Geppetto's guidance had been a poisoned chalice for Pinocchio. In one hand, it had helped him develop a sense of purpose and identity as a hitman. In the other hand, Geppetto's influence had gradually further corrupted the puppet, eroding his lackluster moral boundaries while fostering a sense of toxic dependence and unquestioned loyalty!

Geppetto prayed to Constel in one of Her oldest temples, begging Her to reverse Pinocchio's curse, thus allowing Nico Paolo (now Pinocchio) to claim the legacy Geppetto had set for him.

Constel's surprisingly “in-person” response was a scathing condemnation! “You willfully endangered and imbalanced my boogeyman!” She complained.

“With respect to Your complaint, I improved Your design, Goddess,” he replied by sign right before Constel transmogrified him into a second living puppet: an aged simulacrum of teakwood and silver oakwood!

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

“Have fun being my other wooden boogeyman, Geppo!” She sneered, turning to leave.

Crafted from tinted and painted glass, his new eyes gleamed with defiance as Constel teleported away in a subdued huff. His defiance was immediately tested as five gray foxes emerged from the shadows, their own eyes aglow with an otherworldly energy! Though they besieged him, he didn't flinch! He summoned his now massive teakwood blades and oakwood armor then began a deadly dance, taking down the foxes one by one! (His movements were fluid and calculated, honed from decades of training and combat as a hitman.)

Expediently victorious, Geppo stood, his chest heaving with exertion. He noticed one of the foxes had a particularly fine pelt, so he decided to claim it as his next cloak. With a few swift cuts, he skinned the fox, the pelt coming away in one piece!

Geppo knew convincing Pinocchio of his true identity wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it took to reclaim his "son" and continue their darkening legacy. As he walked away from the carnage, the pelt fluttering behind him, Geppo smiled to himself, his xylem lips curling into a macabre grin.