotel. When i asked him about this, he replied with a simple “it still safer than here”. I cannot argue with that as i was not in the factory beforehand.

When we get back to the woman and gave her the item she left.Then  we heard a sudden screech from not far. P just readied his sword and told me to stay back as the next enemy will be really strong. I grabbed his shoulder firmly.

• There no way im not going to help you! We got that far, im not going to sit back while you struggle with some unholy monster.
• But you can die.- He silenced me with these words. That…sad, but true.
• I can keep fighting against it, the stargazer can but me back together. But not you.- He put his forehead to mine.
• Stay here Carla, I’ll be fine.
• ….At least bring Torch with you. He could help.- i muttered and he nodded. My little puppet jumped on his shoulder and they ran toward the voice.
• I hope he is not lying about it. Please be safe P. Torch.

Chapter Text

The stargazer lights up again. Some second later P formed from the strange, powder like mist. Its the sixth time he came back. He looked at me nervously.

-Torch is fine, don't worry. He hid in the corner so the monster cannot see it.

- Don't tell me to not worry.- I scolded him - I did not care what creature was inside, im going to help you.

- Carla, you cant!- he retaliated, his voice became more aggravated - That monster is too strong!

- And anything i can help?! For god sake Pino, i'm going crazy out here being helpless!

-...Im sorry for being to weak.- he said shyly.

- No, Pino it nor your fault.- I moved closer, reached my hand out for him and he grabbed it.

Our eyes locked ot each other for a good minute, not saying a word. Why is he so strange? He felt like more human than most of the people i ever met. It was quite a blissful moment until the freaking screaming start again. 

Now im quite fed up. 

-Okay that's it! Im going in!Shit! - I never thought i need to this again! I pulled out a syringe, filled with green liquid.

- What is this?- P asked.

- Better not know P, trust me. But if i guess right, this will be work against the creature. Just need to get close to it.

-...

-Pino?

- Its skin is abruptly hard, but when the second face come out…- Second face? What the heck?!- There a thin part which not so firm. Fire work good against it, so me and Torch can distract it.

-Sounds like a plan.

-But please be careful Carla.- He put his hand on my shoulder and i hugged him.

- I try.- Hm? What is that ticking noise? Oh, it came from Pino’s chest? It Sounds like it wants to explode…

-L-lets go.- He said, let himself out from the hug and start to walk toward the main door.

- Why you so nervous?

-...

P reached for the door, when it opened i saw a thing which is most likely came out from someone fever-dream. I cant even describe this creature and its hard to believe this was once probably a man.

• When i signal it, you can attack.- P said and he readied his sword. Torch was indeed in the corner, waiting for P to come back.  They start to taunt the monster and it attacked Pino right away, i barely had any second to jump from his claw attack.  As they fought i circled around them, waiting for the right moment. P and Torch successfully set the creature on fire, but shortly after its back opened up and a snake like creature came out from it. Now i wanted to vomit.
• I am a one winged angel…- the creature said. What? It can speak?!
• Carla now! - P shouted and stand his guard. I start to run toward him.

When i was near, used his sword blade as a ramp and used it to push me up to the creature. when i got where i think its neck is, and pushed the syringe into the most visible vein.  The liquid quickly start to spread, making the monster wriggling in pain. I let the neck and jumped down in a relatively safer distance.

-GAWHHH! What is this?!! It hurts!!!- Pino used this to finish his strongest attack toward the monster, which successfully staggered it. The mixed liquid oozed from its wound now all around its body. Torch still continued to roast its flesh and P finally chopped his neck off. 

The ergo start to left the body and the monster's last moments are filled with anguished cries for forgiveness. Somehow it was indeed a sad moment. Despite being a horrifying creature, something inside the back of my mind said its just a start for even more horrible things.

• So, he once was indeed a human.

- Maybe he was the Archbishop.- Gemini murmured. Just after that P received a call from Sophia to return back to the Hotel. Torch ran toward us and quickly jump on my leg. 

- I'm glad you’re safe, Torchy~- I lift him up and check for injuries. He relatively okay, but his fuel canister pretty low. 

- You need to refill when we get back to the hotel.- P tapped in my shoulder.

-Yes Pino?- He looked over and held his hand for me.

- May i can hold your hand on the way back? - he asked and my face became cherry red.

- Until there was no one to attack us of course.- I said and grabbed his hand. He was silent until we reached the Cable car. There he asked about the serum what i gave to the monster.

I nervously bit my lip. I trust (or like i want to) in Pino, but on the other hand. I cannot let the old man know…

• Please Pino, don't tell anyone what you saw.
• Not even Gepetto?
• Especially to Gepetto. 
• And why?
• Because that a secret what only master Andre and i should know…

Chapter Text

After we returned P talked with both Sophia and Geppetto about the Cathedral. It was most likely the Archbishop Andreus was the last and biggest monster there. I also heard the old man suggested that we need to check the “King of Puppets” in the Rosa Isabella street. Pino looked at me.

• We can wait, Carla need to rest.- Geppetto looked surprised for a moment, also looked in my direction and i swear i saw his pupil become thin behind his monocle. Dont worry old man. The dislike is mutual.
• You also need to rest, son. Here.- He pointed toward a strange chair like device and P sit on it.
• I check the rest of the band. See you later P.- I waved toward him and start to walk to my room. After Torch was full again with gasoline i put him nack to sleep, and grabbed Leech woman and Jester.
• Watch the old man for me.- the tiny woman just nodded and disappeared in instant. Jester was happy to see me but got scared when he saw that one of the ampoules was empty.
• It was necessary to use Jester. But dont worry, we have everything to restock. But now i feel so ragged…

I put Jester on guard mode and i went to sleep. The nightmares started again, but this time i was in strange island. The sand was so soft yet…i cannot describe the feeling what came over me after i start to walk aimlessly around. Then i saw a big fortress like building.

• What is this?
• This is where i was kept.- I heard Andre voice behind me. Turned around and i saw his usual kind smile. I went to hug him, but he turned into mist and appeared behind me again.
• Don't worry, I’ll save you.
• I’ll waiting for you.- he said - and don't trust the other Puppet master. He…- That when i woke up by Jester yelping. He ran toward me,Spring sprinted behind him, ready to bounce. When he jumped Jester tried to move to the side but hit his head to the nearby chair and the cat started nibbling on him.
• Hahaha! Poor Jester. Please leave him alone kitty.- i rubbed my eyes and stood up from the bed. I grabbed Spring and put on my lap. This purring machine made a nest on it until i heard some knocking on the door.
• Carla, are you awake? - it was Pino.
• Yes, you can come in.- I said and he entered without hesitation. 
• How are you?
• Im fine, thanks. And you?
• In fine too.- he mumbled as he walked closer and set on the bed right next to me. In the dim lighted room, he features looked even more beautiful.
• Where Gemini?
• I left him with Sophia, because…i want to talk with you alone.- he said, somewhat embarrassed.
• Oh, and why?- i was not quite fully awake and my brain was still hazy for more conversation, but of course…
• I just wanted to ask that…
• Yes?- he fidgeted his fingers.
• May i can kiss you?

Chapter Text

I don't know what came over me, but i moved closer to him, our faces were inches away.

• Why do you want to kiss me?- He looked nervous, it was strange as he was still a puppet, but his facial reaction perfectly mimicked it.
• I felt a strange throbbing in my chest. I was afraid to ask father, so i told mr. Venigni instead. When he asked when this happening, i replied “When i was with Carla”. He smiled and told me “then you need to show how much to like her. Kiss her compagnio.”
• Im going to kill that gigolo.- i thought, but the next moment - it would be a shame to miss this opportunity. 
• So, you like me Pino?
• I think yes. I am.- he nodded slightly and touched my hand. I just smiled and moved closer to him. He tried to close his eyes shyly, i just hummed.
• So cute…- i cooed and his pale cheeks are now laced with red. When my lips reached his, a strange sense of jolt rushed down my spine. His lips, no all his face are warm. So soft. He reached my jaw with his fingers and gently raised a little bit to close our faces even more. I felt my heart want burst out from excitement, the previous feeling about the nightmare was replaced by a warm dizziness. Still, we needed to wake up from it.

I still…I still hear the strings inside of him. 

• Son, you are here? - We heard Geppetto’s voice from the other side of the door. We quickly parted away and Jester opened the door.
• There you are. - Then he looked at me.- Im sorry in his behalf for disturb you, miss Carla.
• I dont mind, this little prankster woke me up.- I moved to Spring who just ran out from the room.
• Oh, i see.- The professor hummed and looked over us. His eyes darted between me and Pino. As he could sense we hiding something.
• Son, you should get ready. - Pino nodded, stood up from the bed and walked next to his “father”. 
• I just grab my weapon and we could go, okay Carla?- he asked sweetly and i nodded.
• I’ll bring Blade this time. He really good about scouting.- I also jumped up and moved near to the coffer.
• Hooo, do we cannot see our little puppet master preparation?-  I wanted to puke over his sickly sweet tone. But for Pino’s sake, i held back…for now.
• I prefer to not disclose the techniques which Master Andre bestowed upon me before his capture. So, if you be so kind…- He left without a second glance. Heh. I’ll make you sweat for this secret old fart. 

Before we left, Pino wanted a quick check in his weapon with Eugine. At the same time, i walked over Venigni and slightly grabbed his family jewels.  He faintly yelped but tried to stand firm.

• What i did do to get this, signorina?
• Dont gave Pino weird ideas.- I blushed and patted his shoulders when the other two looked at us. Venigni face lit up as he realised what i mean.
• It was good?-  he asked with a sly smile and i felt my cheeks start to burn. 
• Heh, our little compagnio more human than he thinks of himself. But, he still need help to realise this. And you can help him.- He touched my shoulder gently and i let his sensitive part to get blood again.
• I will but…
• Yes?
• Please watch over the old man for me.
• Geppetto? Why?
• Just, please do. 
• If you want this signorina, i will be discrete as a madame of pleasure house.
• Why you use this metapho…
• Carla, im ready.- Pino gently touched my back. Blade (who sat on my shoulder) tried to push his finger away, but no avail.
• We also finished. See later, everyone!- With this we got up the stairs and trought one of the previously locked doors we started to walk toward the Rosa Isabella street.