Scene: Pinocchio’s Return
[Setting: Three days later, the strip club pulses with a familiar rhythm. The bassline reverberates through the walls, blending with soft laughter and occasional cheers. Aurora glides across the stage, her movements fluid and captivating, drawing the audience into her performance. At the bar, Finn sits quietly, as unassuming as ever, though his watchful eyes miss nothing. Nearby, Innu, God of Innuendo, reclines with her neon-colored cocktail, the umbrella perfectly tilted. Katarsis, her cat of random names, today sporting the title fittingly, lounges across the counter, tail flicking lazily yet purposefully, an extension of Innu’s mischief.]
[The entrance door creaks open, drawing a ripple of murmurs. The infamous patron steps inside, hesitating as he adjusts his pants awkwardly. Nearby patrons glance his way, their confusion turning to muffled laughter as they notice his strained movements. His pants pull taut, making every step stiff and deliberate. He edges toward a corner table, only for the chair to wobble precariously when he tries to sit.]
Innu (spotting him, her grin slow and sharp):
“Well, well. Look who’s decided to grace us with his presence again.”
[The patron freezes mid-motion, his face reddening further. Laughter ripples through the crowd as Innu stands, her heels clicking against the floor as she approaches. Katarsis stretches luxuriously before leaping from the counter, tail swishing like a metronome of judgment, shadowing Innu.]
Innu (mock innocence):
“What’s the matter, darling? Something weighing you down?”
[The patron’s eyes dart between Innu and Katarsis, whose tail flicks in perfect rhythm with the growing laughter. He tries to summon indignation, but it dissolves into a sheepish grimace.]
Patron (lowering his voice):
“Look… I don’t know what you did, but this isn’t funny. It won’t stop.”
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Innu (tilting her head, tone syrupy sweet):
“Won’t stop? Whatever do you mean?”
[The patron glances down, his mortified expression speaking volumes. Innu’s mock concern deepens as she feigns realization.]
Innu:
“Oh, darling. Are you saying… every time you, oh, let’s say, embellish the truth, it… grows?”
[The crowd erupts in laughter. Katarsis leaps onto a nearby table, swiping at a glass, which teeters and falls with a splash. The patron glares at the cat, but his attention is drawn back to Innu as she steps closer.]
Patron (desperate):
“You’ve made your point! Just… fix it, okay? I can’t live like this!”
Innu (leaning in, her grin widening):
“Oh, sweetheart, I thought you liked standing out. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
[The patron groans, burying his face in his hands. At the bar, Finn sets his glass down and stands slowly, his calm presence drawing attention. Aurora’s gaze flickers toward him, her movements on stage unfaltering.]
Finn (softly but firm):
“Isn’t this… a bit much?”
[Innu glances at him, intrigued. The patron looks up, eyes wide with hope.]
Finn (hesitant but steady):
“Sometimes… the best lessons come from being shown kindness, not just punishment.”
[The room quiets slightly. Innu studies Finn, her expression unreadable before a slow smile softens her features.]
Innu (sighing dramatically):
“You’re far too nice, Finn. But fine… I suppose there’s something poetic about mercy.”
[She snaps her fingers. The patron’s pants visibly relax as the strain eases. His expression shifts from panic to disbelief to relief.]
Patron (stammering):
“Thank you… really, thank you.”
Innu (waving him off):
“Run along now. And do try to keep your… tales proportional.”
[The patron hurries toward the door, nearly tripping over a chair but pausing to nod sheepishly before disappearing. Applause and laughter ripple through the room.]
Aurora (to Finn, her voice warm and quiet):
“Good call.”
Finn (shrugging, faintly smiling):
“Just seemed right.”
[Katarsis leaps back onto the counter, curling up smugly with a flick of their tail, as if claiming credit for the resolution. Innu raises her glass in a toast, her grin returning with a playful edge.]
Innu:
“To balance, chaos, and consequences that fit.”
[The music swells, Aurora’s performance seamlessly continuing, and the club’s energy settles back into its vibrant rhythm as the scene fades.]
[End Scene]
[retcon:1]