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marshmallowsqoosh · 1 year ago

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[Ghost (Band) | Ritual of Summoning: Era 3 (3/5)]

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Title (also AO3 link): Ritual of Summoning: Era 3 Rating: General (May go up) CW: No major warnings apply Lesser Warnings: headcanon, not beta read, Terzo’s the youngest because the canon timeline makes no sense, author chooses to believe that Nihil didn’t hate his kids and they have given names, Ghouls are summoned via magical means, summonings involve deals with devils, author is taking a lot of liberties, Ghouls are Generational not Inherited

Chapter specific warnings/reiterations: Summonings involve deals with devils/demons. Headcanon Heavy, Ghouls are generational, not inherited, Seco doesn’t like Ghouls much/doesn’t like Special, Good Big Brother Seco, Cowbell and Special are gremlins, Primo's Ghouls are Tired:tm:, Primo is Tired:tm:, Seco is probably supposed to be Cardinal but he's Bishop here Headcanon names for the brothers: Angelo (Primo), Francesco/’Cesco (Secondo), and Valentino/Vale (Terzo)

Summary: Summoning era three’s Ghouls over the years… aka Terzo constantly getting in trouble for being a small, ambitious dumbass and continuing to be a small, ambitious dumbass.

Still don’t have a beta reader so if you spot typos/odd spots, lemme know ♥

Extras: Status (and AO3 link!): [ 3 / 5 ] Word Count: ~12k

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Three years pass with almost no issue.

There's a little bit of a hiccup—about six months after Terzo summons Cowbell, when he surpasses Special in height; but, otherwise, things… finally start to seem like they're okay.

Cowbell is an odd addition—not bad odd, but odd. Terzo loves having the two, but it's also kind of… weird. Secondo had commented on the Ghoul choosing to name himself after an old cowbell he found down in the forges that Imperator keeps taking away from him. Special and Terzo steal it back while the woman's distracted; she hasn't found any hard proof they're the ones stealing it, but she definitely knows it's them.

Specifically, though, his brother commenting on the fact Cowbell chose to name himself, does open up some… interesting new doors. Things that takes him a good long while to actually notice and realise that even Ghouls in the same element are so… different. … And maybe makes him wonder if Special has a different name he doesn't know about.

Most importantly, though, their differences—not just between Special and Cowbell, which Terzo always kind of… knew would be obvious, just because he knows he messed up Special's ritual; but, between Cowbell and Mountain, too. Even ignoring the elemental differences, Cowbell proves to be odd, compared to the other Ghoul, despite the identical ritual.

Cowbell takes to glamouring almost immediately and the fact he can speak clearly right away is still kind of confusing. His eyes glow significantly brighter than either of the other Ghouls or the older lot. Even Primo's Fire Ghoul tries to give Cowbell a decent berth, worried clicks emitting from his throat that are almost identical to the Ghouls that wander the archives. Quinn seems… wary; but, he'd been wary of Special and Mountain, too. Terzo just assumes he simply… doesn't like new Ghouls. Or new people. Or people, in general, that aren't Primo or the rest of his Ghouls; probably, especially, because the younger Ghouls get rowdy without warning and have nearly scattered his puzzles multiple times the few and far between time he's forced to watch over them.

Special, over that time, gets better at speaking and… as weird as it is, when they've all more or less accepted he just cannot glamour the way the others can, he gets even weirder. He can't glamour himself… but, they do find out—by complete accident, while he's trying to get free of being scruffed one afternoon—that he can glamour inanimate objects. Quinn thinks he was just focused on anything that would get him free; but, the second Terzo had gotten close enough to try calming him down, close enough to grab one of his hands to help him calm down, his robes had changed to match Terzo's uniform. Long enough—or shocking enough—that Earth had immediately dropped him and Terzo didn't even have the mind to be annoyed when Special landed in a heap of tangled limbs, clearly surprised himself.

He's gotten better at it, now that he knows. They still don't really understand why he can do it; but, Terzo figures it probably has something to do with the fact that… Special can just do things that most other Ghouls can't. Like vanishing into nothingness without much warning. Quinn always looks perplexed when he does; but, never offers any insight to the trick. Not quite the same as Quinn vanishing in shadows, but… close.

Despite the few months between Cowbell and other two Ghouls, they all seem to stop growing—finally—around the same time. About a year after Special was summoned. Mountain may have stopped a few weeks earlier; but, at the very least, he finally seems to have grown into his limbs. Tall. Lanky. Still as solid as any other Earth Ghoul, though, despite Special's best efforts to knock him off balance without ambushing him. Not that he doesn't ambush Mountain; but, he's made it a mission to be able to knock him off balance without the element of surprise.

Cowbell ends up equally lanky—limbs that are almost that little bit too long, but Terzo's pretty sure it's because he simply refuses to stand upright around most of the clergy. He'll straighten out in private—or if Terzo asks him to, before Imperator can get mad at them—but, otherwise he's constantly in a slightly hunched over position; a position where he can readily drop down to a crouch and pounce or simply creep about without drawing attention to himself. His tail, however, is definitely too long and Terzo's been informed—and witnessed, himself—that his Ghoul is constantly getting his tail trapped in doors closing behind him and at least two instances where someone accidentally closed a window on it. He's starting to have a permanent, mostly unnoticeable, crink near the spade of his tail from the number of times it's happened.

And, Special… just seems frustrated that the other two are so much taller than him. He's still taller than Terzo, for the time being. But, Cowbell has a good few inches on him and Mountain… Mountain's learning he always needs to be aware of Special's location, because the second he thinks he can relax and doesn't know where his best friend is, he's probably going to have his knees taken out. Or get knocked down a flight of stairs again.

But, given that that's the worst to happen in three years, Terzo considers it a win. Especially so that he's learned more about rituals in the time being. Still refining the process and finding flaws—some minor and some just outright horrifying—in the ritual provided by the old blood of the upper clergy; but, making steady progress. At least… he thinks he is. He hopes he is.

No one is really willing to test the changes; the sigils in the summoning chamber, at least, have all been altered to their proper spaces. Terzo isn't allowed to sit in on too many of the rituals—Secondo is still really mad at him for summoning Special and the near disaster that had been Cowbell's ritual—so he's not positive what's changing; but there's still a huge inconsistency in summoner health. Some are fine. Some are less so. A few are almost as bad as his brother and father.

His father and brothers—even Secondo—tell him not to pay mind to it and focus on his own research… so he does. If he figures it out, he won't need the upper clergy telling him how to summon.

Which he was perfectly content to doing.

… Was.

Terzo nearly runs right into his brother when he gets home from school. Not that it would have done anything to Secondo; but, he still just barely manages to stop himself and covers it up by choosing to hug his brother to cover the way he nearly trips.

"You're actually home, frate! Are you staying long? For dinner, at least? Did you bring us anything—?"

Secondo pries, uselessly, at his arms, to try getting free; eventually he just picks Terzo up by the back of his uniform—still small for his age, still small compared to his brothers—and it only works in getting Terzo to let go because it lifts his feet off the ground and his immediate reaction is to start squirming.

"For dinner, yes; I'll be leaving tomorrow, probably as you're getting out of school. I got you something, yes. You can have it after supper, right now I need to finish packing—"

"Wait! Make me a snack before you go? Please?" He knows Secondo knows he's just asking for help so he gets those few extra minutes. He's still… not really allowed in the kitchen—or near a stove or cooking set, anyways—but he's at least had some of the restrictions lifted. But, asking for help lets him bother his brother a few minutes longer; helpful, now that he never knows how long he's actually going to have the man around. "Where are you going next, fratello?"

"The Swiss branch." Secondo doesn't look up from pulling a plate down from the cabinets. "I'll be going to Poland for a few days after. Maybe a week. Did you find the apple you want—?" His expression thins out, clearly not amused, when Terzo leans around him and happily sets two apples on the plate. "I am not making a snack for your Ghoul."

"You know if I only have one apple, I'm just going to give it to him." Terzo turns and wiggles a little before he manages to hoist himself up to sitting on the counter next to his brother, pleased when the man gives a begrudging sigh and starts cutting the pair of apples and peeling some of the slices. "Thank you, fratello. … Why are you going to Poland, though? We don't have a branch there—are you helping a new one set up, can I go—?"

"That, thankfully, is absolutely none of your business; and, no, you are not going. Don't bother Angelo, about it, either." Secondo doesn't bother telling him to get down from the counter. Just passes the plate over, gives his hair a passing ruffle and a kiss, before he disappears up towards the living quarters.

Terzo doesn't bother jumping down and instead holds the plate out to his other side, in the same moment Special drops down from the ceiling to sit with him and happily takes the offered plate. "Don't suppose you know why he's going?"

Special chirps, already picking at the peeled bits of apple skin and deciding where he wants to start and how to eat around his mask, even as he's still situating himself so he can sit on the counter with Terzo. He gives a pleased trill when Terzo carefully lifts the mask off of him—holding it in his lap—to make things a little easier and immediately starts on the long strips of peel so he can still talk around the small nibbles.

"Dunno. They had a super long meeting today, though. Tried asking Mounty if he heard anything, since Cowbell and I were in class with Fire, but Earth chased us off. Doesn't sound like any of the Ghouls got to sit in—haven't seen Quinn and only him or Earth would be allowed, right?"

Terzo hums a passive affirmative, distractedly nibbling on an apple slice, and he feels Special lean on his shoulder—feels his ear give a gentle twitch close to his hair and his tail coil around Terzo's ankle.

"… You're in a weirdly good mood for him going on a trip so soon after getting back." He tilts his head and Terzo imagines he must actually be smiling. "Did something good happen at school?"

"I hope so… we have a transfer student. She's really quiet, but… I think she's like us." Terzo hums, legs swinging as he nibbles on the end of one of the apple slices. "Not… exactly like us. But different from others. Gifted, but not like me or Fratello or Papa. I'm not sure how she's gifted, yet. But I can tell she is."

Special makes a quiet, curious trill. "There are… a lot of different gifts from the Fallen. … She hasn't been hostile?" He gives the Ghoul a curious look, only to be met by an uncertain shrug. "I'm just saying… just because they were all cast out doesn't really mean they all get along all the time… and the same is true for those with the Papal Eye, too, isn't it?"

Maybe not for this generation… not quite. But, he knows Special's right. People were still people and just because they shared an experience—housing gifts that set them apart from other people—didn't… necessarily mean they'd get along. Still, Terzo's… fairly confident he can be her friend. Or at least that he wants to try being her friend.

"That's true… but it's still fun to think about, isn't it? Meeting someone outside of the ministry with gifts, too?"

"Mmm…" Special's claws tap on the counter as he thinks. He's still smiling, even though Terzo knows he can feel the anxiety that the silence is giving him. "I think it'll be good for you. Like Mounty was for me." He must look confused because his Ghoul just laughs when he looks over. A small laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. "You know Cowbell and I love you. Your brothers do and your father. Just like I know you love me and them… but it's a different kinda love for Mounty, yeah? Love you both, but different-like… m'not sure how to explain it. But, I do genuinely think—regardless of her being gifted—having a friend outside of the church is something you need. Her being gifted might make it easier for you to feel comfortable trying to make a friend, but… just promise you'll be careful?"

The smile falls for a moment and Special's attention goes to the floor, claws still tapping out a steady beat. The riff Terzo's been working on for the past few weeks; something he knows will hold Terzo's attention and keep him from being too anxious, as necessary.

"Her gift… might not be something she wants to talk about, y'know? Like 'Cesco doesn't like to, yeah?"

Terzo should scold him for using his brother's name. Even if it's just the two of them, he should probably be a bit more consistent with making sure Special knows not to use any of their given names. But, the point is… painstakingly valid and gives him pause.

"... That's true. I guess, I…" He laughs a little and leans on Special so he can hug his arm, tight, to keep from spiraling down the rabbit hole of what if that comes with the realisation his Ghoul is right. "I got excited and forgot… not everyone likes their gift. I mean, I still don't really understand mine, either."

He reaches up and touches under his left eye, carefully. He's tried asking—Primo, their father, even Secondo and Copia—what exactly the eye was supposed to do. He knows it has… something to do with the contracts when they summon Ghouls. For both times, the responding patron had tapped near his eye and he remembers… a dull throb during the rituals. Primo's notes had made it sound more painful—except for Earth's. Earth's notes had been… more like what Terzo felt, but still worse. Quinn's sounded excruciating. Papa had told him that he would learn in due time. Secondo told him not to worry about it. Copia had been hesitant to admit he didn't understand it, either; just that it let them see the shadows around them more definitively.

Everyone saw shadows, perhaps; but, the Papal Eye… gave those shadows form. Form that Copia admitted had scared him when he was much younger and didn't understand they were… normal, despite being a sort of constant safety. Company when he was otherwise alone.

Primo described them in a similar fashion, if not a touch more positive—safe and assurance he wasn't alone; before and even after he'd been brought to the ministry. He'd hummed, when Terzo tried to explain how they felt to him—how the cemetery felt safer than anywhere inside—and simply watched his own Ghouls for a few seconds, the smallest smile tugging on his lips, before adding, almost as an after thought, that the feeling was particularly prominent in the Archives, for him. Terzo tried going down into the Archives a few more times, but can't seem to replicate the feeling of safety; not like he can in the cemetery.

Secondo didn't like them. Even knowing what they were, Terzo knows he regards the shadows the same way he regards Ghouls—wary and constantly aware of their presence. Annoyed that Terzo never seemed afraid of them, even when he had—apparently, according to his brothers—followed them around as an infant. Constantly trying to follow them everywhere, until one of his brothers or, once Primo ascended the revived project of the band, one of Primo's Ghouls had picked him up and redirected him elsewhere.

Beyond that, he doesn't know what the eye does. Some of Primo's notes and some of the research he's managed to gather from the archives… it sounds like there's supposed to be more they can do.

He's snapped out of his thoughts by a gentle prick—the sensation of Special poking him with the tip of his claw—on his cheek and he shakes his head a few times, "Sorry—did you say something?"

"Just checkin' on you." The nuzzle makes him laugh a little and he thinks Special's smiling under the mask. "But, we should probably go upstairs. They're going to start preparing supper soon, yeah? We shouldn't be in the way."

Terzo nods and waits for Special to hop down from the counter so he can use the Ghoul to keep himself steady when he hops down. He still stumbles a little; but, not nearly as badly as if he'd tried on his own. "Yeah. Actually, I worked on the song some more… could you go find Cowbell, please? I want to hear what it sounds like with the guitars."

"Of course. Which guitars should we grab?"

"All three of mine, please. I… think I figured out the bass part…? I need to hear how it sounds with the other two, though. I know the drum and key parts are okay, but—"

"Vale." He stops fretting and clears his throat; Special hugs him before he can think to apologise. "Stop doubting yourself. … Easier said'n done, I know; but… you're putting too much pressure on yourself. One part at a time. You know it'll all come together."

Terzo nods, hugging back, tight, for barely a moment before he releases the Ghoul—only just remembers to offer him his mask back, despite Special wrinkling his nose at it—and watches him disappear into the shadows. He's still pretty sure Special… isn't supposed to be able to do that; but, it's helpful and no one's said it's a bad thing, despite how many people know he can. So, he chooses not to worry and heads up to his room, only stopping to lean into Primo's office so he can secure a hug from the oldest… and maybe try to find out what Secondo got him from his last trip.

All it does is earn an amused chuckle, despite how tired the eldest looks, and his brother giving him a gentle push back towards the door. "You know he wishes it to be a surprise, stellino. He's already promised it to you after meal, no? Be patient."

"Fiiiine. I'll see you at supper, fratello." He waves a little as he runs out, careful not to get too close to where Primo's Ghouls are crowded around a table—maybe helping Air with his models or Water with his pottery? Something fragile, but probably not one of Quinn's puzzles… he hasn't seen Quinn in a few days, but that's not too unusual, really. He probably just kept missing the Ghoul; Earth's still close by, afterall. Probably just keeping watch until Quinn gets back from whatever task Primo sent him on.

He doesn't stay long enough or get close enough to figure it out and simply runs the rest of the way to his room, pleased when he doesn't run into anyone else that would make him stop running.

As a bonus, he only nearly trips twice and is delighted when he finds Special and Cowbell already in his room. Special's already plucking, gently, at the rhythm strings with his claws, carefully adjusting the tuning as he does. Cowbell still looks uncomfortable with holding the guitar, idly; but, he's confident enough when asked to play. He offers a smile once Terzo's closed his door.

"Welcome home. Special says you've perhaps figured out the next part?"

"I hope so—or, I'm getting closer, anyways. I think. I mean, it's still a rough draft—"

"Vale."

Again, Special manages to get him to slow down with just his name and Terzo uses the opportunity to pull and release a slow breath. "Right. Hear it first… hear it first, go from there. … Mngh, maybe I should ask Copia if we can borrow Mountain and just use a rehearsal room—?" He shakes his head, sharply, before Special needs to intervene a third time. "No. Nonononono. I can do this. … Please start before I start second guessing myself again—"

The request has barely left his lips when Cowbell starts the opening rift. It's… hard not to focus on either of the Ghouls' tails keeping their own beats. It doesn't sound quite right without the physical drums or keys but he can still kind of hear it in the back of his mind. Not as clearly as he would like, as he focuses on his own notes. A lot of it is stopping and trying again as he scribbles and scratches through notes on the test sheet; if either Ghoul is annoyed by the frequent interruptions, they don't say anything.

It keeps up until there's finally a gentle knock and Earth telling them to clean up and come down to supper and Terzo simply slumps over his bass, pouting a little and hugging it, when he calls an affirmative, "Coming! … Guess it's not as done as I thought."

"Perhaps not refined, but you've made phenomenal progress." He knows Cowbell's just trying to help and offers a weak smile as he finally stands and gently hands the bass off to Special; he vanishes, for barely a moment, to return the guitars to the rehearsal room, returns to do the same for Cowbell's, and, when he returns a second time, both Ghouls simply stand back when Terzo goes to dig through his closet for something to wear that isn't his uniform.

"I suppose one of us should have made certain before hand, but… you've no studies to focus on, today?"

He hears Special grumble before squealing a small protest when Cowbell hits him with his tail; they stop glaring at each other when Terzo looks over his shoulder. Only a brief moment before his attention is on hanging his uniform up and pulling his evening clothes on.

"I finished everything in class, for better or worse… it's hard to focus when I get bored, but they can't say anything if I'm finishing the work and showing results for it, right?"

Both Ghouls offer a tip of their head to acknowledge the question and Terzo barely resists the sigh. He knows they're… expected to be proper, but it's still unsettling when it's just them. Special was a little more lax; but, Cowbell tended to keep things together. More than he did around certain parts of the ministry, anyways.

As soon as they're out of Terzo's room, Cowbell's posture changes. Special disappears up to the ceiling and, as expected, Cowbell settles into the lower, hunched position, a good few steps away from Terzo. Not too far; but far enough if he did need to drop to a pounce-ready position he can without hitting his summoner. He'll correct himself, a little bit, once they're in the dining room—once Special drops down to walking with them, again—and he'll sit up a little bit straighter in his own chair.

It's… an odd sitting arrangement. Primo's Ghouls still aren't too comfortable at the table, but they all know they can stay seated and a few of them even try to eat every few weeks. Quinn, at least, likes tea; Earth will eat if there's soup, but rarely anything else. The others… Terzo hasn't quite found a pattern, but it's still maybe a little concerning that they don't seem to need food, when Special, Cowbell, and Mountain do.

So far as actual seating, Cowbell usually takes the liberty of sitting opposite of Mountain, just so Special is safely seated between the Earth Ghoul and Terzo—where he's the least likely to be trouble—even when Mountain… should probably sit with Copia, instead. It also, unfortunately, puts him closer to Imperator; but, between the three of them, Cowbell is… probably the best to have in that seat. As antagonistic as he could be—and generally was, anywhere but the table—he was also usually the most civil with the upper clergy and held conversation the easiest with Imperator or Nihil, if either decided to pay him mind. The fact Copia seemed fine sitting next to him—compared to the few times he's had to sit near Special—is a welcome bonus.

But, tonight is… different.

The second they enter the dining room, Special immediately drops from the ceiling and Terzo reaches out to grab his hand and holds as tight as he can. His Ghoul never protests the grip and he feels Cowbell come up on his other side to offer extra comfort of proximity and a gentle trill that he thinks is meant to be reassurance.

Primo isn't at the table, yet. He's not worried about their father or Sister Imperator or even really Copia and Mountain. Secondo's there—head bowed and hands clasped on the back of his neck; the way he does when he's stressed and trying to sort things out.

The way he does when he doesn't want to tell Terzo how bad things actually are.

Even so, Terzo shuffles up to his brother, still clinging to Special's hand, and tugs on his sleeve in hopes of some kind of assurance that… maybe it actually isn't that bad.

The fact Secondo doesn't even spare a small scowl in Special's direction is more terrifying than it has any right to be and Terzo can't quite swallow the whine building in his throat when Secondo turns his chair and pulls him into a tight hug.

"Everything's going to be fine, Vale." Secondo hugs him a little tighter—presses a kiss against his forehead, pets his hair down; anything he can to try keeping things from escalating. "Everything is going to be fine."

Going to be. But not right now.

"I just saw Angelo, what happened—?" His voice hitches and he can't quite stop the hiccough, even when he manages to swallow a second whine. "I want Angelo."

"Hey… you know his Ghouls are going to take care of him." Secondo finally lets him go to push him back a little—just far enough he can hold Terzo by his shoulders, still offering the comfort of a gentle grip—and keeps eye contact. It… helps. A little bit, at least. "Earth went to get Quinn, so they're all going to be there to keep an eye on him, okay?"

Terzo frowns a little as the words finally kind of start to process. He doesn't try to get free of the grip—tries to physically hold onto the comfort by keeping a gentle hold on his brother's wrists, even when it means releasing the death grip he has on Special—and glances back at Special and Cowbell, only to find them exchanging confused looks. So, he turns his attention back up to Secondo, trying to ignore the gnaw of dread in the pit of his stomach that he's… fairly certain is Special's.

"Why wasn't Quinn with him, already? Quinn never leaves him—?" Not long enough that Earth would have to go get him, at any rate. Not long enough that—as Terzo finally thinks about it—he wouldn't have seen the Ghoul over the past few days… maybe it wasn't a coincidence—?

He thinks Secondo means to assure him things are okay again; but, his mouth snaps shut and Terzo can practically hear the way his teeth grind together when a different voice answers. Special and Cowbell quickly settle into their seats—heads down, hoods pulled up—to avoid inviting Imperator's ire.

She doesn't sound mad… but she still doesn't bother beating around the bush. She rarely did; and, when Papa wasn't with her, she was even less likely to try being less curt than she is with any of the brothers or Ghouls.

"Quintessence has been in solitary since Papa's last Ritual… I'm quite certain I told you to inform him of this, Bishop."

"And I told you that he didn't need to know. He didn't need to be worrying about the Ghoul anymore than it should have been in isolation for more than a day, at most."

Terzo doesn't even have the mind to be as offended as he normally is, over the way his brother talks about the Ghouls. He just looks between the pair, more confused than he was a moment ago.

"Why was—? Wait, what isolation? Ghouls have isolation? Why was Quinn there, Quinn's supposed to take care of An—Primo—"

He hears Special whine, behind him; and, that, more than his own awareness of anxiety, is the only thing that gets him to try taking a steadying breath. The only thing that kind of gets him to calm down a little bit, just so Special isn't in as much pain. Quinn's been helping him handle the reactions and teaching him how to lessen it. If Quinn's been in isolation, he can't teach any of them. Were they putting Special in isolation, when Terzo wasn't there? Were they trying to, is that why he used to snap at the arch-bishops and cardinal—? Special would have told him, if they were, right?

Even as that line of questions is quickly pushed to the back of his mind, he realises that… Special—and Cowbell, he's certain—definitely wouldn't have told him. They didn't even want to bring up when the upper clergy were being mean to them, he can't imagine either Ghoul would have brought it up if they were thrown in isolation. But Terzo would have felt it, wouldn't he…? But Quinn should be able to get out of anywhere, unless the isolation negated his powers, which meant Terzo wouldn't have been able to feel Special's panic or anything else if he were in isolation—

He jumps when slender fingers with almost too pointy nails curl around his arms, just below his shoulders, and it takes him a moment to register the contact as Cowbell and familiar. Longer than he's willing to admit.

"Everything's alright… slow down. Let the thoughts pass." Gentle. Warm. His hands emit a warmth that gets Terzo to take a few deep breaths. "Fantastic job. Special, you, too."

Special's breaths are a bit shakier; but, he listens and, within a few seconds longer, Terzo feels the pressure in his chest letting up and pulls one more deep breath that is… a little bit steadier when he lets it out.

"Thank you, Cowbell… I'm okay. Is—is Quinn going to be able to help Primo…? He's going to be okay, isn't he?"

"He's been relocated to the infirmary, for the time being. Quintessence does seem to have pulled him into a more stable state, but the doctors have insisted on monitoring him for the evening and into the foreseeable future. We will discuss this further once he's released." The last bit seems to be aimed more at Secondo—he scowls, but still nods to show he understands—and Terzo mimics the nod, slowly, his attention falling as his thoughts refuse to slow down.

Less jumbled. More focused. Looking for any sort of explanation.

"... Why was Quinn in isolation…?"

"Vale—"

"I—I know you said I didn't need to worry, but—if Quinn helped just by being out, then… then would him being gone have been what caused Primo to…?" He trails off, chewing on his lip as he tries to figure out how to say what he needs to. He glances back at Special—the Ghoul looks confused, if not a little wary. He probably knows what Terzo wants to say. Cowbell's released him, arms folded dutifully behind him and head tilted to one side in a curious gesture.

Imperator clearing her throat makes him jump and he quickly turns back to her, straightening his own posture out of sheer habit, even knowing there's no ruler nearby to hit him, "Sorry, Sister…"

"I will excuse it for the moment. Continue. You clearly had more to say on the matter."

Secondo's moved closer. He's not standing, but he still moves his chair that little bit closer so he's at least somewhere he can get between them, if he needs to. Terzo knows he's going to be mad about this and shuffles in his spot a little bit.

"I… was reading more on the Rituals… on Primo's. His notes don't match what The Archivist has and… he copied Papa. If… if their Rituals made them sick, would… would doing them correctly make them better…?" The woman raises her brow and Terzo tries not to squirm more than the small shuffling. "I'm still missing parts, but I know more. How to make them have more consistent results, like Cowbell's. If I show Primo, he can help his Ghouls and… and he'll get better, right?"

"Hmm… Papa Emeritus is the first to keep his Ghouls, despite their feral state. Even your father's were more closely monitored outside of gathered Rituals." Terzo raises his head a little, confused; Imperator doesn't bother elaborating and instead studies him. It's an effort not to shrink under the look or shuffle closer to his brother or Ghouls. "You say you can improve on your last attempt?"

He's not sure it'll be an improvement. Cowbell was already significantly better than Special—insofar as how his summoning went—and he's arguably better than Mountain, just because he'd been able to talk and mostly walk without issue as soon as he was summoned. He'd been a little wobbly, but Terzo thinks it's because, much like Mountain, his limbs had been far too long for his body. Inconsistent.

… He can do better.

He has to do better. So, he nods, slowly, "I'm… I'm pretty sure I can."

Imperator's quiet for a stretch. He feels Secondo tensing up next to him, but refuses to look towards his brother and risk seeing the disappointment and thinly veiled anger.

"Bishop, I will inform the other branches your trip is to be postponed. You will monitor the child. If… and only if… you provide an exemplary Fire Ghoul… I will sanction you to summon the rest, as you've wanted. You're in good enough health and you should be able to do more than the one Ritual, this time."

The surprise is short lived; the excitement is even shorter as Secondo and Special—even Cowbell—immediately protest that no one should do five Rituals at once. The sudden commotion makes him recoil and he's only just able to pull his own Ghouls under control—shushing them and grabbing onto Special's hands to distract him and try to assure him things will be okay. He can do this. Secondo's still protesting, but it registers as little more than muffled static as his mind desperately begins running through what all he's going to need to pull this off.

Secondo doesn't talk to him, at all, through dinner. Even when their father joins them and supplies that Primo woke up long enough to assure people he was fine—even arguing with the doctors that he would be fine to return to his own room and only settling when Earth and Quinn insisted he stay the night—Secondo barely acknowledges the update. He scowls when Imperator informs Papa that Terzo will be doing another series of Rituals when the weekend comes. Just in case he does end up more exhausted than anticipated.

Special spends the meal glaring down at his plate, tail thrashing anxiously behind him and doing his best to calm down so Terzo isn't getting the feedback. His chest hurts, but it isn't as bad as it looks like it should be. Cowbell heats Mountain up a little bit—just enough to release a gentle, calming scent from the Earth Ghoul—in an attempt to help, along with Mountain running a hand along Special's back to help him regulate a steady breathing exercise to stay calm.

Unfortunately that doesn't follow them up to Terzo's room.

Cowbell excuses himself, quietly, and quickly escapes the tense atmosphere by retreating towards the Ghoul wing. Special immediately burrows into the blankets on Terzo's bed until only his tail is sticking out, still lashing back and forth, a bit more erratically. It stops when Terzo sits on his bed and puts a hand on top of the lump of blanketed Ghoul.

"It'll be okay, Special… I'll stop if I get too tired, I promise."

"She's not going to let you, though, is she?" Special squirms until he can finally stick his head out, still otherwise bundled up and his expression furrowed. He shakes off, as best he can, when Terzo reaches over to remove his mask and set it on the bedside table. His lips are set in a thin line. "You're going to get hurt doing so many at once…"

"I won't." Terzo reaches out, offering his hand and waiting until Special finally shoves his face against the offered palm to offer him a gentle skritch around his ears. "I'll talk to 'Cesco and Papa and Angelo beforehand. As long as they know I'm going to stop if it gets to be too much, she won't say anything. She won't argue with Papa and Angelo and especially not all three of them."

"And if she says you can't keep them if it isn't all at once…?"

It's definitely a possibility. She could still enforce some conditions. But…

"As long as they're… to her expectations… I don't think she will. The Ministry doesn't have a lot of socialised Ghouls."

Even the ones that the Upper Clergy oversees and don't seem to hurt the summoners, a lot of Ghouls are… either incoherent or incompatible in large groups. Not as feral as some of the others but still anxious and not allowed near the laity, even the ones that know about them. Some exceptions. Always exceptions, though.

"Her expectations are never the same as yours." He almost doesn't hear Special. Almost. He does, though, and just turns a confused look on his Ghoul. Special stubbornly keeps his head turned, avoiding eye contact and keeping himself burrowed against Terzo's palm for comfort. "Even if they're… correct… if she finds even a small thing wrong—"

"She won't. Nothing she can use to get Papa to agree to banishing any of them or you." Still, Terzo pauses, attention drifting to his floor. "… But if she did… you can take others through the shadows, right…?" He feels the way Special's expression furrows into confusion and he finally turns to look up, chirping curiously.

"N… not as many as Quinn can, but… yes…?"

"... If she tries to banish any of you… take the others. Find somewhere to hide. … I don't know where you could hide on the Ministry grounds, but if she tries, I want you to keep them safe, first. 'Cesco won't let her do anything to me, so you can focus on protecting them, instead. Promise?"

Special looks more anxious than he did by the prospect of the Rituals; but, after a long moment of chewing on his lip, he nods a little bit and finally crawls forward enough he can shove his face against Terzo's shoulder, looking for more physical reassurance.

"Special… promise? You have to take care of the others if she tries to banish any of you. You hide. Promise."

He sees Special's ears give a few rapid flickers as he sits up, clearly resisting the urge to shake his head. His hands come up, just short of touching his throat, in the same moment that Terzo rubs his own throat, not really sure where the crack in his voice came from or why it hurts. He almost wonders if it's Special's; only because it vanishes the same moment the Ghoul lowers his hands and gives another, more solid nod.

"Promise. Find somewhere to hide… Keep everyone safe." He trails off and hesitates, kneading restlessly at the bed sheets he'd been bundled up in. "… Come back for you? Or wait…?"

Honestly, Terzo hadn't thought that far ahead. He knows his brothers won't let anything happen to him. But the idea the clergy could use him to try bringing the Ghouls back does briefly cross his mind. He sighs and falls back into his bed, staring up at the ceiling until Special cautiously sprawls out next to him. He latches onto his Ghoul instead, clinging as tight as he can, and finally answers. "If you have to hide… wait. I'll—" he's going to hate if it happens. He knows he is. If he has to send them away he knows he's going to hate it with every fiber of his being, but he has to hold onto the idea they'll be safe.

"I'll call you back when it's safe."

Special chirps quietly and Terzo wonders if he's imagining the slightly brighter glow in the Ghoul's left eye. It's gone before he can really try to focus on it and he simply lets his eyes close, shoving his face into Special's shoulder and falling asleep to the steady tap of his tail hitting the bed and his claws working through Terzo's hair.

Terzo's not as scared of the upper clergy, anymore. It definitely helps that it's just their church—his brothers and father, even if Sister Imperator's gaze feels… heavy. He's not afraid of the Cardinal or the Arch-Bishops, anymore. As long as they aren't on the ground floor of the chamber, anyways.

Like three years earlier, Special's perched close by, attention fixed curiously on the circle; this time, with Cowbell standing remarkably upright, arms folded behind his back, and attention less fixed on the circle and more on the observation balcony. Primo's Ghouls and Mountain are a bit further down the wall, closer to the door—out of the way of the summoning circle, but close enough to observe, close enough to… assist, if they need to. Minor changes from Cowbell's Ritual, not nearly as many as the first time. More thorough measurements and more… meaningful ingredients. Soil from the cemetery, specifically from around the old crypt with past Papas. Water from the Ghouls—Primo's Water Ghoul had trilled and chittered, anxiously, for probably a solid hour when Earth and Quinn tried to explain what they needed him to do.

Terzo doesn't blame him for being worried; he's worried, too. Still waiting for things to backfire.

Earth had refined the candles, with Air and Fire's help. Extra candles for the first Ritual and a small dish of ashes from the thurible. There are still some… other steps he hasn't quite managed to translate in full. Some he still doesn't fully understand. Quintessence is still odd, but he's not sure he'll be allowed to summon all of the Ghouls—even with Imperator's "permission"… Papa might stop him after the core four.

He hopes not.

Fire first. One more chance to prove he knows what he's doing. A goal. Something he hadn't quite had the past two attempts—he had wanted; this time he needs.

The incantation is much easier. He hums it almost every day and he doesn't feel as pressured to speak, this time. No one stops him from singing and the stillness that falls over the chamber is welcoming, this time. It doesn't feel nearly as suffocating—later, he might realise his eye hurts significantly less; barely a dull throb—and he doesn't startle when a large shadow pulls itself together from the stillness, a number of large wings span out behind the form before settling. The most notable, being, a pair that cross over the patron's face.

Still not the patron that brought him Special, though. It does make him frown, briefly; but, it doesn't stop him from being polite and crossing his hands over his chest. It feels better, knowing what to expect, and lets him show a bit more gratitude that he wishes he'd had the mind to show Orobas or the first shadow.

"Thank you, for your time."

An amused, rumbling laugh fills the stillness around them and he manages to stay still and standing, even when a hand reaches out. He does jump, the smallest bit, when the tip of a large claw taps beneath his chin and makes him look up.

"What a fascinating little creature you are… it's no wonder the others clamour so. I'd hoped the other one would summon me first." Terzo blinks, slowly, a few times, not really sure if he's meant to respond. "Humans remain so horrifyingly ambitious. You've learned well since Orobas… tell me, little summoner. Do you know who I am?"

"Azazel." He chooses not to dwell too heavily on the somewhat backhanded comment and instead focuses as best he can on answering the presented question, mostly parroting what he learned from the Archives and the smaller cues, mostly just grateful he has his sigil on him and visible, at that. "You normally supply Fire Ghouls to the upper clergy—those with ambition to rise, along with passion to the church. … You gave Fratello his Fire Ghoul."

The demon looks pleased—as well as he can express, at any rate—and Terzo hesitates for a brief moment. Was it rude to ask…?

"… Are you allowed to tell me who brought Special—?" It doesn't take much to draw Terzo's attention to the center of the summoning circle. The Ghoul that emerges shakes off, briefly, before settling in a crouched position, bright orange eyes fixed intently on Terzo, head tilted and ears flickering curiously as the fire along the spine and tail slowly disperse into smoking wisps. There's a brief moment where the flames linger around his neck, like a collar, before gathering and dissipating into the void on the left side. He… thinks there may have been a temporary glimmer of gold, but maybe it was the fire?

"Special—? Ah. The first one. You will be seeing him again soon enough, fret not, little summoner. For now, you should remain focused on your task at hand." Terzo startles when Azazel's shadow pulls in on itself, shrinking until he's… roughly the same height as Secondo. A more humanoid appearance as he moves around the Ghoul, resting one hand against Terzo's face so the tips of two fingers tap at the corner of his left eye. "We have seen many trials yet to come and we are eager to see how brightly you shine. I am honoured to have been the first of the patrons to offer you a contract to realise your ambitions; but, I need to be certain you understand. You've done your research and I applaud your awareness. Fire Ghouls are passion. They are ambition and lust—for achievements far beyond carnal pleasures. They can and will devour their summoners in a raging fire, if weak of will. I do not fear a lack of conviction… but your price will be heavy if my contract is marred in any fashion, little human. The flames are not forgiving… and you've obtained Fire from my fellow Fallen, already. They will clash. Are you certain you are ready for this responsibility?"

Special and Cowbell haven't been… too uncivil with each other. No more than Special is with any other Ghoul—if anything he's actually nicer to Cowbell. Even if he closes the other Ghoul's tail in a door or window, he never leaves it long and will always make sure Cowbell is close by if they have to go anywhere in the Ministry. Even when it's clear he'd rather go with Mountain or just find somewhere to nap, he never let Cowbell wander around alone. Even so… some part of him knows Special is going to be the one he needs to worry about.

"I am. … I have to be." Terzo hardly notices that Azazel's stood aside so he can approach the Ghoul. Normally the patron left, but he can feel the eyes on his back as he kneels down to the Ghoul, offering a smile. "I'm Valentino… do you have a name?"

"Alpha." The voice is still a bit unsteady. The eyes narrow in a furrowed expression as a rather wisp-like hand comes up to touch the Ghoul's neck and face. "I'm… Alpha…"

Worry flutters in Terzo's gut for a brief moment; but, Azazel merely laughs. A quiet chuckle that's already dissipating into the void around them as he begins to fade. "How marvelous. He will speak easier when he's given form, worry not. I look forward to the realisation of your ambitions… Valentino."

Before Terzo can think to ask any other questions, perhaps specifically why the Fallen using his name makes his ears ring, the sound and colour and time returns around him and he hastily reaches out to put both hands over Alpha's ears when the Ghoul recoils from the suddenness.

"Shhh… it's okay. Everything's okay, I promise. Just give it a minute. Special, can you bring me the mask and cassock, please?"

The affirmative trill still sounds kind of muffled, but Terzo keeps his attention on the new Ghoul, gently rubbing his thumbs along the bit of void where the base of the ears should be, to try soothing the new sensation of noise.

"It's okay… can you open your eyes, Alpha?"

It takes a moment longer; but, the bright orange does focus on him—a bit more red and yellow, a little bit of white and black, tinged throughout, and the smallest bit of blue towards the center; more dynamic than Special or Cowbell's steady glow, but slowly leveling out. Zeroed in on Terzo, still, even as Alpha follows the gentle rubbing that turns into skritches behind his ears and a rumbling purr begins to echo in the chamber. Terzo smiles and keeps his undivided attention on the Fire Ghoul, right up until Special finally taps his shoulder, gently, with the tip of the mask. The cassock is still folded over his arm and he stands back, head tilted curiously as his attention zeroes in on the new Ghoul, while Terzo carefully holds the mask up to him.

The mask attaching to his Ghoul isn't nearly as alarming this time and he smiles when his eyes settle and he immediately perches on his finger tips and toes to shake off down to his tail before Terzo helps him up and helps pull the cassock on, "There we go. And now we see if you can stand on your own… can you take a few steps, for me?"

As Terzo slowly backs up, he releases the hold on Alpha. He's a little bit wobbly; but, he complies and manages to steady himself within two or three steps. His attention zeroes in on the summoning circle, on the tip that… had the ash and extra candles. The ash has vanished and the candles have melted down significantly. Terzo wants to record it; but he knows he needs to stay focused.

"Alpha?" He waits until the Ghoul looks back at him; not quite as immediate as Special generally responds, but easy to kind of shrug off. He's still getting used to his surroundings. "I need you to follow Special and wait for the others, okay?"

Worry bubbles, briefly, in the pits of his stomach as Alpha finally seems to notice Special. Special hasn't stopped watching Alpha the entire time—a bit stiff, a bit tense; but, he doesn't growl and he doesn't make any indication he's going to attack. There's a long moment where they simply stare at each other, until Alpha finally tries to take more steps—still a bit shaky when he first moves one of his legs—and follows where Special gestures to the wall.

All the while, being very careful to ensure his back is never to Alpha. Terzo watches them for a few seconds longer, just to make sure they're being, at the very least, cordial with one another.

He turns back to the circle to relight the candles—wonders, briefly, if he should go ahead and change them out—and, as he's gathering the small bowl and, thankfully closed, flask of water, he hears an interested hum from above him and looks back towards the observation balcony.

Father still looks impressed… but, Primo and Secondo have both turned their attentions to Imperator. As he's turning, he notices Special's attention has zeroed in on the woman, too. That he's motioning Cowbell to get back and offering the same gesture to Alpha, while keeping a careful distance that lets him watch the Ghoul and Sister, as best he can.

"Is… something wrong, Sister?" Terzo frowns a little, carefully setting the bowl and flask back down, just in case he's being told he's failed. Maybe he'll get lucky and she just has questions.

"That would depend on how well your Ghoul follows orders." Terzo blinks and looks back at the trio. Mountain's moved to join them from the door, clearly wary of the new Ghoul, too; Special just gestures for him and Cowbell to back up, tension slowly spreading through his void.

"He's listened to me so far—?"

"Alpha." Terzo winces when bright, brief flashes of light go off in his left eye and squeezes it shut to rub at it and try to get his vision to clear. Unfortunately, it means he also fails to realise what's happening until the rest of the order echoes down from the balcony. "Subdue the others."

Special shoves Cowbell out of the way—towards Mountain—and snarls when he gets knocked over instead. It's a short tumble—Special has some advantage in size and in his own awareness. Enough of an advantage that the manages to pin Alpha down with only a few scratches that are already closing and scruffs the newer Ghoul to keep from being thrown off his back. Enough time for Terzo to recover and try to break them up.

"Alpha! Special! That's enough—leave him alone!"

That may have been aimed more at Imperator; but, thankfully, both Ghouls go rigid. Special shakes his head a few times and cautiously backs off of the new Ghoul, still perched and ready… but, he does relax a little when Alpha simply writhes and claws at his mask with a slur of frustrated hisses and growls.

Cowbell creeps back forward and is able to get the writhing to stop after a few seconds of having his hands on Alpha's shoulders. The same calm he offers Terzo and Special, when they need it and Alpha finally just flattens himself to the floor like he's waiting for another order, tail lashing anxiously until Cowbell and Special finally help pull him back to his feet and over to their corner of observation.

Terzo finally tears his attention from the three and scowls up at the balcony, "What'd you do that for!? He could've gotten hurt! Or hurt one of them!"

Unlikely, given the others clearly have better control of their bodies, but it was still a moment of fear because he knows she meant Special. But, Imperator simply tips her head and folds her hands back in her lap, over a clipboard she's been taking notes on.

"You responded quickly and it listened. It is also able to adhere to orders from other clergy members, unlike your first two failures. This is acceptable. Continue."

Primo has a hand on Secondo's arm, giving him a warning look to stay seated and even from the chamber floor, Terzo can see his brother's jaw locking up as he grinds his teeth to resist the urge to snap at the woman. Papa's expression narrows, for the briefest moment; but, he doesn't intervene and instead turns a patient look back down on Terzo.

Terzo just scowls and moves around the table to his Ghouls, completely ignoring when he's told to resume the rituals a second time. Cowbell looks anxious—wringing his tail in his hands—and Alpha shies away from the approach, clearly worried he's done something wrong. Special's the only one that relaxes and lets out a slow breath, mindful to keep his voice down, "Vale, you should do what she says—"

"No. You two could have gotten hurt. I'm responsible for you and I don't—" it's an effort not to let the agitation show too obviously. He takes a few slow, deep breaths until he's able to keep his voice down without too much conscious effort. "I don't understand why she could do that… she can't give you and Bell orders… why did it work on Alpha? Alpha, are you okay?"

The Ghoul nods, slowly relaxing as he realises Terzo isn't mad at him. He purrs, the smallest bit when Terzo wraps his arms tight around the Ghoul's neck in a hug.

"I'm so sorry… I don't know why she can do that, I—I'll find a way to fix it, I promise. … Special? You're okay, too, right?"

"I'm fine," Despite the assurance, worry is creeping back into his voice, "Vale, seriously, you need to continue before she decides the trial is over. We're both fine, I made sure not to use my claws or damage his mask and his claws haven't fully manifested, yet. Water's next—Lord Leviathan will probably answer. He might have answers."

Terzo nods and finally releases Alpha, "Right… … if she tries to give Alpha another order, try to get him out of the chamber. Containment sigils don't work in the chamber, you should be able to get out… I don’t think she can give Fratello's Ghouls orders."

Special just nods and makes a series of short clicks in his throat. Alpha scowls up at him but still moves closer to Cowbell. Easier to protect. Easier to escape.

He hugs Special, just for good measure and relaxes when the Ghoul nuzzles his hair. "I can keep us safe… you just focus on what you need to do."

The calm and confidence helps. It helps Terzo take a deep breath and he finally goes back to the center of the chamber, pointedly keeping his head down and attention focused on what he was doing. On gathering the ceramic bowl and the flask. He hears the quiet, worried chirps coming from near the door and he knows Water is anxious, still.

Terzo… isn't. Not anymore. He's angry and still aware that Imperator could still ruin the entire thing and banish his Ghouls. Mostly angry, though.

He does his best to calm back down—knows that emotion plays… some kind of role in the rituals, even if he hasn't fully wrapped his head around what little he's been able to translate. Water, especially, could become volatile if he wasn't careful.

By the time he's lit the candles again and carefully taking the smallest bit of ash from the thurible to dissolve in the small dish of water with a gentle stir. While he waits for the water to still again, he takes another small pinch of the ash and takes it back to the table to let it start mixing into the waiting soil. Water… Air… Earth. He still has two more to get to, but if he does it now, he won't forget later or risk running out.

When he sings the incantation this time, he's grateful for the stillness that falls over the chamber and lets out a relieved breath. The sound of… waves…? Hits him out of nowhere and he looks around, confused, before he finally looks up and finds the large whale circling above him. Up near the observation balcony and his anxiety spikes, for the briefest moment, when the whale simply moves through the balcony, unphased by the humans or the structure; and, likewise, they remain blissfully ignorant of the stillness.

"You've a storm disrupting the tides, little human. I've half a mind to deny you your Ghoul."

Terzo doesn't get a chance to protest or defend himself; the Ghoul's already crawled up from the center—more like it's broken the surface of water—and is shaking off, the chirps more muffled and… like bubbles popping… than the clear clicks that his first three Ghouls make. Bright blue eyes settle on him, soon enough, and Water shakily raises up to his fingertips and toes when he crosses over to Terzo and pushes up against him with a pleased purr. A bright gold lights up against his stomach, briefly, before settling, the same as the maybe gold that had been in Alpha's neck. It just convinces him he wasn't imagining it on Alpha.

"As you can see, however… he's already made up his mind."

Terzo feels the prior anger dissipating and he actually laughs a little when the Ghoul's insistent nudging nearly knocks him over. He wraps both arms around him, hugging tight, "Hello… do you—" he pauses, hesitates, and finally sighs.

Water trills, curiously, at him; but, he doesn't fight when Terzo makes a motion for him to sit at his side; the Ghoul simply settles back in the same gargoyle crouch that the others idle in, even when Terzo crosses his arms over his chest to offer a delayed bow.

"My apologies for being rude, Lord Leviathan… thank you, for your time."

The large whale finally stills and simply floats above him, tilting his head to regard Terzo with a row of far too many eyes on the left side of the face.

"A very courteous gesture, summoner. … You seek wisdom."

Terzo hesitates and looks down at Water. The Ghoul simply blinks up at him, oblivious and trusting and thoroughly delighted when Terzo rests a hand on his head.

"I summoned Fire just before this, of course… some clergy members were able to give him orders to attack other Ghouls. … How do I keep them from doing that to the others? To him? I don't understand what happened, they can't do that to Special and Bell… I don't want them to be able to do that to…" He looks back down at the Water Ghoul. Alpha, he has to assume, was because of his name. No one seemed aware Cowbell… wasn't the proper name and Special… he assumes because he messed up the ritual. Alpha and the rest, though…

"Your brother—the damaged eldest one. He's given you the answer to this query. You need only abide his example. It will protect those to come… the one already summoned, however, will require a more delicate touch. I must cut our time here; they who follow me will aid you further, provided you remain civilized. … To sate your curiosity and seal this contract, I do ask that you complete your pledge."

"My—? Oh! Oh, of course, I'm sorry—" Terzo shakes his head, realises he is feeling a lot more tired, the longer he's in the strange stillness. He smiles down at Water. "Will you be alright answering to Water?" An affirmative, excited chirp and Terzo laughs again. "I'm glad… may I know your name, though?"

"Rush!" His tail swishes, rapidly, and makes a tiny splash when it thumps against the ground, "Rush will answer to Water?"

"Yes, please. So they can't use you to hurt the others." Terzo reaches out to give both of his ears a gentle skritch. "I'll keep you safe. And we'll keep them safe, right?"

He feels the ghost of a tap—like a dripping faucet—against the side of his left eye, running down his cheek, right as time resumes around him. Like Alpha, Water immediately recoils and begins to shake off, a high pitched whine building in his throat until Terzo manages to get both hands over his ears again.

"Shhh… I've got you. I've got you, you're safe. Special—oh. Thank you."

Special's already at his shoulder, cassock over his arm and mask held out.

Water watches him closely—like Alpha, his eyes are far more dynamic, right up until Terzo presents the mask to him and the veins spread and disappear into his void. It's a little bit harder to get him into the cassock, if only because he's desperately tryng to look at everything, now that he isn't being assaulted by a myriad of new sounds.

"This is Special." Terzo stands aside to gesture at his Ghoul and Water trills up at him, "I need you to follow him and wait for me to finish summoning the others, okay?"

He doesn't bother trying to stand and instead pounces after Special, circling Alpha and Cowbell in an almost enamoured interest before he finally settles into a copied crouch, tail still swishing and causing gentle splashes whenever it thumps the wall or ground. Alpha hisses quietly and scoots away to avoid the splashes; but, Special gets between them before it escalates any further.

"And this Ghoul—"

"Is Water." Terzo meets the alarmed look, evenly, lips pressed in a thin line. He's proud the Ghoul doesn't try to correct or introduce himself properly. Primo looks away, hastily, as though he's covering a cough; but, Terzo can tell he was smiling. Secondo doesn't bother hiding the smug pride that crosses his face. He actually seems to relax back into his chair, arms crossed languidly and meeting Imperator's annoyed scowl with a dismissive shrug.

So, it is the name… he hopes whoever brings Air can help him protect Alpha.

He doesn't waste time preparing the next phase. A new dish of water—consecrated but not created from another Ghoul. The candles are getting lower, he might need to ask Earth and Fire for more… maybe if he's quick enough he can get through the last two rituals and then figure out the fifth.

No extra ingredients. He just needs to remember where the incantation needs to be altered and repeated. An extra prayer in the middle, recite the whole thing a second time.

His throat is starting to hurt and his eyes feel heavy, but he needs to finish this.

The stillness is welcome again, even as it lulls him into an even sleepier state. A melodic laugh fills the air, carried on a breeze that twists around him and helps him stay standing upright, despite the unsteady sway. A large, black thrush shakes itself free from the wisps of shadows and, instead of coming from the center of the summoning circle, the Ghoul falls from the bird's chest plummage, catching himself before he hits the ground and simply levitating before carefully lowering to all four and settling down in a patient crouch.

He's distracted, briefly, observing his palms, as both light up in the same brilliant gold. A songbird's chirping fills the air as the Ghoul looks up at his patron, clearly looking for permission before carefully pulling himself to his feet—unsteady and clearly uncertain how his legs are meant to work—and soon giving up on standing entirely in favour of floating to circle Terzo and curl around him in his wisped form.

The thrush offers an amiable laugh—more like a series of chirps that mimic a laugh—even as it's talons dig at the summoning circle beneath it. Terzo startles when he notices the coal burning beneath the bird's feet.

"What a magnificent specimen you are, child. The void responds so willingly to you... Leviathan tells me his Ghoul responded in kind… and that you perhaps require my aid?"

"I—oh, my—I'm so sorry—" He doesn't get a chance to correct his greeting this time, even as anxiety bubbles in the pit of his stomach. Air trills next to him and blankets him further in the comfort of his hold and the thrush really doesn't seem nearly as bothered as Leviathan made it sound like he would.

"Breathe easy, child. You know who I am?"

"Lord… Caim, yes—but… you bring… Air Ghouls, why do you…?" Terzo isn't sure what to focus on. He's so… tired, it's so hard to focus. He's finally realising the stillness is what's making him sleepy and it's essentially only Air holding him up that keeps him standing and remotely awake. He feels… warm. Not as warm as Special or Cowbell or Alpha, but still warmer than Terzo.

Caim looks pleased, "Marvelous. The Archives serve you well. You've brought forth many wonderous voids—they will work well together. I believe my own gift will be most beneficial to help curb your Fire Ghoul." Terzo must look confused. Air looks proud of himself as he finally untangles from Terzo and settles by his legs, the same way Water had. Caim gives his wings a single, powerful flap that nearly knocks Terzo and his Ghoul both over.

When he recovers, the Fallen's become smaller—a man's body that retains the thrush's head and wings. He uses the sword at his waist as a cane as he walks forward and uses the hilt to tap Terzo's chin up for eye contact.

"Air Ghouls are freedom. They are the desire to create and express yourself. Fire is passion. They will bolster each other, as they do you and as you to them. Your Fire Ghoul has been compromised, is my understanding. When you've a moment with him—away from those that will use him in malice—you need only give him a simple order." Caim reaches out, taking one of Terzo's hands up in his own and squeezing it gently. "A gesture of trust and vulnerability. Orders given in tandem to touch will… alter a Ghoul's contract in minor ways. You will set more specific conditions—as you did with… Special. Your guardian Ghoul. When his conditions are met, he will carry out your order. For Alpha, you will need to make conditions that prevent others from abusing his name. Do you understand?"

Terzo nods, quickly. He's already losing some of the information as the exhaustion begins to hit his body, he needs to be back in the chamber—back with time moving properly, he needs Special to know so one of them remembers—

"I can help, too." Air's voice is soft. Clear and crisp and it snaps Terzo from the distressed thoughts. When he looks down, solid white eyes—maybe silver? They almost seem metallic—stare up at him and he swears a smile is in the void. "I can help… I know what to do, too."

"I—thank you. I hate to burden you with such a task so soon… thank you, though." Terzo feels the anxiety dissipating and smiles when the Ghoul perks up and circles him again, this time doing a few entwined circles around Caim, as well.

The thrush smiles and tips his head, "Let your Ghouls aid you, little star. They are your comrades and protectors, just as much as you protect them. Now then… your pledge, please."

"Of course… and… thank you, so much." Terzo finally has a chance to cross his arms over his chest and offers the Fallen a deep bow, "For your time and guidance. Thank you." When he raises, his attention goes to Air, floating just to his left and he holds his hands out to take the Ghoul's and slowly helps lower him to the floor so he can get used to his legs. "You're doing wonderful… may I know your name?"

"I'm Cyclone. But… you wish for me to answer to Air, yes?"

Terzo tries not to let the disappointment show and smiles as best he can, "For your safety, yes. Until I can… figure out a more permanent solution."

The exhaustion is starting to hit him again and he hears a worried chirp, somewhere to his right. The stillness is starting to feel… wrong. Stale. He shakes his head, sharply, and grips Air's hands a little bit tighter to give himself an anchor.

"I'll protect you. I'm going to find a way to keep all of you safe, I swear."

This time it feels like a feather tapping the corner of his eye—gentle and a bit ticklish.

Air doesn't recoil from the sudden sounds the way Alpha and Water did. His ears flatten and his eyes squeeze shut for the shortest moment, but he manages to shake it off in the same moment Terzo feels Special put a hand on his shoulder to offer the next mask and cassock. He thinks he manages to say thank you when he takes the mask from Special and holds it out to Air. The veins are definitely more silver than white, as they spread from the mask and Terzo almost thinks he sees a little bit of blue and maybe yellow—?

He rubs at his eyes, trying to stave off the exhaustion even a little bit. He thinks he hears Special asking if he's okay. Air echoes him, his voice definitely clearer than Special's, worry evident. Terzo tries to tell them he's okay.

Just one more… he just needs to do one more, at the very least—

The last thing he's aware of is his brother saying his name and something warm wrapping around him. Special. More than likely Special. It's getting hard to keep his eyes open and even knowing they're as open as he can get them, everything around him looks… fuzzy. Muted, like he's still in the stillness of forging a pact for a Ghoul.

Just one more. He can do one more.

He tries to say as much—or, he thinks he's trying to say as much… but he must pass out because the next time he manages to open his eyes, he's back in his bedroom, struggling to get his bearings and trying to figure out why there's so much chirping in his room.

.♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥. .♥.

post a/n:

My goal is to at least finish Era 3 and Pro Memoria. There may be other one shots, but… I'm not positive the resurrection fic or any of the other planned multi-chapters will continue/be manifest. I've written well over 200k for Ghost, only ~90k (as of this chapter) has been posted and I… am not positive I can muster up the mental fortitude to keep this up.

Thank you, to everyone who has read and taken the time to let me know there's more than a void. Thank you, everyone that's left a kudo or bookmark or subscription.

But this is having severely adverse side effects on my mental and physical health, between lack of reception, lack of acknowledgement in other aspects of the works, and the looming threat of generative bullshit.

I will see these two projects through, at least. But they will probably be spread out as I very desperately need to nurture my health.

I'm sorry. Thank you, again, to everyone that's made effort to express their interest. That's essentially all that's gotten me through these chapters, few and far between that they are. I probably won't be replying to any future comments, but please know that they do mean the entire world to me.

#sqooshy writes #ghost fanfiction #ghost band #rating: general #ghouls era 3 #ghost era 3 #terzo #papa emeritus iii #ao3 link #special ghoul #cowbell ghoul #alpha ghoul #water ghoul #air ghoul #papa emeritus ii #secondo #summoning meta #fic: ritual of summoning

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marshmallowsqoosh · 1 year ago

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[Ghost (Band) | Pro Memoria (3/10)]

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Title (also AO3 link): Pro Memoria Rating: Mature CW: Canon Character Death, Depictions of (Magical) Violence Lesser Warnings: headcanon, not beta read, terzo’s the youngest because the canon timeline makes no sense, terzo and copia are friend-shaped, ghouls are hellsent beings and have magick, Special and Mountain are BFFs, Era 3 and 4 are BFFs, author uses Sodo not Dew, uh… stuff.

Summary: Ghouls are dragged back to Hell when their summoner dies, if they aren’t released first. For most, it’s a painless experience. For most, they simply slip into a peaceful, eternal sleep, as their summoner ages and passes on, themself. Some are sudden, but still painless. And some… some are a bit more drawn out and not quite so painless. ♥ aka Terzo died from the embalming, not the injection, and his Ghouls got to experience it in their own ways.

extras. Chapter Specific Warnings: (canon) Character Death, heavy headcanon regarding Ghoul relationships and abilities/powers, passive(-ish?) death Status (and AO3 link!): [3 / 10] Word Count: ~3k

Previous Chapters: [Prologue] [Special]

♥

Even with Terzo "retired", Cowbell's day doesn't… actually change that much.

He still helps around the ministry—paperwork, mostly—and, most importantly, he helps ease in the new laity members by being the bridge to help them learn about the Ghouls. It's definitely an easier bridge to cross with Special helping him like he's supposed to… but, he also knows it's wholly and entirely useless to try directing the older Ghoul's attention to anything without Terzo's assistance and with the Cardinal returning… well, no one has bothered trying to get Special to focus on anything for probably the past week. Terzo made sure to give him space and opportunities to run his energy down so he wasn't on the verge of combusting and getting any of them in trouble; but, otherwise, he just paced, listlessly, in the lobby and around the outside perimeter, waiting. … And occasionally being a thorn in Omega or Secondo's routines when Terzo wasn't there to stop him.

The day of, Cowbell doesn't bother keeping track of the time. He has a full schedule—a new group to officially welcome into the congregation. Not that they treated those that didn't know any less than those that did; but, it was always a good day when he got to share the truth and he loves watching the understanding light up in human faces. It doesn't get old, even decades later.

There's always the moment of doubt and disbelief. That brief moment before he removes his mask—an alteration made to his contract when he upgraded to Era 4's mask and uniform, specifically for these reasons—and shakes his head a few times as his horns resume their full size and his ears twitch, pleased to be unglamoured and he simply smiles at the small group, carefully setting his mask on the desk of the lobby with a polite tip of his head. The Ghoul at the computer returns the gesture with barely a passing glance; an unspoken understanding he would return for the mask after the tour wrapped up.

He turns his attention back to his small group, smiling pleasantly as he gestures to himself and the secretary.

"Ghouls are a very carefully guarded secret among the church. That you've stayed with us for so long and wish to join our ranks more intimately means we are permitted to enlighten you to our existence. To those on the outside and even some within the church walls, we are simply anonymous beings, meant to aid Papa and others who spread our most wondrous Dark Father's teachings. It also means that we are able to assist you; and, those that wish to further their journeys could be entrusted a Ghoul of their own one day—"

There's always… questions.

Some that were angry about being lied to; many who didn't quite understand a Ghoul's purpose; and almost all of them confused by why a church openly in support of devils would be worried about concealing dealings with said devils. Questions he's normally all too happy to answer and has every intention to, today… until Rain nearly trips over himself running by and barely keeps himself from falling when he decides at the last minute he'd rather hide around Cowbell and the desk.

"This is your new introductory class?"

"Well, yes, I'd just finished—"

"None of you saw me."

Before he can ask for further input the Water Ghoul pulls a deep breath and his form immediately liquifies and vanishes. Cowbell just blinks and turns his attention to calming the excited commotion the show of magick causes… and soon realises exactly what's happened when the Era 2 Water Ghoul skids to a halt a few feet away.

"Ah. Water, wonderful to see you. Would you like to join the tour?"

Being only one of the two left from Secondo's run as Papa, Water's been… surprisingly more social over the years. Still wary and cagey with most humans; but, a little more open to trying. Though, it doesn't seem to be holding true for today as the Ghoul hisses and recoils when the attention turns on him. "I'll… pass, thank you. Did Rain come this way?"

"Oh, are they back? Have you checked the rehearsal rooms? Era Three was up there, I reckon he went to say hello, yes?"

"... Don't suppose you'll be telling me which rehearsal room?"

Cowbell laughs and shrugs, "Haven't a clue which one! You'll find them sooner or later. Or perhaps Air will know. Era Two was with your Papa and Era Three is helping in the guest lobby on the second floor."

For a moment, he worries that won't be enough—Water's attention still zeroed in on the small gathering of humans… but, he soon loses interest and offers a polite tip of his head, giving himself a bit more distance from the group before he darts for the stairs. Behind him, Rain finally releases the breath he was holding, coughing as his form solidifies again and he shakes off to rid himself of some of the droplets that cling to his skin, "Oh… oh, Leviathan have mercy… how does Water hold his concentration for so long?"

Cowbell laughs and gives him a series of solid, but still gentle, pats on the back when he dissolves into coughing. He also uses the opportunity to turn his attention back to the small class he has.

"As you can see, Ghouls serve many purposes. Due to our nature of being summoned from the voids and shadows of Hell, we are bound to physical matter through elemental association. Rain, here, is a Water Ghoul. His powers reflect as such and, while each Ghoul has different… specialties, shall we call them, almost every Water Ghoul can make themselves intangible by becoming more liquid and, with enough practice, do so well enough that they can refract the light around them to temporarily become invisible. … Allow me to assure you that while he is coughing, we don't inherently need to breathe. The reflex comes from human observations! The need to remain quiet and perfectly still, so that when concentration is broken it mimics being out of breath. Fascinating, isn't it?"

He makes another gesture back towards Rain and more towards the desk, as well. "It still works best in low light situations, unless they have an Air Ghoul to help them manipulate reflection, as well. Which, is why you will note he hid behind objects, so as to hide his own shadow."

"I'm—so glad—I could be a demonstration, Bell." Rain finally regains his composure and groans a little. "Do you think he went for Era Three or to find one of the Air Ghouls?"

"More than likely he went to find his fellow Era Two Ghoul. You should be safe to speak to Era Three."

"You're the best, Bell. And… a very fond welcome, siblings." Rain tips his head to the small group before offering a more polite bow to excuse himself. Cowbell watches him run for the elevator, until his attention gets drawn back to the humans.

"You're all… magick, then? You, too?"

"I am. My powers are nowhere near so impressive as Rain's or even my own group. Refinement of my abilities was simply never a requirement and my focuses were occupied elsewhere. That said, any Ghoul is a formidable force and, depending on their summoner, a very powerful last resort." He makes a gesture to be followed, allowing his tail to unwind from his waist and swish behind him; mostly to enjoy the murmurs from the group behind him. "I should clarify, of course, that we are well aware our existence—even among the church—can be… unsettling to people. It's why we wait to fully introduce ourselves. We have had many members leave because of us; we are transparent with this information to assure you that you are, by no means, obligated to stay, if we make you uncomfortable."

"Aren't you worried about people telling the world about you?" One of the members asks; the others all murmur to show they'd been thinking the same and Cowbell simply smiles over his shoulder.

"Not in the least. There are plenty of people on the outside that know we exist. Many that would do us and our summoners harm and those that maintain the balance between ourselves and aforementioned opposing forces. Divine churches are very… well, let's just say the crusades didn't end quite so long ago as people assume. Not fully."

He turns his attention back to their destination, pushing open the doors to the nave they use for the committed congregation and standing aside to allow the humans to enter first. He pauses, briefly, as he follows them in, his left hand coming up to press gently at his neck.

It feels like… a small pinch? His vision swims for a moment and he simply squeezes his eyes shut, clearing his throat to regain himself. "As—oh, excuse me—?"

It's been years since his voice cracked. He clears his throat again, carefully, trying to move past the sudden pressure. He manages to swallow it after a moment and shakes off a little to regain himself, "Most sincere apologies. … Now, where was I… oh! Yes, as I was saying. There are many people outside of the church that are aware of us.While it is in our best interests to play nice with one another, there have been… instances. That you will learn of, should you choose to pursue such knowledge within our ranks."

"If people know, why wait to tell new members?"

Cowbell actually laughs at that and gestures to himself, "If you had seen me like this when you were brought into the safety of our walls, would you have felt safe?" An awkward murmur fills the room. His smile softens in an attempt to hide the anxiety building in his core as his vision starts to blur again. "We hide as a courtesy, not in deceit. We wish for your safety, just as we do for all members of the church.Once you've familiarized yourself with the nave to your satisfaction, we'll be moving on to the commons and community kitchen. One of the others will show you to your new room assignments, if you are one of the members that reside in the ministry."

The tour is almost over, then he can go lie down. Maybe he's just tired…? He should check on Terzo, too—

He jumps when screaming suddenly comes from outside of the nave. He only checks for a moment to make sure the humans are all together—an easy cluster to protect, if need be—and tries to offer a reassuring smile before he hurries back to the nave doors, leaning out and trying to get the attention of literally anyone for answers.

The horrible sensation in his neck is back and something cold starts to settle in his core.

"Bell! Oh, I'm so glad to see you—did any of the others come this way?"

His vision is going again and the voice sounds far away but he manages to find it and just stares at Swiss, uncertainly. "I—I saw Rain a while ago—? Swiss, wait—!" He nearly falls trying to catch the other Ghoul. As it is, it's only catching Swiss' arm that keeps him upright. "I have a group with me. Most of the humans should be evacuating to panic rooms on various floors… will you see to them please?"

He can tell the Multi Ghoul is… confused, to say the least—perhaps a bit scared—but Cowbell just smiles and carefully rights himself when he gets a nervous, affirmative nod.

"Thank you… siblings, be quick now. Swiss is going to take you somewhere safe so this can be dealt with swiftly, alright? If I had to wager… I would guess some Fire Ghouls perhaps combusted on the ground floor or in the kitchens again. Everything will be alright."

It's an effort to stay standing, to keep smiling. To stay as calm as possible so that the humans are even a little bit less afraid of the uncertainty. It's getting harder to hear; but, he's… fairly confident of when he can't hear Swiss ushering the small group away anymore and finally turns back into the nave, blindly groping for the doors to push them shut behind him. He nearly trips—multiple times—until he finally hits the steps and does.

It doesn't hurt as much as he expects—he's fallen on stairs before, skinned his knees and palms and scared his summoner half to death, back when he wasn't aware Ghouls could heal quickly or even be hurt, for that matter… the memory makes him smile and distracts him from how heavy his body feels. How much effort it takes to push up to his elbows and then his hands and finally to sitting on his knees. He feels the foreign, phantom throb of a pulse in his chest, feels his sigil trying to light up, desperately trying to reach out for help, even as he resists the urge invoke Orobas.

Instead, he settles on his knees and lets his head bow, hands clasped tight around his Grucifix as he struggles to regulate his breathing. He doesn't even register the tremble on his lips until he's pressed them to his knuckles, desperately muttering a quiet prayer to stay calm.

Everything still sounds far away. Then it's… quiet. Completely quiet. He almost fears his hearing's gone completely, until his ears twitch to the sound shuffle of cautious footsteps and he tries to look back over his shoulder, each breath shallow and shaken and terrified.

He can't see. Where he could make out blurry shapes and colours before, he truly can't see now.

"Who—Swiss? Is that you?" His throat feels tight. Flooded. Like he's swallowed too much at once because one of the others ran into his back. He can't clear it, can't even try to. It makes his voice strain, makes it harder to assess his volume.

"I—yeah, it's me—Bell, what's wrong, your…" The words trail off and Cowbell offers an unsteady laugh to try denying how scared he is.

"Quintessence is… such a damning association, isn't it?" He turns back to facing the nave. Even when he can't see, he's been here so many times. He just needs to feel the steps out to figure out where exactly he is and settles again, hands coming up to grip his Grucifix once more. "Join me? I… I don't want to be alone for this."

"O-oh—of—yeah, of course." He more feels than hears or see Swiss sit next to him. A sudden presence to his left that isn't quite as heavy as he feels. Not as safe as being close to Omega or Terzo or any of his other band mates; but, comforting as he feels the weight spreading through him.

"Did I ever… tell you how I got my name…?" He's not sure he's speaking or if he's just trying to. He feels Swiss' tail coil around his and he laughs, hands clasping tighter until he feels the edges of his Grucifix cutting into his palms. It still doesn't hurt and all he can do is laugh to cover the sob building in his throat. "It was a silly thing… I was so curious about Special choosing his own name and I hadn't told Papa mine, yet… I found an old cowbell down in the forges. A curious toy—I got in… so much trouble running through the ministry with it—" He nearly collapses across Swiss as something thick begins to push through his void and makes him sway off balance. Some… kind of liquid? His jaw is starting to feel tighter, a sting on his lips, dripping from his mouth as he realises his void's beginning to give out. It's an effort to sit up on his own but he doesn't want to make this even worse for Swiss by melting on him.

"I… apologise…"

"I-it's okay—a… a toy, then…?"

The story is a comforting distraction, even as he lets himself lie out on the steps of the nave, desperately holding onto his Grucifix, wishing he had his mask to cling to as well. Silly material trinkets that he wants nothing more than to cling to in hopes he'll keep the memories and identity attached to them.

"Sister Imperator caught me before I could find Papa… to ask what it was… oh, she was furious when she took it…. He got it back for me. It became a game… one that followed his Ascension. One Imperator never found humour in. I… am his clarity… and the kindling of ambition waiting to burn brightly…"

He doesn't feel the steps anymore. He's not sure he's still holding his Grucifix. He's not sure he can be heard.

Awareness hits him—sudden and sharp—and he nearly chokes on the intake of breath. He rubs, desperately, at his eyes as the terrified sob finally escapes his lips.

"Bell—? Oh… oh, no…"

His hearing is back, too. When he finally manages to focus his vision, it's… dark. Embers of light flitter in the stillness around them, but that isn't what pulls his attention. He wishes it was the familiarity of being back in Hell; wishes it was a comfort more than fear. He meets Primo's eye first. Then Secondo's. Era Two's Air and Water Ghouls, huddled close together, close to their summoner. He finally finds Earth at Primo's shoulder and he feels… cold.

He looks between the brothers, unable to stop the terrified stuttering that leaves his void. "If… if you're here… but… I am, too…"

Which means… Terzo—?

Air getting thrown out of the void around them, a broken scream torn from his throat the second he manages to pull together—echoing and shrill, enough to make most of them recover; Era Two's Air Ghoul kneels to pull him into a hug, shushing him and trying to absorb some of the piercing vibrations into his own void… his presence just seems to confirm it.

Something's happened—is happening to Terzo. But if it's only the two of them, so far… he has to believe Omega or Special can do something about… whatever it is.

#sqooshy writes #ghost band #ghost fanfiction #cowbell ghoul #swiss ghoul #fic series: meliora #fic: pro memoria #cw: canon character death #rating: general #rating: mature #ao3 link #minor background characters

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