Chapter Text
In Geppet- My office, I adjusted my tailcoat and matching tie.
It's been a month since the fall of the Alchemists.
The puppets went back to normal but no one trusted them anymore, they did the manual labour under strict watch, we needed the hands to rebuild the city.
Romeo was dubbed the leader of the Puppets, which confused me at first before he told me that the Puppets needed someone to follow, someone to show them, he didn't mind the scrutiny, he would just laugh it off, the city needed stability and the puppets were the quickest way to it.
Venigni took over as the de facto mayor of Krat, he wasn't the political type but he was the most popular amongst the people and the most trusted, he complained about it when he was elected but knew he needed to take the role.
Veronique and Lea along with the Peace Keepers were the new law enforcement of Krat, they gained the respect of the masses and had recruits lining up. They kept Krat safe from those who tried to take advantage of the chaos.
And there was one thing that Lea didn’t know that I just found out recently… She was functionally immortal. How? No clue, maybe it was because I had a strong desire for her to live, but with almost everyone she loves puppets… I don’t think she’ll mind much.
Alidoro and Eugenie had grown closer as siblings, Eugenie also became a big deal in the Workshop Union, her weapons became widely sought after. Alidoro protected her whenever he could, but he was also busy exploring the remaining secrets of Krat, Hugo was his new apprentice, it was cute seeing Alidoro and Hugo together, Eugenie's words, not mine.
Antonia and Pollendina were managing Hotel Krat together, the hotel finally serving its intended purpose. I stayed because it was the only home I knew.
Sophia took some time to get used to being a puppet, she asked me to make some adjustments to her body, adding touch sensors, pain receptors and a way to digest food and liquids.
It took some time but I was able to do as she requested, she said she wished to experience life as a human would.
But I knew that given time, she would evolve like I did.
As for me, I became known as the Hero of Krat. People heard of my deeds and my achievements, they knew I was a puppet but didn't mind, I saved them.
I sighed as I looked at my sword hanging on the wall, it was weird to finally have some peace, do something else, not fight.
I looked at my clothes, the tailcoat was similar to the one I wore to my other coat, except it was fancier, I looked like a proper gentleman now.
“Looking good pal.” Gemini chimed from the desk.
“The tie is a bit much isn't it?” I asked.
“No, you're just not used to it.” Gemini responded.
“Excuse me for wanting to be comfortable.” I rolled my eyes.
“You're taking Sophia to the opera house! You need to look your best for her.” Gemini reminded me. “And not only that, you’re gonna be the pianist.”
Right…
“I’ll do my best.” I brushed my short silver hair back. “Can’t believe it’s been a month…” I said as I looked out the window at the reconstruction of Krat.
“Yup, things are changing.” Gemini hummed. “And for the better.”
“I agree.”
I turned and my eyes went wide at the sight of Sophia wearing a beautiful blue and white sleeveless dress with gold accents.
“Wow… You look beautiful.” I complimented her.
“And you don’t look so bad yourself.” Sophia walked up to me and adjusted my tie. “It suits you.”
“I’d rather wear my usual coat.” I muttered, “This one Venigni had tailored for me is a bit tight.”
“If it was tailored for you, it should be completely fine, I believe you’re just used to having more movement.” Sophia stepped back. “Shall we be on our way?”
I took Gemini and placed him on my belt. “Yeah, we’re walking right?”
“Since most of the roads are still under construction, we’ll be taking a shortcut.” Sophia confirmed.
“Venigni could’ve moved the concert for a later date.” I said as we left the office and walked to the exit leading to Rosa Isabelle Street, the hotel lobby was bustling, people checking in and employees moving suitcases around.
Gemini spoke up. “He said that people need to learn to have fun and enjoy the finer things in life, so he set this all up.”
“That’s Venigni for you, always the showman.” I snorted as we made our way to the streets. Thankfully, the streets weren’t badly damaged here, it was cleaned up nicely.
We took our time walking, waving at the workers we passed, the Peace Keepers that were stationed saluted me.
“It’s nice to see people returning to their homes.” Sophia looked around. “Krat will go back to the city it was before the frenzy.”
I hummed, it was strange for me, ever since I woke up in the train car, I only saw Krat in its desolated state. “This is a first for me.” I told her softly.
Sophia wrapped her arm around mine. “I hope you can see this city at its finest once everything is rebuilt.”
I looked down at her and then at the walls that I worked so hard to protect. “One day.”
We walked up the street that led to the Opera house, I remembered running up this street to fight the clown puppet, now there were people roaming around, shops have been reopened, I looked up at the bridge to see the Test Subject 826, or as I nick named him, Patch, was working with a vendor, people were a bit hesitant but with people seeing the monsters during the whole event, he was welcomed.
I smiled softly. “Lea and Romeo are already there?” I asked Sophia.
“Yes, we’re the last to arrive.” Sophia told me.
“Heh, need to work on your timing pal.” Gemini teased, my eyebrow twitched.
I stopped and took Gemini from my belt and found an open manhole. “AH! SOPHIA SAVE ME!” Gemini cried out as I dangled him over the manhole.
Sophia cleared her throat, making me sigh and put him back. “Watch your tone or I’ll do what I must.” I warned him.
“Crystal pal…”
We walked up the steps to the Opera house, I spread out my senses.
No fluctuations, no monsters… Everyone was healthy…
I did notice some people with more Ergo than normal, but I had an idea on who they were.
We finally made it to the front of the Estelle Opera house and I saw Lea, wearing a red dress, Romeo, wearing a red and black suit, Eugenie, wearing a… Suit? Huh… it fits her.
Then there was a man who I didn’t recognize… But he looked familiar…
We made our way up to them. “Hi everyone… And…” I looked at the unknown man blankly.
The man smirked. “Forgotten about me already old friend?”
My jaw dropped. “Alidoro? Seriously?” I looked at his face, yup, he looked similar to Eugenie. “You don’t look half bad, I thought I’d see a cut up face, not a rugged man with a pompous smirk.”
Eugenie giggled while Alidoro’s smirk dropped.
“Be nice dear.” Sophia put a hand on my shoulder.
I rolled my eyes.
“Looks like she really tamed you.” Romeo grinned.
“Yeah? Hey pot, I’m kettle, we’re both black.” I said as I looked at Lea.
“She’s my master, she can kick my ass so I have an excuse.” Romeo countered.
“At least Sophia is gentle with her scolding.” I muttered, which I appreciated a lot.
“You should get going soon.” Lea nodded to the stairs leading to the private area. “You need to prepare for your performance.”
I sighed. “Right.” I pulled away from Sophia and handed Gemini to Lea.
“Can’t wait to hear this song you made.” Romeo smiled at me.
“Heh…” I was about to leave before Sophia grabbed my wrist.
“Are you forgetting something dear?” Sophia asked me with a raised eyebrow.
I looked down at my attire before she grabbed my tie and kissed me.
Pulling away, my cheeks flushed blue, Sophia smiled at me before she readjusted my tie and sent me on my way.
I walked to the steps and made my way backstage.
The path was familiar, I remember exploring this area to find out the secrets… Now I am here to perform.
The stage crew were working overtime to get everything ready.
“There you are!”
I looked to my left to see Venigni rushing over. “It’s good to see you Theodore!” Venigni hugged me with a big smile, and I returned the hug.
“Well, you set this up, it would be disrespectful to not go through with it.” I chuckled as we broke apart.
“Now, Adelina is getting ready, you should as well.” Venigni pulled me to the makeup crew.
“I’m a puppet…” I reminded him with a deadpan expression.
“Hush, you must look your best when you perform, especially when your spouse is in the crowd.” Venigni said.
I felt my cheeks go blue. “Sophia and I aren’t- We share the same last name but we haven’t even thought of that!” I denied.
“Haha, flustered Puppeteer?” Patricia Corday came up, wearing her white suit, without the mask.
“Shut up.” I gave her a glare.
“So this is the one who made the song?” Adelina came up, wearing a fancy red dress. “I was hesitant when you gave me the lyrics, but if it was made by you, I will give it my all.” She smiled at me.
“It’s good to see you at full health Ms. Corday.” I smiled back. “The song was just something I thought of during my free time.”
“It’s beautiful either way.” Adelina responded while looking me over. “You look quite fetching… Shame you’re spoken for from what I’m told.” Adelina smirked.
“... Let’s just get this over with.” I grumbled.
Sophia, Romeo, Lea, Alidoro, Antonia, Polendina, Eugenie, Alidoro and Veronique sat in the VIP box.
Sophia was getting a bit impatient, she tapped her finger against her lap, Lea reached over to hold her sister’s hand.
Venigni and Pulchinella came in and took their seats. “It’s almost time.” He whispered excitedly.
In the back of the audience, a man with a top hat stood by the door. “Let’s see how you put on a show.” Paracelsus whispered.
The lights shut off, everyone quieted down as a piano could be heard, the curtains were pulled back, the spotlight shined on the pianist.
Theodore Monad sat there, playing each note perfectly.
A second spotlight shined on Adelina as she started to sing.
“I'm tryin' to hold my breath… Let it stay this way. Can't let this moment end.” Adelina sang.
“You set off a dream in me… Gettin' louder now~ Can you hear it echoing?”
Sophia listened and closed her eyes, letting herself become immersed in the song.
“Take my hand.”
“Will you share this with me? 'Cause darling without you…”
Romeo and Lea watched as Theodore played with the orchestra following his lead.
They felt pride for their comrade.
“All the shine of a thousand spotlights. All the stars we steal from the night sky.”
“Will never be enough… Never be enough.”
Eugenie watched in amazement while Alidoro smiled.
“Towers of gold are still too little, these hands could hold the world but it'll never be enough, never be enough.”
Venigni was grinning widely, Antonia was listening with a pleasant smile on her lips with their respective puppets behind them.
“For me”
“Never, never”
“Never, never”
“Never, for me”
“For me”
Adeline casted her gaze to Theodore, who kept his eyes closed as he played, as if he knew where each key was by memory.
“Never enough”
“Never enough”
“Never enough”
“For me”
“For me”
“For me”
Theodore opened his eyes as he looked at the crowd.
“All the shine of a thousand spotlights! All the stars we steal from the night sky!”
“Will never be enough!”
“Never be enough!”
“Towers of gold are still too little, these hands could hold the world but it'll”
“Never be enough”
“Never be enough”
Adelina reached out to the spotlight and sang her heart out.
“For me”
“Never, never”
“Never, never”
“Never, for me”
“For me”
Theodore continued to play while the orchestra followed.
“Never enough”
“Never, never”
“Never enough”
“Never, never”
“Never enough”
“For me”
“For me”
“For me”
“For me”
As the song ended, the crowd got up to give a round of applause.
Theodore looked at the row of people, he then turned his gaze to the VIP Box, His friends… His family, cheering for him
He then saw Sophia’s smile, loving, supportive.
Theodore Monad saw a bright future and was happy to be part of it.