Pinocchio ran down the streets with Hyde in hot pursuit while calling out to him as the skies were now completely dark. While doing so, he turned down one alley while looking back, and he bumped very hard into a large thug who was in the process of lighting his pipe. In doing so, he caused the man to drop the pipe which cracked upon hitting the pavement. 

“Hey! You made me break my pipe, you little twit!” the thug growled. 

“I-I’m sorry!” Pinocchio panicked as he backed away. 

“Oh you will be!” he grabbed the boy by the collar and was about to punch him, but Hyde lifted the man up making him release Pinocchio who watched in awe “Hey! Hey! Put me down!” 

“As you wish, sir.” Hyde then threw him across the alley and into a pile of garbage “If I EVER catch you throwing punches at defenseless boys ever again, I’ll let you go off a building!” 

The thug ran away in flash, then Hyde turned to Pinocchio who was frozen. 

“Are you alright?” Hyde walked over to him. 

“Yes, but... are you really...?” the boy replied looking up and down at Hyde. 

“Sigh, you heard everything, didn’t you? Well... it can’t be helped. However, now that you do, listen very carefully to what I am about to say.” he looks at him in the eye “Number one, you are to never, ever, EVER tell anyone what you have learned about Dr. Jekyll and I. This secret is ours and between those closest to us. Number two, you STILL going to complete your work tonight and act natural. Number three.... we are going to have another conversation after that. Understand?” 

“Yes, sir.” Pinocchio complied. 

“And more thing, NEVER eavesdrop on Lucy and I again! Our private moments are OURS!” Hyde sternly commanded while showing teeth. 

“I promise to never do it again.” Pinocchio shook his head. 

“Good. Now, come.” Hyde gestured with some slight reluctance as he now had to resume his awkward conversation with Lucy. 

Once back at the bar, Hyde changed into some spare clothes minus the cape and hat before going back to the office to speak to Lucy. 

“Ed, I gotta admit, I had a feeling you were hiding something big, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it was anything like this.” Lucy was now having a drink while sitting at her desk. 

“I understand that this is all shocking and disturbing, but after everything we have been through, I couldn’t hide things from you. You were always open with me, and it was time for me to return that courtesy.” Hyde replied while kneeling to her level. 

“I also get why you were so hesitant to spill this can of beans.” Lucy admitted out loud which made Hyde hang his head “Now, don’t get me wrong. This ain’t judgement. I mean that this ain’t your usual can of beans. Anyway, is there anything else I need to know about it?” 

“Jekyll also needs to take the Hyde formula every twenty four hours or his heart may stop. Also, Jekyll and I live separate lives that could impact each other. For instance, he’s going to get married. If we are going to have a future together, our lives will be intertwined with his.... That is.... IF you still want to have a future with me, Lucy. I will not fault you for not wanting to live with this burden.” Hyde rubbed his large hands together before Lucy took them. 

“Ed, I said this was unusual not a burden. Sure, you’re a rare and unique a case there is, but how are ya so different from a guy with a medical condition or somethin’?” Lucy smiled. 

“My secret doesn’t disturb you?” Hyde was taken aback. 

“I’m still taking it in, but it doesn't change my feelings or what we’ve been through together. More importantly, you opened up to me which makes me really happy, Ed. I... I didn’t want to resort to the alternative. I love you, Ed.” Lucy stroked his face. 

“And I love you, darling. Thank you.” he held her and kissed her. 

Later that day, Jekyll who was now in control and Pinocchio had returned home. The boy was sitting in the guest room, bouncing his leg nervously making a perpetual knocking sound before Louis swooped in and landed on the bed. 

“The doctors will see you now.” the cockatoo informed him. 

Pinocchio made his way into the sitting room where Jekyll and Vice awaited him. 

“Am I in trouble? For... finding out?” Pinocchio asks nervously. 

“No. In fact, it may very well be all for the best that you know because now, we can tell you more that you should be aware of. Please, sit.” Jekyll urged him and he complied “You see, Pinocchio, Katherine, Lucy, Hyde and I already know exactly why your home was broken into and what the thugs were looking for. And it was in fact your father’s plans for his big project.” 

“We also know who sent those men. It was Sir Danvers Carew. This isn’t the first time he’s done something like this. He either swindles people into selling their work or services to him, or he just takes it.” Dr. Vice interjected. 

“That scum! I knew he was a rat! We have to tell the police!” Pinocchio stood up. 

“I’m afraid we can’t. We have no proof and Carew has mastered the art of dusting away his tracks. Moreover, it would be unwise to let Carew know that we are onto him. As much as I hate alarming you, I don’t think your father’s injury was just the result of a fight. Carew is not above... silencing those who may speak against him.” Jekyll explained, causing Pinocchio to go white “Don’t worry. We will protect your father and you.” 

“You mean... those rumors about Mr. Hyde having a hand in exposing the corrupt Board of Governors was true? And he also been the one saving London from all those other villains? Wow.” Pinocchio smiled. 

“Well, he didn’t do it alone, Pinocchio. Ahem, the point is that you are in good hands as you are. The best thing you can do is stay out of trouble, act natural, and remain close to any one of us. Alright?” Jekyll explained. 

“Hmm. I was hoping to be in on the action. I really want to let Carew have it now for what he had done to my father.” Pinocchio crossed his arms, slumping down into the chair. 

“Absolutely not. You are only a boy.” Jekyll protested as Hyde’s shadow chuckled. 

“Anyway, this brings us to our next course of action. Carew clearly still hasn’t found the plans which means we must return to your home and find them, Pinocchio.” Dr. Vice proposed. 

“They aren’t there.” Pinocchio replied. 

“Oh. Where then?” Jekyll asked. 

“I have them.” Pinocchio rolled up his pant legs revealing that his legs were wooden and puppet-like. 

He then opened a compartment inside the calves revealing that they contained tightly rolled up papers. 

“Father suspected that Carew was subtly threatening him when he mentioned danger, so he left them with me and made me swear not to tell anyone except someone who keep the plans just as safe, doctors.” he handed the papers to them. 

“By George. Gheppetto really is a genius. Now, all we can do is wait and watch over you two. Until he wakes up and presents his work.” Dr. Jekyll pointed out. 

Pinocchio’s smile faded “I hope father wakes soon...” 

“H-He will. He’s quite the fighter from what I’ve seen and heard. In the meantime, we need to keep these safe.” Dr. Jekyll pointed out. 

“I can take them. My estate is much more guarded, Henry.” Dr. Vice offered. 

“I don’t know. Won’t you become a target, love?” the good doctor hesitated. 

“As far as everyone believes, the papers are still somewhere at Prof. Polendina’s home hidden and safe. I’ll be fine, Henry.” she reminded him. 

The conversation was interrupted by the telephone ringing. 

Jekyll picked up the receiver “Hello?” 

“Hello, Dr. Henry Jekyll. Pinocchio Polendina is staying with you, correct? This is the hospital. It’s about Prof. Gheppetto Polendina. He has awoken.” the nurse informed. 

At the hospital, Pinocchio rushed into the room to hug his father. 

“Father, I’m so sorry I couldn’t more. I’m sorry for everything.” Pinocchio sniffled. 

“It’s alright, Pinocchio. I’m fine and more importantly, so are you. Dr. Jekyll, thank you so much for taking care of my boy. In fact, I can return home tonight with Pinocchio. The nurse says they need to make sure my head is alright. Best of all, I will be able to present my project at the science fair.” Gheppetto explained to them “More importantly, you did behave, didn’t you, son?” 

"He did. He even continued to work off his debt.” Jekyll reassured him. 

“Good, good. That’s my boy.” Gheppetto patted his shoulder with Pinocchio smiling. 

“You just focus on healing, professor. We will take care of your son.” Dr. Vice added. 

“Thank you, my... Huh? Hey, that’s a ring. Let me guess, it’s from YOU.” the old man chuckled. 

Jekyll rubbed the back of his head as Dr. Vice blushed “... Yes. Yes, it is. Henry and I are engaged to be married.” 

“You should have seen how he proposed.” Pinocchio rolled his eyes. 

“Hahahaha! I knew it! I knew you two were more than friends! Congratulations, you lucky man.” he shook the good doctor’s hand vigorously. 

“Whoa! Y-Yes. I-I am a lucky m-man. I t-truly am.” he smiles at his sweetheart and takes his hand back “While you can a formal invitation in the mail, we expect you two there, Prof. Polendia.” 

“We’ll be there. Hmm, this means we’ve got to get some proper attire, son.” Gheppetto laughed while Pinocchio grimaced at the thought of wearing a suit. 

“With that said, you now have two important events to ensure you’re well for, so we’ll let you recover and we’ll see you again tonight to take you back home safely, professor.” Jekyll advised him. 

“I’ll see you then and thank you again for everything, Dr. Jekyll. You are every bit as good as gold as Katherine said you were.” the professor’s comment making Vice blush. 

That night, Prof. Polendina was finished getting dressed putting his coat and hat on himself before taking his crutches and making his way outside with a nurse walking beside him. She opened the door for him and waved to him wishing him well as the professor went to the coach. The footman opened the door for him and helped him inside. 

“Boy, could I use a proper meal, good do-” Gheppetto suddenly noticed that the man next him was not Dr. Jekyll and neither  were Pinocchio nor Dr. Vice “Who are you people?!” 

“Don’t try anything and keep your voice down, professor. We know where your son is.” one of the men warned making Gheppetto frown in defiance, but he complied. 

Back at the Polendina home, Pinocchio was setting the table while Dr. Jekyll was cooking. 

“I could have at least cut vegetables. My kind of fingers are replaceable you know.” Pinocchio grumbled. 

“It’s the principle that matters. Young boys should NOT be handling knives or fire, young man.” the good doctor insisted while stirring the pot “You may help decorate the cake once it cools though.” 

“That’s not as fun.” Pinocchio sneered and Jekyll just shrugged when Vice walked through the door “Ah, welcome back, love. Welcome back, Prof-.... Huh? Where’s Prof. Polendina?” 

“Is he still at the hospital?” Pinocchio asked. 

“No. In fact, according to them, YOU already took him home an hour ago, Henry.” Vice looked pale. 

“B-But... I was here cooking while watching over Pinocchio!” Dr. Jekyll was bewilded when they heard a window smash “That came from the living room! Pinocchio, stay here!” 

The doctors ran there with Pinocchio following them anyway, but aside from the window being smashed, nothing else was there except something cruedely wrapped up in paper and held together by a string. Dr. Jekyll picked it up and opened it revealing that it contained a brick, Gheppetto’s hat and a paper which he read out loud. 

We know you have the plans, so if you want us to release Prof. Gheppetto Polendina, come with them and come alone. Or else, consider him as disappeared off the face of the Earth and Pinocchio shall disappear next. The location and time are written below. 

“It’s Carew, isn’t it?! Give Hyde control and let’s go to his place and-” Pinocchio clenched his fists. 

“Pinocchio, it’s not that simple. If we do that, WE would be considered criminals. Even though we know he’s guilty, we have evidence of it.” Dr. Jekyll explained. 

“So then we bargain with these villains and hand them crown jewel of my father’s life’s work?!” Pinocchio shouted. 

“No. We do things the smart way where both Gheppetto and his work are saved.” Vice explained. 

“Ok, fine. What do we do?” Pinocchio tood a breath. 

“You stay here and keep the doors and windows locked shut. We, the adults, will handle this.” Vice firmly replied. 

Pinocchio frowned “Like, heck I will! He’s my father! I should have a hand in helping him!” 

“And you are by keeping yourself safe. You are only a BOY. A child. You don’t belong in dangerous situations not even with good intent.” the good doctor added. 

“I can take care of myself in case you’ve forgotten!” the boy growled. 

“Actually, you really can’t according to what Mr. Hyde told me and I saw for myself that time you literally ran into that hooligan in the alley after finding out our secret, Pinocchio.” the good doctor pointed out making Pinocchio frown harder and blush “Stay here, stay safe and stay out of trouble. That is the best thing you can do for your father. You also have my word that we will bring him home safely.” 

Pinocchio just stomped up to his room pouting. 

“Well, he didn’t yell, so that’s improvement... Ahem, anyway, let’s make a plan of action, love.” the good doctor turned to his fiancee.