#ghoul summoning gone wrong?!

[poolboyservice]

I'm just so spoingy doinky (who the fuck am I)

[ashthewaterghoul]

I know I say a lot “Copia wishes he had Phantom from birth” but what if he did…

Maybe Phantom was born topside and their dam didn’t want them. A summoning gone wrong that brought up a kit instead of a fully grown Ghoul. Or wandering Ghouls not tethered to any Ministry or anything leave the unwanted kits on the Abbey steps so they’ll still be cared for.

However it happened, as soon as Copia had that little kit in his arms, he knew they’d become his world.

He was the one who raised them, soothed them as their fangs and horns grew in, watching them take their first steps and say their first words.

It wasn’t always easy, juggling his rapidly advancing stations and caring for his autistic kit that when they needed their Papa, they needed him.

But they both made it work and Phantom had the best childhood an orphaned kit could ever ask for.

They missed their Papa so terribly on tours and would call constantly or arrange days to be able to come out and see them.

When Aether retired and Phantom could play the whole discography from memory, they knew it was the perfect opportunity to spend even more time with Copia and travel the world with him.

They never really wonder about their dam and sire, and they only thank them for whatever they did to make it so they could always be in Copia’s arms.

Ig this would have to be another au to the #pcb cinematic universe but the thought is cute~

[crowandmousewritingco]

Not Like Them

Pairing: (Implied) poly ghouls x gn!reader

Words: 2.5k

Summary: You are a new ghoul summoned for the clergy, but it doesn't go as planned.

Rating: G (with like a smidge of angst)

Author: Mod Mouse

Author's Note: This fic was also inspired by the July prompt list from @thepromptfoundry specifically #23 becoming disabled. Thank you again for the great prompts! Also I might end up making more fics with this character cause I actually really like writing them.

Everything had gone wrong. You were just living your life in your level of hell only to be ripped from your home in the most painful way. Now you laid there in the middle of the summoning circle clutching the stump that was your hand. You were dazed and frantically searching for a source of the summoning. 

Several people surrounded you but you could hear two of them whispering frantically to each other in what you thought was Italian. One was a middle aged man with a damaged eye wearing a black cassock and the other was an older woman with blonde hair dressed in a nice green suit. The woman kept rubbing her temples, clearly irritated at the situation though not at the man. 

Separate from the pair was something more familiar. You could smell the characteristic scent of three other ghouls. One smelled of a rich forest, another smelled of a fresh summer breeze, and the other smelled of magic coursing with electricity. The tell tale signs of ghouls were on full display. Mouths full of pointy teeth, tails in various states of motion, and horns poking through their hair. You let out a small whimper which caught the attention of the ghouls. 

The one who smelled of magic slowly approached you, hands held out in a non-threatening manner. He kept his distance from you and slowly crouched down so he could be eye level with you. “Hey there little one.” 

You look up at him, your tail frantically swishing back and forth, very wary of the situation. Although the comfort of a fellow quintessence ghoul did help a little. 

“I promise you're safe,” He reassured you. 

“W-Why am I here?” You asked softly. 

The man from the pair turned at your words. “Ah yes about that. I um… we have summoned you to be an additional bassist in our band. You shall help the Clergy on our tours.” He answered in a very heavy accent. 

You scoffed and gestured with your stump. “Hard to play the guitar when you only have one hand.” You tried to joke it off but tears started to fall down your cheek. 

“I’m sorry caro, I promise Sister and I are looking into what happened.” He promised with the most sincere smile. “Now ghouls please look after our newest member while we discuss with Omega about what happened” He gave his head a little bow and followed the woman out of the room. 

There was a moment of silence as you once again took in your surroundings. You searched the room for the other two ghouls. Your eyes landed on the pair standing off to the side. The taller of the two had short straight brown hair. That must have been the earth ghoul. Which then meant the smaller ghoul, no wait ghoulette, was an air element.

“I’m Aether,” the quintessence ghoul introduced himself gently. He gestured to the other ghouls. “That one is Mountain,” He pointed to the taller ghoul who just nodded, “and the other one is Cumulus.��� The ghoulette gave a small wave. You didn’t respond, but your wary tail stopped its nervous swaying. Now that you had realized you weren’t in immediate danger, you became aware of how chilly you were, and your body started to shiver. 

“Here let's get you to your room,” Aether cooed softly and you let yourself be helped up by him. You kept your hurt hand to your chest and the other one wrapped around your stomach. 

Aether led the group down the hallway with Mountain and Cumulus on either side of you creating a safety bubble around you. You didn’t realize but your tail instinctively reached out and wrapped around Cumulus’ tail searching for comfort you didn’t know you needed. Cumulus looked down at you. She smiled at your touch and chirped soothingly. You looked up at her slightly, but quickly looked away, still feeling a bit weary. 

They led you down the corridors of the ministry, passing different members of the Siblings of Sin. The Siblings must have been used to seeing ghouls on a daily basis since most didn’t take notice, but a few glanced your way taking in your form. You drew your arm in closer trying to hide it more from view. 

After what seemed like miles of walking, you finally entered an area of the Ministry with dark black marble and more engravings fit for the ghoul types. Down the hallway lined several doors on each side. Each door had an engraving of a different ghoul type. Those must be the types of ghouls who live here, you thought to yourself. The further you walked down the hallway, that familiar scent of ghouls filled your nose and you relaxed even more. 

Finally the group approached a large dark wood door, and Aether stopped in front of it. “This will be your room during your time in the Ministry. We all have our own spaces, but we always tend to gather as a pack in the common room. Now you aren’t required to become part of our pack, but if you ever want to join us we will be happy to accommodate you.”

“T-Thank you,” You said softly. You turned towards the door and you saw your own quintessence symbol carved into the dark wood. The little touches of this place was making you less weary.

Aether smiled softly and opened the door for you. “Dinner is in a few hours. Mountain is making a delicious stew, but if you aren’t ready for social time then we’ll set aside a bowl for you in the fridge. We usually eat in the dining room just a few rooms down from here.” 

You blushed at their kindness. “That’s very kind of you,” You smiled softly and turned back to your room. “Oh wow.” Your room was stunning. A nice big bed was in the center of the dark room. It was covered with soft materials perfect for any ghouls' nest. There was a dark wood dresser on the opposite wall of the wall. The walls were mostly bare with a few small paintings as an accent. Additionally there was a bathroom attached to the bedroom offering you the comfort of privacy when showering. You chirp in contentment and turn back to the group. 

They all gave you soft smiles. “Seems like you approve?” Aether smiled at your increased ease around them. 

“It’s really nice actually,” You replied gently sitting down on the bed. It was soft and suddenly you felt so tired. 

“We’ll let you settle in, and hope to see you later,” Aether said before reaching for the door knob. He pulled the door shut and you saw Cumulus giving you a small wave. 

You sighed and laid down on your back. You lifted your right arm and examined the lack of a hand. “How the hell is this going to work?” You asked yourself before setting it back against the covers. The weight of the day started to way on you, and before you knew it you fell into a deep sleep. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was hours before you woke up from your much needed rest. It took you a few moments to realize you weren’t in Hell anymore. You gently rubbed the sleep from your eyes and sat up. A rumble came from your stomach and you sighed. Seems like you were hungry after all, though seeing the other ghouls made you weary. Maybe a shower would help you calm down. You stood up and walked over to the closet full of dark clothing. Inside was a variety of clothes in different styles and sizes. After searching through the hangers you decided on a soft black hoodie with matching shorts. Carefully you draped the clothes over your right arm. 

You took them to the joined bathroom and set them on the counter. The bathroom was fully stocked with everything a ghoul would need to care for themselves. Horn polish, skin care products and so on. You would definitely be using those later. After today you deserved some self-care. After some effort with your flimsy Hellish clothes, you strip your worn clothes off and toss them into the trash can. You wouldn’t need them anymore considering the plethora of new clothes you had now. You turned your attention to the big shower and twisted the knob. Several jets flowed warm water out of them and you sighed when the water hit your skin. You let the water flow over you, taking the grim and dirt from the summoning off of you. You looked down at your lost hand. Whatever cause this made sure that the wound was sealed by the time you had serviced which you were grateful at least. 

You sighed and tried to shower as quickly as you could though it didn’t quite go as planned. You struggled quite a bit with just the simple tasks like opening the shampoo bottle, but eventually you figured out how to balance the bottles to get what you wanted. The water took the tiredness with it as it washed down the drain. 

After letting the water flow over you for a few more minutes, you finally turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. Luckily there was a big fluffy towel waiting for you on the racks. You purred as you felt the soft texture against your skin. Quickly you dried yourself and changed. You still weren’t used to the lack of a hand, but you were slowly getting better.

Finally you were ready to grab your dinner. You opened the door and headed in the direction Aether told you earlier. Sure enough when you opened the door was the kitchen and dining room. The scent of dinner was still in the air and it made your stomach growl. You quickly grabbed the food from the fridge and heated it up. (tk if i want to add inner thoughts) 

You were carrying the bowl back to your room when you heard the Aether’s voice. The large door at the end of the hallway was cracked a bit and you could see light streaming from it. You approached the door unsure and peaked inside. You saw Aether with a smaller ghoul on his lap in the middle of a large couch. That ghoul was arguing with a much bigger ghoul on the floor with dark brown curls. Whatever the argument was didn’t seem too serious because after the next remark he playfully pushed the other ghouls leg. Leaning one side of Aether was another smaller ghoul. You could tell that it was another quintessence ghoul.  On the other side of Aether was another ghoul cuddling with Mountain. This one seemed shyer than the other pair of ghouls since he seemed to stay cuddle to the larger ghoul. Off on another couch Cumulus cuddled with another two ghoulettes. The trio seemed to be deep in their own conversation. 

The pack looked so comfortable and your own inner ghoul was crying for the attention of other ghouls, but you weren’t like them. You couldn’t fulfill the only job you were meant to do, and you just knew that they would see you as different. 

You let out a subconscious whine and the conversation paused. “What was that?” said a male voice. 

“Sounded like another ghoul?” A ghoulette noted. 

“But we’re all here?” Another ghoul added. 

“Here I got it,” A different ghoulette said. There was a rustle and a few muffled curses before the door opened. Cumulus stepped through the crack and smiled when she saw you. You instinctively stepped back from the door. 

“Hey,” She smiled and her tail began to swish happily back and forth. 

You chirped softly feeling safe but you shook your head. “I’m sorry I just wanted some food. I didn’t mean to bother your pack time.” You apologized.

She giggled “Understandable, Mountain makes the best food.”

“I’ll make sure to savor it.” You smiled softly. 

Cumulus nodded and after a moment turned to look back at the pack. “You know,” she started and turned back to you. “They really want to meet you.” She added softly. 

You looked down, not meeting her eyes. Tears pulled in your eyes. “I-I don’t…” You paused to take a deep breath getting your emotions under control. “I’m not like you guys.” 

The ghoulette tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean? You have horns and tails like the rest of us. And I know you smell just like Aether and Phantom.” 

You sighed. “Yes but you all play in the band and well I can’t now.” 

“We’ll figure out a way for you to play, but that doesn’t stop the fact that you are now a part of the group.” Cumulus said offering a soft smile

You looked between the door and the ghoulette. The pull of your instincts was becoming greater than your need to self isolate. Your eyes landed back on the ghoulette. “T-They won’t hate this?” You asked, gesturing to your right arm. 

“I promise they will love you.” She reassured you gently. 

You paused and nodded “Okay then.” 

Cumulus smiled softly and turned back to the door. She pushed it open further and the ghouls turned to see what the commotion was about. “Everyone, this is the new ghoul at the Ministry.” She stands to the side as you nervously walk past her. You felt anxious under everyone's gaze, but when you looked to Cumulus for support, she gave you an encouraging head nod. 

“H-Hi there” You introduce softly. 

“Damn Aether you didn’t say they were hot,” The ghoul on the floor stated, earning a smack on the head from the smaller ghoul he was arguing with earlier. 

“Satan Swiss learn to be subtle,” The smaller ghoul scoffed. 

You watched their interaction with both amusement and uncertainty. Cumulus leaned over as the pair started arguing again. “Don’t worry. This is how they flirt.” 

You chuckled and whispered back. “Sounds like a pair I knew in Hell” 

The other quintessence joined the pair and grabbed your right arm. You panicked when the ghoul didn’t feel a hand, but he smiled and slowly dragged you over to the group. “It’s rare we have so many quintessence ghouls in one place. It was just me and Aether until you were summoned. I’m Phantom by the way. Now no one can call me the baby of the group.” 

Aether chuckled as Phantom pulled you over to the other ghoulettes. “Phantom, you will never stop being baby.”

“There's nothing wrong with being baby,” You add as you settle beside Phantom. Cumulus settled back with the other ghoulettes who created a comfortable place for both you and Phantom. 

“Oh goodness I forgot to introduce everyone else,” Cumulus sat up. She started to point out all the other ghouls and you followed her hand. “You already know Aether. Swiss is sitting on the floor. Dewdrop is in Aether’s lap. Then it's Rain, you know Mountain and Phantom. And the other ghoulettes are Cirrus and Aurora.” 

“You have quite the pack here,”  You said after Cumulus finished. 

Aether chuckled. “We really do, and we would love to have you as a part of it whenever you are ready.” 

You smiled and blushed, “I think I would very much like that.” 

Cumulus smiled and cuddled closer to you. That was the future, but for now you enjoyed your dinner surrounded by your new found family. 

[wrathofrats]

Delusionalbitchinthehouse got me on my lore nonsense again hi

1.1k of pebble thinking about delta, and using Ivy to cope.

Sfw, small mentions of grief. Reading through my lore helps but all you need to know for this piece is that deltas transition was botched and he left the band because of it.

“We recently got a new Araliaceae in the greenhouse, some form of ginseng root earth has been cultivating” Ivy picked at his sandwich pebble grabbed for him. He was known to forget about eating on busy days. Bits of dirt caked under his fingernails from tending to the new plants, truly just getting lost in his own mind at times unless there was someone to pull him out.

Mist rested her cheek on her palm, looking at Ivy absentmindedly. It was a habit to get lost in her own world when she was bored but trying to be polite about it, she would often do it to delta as well when he used to be around.

He used to get a hidden spark in his eye when you’d act interested in his medical journals, maps of nerves and bones with personal notes that he scribbled down while with a more cooperative sibling. Mist gave him the same far off stare while pebble tried to ask questions, even if he barely understood what he was talking about.

His voice was soothing, an almost monotone drone that had an uptick whenever he found something particularly fascinating. Ivy was similar, a higher voice that tended to flatten out as he rambled, though pebble could listen to him for hours. In all honesty it was easier to listen to flower cultivation than how different blood types react to certain experiments. Pebble would never tell delta that though.

They were both easy to listen to in that way. Like someone reading a story before bed. Delta had always been a calming presence in the abbey, before he started declining at least. Not much genuinely threw him off, never panicked when things went wrong. Quiet, sure, and sometimes said concerning things but mostly he kept to himself. Pebble and alpha tended to just talk for hours while delta was more than content to just be included.

When things went wrong he was usually the one to silently attempt to fix it instead of panicking like everyone else tended to. When earth accidentally started a fire in the kitchen, delta simply went over to smother it while air was trying to grab water. No strong emotions, quiet and reserved but did his best to behave as a ghoul should.

Pebble thought about why he even took to delta so fast. Ivy continued talking, now having a conversation with mist on seaweed and moss for water filtration. Things pebble should be interested in but his mind was long gone into its own space.

He was fascinating in a weird way, the other ghouls didn’t want to be around him much. Only alpha entertained the idea of a friendship because pebble was there too. But pebble was more than entertained. Maybe it was because he was a loner in his own right, wanted to make sure the new kid had someone with him too. New summons into an already bonded pack, really no one was surprised air and omega kept to themselves more. Hell alpha only interacted because omega made him at first.

And delta never tried to further his relationships with any of the ghouls. Truly he seemed to be disgusted by romance and sex. Grimacing when alpha and omega would kiss in the kitchen making breakfast, Hard to sit through, makes his skin itch.

Earth and air were bad about it sometimes, wrapped around each other in the kitchen while delta just wants a glass of water and can’t move past them. Pebble just plops down next to him on the couch, a sneer on his face as he watches with him.

“God they’re disgusting aren’t they?”

Delta looked confused as pebble sat, he didn’t realize he was being that obvious about his disdain before pebble jumped up to yell at the two to move so he could grab a snack. He almost always broke people up when delta was uncomfortable, he joked it was his job as the designated asshole ghoul.

Hell pebble and mist are the only two who could actually touch delta without him flinching away. Small pushes or slaps on the back while mist usually had more care in her touch. Alpha and omega tried but delta would jump and grimace, and he pushed down his discomfort for Terzo.

“Pebble?” Ivy finally piped up, making pebble blink away whatever memories he was having about the old water ghoul.

“Yeah sorry D-Ivy. What did you say love?” The slip has pebbles stomach falling. Both ghouls quiet and introverted, truly a mistake. Ivy doesn’t notice, continues talking but mist gives him a knowing look.

It’s hardly his fault. Isn’t it? Ivy carries himself the same way, even sighs like delta does, did. Pebble cringes to himself for the correction. Even worse as Ivy settled in and mellowed out from the ball of anxiety he was summoned as. More put together and steady and the way he speaks makes it almost hurt to hear Ivy say his name.

Even when off putting, it’s comforting after a visit with him. Heartbreaking but familiar in a strange way and pebble can’t help but cling to Ivy when he comes back from the isolated room deltas locked in. His speech pattern changed after the transition, shaky and stuttering and his whole voice feels rushed and anxious, like it’s hard for him to put the correct words together.

Sometimes pebble just asks Ivy to repeat stuff delta used to talk about, just to hear it in a familiar cadence.

Pebble will lay there wrapped around ivys torso, close his eyes and just ask Ivy to talk to him. Explain the technical mechanics of something on stage that pebble could never understand. And Ivy always does, could never say no to him, and honestly sometimes it does more harm than good.

Ivy will never know. As long as pebble can keep it that way. He doesn’t need to, doesn’t deserve to think pebbles using him. They aren’t the same and never will be but-

It’s not often. Early days right after Ivy is summoned along with the new quintessential ghoul to replace delta. It wears off with time but it feels just as fresh sometimes. Pebble tries not to blame himself for his bad coping mechanism, at least as much as he’s able.

Mist doesn't miss it. Cant miss the way pebbles voice slips and how he goes silent when he catches himself. shes heard him ask ivy to talk to him the way delta used to. it worries her.

its a bad habit. only ever happens on particularly bad days anymore but it still hurts, still makes him feel guilty. he loves ivy, he loves ivy because hes ivy. but he cant help it when he misses his friend.

ivy seems like the only one who wont judge hin at times. mist mostly worrying about him, and pebble would never share his emotions with alpha. and omega is half to blame. so he goes to ivy.

It’s easier to let it die. Their relationship hasn’t been affected by it, he refuses to let it. He refuses to let it affect Ivy too.

[selkiechild4998]

Little Pup

So this actually took me multiple days to write and all sorts of drafts but I think this is my best version. I do plan on writing more about little Dewdrop because I couldn't fit all my ideas for him here. Not everything is sunshine and fluff raising that little demon XD

TW- None

Genre- Fluff

Word Count- 1,118 words

Things had become so stressful within the Ministry. It started with the Clergy learning of Terzo's and Omega's secret relationship, and everything fell after that. Omega was pulled from the Ghost Project, Terzo and Sister have been fighting nonstop, and the Clergy chose to try something new. Old rites had been discovered to switch a ghoul's element, and they had chosen Delta to be their test subject. With Delta recovering in the infirmary, a new water ghoul was needed for the project. Summoning rituals were quickly arranged, and the air buzzed with anticipation as the Clergy prepared to bring forth a new water ghoul.

The room was filled with dim candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the walls as Terzo led the ritual. As the incantations reached their crescendo, the sound of the screeching ghoul within the summoning well was heard, heralding the arrival of the new member of the Ghost Project.

Everything, at first glance, looked to have gone according to plan. The new ghoul did surprise everyone, being a tropical water ghoulette whose appearance looked similar to the blue sea dragon slug. Terzo was ecstatic to have the first ghoulette join the Ghost Project, knowing he can hold this over his brothers' and successor's heads, but that excitement disappeared when those present heard the sound of soft barks coming from the bottom of the well.

The Ministry doesn't summon kits. It was declared centuries ago that it was far too cruel to the ghouls of the Pit to have their young ripped from them. That didn't mean the occasional accident didn't occur. The occurrence was rare, with one kit being summoned once every decade. This just happened to be the unlucky summoning.

The kit pulled from the depths of the summoning well was another water ghoul, still covered in baby pale fluff decorated with red, orange, black, and white stripes. Their amber hair was short and curled from the waters of the Pit, framing their still short ear fins. Along their spine, running down to their short, cubby tail, was a series of small dorsal spines that were standing on end as the pup barked in protest at their new surroundings.

Like all the other kits summoned by accident, the pup was brought to the Ghoul Nursery, where Alpha was pulling a double to cover Delta's recovery period.

"Hey Alpha, got a feisty one," Pebble announced, holding the writhing pup away from his body to avoid the little dorsal spines.

Alpha looked over at that, setting the recently cleaned blankets he was folding down, "I'm guessing the summoning went wrong?" He tilted his head to the side.

"Yes and no," Was Pebble's answer, "The new ghoulette is heading to quarantine right now, but this little guy got dragged up with her."

Alpha's ears perked up at the mention their new band and packmate was a ghoulette, but he pushed his excitement aside for now. He watched as Pebble set the fussy pup down in an available crib, frowning when he saw the kit's element. Delta is, well, was the only water ghoul within the team assigned to the nursery. Water ghoul pups are notorious for how difficult they are to care for, and from what Alpha saw, the pup is a tropical water ghoul.

"I can't care for him," Alpha stated flatly.

"What? Alph, you're practically the kit whisperer here!" Pebble protested.

"Pebble. I am a fire ghoul; the pup's a water ghoul. Tropical at that. He'll dry out the moment I try handling him."

"Just give it a try? Please? The little guy's already not having a good time."

Alpha huffed as he looked at the pup, his tail flicking from side to side as the little one barked and whined in distress. He fought with himself for a moment before letting out a groan.

"Alright, but only till Delta is up on his feet," He reluctantly agreed. How bad could it be?

He'd come to regret temping whatever cruel being with thinking caring for that pup was easy. That pup, for lack of better terms, was a little devil. And he thought Ifrit was bad when he was an emberling. This kit was constantly screeching and barking, and when he wasn't screaming, he would bite and chew on anything in sight, which was almost always Alpha. It reminded him of feral kittens, hissing and spitting at any threat despite their tiny size.

"You're a little shit, you know that?" Alpha smiled in amusement, carefully feeding the kit small slices of raw fish. The pup's only answer was a hissing growl, snatching the fish from Alpha's claws. The older ghoul couldn't help but chuckle before his ear perked up at a voice.

"Having fun over there, Alph?" Pebble snickered as he walked up to Alpha's side.

"You sure this little guy is a water ghoul? He acts like an emberling," Alpha smiled as he looked over at the smallest of the earth ghouls.

"I'm sure," Pebble chuckled as he reached out to pat the pup on his head, only to get a spitting hiss and high-pitched growl while clutching the slice of fish in his mouth, "Damn, little droplet really does act like a fire ghoul."

"Told you," Alpha snickered out before thinking for a moment, "Hmm…"

"You're thinking."

"I know, dangerous."

"Well, what are you thinking about?"

Alpha's ears perked at the question, glancing at the kit, "Well, the little guy doesn't have a name yet."

"You haven't named him?" Pebble raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, I handle ten other kits daily," Alpha frowned before continuing, "But why not call him Dewdrop?"

"Why Dewdrop?"

"Look," Alpha smiled, holding a slice of fish up, the pup chirping and reaching out with tiny clawed hands. With the pup looking up, it was easier to see the white spots on his cheeks, "Looks like someone flicked some dew on him."

"He does!"

Alpha chuckled as he let the pup snatch the fish from his hands, smiling as he tilted his head to the side, "What about it bud; like Dewdrop?" he asked, expecting a little growl, but instead, the pup looked up at him, wolfing down the fish given to him. The pup then let out a high-pitched coo, reaching up to Alpha.

"I think he likes it," Pebble smiled, watching as Alpha lifted the pup into his arms after wrapping a nearby soaked, but warmed towel around the pup.

"Dewdrop it is then," Alpha nodded, his tail wagging lazily from side to side as he held little Dewdrop close, the pup curling up in his arms to settle down for a nap and for the first time since the little pup was summoned. Alpha heard a tiny purr.

[sentientgolfball]

I'd be Home With You: Chapter 2

Yahoo finally done with chapter 2! This time from Swiss' POV

Read here or on Ao3

Pairing: Swissalps

Word Count: 10k

Tags: Hurt/comfort, Swiss has way too much self-doubt and paranoia, dealing with Mountain's injuries, Mountain has depression and I apologize in advance

Summary: Multi tries his best to help Mountain.

How could he have failed so badly? 

Aether gave Multi one job. To make sure Mountain did not break anything else. To take care of him. Make sure he was okay until Aether got back from the infirmary. As he carries Mountain out of Dew’s room and down the hall to his own, Multi’s mind buzzes with everything he did wrong. 

He should have stayed with Mountain when he took him to the shower. 

He should have been the one to reach for the bowls. 

He should have stopped Dew from running off. 

He should have gone with Mountain and Rain. 

He should have been the one to take claws to his face. 

Not Mountain. Multi is new. He is expendable. 

He fights to keep his expression as calm as he can as he feels Mountain’s blood soaking into his shirt. He has to open the door with his tail, curling the appendage around the knob and twisting it. Stepping inside is like walking into a forest during a storm. Every plant quivers in its pot, shaking and filling the room with the sound of rustling leaves. All of them desperately reach to where Mountain is slumping against Multi’s shoulder. It makes him worry that soon they may start falling to the ground. 

Mountain mumbles something unintelligible. It is enough to break Multi from his plant induced stupor though. He grits his teeth, shifts his hold on Mountain, and carries him the last remaining feet to his bathroom. He crouches down, resting Mountain as carefully as he can against the side of the bathtub. He groans, head tipping back to look at Multi. His eye is hazy. It no longer shines like an open field in the summer sun. The fur around his face and neck is slick and clumped with a mix of dried and fresh blood. 

He has never seen a ghoul so big look so small. 

“Still with me?” Multi’s voice trembles as he pushes Mountain’s damp hair off his forehead. 

He does not say anything. He only huffs heavily through his nostrils and lets his eye close. 

He gently shakes Mountain’s head, “Nope. No. Absolutely not. Aether is gonna be here any minute just stay with me till then.” 

Mountain does not make a sound at the movement or Multi’s words. He still does not open his eye. He lays as still as the earth itself. 

“Mountain.” He shakes him again. 

“Mountain? Mountain come on. Give me something,” he begs. 

Silence. 

“Mountain!” 

Stillness. 

A flash of cold shocks Multi’s system as he stares down at him. His stomach twists in knots and inside out as the worst flashes through his mind. Mountain is—

No. 

No he will not even entertain the idea. 

He has to fix this. He has to help him. Take care of him. Do what Mountain has done for him since the moment he crawled out of that summoning circle. 

Ozone cuts through the metallic haze of blood. His black and white eyes swirl and give way to shades of purple. Lavender sparks jump and ripple across his skin. 

A voice in the back of his head screams at him to just wait for Aether. To not do what he is about to do because he will only make this worse. But he strangles it down into nothing. Mountain needs someone now and he will not sit here and do nothing as he bleeds out on the white tiled floor. 

He holds the back of his head with one hand while the other applies pressure to the left side of his face. Blood oozes out from between his fingers. He takes a deep breath, channeling his quintessence. Willing it to do what he wants. Before he can try to talk himself out of it, he releases the bolts into Mountain’s body. 

Instantly they are connected. Nerves twisting and twining together as their minds and bodies become one. Multi feel Mountain’s consciousness, a small flicker of his very being. He is still here but he is fading fast. 

He can feel the pain. The way his face burns and throbs. It hurts so much. It practically knocks the wind out of him. Multi was never able to learn how to block that part out. 

But he grits his teeth and pushes on. He focuses his quintessence on every dribbling cut. He forces the blood to stop. The muscle to strengthen. The sinew to bind together. The skin to be whole again. Multi keeps focused on the repair, images of Mountain’s unmarked face at the forefront of his mind. He has never healed a wound this severe before. He has no idea if he is doing it right, or if he is doing anything at all. 

He just keeps pushing out quintessence. Pouring it into Mountain’s body like dirt desperate for water. He does not stop until Mountain suddenly jerks with a gasp, nearly knocking their noses together. 

He rips his hand away from Mountain’s face, quickly severing their connection. Multi holds his own wrist in his hand as he stares at him, “Mount?” 

His eyes are wide open as he stares back at Multi, chest heaving up and down. 

Eyes. 

Both of them. 

The fur around his face is still coated and clumped with blood, but both of his eyes are open and looking at him. Multi lets out a disbelieving laugh. 

He did it. He fucking did it. 

He throws himself at Mountain, cupping his cheeks and turning his head this way and that, “The bleeding stopped! Does it still hurt? How do you feel? Oh Mountain this is—“ 

Tears drip down Mountain’s face, trails of pink rolling down his cheeks to collect against Multi’s hand. He gasps and drops his hold quickly, as if Mountain had suddenly burned him. 

“I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have. I just wanted to…sorry.” He got too excited and ruined it. Mountain is surely going to snap his jaws and chase him away. 

But he does not. He hangs his head between his knees, shoulders shaking as he cries silently. Multi frowns, ears drooping as he tentatively scoots closer to Mountain once more. He hesitantly reaches a hand out towards him as if he were a frightened animal. He touches his shoulder as light as a feather, easy to be brushed off if he so chooses. 

When he does not lift his head to tell Multi off, he moves to wrap his arm around Mountain’s shoulders. He slowly pulls him to rest against his chest rather than the cold enameled steel of the bathtub. To his surprise, Mountain falls easily. 

“It’s alright Mount. I won’t go anywhere.” He wraps his tail around his waist. Another point of contact for Mountain to cling to. 

He still does not say or do anything. He just cries and cries and cries until he has not a single tear left. Multi holds him the entire time. He does not talk. He just sits while the earth quakes. Eventually the shaking of his shoulders settle and the quiet, gasping breaths turn into sniffles. Multi feels Mountain’s chest expand against his own as he takes a deep breath before slowly sitting up. 

He pulls himself out of Multi’s arms to look at him with bloodshot eyes, “I’m sorry.” His voice is cracked. Rough and raw as he chokes down his tears. 

“What could you possibly be sorry for?” Multi asks genuinely. 

He wipes at his eyes before responding, “For this.” 

“What? Crying? Mount it’s okay, sometimes you just gotta cry. I’d say you earned it with what you just went through.” 

“That’s not what I mean,” he sniffs, “I’m sorry for making you deal with this.” 

“What was I just supposed to leave you in Dew’s room to bleed out?” 

Mountain shakes his head, dodging the question, “You’re still so new. It’s not your responsibility.” 

“Yeah I guess this body is new, but I ain’t a kit Mount. Do you really think I’m that helpless? That I can’t do something for a packmate?” 

Mountain remains quiet, eyes falling to the floor. Multi gives him a moment, waiting to see if he has anything else to say. He does not understand why Mountain is so adverse to his help. Is it because it is him? Would it be different if he was someone else? What would happen if it was Aether here instead of him? 

When the silence stretches for too long and the voices become too loud, Multi decides to break their paralysis. He rises to his knees and scoots over to the bathtub. He flips the faucet on, cascading water now echoing through the otherwise silent room. Multi squints at the handle. It takes him a moment to remember which direction is hot, but once he figures it out he plugs the drain. 

“What are you doing?” Mountain finally looks up at him again. 

“You plan on walkin around with blood all over your face forever? Also. You’re kinda smelly.” He lightly teases. Tentative. Just to see if he can break through the heavy weight that has buried them. 

“You don’t have to—“

Multi flicks water in his face, “Yes I’m aware. But I want to. So I’m gonna.” 

This seems to shut Mountain up as he returns to just silently watching. As the tub fills, Multi pushes himself up to his feet. He goes over to the sink, opening the bottom cabinet to root through Mountain’s soaps. Most of it appears to be homemade. Handcrafted bars wrapped up neatly stacked next to glass bottles filled with liquids of various shades. Each one has a label tied to the neck with a piece of twine. Multi looks through them all before picking out the one labeled chamomile and honey. 

Mountain’s eyes still follow him as he walks back over to the tub, popping the cork with his claws and dumping a generous dollop in the running water. It immediately begins to foam and bubble up, filling the bathroom with a wonderfully herbaceous scent. 

“Alright big guy, take your clothes off.” He extends a hand to Mountain. 

He just keeps silently staring. Unmoving. Unblinking. It makes Multi’s whole body flash and light up with nerves. 

“Unless you wanna bathe with your clothes on. It’s whatever I won’t judge.” He offers him his brightest smile. 

Mountain finally hesitantly reaches up and takes Multi’s hand. He gently hoists him to his hooves, keeping his other hand between his shoulder blades to steady him. Mountain wobbles just a little, like a newborn deer finding its footing. 

“Good?” 

Mountain nods his affirmation. 

He gives him a pat before stepping back just enough to give him room to undress. Multi’s fingers itch to help him, take every last bit of weight from him, but he is sure that would cross some kind of line. Ghouls certainly are not modest creatures, but Multi has never seen Mountain so vulnerable. Any other circumstance he would think nothing of it, but the last thing he wants to do is crowd him. Make him feel worse. So he just stays close enough to catch him in case he falls. 

Despite his shaky movements, Mountain lifts his shirt up and over his head. Though he does not immediately toss it to the ground. His eyes lock onto the blood stains and he freeze like he is caught in a trance. Multi’s heart sinks to his stomach as he watches him brush his thumb over the worst of the stains. 

He quickly plucks it from his hands, “I’m sure we can find a way to get it out. Those machine things clean everything.” 

He pops open the bathroom door, sticking his head out just enough to locate Mountain’s hamper. When he spots it among all of the greenery, he steps out and tosses it inside. Out of sight out of mind. He may not entirely understand how washing clothes works, but he will try for Mountain’s sake. 

When he goes back into the bathroom, Mountain stands by the tub fully naked. Multi’s eyes quickly scan over his body looking for any more injuries from the spat. The room had smelled so thickly of smoke when he found Mountain laying on the floor that he was sure he had been burnt. But other than his face, he looks perfectly fine. Multi has no way of knowing if he just got lucky or if his quintessence healed something he did not see. 

He steps fully back into the room, closing the door once more. He smiles at Mountain as he checks the water level of the bath. The bubbles look like they are about ready to fall over the side, so he quickly cuts the faucet. Silence engulfs the room once more now that the water has stopped. Multi rests a hand on Mountain’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze and rubbing lightly. 

“Come on dirt boy. In you go,” he says softly. 

Mountain reaches up and gives his hand a squeeze before turning towards the tub. Multi keeps him steady as he lifts one hoof and plops it into the water. Mountain shudders at the sudden temperature change, but he does not pull back out. He takes a moment to let his one leg adjust before stepping in with the other. Multi helps to ease him into the water, continuing to hold him until his back rests comfortably against the enameled steel. 

The sight of such a large creature sitting in a bubble bath would be comical under any other circumstance. But here with his knees drawn to his chest, Mountain looks small. He looks nothing like the solid wall of fur Multi took him for when they first met all those months ago. It scares him. But more than that it hurts him. Multi cares for him so much. Too much. Mountain has been the one thing to make him feel safe in this strange new world with a strange new pack. So it hurts to see him look so broken. 

“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Multi squeezes his shoulder, letting his touch linger before standing. 

He pulls one of the rags hanging on a hook off the wall before crouching next to the tub again. He dips one end of it into the warm water, gathering some of the bubbles so it has some soap on it. He slowly brings it to Mountain’s face, hovering it close but not touching. He stares at him, waiting to see if he will pull back. When he does not, Multi touches the rag to his cheek. 

Mountain flinches at the initial contact, making Multi suck air through his teeth, “Does it hurt?” 

He simply just shakes his head. 

“Okay. Just tell me if it does.” 

Multi begins to gently swipe the rag over the right side of his face. The deep crimson mixes with the water causing lines of pink to dribble down his face. Though it does not seem to do much. The blood seems to have stained his fur, like wine spilled on a white rug. He does not want to hurt Mountain, but soft little wipes are not cutting it. As he begins to scrub at his forehead, the bathroom door is thrown open. 

They both jump at the sudden intrusion, water spilling over the edge of the tub and soaking Multi’s pants. His hackles are raised, ready to pounce on whatever tries to come near. Mountain will not get hurt again. Not on his watch. 

Though that bolt of fear is quickly subdued when he sees Aether. Now it is replaced with gnawing dread. The look on Aether’s face is not exactly helping that feeling either. He looks panicked. His cheeks are flushed and his breathing is heavy, like he just ran from one end of the Ministry to the other. He probably did when Rain went to go get him. To tell him of what was happening. Of how Multi failed to do the one thing he asked of him. 

Aether’s eyes scan over the scene in front of him. The air is tense, crushing, as they both wait to see what Aether will do. Slowly, very slowly, as he brain registers that Mountain is conscious and staring at him and alive, he begins to relax. 

Aether swallows thickly, “Are you okay?” 

Mountain looks away from him, eyes now glued to the foamy water. 

When he does not respond, Multi steps in. He sets the rag down on the edge of the tub, “I was uh able to heal him. With my own little spark of quintessence.” 

Aether’s eyes minutely soften as he steps further into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He walks over to the bath and crouches down right next to Multi. Each step has his heart racing. What is he going to do? Is he going to attack him? Chase him out? 

But all he does is reach towards Mountain, resting a hand on one of his knees, “Let me see.” 

Mountain’s eyes flick up to him when he feels Aether’s hand cup his uninjured cheek. Multi watches as Aether carefully lifts his head, gently turning it to get a better look at where the wounds were. Most of his face is still obscured by the watery blood. It is hard to see. 

“Multi, will you please hand me the rag?” 

He has it in Aether’s hand before he can even finish his sentence. Aether takes the dry end of it and swipes it over his face. When he finally pulls it away, Mountain’s fur is still damp but the stain is nearly nonexistent. They can actually see him now. And the sight makes Multi’s stomach drop all the way back to the Pits. 

There are scars. 

Three thin lines across his face. One over his lip. One across the bridge of his snout, just under his eye. One from his cheek to his jawline. His ear is marked too, a noticeable notch in it. A chunk was taken from the cartilage. 

He is not supposed to have scars. Quintessence does not leave scars. It is supposed to heal everything. Multi failed again. He could not even help him without messing up. That gnawing dread takes root in his mind, a flash of cold lighting up every nerve in his body. The words claw their way from his throat before he can even think. 

“You can fix it, right?” Why did he think he could heal him? He could not protect him. He could not help him. All of this is his fault. Aether has to fix it. 

Aether runs the tips of his fingers over each scar, “Unfortunately I can’t. When something scars over it means the initial wound is healed. There’s nothing left for the quintessence to heal. If they start causing him pain I can help with that but. Scars are permanent.” 

That is not the answer Multi was hoping for. His screw up is going to be etched into Mountain’s face forever. Evidence that he could not handle one simple task, like weathering on a cliff face. He has not even been for a full year and he already has caused problems. That has to be a new record. And it had to affect Mountain of all ghouls. The one that means the most to him. The one who has been kind enough to show him this world. 

“I’m sorry,” he looks between Mountain and Aether, “I should’ve waited for you. I didn’t know I would do this but he wasn’t responding and I didn’t know what to do.” 

He feels like he cannot breathe. His thoughts twist and curl and spiral down the hole of every worst scenario. This has to be it. This has to be when the seemingly infinite patience and kindness from this new pack runs out. 

A hand on his shoulder pulls him from his head. Aether looks at him with such kindness it makes his heart stop, “Don’t be sorry. You did the right thing Multi. We don’t know what could’ve happened in the time it took for me to get here.” 

“You aren’t. Mad?” He has to be messing with him. Lulling him into a false sense of security so it is easier to get rid of him. 

“Why in the seven Hells would I be mad?” 

Multi genuinely does not have an answer for him. Well, an answer that makes sense. He could go on and on about how much better it would have been if he had just waited for Aether, but the expression on his face keeps his mouth shut. He does need to be arguing this, especially not with Mountain still sitting right there. 

Aether smiles at him though when he remains silent. He moves his hand from his shoulder to cup the back of his neck, moving him closer so he can knock their horns together. He can feel a little spark against his skin when they touch. His spine tingles when he hears Aether’s voice echo in his head. 

Thank you for saving him. 

As quickly as it came, the spark is gone. Aether pulls back and gives his cheek an affectionate pat, “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to Mountain alone for a little.”  

Multi blinks hard, willing that left over fuzzy feeling to go away, “Oh. Yeah of course. I’ll just go wait—“ 

“No.” 

Multi snaps his jaws shut when Mountain’s voice rumbles out. He and Aether both turn to look at him. 

“No,” Aether questions, “No to Multi leaving or no to talking?” 

“Both,” Mountain says simply. 

Multi stays frozen in a half crouched position, looking between both of them. He is not really sure who to listen to, but if it comes down to it he will side with Mountain. 

“Mount. You promised me,” Aether starts gently. 

“I can’t. Not now,” he sounds defeated, like his very soul was ripped from his body and all that is left is a husk filled with a remnant. A song without a melody. It does not help that his voice is still raw from the earlier sobs that wracked his body. 

Aether stares at Mountain as a subtle hint of ozone breaks through the haze of chamomile, honey, and the metallic tang of blood. Multi can feel his quint stir in his chest, a reaction to feeling Aether’s so close yet so far out of reach. Mountain returns Aether’s stare. Despite the way his eyelids droop, he does not waiver. After an eternity, Aether finally sighs. 

He hangs his head for a moment before standing, “Alright. Just. When you feel better okay? I worry for you.” He walks back to the door, casting one last look towards Mountain before slipping out and leaving them alone once more. 

Mountain immediately drops his head, forehead resting against his knees. He lets out a deep sigh, one that makes his shoulders sag. Multi tries his best to recover quickly, wanting to help Mountain if he needs. But he has no idea what to think. Mountain wanted Aether to leave. Not him? It does not make any sense inside of his head. He can feel questions rising and bubbling in the back of this throat, but he bites his tongue. Mountain does not need to answer anything, especially not with the state that he is in. 

Mountain lets out a low, long whine. He still does not lift his head as he speaks, “The water is cold.” 

“Oh! Well lucky for you I can warm it right back up…if you want.” He can feel his own fire curling under his skin, ready to flicker to life if need be. 

“No. I think I’m done.” Finally he looks up. Multi never noticed it before, but he looks tired. Exhausted really. Bloodshot eyes and dark circles. 

“Alright,” he nods, “we’ll get you dried and dressed and cozy in bed before you know it.” 

Multi pulls the plug on the drain, water gurgling as it is sucked down the pipe. As the water level falls, Mountain slowly stands on his own. He shivers and shakes and Multi is not quite sure if that is from the cold or from the pain of the day. Either way, he quickly stands and fetches the fluffiest towel he can find off the rack. He wraps it around Mountain’s shoulders, gently rubbing up and down his arm like he is trying to help the drying process. 

“Let me go get you jammies.” He says as he slips out of the bathroom. He digs around in his dresser before landing on an absurdly large sweatshirt and a pair of flannel pajama pants. 

When he steps back inside, Mountain has his back turned to him. He is staring in the mirror running one of his hands across the new scars that crack his face. The wave of guilt that comes crashing down on Multi is heavy and cold, like a bucket of ice pouring down his spine. He may not have been the one slicing through his skin, but he is just as responsible. It was his quintessence that did this. That left marks. Evidence of what happened. If he was just stronger or smarter or more in control then maybe Mountain would not have to be reminded of this day every time he looks in the mirror for the rest of his infernal existence. 

All he wanted to do was help. 

Multi cannot stand to watch him anymore. He steps over to him, gently tugging his hand away from his face to get his attention. He holds the bundle of clothes toward him with the brightest smile he can manage, “Comfy and cozy. Just like I promised.” 

Mountain takes them, holding them to his chest while he stares down at Multi, “Thank you.” 

“Don’t gotta thank me Mount. Now c'mon get changed so we can get your fluffy butt into bed.” 

Mountain’s ears flick down at the mention of we. Multi catches it and his mouth moves faster than his mind, “Unless. You’d rather be alone right now.” 

Leaving him alone is the last thing Multi wants right now. But none of this is about what he wants. It is about what Mountain wants. He will do whatever asks. He just wants him to be comfortable after everything. Even though the thought of walking out that door makes him feel sick. 

Luckily it seems Mountain shares the sentiment. His eyes widen slightly as he shakes his head, “No.” 

Multi smiles, “Then stop being naked.” 

Mountain stares for a moment longer before dropping his towel to the floor. He pulls the sweatshirt over his head, careful to avoid getting it stuck on his horns. After he puts his pants on, Multi grabs his hairbrush and a hair tie from the sink and ushers Mountain out of the bathroom. 

The plants do not quake this time when Mountain comes into their range. They are still. Almost eerily so. It feels like a thousand eyes are watching every little movement he makes. He does his best to shove that feeling down as he sits with Mountain on his bed. 

“Turn.” Multi makes a spinning motion with his hand. 

“What?” 

“Turn. You don’t wanna go to bed with your hair all loose and damp. Let me braid it.” 

Mountain blinks at him before slowly shifting so that his back is facing Multi. He sits up a little straighter so he can comfortably reach Mountain’s head. Even sitting this ghoul is so much bigger than him. He takes the hairbrush and begins to run it through his hair as gently as he can. He pulls it all back as the bristles run through the deep green strands. He is careful as they catch on knots, doing his best to untangle them without pulling hard. Even when the brush can glide smoothly through, he keeps up the rhythm. 

Mountain begins to purr with each scratch over his scalp. It is deep, but quiet and scratchy almost like it is weak from disuse. He sways with each movement from the brush, leaning back into like a street cat getting pet for the first time. Multi’s heart swells with affection at the way his shoulders drop and relax. 

He eventually stops brushing his hair so he can actually do the thing he said he would. He gathers it all up, running his claws through the strands as he separates them into three even sections. He hums as he begins to cross the sections over each other. The same little tune his Mama would sing when she did his hair. When she did anything really. Something simple and sweet meant to soothe the soul and chase away the coldness of silence. 

When he gets to the end, he quickly ties it off with the hair tie and gives Mountain’s shoulder a quick pat, “All done big guy.” 

Mountain jumps a little, startled out of his dozing. He pulls the braid to the front, running his claws over the little notches. His eyes flick over to Multi and he smiles. He actually smiles. It may be weak, barely there. But still. It makes a gigantic grin spread across Multi’s face, fangs flashing in the dim light. 

“Come on,” he brushes his shoulder with Mountain’s, “you need rest.” 

Mountain’s gaze now falls to where his hands are folded in his lap. He is quiet for a moment before speaking so softly Multi has to strain his ears to hear, “You didn’t have to do any of this.” 

“Mount, I'm happy to do this. Well not happy the circumstances were kinda shit. Not the point,” he gives his head a little shake, “But I am happy to do this. You’re my pack. I want to help take care of you.” 

Multi reaches out and holds Mountain’s hand, rubbing his thumb over his knuckle. Mountain continues to stare at where their hands are now connected. His eyes gloss over before he squeezes them shut. Multi reaches up with his other hand. He hesitates for a moment, not sure if touching his face after having claws tear through it is a good idea. But when a single tear slips from the corner of his eye, he brushes it away without even thinking. 

Mountain opens his eyes again at the contact. He sniffs and looks at Multi like he is the only thing stopping the earth from cracking open and swallowing him whole. He cups his cheek, dragging his hand down his face to his neck. He slowly runs his fingers through his fur as they travel across his shoulder. He gives him a light push back against the bed and Mountain falls like a tree in a tornado. 

“Rest. I’ll be here.” Multi’s hand traces a path back up toward his ears. He waits for any type of reaction from Mountain. 

When he just nods, Multi carefully takes his hearing aids out for him. He sets them on top of the nightstand before making himself comfortable against Mountain’s side. He pulls the blanket up over them, cocooning them in. He wraps his arms around Mountain and guides him to rest against his chest. Once he is settled, Multi begins to languidly scratch his claws against his scalp and hum his Mama’s tune. He knows Mountain cannot hear it, but he hopes the vibration is enough to help lull him to sleep. 

Multi himself struggles. Granted this is no different from any other night, but he finds it harder to quiet his mind. So much happened today. Too much. He knew from the look in Mountain’s eye when he saw him at breakfast something was wrong. Now laying here with him, he has no idea if his attempts to distract him were in vain or not. Was this explosion bound to happen? Was it just waiting for the spark? Or was it just a fluke? Was Multi truly not fast enough or smart enough to stop any of this before it happened? 

Either way, he hates himself for it. For not seeing Mountain’s pain before it all burned down. For not being able to help him sooner. For not being the one to take Dew’s claws to his face. 

But it all stops now. Now Multi knows to do better. Be better. He has to if he wants to make sure he continues to have a place in this pack. A place with Mountain. The one ghoul who has kept him close since he forced himself through that summoning circle. How could he not latch onto him? He has been nothing but kind and patient and warm. So warm. Multi will do anything to return that warmth. To show Mountain how much he appreciates it. How much he cares. He wants nothing more than to provide for Mountain the same way he does for him. For all of them. If too much is taken from the earth without a chance to heal then the soil becomes barren. 

Multi will not let Mountain become barren. He may be new. He may not have the same history as the others, but that does not matter. Not when he still needs to find his place so he cannot be chased out. And after six months of this, he knows the only place he wants to be is with Mountain. 

Multi’s humming stops when he feels the ghoul in question go lax against him. His breathing evens out and he lies perfectly still. He pulls Mountain a little closer like holding him there will take away whatever weight he is carrying. 

“Goodnight Mountain.” He buries his nose into his hair. Multi closes his eyes, but try as he might his mind never stops. His thoughts tangle together like a knotted ball of yarn. All of it is nonsense, words and images randomly flashing through his head without rhyme or reason. He lies like that for hours before his body’s exhaustion finally overrides the never ending stream of his mind. 

His sleep is light. Dreamless. But he prefers that over the fitful nightmares. Still, it is no wonder he wakes up when he hears gasping, choked off sobs. He blinks his eyes open, confusion swirling through his mind as the early light of day reminds him he is not in his own room. As his senses come back online, he registers the body lying next to him. Feels how much it shakes. Smells the musty scent of mold. Another sob spills into the air, causing Multi to sit up. 

“Mount?” His voice is rough with sleep. 

He does not respond. Multi knows he cannot hear him, but he hopes maybe he feels the vibration. He does not want to scare Mountain by suddenly grabbing him, so he taps his shoulder. The sobbing stops immediately as Mountain whips around to look at him. His eyes are wide, panicked, like a creature caught in a trap. 

“Mount what’s wrong?” He asks more urgently. 

His gaze falls to Multi’s lips, watching as he speaks. Still, he does not respond. Multi turns over, fumbling around the nightstand until his hands land on his hearing aids. He picks them up and turns back over, holding them out towards Mountain. He sniffs, wipes his eyes with his arm, and takes them from Multi with a shaky hand. 

Once they are in, Multi asks one more time, “You okay?” 

He can practically see Mountain’s mind work as he processes the question, trying to decide what the best possible answer is. He nods slowly before pushing himself up into a sitting position, “Yeah. I’m fine.” 

Maybe it is because it is the first thing in the morning. Maybe it is because every tear breaks his heart further, but his simple response causes irritation to flash through Multi’s system. 

“You know. It’s alright if you’re not. Yesterday was a lot, anyone would be shaken after that.” 

Mountain shifts again, throwing his legs over the side of the bed and turning away from him, “Really I’m fine.” He plants his hands on the edge of the mattress as if he is about ready to stand up. 

“Where’re you going?” 

He sighs deeply and hangs his head, “Someone has to make breakfast.” 

This makes the irritation turn to something else. Something hotter. He feels the heat in his veins, more bite to his words than he intends, “Why does it have to be you?” 

“Who else is going to do it?” 

“They can fucking feed themselves Mount!” 

“They shouldn’t have to. I should—“ 

“What you should be doing is laying your big ass down.” Multi takes a deep breath. He knows he is getting way too worked up. If he was a proper fire ghoul he would most definitely have steam rising off his skin. Mountain does not need to be yelled at after nearly bleeding out. 

“I’m sorry. But just. Why does it have to be you?”

“Someone has to make sure they’re taken care of.” It sounds rehearsed, like he has practiced that line over and over again until it has been burned into his memory. 

“But who takes care of you?” 

This seems to genuinely catch him off guard. He lifts his head again and turns slightly to look at him over his shoulder, “What?” 

“I mean. We’re a pack yeah? We don’t have some stupid hierarchy. We all take care of each other, so who takes care of you?” 

When Mountain stays quiet, he continues. “You can’t provide for anyone if you’re shaking like a leaf Mount. My Mama always said sometimes the best thing you can do for others is take a nap.” 

“ I don’t want to lie in bed all day.” 

“Then we won’t! A change of scenery will be great for you.” Multi rolls and jumps out of bed. He stands in front of Mountain, taking his hands to lift him to his hooves. He does not resist. He follows Multi easily like a beacon shining in the dark. 

Multi laces their fingers together and tugs him toward the door, “Come on. Me and you are gonna have ourselves a lazy day. Absolutely no working, just eating and watching those weird fucking human shows.” 

“But—“

“No, nope! The only but I want is yours on the couch!” Multi laughs to himself as he throws open the bedroom door and drags Mountain into the hallway with him. 

It is much later than Multi, or Mountain for that matter, usually gets up. The sun is high in the sky, casting shattered beams of color across the floor of the den as the light shines through the windows. It is silent, still. The type of quiet that can only come from being home alone in a large house. No muffled voices. No creak of wood. No shuffling feet. If anyone else is still here, then they are doing a good job of staying hidden. 

The sound of Multi’s paws and Mountain’s hooves hitting the floor are the only noises to greet them as they step into the common room. No Mist or Zephyr or any of the other bookish ghouls taking the emptiness as a chance to stretch out on the couch. Works perfectly for them. Multi leads Mountain over to the sofa and sits him down with a little pat between his horns. He sits stiffly with his back straight and his hands folded in his lap. 

Multi takes a step back from and eyes him like one would an unfinished painting. He cups his chin, narrows his eyes, and hums, “Mount you look like someone shoved a stick up your ass. Here just…” 

He grabs one of the knit blankets off the back of the couch and drapes it over Mountain’s shoulders. He then gathers as many pillows from the other furniture in the room as he can carry, dumping them on and around him. At this point Mountain looks more like a plushie in a pile rather than a gigantic infernal creature. 

“Better,”  Multi smiles and nods, “Now you find something stupid for us to watch while I take care of the snacks.” 

He feels his eyes on him as he rounds the corner of the couch and heads off toward the kitchen. It is only when he gets behind the counter does he really breathe. He knows Mountain needs this. Needs to finally take time for himself before his garden becomes a desert. But Multi cannot help but feel like somehow, some way, he is overstepping. He has no right to be ordering around probably the most integral ghoul of this pre-established pack. Though, Mountain seems to have given up his fight. Has resigned himself to the care of someone else. But that does not mean the others will see what Multi is doing. 

What if one of those older ghouls comes back? What will River or Pebble or Alpha say when they see Multi is keeping Mountain in the den? What if Biggs comes looking for him, wondering why he did not show up to the greenhouse? Will he snap his jaws when he finds out Multi is the reason Mountain did not go to work? He risks wrath by inserting himself like this. 

His gaze travels over to the back of Mountain’s head. He is wholly focused on turning the TV on and surfing through the movies they have. He smiles as warmth blossoms in his chest. It still scares him. The fear of doing something to warrant his expulsion from this pack. But the warmth of Mountain melts every single doubt, like the first rays of sun freeing the grass of frost. He finds the threat of fangs easier to bear knowing ultimately he is helping someone who makes him feel normal. 

“What do you want to drink dirt boy?” Multi calls. 

He hesitates for only a moment before his melancholic voice responds, “Tea please. The rose blend.” 

“Coming right up. What kinda snacks you want? Are we feeling salty? Sugary? Savory?” He pulls the electric kettle from its stand and begins to fill it with water at the sink. 

“No. No sugar please.” 

“You sure? I think there’s still some of that carrot cake Alpha made.” He looks over at him and smiles at the way his ears perk up ever so slightly. Mountain does not outright reject the offer, but he does not accept it either. 

Multi brings the kettle over to its base and presses down the knob. As the water begins to heat, he grabs a mug and the rose tea from the upper cabinet. The sound of boiling water gets louder and louder as Multi grabs a bowl and a fork as well. He has every intention of opening the fridge to cut a slice of the cake, but he stops in his tracks when he hears a whine. He spins on his heel to see Mountain hunched over with the blanket pulled tight around his shoulders. 

He gasps softly and quickly moves out of the kitchen and into the common room. He sits down next to Mountain, gingerly placing his hand between his shoulder blades. He rubs small circles into the muscles as he looks with concern etched into his face. 

“What’s wrong,” he asks softly, “do the scars hurt?” 

“No. It’s not that,” he lets out a huff akin to a large dog. 

“Well then what is it?” 

Mountain shakes his head. His internal debate is clear as he struggles to find the right words. As he struggles to decide if he even wants to speak them aloud. He opens and closes his mouth before turning to look at Multi, “I—“ 

He cuts himself off and his eyes go wide as he spots something over Multi’s shoulder. He looks like the Morning Star Himself just manifested in front of him. Hope. Awe. Fear. All mixed into one. Multi quickly looks behind him to see what could have possibly caused such a reaction. 

In the threshold of the hallway stands Dewdrop. His eyes are sunken, deep bruises under the lids. His tail is completely still behind him as he stares at Mountain. It is like Multi is not even there. He looks terrified. The same look a lone ghoul has when they see a pack charging after them. There is a tremble in his hands where they are balled into fists at his side. 

The tension is so thick that Multi thinks he might start choking. He does not know what he should do. He knows Dew did not hurt Mountain on purpose, he saw into his mind when he pulled him out after all. But his instincts scream at him to be weary. 

“Dewdrop…” Mountain breathes, finally breaking the silence. 

He twitches, flinching at the sound of his own name. He quickly pulls the hood of his jacket over his head and passes through the common room as fast as he can without full on sprinting. He does not even bother with any shoes as he throws open the door and leaves, stepping into the hallways of the Ministry. 

A moment later, Mountain deflates like a popped balloon. He hunches over and digs the heels of his palms into his eyes with a drawn out groan. He mumbles something, but Multi cannot make it out. 

“What was that?” He asks softly. 

Mountain does not lift his head, but he does speak up, “I’ve ruined it all over again.” 

“You didn’t—“ 

“But I did.” He is deadly serious. 

Multi swallows, considering his words carefully before he speaks, “I’m sure this will blow over. Eventually.” 

“It won’t.” 

“How can you be so sure Mount?” 

“Because it’s been like this long before you were here.” 

This gives Multi pause. He furrows his brow as he stares at Mountain. What does he mean by that? From what he has seen, Aether, Mountain, and Dew are close as close can be. Has he been wrong this whole time? He has seen the pictures. He has seen the three of them interact. So how can Mountain say this choking tension has been present for that long? 

“But…you two always look so comfortable with each other?” 

Mountain shakes his head, “It’s for Aether’s sake. Has to be.” 

He hesitates before quietly asking, “What happened?” 

He drops his hands from his face and looks at Multi. A thousand different memories flash behind his eyes, a reel of everything that ever happened that led them to this very moment. He opens his mouth but the words do not follow. He snaps his jaw shut again, gazing falling to the floor. Multi silently waits. He gives Mountain the time he needs. But that time stretches for longer and longer. The thing that breaks their silence is not a noise from Mountain, but rather the mechanical flick from the kettle letting them know the water is boiled. 

Multi reaches out and squeezes at Mountain’s knee, “I’ll be back.” 

He stands from the couch and heads back into the kitchen. He takes the kettle off its stand and brings it to where he left the mug. Steam rises into his face as he pours. Once full, he dips one of the infusers into the water. It begins to darken as the rose petals seep in the heat. While it brews, he opens the fridge and pulls out the container that has the rest of the carrot cake in it. He cuts a decently sized slice for Mountain and drops it into the bowl he left out. 

He takes both the tea and the cake back into the common area. He sets the bowl onto the coffee table and hands the mug to Mountain who mumbles his gratitude. Mountain brings the lip of the porcelain up to his mouth, softly blowing the steam away. He takes a small sip, humming as the rich flavor coats his tongue. His shoulders seem to relax ever so slightly as warmth spreads through him. 

Multi fiddles with his fingers as he watches him. He does not want to press the matter, but curiosity is eating away at him. If the divide between Mountain and Dew ran much deeper than the events of last night, then he has to know. Well, he does not have to know. But he wants to. He wants to know what exactly has caused Mountain to crumble. Maybe if he knows then he can try to make it better, or at the very least distract him from the weight of it. 

They must have the same idea though because they both open their mouths at the same time to speak. Multi snaps his jaw shut, but smiles and breathes a laugh. Mountain returns the smile, albeit weakly. It quickly drops though as Multi nods, encouraging him to go ahead. 

He takes another sip of his tea, swallowing thickly, “Back before any of you were summoned, at the very end of our own tour, Ifrit and Zephyr decided they wouldn’t continue as members of the Ghost Project. This meant the Clergy had to scramble to find replacements which was hard to do considering they blew through their summoning fund because of Terzo.”

His lips tighten into a thin line as he goes back to the early days, “Dew saw this as an opportunity I guess. Water ghouls are by far the easiest to summon and he always was the most devout out of any of us. He…offered himself up to the Clergy. To become the fire ghoul they needed, which you already knew that you were here for his transition. Sorry.” 

Multi shakes his head, “It’s okay Mount. Keep going. If you want to.” 

He takes a deep breath and nods, “When he told us, Aether and I, I don’t know. Something inside me just…felt like it had died. I reacted horribly. I told him he was selfish. That he was only thinking about himself. I asked him…”

He pauses and takes a shaky breath, “…I asked him why he had to go and kill himself for a bunch of humans. Why he couldn’t just stay with the pack who loved him.” 

Mountain blinks a few times as his eyes gloss over. Multi scoots closer to him, knees and thighs pressing together as he pulls Mountain into his side. He takes another sip of his tea and swallows thickly. 

“We got into it after that. It was bad. Screaming so loud that Alpha had to come and check on us. Aether was the one who eventually got between us. He told me to leave Dew’s room and I did. I had never seen him look at me like that before. It scared me.” 

“But something had to have happened right,” Multi asks quietly, “when I first got here I saw you three cuddled on the couch.” 

Mountain nods, “It…got better. After like three days of not talking to each other. We eventually hashed things out but. I don’t know. Everything still felt strained, to me at least. I didn’t know how to truly make up for the awful things I said. It all sort of faded into the background when you all were summoned. But then just…seeing him like. In the infirmary. It was too much. I didn’t want to be proven right, I didn’t want him to die.” 

He stops talking as the first tear rolls down his cheek. Multi quickly takes the mug from his hands and puts it on the coffee table as Mountain collapses in on himself. He then wraps his arms around his large frame, guiding him to lean on him. Mountain clings to him, burying his face in his neck as the pain of the past months finally cascades out of him. The bottle has shattered. Everything inside can finally be released. 

“I never cared if he was water or fire or anything else! I just wanted him to be alive! He’s the one who made me feel like I had a place up here and I ruined it!” Mountain sobs against his skin. 

“I broke us! What we had will never be the same because I couldn’t be like Aether and keep my mouth shut!” His claws dig into Multi’s shoulders, holding him like a branch in a flood. 

Multi holds him back just as tight. He cups the back of his head, careful to avoid pulling on his braid. He wraps his tail around his waist just for an extra point of contact, “It’s okay Mountain. It’s alright.” 

“It’s not okay! I just want things to be right again!” 

“It will be. It will be.”

“You can’t be certain!”

“I can. If you really do love each other then it’ll be okay again.” 

Another round of sobs wrack through Mountain’s body, making him shake like an earthquake. Multi leans back against the cushions, taking Mountain with him. He lets him rest his full weight on top of him, letting him have the comfort he so badly needs. He runs his hand up and down his back, not saying a word as Mountain hiccups and cries. There is nothing to say. Nothing that will magically make this better. All he can do is be there so Mountain does not crack and splinter into a thousand different fragments, never to be whole again. 

All he can do is hold him. Let him finally rest against something. 

As Mountain’s sobs turn to sniffles, hiccups to stuttered breaths, Multi begins to hum. A quiet, barely there rumble of his Mama’s song. It only grows louder when he feels Mountain shift, pressing his ear directly to his chest. The words dance through his mind as the melody vibrates through both of them. Soft and low in pitch. His lips brush against Mountain’s hair as he mumbles scattered lyrics. 

The Infernal words cause Mountain to lift his head just enough to look Multi in the eyes. He falls silent, concern etched into his face as he sees the way the fur on his face is damp from his tears. 

Mountain sniffles, “Please don’t stop.” 

“Oh. Oh yeah of course. Didn’t know you liked it.” 

“I haven’t heard Infernal since I was summoned.” 

Multi smiles softly, “Well you just sit back and relax and get your fill.” 

Multi takes a deep breath, letting every memory of his Mama singing to him flood his mind. He closes his eyes as he hums along with her until the lyrics begin. It is not like at rehearsal where he puts on a show, throwing everything he has into being an object of entertainment. His voice is softer despite how harsh Infernal sounds. He does not add his own flare to it. He remembers gentleness so he gives gentleness. 

The song itself is a simple one. A story of a guiding light that always shines the way to home. A common fire ghoul legend. But it is different coming from his Mama. She always sang it like doing so would make the whole world glow. As Multi finishes the last verse, all he can hope is that he captured that feeling for Mountain. 

When he opens his eyes, Mountain’s are closed. His cheek is squished against his chest and his breathing is deep and steady. He fell asleep. Multi chuckles quietly, affectionately. He carefully uncurls his tail from around Mountain’s waist to reach for the discarded blanket. He pulls it in until it is close enough for him to grab it with his hands, draping it over Mountain’s shoulders. He settles in, content with being trapped under him for the rest of the day if it means he can find some semblance of peace. 

He watches the way his eyes move under his lids, the way his shoulders rise and fall with every breath. Despite the circumstance, it makes him happy to see such a look of peace on Mountain’s face. His eyes are still puffy and the dark rings still bruise his skin, but he is peaceful. 

He sighs softly through his nose, dragging the very tips of his claws through his hair. Featherlight to make sure he does not wake. He is completely smothered yet he still needs to find a way to be touching Mountain. He wants his touch to be just as soothing as Mountain’s has been for him. 

But 

Staring at him so close like this, he thinks maybe it runs deeper than that. This is not the first time the thought has sparked within his mind, though he never entertains it. Everytime warmth blooms in his chest he has to remind himself that all of this is only temporary. At some point or another he will no longer be welcome in this pack. That is how it always goes, he is sure being Topside will not make a difference. 

He knows killing it before it can turn into a proper flame is the safest route. Especially now. After all that has happened. Mountain does not need anything else added to the burdens he carries. He knows, at least for now, Mountain does like him. Enjoys his company. And he wants to keep it like that. So Multi will do what he can to care for him while he is here  without letting his mind wander too far. Wandering is dangerous. For both of them. 

Because surely whatever that deeper something is has to be infatuation. Mountain is kind to him, spends so much time with him. It is just Multi being new and latching onto that. Clinging to the person who likes him so that maybe this pack will not turn on him. It has to be that. Because if it is something more than that Multi does not think he will recover. He knows the day he has run for his life will be horrible. This pack already means so much to him. But if he gives it time, lets something bloom with Mountain, then it will destroy him. 

So he swallows it down. Refuses to name it and once more swears he will return the care Mountain has shown him. He will be a good packmate with the time that he has and nothing more. 

~~~

The rest of the day ends up only being a few hours. Multi is watching some strange reality tv show on low volume when Mountain begins to stir. His gaze immediately drops to stare at him as he groans and slowly lifts his head. Mountain squints at the small digital clock on the tv stand. Multi cannot help but chuckle at the confused little furrow that appears in his brow. The noise draws his attention and Multi smiles when he looks down at him. 

“Welcome back to earth.” 

Mountain sits up now, lifting his weight off of Multi. He instantly misses the pressure. The closeness. “Was I really asleep for four hours?” 

Multi sits up too, back cracking as he stretches, “Yuuup. Didn’t move an inch either. Laid there like a fucking boulder.” 

“Sorry.” 

“Don’t apologize. Clearly you needed the rest and if I’m the best pillow in the den then so be it.” 

Mountain gives him a soft smile, something more akin to the way he looked at him when he was fresh from the ground. Though there is something more in his eyes. Something that seems more genuine, more raw. It makes him smile too, but not his normal fang filled grin. It is more of a tender curl of the lips. Their eyes stay locked like that for only a moment before Mountain’s eyes light up as a thought zaps through his mind. 

“My tea.” 

“Oh. Oh yeah! Don’t worry I didn’t dump. I kinda couldn’t even if I wanted to.” 

He shakes his head, “Yes but I’m sure it’s cold by now. I’m sorry for wasting it.” 

“Mount. I’m a multi ghoul.” He grabs the mug off the coffee table, holding it between both his hands. His black and white eyes swirl, melting away into a glowing yellow and orange. His normal amber and spice scent is replaced by campfire and clove cigarettes. He warms the porcelain until steam rises from the tea like it was just freshly brewed.  

“Tada.” He flourishes with one hand as he hands the mug back to Mountain. 

“Thank you.”

“Ahh don’t mention it. Now if only I could do the same for the cake…” his eyes fall to the bowl. The frosting looks a bit melty. 

Mountain follows his gaze, “Oh don’t worry about it. I’ll still eat it.” 

“I mean. We could put it in the fridge for a little.” 

Mountain just waves him off, trading out the mug for the bowl. He slices off a smaller piece with the fork, tentatively bringing it up to his mouth. He must deem it worthy despite having been sitting out for so long because his ears perk up. The next bite is bigger, chews it faster. Multi has never seen him eat this quickly, ravenous like a cat who’s dinner came late. It makes him laugh a little. The ghoul who always goes on about savoring taste swallowing a cake in two bites. 

When he finishes, he sets the bowl back down and picks his mug up again. He sips it, eyeing Multi as he grabs the dish. Multi returns the look with a smile on his face, “What? You don’t want me to get you more?” 

He opens his mouth but Multi cuts him off, “If the next words out of your mouth are ‘you don’t have to’ I swear to Lucifer Mount.” 

Mountain’s expression turns sheepish, smiling over the lip of the mug, “Yeah okay. Well then uh no more cake at least.” 

“Don’t you worry I’ll cook us up something nice and filling.” Bowl in hand, he stands from the couch. Before he walks off though, he bends and leans closer. 

It was meant to be a quick kiss. Nothing more. A wordless way to say it’s no problem. I’ll be right back. I care about you. 

Something he would do for any packmate. Something he has done with just about everyone else. A simple sign of affection. 

But the hand against his chest dumps ice water down his spine. Mountain looks appalled. He quickly stands, putting distance between himself and Multi. 

“What are you doing?” Mountain’s voice is hard. Flat. 

Multi swallows thickly as his mind runs through the map he has created of the den and the Ministry. Of every possible exit. He never imagined Mountain would be the one to begin the chase. 

[anonymouslymadebydesign]

im having an awful day at work so how about some aeon/phantom angst i thought about during my shift

something something classics aeon being summoned and clicking with Aurora instantly since she's also a new summon. the rest of the pack trying to warm up to aeon but they're still grieving the loss of aether and even call him the wrong name nearly to a point where aeon resents his own name.

something something aeon fleeing the pack the instant the tour is over but staying within the Abbey cause he has no idea where else he'd go. the idea of keeping a glamour up and pretending to be human 24/7 if he DID run away makes his stomach curl so he stays.

somethinnnnnnn aeon hiding in the kitchen of the Abbey and the Siblings of Sin take him in, let him stay because they realize "hey this kid is really helpful". the siblings of sin adopting him into their group and teaching him how to cook. Aeon seamlessly fitting into their group to a point where he even considers them his primary pack instead of the band.

Aeon who's comforted by his new friends/family when he tells them about how it was like being on tour. Not even the band itself but how he felt like an outcast and how it hurt to hear his band mates address him as "aeth- sorry, aeon."

One of the siblings who primarily work in the kitchens is the one to suggest "Phantom" instead because the little quint moves so quietly and stealthily that he's like a little ghost, like a phantom. He adores this idea and latches onto it. From that point forward they call him Phantom.

The pack doesn't even notice at first, the first few days, a week even, after returning everyone's just so happy to see their old pack mates and be back home that no one notices Aeons missing.

Aethers the one to ask how the new quint has been holding up and where he's gone off too. Everyone's kinda vague in their answers, not giving anything satisfactory. Aurora is the one to chime in with "he's holed himself up in his room and hasn't come out."

Aether who decides to go the quints room only to find it empty, bed made and everything, all traces of the quint scrubbed clean, like he never existed.

Aether who tells the pack that he's not in his room and forcing everyone to tell him what caused it. Tell him why he's run away. TELL HIM WHY the newest member who was entrusted in their care felt the need to slip away wordlessly.

Phantom who's so integrated into the kitchen staff/pack that when the band eventually finds him, he even SMELLS different. The mere sight of his old pack causes him to reek of disparity and panic and confusion.

Phantom who's being shielded by humans and ghouls alike, cowering behind the wall of safety, clearly holding onto a fire ghoul for dear life.

Aether watching this whole scene unfold as he finds the young quint ghoul and can only call out his name, frightened at what he sees, not understanding this reaction.

Aether turning to his own pack with a mixture of disappointment , disbelief, and above all else, anger. Aether looking at them all and asking

"What have you done to him?"

[matthindavick]

Hey ghesties, uhhh I was nervous as fuck to post this because I haven’t had the energy to do much in the way of full drawings (all of it was funneled in a specific project I am seriously struggling on) so I only have picrew edits (which also limited my design ability in terms of silhouette) but I need to talk about my Little Guys (ghoul ocs)

-a note on my canon I set up for them, it’s generally a “no one dies” au, though occasionally I play with resurrection aus? Either way all the papas get to live and be a fucked up little family together. Also I know they "Didn't grow up together" in terms of Copia but instead yes they did.-

(Second note because I'm not sure how everyone else categorizes these, I use era to mean a different Papa as frontman (but mashing Copia's cardinal and Papa times together since he's still the same character)

First up: Cinder!

Made with this picrew, edits include burn and singe marks on their clothes: https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/251735

Fire ghoul, they/them, era 3/4 depending on au

Their basic premise is “give Terzomega a child through Hijinks” which currently includes a group of overenthusiastic Siblings attempting to help by summoning a ghoul. Luckily it doesn’t go dangerously wrong, but they do end up with a ghoul kit.

A kit they immediately lose, because Cinder bolted out of the area.

Cinder is notably shy and skittish for a fire ghoul (hence why I went with “cinder” as it’s a cooled fire related term, and “ash” is a bit too much just a human name for my preference?) And they get cold very easily, so once they got out of the commotion they found the nearest lit fireplace to hide in.

I've gone back and forth on who finds them, but tend to favor it being Omega or him and Terzo, because they would be scared by just a human and while it could be one of the other ghouls, I just don't really feel it? (And I am.. not great at characterizing uhh most of the ghouls. Including Omega tbh.)

They're dressed in a cute little frilly outfit because I think Terzo likes to dress them up like a little prince. It's very hard to get them to keep their clothes unburnt so there is a lot of effort taken to give them fire resistant clothes (they still manage to singe the edges)

Resurrection au is way harder on them, and includes them being summoned (and subsequently adopted) era 3, to get the full angst from Terzo's death.

No one dies version is them being summoned era 4, because I think Terzo (and to a degree Omega) would do much better with a child after retirement from touring.

Their favorite uncle is Copia, due in large part due to adoring his rats (cuddling many small warm cute babies? Sign them up!) But also because knowing that he's an anxious person makes them feel better about how big and scary the ministry is to them, no matter how long it's been.

Next: Ember!

Made with this picrew, edits include a change to the skin tone, lighter oranges and yellow in the eyes, and the embers: https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1564386

Fire ghoul, he/they/she/xe, era 4

Ember is in general, sweet. Gentle, helpful, and calm. Warm, emotionally and also physically, radiating heat like a smsll furnace. All perfect qualities for a ministry ghoul. But they are very clear about their limits, that their temper can flare high with the best of them.

He is happy to do plenty of jobs around the ministry, but his favorite tends to sound a little surprising: tending the grounds and gardens. The soft heat of the sun, the cool grass, and the ever changing shapes and colors of flowers, it's all peaceful to xem.

In resurrection aus, she finds the gardens not in disrepair per se, but definitely not like it has been given care. She has to be careful, lest her heat burn the more delicate plants, but he personally revives it to the best to his ability. It's quite the surprise to both of them when Primo returns, to a small fire ghoul neck deep in his garden as it stands around them, healthy, if not amateur. They get to bond over this =)

In no one dies au, there's a slower burn bond with Primo, with him teaching them about the plants, two calm exteriors with burning, molten cores finding companionship.

(...also if maybe I like to ship xem and Primo that's my business. I'm very scared of being called cringe, can you tell?)

Finally: Prism!

My poor baby with 4 variants on their design and less defined things.

Made with this picrew, edits include adding the glowy aether symbol, and adding iridescence/opalescence to the eyes: https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1493001

Quintessence/fire ghoul, she/they, probably era 4?? Who knows

Unfortunately, Prism is currently mostly vibes? I think she's probably a bit tricksy maybe? (Maybe a bit... scatterbrained? Like. Like refracting light. Because it's scattering light. Like a prism. Well more like the way the bevels in a cut diamond make it sparkle and refract light, which is actually how I imagine them but prism is more succinct for use as a name) So I'm going to talk about a couple design details. (I'm curious what design other people like best? I may do a poll about it if people are interested)

I realized this may just be a me thing, but I imagine the ones with the hair up as the hair spikes going up through the horns, so the horns curl around the hair, though the picrew doesn't actually depict that as much as I thought at first?

Also the black shirt + red cloak feels more like "on stage" type outfits, the way the ghouls wear darker colors, while the white and purple shirt is more casual with the light colors. (Interestingly, they each kinda emphasize each of her elements with red being fire and purple aether)

I got too many "looks like homestuck" comments from friends before I even made the wavy hair + red and black outfit and while I love that one I'm so scared it reads as "Aradia"

So I think that's generally my guys? Hope y'all like them?

[ghoultrifle]

Phantom's Top Surgery

@autumnblooms made a post asking about top surgery ghouls and I couldn't resist. So here is 1.8k words of they/them non-binary Phantom having top surgery and the pack loving them so much (like SO MUCH). If you couldn't tell, I have never had surgery, let alone top surgery (I wish!) so any medical inaccuracies are on me! Minor mentions of scars (medical) and dysphoria, nothing heavy though, this is a fluffy fic :) Enjoy!

They opened their eyes, the halo of the ward’s fluorescent bulb assaulting them before their eyes fluttered shut again, straining. They could feel their right hand had a warmth to it, almost burning. It was Dewdrop, his hand enveloping Phantom’s as he sat at their bedside.

Dew had been waiting nervously for the young ghoul to wake. Their summoning went awry, they were given the wrong vessel and today was the day Phantom would finally know peace, even if just a little.

“Hey sweetheart, you’re safe, it was all a success. Can you open your eyes for me now?” Dewdrop whispered, shielding their eyes from the light with his hand, careful not to startle the groggy ghoul.

Their eyes twitched open, bracing for the light that never came. “You stayed, Dew?” They asked in awe. “Of course I did, honey. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here with you.” He replied, “In fact I’m honoured to be able to share this story with you.” Dew brought Phantom’s hand to his chest as he traced his own scars, faded now, but still textured.

Phantom smiled, their lips parting to reveal their fangs, an action unconsciously reserved for those they trusted most. “Are they really gone?” They questioned. Dewdrop didn’t reply, only moved their hands over the quintessence ghoul’s bandaged chest. The wraps were thick and the drains were in the way but even so it was clear to Phantom that they really were gone, once and for all.

No more back pain from binders and sports bras. No more slouching and rolling in their shoulders. No more refusing to go swimming with Rain on account of their vessel. They were free.

Well, not quite yet. The next two weeks were going to be tough, confined to a bed and relying on their packmates for everything. They weren’t looking forward to it. Being a relatively new summon they felt bad that all attention had been on them since they were summoned, all because Secondo never properly taught Copia Latin.

It made no sense for them to be worried, the pack loved to dote on them at any chance they got. Pampering them with spa days and Swiss even created a countdown calendar for Phantom’s surgery date, bringing out a cake with ‘Take ‘em away, boys!’ written in icing on the morning of. Even Aurora, who was summoned with them, had no qualms about the attention they received; she preferred to stay out of the limelight as she assimilated.

There was a knock at the door, more of an announcement than a question, as Aether entered. “Hey Bud, how you feeling? Thought I’d pop along in case you needed a little quinty help!” The older ghoul asked, making jazz hands as his fingertips leaked magick into the room.

Now they thought about it, it did ache. It wasn’t painful, they were on so many meds it couldn’t have been, but there was a pressure to it, a dull ache around their chest. It wasn’t quite what they’d been expecting, to feel worse than they did with their tightest binder but it was worth it, they reckoned.

Phantom turned their head towards the door, eyes unable to focus, “Aches, Aeth.” Was all they could manage, head still swirling from the anaesthesia; it takes significantly more to knock out a quintessence ghoul. They willed their hands to make a grabbing motion at Aether. They’re not sure if it worked but either way Aether was soon approaching the bed, hands tingling with quintessence.

“I bet it does, Baby. This feel better?” Aether hummed as he held his palms to Phantom’s collar bones, the closest exposed skin to the fresh scars. Phantom murmured an affirmative response that no one could quite make out, they were too blissed out at the relief their packmate was offering.

Aether moved his hands to affectionately mess Phantom’s hair before returning them to his lap, now sitting opposite Dewdrop. “That should be enough for a few hours, Bug.”

“‘m sleepy, Dewy. Cuddles?” Phantom asked, successfully grabbing in Dew’s direction this time. The young ghoul attempted to roll on their side, ready for Dewdrop to spoon them. Aether placed a firm but loving hand on their shoulder, “Oh honey you can’t be rolling over, your chest will come out lop-sided!” He joked, chuckling as Phantom whined before giggling.

“Alright, Ant. How about I use some magick to keep you warm now and I’ll give you all the cuddles once the bandages are off, huh?” Dewdrop propositioned, stretching out his hand to the ghoul’s bare arm. They closed their eyes just as Aether sparked some quintessence to give Phantom the feeling of a warm, embracing hug.

They awoke once again, hours later, for the nurses to do their final fit-for-home tests: blood pressure, check they’ve pissed, and check their bandages. Phantom was barely awake for this, the surgery having destroyed their energy. They just about made out a kind man talking to them, “Alright Tom, looks like you’re good to go. The doctor will be in touch about your follow up appointments shortly!” 

Who’s Tom?, they thought, forgetting their human name. It didn’t matter though as Aurora and Dewdrop helped dress them in joggers and a button-up shirt, Aether at the abbey cooking a ‘welcome back’ lasagne with Swiss.

The short ghouls plopped their subject into a wheelchair before racing them down the hallway, seeing which of them could propel Phantom the furthest on a single push. Phantom was having a great time until they were accelerated toes-first into a wall as the chair decided it wasn’t going to play ball, “Ow! I thought you were meant to be taking care of me!” They whined, not really minding, Aether’s magick still in effect.

Dew and Aurora exchanged a smirk before apologising and wheeling Phantom to the car at a reasonable pace. Mountain was parked outside, ready for the special delivery. The front seat was pushed right back so Phantom could easily slide in, already wearing their neck pillow. Their bandages provided just enough padding that the seatbelt was bearable, it was only a short ride anyway.

On getting out of the car, Phantom was carried bridal style by the earth ghoul straight to their bed where Swiss was waiting with a trolley full of food. The young ghoul was starving after being nil by mouth and only snacking post-surgery. Mountain settled them on their wedge pillow, a soft tubular cushion placed under their arms like a pool noodle, and an in-bed tray placed over their waist.

Mountain turned to leave as he was accosted by Phantom weakly pulling him back, “Mwah” they exaggerated as they kissed him on the cheek, miming a hug they couldn’t quite give with their t-rex arms. Mountain smiled and blew a kiss back as he left the multi ghoul to serve their dinner.

“Made your favourite, Ant, lasagne!” Swiss exclaimed trying to keep Phantom awake enough to eat without falling asleep face first in the pasta. He placed the food on the quintessence ghoul’s tray and handed them their favourite fork, it had plastic casing with bats on it. Phantom took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the freshly cooked meal, “Mmm thanks Swissy, smells good!” They replied. 

They scoffed the lasagne in no time, asking Swiss for seconds, and then a dessert. Swiss had come prepared, with a quick text on his phone Cumulus was entering the room, apple pie in hand with a spoon to match the set. “Lussy! You came! With pie too?!” They were getting excited now, Cumulus often took a back seat when it came to Phantom’s transition, struggling to reconcile with her own. But she couldn’t resist coming to see the freshly flat-chested ghoul before her, she remembered what her first gender affirming surgery was like. It was cold and lonely, before she was a band ghoul, there was no one there for her. She couldn’t bear to think Phantom would have the same experience. So she turned up, she was present, and she did what she does best: baked.

Phantom slept well that night, but the following evenings proved more difficult. Sleeping upright, unable to move and stretch was difficult for the young ghoul. They were often found curled up in a ball of a morning, so staying still was a challenge. The post-op binder was so tight, their back hurt and their chest ached. Cirrus caught wind of a hrmmph coming from Phantom’s room, gently opening the door to check the ghoul hadn’t injured themself.

“You OK, Bug?” She asked, fresh concern in her voice as she saw the discomfort they were in. Phantom just shook their head with a disapproving chirp. “Oh I know, it’s hard isn’t it? Dewdrop really struggled with this bit too.” She replied, “I can always try what I tried with him if you want?” She offered tentatively.

The quintessence ghoul nodded, trying not to rouse themself anymore than Cirrus had already. She nodded before she started singing a lullaby, soft and sweet in that tender voice of hers. Phantom felt sleep pulling over them, drifting from consciousness with every line she sang. They could get used to this.

It became a routine, Cirrus’ charming voice accompanying them on their journey to sleep. As days turned into weeks they found it easier, the wedge pillow’s angle decreasing as they became more horizontal at night. Being able to lift their arms enough to shower and make their own cereal in the morning. It was the little things that made everything that little bit more bearable.

Of course they brought the whole pack to their chest reveal, excited chirps and trills from the crowd as the nurse removed the bandages to reveal fresh red scars outlining their pecs and small suture lines around their nipples. Many tears were shed that afternoon, not least from Phantom themself. 

That summer, the pack were down at the lake, cooling off by the shore. Phantom and Dewdrop were sporting their scar strips as they sat shirtless on the wooden dock, feet swinging idly in the water, swimming shorts on. Suddenly a rush of air passed them as Rain ran behind them shouting “Last one in the water’s a rotten egg!” as he broke the surface of the peaceful water.

For the first time, they wanted to join Rain. Phantom looked at Dewdrop before scrambling to their feet, desperate not to be the rotten egg, before jumping in. The water hit their scars, cool and fresh, just like the realisation that they were finally free.

This is what life was meant to be.

[thelampisaflashlight]

So, about that OC I was working on:

Design wise, he's like I smashed Jeremy and Raphael together, and the outcome was this guy here without the... Well, he's got issues, too, but not quite as many as those two, and certainly less than them both combined.

His full name is Asclepias (as-KLEE-pea-us) but he usually goes by "Klee", though his other nicknames are Sweet Pea (Some of the sisters call him that because he's very helpful and kind, and seems to be quite genuine when it comes to doing things just because it's the polite thing to do.) and Pupa (One of the other earth ghouls called him that ONCE and now it's his name amongst that group.).

Klee has brown hair that comes out to orange tips (dye job gone wrong) and red/pink eyes that he shifts to brown when he's in his human glamour.

Physically speaking, Klee is in good health, and leads a fairly active lifestyle that gets him out and about more often than not, but he's decidedly average when it comes to his athletic abilities.

While not as book smart as some -he does okay, but he's no Einstein- he knows a fair bit when it comes to the world around him and approaches most things with an open mind and patience. What he lacks in mental fortitude, he makes up for in emotional stability and common sense.

Klee was born and raised in Limbo, which is like the Ohio of Hell. Take that as you will.

And lastly, some spitfire tidbits;

His favorite color is purple.

He's an example of a ghoul made from using a human vessel to contain a demon, so he has a bit of a "blended" memory problem.

He was summoned as part of a "test batch" of ghouls for another branch of the ministry, which, apparently, was not exactly, uh, ethical and/or legal, so he's staying at the abbey until that gets sorted.

Very much an example of "I can't have trauma if I don't remember shit." meets, "I don't remember shit because I have trauma."

Cuts his hair in the bathroom at 3am when his brain is too loud, still manages to "make it work" by claiming it's art and definitely not a cry for help.

A indefinite resident of the abbey's "rehab" until they can figure out how best to help him.

Cat noises.

[ourfatherwhoartinhell]

"In the night, I am real..." // [Part III]

Pairing | Alpha x reader

Word count | 1.4k

Warnings | Ghouls sent back to the Pit, ritual gone wrong, rite here rite now spoilers, canon divergence, f!reader - no y/n

Chapter Summary: You decide to see if the "silly book" you found is more than it seems. Heartbroken, you follow the ancient book's instructions to perform a ritual, hoping to bring Alpha back on your own. However things don't quite go according to plan.

[Prev]

The hellish scene you created last week went unacknowledged by Copia. When interrogated by Sister Imperator, he simply said, “One of the ghouls must’ve eaten some bad sushi or something, I don’t know.” It was your little secret, and life continued on as normal.

You were slowly becoming more yourself in the 2 weeks following the incident. Copia invited you to join band practice and give his (properly summoned) Ghouls some pointers. You found out that they weren’t so bad after all. A little wild, but they were perfectly his.

You made a point to talk with Dewdrop after learning about his element change. That must have been so painful, you felt guilty for not being there for him during the transition. To start making amends, you gave him some tips about how Alpha used to deal with flare-ups and dysregulation. You didn't know whether it would help, but it was your way of reaching out, and trying being of service to the band again.

It was getting close to midnight and practice had just finished for the day. Swiss and Phantom, the ghouls that had taken to you the most, offered for you to join them for a movie night in the den. You politely declined as you already had important plans for tonight.

You smiled and wished the last of the Siblings heading inside a good night, as you walked out to the familiar bench in the garden. It was the first time you allowed yourself to sit out here under the moonlight since your Ghoul disappeared 6 years ago.

You removed the black guitar from within its case and sat it on your lap.

“Please don’t laugh, I haven’t done this in a while.” You said to no one in particular.

You began to play an acoustic version of If You Have Ghosts. It was one of your favourites. When Terzo used to help you through anxiety attacks, he would sing it. You didn’t know why he spent so much time helping you, but it was like he was speaking to you through every word of it. Telling you that as long as you had Ghost, they are all you would ever need. You fell in love with it after that. However, after the events of last week, you were beginning to realize what that truly meant.

You plucked along, the crescent moon shining bright above you as you sang. 

“The moon,” you chuckled as you looked. “Up above… is a part of my thoughts, and a part of me is me. Forever is the wind…”

“In the night, I am real.”

You immediately stopped playing and froze.

No one else should be out here at this hour, definitely not a Ghoul. As far as you knew, they were all watching the movie. If you just stayed quiet, maybe they would go away. But the voice continued softly, this time directly behind you.

“In the night, I am real.” 

It couldn’t possibly… 

“I don’t remember teaching you that one?”

If a person could turn their head around any faster, they would probably break it at the speed you turned to look behind you. Your face expressing a confusing mixture of surprise, disbelief, and a flicker of hope.

“I knew I’d find you out here.” The voice said with a fanged smile.

You shot up and immediately engulfed the large Ghoul, sharing a close embrace that was much overdue. Not caring if your tears were beginning to soak through his shirt.

“I missed you so much.” You choked out between sobs, pulling back and sniffling as you looked up at your mate. “You are here, right? I’m not hallucinating?”

Alpha smiled softly as he held your face in his hands, pushing away the strands of hair glued down by your tears. You studied his face, fearing he was going to disappear again, gently running a hand over his cheek and smiling fondly at him.

“The embers in your eyes are still as bright.”

EPILOGUE

1 Year Later

Everyone was gathered in the communal hall, waiting for the newly promoted Frater Imperator to make some big speech. All was going well in the world of the Ministry. You couldn’t begin to imagine how to make the future any brighter than it was right now. 

Copia, or now known as Frater Imperator, appeared on stage to make his first official statement before the masses of his Ministry.

“Oh, hello. Thank you for coming,” he began. “I just wanted to let you all know of a recent change I made. I hope you like it. Apparently there was a policy we practiced that caused many of our brothers and sisters much sorrow.”

The conversations in the room fell to a hushed whisper as everyone eagerly awaited to hear what Copia had going on in that crazy mind of his.

“So!” He clapped his hands together. “I’m proud to announce, effective immediately, the practice of banishing ghouls will no longer be in effect. That means after their service is complete, ghouls will no longer be banished and replaced. They are the backbone of our congregation. They are our brothers and sisters,” he said, glancing at his ghouls huddled together beside the stage. 

“Our friends,” he nodded to Aether, who stood near the door. 

“And for some,” he glanced along the wall, finding Alpha holding you protectively in front of him. Both finally at peace. “They are family. The ghouls will always have a home here, for as long as they wish to stay.”

The cheers were relentless. Brothers and Sisters of the Ministry excitedly embracing their ghoulish friends and partners in various states of disbelief. The ghouls' burden of knowing one day they might suddenly disappear was abolished. No one will have to go through the pain of being forcibly separated, not anymore.

“But!” Copia chirped. “That is to say: if there are any ghouls that still wish to return, I will do the ritual myself. Alternatively, if there are any who need to be reunited, I will take a few cases into consideration. My first duty as head of this Ministry is to right some wrongs, and to do better than those that came before me,” he explained, looking out with a smile at his beaming audience. “So that’s what I plan to do.”

Until the night of the incident a year ago, Copia never really gave much thought to the spin-off effects of sending ghouls back to the pit. Actually, he thought they might be excited to go home once they were no longer needed.

Never did he consider that in the years they were on the surface, the ghouls would’ve made strong connections and relationships with those outside of the band. Relationships that would be painfully torn apart when they were gone. 

After you accidentally summoned a lesser demon trying to get Alpha back, Copia made sure the Book of Resurrection (which you learned was the correct title) was properly locked away in his chamber for everyone’s safety. It would only be pulled out for the next Papa to summon new ghouls, if he so chooses.

However, that was not before Copia made one last summoning.

Unlike Nihil and Sister Imperator, ghoul’s weren’t able to appear as apparitions to help him learn what had happened to you back then - since ghouls weren’t technically dead. So he went to the next best option: a ghoul who was there. 

Dewdrop.

Dew told Copia about how your presence used to annoy Alpha to no end. Until one day things changed and Alpha started to get extremely protective of you. Something about how you yelled at him once for picking on Omega. 

“She was shaking like a leaf, scared to death, but looked him dead in the eyes and defended Omega anyway. After that, everything kind of changed.” 

Copia learned you two were set to be officially mated 3 days before the ghouls disappeared. He also never considered the ghouls could have mates that weren’t, well… other ghouls.

He was determined to right some wrongs, and now he knew that started with you.

Copia managed to summon Alpha back from the pit the day before what would’ve been your anniversary. He wanted to give the older ghoul time to adjust to being back on the surface after so long. Meanwhile, Copia’s ghouls were right there with him, eager to help.

The next day, he informed you that there was no band practice since he wasn’t feeling his best. Which, in all fairness, he wasn’t. Summoning a ghoul like Alpha took a lot out of him.

Yet he still found the strength to watch your long awaited reunion from his window.

It was going to be the start of a new era. In more ways than one.

[iomadachd]

Closed Starter for @alastors-radioshow

The other shoe had to drop eventually. There was always another shoe when it came to the Ghost Project. Ghouls and Papas came and went, but the Project kept moving along despite, or maybe because of, death and the passage of time.

Dewdrop hadn't expected that other shoe so soon. Even when Aether was released from his contract, Dewdrop still felt confident in his place within the band up until today. Why waste the time and effort of two failed fire summonings and an element change by banishing the Ghoul that was the result of it?

The blood-red envelope handed to him by a sibling knocked all that confidence down into the ground and into the catacombs where Papas I, II, and III lay below his feet.

Imperator so rarely sent these types of letters, and it was never anything good. The last red envelope had been for Aether. Letters before that... well, they had come after the event in question. Omega, Alpha, and the others hadn't had the chance to dread the end.

He doesn't bother to read it, and he doesn't leave it behind. He can't do that to the others. He tucks it into his shirt and slips out the door to take the long way to her office. He can put off the inevitable for a little while longer. Just five more minutes topside.

Rain gasps awake, magic thrumming through them screaming that something's gone horribly wrong. They've felt this before, and that had been bad enough. At first, they think it's just a nightmare, but the feeling isn't dissipating like a nightmare would. It's getting worse, and they can hear the others moving around, doors opening, and muffled words that sound just a touch too loud to be greetings.

It's not that they're bonded with the other band ghouls, they're not exactly a pack. It's simply that if you spend enough time around a specific set of people, you get a sense of what everyone feels like, and Rain's gotten comfortable feeling the other elements around them.

Stepping out into the main common room, the others have already beaten them there, in varying states of dress, but every single one is looking to see who doesn't join them.

Rain doesn't have a heart as far as they know, but they swear it breaks when Mountain realizes Dewdrop isn't with them because his howl is the most painful sound they've ever heard. They might still prefer it to the heartbroken expressions on Phantom and Aurora's faces when it's explained to them what's just happened.

They don't know how to process the idea of the band without Dewdrop. This whole time they've been topside, the band is all they've known. Yes, this year was the first big change, but it was still largely the same. Dewdrop is just... such a big part of it. He is... was their lead guitarist, the head of the Ghouls. He'd come into his own finally taking over fully after Aether had left.

How did they begin to cope with this?

Oh... oh no.

They step back, and then again, turning tail and walking towards Dew's room with purpose. They know who to tell, and who they have to tell because one of the others will be running to find Papa. They have to be the one to tell Alastor.

Rain still hesitates at the door, even knowing that Dew isn't there to be disturbed, and that hurts even more. They enter, and the bed is cold. The bed's never been cold before. Dew always has something in there to keep it warmed, if he's not in there himself.

It takes longer than they'd like to find the portal Dew uses to communicate with Alastor, and their hands tremble slightly as they hold it up in front of them.

"Show me Alastor, please..." they request, and they aren't even sure if it will listen to them.

It does, even though it's slow to do so. Maybe the portal knows what's coming as well, or it's just naturally slow. The relief that it does doesn't override all that they're feeling in that moment.

How does one inform a Prince of Hell that their consort has been banished?

They know who Alastor's expecting, so the surprise isn't unexpected, but Rain's eyes widen all the same.

"I... Dewdrop's been Banished to the Pit."

[chapel-of-rizztual]

regressor mountain is so important to me. the biggest baby ever. gets so emotional when small and is the most caring little guy. yes he cries a lot but its because he cares a lot

This tuned out to be a little deeper then expected. Anyway I love regressed Mountain so much.

cw: regressed ghouls, age regression.

Like Dew, when Mountain regresses he’s TINY. His life in the pit was incredibly traumatic and he never really recovered from it, even when he was summoned. Also like Dew, he spent most his time in the pit alone. He wasn’t banished like Dew was, he was…left. He woke up one day and his pack was just gone, moved on…without him. He didn’t know why they went, or where they went, but he spent the rest of time in the pit looking for them. He was so young, about fourteen in earth years, and had to learn how to fend for himself, and he had to learn fast. He avoided other solitary ghouls, most other banished ghouls were feral and dangerous to a fully grown ghoul and although Mountain was tall for his age he was still very obviously young. He’d met Dew a couple of times, the first time he’d nearly gotten his head bitten off when he walked into a cave to seek shelter not knowing the little water ghouls was already occupying it. Dew was even younger he was, and he was so tiny, and he seems to get smaller each time they saw each other, and Mountain always worried about him, but the two were too scared and cautious of each other to form any kind of bond. Mountain mostly stuck to the wood, he felt safe there, and of he ever encountered any other ghouls, which he had, and he had the war wounds to prove it, he’d had the advantage of the woods being his friend. He stayed in the woods for most his time alone in the pit, until he felt the calling to the surface and blindly followed it. 

The first time he regressed was a few years into his time on earth. And it was terrifying for him. Most days he woke up at sunrise, before everyone else and was able to make breakfast for everyone. This time he unknowingly woke up late and by the time he got downstairs everyone was…gone. He doesn’t remember anything after that. 

Dew was the one that found him. He was on the floor with dried tear tracks down his cheeks and distant look in his eyes. He recognised that look immediately, had seen it plenty of time in himself and was able to a safe place, and more importantly a safer headspace. 

When Mountain came back up they had a long conversation. He’d heard of regression before, he’d seen it, had seen Dew being taken care of by Aether, had seen the ghoulettes playing with Sunny and Rain, but he never thought it would be something he could achieve. He always thought he was too big, physically, and mentally, he thou  he had to be the protector of everyone, he had to be the one that made sure everyone was okay and safe and that they were all together. But he was wrong. And he was proven wrong by Dew swaddling him and cooing at him until he felt his mind slipping away from his again, but he knew he was safe now so he was happy to let his mind drift off. 

The next time it happened he could almost feel it happening. He woke up one morning and it was like there was a thick fog settled in his brain. He recognised it from last time and was able to get to Dew just in time before he slipped. Dew had swaddled him in a thick fluffy green blanket and spoke softly to him just like he had sone the last time. 

There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning. At first Mountain was only comfortable with Dew. Dew knew from experience what Mountain was going through, and he know that Mountain needed without him having to ask for it. But Dew also regressed sometimes. And the days where he was Mountain would force himself to stay big until Dew was able to look after him. Doing that, understandably, made things a lot worse and Mountain often regressed even harder after. Aether noticed. Of course he did. And he was so proud of Dew for taking such good care of Mountain when he was regressed. He’d had a talk with Mountain, and with a lot of denying and blushing from the earth ghoul, he’d finally gotten him to open up to him about it.  Mountain got comfortable with Aether after that, and not long after that, Cumulus. 

He always went to the same kind of age when regressed. They didn’t know how old exactly, but he was young. He didn’t play, he didn’t speak or watch cartoons. He mostly slept. And cried. But Mountain cried a lot when not regressed so that wasn’t really a worry. Dew got him a pacifier after he’d seen Mountain staring at his with an unrecognisable expression his face and Mountain had loved it. It was white with a bluebell on it and Mountain had been obsessed with it since the moment he first got it in his mouth. And the sight of Mountain staring up at them with his big green doe eyes and a pacifier bobbing in his mouth should be so adorable but it was. 

Mountain was easy to look after when regressed. He wasn’t fussy, despite him crying a lot, but that was just a Mountain thing. He loved being swaddled tightly in his blanket, he loved being held and carried, it made him feel even smaller and safer when Aether carried him around on his hip. He didn’t always have the best control over his bladder when regressed, which led to a few accidents, and some real tears from Mountain, but all the ghouls were happy to sooth his tears away. He learnt to love being regressed, the love and care he got from the ghouls never failed to make him feel so loved, cared for, and safe. He finally felt safe. Something he’d never really felt before he was summoned. 

[ashthewaterghoul]

https://www.tumblr.com/ashthewaterghoul/774276769034403840/just-had-a-dream-more-like-nightmare-that-the?source=share

Oof that is one hell of a thought to start of a snowy Saturday (it's snowing here). Also rip to the anon bc of that dream.

And in my mind it's like(and this is just based on my hc of summoning order)- the ones who hadn't been with Copia originally- Aether, Mountain, and Dewdrop- are the first to go. Seen as having outlived their usefulness. Breaking some of the oldest bonds as they wither.

(Of these three, Aether's death is the worst)

Next is Rain; the first of those he summoned. The water ghoul knows what's about to happen and is frightened in a way he hadn’t been since he was summoned. Copia wants to comfort him but there's nothing he can do. Rain's death is filled with cries of sorrow and pain.

Swiss after. He tries to actively resist, but it's no use. He knew he had been walking a thin line with these people since he was summoned, on account of being a multi-ghoul (the first multi among the pack at the time). He is defiant even in death.

Cumulus and Cirrus were summoned together... they die together. They at least in the end refuse to be separated. And in the solace that they will be together, look at Copia one last time as they softly but with conviction proclaim. "We love you." "Even if we're dead and gone."

Sunshine is resigned, both from what is to happen and seeing her packmates fall one by one. She didn't last long touring; of course they'd find some reason to get rid of her for good. She just didn't think it be like this. Still, she does not blame Copia for this; she knows this isn't on him.

Aurora is scared, asking what she did wrong. She looks to Copia for answers, though she knows deep down it's out of his hands. She may be only part quintessence but she can tell by looking in his eyes. He is in pain too. She gets about as far as "Copia-" before the spell starts to unravel her.

And each time as Copia has to watch the life be torn from them, begging for this to be stopped, fragments of better times flash through his mind. Good, fond, memories of his beloved ghouls he is now watching die before his eyes. And it's killing him too because this is wrong, cruel, fucked up, and they're my family please stop-

And then it's Phantom.

Of course they would get saved for last. The last one he summoned. His pipistrello. His bambino. Phantom is pleading for their own life at this point, which only makes it worse. Copia's already emotionally drained from it all but still he begs not to do this to Phantom too, renewed tears making his vision blur.

No one listens. And Phantom's screams- calling out for Copia, for their Papa, reaching for him as they fall apart- breaks him completely.

He blacks out, only to find when he comes to he is alone. With the death of the ghouls, his family, having burned a hole in his heart that will likely never heal.

* * *

(At the risk of adding this to my wip fics, have this quickly scribbled thing and have a good day. Sincerely, the shy anon who got suckerpunched into the snow by this on a Saturday)

Ho- ly- SHIT

All this angst is the best birthday present ever omg

AGH I love this so much.

Each Ghoul watching their fate before having to join. Poor Phantom being so so terrified and Copia asking to at least spare them I- *sobs*

GORGEOUS

[kidstemplatte]

I know this might be a heavy ask (feel free to ignore), but the way you write Terzo brings me so much comfort. I had a really scary experience tonight with a man, I won’t go into detail but he was weird with me on my train journey and then followed me for the most part of my walk home. If you’re ok with it, I would love for you to write how Terzo would comfort his s/o when they get inside their home a little shaken up.

Thank you for everything you write, it’s amazing 🤎

silence

pairing: terzo/reader

summary: reader enters house shaken after being followed on the way home by a man.

i have so much to say in response to this, so there's gonna be a message at the end of this for you, anon, and everyone.  i always kind of feel the need to include a message in my fics but this one is gonna be longer. sorry i know i’m typing like im accepting a nobel peace prize or something but this really means a lot to me <3

Do I pretend I’m on the phone? No, I’ll look distracted. Should I go on the other side of the street? That’s too obvious. What if I turned around and walked the other way? No, then we would cross paths, and then he might- Satanas- What do I do?

You strode down the sidewalk at full-speed, adrenaline pumping as you sought to complete your one objection: Make it home.

As you approached your block, you turned the corner rapidly. The sound of the man’s footsteps had quieted down, leaving you in an ominous silence. Was he still following you?

Taking a leap of faith, you counted to three and turned around.

One, Two, Three.

Gone.

You let out an audible sigh of relief.

The train ride home today, typically uneventful, had been a very unpleasant one to say the least. A perverse man sitting near you had taken it upon himself to say some drastically inappropriate things to you, things that made you squeamish and sick to your stomach. Even when you got off the train, gathering your things in a hurry, his harassment didn’t stop. You could hear his persistent pacing behind you for the majority of your walk home.

Things like this came with adulthood, they unfortunately happened to many people.But that didn’t make it any easier. Moments like these made you long for the innocence and naivety you possessed as a child. When strangers weren’t potential harassers, but potential friends. When a man’s smile signified kindness instead of danger. You were so innocent, so blissfully unaware of the cruelties of the world.

You safely made it back home, swiftly unlocking the front door, before entering, slamming it shut, and locking it again.

“Hello-“ Terzo’s lively greeting came to a quick halt when he caught sight of your panicked state.

“What is wrong? What happened?” he questioned, his voice softer than usual.

“I just- on the train ride home this guy was saying things to me, and he was behind me most of the walk home and I was scared he was following me.” You explained.

Terzo, immediately going to protective mode, dashed to the windows and looked outside. “Do you need me to call the police? Should I summon some of the Ghouls, perhaps? They could-”

“It’s okay, Terzo. Thank you. He’s gone.” you assured him wearily.

“Are you positive?”

“Yes.”

Terzo took a deep breath in and out, turning around to face you once again.

“Okay.” he responded. “Come here, lovely.” he cooed, holding his arms out. You eagerly accepted his invitation, melting into his warm embrace as he moved his hands lovingly up and down your back. “Nothing will hurt you when you’re with me. Nothing.” he whispered, gently kissing the side of your head as it was buried in the crook of his neck.

“I just- I feel gross.” You sniffled.

Terzo gently pulled away, placing his hands on your shoulders and looking you in the eyes.

“You? Gross? No, no no, cara mia. What is gross is that imbecile shithead who was saying those things to you. Is there anything you want me to do? To make you feel safe?”

“I just don’t want to be alone.”

“Lucky for you, neither do I.” Terzo smiled, “I never do now that i know you.”

You smiled at his affection, placing your hands on each side of his face before giving him a kiss.

“Want to order dinner? I burnt the spaghetti earlier.” Terzo confessed.

“Terzo- How did you burn spaghetti?”

“I am a culinary talent.”

He actually was, that’s what made it so funny. You and Terzo settled on ordering pizza. Not fancy pizza. The greasy fast food kind that Terzo secretly loved. Despite his efforts to be perceived as a “foodie”, the man secretly loved eating like a teenage boy. It’s a little fun fact about him you thought was very adorable. You two weren’t strangers to 1 am McDonald’s runs or late-night Doordash shenanigans.

“Movie? What do you want to watch?”

“Nothing scary, please.” You laughed.

“Nothing scary it is, then.” He replied.

As you two started a movie, a comforting favorite of yours, and settled on the couch, you took a seat, but were interrupted by Terzo wrapping his arms around your waist and rearranging your position.

“Hey!” You laughed. “What are you-“

Before you could protest, Terzo had snuck behind your spot on the couch, wrapping his arms around you.

He ran his hands up and down your body, in a way you knew wasn’t suggestive, but purely out of affection. He played with your hair, gently scratching your scalp in circular motions the way he knew you liked.

Terzo had a wickedly adorable trick he loved to play on you. Sometimes, when you were laughing at something, Terzo would devilishly tickle you to amplify your laughter even more, eager to hear more of his favorite sound in the world. You knew of this little game, so you often stifled your laughter during funny scenes to avoid his tickling. However, Terzo knew you long enough to recognize even a slight laugh from you when he felt your body jolt even in the slightest.

“I felt that…” he would say ominously before you would beg for mercy, even though you both knew you loved it.

“I didn’t laugh! I swear! I promise!”

Your pleas meant nothing. Before you knew it, you were nearly screaming as Terzo viciously tickled you in all the places he knew were your weak spots.

“No! Stop! Stop! Satan, please, help me!” you squealed through a fit of laughter.

Your struggle resulted in you and Terzo both falling onto the ground.

But he did not stop.

“Why are you doing this to me?” You cried, smiling so hard your face hurt.

“You must pay the price.”

“The-haha- the price for what?”

“For being adorable.”

Eventually you made it back to the couch, stomachs hurting from laughing so hard. And when you cried at a touching scene, he peppered kisses on your face and neck, holding you even tighter than before. You two had laid together for so long, so comfortable in silence with each other, that eventually some other movie had begun playing automatically.

“I love you, cara mia.” He whispered, his breath in your ear sending a warm shiver down your spine and making your eyes grow heavier.

There was no person, no place, nothing in the world who made you feel as safe as you did with Terzo. Safe enough to let go, fall asleep in their arms, without fear of what may happen when you weren’t fully present.

“I love you too.” you whispered, falling into a peaceful slumber in the arms of your lover.

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

a little message:

first off- i'm so so so sorry that happened to you. that stuff is so terrifying.. we live in a very scary world full of scary things and scary people and i’m so sorry you had to experience that. you deserve to feel safe.

second off- i can’t ignore this ask. i know this sounds silly, i’m on tumblr writing fanfiction about a satanic band for christ’s sake, i’m not trying to act like some saint,  but this is really why i do this. fanfiction has brought me so much comfort throughout my life and given me a safe space. i want to be that for someone else. i wanted so badly to bring this fic to you last night when i first read your request,but i was sleep-deprived and couldn’t finish it, and i didn’t want to rush it. ❤️

finally- thank you for your support and for your kind words. i cannot even describe how happy i am to bring anyone comfort. thank you for trusting me with your experience and for your kindness. i am so honored that you requested this from me. seriously. it made me tear up a little bit.

thank you for reading this.

if you have send me a request, it is coming.

i love you all, stay safe out there❤️

<3, alice

[sentientgolfball]

golfball that aether post has inflicted severe pain and suffering how dare you /j

Do it again /nf. I love petty messy ghouls. I need Aether hating Rain bc him being summoned changed Dew so irreversibly, and now he has to watch Dew fall for this other ghoul. The one that caused the ritual to happen in the first place, the reason Dew burned.

........ Maybe Dew accepts Rains mateship. And Aether really has to sit and realize oh he doesn't have Dew anymore, does he?

Oh my dear anon i certainly can do it again mwhehehhe

Aether feels sick when he sees the mark on Dew’s shoulder. Notices his scent smells more like petrichor and sea salt than it used it. At first he doesn’t believe it. Dew was so clear when he said it was something he wanted to wait on. Something he wasn’t ready for because he didn’t know what would happen after he became fire.

But he did it. He did it for Rain.

He has only known Rain for a fraction of the time he has Aether, but he’ll take his mark. He really has lost Dew. All of him. That’s not his droplet anymore.

At first Aether blames himself. It’s all he can do. He wasn’t good enough for Dew. He is destined to never have a mate. He is here to take care of broken ghouls and see them on their way. He is a phase, a transitional point. What did he do wrong? Did Dew ever even love him? Or was he just convenient while he waited for someone else to sweep him off his feet?

Then that turned to hatred. Not at of course, never at Dew. But at Rain. This siren who came to this realm in a storm. He saw something he wanted and he took it without hesitation. He must have manipulated Dew somehow. Dew is a freshwater ghoul, he is not immune to the song of oceanic. That has to be it right? It has to. Because Dew would never do this to him.

The only thing that stops him from using his quintessence to take away Rain’s ability to ever sing again is what it would do to Dew. He would feel it. He would know something is wrong. He would know Aether did it. But every day he seems then cuddling on the catch his restraint gets weaker and weaker. He wants this ghoul gone. He wants this ghoul dead.

He pulls away from everyone. Everyone expect Mountain because the earth ghoul refuses to let him rot away. It works for awhile, Aether gets out of his head and he starts to feel better. He starts to maybe. Finally. Accept that it was just an unfortunate circumstance. Nobody is to blame.

That is until Aether notices Rain hanging out more and more with Mountain. He tries so so hard to rationalize despite the burning pit of anger in his gut. He does fine for a little but then he catches them out in the greenhouse around sunset. He and Aether were supposed to curl up on his old mattress and watch the meteor shower together. Instead he sees Mountain pinning Rain back against his work bench with his tongue down his throat.

He really snaps then. He has to go. Rain has truly taken everything from him.

A few days later they get into a fight. It’s bloody. Rain puts up a good effort, but quintessence ghouls are by all other elements for a reason. The only thing that stops Aether from melting his brain is Omega knocking both of them out with a quick spark.