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Chapter Text

The Puppet And The Snail

As a child, you had always taken comfort in reading and playing with friends. Of all of them, though, none was as immensely treasured as your aunt, Sophia Monad.

You would always talk and read together, and you were close to becoming more like sisters.

"Is this a book of fairy tales?" you asked curiously as you sat next to her outside.

"Yes, it is, (y/n)," she replied. "Which one do you want to read about?"

Pondering for a moment, you smiled as you told her, "I want to read 'The Frog Prince'."

Sophia returned your smile before opening the book and looking through the table of contents to find it. The story itself was about a princess who fell in love with a frog but would soon learn that he was a human prince cursed in the body of a frog.

Only a kiss could break it, and while the ending made you think of meeting a guy similar to the prince, it would foreshadow certain events in the future.

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Years later...

Then, one day, the puppets began to revolt. You and your parents were shopping for an upcoming birthday present for a friend when the Puppet Frenzy occurred.

"Mom? Dad? Where are you?" You cry out as you find yourself alone outside of a toy shop.

While you were walking aimlessly, still holding a doll in your hands, you were unaware of something—or someone—following you. Sooner or later, it would eventually descend on you, prompting you to turn your head and scream.

"(y/n)...it's only me, Sophia! We'll try and find somewhere safe together."

It was your aunt, gazing down at you with caution in her voice. Your lips trembled before you asked, "But what about Mom and Dad?"

"I don't know if they'll ever survive, but...we must go!"

You were about to raise your voice when the sound of a creak indicated a puppet was nearby. Almost quickly, Sophia picked you up, and you both traveled to where you would both find your refuge: the Hotel Krat.

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Years later, you continued to dwell within the hotel. However, you had begun to develop a different side that neither your aunt nor the other survivors were expecting.

During your growth as an adult, you spent your teenage years taking up fencing after discovering an old sword that once belonged to your father. He had been a very skilled fencer since he was a young man, and you brought it upon yourself to become strong-willed and more focused.

You had also grieved every year for your parents, as you believed them to be dead during the Puppet Frenzy. Despite this, you had sought comfort in being raised by Sophia and had begun to get to know most, if not all, of the other survivors (not just from the Frenzy but also from the Petrification Disease, too).

One day, you were on the rooftop of the hotel, already in the midst of working on your fencing skills. This caught the attention of a pair of humans, one sporting a fox mask and the other with a cat mask.

"Well, what do we have here?" the woman with the fox mask asked.

You quickly stop and detect the two of them watching you from the rooftop of another building. "Who're you?" you inquired.

"Oh, we were just noticing how surprisingly well you are with that sword," the man with the cat mask told you.

"You must be Stalkers... I've vaguely heard a bit about them. But now, here I am speaking to them in person." you said.

"Sounds like you might be interested in a proposition of ours, then," the woman said.

"Really? What's that?" you asked.

"What if we offered you to join as a new recruit? You might even get a fancy-schmancy mask along the way, like the two of us." the man replied.

You were reluctant at first, as you really didn't want your aunt or everyone else at Hotel Krat to know of this. However, you finally put on a brave face before replying, "I might take you up on that."

"Sounds all neat and dandy to us," the woman replied, smiling through her mask.

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A year later...

It wasn't easy being brought into the Stalkers, but at least you had been able to give it your all. Soon, you would eventually be recruited, just like those two had promised.

You were given a mask that resembled that of a snail's head, decorated with gray colors. "From this day forward, you will be known by the Stalkers as Gray Snail," you heard someone, presumably the leader, tell you.

"It's necessary for a Stalker to be some sort of hero to Krat, especially since it has been almost completely destroyed," they added.

As much as you were happy to know that you were fighting for a good cause, you were also worried. If you'd return to the hotel to relay the news, then this would actually stun nearly everyone.

Thus, you had taken it upon yourself to sporadically visit the hotel, mainly to catch up with your aunt Sophia, all the while keeping your double life as a Stalker secret to everyone else.

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Then, on a certain day, a puppet awoke. Sophia had already confided in him, encouraging him to find a man by the name of Geppetto so that he could save Krat.

You did not encounter him for the first time until after he had gone through various enemies, culminating in his defeating the Survivor. He was a fellow Stalker like you, though you never remembered interacting with him.

As the puppet arrived at a room with some sort of elevator shaft, he would soon meet a trio of Stalkers: Red Fox, Black Cat, and yourself, Gray Snail.

Chapter Text

You were in the middle of wiping blood off your saber with part of your cape when you were mentioned by Red Fox and Black Cat. While you continued working for the Stalkers, you had been fairly chummy with the two of them, hoping to refer to each other by their real names in private.

"See the girl with the snail mask? She works alongside us, too." Red Fox told the puppet, to which you noticed her voice and put your mask back on.

The puppet blinked in surprise as he began to recall walking past a figure in a gray mask. However, he chose not to talk to them, as he had been focused on his mission to find Geppetto.

Fortunately, he was able to find him after defeating Mad Donkey, who was also a Stalker. Speaking of Stalkers there was also the Survivor, whom the puppet had been able to eradicate.

"Huh..." you said, getting up and managing a chuckle through your headgear. "So you've been to Hotel Krat as much as I have?" You asked him.

He nodded before he replied, "Yes. By the way, my name's P. Just P."

"Oh, so you have a name, eh?" Black Cat asked.

P shook his head, even as he said, "Maybe."

He then turned to you and inquired, "You looked like you were visiting the hotel; is it true that you were the one that walked past me?"

Your eyes widened in faint surprise before replying, "Ah, yes, I have. I regularly visit there, just to check up on my aunt."

"You mean...Sophia?"

You were about to respond when Red Fox turned her head to face you. "Snail, we need to keep our true identities secret. We don't want anyone to know who we really are beneath these masks."

Her words prompted you to take notice of her before letting out a small sigh. You then brought your eyes back over to P before saying, "Maybe we can talk about this privately next time. Your opinion?"

The brown-haired puppet nodded before Red Fox told P, "Well, anyhow, best of luck!"

She went off with you, leaving Black Cat alone with P. He had brought up a certain landmark guide, which the puppet was able to obtain.

On the other hand, once you were far away from them, Red Fox briefly removed her mask. As you followed suit, she said, "As Stalkers, we are supposed to keep our real identities a secret from anyone we encounter."

"But Claudia, didn't you remember me telling you about my aunt Sophia and how she's at Hotel Krat?" you asked.

She raised an eyebrow before saying, "Ah, yes, we have." Her gaze then changed from neutral to stern as she added, "But whatever you do, don't get so chummy with him. Besides, Lucio and I heard a rumor that one of us was slain by what they assumed was a puppet."

"You mean...someone like P?"

Red Fox could only grimace before you both put your masks back on. And so, your first encounter with P came to an end.

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Though you continued working with the Stalkers, you still dropped by Hotel Krat. You had also delivered her letters, becoming some sort of post worker (as Krat was basically a husk of its former self).

And yet, you still had high hopes of revealing more of yourself, besides having a fancy mask and a not-so-fancy name. When he finished facing off against the Fallen Archbishop at St. Frangelico's chapel and then the Eldest of the Black Rabbit Brotherhood at Malum District, he would return to the hotel as always.

As you went inside in order to go up the rooftop and hone your sword-fighting skills, you knew that you were at peace. Even in such a horrible place as Krat, this was considered your private hideaway whenever you had free time on your hands.

It also helped that the rain had been letting up, which made things easier. At first, you were rather unaware of a young man arriving at the rooftop, but you would instantly recognize him.

"P..." you said, lowering your saber.

"You must be acquainted with Red Fox and Black Cat, I believe?" he asked.

"That is very much true; they even told me how they were able to help you with your troubles at Malum. I may not have been there, but I was glad to know they would prove to be pretty good allies for you," you replied.

P nodded before he asked, "About Sophia, do you know her?"

Your eyebrows furrowed, even as you told him, "Red Fox told me not to delve further into my private life when I'm around non-Stalkers. But, in your case, I'll make an exception."

It didn't take long for you to raise your saber before adding, "If you can beat me."

This allowed him to blink in confusion, but he had no other choice but to relent. "If that's what you want, then... so be it," he said.

When P brought out his weapon of choice, you were surprised that the sword he was wielding was much heavier than your prized sword. Regardless, he charged over to you.

He was able to make the first strike with a slash or two. Just as he was about to strike a third time, you were able to block it before proceeding to attack him with your saber.

After taking several hits, P began to realize that you were not to be messed around with, especially in combat. As much as he wanted his left arm to use a special attack, he wanted to make this sparring match a fair one.

You continued your flurry of strikes with your saber, only for him to counter by giving you a few more strikes. This made you stagger, prompting you to grind your teeth.

Once you were able to regain your footing, you charged at him with a series of lightning-fast hits. It was an indication that admitting your ties to Sophia was out the window.

But to your surprise, P figuratively cut through you. His sword was briefly powered up to deliver a combo of slashes, which would effectively knock you down.

You hit the ground, raising your head to face him. However, your eyes weren't full of anger, but rather an unusual kindness.

"I guess... I guess you win. I might as well spill the beans," you managed to say between breaths.

The puppet nodded before offering his right hand to you after putting his sword away. You blinked in surprise but took it as he helped you up.

After you did the same with your saber, you sat on the edge of the roof together. "My real name's (y/n) Monad. You see, I usually visit Hotel Krat to see my aunt Sophia. Long story short, I'm her niece." You began to speak.

"You do know her, after all."

You nodded before adding, "We both traveled here so as to survive the Frenzy and try to fend for ourselves with other survivors. She always took good care of me, almost like a mother to her children. A sister to her siblings, even. Even though she is my aunt,"

P couldn't help but smile at your words, especially when he replied, "It's good that you're safe here. But... I've been to different places, and trust me, there's nothing but chaos there. What with puppets and carcasses floating about. At least I'm safe here, too."

Smiling back, you could only tell him with eyes full of inquisitiveness, "Then tell me more about your adventures; even better, I want to know more about what other enemies you took out."

His smile was still present, even as he nodded. As he began to tell his story, starting from awakening at the Central Station to fighting alongside Red Fox and Black Cat at Malum District, your friendship with him began to strengthen.

You were also more than happy to bring him to Sophia, and while you had enjoyed speaking to both of them, you knew your time at the hotel was coming to an end (especially since there were other people that were close to recognizing you). Once you left the area, you realized that, as a Stalker, you still had work to do.

Chapter Text

The next day, you chose to take a break from your schedule. As much as you were interested in visiting P (he was actually in the midst of traveling to the opera house to confront the King of Puppets), you were focused on Sophia instead.

As you went inside, you looked around the hotel to make sure there wasn't anyone else besides her. When you knew that she was alone, you smiled before removing your mask as you approached her.

"Aunt Sophia," you say to her.

This caused the blue-haired woman to instantly recognize you and smile before pulling you in for a hug. "Ah, you've come back today as usual. Did you want to speak to me about anything?" she asked.

"Yes," you replied. "I know this place has been very familiar to me since I've joined the Stalkers."

Sophia blinked worriedly as she asked, "The Stalkers? They're not evil...are they, (y/n)?"

"Of course they aren't. But they seem to not take too kindly towards puppets, like P, for instance. Even though I honestly don't think he is," was your response.

You then added, "Speaking of which, he brought up the Black Rabbit Brotherhood. They're Stalkers like myself, Red Fox, and Black Cat, but this particular group, from what I've heard, isn't so virtuous."

Her mouth gaped in surprise before she asked, "Do you think they might know of Hotel Krat?"

Remembering how he told you about killing the Eldest you rub the back of your neck before replying, "I'm not sure. But one thing's for certain: at least they're not coming after us."

This made Sophia smile in relief, then she proceeded to ask, "Now about Red Fox and Black Cat, who are they, I may ask?"

Remembering how you'd not give away their real names to non-Stalkers you replied, "They're siblings, but not only that, they were also the ones to recruit me a year ago. After all, I've been using my expertise at swordfighting to impress them and the others."

She cupped her chin with a look of wonder in her eyes as she was clearly impressed by your story, then asked, "Speaking of combat, that saber you found in the hotel is your father's weapon of choice; you still fight with it, I believe?"

You nodded as you said, "I still am. And if it's possible, I might reunite with P soon. Maybe team up with him to fight more enemies." Before long, you added, "But whatever you do, don't tell anyone else in this hotel that I'm a Stalker. I know I have good intentions as one, but I'm certainly not sure if they feel the same way; but at least you and P are the only ones that know about it."

She squeezed one of your hands as she took in your words before saying, "Thank you. And please, (y/n)...please be careful."

You responded with a silent nod before leaving the hotel.

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What you didn't know was that after that grueling battle at the opera house, the puppets had suddenly changed. Simply put, they didn't know what to do.

Even as you ventured to what used to be Lorenzini Arcade, you were certain that Krat could be safer. Yet, it was apparent that there were more carcasses than puppets to try and clean out.

As you were close to reaching the place, one such puppet was lurching forward. You blink in surprise before attempting to approach it, but it wasn't long before it managed to mutter a few words.

"He's dead..."

You could tell it was rather upset before you took a deep breath. "What happened?"

It shook its head, then replied, "Something terrible must have caused Romeo to perish, but truly, he was a noble puppet. After all, he wanted puppets and humans to coexist peacefully again."

You were stunned, unable to figure out what to say. "But please, let me die," it finally added.

Its request prompted you to stand in bewilderment, unsure of what to do next. Reluctantly, you pull out your saber and sink it into its chest.

"Ah, so peaceful..."

As it said those words, it let out a brief smile. Soon, it lay before you, already dead.

You grimace through your mask as you slowly back away from it, finding a carriage to take shelter from the incoming rain. While you contemplated whether killing the puppet was the right thing to do or not, you heard the sounds of footsteps.

Soon, someone else emerged before your eyes. You were able to pull off your mask briefly to take notice, and to your surprise, it was P.

His hair was slightly longer, to which your face briefly flushed as to how handsome he was. However, you put your mask back on so that you could stay professional—or would you?

"Gray Snail," he managed to say. "It's you again. But what brought you here?"

"Fancy seeing you again, P. I didn't expect you to look so different, but... as you may know, I was just about to investigate this abandoned building over there," you replied before pointing over to Lorenzini Arcade.

"By the way," you added, "I came across a puppet who really didn't want to attack me and insisted that I should kill it. Though it did tell me that their leader died trying to fight for a good cause of sorts."

The moment you spoke those words, this prompted P to flash back to his battle with the King of Puppets, as well as encountering a group of puppets on stage, two of whom closely resembled him and Geppetto. As his eyes looked down to the ground, he heard you inquire, "Is there something wrong?"

He then flashed his eyes back up at you before he let out a troubled sigh. "Up on that stage, I saw what looked to be puppet versions of myself and Geppetto. Then I found myself facing...someone awfully familiar," he replied.

"Wait, you know him?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I believe so. I think... his name was Romeo." He grew even more perplexed as he added, "He even said the name 'Carlo'. Was... was that my real name?

Not to mention I encountered Geppetto, who was clearly bringing up how I was his son, and I was left befuddled by his words."

P then asked, "Do you think my name should stay as 'P'? Or should I start using 'Carlo' instead?"

You pondered for a moment before you responded, "Well, what do you say we get in the arcade and fight some bad guys inside? Chances are, there might not be puppets but rather carcasses. Then I might consider referring to you as 'Carlo' from this point on."

That prompted the puppet to briefly take your request into consideration, eventually reaching a decision. "Sure. But only on one condition: if we are ever alone, or if I am lucky to see you and Sophia at the hotel, I'd refer to you by your real name," he finally said.

A smile crept on your features, and you replied, "I like your spirit. Let's go!"

Both of you then looked towards Lorenzini Arcade, ready to get in and fight together.

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After making your way in, you were both greeted by a few carcasses. Though they grunted as they charged for you, you had chosen to deal with one, whereas P took care of the other.

You performed a series of quick strikes and thrusts with your saber, and while it attacked you at first, you fought back by parrying it. Slicing through it, you effectively put it down, all the while the brown-haired puppet did the same with his opponent.

Another instance had both of you confronting a fairly large carcass. He heard you say, "You take the back; I'll try and deal with it from the front!"

He nodded before he went from behind and struck it. You, on the other hand, had done your best to try to evade its attacks.

When the timing was right, you had begun your counterattack. As your saber and P's sword pulverized it together, you were pleasantly surprised to learn that he left behind a key to the first floor.

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Continuing on, you would reach the balcony, briefly noticing what appeared to be sacs hanging from the ceiling. "Damn, I think this is where those carcasses come from," you tell P.

"I guess..." he replied.

It didn't take long for one to emerge from it, prompting you to have a go with it. Of course, you were somewhat aware that it could possibly explode and do a lot of harm.

Just as it was close to doing so to you, you sidestepped and defended yourself from the incoming explosion. Suffice to say, P had also noticed your strategy, and he was more than happy to take it up.

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You kept going through the area together, and you would soon find yourselves with a couple of puppets. There was also a golden butterfly, resting peacefully.

By choosing to get rid of the puppets without awakening them, you had taken care of one, while P had dealt with the other two. Once the coast was clear, you would step in, and the butterfly would come out of its slumber.

Just as you were about to ask if it was friendly or not, he went for the kill. Even as it was trying to find a way to escape, it ended up being taken out.

"Are those butterflies? I thought they'd do no harm," you asked.

"Yes, but since they're all colored differently, I can clearly tell that only the blue one was friendly," he responded.

"Aunt Sophia, I believe?"

P nodded in agreement, "I believe so."

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After narrowly taking out an even bigger carcass (which dropped a frame along the way), you would traverse to a room where a flyer lay on the ground. You were the one to kneel down and pick it up, looking at it with curious eyes.

"Hey, Carlo," you ask as you remove your mask. "You want to know something about my grandparents?"

P noticed you before replying with, "Sure."

It was there that you told him about your childhood, blissfully unaware that your grandfather was head of the Alchemists. You also told him that your grandmother had run a boarding school, known as the Monad Charity House. You had also brought up how Sophia had the ability to communicate with other puppets; in other words, a 'Listener'.

You had also told him that your aunt was secretly sought after by a man named Simon Manus, looking to exploit her abilities. Since she told you to keep a secret between aunt and niece, you had vowed to do so.

But since your path was beginning to intertwine with P's, you had to confess to him.

"Simon Manus?" he asked.

"Yes," you told him. "He was a good friend of her father's, and when he passed on, Manus took it upon himself to use Sophia for his own nefarious purposes. And now... she's suffering inside because of what he did to her."

You bend your head down, a shaky sigh erupting from your body. P, having been increasing his humanity since being brought to Hotel Krat, gently tucked a piece of your (h/c) locks from your face as you raised your head to face him.

"Because of her, I know I'm not alone. Even with unexpected friends like Claudia and Lucio, and perhaps even you." you added.

The puppet ended up smiling before he said, "I'm glad to know that you're okay. Even when you told me about related things like the Puppet Frenzy, you must be really brave to power through all of this."

You could only smile back, saying to him, "Thanks."

"Well, we should get out of here. And who knows? There might be more carcasses and puppets to come by," you suggested as you put your mask back on, to which P nodded again.

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True to your word, both you and P tore through the arcade, eventually coming face-to-face with a jester-like creature. You made the first move by striking it, but after a series of hits, it retaliated.

You would be given a hit or two, nearly prompting you to stagger. Fortunately, the puppet was able to make the save.

Through your mask, your eyes were in wonder as he was able to deal with the hulking puppet. Of course, it wasn't easy for him, as he had to parry several times, but for you, it was easy to attack the other puppets who were simply walking towards you.

Your slashes cut through them like butter, and once they were taken out in a couple of minutes, you turned to see P. You went to him, offering to team up with him in order to put the jester puppet away.

Thanks to your strategizing together, you would eventually defeat the enemy puppet. It was a rather tough fight, but you were able to power through it.

Once it was said and done, you left the arcade.

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Approaching what was once the Grand Exhibition, P heard you say, "Damn rain won't slow itself down, right, Carlo?"

Turning to face you, he nodded. Just as he was about to speak, a voice asked, "It looks like you're getting to enjoy her company. Also, wasn't your name supposed to be P?"

P blinked as he recognized his lantern before he told the voice, "Hush, Gemini. You're making things awkward."

"Whoops, sorry."

You then added, "As much as I would like to assist you here, I'm afraid I can't. Besides, I've already had a hell of a trip down that deserted arcade."

"It's okay. I think I can do this on my own, but thank you for the help." He replied with a small smile.

"You're quite welcome. Goodbye for now!"

You returned it with a smile of your own through your snail mask before you took off after your gesture of honor. Because of this, your friendship has continued to strengthen.

But it seemed that both of you had been able to develop some sort of interest in each other, yet were unwilling to admit it. Not just yet.

Chapter Text

A day passed, and you could clearly tell that it might be eventful. During P's trip to the swamp, you encountered Red Fox and Black Cat outside the Grand Exhibition.

While the former had her mask off, the latter had half of his off, revealing the lower parts of his face, namely his mouth. You also noticed something golden in his hand, causing you to break the ice.

"Excuse me, but what is that, Lucio?" you asked.

Black Cat, having heard your voice, glanced at you. "Ciao, (y/n). I see that you're looking over at this fruit I've gotten from P," he said.

"Ah, yes, that is very much true. But tell me, Lucio, what made you long for obtaining something this rare?" was your inquiry.

Your question prompted him to fully remove his mask, revealing to you that his eyes were empty and devoid of color. "My sister Claudia told P about my blindness and that this was the one thing that could help me try and regain what little sight I have left."

He smiled, causing you to nod in approval as you heard Red Fox add with a smile of her own, "It was quite generous of him to hand it over to him; quite the gentleman, I'll admit."

"You mean Carlo?" you asked.

Almost instantly, the woman blinked in surprise. "May I ask, (y/n), why are you referring to him by a different name?"

You replied, "Well, it was a long story. I had encountered him outside of the Lorenzini Arcade, and I was more than happy to ask if I could tag along with him. And while we were hunting down carcasses and perhaps puppets left and right, I even told him of my family tree, even Aunt Sophia.

Not to mention her hidden anguish, which was something I couldn't bear to witness. But I had always stayed strong, and as a Stalker, I am confident that I could do some good in Krat for a change."

Red Fox crossed her arms, giving you a faint smile. "I see. That's good to know, (y/n). Though I am rather puzzled about your choice of formality towards him," she told you.

Her smile then turned into a frown as she heard you ask, "Have you heard from Patricia?"

"Hmmm..."

Closing her eyes, she began to remember trying to ask the leader about the whereabouts of White Lady. They had no answer, though they were very unaware that P had slain her.

"From the looks of things, not really. But I can tell you this: the Owl Doctor—troubled man that he is—had said that he would head to the swamp to find more humans to tend to as always," she finally said.

"But he admitted once that he believed all puppets were dead inside. Do you think that's true?" You asked her.

Red Fox took a moment to think of a response before she replied, "I am not sure. But he was able to open up a bit about his past as a test subject."

"I see... well, I do hope we meet again sometime!"

Just as you were ready to leave, you heard what appeared to be the earth rumbling. Believing it to be an earthquake, you told the siblings to find a place to take refuge in so that neither of you could get caught up.

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Once it was said and done, you took a peek outside, and your mouth gaped in shock. Krat had indeed suffered an earthquake, but it seemed the hotel was still in good shape.

"Claudia! Lucio! You've got to see this!" You exclaimed before the siblings went over to you.

They too were just as alarmed as you were before Red Fox said, "What in the name of all things holy did something like this happen?"

"I don't know..." Black Cat replied, shaking his head.

"Me neither, but... maybe we should go and investigate," you suggested.

"Well, (y/n), it may sound dangerous, but since you are quite braver than I thought, let us go." the older sibling told you.

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True to your word, the three of you would make it to the entrance leading to Krat. Removing your masks, your eyes soon widened as to how completely different it looked.

"I don't believe it," Red Fox muttered.

"You're telling me; guess Gray Snail here was right all along!" Black Cat added.

You nodded at your words before beginning to explore the area. But while you were investigating, three carcasses had already noticed the three of you.

After a minute or two, just as you were about to reach the central station, you were greeted by the grunting noises that they made. You were the first to turn around, as did Red Fox, followed by Black Cat.

"It looks like we have company," you heard the younger sibling speak.

Before long, the carcasses began to approach you. It didn't take long for you to take out your weapons, ready to fight the monsters.

The first was Black Cat, whose weapon closely resembled a poleaxe. He was about to strike his opponent on the left first, but it slashed at him. Fortunately, he had been able to fight back.

"Here goes!"

His blade was quick enough to parry its next attack, taking it by surprise. Then he hit it several times, hopefully looking to dodge its hits this time around.

Red Fox, having wielded a sword of her own, was quick to charge at her enemy. She was able to successfully attack him with her weapon, which was lighter in contrast to her brother's fairly heavy blade.

Suddenly, its armless body bashed at her. Close to staggering, she managed to pull herself together and pierce through it in an almost quick combo.

Finally, there was you, up against the carcass in the middle. It was about to attack you when you parried, until you began a flurry of slashes from your saber.

However, it would stop your combo by using its arms to slash at you. You stagger a bit, and just when it was close to putting you away, you were able to get up and pull off a successful counterattack.

Soon, you would all eventually put down the carcasses. Once it was said and done, you wiped some blood off your saber with your cape, even offering to do the same with Red Fox and Black Cat's weapons.

"This has become a madhouse thanks to those damn carcasses," you heard the older sibling say.

Nodding in approval, you asked her, "So who caused this? And why?"

"I don't think any of us know who did it; it might be the Brotherhood, but that's a big 'if'." she replied.

Unbeknownst to the three of you, P had also been present in another part of Krat, taking down carcasses left and right before confronting the Robber Weasel.

You think to yourself, I hope Carlo is safe like us.

Chapter Text

Continuing through Krat, it took some time for you to eventually find Hotel Krat. However, things were clearly amiss, and you turned to Red Fox and Black Cat.

"We need to get in there and find out what's going on," you told them.

"I'm afraid not, since neither Lucio nor myself have ever met your aunt before," the older sibling replied.

"No offense, (y/n), but maybe you can try and find an entry and see for yourself," the younger one added.

You grimaced at first, but managed to let out a hopeful smile. "Okay. I'll do my best," you tell them before you go off to find the entry to the hotel.

As you went inside, though, both Red Fox and Black Cat were unaware that a trio of renegade Stalkers—the Black Rabbit Brotherhood—were ready to attack them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Once inside, your mouth gaped in shock. Everything was in shambles, and the only people present were Sophia and P, who were both finishing up their conversation.

To your surprise, the blue-haired woman recognized you, and you ran to her, giving each other a hug. "Oh, Aunt Sophia..." you managed to say almost breathlessly. "You're safe!"

"(y/n)..." she replied, a lone tear trickling from her face.

You also shed a single tear as you felt so happy to see that she was all right, before removing your mask and wiping your eyes. You then look over at P and exclaim, "You're here, too, Carlo!"

He smiled before replying, "Thank everything holy that you're safe along with Red Fox and Black Cat."

You nodded, then looked over at Sophia. "Did you bring up who ransacked the hotel to him?"

"Yes; I believe it was the Brotherhood, Red Fox, Black Cat, and Gray Snail that banded together to invade this place," she replied with a frown.

"Wait...about the three of us: Claudia, Lucio, and myself. We weren't involved; we were just returning to Krat to discover it was overrun by monsters," you say to her.

"So... that means the Brotherhood did this on their own?" Sophia asked, covering her mouth as she gasped.

"Yes, that is very much true. It was their way of taking revenge after I killed the Eldest." P told her. "If I can, I'll track them down and make them pay for what they did."

The older woman nodded before bringing her eyes back to you. "(y/n)...before you leave, I must reveal to you...that the real me had been captured by Manus.

I had been held up in a private room within an abbey, and using my abilities, I was able to call for P's help, bring him to the hotel, and from there, he was assigned to rescue Geppetto. Not only did he do so, but he also brought in more survivors."

Your face paled at her words, gripping her hands almost tightly. "Oh, Sophia, you've always said we never liked seeing each other suffer. So," you then added with an almost tearful gaze. "I'm going there, hoping to see you one last time."

"(y/n), you don't understand, there's monsters that are guarding the place!" Sophia spoke almost sternly.

"But I'm still going to do it, and I think I might get some backup to help me along," you added.

Just as you were about to leave, you noticed P as you asked him, "Carlo, will you accompany me in retrieving them?"

The moment she heard you say that name, the blue-haired woman's eyes widened in bewilderment. Even as she looked at him with that surprised gaze, the puppet shook his head.

"I prefer you'd do it on your own, but you need to make this quick," he replied. "I need to hurry to hunt down the Brotherhood!"

And with that, he took off, leaving you to take care of things on your own. You looked at Sophia for seemingly the final time before hugging each other.

"Goodbye, (y/n)..."

"Aunt Sophia, I know I'll find you at that abbey. Trust me."

Separating, you left the hotel once and for all. As she saw you off, the blue-haired woman shed another tear.

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As you headed outside to find Red Fox and Black Cat, you were hopeful that they would be okay. Of course, you gasped a bit as you saw that both were injured but still alive.

"What happened?" you asked them as you rushed over to them.

"Damn rabbits; we thought we were going to give them a taste of their own medicine." Black Cat managed to say.

"I guess it wasn't wise of us to stay behind and wait for you to return." Red Fox added.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Claudia..."

After saying those words, you added, "I'm going to try and find this abbey that my aunt brought up to me. If you are willing to come along with me, everything will be neat and dandy. Besides, I just want to pay her one last visit."

The older sibling raised an eyebrow as she asked, "Are you sure? I suggest we wait until we're healed up."

Your eyebrows furrowed, but you eventually responded, "I guess that sounds reasonable. Besides, I shouldn't go it alone."

Both Red Fox and Black Cat nodded before you bid them your temporary goodbyes.

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You returned to P, who was patient in waiting for you. "Ah, you've come back, (y/n). Did you find them?" he inquired.

"Yes, but they were a bit banged up from fighting the Brotherhood," you replied. "But once they've recuperated, we'll get the chance to go to the abbey. That's where my aunt truly is."

P nodded before he said, "I might meet you there, but like I said, I have work to do. Not to mention, I need to rescue Geppetto again. Also,"

He then moved his face closer to you, his organic hand taking hold of yours. "I have something to tell you in private," he finally added with a soft smile.

Staring into his eyes, you smiled back. "So do I. Even with those few moments we spent together," you told him. "Just be careful, Carlo. That's what my aunt will always tell me."

And with that, you gave each other your farewells, hoping to catch up with one another again. Though it was obvious that you were fearing the possibility of being truly alone if something tragic happens to your aunt...

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When you came back to Red Fox and Black Cat, you had agreed to heal up together. During this time, you had been contemplating your travels to the abbey.

"(y/n), I highly think it's too dangerous to get to Arche. Not to mention, it's quite far from where we currently are somehow." The woman with the fox mask said.

"I know...but I'm certain we'll get there," you reassured her, all while faintly smiling.

"You know, my sister and I always knew you were a risk-taker, so..." the man with the cat mask replied, before he smiled too. "I guess we can do this. Besides, even if we Stalkers are perceived as evil, we'll always prove the doubters wrong."

Red Fox was surprised by Black Cat's words but took a deep breath as she quietly relented. "I do agree on (y/n) being a risk-taker; honestly, I don't think it's a bad idea in any way," she said.

"So that settles it. Once everyone is rested up, we're heading out," you told them.

Performing your gestures of honor almost simultaneously, you continued to rest up, waiting for the right time to set out for the Arche abbey.

Chapter Text

The journey to Arche Abbey was a fairly long and difficult one, but at least you've made it. From there, Red Fox suggested that you, her, and Black Cat sneak into the building without being detected.

"Claudia, are you sure about that?" You asked while raising an eyebrow.

"I am sure, (y/n). But trust me, it might not be easy." She replied with a confident smile.

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After it all went almost without a hitch, you've made it in. However, you still had Sophia on your mind.

You turned to Red Fox and Black Cat and said, "Claudia, Lucio... I must go off on my own to look for my aunt. In other words, the real Sophia."

"Is that so?" the man with the cat mask asked. "We once brought up how dangerous it was to fight solo, but if you're so inclined to search for her, you do you."

"But just remember to keep in touch, understood?" the woman with the fox mask added.

You nodded before you took off.

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After going through room after excruciating room, you finally reached a door. Taking a deep breath, you slowly open it and discover an unexpected sight.

Before you, there was P, standing before a throne that was once occupied by the genuine Sophia. You were left speechless for a moment before he turned to see you.

In all fairness, you had noticed him fighting several monsters, waiting to follow him (at the same time, you were watchful of getting rid of enemies he didn't bother taking out). It was very obvious that you weren't the only one looking for her.

On an unrelated note, his hair was still long, but it was now gray. Regardless of his new appearance, he was quite the looker.

"Carlo, I made it too late," you managed to mutter as you pulled off your snail mask.

"No, you didn't," he replied.

You bring your eyes to the throne where Sophia used to be before P gave her peace, and you grit your teeth as you do your best not to cry.

"Then...then that means I'm alone."

While fleeing to another room, you were unaware that he was following you. When he did find you, you were reading a document on a desk (which happened to be Manus's journal).

"Without my aunt to watch over me, I'm..." you said, a single tear rolling down your face. It didn't take long for you to add, "Carlo, tell me, am I really alone?"

Your question had led him to either tell the truth by admitting so or by lying and saying something different. He let out a drawn-out sigh before he finally decided to lie.

"You're not alone, (y/n)."

When he said those words, you turned to see him, as your (e/c) eyes now widened in surprise.

"I'm not alone?" you ask before you feel him wipe at your eyes with gentle hands.

You take a deep breath, and a smile begins to form on your features. "Carlo... You're right. Even if I'm on my own after her death, I will never be alone. Thank you."

Once you spoke those words, you saw that P smiled back. But his smile soon turned into a look of worry as he simply said, "(y/n)..."

"Yes?" you ask.

The gray-haired man closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. This time, he was very pensive but also nervous at the same time.

"There's..." he let out a small shudder before he continued, "There's something I need to get off my chest."

You nodded in agreement, "Me too." Clearly, your heart was pounding like a drum, as was P's.

You then added, "I could never stop thinking about you after we sparred together."

"So have I. I can still fondly remember us fighting against those carcasses at Lorenzini Arcade."

As he spoke, you were both staring at each other in the eye, as longing had begun to overcome the two of you. As a lump formed in his throat, he then followed it up with, "That means—we're falling in love?"

And then came a confession.

"Y-Yes. Yes, we are, Carlo," you finally said.

His hands clenching into fists, P's flush continued to grow as you attempted to speak.

"I..."

Then, his fists loosened before he said almost shakily, "I love you."

You were bewildered by his words, but you wound up sporting the same flush as him. "Wait, you said it before I did," you told him.

Shaking his head, he responded with, "No, we said it together."

You ended up smiling even broader than before, and P was happy to smile back. Already taking in the happiness that engulfed you, you said, "Then I'm glad. I'm glad we did."

"Oh, (y/n)..." P ran a broad hand down your face, his face growing dangerously closer to you than ever. "With all these emotions running through us, I just want to..."

"Consummate?" you asked.

He blinks at first but shook his head in agreement. "Yeah, I think that's the word I was looking for."

You nodded as well, "And so have I, Carlo."

"(y/n)..."

Soon, your hands will attempt to interconnect. However, it was very awkward for you since both your hands were holding his for the first time (the only time he held one of your hands was back at Hotel Krat).

Eyes staring deeply into each other's, your hands would eventually take hold. After everything you've both been through, it was all leading up to this.

You leaned in close, your lips finally coming into contact. It was there that you would have your first kiss together, which would lead to you wrapping your arms around P.

He brought you to the floor, removing your cape, your footwear, and then your upper clothes. He took his time, not wanting to speed things up for both of you.

While P's lips continued to claim yours in more soft kisses, his hands stroked your back. Almost clumsily, he snapped off your bustier, leaving you topless.

You end up bringing your tongue into the mix, which was enough to surprise him. He broke away, blinking in confusion.

Fortunately, he smiled, an indication that he accepted your tongue. You kissed him again, letting your tongues dance very slowly.

You began to remove every inch of your clothing, as did P. Once you were both completely naked, your eyes widened as he kneeled before you with a serious look on his face.

Also kneeling with him, your eyes began to examine every inch of his frame. He was no longer slender, as his build was now lean and sculpted (not like those burly strongmen, of course), aside from his hair changing in length.

One of your hands reached for his slightly freckled yet broad shoulders, and you shuddered softly at how the muscles felt under your hand. You were reminded of how you would see male statues as a child and how they were truly striking.

From the looks of things, it was obvious that you felt like you were seeing a statue come to life. P, on the other hand, was just as awestruck as you were as he saw a woman's nakedness for the first time.

You were slender yet a bit toned, and your breasts and buttocks were of small size as well. Thus, he had also begun to do the same ministrations as you, his fingers running across your skin.

"I've never seen anything like this."

The moment you said it almost simultaneously, your eyes nearly widened. Thankfully, you wound up smiling, as you told him, "What are you waiting for? Kiss, touch, taste, just do whatever you want."

Silently nodding at your request, he would bring a hand to one of your breasts. You gasped softly as P used his mechanical arm to fondle it.

He noticed how you were genuinely enjoying it, and he had chosen to take it upon himself not to ruin this special moment. P started to tease a rosy nipple, hoping that he would get it hard.

His thumb began to roll it around, causing you to gasp as it began to perk up. Lowering down, his lips closed around it as he began to suck gently.

You cry out as he starts to stimulate your breast, your hands reaching for his long hair. Gently, his teeth bit at your nub, prompting you to let out a squeak.

"C-Carlo..." you muttered.

He craned his head upward so that he would ask, "Did I hurt you?"

You shake your head 'no', before replying with, "Your hair... it looks different in color. What happened?"

This startled P, but his expression changed to a much more pleasant one. "Well, let's just say that I've become more human as time goes by," he said.

"I see, but I still think you're handsome."

With a smile, he told you, "Thank you, (y/n). You really are so beautiful, too."

"Carlo..." you managed to say as you smiled back.

It didn't take long for him to return to your nipple, sucking it a bit harder. However, he had gone to your other breast, giving it the same gentle care.

P's other hand had begun to sink into your folds, causing your moans to become more breathier. You bucked your hips as he began to finger and suckle you, taking in how tight you obviously were.

Then he broke away from your breasts, looking up at you again with an earnest gaze. "(y/n)...lie down." he said.

You wordlessly nod before lying back on the floor, looking up at him with a similar desire in your eyes. He took hold of your legs, spreading them gently, before he gasped softly.

Thanks to him, your womanhood was soft, pink, and glistening wet. P would quickly lower down to sink his tongue into you, allowing a moan to escape you.

You dug your fingers into his gray hair as he began to taste you for the first time. Truly, this was something that both of you had never experienced before.

He continued to savor you, his eyes looking up at you with a gaze that was full of love and lust. As P's tongue continued to make its way into you, your moans continued to intensify.

"Ah!"

Soon, you buck your hips as you finally reach your crescendo. This prompted him to drink your sweetness before he raised his head up, licking his lips.

"Honestly, I never tasted anything like this before," P said.

You nodded before you sat up and took notice of his manhood. He was growing in size thanks to the arousal between him and you, and you couldn't help but take it in both hands.

"(y-y/n)...what are you doing?" He inquired, his eyes widening in surprise.

You looked up at him and smiled before you responded, "I just wanted to return the favor, Carlo."

P slowly nodded before he kept his eyes down on you. He grunted as you started stroking him off, his organic hand reaching for your cheek as he stared into your (e/c) irises.

Continuing your ministrations, you were pleasantly surprised as to how he was fairly large (somewhere in between seven and eight inches) when erect. He groaned softly as he began to immerse himself in the same pleasurable sensations, much like when he used his fingers and tongue to send you over the edge.

As the noises he made began to grow, you began to run your tongue across him. He sunk his fingers into your (h/c) hair, silently encouraging you to keep going.

And then something happened. An unknown white liquid began to pour out of him, but he didn't reach his climax yet.

You were instantly curious as to what it was, so you asked, "Did you... let go?"

With a shake of his head indicating 'no', P told you, "But I can't wait any longer. I want to make love to you, here and now."

"Me too."

You nodded in agreement after replying back before laying back before him. The gray-haired man carefully mounted you, taking hold of his manhood and pressing it at your entrance.

Slowly, he began to enter you. Just as he was halfway, however, he saw that you were writhing in pain, your eyes shutting and then clenching almost tightly.

"(y-y/n)...!" P simply muttered, looking rather aghast.

You were this close to shedding a tear of pain or two, but you had to keep it together. Looking up at him with misty eyes, you tell him, "It's okay, Carlo."

"It... is?" he asked, his eyes widening in bewilderment.

"But I just want you to be slow and gentle," you reassured him.

P wound up smiling at your words, his mechanical arm caressing the side of your face. "(y/n)...my heart's beating so fast," he said, overwhelmed by all the joy within the two of you.

"Carlo, mine too," you replied, one of your hands taking hold of it as you smiled back.

And with that, he began to move inside. He grunted while his eyes maintained their gaze upon you, his organic hand placed firmly on your lower back.

You pull P in for another kiss, making sure to deepen it as soon as possible. He wound up melting into it, and your emotions began to overcome you together.

"Oh, (y/n)..."

"C-Carlo..."

It was him that took charge this time, his tongue slowly mating with yours. His strong arms would also wrap themselves around you, lips still colliding together over and over again.

P would then lower his lips to your neck, giving it several more kisses before his teeth gently nibbled on your collarbone. You gasped as you held him close, your moans in sync with his grunts.

To both of you, time stood still as you both reveled in your first sexual experience. His slow thrusts, the soft sounds of your bodies coming together, as well as the endless words of love you bestowed each other with, were proof that you had become one.

"My God, I don't want this to end!" He whispered in your ear as his movements went faster.

"Me neither, Carlo..." you replied between labored breaths, all the while you stared into each other's eyes.

Before long, you end up wrapping your legs around his waist. You still didn't want to let go of each other, but alas, all good things had to come to an end.

"(y/n)...my love!"

P shut his eyes, his lower lip trembling as he knew he would be the first to let loose. He shuddered your name while pouring himself into you after several more movements of his hips, whereas you nearly dug your nails into his back.

"Carlo...my everything!"

As you finally sought your release, your eyes widened. Your muscles convulsed before you let out a sweet cry of bliss as it rang throughout the room.

All the love and tenderness that you shared was enough for a few tears to escape your eyes together. Once it was said and done, P collapsed onto you, though he was able to pull out.

His body was still on top of yours, and you were both panting like mad as his right hand took hold of your left hand. He smiled as his tired but happy eyes gazed over at you, to which you smiled back.

"(y/n)...I meant it when I said I loved you," he managed to say as your breathing began to slow.

"So did I," you reply, brushing a strand of gray hair from his face before sharing a gentle kiss.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A fairly long silence followed, both of you still in the afterglow as you slept atop him while he was on his back, lazily tracing patterns on your skin. Eventually, P began to speak up.

"I know this may sound out of the blue... but would you mind if I told you about myself?" he asked, causing you to awaken and raise your head up.

You didn't know anything about P's past self; you were eager to listen. "No, I don't mind, Carlo," you told him.

P would bare his soul to you about his past as a human and how he was made by Geppetto as a means to bring his son back to life. Throughout it all, you were able to comfort him with a smile, squeezing his hand.

When the time came for him to conclude things, he said, "That's why... I must confront not only Manus, but the man who thought of me as his son."

You frowned a bit before asking, as you gazed into his eyes, "But... will you ever return to Krat from all this?"

P stroked your face, then leaned in to kiss you sweetly. He would finally say, "Yes, (y/n)...I know I will."

Your frown turned into a small smile, even as you inquired, "Really?"

He nodded, then said, "I will never die." Once he said those words, he kissed the top of your head.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Despite his lies, you believed in him. Even as P left to confront Simon Manus, and later on, Geppetto and the Nameless Puppet, you knew in your heart that he would come back a changed man.

You leave the abbey with Red Fox and Black Cat, who were surprised by how, despite you bringing your snail mask with you, you didn't have it on.

"Are you all right, (y/n)?" The woman with the fox mask asked.

You nodded, smiling as you replied, "My aunt is now at peace, and Carlo promised me that he wouldn't die."

The man with the cat mask smiled with his sister as he said, "Then that's good to know."

"Did you meet him, too?" you asked them.

They nodded before Red Fox asked, "But who is this Carlo you brought up?"

You provided a stern yet gentle glance, all the while as you told them, "P and Carlo, they're the same person."

"What?!" both of them asked in surprise.

"It's true, and I have the ergo to prove it," you said before taking something out of your coat.

It was a small, glowing piece of Ergo, which P had given to you before he would take his leave. This caused both Red Fox, Black Cat, and even you to smile through their masks.

Deep down inside, you had hoped for his return...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

...but in the end, it never happened.

But the good news was that Sophia would be resurrected as a puppet. As you entered the area where the Stargazer was located in the hotel, you saw that a small blue envelope was next to it.

Picking it up, you opened it and discovered that it was a letter from her to P. You smiled as you read it and then held it close to your chest.

Even if he never came back, you could never forget your first love, which was between a puppet and a snail. Even as a new chapter began to occur in Krat via a girl with red shoes...

Chapter Text

Deep down inside, you had hoped for his return...

...and in the end, your wish was granted.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After you finish reading Sophia's letter to P, you notice that a few other people present in the hotel are slowly starting to recognize you.

"Excuse me, but do you really know Sophia?" Eugenie asked, turning her head to see you, as she was the first to take notice.

You were about to reply when you heard another voice. "Ah, Signorina Monad. You know that man quite well, do you?"

It had belonged to Venigni, who had on a genuine smile. Pretty soon, the rest of the survivors had begun to see you as not a Stalker, but rather the niece of Sophia Monad, the woman to whom you had been very close almost your whole life.

You smiled as you nodded before replying, "Yes, I am (y/n) Monad. I may be a Stalker by the name of Gray Snail, but I know I fight for the best of intentions."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Once you've finished introducing yourself and getting to know everyone else, you travel to a room where Geppetto once resided. Setting down the blue envelope on the large desk, you set your eyes on a painting.

Walking towards it, you saw that it was a painting of a boy that closely resembled P. Taking out the Ergo that he had bestowed upon you before he went after Manus and the Nameless Puppet, you were able to find a small box as well.

After storing it inside the box, you put it underneath the painting, smiling as you look up. You were taken by surprise, though, as something long and gold in color had sprouted from the boy's nose.

Just as you were about to take it out and examine it, you heard the sound of footsteps, then the door opening and closing almost quickly. You were expecting one of the survivors, but when you turned around, your mouth gaped out of surprise.

"(y/n)...I'm back."

It was P who stood there, his hair still long and gray in color. He also had on a tender smile, an indication that he would truly come back for you.

"Carlo..." you managed to say, running over to him to embrace him.

As you hugged him almost tightly, he returned the favor. You lean up to kiss him full on the lips before breaking it.

"I'm so glad you're okay after all this," you tell him, your eyes close to shedding tears.

"So have I, (y/n)...after all, I promised you that I would never die." He replied, his voice full of emotion like yours.

He continued to hold you close, already engulfed in happiness together again. But before long, you gently let go as you looked at him with a serious expression.

"There's something I have to show you, Carlo," you said.

It was obvious you were mentioning the blue envelope that had Sophia's letter to him. P had read it out loud like you did, and after finishing it, he set it down and smiled.

You could tell he was close to tears himself before you hugged each other again. "Sophia's still alive, but now as a puppet. That's why I used her ergo to revive her as such," he told you.

Nodding, you continued to hear him speak. "But now... I not only want to try and help what remains of the people of Krat heal and perhaps fix this city, but I also want to do so with you by my side."

You know for certain that back at the abbey, he wasn't lying to you. He was truly honest for once, something that he seemed to be unsure of being capable of doing as he grew more human.

Smiling with him, you replied, "I've been thinking the same thing, Carlo. Besides, once Aunt Sophia returns to Hotel Krat, we'll welcome her back with open arms."

"I love you, (y/n)." P said after he nodded in agreement, stroking your (h/c) locks.

"And I love you, too," you responded back before adding, "Carlo, I want you."

"Just as much as I want you," he replied.

Before long, you shared another soft kiss together. As you deepened it further, you knew deep down inside you both wanted each other, but you realized it was the wrong room to make it happen in.

"There's a suite around here we can use," you suggested to him as you broke the kiss.

P nodded before replying, "Of course. Lead the way, (y/n)."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After exploring some of the hotel suites, you eventually settled on one that had a double bed and even a fireplace. Given your mutual excitement and anxiety, you had quickly stripped naked together.

Gently sitting onto the bed while on his knees, P watched as you joined him. It was like deja vu all over again, but this time, you knew the tricks of the trade when it came down to foreplay.

You lean in to kiss each other, his wonderfully built body pressing against your slender one. Your lips collided softly several times before you eventually decided to go deeper.

Your tongue crept into his mouth, and while he was pleasantly surprised by your assertiveness, he did the same. While your tongues engaged in a slow melody, one of your hands ran down his chest.

Then it went lower, reaching his abs before finally nearing his crotch. Breaking the kiss, you ask, "Would you mind if I picked up where I left off at...oral sex?"

P nodded, replying with, "I don't mind, (y/n)."

You lower down, taking notice of his manhood beginning to harden. Your hands began to stroke him softly, hoping that he would be ready for you.

Once he stood erect, you lean down to take him into your mouth. This earned a gasp and a grunt from P as he looked down at you, eyes full of the same passion and love that you shared with each other back at the abbey.

His hands reach for your (h/c) hair, stroking it with gentle fingers. He muttered your name as your mouth continued its magic on him before shakily eliciting an "M-More."

You nodded before your mouth went further. Thankfully, you had to make sure not to go too far; otherwise, you'd embarrass each other and end up apologizing for screwing things up.

Your (e/c) eyes look up at P, and he is already flushed with desire, grunts, and groans emitting from him. He was already enjoying how you were doing a decent job going down on him, much like he did with you.

"Oh, (y/n)!"

Suddenly, his eyes widened as he was close to release. He gasped and moaned your name as he would eventually express himself inside your mouth, and soon you pulled him out.

You gingerly gulped his essence down, noticing how salty yet sweet he tasted. Looking up at him, you asked, "So, Carlo, did I do well?"

With a nod, P shakily replied, "Yeah, I think so."

Nodding back, you shift your body so that you are now on his lap. Your eyes locked onto his, even as P began to stroke himself off to get himself ready again.

"(y-y/n)...I've been waiting for this for so long," he managed to say with great emotion in his voice.

"Carlo, so have I," you replied with the same mutual passion as him.

Once he was fully prepared, you pressed your womanhood's entrance against him. You begin to sink yourself down; all the while, he fills you up again as familiar senses begin to overcome you.

Now with him fully inside you, you start riding him, soft moans escaping your throat. P's hands begin to stroke your back, feeling how soft and silky your skin feels against his fingers.

"(y/n)...How I loved making love to you..."

"Me too, Carlo. Keep moving."

He pulled you in for another kiss, which was now heated and passionate. You end up wrapping your arms around him, muffled moans and grunts making their way through your lips together.

Continuing to move upwards, P kissed you several more times before breaking it. His lips landed on your chin, giving it soft caresses as they eventually went downward.

Soon, they had reached the center of your chest, and he began giving open-mouthed kisses to the area. He would finally conclude his journey as his lips bathed your small yet perky breasts before taking a hard nipple into his mouth.

"Ah!"

You threw your head back as P started sucking the hard nub, your hands reaching for his gray locks. The fact that he was still inside you and giving your breasts attention was enough to almost send you over the edge.

"Oh, Carlo... Carlo!" you managed to call out between sweet moans and cries.

His hands went lower so that they would gently take hold of and caress your hips. He had also given your other breast the same oral treatment, and the room is now filled with your mutual moans, grunts, and cries.

He would eventually let go, his head returning to yours. Lips colliding with yours again, P had embraced you once more, his movements now becoming more frenetic but still full of passion.

Before long, he broke the kiss before he managed to say, "I love you, (y/n)!"

"I love you too!"

Finally, the love you shared together reached its peak. You hold onto each other as you cry out each other's names, with you being the first to reach your limits.

P would follow you down, filling you with all the love that he could muster. Even after everything was said and done as he pulled out, you were still in a tight embrace, breathing heavily, and not wanting to leave each other.

"This moment... never have we felt something like this before," he whispered, your eyes growing misty together.

"Carlo..." you quietly muttered before kissing his forehead.

"(y/n)..." he replied softly, leaning his head against your neck.

"Stay with me forever."

As you said those words together, you smiled at each other. To both of you, it was the happiest moment in your lives, something that both of you clawed your way up to every step of the way.

Even if Krat had to be healed from the outside and on the inside, you still had each other. Even as a new chapter began to occur in Krat via a girl with red shoes...