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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 · 7 months

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Fandom Problem #4248:

I love it /s when I'm in a very small fandom or a very dead fandom or have a very rare pair or a very obscure blorbo and I'm talking about how I wish there was more fans or more content or more anything and people just go "WELL CREATE MORE!! WRITE YOUR OWN FICS!! DRAW YOUR OWN FAN ART!!! DON'T JUST COMPLAIN ABOUT IT!!" Like hahaha, yes, I got it. I've got it. As well meaning as that may be, I AM making art. And writing fic. Like, almost constantly. And as disappointing as it is to spend hours and hours working on something that virtually nobody ever really sees, I do try to keep reminding myself that "other people" shouldn't be the motivation, I should do it for MY satisfaction, and it shouldn't matter if it gets a thousand likes or a hundred or ten or one or none, as long as I'm happy I made it. But even then, it doesn't stop being lonely when there's nobody else around to share ideas with. The sharing of ideas is like one of the core tenets of fandom. So yeah, it's still pretty lonely and disappointing and I'd like to be able to voice that without people jumping on me to act like it's all my fault for not putting in enough effort.

#not fic #fandom problems #//stares at the wasted 200k--probably more--that I know no one cares about #//the next ritual chapter is technically done I just... don't see the point of posting it or even finishing the last two chapters #//never mind trying to finish pro memoria or the resurrection or... ...[sigh]#get out of the tags sqoosh

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marshmallowsqoosh · 8 months

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[Ghost (Band) | Cast Out (Preview)]

Still having a time of it. The next Ritual chapter is... so close to being done I just... I'm having a time, so I did something else so... here's a preview for a bit way down the line-

Era 3 Ghouls reacting to Terzo being carried off stage.

word count. ~740 warnings. headcanon heavy, ghouls have magick, ghouls are void given form and can lose their form when distressed, ghouls are tied to their patron devils/devil sigils are used to show which devil a ghoul is from (mentioned very briefly), Ghouls are generational not inherited (Era Two and Three water ghouls exist simultaneously) ♥

Omega feels it first.

He sees Water sit up straight—knocks Era Two out of his lap in the process—eyes flashing and glowing bright against his void as his form begins to ripple and he presses both hands tight to his core, desperately trying to hold himself together. His sigil glows through his clothes and shines through his fingers, just ensuring he panics that little bit more and makes his struggle that much worse.

A burst of wind nearly knocks most of them over, despite the fact they're inside. Air nearly keels over, breathing heavy, his hands tight around his throat, sigils glowing bright on his palms, even smothered to his neck. His tail lashes, angry and desperate and scared, behind him and it's only the proximity to Omega—and probably his own panic—that keeps him from creating a storm in the lounge.

For the briefest moment Alpha's eyes start to flicker and dim—Omega manages to catch him when his legs try to get out—but a moment later, they're burning brighter and Omega has to release him , his own hands burning from the contact. Alpha's struggling to pull himself under control, but parts of his uniform are already starting to flicker with small embers, only contained by the special woven fabrics and Omega being close by to absorb some of the excess energy.

His sigil doesn't burn the same way; the gold of his sigil shows, briefly, on the side of his neck before his flames and smoke start to cover it—either in desperation to protect and hide the area or because he legitimately can't actually contain his flames.

Era Two's Water Ghoul tries to split his attention between helping Era Three and Alpha; but, Omega knows he's starting to get stressed.

For Omega, though—even as he tries to cope with the rest of his bandmates, trying to stay as close to all three as possible to help them level out—all he can feel is a sharp pain in his core. He briefly registers that his sigil is burning in his back and doesn't doubt for a second that it's showing, same as the others. But his focus is on the emotional feedback. Fear. Anger. Panic. Danger.

Terzo—

He knows the others won't question him leaving; Era Two gives him a pointed look, trying to make a gesture for him to go, before they all freeze as numbness washes over them.

Alpha and Air actually drop to their knees, both gasping and struggling to breathe—more to stabilize than necessity—and Water immediately curls over himself, a shaky, terrified sob escaping as he solidifies, finally. Era Two immediately wraps him up in a protective hold, attention warily going past Omega's shoulder, while his tail begins to go ridged, ready to strike if needed.

When Omega turns, a number of the upper clergy—most of the arch-bishops and a few bishops and Imperator—are standing in the lounge entrance. Containment sigils light up the room around them, in a large bubble and Omega feels his own anxiety spike, memories of his last containment trying to push to the forefront of his attention, even as he keeps his eyes warily fixed on the woman and backs up so he's at least shielding the other Ghouls as they recover and struggle against the containment. They aren't being banished. They aren't in danger of banishment, Omega's contract specifies he can fight back when they're in danger and he doesn't feel that condition being met.

"Sister… this seems… excessive." He needs to be careful with his words. The others must realise it, too, because none of them speak up. Not even Alpha snarls at the woman; he does, at least, nudge Air closer to the pair of water ghouls.

"Perhaps. But we can't have you lot causing property damage for something so trivial." The woman doesn't look phased. Annoyed, perhaps. But, not surprised. "I hadn't expected him to throw quite such a tantrum… and, yet, I am somehow not surprised. You will be kept in containment for monitoring, until they return. Cooperate with the arch-bishops and you won't be put in isolation."

They don't have much of a choice; even as they all scowl and snarl for the way she speaks of their summoner, none of them react past that. Era Two is released and he quickly escapes the room. At the very least, Omega's confident he'll inform Secondo of what's happened and hopefully the man can head off whatever treatment is waiting for Terzo… or can do something about this.

#sqooshy writes #short scribble #ghost fanfiction #ghost band #ghouls era 3 #ghost era 3 #fic series: meliora #omega ghoul #alpha ghoul #air ghoul #water ghoul #nameless ghouls #fic wip #rating: general

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marshmallowsqoosh · 10 months

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[Ghost (Band) | Ritual of Ascension: First Draft]

So I’m having... A Time(tm). AO3 being in limbo is proving kind of helpful, in that, it’s not... looming over my shoulder, but words still aren’t working too great. So I figured, hey, I can do some rough draft sharing/behind the scenes shit/lore posts

And I can queue them! Anyways, I’ll post the rough draft first and then, after it, will be a spiel of me just... babbling. Cuz I can.

Ritual of Ascension (goes to AO3 because I? Never posted a tumblr version for some reason??? uh...if people want it I... guess I can transfer it?) was the first fic I posted for Ghost but I don’t... think it was the first one I wrote...? I feel like Pro Memoria was, but I honestly don’t remember anymore. Anyways, here’s the first draft, before it turned into 7.5k worth of trauma.

obligatory content warning for character death. not as graphic as the published work, but still there.

The paralytic only lasts for a few minutes. Long enough to restrain everyone and gather their remaining ghouls.

Terzo can't see anything to his sides, but he can hear the ventilator keeping Primo alive. He thinks he can hear Secondo trying to curse, but can't get his lips to move or make much more than a detached groaning that he suspects is meant to be a growl. It feels like a cruel joke. His mouth tastes metallic and his body feels... like nothing. He doesn't feel restraints but he doesn't feel his hands either. He only even knows he's alive because he blinks so... slowly. His eyes wander the room—dim and filled with the familiar incense of the Rituals.

He hears... voices. Muffled, like his ears are stuffed with cotton. Not voices he recognises through the thick haze. He can't even really make out the words or what's happening. He sees... a line of robed figures that he can't make faces out for. And... Ghouls. Unmarked Ghouls and... their Ghouls.

Cowbell gets pushed forward. Even through the thick cotton, Terzo can hear the distressed noises coming from his throat. He doesn't fight being pushed to his knees, doesn't try to get away when a much larger Ghoul plants a foot in his back. He's still not fighting back—Terzo knows he can, he's wriggled his way out of fights before and away from Alpha trying to bully him and Earth trying to pull him off stage. He can get away, he has to—

The sledgehammer comes down and shatters the mask. The body doesn't dissipate fast enough and a puddle of void lands a at the feet of onlookers. His heart pounds in his chest and he strains to move his body. Anger. Fear. The others need to run. They can get away, why aren't they running away.

Special is next. He isn't distressed. He's furious. His mask has already been removed and he's clearly regressing to his feral state. But he doesn't snap at his captors, he doesn't fight being pushed down any more than Cowbell did. He looks over at Terzo for a split second—distress overriding the anger—and doesn't even flinch when the hammer comes down on him, next.

Him. He's the reason they aren't running. Was it an exchange? Did the robed figures promise his safety if the Ghouls cooperated? With their deaths—?

Earth is next, but... the executioner isn't the one that pushes him down. Earth kneels on his own; the executioner is pushing another Ghoul forward. One that stubbornly digs his heels in and tries to plant himself against the urging. Literally dig his heels in. Bare heels.

Mountain.

He keeps trying to get away; but the executioner just grips his shoulders and keeps him in place. He thinks Earth must say something—he can't make it out, even as his hearing starts to clear up. He can hear Mountain trying to muffle a terrified sob when the hammer gets pushed into his hands. He doesn't lift it until the executioner starts to make towards a table behind the other Ghouls. There's a protest before he swallows it and finally raises the hammer just enough that gravity can help the weak grip he has and the hammer shatters Earth's mask. He backs away as fast as he can, clearly still shaken up and desperate to be out of the room, but simply shuffled off to a corner.

Each Ghoul gets their turn. Rain opts to taking Water's mask away and force him to dissolve to a puddle that melts into the void that seeps back into Hell, instead of shattering the mask. He refuses to let go of it, even when it gets him backhanded and knocks his own mask off. Not enough to shatter it or damage it; but enough that he starts losing his form until Swiss gets close enough to help him put the mask back on and gently leads him to the corner with Mountain. He still has Water's mask.

Cirrus and Cumulus both turn away, relying instead on their control of the air around them to raise the hammer and letting it fall to shatter Air's mask. Terzo's positive he heard him tell the Ghoulettes it'll be alright.

He's never seen Sodo scared. He's never seen him struggle like he does with the hammer. He thinks Sodo begs Alpha to just melt the mask. His fire isn't strong enough, Alpha's should be—but the executioner is quick to remind him that they aren't allowed to use their abilities or the deal is off the table. So it is an exchange.

Omega's last. He doesn't fight, same as the others. But he doesn't look up at Aether. His attention stays on Terzo for as long as possible. He thinks he hears a whisper of I'm sorry, but can't discern if it's Omega or Aether.

"Now then... we pass the robe properly."

Terzo still can't move. He hears the protests from the new Ghouls—he hears overlapping exclamations of you lied! and you promised!—but he's too numb--physically and emotionally to care. His Ghouls would have died with him. They didn't need to be executed and Copia's Ghouls didn't need to be subjected to the trauma of killing them...

But the deal wasn't for Copia's Ghouls. It was to control Terzo's Ghouls. He still can't talk. When he gets pushed down on the execution block, he can finally see his brothers. Primo is being kept alive just to see this. Secondo looks furious, even in his immobility. His head feels thick with fog again and he's only vaguely aware of arguing. He's only vaguely aware of the apologising above him.

It wasn't supposed to be like this—this wasn't supposed to happen, I'm so sorry—

He wants to tell Copia it's okay. He wants to tell the Ghouls it's okay. His brothers. He should probably just be grateful Father isn't here.

If he were, they would make Terzo face him; the sounds of his father's voice are a desperate hallucination in his final moments. Father isn't actually in the room—

I'm sorry, Valentino is the last thing he thinks he hears. But he still refuses to believe Father was there.

♠ ♥ ♠

So this was initially barely 1k and one of the earliest things I wrote if not the earliest. I didn’t know much about the lore (i.e. the second wave of Era 3) and I hadn’t looked too much into Era 1 or 2, at that time.

Primo and Secondo’s Ghouls--while I’ve always believed Ghouls were generational--didn’t quite exist, yet, beyond Earth was Primo’s and transferred to Terzo.

I’m about ninty percent sure I wrote this after early drafts of Pro Memoria, because that was drafted up in response to my bestest enabler informing me of the theory that Terzo died during the embalming process, not when he was injected. And then this happened because he informed me of a tweet. Neither of us have the original tweet anymore, but the gists of it was

"So we only saw terzo get poisoned, what if the others had to watch as they executed/decapitated him"

and this was the result lol.

Anyways some small fun facts:

(1) During the refining process to post as something coherent, I actually ended up falling down a hole of research into demonology and refreshing myself on the various entities in Hell, as I choose to believe each Ghoul is assigned to specific Devil. (I’ve only really touched on it in the Ritual of Summoning chapters and it was mentioned, briefly, in the two Phantom pieces) and the executioners were initially going to have the seal of Eligos on them, as they were meant to tie into the transition between Prequelle and Impera. (As Eligos, according to the Ars Goetia, “knows the future of wars” and Impera’s theme is one of war.)

Unfortunately, I don’t think I actually got to that, past a brief mention of the sigil, but not one detailed enough to name them, because I was still figuring out how Ghouls operate, in my head, a the time.

(2) As with above, this was written before I’d given the Ghouls too much thought, as to how they operate, beyond “Hell-summoned void creatures given form”. As such, there are a few inconsistencies between this fic and the “main timeline” I write in, in that here Rain is able to remove Water’s mask and has his own knocked off; wherein the more refined timeline I work from now, the masks are more solidly attached to the Ghouls and cannot be removed without their summoner’s permission, up until Era 5, where their contracts have been altered to allow them free reign to remove their masks on their own, if they want (or specifically need) to.

It was also before I’d fully thought about how their powers work, implying a Fire Ghoul could melt theirs; this has since been refined that they can damage their masks by heating up (i.e., I am firmly of the belief that Sodo’s horns on his helmet are white because he’s overheated and burned the horns so many times and cooled them that they’ve simply lost the original black coating) but they cannot destroy them, even if they take them off and try that way.

(3) When refining the draft into the published version, I had learned about the second wave of Era 3 and did have a moment where I considered including Ifrit, Mist, Zephyr, and Pebble; but, I couldn’t quite justify juggling that many Ghouls at the time and I’ve no desire to rewrite something already published, even if I have found a way to viably do it. Maybe as a one off, one day;;

(4) In a second or third draft, I considered having Omega kill Terzo. While the idea was set aside, as it didn’t fit the theme of the story (passing on the robe, as it were), I do still have a variation of the scenario scribbled down somewhere.

(5) I don’t actually have any other fun facts, I’m just still really proud of how this turned out, especially for it being such an early attempt at writing (as in like... a week after getting into the band... it’s fine)

So uh. yeah! I’ll probably queue up a few of these, there might even be some disembodied scribbles that got scrapped from the main projects or maybe some of the AU shenanigans. we’ll see. /)(\ thanks so much to anyone who took the time to read ♥

#sqooshy writes #ghost band #ghost fanfiction #ghouls era 3 #rating: mature #papa emeritus iii #terzo #sqooshy dissects their works

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marshmallowsqoosh · 10 months

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Reblog if you write fic and people can inbox you random-ass questions about your stories, itemized number lists be damned.

#reblog #askbox things #please do!

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marshmallowsqoosh · 10 months

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these percentages are optimistic and may not reflect reality

#not fic #that blue needs to be a lot smaller #writing is hard

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marshmallowsqoosh · 10 months

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Dear Writers Everywhere:

1. It’s okay if you lose interest in your story. It doesn’t mean you wasted your time; it means you’re growing in your hobby.

2. It’s okay not to want to publish your work; that doesn’t mean your writing isn’t worth reading. It means you have different goals than some other writers.

3. It’s okay if you need a break sometimes. It’s frankly unrealistic to think you never will.

4. It’s okay to write fanfiction; that doesn’t make you any less of a writer but makes you that much more of a fan.

5. It’s okay to sometimes have self-doubt. After all, you are human and sometimes as humans it’s easy to fall into that trap. Sometimes the feeling doesn’t even have anything to do with the writing but has everything to do with being overwhelmed, mentally exhausted and ready to give up. Don’t give up.

6. It’s okay to feel relief and happy upon reading this. Give a like if you did and spread it to your writer followers and maybe make their day a little.

🤍 H

#reminders for sqoosh #writer positivity #writing is hard

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marshmallowsqoosh · 11 months

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[MWII | In That Instant]

Fandom: Modern Warfare II Title (AO3 link): In That Instant Rating: Teen (may go up to mature) CW: None yet; will eventually have canon-typical graphic violence Lesser Warnings: learning voices, retelling of canon, embellished canon, very brief Graves/Soap, kind of some Price/Gaz if you squint, eventual Ghost/Soap Summary: Ghost is used to working alone. He's going to learn—one way or another—that he needs to move past that ♥ Interpretation of Ghost and Soap's missions in MWII with behind the scene moments. Building up to Ghost/Soap as a couple. Still learning the voices for all the boyosInspiration taken from this tweet that initially encouraged me to learn how to write these boys ♥Don't have a beta so if you spot any odd spots/typos don't hesitate to let me know!

Extras: Status: [1 / ?] Word Count: 3.382

♥

[i. (mis)conduct]

It's a concentrated effort, for Price, not to slam the debriefing folders down on his desk any harder than he does.

He reckons, for Ghost, it's an equal effort not to throw his gear against the wall. It doesn't stop him from pacing, a few feet away, tense and still hostile, like a wounded animal, waiting for the opportunity to get its claws and teeth into its opposition for a final stand. Out the corner of his eye, he can see Gaz trying to pull Soap out of the room; but, the Scot simply looks between the three of them, clearly confused by what's gone wrong.

Which, by all technicalities… nothing. Nothing was wrong, nothing had gone wrong.

But, that certainly didn't mean things had gone right, either.

Price releases a long, slow breath through his nose, gesturing, "At ease. All of you. Pull up a seat—"

"All due respect, sir," The bite in the title tells Price exactly how this is going to go, Ghost's eyes narrowing on him as he refuses to comply. In fairness, Gaz and Soap stay standing, too. "Perfectly fine standin'. This won't take long."

"Unfortunately for both of us, I don't decide how long it takes and, frankly, neither do you. Now sit your ass down, Ghost."

Ghost very begrudgingly finally throws himself down in one of the chairs. It screeches, like nails down a chalk board, as the feet drag across the tile floor with the force. He kind of hears Gaz muttering an aside to Soap to sit down, too. They're much quieter and Price releases another slow breath through his nose to try calming down even a little bit.

"Let me first say that I'm grateful you're all in one piece. With that out of the way… Ghost, what the fuck were you thinking?" He points towards the other pair without looking at them, when he hears Soap start to protest, "Not your turn to talk, Sergeant."

"All due respect, I'm not sure what yer even chewin' us out fer!" Soap doesn't buckle under the glare that gets thrown his way. In any other situation, Price would be impressed. "Said so yerself! We all made it back in one piece—the entire team did! We're the only two in yer office, though. So it's somethin' one'a us did, and I can't right wrap me head 'round it bein' somethin' the Lieutenant did, so that should make it my turn to talk, shouldn't it?"

"I've got an entire separate arse chewing for you, Soap, don't you worry about that. But right now, Ghost has some explaining to do before I tear his spine out his damn arse!"

"I did what I had to, to finish this job, clean as possible!" Ghost doesn't miss a beat when he snaps back, on his feet again before Gaz can think to stop him; he doesn't give Price a chance to tell him to sit back down. "No casualties—ours or civilian. Heap o' hostiles, two targets for interrogation, as ordered!"

"I gave you very specific instructions—keep your team together and accounted for. Every single one of you is a well of intel for hostile forces. Just one of you getting taken is grounds for an entire can of fuckery being opened! So I ask again… what were you thinking?"

"You knew damn well how I operate when you decided to assign me to this task force." Ghost's voice levels out—cold, calculating, and absolute. "I could have—and should have—said no. I work best alone, not babysitting a bunch of fresh pick recruits."

He'd hoped that this was a good thing. Ghost finally choosing to socialise with a teammate that wasn't Price or Gaz and wasn't just for orders or details. He hoped maybe Soap would rub off on Ghost, even a little bit. Right now, even as he curses himself for being stupid enough to think Ghost—of all people, Ghost—would change so easily, he realises that Soap knows exactly why they were pulled from the team for a talking to.

"... Permission fer my side o'the story, Captain?" Soap's a bit calmer when he stands—calmer in demeanor, but clearly waiting for his turn to get snapped at from either of his commanding officers. He straightens up, arms folded behind his back. "I fell off on me own bad judgement. I decided not to wait fer evac with the others. I chose to push through and catch up. And, if I may, I made that last shot and takedown." He goes quiet for a stretch, takes a breath to steady himself and raises his head again, pointedly avoiding looking towards Ghost. "The lieutenant made the right call, tellin' us to hang back. I'm positive he could have handled the situation solo. … I chose to disagree and regardless of any expectation of conduct, the fact remains everyone on this escort was aware of their own value of information. And all of us are ready to take it to our graves, as necessary. There was already risk, just making sure all injured personnel were out of immediate danger, but Ghost finished the mission, regardless. … I stand by his choice and understand my fault in this."

He at least expects some kind of recognition from Ghost. Soap clearly doesn't, as his attention stays pointedly fixed on Price—well, a spot just past his shoulder—but Price expected at least some kind of acknowledgement. When it doesn't come, outside of the usual narrowed look, Price finally points back towards the door, "Gaz, take Soap in the hall, while I finish with Ghost."

"Sir."

Soap doesn't protest this time; just echoes the affirmative and follows at Gaz's heel. Price waits until the door's closed to pull a slow breath.

"Simon—"

"Don't say a damn word, John." He raises his eyes, just to find Ghost looking away. Frustrated. Pacing again. Looking for an outlet. "Fuckin' Hell, where did you find that one?"

"How long are you going to hug a crumbling cliff, Simon? How many times am I going to have to tell you that this is a team effort? That you do not need to keep doing this shit alone? I brought you on because I know how solid you are. I know I can trust you. But if I can't trust you with the rest of your team—"

"And what happens when I fuck up, John?" He almost wishes Ghost would raise his voice. The level tone, even as his shoulders and chest heave with forced deep, controlled breathing, he keeps his voice down and as level as he can to keep from being overheard in the hall. "What happens when they finally figure out how to trap a ghost? I have seen… too many people drop their guard. I've dropped my guard, convinced the person next to me had my back. I will do my absolute damnedest to keep them alive, Price, you know that. But I need to know they can fend for themselves. I need to know that if—one day, for whatever reason—I'm not there to check their six… they aren't going to end up six feet under."

"And pushin' away the one person in this entire building that can stand your arse is the answer?"

Ghost holds eye contact this time.

"If that's what it takes to finish the mission? Yes."

To that, all Price can do is shake his head. He already knows he's going to need to keep them separated… and part of him just wonders how long it's going to take Ghost to realise he's already developed a routine, just by letting Soap talk to him when others wouldn't.

In the hall, Soap finally lets out the breath he'd been holding when he hears the office door click shut behind him and rolls his shoulders to try relieving even a little bit of the tension, "Christ in a bloody handbasket… walked right into that 'un, dinnit I?"

"We all could've handled it better," Gaz admits, rubbing at his eyes with an annoyed sigh. "Gonna need to learn quick—when Ghost is involved? You get out of the way. His or Price's, don't matter, that is a warzone you do not want any part in."

"Hm? Oh, nae, I know what I did wrong; Ghost was right, I… need to be better." Soap runs a hand back through his hair, disrupting the styling so the mohawk starts to fall out of it's holding and lay flat. "He's trustin' us to have his back. We can't keep up, why shouldn't he do things his way? Got the job done, dinnit? Tried and true. This team ain't there, yet. … But I can be. And I will be."

Gaz doesn't get a chance to nip the painstakingly toxic logic in the bud; the second he opens his mouth to do so, the office door opens. He and Soap both correct themselves to standing at attention—barely a moment before Price relieves both of them.

The most disturbing part is that neither Soap, nor Ghost, makes an effort to communicate. Ghost brushes by all of them, either already dismissed or not caring if he hasn't been, and Soap keeps his attention fixed on Price, clearly waiting for his turn to be torn into.

That moment is quickly topped, as Price shakes his head, slowly and dismisses Soap, as well. Gaz hangs back, watching after the retreating pair. "You need to address this, Price. B'fore it's more than just a pick up."

"I don't think there's anything I can do. … What did Soap say?"

"You're going to have two Ghosts running around if you don't figure out something. Don't know if that's a puppy lookin' fer approval or affection, but you best damn hope Ghost doesn't rub off on him worse than he already is." Price raises a brow and all Gaz can do is shake his head. "Soap… thinks he's not good enough to watch Ghost's back. Fix it, John. Or, God as my witness, you are going to have two Simon Rileys on your hands and not a strong enough chain to keep both in tow."

[ii. confidence]

Soap was… concerned, to say the absolute least, when Price told him he'd be shadowing Graves. Shadowing Shadow Team, the Commander had laughed and Soap maybe got a little bit of a chuckle out of it, too. Nervous energy. Still on his toes, realising his own commanding officer saw him as a liability.

But, not Graves.

It's after the mission, passing drinks around, when Soap nearly inhales his own—down both pipes and nearly his nose—when the Commander gives him a solid thump on the back and laughs, "Y'know. I had my reservations about you."

Soap coughs a few more times, desperate to clear his airway and get his nasal cavity to stop burning. But he does hear the words and manages to find his voice, "Aye? Enough to try drownin' me, Commander?"

"Nah, if I wanted you dead, I wouldn't waste time drowning you. Unless you had something interesting to tell me, of course." Graves leans on the bar next to him, tilting his glass towards Soap's in lieu of a full toast, "When I heard they weren't sendin' Ghost, I was worried. But, Price says good things about you. Just about everyone does and I can see why."

Just about.

Soap looks down at his glass, still trying to muffle a few coughs as his body recovers from the unexpected liquid in places it didn't belong. "Reckon Ghost wasn't on that list o'compliments, was he?"

"Don't take it too personally. Closest I've heard to a compliment from that sonuvabitch was a half-assed gratitude for droppin' a building." Graves knocks his drink back in one go, slamming the glass down with a bit more force than necessary, before he's drumming his fingers on the bar top in a slow, precise manner, lips quirked upwards in one corner in a smirk that makes Soap's skin crawl and feel flush at the same time.

"Could definitely pick a worse role model. Ain't healthy, brother. Vyin' after attention from some'ne like that."

"... Like that, sir?" Soap raises a brow. He doesn't bother trying to deny the first part. He's pretty sure everyone knows he wants Ghost's approval more than anyone else's. At the very least, he wants the man to trust his judgement… or even just have confidence that Soap does know what he's doing.

"When word got 'round about 141… don't think anyone was really surprised—task groups pop up and they come and go like the latest trends. Useful until you ain't… but Ghost… he was a kicker for anyone that knew." Soap must look confused because Graves just pushes up from the bar, stretching his arms high above his head before he rolls his neck and shoulders a few times. "You know, you know. I gave up on that bastard years ago… but you… you could have a future with the Shadows."

If anyone comments on the flush on his face, when Graves tilts his head up for a closer look, he's going to blame it on the alcohol. "Good head on your shoulder, helluva shot and a quick learner. Just the right amount of bite against authority, when you need it. You ever get tired of having Price having you on a short leash or Ghost being… well, himself… I think we could find you a place with the Shadows, MacTavish." He doesn't have the mind to be offended when Graves musses his hair as he's walking away, "Send Price my regards and gratitude, Sergeant! Tell him we'd be more'n happy to have you on board again!"

Soap… does pass the word along. A bit sheepishly when he admits he'd been drinking during the exchange; but, mostly, he uses it as plausible deniability when asked if he had taken the offer seriously. Deniability to laugh it off and assure Price he's positive Graves wasn't being serious. Maybe because he can feel Ghost watching his back from the corner of the room; but, also because he does want to expand his arsenal. Training with Shadow Company seemed like a good way to do so… and, sure enough, by assuring Price he's not interested in transferring, it does let him train with the company every few months.

… And, unfortunately, also gives him an awful intoxication for letting Graves talk him into compromising positions that would get both of them in a world of trouble. Or… would get Soap in trouble, at least. He makes mention of it, one night, in the ungodly hours of the morning when he can't quite sleep and Graves just laughs next to him before dropping a pillow on his face.

"You worry too much, MacTavish. People don’t ask, so long as you get the job done, yeah? Important part is making sure mission ain't compromised."

Soap throws the pillow back at him, a little bit harder, and offers a cheeky grin at the indignant swear it earns him. They don't talk about it again; but, Soap still turns it over in his head. Same mindset as Ghost… just a different approach. Or, maybe it was more accurate to just call Graves approachable.

Still, it does leave a weird taste in the back of his mouth when he has to assure the man—again, just like every single time they've worked together—he isn't interested in officially transferring out of the 141.

[iii. reunion]

When Soap heard he would be working with Ghost—for the first time since Price dragged the pair into his office—he's… a lot of things.

Anxious, excited, nauseated… and maybe a touch blindly optimistic.

"Let's get ourselves a win, yeah, Lt.?" His attention is quickly drawn to the rest of the team and he hurries to catch up with them, "Save ya a seat, sir…"

He knows it's nervous energy. He pretends not to hear Ghost continuing communications with Shepherd in that moment…

It's a concentrated effort for Ghost not to groan the second he realises who The Sergeant is. The second before Shepherd confirms the name.

"Soap MacTavish."

Ghost grinds his teeth, tries to ignore the jolt on contact when Soap gives him a friendly bump on the chest as he's running off.

"Fucking Hell…"

He knew it was only a matter of time. He knew Price was keeping them separated—precaution as much as punishment, even if it was only Ghost viewing it as a punishment—and knew it would end eventually.

This was not where he wanted it to end—

"Ghost—you copy?"

"Yes, sir."

"Any issues?"

So many. So many fucking issues. He knows Price is still waiting for him to buckle and admit he did miss having someone to socialise with. That he had made an unfortunate routine of talking to Soap twice a day, at the very least—more times was nice, but usually not an easy feat. Conflicting schedules, last minute briefings… things that made it difficult to catch too many moments together, without arranging for outside contact.

Contact Ghost hadn't been willing to commit to and isn't about to commit to. Price will probably separate them again after this; he just needs to shake it off and focus.

"Negative, sir. Out here."

They just need to get through this. And then things go back to normal.

When Razor and Alfa go down, Ghost would swear there's some higher power mocking him. Especially when the first words out of Soap's mouth are to secure the crash site.

Ghost nearly snaps at him in that moment. That he hasn't learned a damn thing since their last mission together—the mission needed to come first… and, this time, at least, he can redirect that energy.

"First, we clear for Hassan—that takes the heat off Alfa. Then we clear the crash site? Clear?"

He half expects an argument. His tone might be a little more aggressive than intended to try ensuring there isn't an argument. The relief is almost confusing when Soap doesn't so much as miss a beat; just adjusts his grip on his gun and confirms the order.

With each house cleared, Ghost can feel the tension clawing its way up his spine, even as he forces himself to stay calm and focused. They shouldn't stop for the crash. The should just push straight for the third house. The crash has to be a distraction—

But, the crash is also between them and the last building. If they pass it over, he knows he won't have Soap's cooperation—or, at the very least, they're going to end up in a far worse situation. It isn't ideal and, frankly, it's a waste of supplies. More dead AQ and all he can do is hope that isn't the only reward they get from this.

He spots the uniform over the back of the chair a mere second before Soap comments on it.

"Hassan's uniform… so he was here."

"Lost him when we secured the crash site." Ghost doesn't mean to say that. He hates the look he gets. The furrowed brow and the thin line his lips set in, disappointment barely concealing the hostility building in the stare.

"Are you sayin' we shouldn't have helped…?"

Still too green.

"Choices have consequences…" Choices Ghost made. Choices Ghost should have made better.

It's naïve to hope Hassan had simply fled to the warehouse. Perhaps to an armoured vehicle to attempt escaping in. Perhaps to make a final grand stand.

Oh so blissfully naïve.

Ghost only half notices Soap run up to the crates around the missile. Part of him wants to snap at the Scot to be careful; but his attention is quickly on Laswell's voice. Or… it should be—

"Tell me you have Hassan…"

He barely hears her. Soap calling his name—aggression diminished, disappointment creeping back into his tone— from the crates he's climbed up, pulls Ghost's attention upward.

"Take a look at this…"

The stamp is damning. Ghost feels something plummet in his gut.

"Ghost, do you have Hassan?"

Choices have consequences. He should have chosen better.

"Negative. We found a weapons cache. Hassan's got missiles… they're American."

They need to fix this. Fast.

#sqooshy writes #mw2 fanfic #simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #ghost x soap #eventually #rating: teen #writing exercise fic #ao3 link #not beta'd

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marshmallowsqoosh · 11 months

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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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marshmallowsqoosh · 11 months

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[Ghost (Band) | Ritual of Summoning: Era 3 (2/5)]

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, Terzo and Copia are friend shaped 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 chapter link!): [ 2 / 5 ] Word Count: ~11.000

♥

[i growing]

Since his family—and the rest of the Ministry, by extension—found out about Special things have been… a lot better than normal.

Special gets more room to run around and has another Ghoul to socialise with that isn't already occupied with duties to the church. Not that Primo's Ghouls give them full reign of the property; they're still brought inside for lessons—Earth helping them smooth out their communications and Quinn helping them figure out how glamouring works—but for the most part, they have the entire grounds to chase each other.

But, more specifically for Terzo—

He's barely walked into the lobby when he gets knocked to the ground. It doesn't startle him, despite everyone else in the lobby reacting to the noise of them hitting the ground, even when he immediately latches both arms tight around his Ghoul and just laughs.

"Welcome home." Special purrs, happily, hugging back just as tight as Terzo is. His tail flickers about in equal delight, even as he lets go long enough to help Terzo sit up before he latches back on. At least, until Secondo comes over a few seconds later and separates them by picking the Ghoul up by the back of his robe and completely ignoring the hissing and flailing.

"Quiet, mongrel. Vale, you were told to tell this thing to listen to the arch-bishops."

Terzo blinks up at his brother, then over at Special, who continues to thrash and wriggle. He could get down, but Terzo's proud that he doesn't resort to his claws or weaponising his tail.

"I—I thought I did? … Maybe I didn't? … Special, you need to listen when the arch-bishops have class…"

"Wasn't in class with them—" Special squeals as his thrashing finally makes him fall out of his robe and he lands in a heap on the ground. It doesn't stop him for long—he simply shakes off and jumps up to try tugging his robe free. "Give it back, I'm cold!"

The body suit doesn't provide too much warmth, so far as Terzo knows. The tailors called it thermal, but Terzo had tried Special's on one evening and it… really hadn't been too warm. But they were probably also expecting a Fire Ghoul to run significantly warmer. Terzo finally stands—dusts his legs down as best he can—and goes to help Special.

Of course, Secondo chooses then to let go of the robe, causing his Ghoul to tumble backwards and knock both of them to the ground again.

"It doesn't matter if you're in class with the arch-bishops, the priest, or other Ghouls. You can't only listen to Valentino."

Secondo's never thought much of the Ministry names. The only name he did seem to hold any proper respect for was Primo's and Terzo's pretty sure that's only because Primo had asked him not to use his given name outside of private conversation. Terzo doesn't care one way or another, but he still wriggles himself free of the heap they landed in, to help Special up, and glares up at his brother while his Ghoul is trying to wriggle back into his robe, "Stop being mean to Special!"

"Tell it to listen, then. They're going to take it away if it's not going to behave."

Normally, Terzo has an entire argument lined up—even if it was just to argue and didn't get much traction—but that… that's still terrifying to him and gets him to settle for a few seconds.

He went to school, every morning, fretting over the very idea he was going to come home, one day, and find out Special was just… gone. Especially since his arm finally healed. He still has a scar where he got bit, but it doesn't hurt anymore. Half the time he can't even see it, but still does his best to keep it covered so Special doesn't have to see it. Now that he knows the weird feeling in his chest is... well, he doesn't understand it. But he is starting to realise that it tends to line up with when Sepcial's feeling particularly upset.

And, like now, Special feels it when he's upset, given that he finally settles and just makes quiet, concerned trills at Terzo, nudging gently at his shoulder to try telling him things are okay. Secondo heaves a deep, slow breath that comes out as a much more forceful sigh than he thinks his brother intends and finally kneels down. "I'm not going to let them take the thi—… Special… away from you, Vale. But for me to make sure they don't, you need to get through to… him that he needs to listen, when you aren't here."

It's… more of an effort than Secondo generally made towards Ghouls, even Primo's. Terzo nods, still refusing to make eye contact and just squeezes Special's hand as tight as he can once he finds it. "Okay. … Can I go to my room, now?" He peeks up when he doesn't get permission to leave and finds an expectant look on him. "… Oh. May I go to my room, now?"

"There you go." He finally relaxes when Secondo presses a gentle kiss to his forehead, ruffling his hair up in the process. "You may. Stop by the rehearsal rooms, make sure none of Fratello's Ghouls need yours before you two run off. Copia's should be with them."

As odd as it is—considering Special's supposed to be with Mountain most of the day—Terzo… constantly forgets all about him. He feels a small spike of anxiety—maybe guilt?—but doesn't rub at his chest. He thinks Secondo knows what the motion means and just nods, gently pulling his Ghoul along. He at least waits until they're in the elevator—he'd prefer taking the stairs, and he knows Special would; but… most of the Ministry still didn't like him too much—to finally turn a curious look on him.

"Why aren't you with Mountain?" Special shuffles a little. "I'm not upset, but I need to know what to tell Frate and Papa if they ask."

"We were playing... I don't like Quinn's class." Terzo blinks at him; but, Special doesn't offer anything else until the elevator finally dings and lets them out. Until they've wandered down the hall to the closed rehearsal and find Mountain standing outside, his arms folded behind his back as he leans on the wall. His ears perk a little and, despite being a little unsteady when he pushes off the wall, he still offers a polite bow that reflects he's been taking well to Earth's lessons, at least. Still wobbly, still growing into the long limbs that don't quite match his body; but, doing his best to adapt and mimic the older Ghouls.

"Welcome home. They should be finished soon, they just finished Ritual."

"Aw… I wanted to hear Ritual." He's still a little jealous the Ghouls can hear through the sound proofing; but, he doesn't let it distract him for too long, instead tilting his head. "Did Quinn already have lessons today?"

Mountain pauses, staring blankly at Terzo before his attention shifts over to Special. Special pointedly refuses to make eye contact and instead shifts in his spot until Terzo finally figures out why they're both ignoring him.

"... Did you skip class again?"

"He did."

The voice jumps all three of them; Special immediately ducks around behind Terzo and Mountain nearly trips over himself in his haste to get away from the door before he gets scruffed. Quinn simply looks down at all three of them, his arms crossed to amplify the displeasure in the look. The rest of Primo's Ghoul's escape the room without crossing in front of him—Air and Water exchanging quiet chirps and Fire simply offers the pair a sympathetic look, even as he's shaking his head. Earth exits as he's helping Primo walk; but, they still stop with Quinn. Earth looks… perhaps a bit exasperated. Primo simply raises a brow.

He doesn't look like he's judging them too harshly. Just looking for an explanation.

"Terzo… perhaps Special would like to tell you what he got up to today."

The Ghoul shrinks down as best he can and Terzo just blinks up at his brother, eyes slowly shifting between Primo, his Ghouls, and over to Mountain—still shuffling nervously, just out of reach of the older pair, hunched in on himself to reduce the risk of getting scruffed—and finally back to Special, as best he can without physically turning his body.

"Special said the arch-bishops were being mean and he doesn't like Quinn's class."

Quinn doesn't look surprised. None of them do. Earth's tail gives an annoyed flicker, despite a gentle tap on the arm from Primo. He releases a slow breath to collect himself and Terzo simply tilts his head, looking between the Ghouls again. Quinn's… been talking more than he's used to. He was always under the impression the Ghoul simply didn't have the same capacity as Earth; but, now that he's had to be around more—because of the younger pair—Terzo maybe believes that… Primo was right when he said Quinn simply found talking stressful. Because Earth answers for him, as often as possible, even when something is clearly aimed at Quinn.

"That isn't a reason to skip the lessons all together. The upper clergy can't berate him if he's trying."

"I am trying!" Special hands immediately go to cover his mouth, even when he's confined to his mask, his ears flat as he realises he's louder than intended. Loud enough to jump Terzo and that's probably the only reason he tries to calm down, refusing to meet anyone's eye, tugging his hood on and trying to hide under it. "I am trying… I can't do it."

"And that's fine." Quinn doesn't sound mad or even exasperated. A touch sympathetic, given that he's choosing to answer instead of allowing Earth to carry on the conversation. "Ghouls were all different to begin with and Terzo's done something phenomenal with your Ritual. We already know you're exceptionally different from us. It could simply be that our method of glamour isn't suited to your specific alchemical makeup. And if not, that's still acceptable. But if you are in class, the arch-bishop can't be… rude."

Special doesn't say anything—an apology or otherwise—and simply shuffles in his spot, scuffing his toes against the ground as he does. It still takes Terzo a few minutes to fully soak up the words and he finally looks up with a frown.

"Wait so… what… what did happen with the arch-bishop? Which one was it? Special didn't have any classes with the any of them today…?" He should have caught onto that sooner. He only had classes with human instructors on the weekends, when Terzo could be there.

"We only caught the end of it, I'm afraid. After a few others got involved," Earth admits, his attention shifting over to Mountain as he seems to realise there isn't going to be any getting an answer from Special. "Mountain?"

"... They called Special the bad word again… and said Terzo should just get rid of him. We tried walkin' away! We… we did, but…" Mountain wrings his hands, unwilling to repeat the rest as he realises there's a steady growl building in Special's throat. Terzo grabs onto the closest hand, twining their fingers together as tight as he can, until the growls finally subside. Primo finally sighs.

"I will speak with the rest of the upper clergy. I trust you've already reiterated that Special needs to cooperate when you aren't home. … In that same capacity, I'm certain he was provoked today and that you will handle this to the best of your ability. That will be all for today. Off you go, all of you. Earth, Quinn, come along."

Terzo still waits until his brother's down the hall to give Special's hand a gentle tug. "C'mon, I need to do my homework and self-study so we can play later, yeah? Mountain, are you coming?"

The Ghoul's ears perk up, even as he thinks on it. "… Need to ask first."

"My door's open, if you don't have anything else to do. Go ahead." It's a little concerning Special still doesn't raise his head to wave after Mountain and instead presses close to Terzo, tail winding around his wrist, even as they both refuse to release the other's hand.

It does present a little bit of a problem when he gets up to his room and has to figure out how to get his bag off… but, Special finally lets go and wriggles his way under the bed, only the spade of his tail sticking out as he does. Terzo simply sets his bag on his desk and goes to crouch down, pulling his blankets up so he can crawl under, too, and lie down next to his Ghoul.

"... Wanna talk about it?" A displeased noise. "That's okay. We don't have to. … You know I'm not going to get rid of you, right?" It's hard to see in the limited light under the bed, but he thinks Special nods. "Even if they say I need to, I won't. Not until you want to leave."

He feels better when he feels the arms around him and hugs back as tight as he can. Special never seems bothered if it's too tight; he just presses closer, like he's trying to melt.

"Always and forever?"

His voice is muffled in Terzo's shoulder and Terzo buries his face in the Ghoul's neck, relaxing in the extra warmth that comes off of him.

"Always and forever." He lets the hug go on for a bit longer before he offers the Ghoul a gentle kiss on the cheek, delighted when it earns a tiny trill along with the return of his normal, perpetual purr. "C'mon. I got homework to do and if I finish, we can play after supper."

He should probably study, too; but, he's not… too worried about that. He's more worried about staying focused when he's bored out of his mind.

"Outside?"

One thing Terzo's learned—aside from the fact Special… is different from his brother's Ghouls and even Mountain—is that Special's eyes react a lot more easily to shifts in his mood. Most of the Ghouls eyes gave off a gentle glow when they were masked, only changing when they glamoured and needed to reflect appearing human. So the fact they're emitting enough of a glow that Terzo can see under his bed, finally, is a pretty good sign and his smile feels a lot better as he gives his Ghoul one more hug before he starts trying to squirm free and escape the confines of being under his bed.

"Of course. We can go play around the cemetery gazebo so we can say goodnight to mama before we have to come back inside."

He's not entirely sure the Ghoul understands the cemetery—or even the concept of death, really; but… Terzo can't really say he understands it, either—but he knows Special likes the trees around the area and chasing the shadow around the old gazebo. Which he might still find… odd, since no one else seemed aware of the shadow.

He only even remembers how odd it is, because Special nearly runs into his desk trying to pounce his shadow and he just looks down. "You know you can't hunt my shadow, right?"

"Practicing." Special doesn't look up, even when he backs up a few steps, still crouched down and pulling himself into a tight ball with his tail flickering behind him. "One in the cemetery follows you. I catch yours, I catch them."

Terzo hums and turns his attention to his workbooks. "Just be careful—actually, why not go play with Mountain? It sounds like you two didn't get a lot of time together today?"

"Played hide and hunt until class. He never found me, so I stayed hiding." Even in saying as much, Special only pounces one more time, kneading his claws into the carpet before he simply settles with his head against Terzo's leg. "Mounty didn't come upstairs, either… probably has chores. Play tomorrow. My turn to hunt."

"And go to class." He hears a grumble and looks down as best he can without actually turning and risking losing anymore interest in his homework. "Special…"

"... And go to class." He's quiet for the rest of the wait, mostly asleep against Terzo's leg. Until Mountain finally knocks on the door and leans into the room, looking and sounding absolutely pleased when he announces he got sent to help the kitchen Ghouls. It's not until Mountain's dismissed—offering a low bow that nearly trips him—and closes the door again that Special finally speaks up again. "… Quinn wasn't lying, right?"

Terzo doesn't bother looking up from his dresser, digging around for something he can play in that he won't mind getting dirty when they go outside, "Why would Quinn lie? About what?"

"... If I actually go to class—even though I can't glamour, will the other humans stop being mean?" Terzo immediately loses all interest in his clothes and looks over. Special ducks his head, pulling on the hood of his robe again to avoid the look. "I know I'm defective but—but it wasn't your fault, so if I go to class they'll stop saying it's your fault. Right?"

He really hates Special knows what that means. Most of the clergy makes an effort not to say it around Terzo… but it's still annoying they still call him 'defect'… or 'reject'. He's been hearing that one a lot more when people didn't realise he was close by. Blaming it on Terzo, though… he hasn't heard that part. It isn't wrong, if that is what they're saying, but he's still confused how he hasn't heard it yet.

Still, Terzo uses the opportunity to pull a slow breath, doing his best not to let the words get to him too badly… just so Special doesn't feel worse. He finishes pulling on new clothes—older clothes he's not terribly worried about ruining if he trips or gets knocked over by his Ghoul—and goes over to hug Special as tight as he can.

"You aren't defective. You're perfect the way you are and that's their problem if they think otherwise. I don't want you to go to class so they'll be quiet. I want you to go to class to prove them wrong."

"But… I can't glamour—I… I really can't, I even asked The Archivist—I mean, I asked Chalk to ask, but I… I can't—"

"Quinn already said you don't need to." Terzo finally releases him from the hug, cutting the anxious chattering off before he works himself into a bigger ball of anxiety, and instead grips his hand to tug him along to supper before they both get in trouble. "You'll learn something else. You're already taking well to Earth's social lessons, right? Quinn's good with people—I mean… he doesn’t like it and I kinda see it now—but he's good with people. Ask him to help with that instead."

Special's quiet for a while—until they get to the stairs and immediately have to press up against one side of the banister railing to avoid people coming upstairs that are quick to get away from the pair—and then he finally lets out a slow, heavy breath, his tail wrapped tight around Terzo's wrist. "I don't think I'm gonna be good at people…"

"Maybe not people here… but there's people outside of the church. I think Fratello called them… journalists? They ask questions about the church and band and stuff, you could do that!"

"... Will you not be? Papa is the one that answers those questions, isn't he?" The Ghoul sounds confused and Terzo just laughs, pulling him the rest of the way to the dinning room once they clear the stairs.

"I mean, yeah. But we're gonna make it bigger! More people to talk to! I can't do that all by myself!"

At the very least, it seems to give Special something to focus and think on that isn't his own weakness. Terzo gives the spade of his tail a gentle tap to get him to let go and runs to hug both of his brothers—he stops to hug Primo's Ghouls, too, offering a quick and quiet assurance that he spoke to Special like they asked—before he finally rounds to settle in his own seat between Special and Secondo. Mountain's already at the table, talking in quiet chirps with Special—worried and quickly placated—until Nihil and Imperator finally enter. It's still a little new, seeing the Ghouls at the table. Earth is the only one that stays seated, from Primo's group. The others manage for a short burst; but, one by one they return to their posts at the wall.

Terzo's pretty sure the only reason Earth stays seated is because of the light hand Primo keeps on his wrist, murmuring quiet, passing commentary to him that he relays back to the others. But, at the very least, Special and Mountain stay at the table, even if they keep their heads down and hoods drawn up to avoid too much attention. They're both getting better at using utensils, even when Special gives up towards the end to get the last few crumbs he can't get on the fork or spoon with his claw. Terzo chooses not to focus too hard on it, especially when his attention gets pulled away from watching them, to the sound of his name.

When he does look up, his father's giving him a pointed look. So is Imperator and it takes an effort not to shrink down in his seat. "Uh—sorry, I uhm… didn't hear you…?"

"We've not asked anything, yet, stellino… but you should be correcting your Ghoul, yes?"

He feels Special tense up next to him and just blinks, uncertainly. "No? He can't get the last bit with his utensils. I can't either…?"

Secondo struggles not to laugh next to him and Terzo just turns the confusion on him, instead. It takes a moment for his brother to pull himself under enough control to demonstrate, "Oi, mongrel." Special promptly starts growling and Terzo scowls up at him, even as he gives Special a gentle tap on the wrist to get him to stop. Once Secondo has both of their attentions—and Special's stopped growling in favour of his own scowl—he picks up the knife and fork, using the knife to push the last bits of food onto the fork. "Don't use your hands. Although, I will say, in their defence… Valentino isn't normally trusted with a knife, nor are the Ghouls."

"An oversight that will be corrected, going forward, provided they're… conscious of its use." Imperator gives Terzo a more pointed look, her lips pressed in a thin line to accentuate she specifically means him and the lengthy list of times he's tripped over seemingly nothing. Terzo doesn't get a chance to protest or even really fluster, when the woman folds her hands on the table and carries on.

"More importantly, we've something… far more valuable to discuss. We'll be hosting guests from our fellow congregations within the next few weeks."

He hears Secondo bite out a curse under his breath and looks back towards his brother, confused. Any intention he has to ask for clarification is quickly lost when he notices that Primo looks… apprehensive. His Ghouls all exchange looks between themselves and Earth's attention is fixed, firmly, on the table.

"While most of their attentions will be on Papa and the progression of spreading our message, it's come to my attention that gossip has spread quite far." Her attention goes back to Terzo and he just stares at her for a long moment before it finally hits him and he immediately reaches to grip Special's hand as tight as he can.

If it bothers his Ghoul, any, he doesn't respond. Or, maybe he's too tense to even notice the grip.

"I trust you can ensure he's able to socialise with our guests appropriately? And that we won't have any further incident like this morning?"

Terzo doesn't get a chance to protest that, either; Secondo beats him to it, of all people.

"I've no fondness for the mongrel, anymore than the rest of the congregation, but you will not lay blame on it or Valentino when they're provoked."

As much as he wants to scowl at his brother, again, he just looks back up at him, not sure if he should be grateful, try to get more answers, or be upset he's still being mean to Special.

"Truth is a pill that one learns to swallow, Bishop. We've been lenient in your progressions… but we will need something to show for the efforts in keeping that… thing… when the other members arrive." Her attention finally leaves Secondo to settle on Terzo once more. "I do not care which of you proceeds with the ritual. But, as heirs to the Emeritus line, one of you will be expected to produce viable results during this visitation. … Your father has given you many freedoms to reject our practices, while continuing to serve the church, Bishop. Either you will endure your test of summoning to advance to Arch-Bishop and Cardinal, as necessary… or, Terzo will summon a new Ghoul to proof his findings further."

"But… Copia summoned Mountain with what I learned. I thought that was proof?" Terzo glances at the pair. Mountain looks confused, too, ears flickering, even as his tail coils tight with Special's to keep both of them calm.

"Proof is from multiple instances of results within acceptable parameters. Parameters of which your Ghoul does not meet." Imperator doesn't break eye contact. "I've been skeptical, albeit moderately impressed, by what you managed to accomplish with Priest Copia. I would like it tested a second time."

Terzo's not… really upset. He knew he would need more Ghouls eventually; but, he still glances at Special for a moment before turning back to Imperator and his father, wary and confused. "Water is after Fire… so… a… Water Ghoul?"

That… should be easy enough. Especially if they're going to let him use the summoning chamber this time. He feels something cold in his chest—uncertain it's his own feeling or Special's—when he's corrected.

"You will summon a second Fire Ghoul. In an attempt to replicate and better the results of your failure."

[ii. consequence]

Special doesn't run too far when they go outside after dinner.

Mountain gets called away, even as he protests he wants to go with them; Earth simply picks him up and carries him off after the other Ghouls. Terzo watches after them and then slowly turns his attention to where Special is more or less glued to his side. No one says anything about Special not being taken along with everyone else—Primo's Fire Ghoul stops, briefly, to give the pair a gentle pat on the head and offers a quiet trill that almost sounds apologetic. But, otherwise, it's soon just them at the table and, even then, Secondo comes back to check on them barely five minutes later and mumbles for them to finish up so the table can be cleared.

Terzo was maybe hoping that being outside would help; but, Special stays glued to him the entire time, until they get to the old gazebo. He lets go long enough for Terzo to climb up onto the bench, legs swinging a little bit when he settles and Special just… crawls under the bench. Even when the old shadows start to move around them and circle them, he doesn't give chase like he normally does. Terzo at least reaches out to try touching one, smiling a little when one of the formless shades tries to mimic the gesture

He doesn't… quite understand the shadows. He knows his brothers see them and Copia and Papa, too. Secondo made it sound like their left eyes had something to do with it—that a lot of the things they could do that other church members couldn't was because of their eyes. Terzo still doesn't understand it too well; but, he knows the shadows are safe. Small comforts that existed all over the ministry, but this one…

This one he feels safest with, even when no one else but Special seemed aware of it. Or, more likely, the shadow simply faded and retreated to its own safety when anyone else showed up. Like now, when he hears Copia calling his name and turns around so he's sitting on his knees on the bench. He sees Mountain scurry underneath him, immediately wrapping up with Special and spares the pair of them a smile before he turns his attention back to the priest.

"Is something wrong…? Frate said I could come outside!"If it sounds too hasty or too defensive, Copia doesn't say anything, just offers a tired smile and gestures for him to correct how he's sitting.

"Nothing of the sort. Papa Emeritus sent me to check on you. Much to Earth's annoyance, I'd reckon." Another gesture to where the pair of Ghouls escaped from under the bench at some point and are tumbling a few feet away, until Special finally traps Mountain and simply curls around him and stubbornly goes back to napping. It doesn't take much prompting for both of them to be out cold and Terzo just smiles at them, for barely a moment, before he looks up at Copia, confused.

"Do Ghouls normally nap so much? I don't see them during school, obviously, but… on the weekends, most of the time, Special just curls up to nap in a warm spot. Does Mountain?"

"Mmm. I asked about it, thinking they were sick, a few days after they'd been playing together, yes. Earth assured me it's normal enough—high energy output; short, albeit very sudden immobility when they recharge; more bursts of high energy output. It's largely reliant on the summoner, to my understanding, so the fact they only nap after playing or close to bed is actually an extremely healthy habit for a pair of growing Ghouls." He pauses and then offers a nervous laugh, "Of course, this is all speculation; but, he sounded confident in the answer and I'd no reason to question him. Your changes to the ritual were sound… which… I may have also been asked to address…?"

Terzo immediately feels any sense of peace he may have accomplished dissipate, almost immediately, and he simply scowls of to the side, stubbornly pulling his legs up to his chest so he can hug them and sulk quietly. "So something is wrong."

"They're just worried about how quickly you said no." Despite the attempt at reassurance, Terzo simply grumbles and hugs his knees even tighter. He only even tries to calm down because he sees Special sit up—well, as best he can, tangled up with Mountain—and only settle again once Terzo's pulled and released a few deep breaths. He needs to be… a lot more conscious of that.

He's at least a little comforted when the shadows start to move close again and he finally lets out a more relaxed breath, slowly releasing his knees so he can lower his legs, tips of his toes scuffing and kicking at the gazebo floor in disinterest.

"She's only letting me summon so she can get rid of Special. I'm not getting rid of Special and Ghouls aren't just to entertain the other branches." He grumbles more, kicking at the ground in annoyance. "We're supposed to take care of them… and only summon them when they're needed. … I need Special. If I'm not summoning more Ghouls to help when I'm Papa, I don't need another one, yet. … Why can't I just summon for the band?"

"You know that's not an argument any of the clergy will listen to…"

"That Sister Imperator won't listen to. Fratello Primo and Secondo are perfectly fine with Special. Papa doesn’t mind him." The unspoken they don't mind now hangs in the air and Copia sighs.

"Terzo—"

"I don't want to. They're just waiting for me to mess up again!" He immediately clamps his mouth shut when Special sits up again. Mountain whines this time, half pulled up when Special sits up, but still very much asleep; Special soon collapses on him again, the two melding into a puddle of robes and void that's impossible to tell where one starts and one ends. Terzo still waits for good measure, just to make sure they're actually asleep again.

"... I messed up when I summoned Special. They got mad at me for summoning Special and made you summon Mountain—which is fine! I'm… I'm glad he has a friend, but you should've been allowed to choose your first Ghoul… not be told what to summon." Terzo shakes his head, pulling his legs back up on the bench so he can hug his knees again. "They just want me to mess up again so they have a reason to get rid of Special."

He can see Copia frowning in his peripheral and, a moment later, the man finally speaks up, "Why would you say you messed up? You had him for weeks without anyone noticing. You haven't shown any ill side effects—have you?"

Terzo shakes his head a little, but still refuses to look up. "I didn't measure as carefully as I should have. I tripped over a few words—I sang for part of it, too… I don't know if that makes a difference, but what if it did?" He finally raises his head a little and leans enough that he can look around Copia and then over his other shoulder. It's dark out. They need to go inside soon and he knows no one else is out here… but he still checks, just to make sure. Copia raises a brow at him and Terzo hastily ducks his head again once he's sure they are actually alone.

"... I cut my thumb on the sulphur dish. I tripped when I set it down and I felt it prick me, I just… didn't think about it, I was too excited to really notice until I set the candles down. I burnt the spot, too, that's the only reason I even noticed." He looks at his hand, flexing his fingers a little. There isn't even a trace of a scar, but he knows he did. "It wasn't a lot of blood, but… but that's why papa and Fratello Primo are sick… isn't it? Am I going to get sick when I summon more Ghouls? Because I messed up summoning Special?"

There's a stretch of silence. He assumes Copia's just thinking of what to say; but, when he finally chances looking up, Copia looks confused. More than he did a few minutes ago. Terzo ducks his head, immediately, when he realises no one actually knows how he summoned Special… though, he'd wager Primo probably figured it out.

"I took Primo's notes. … And the old scriptures. … And one of the summoning books." And a lot of other references out of the Archives; but, those three are definitely the most pertinent.

"You stole what!?"

Despite his efforts to keep his voice down, Terzo still jumps and he sees Mountain and Special's ears twitch to the sound. Neither of them sit up but they both whine and tug their hoods tighter over their heads. Terzo just scowls.

"I didn't steal them! I asked Fratello if I could read his journals and then I asked the Archivist for help! Not stealing!"

"The… you… asked the Ghouls in the catacombs… for help?"

Terzo tilts his head a little; he's not sure why that's the confusing part, but he still nods, slowly, when he realises Copia's being serious, "Yeah…? They were really nice to me, I think they just… want someone to talk to? I mean, The Archivist communicates with Fratello all the time! They showed me a lot of really cool stuff—old texts on rituals and stuff to translate! … I thought it was neat, anyways… … And really scary." He looks back down, hugging his knees tighter in those few seconds. "Papa and Fratello… or… maybe just Fratello…? There were a lot of mistakes… but he copied what Papa did and Papa was directed by the upper clergy, right…? But it doesn't happen to every summoner… right?"

He wants to ask Primo. He tried asking Secondo and got told to leave it alone. He knows there are other members of the church that perform summoning rituals and don't react as badly as his father and brother did. Papa tells him not to worry about it; more so since Copia successfully summoned Mountain. Like he was telling Terzo you're doing the right thing without actually saying it and inviting the ire of other high ranking clergy members.

"And you just… memorized all of it?"

Terzo blinks and looks up again. He imagines he must look confused. Maybe exasperated, maybe annoyed, because the answer should be obvious, "What? No? I copied all of it into one of my notebooks and gave everything back. The scriptures and summoning books aren't allowed to leave the Archives unless it's for a ritual and Quinn didn't even want me looking at Fratello's notes… so, I had to give them back."

Not that he would have kept them, but it definitely would've made things go a little quicker, if he'd been allowed to take Primo's journals down into the Archives. Or brought the old books upstairs.

Copia shakes his head, apparently still trying to wrap his head around the answers—maybe it wasn't as obvious as Terzo thought?—but he smiles a moment later. Wary, but a smile nonetheless, "If you know what you did wrong, I don't think you need to be worried about a new ritual."

"But what if they do just want to get rid of Special? What if he gets jealous?"

Special never… sounds jealous, or even a little intimidated, by the inevitability of more Ghouls. But that was still supposed to be years off. Even if Terzo got his way and could ascend as soon as possible, it was still seven years off, at the very least. Probably more.

"You wouldn't let him feel left out or overshadowed, I'm sure he'll be fine." Copia's smile is a little more natural in those moments and he raises his arm a little to offer a hug. Terzo scoots closer and snuggles up to his side with a slow sigh and lets himself relax into the hug. "Your brothers won't let them take him away. Even if Secondo doesn't think much of Ghouls, he knows how much Special means to you. So does your father and Papa Emeritus, sì?"

"And you." It's not a question. Despite his early hostilities, Copia's gotten used to Special and, in turn, Special's warmed up to the man. It earns him a nervous laugh.

"I'm sure I wouldn't be able to assist in any greater capacity than your brothers or father; but, yes. I know how much he means to you, too."

It's enough to sate Terzo. For a few seconds, at least, before he's chewing on his lip again, "Will you and Special be there?"

"Well… I can't rightly speak for Special, but I'm sure he wouldn't be anywhere else, sì?"

Terzo nods and doesn't argue when Copia points out they should head inside. It takes a few minutes longer to untangle their Ghouls from each other—mostly, it's them trying to pry Special loose. Mountain stays fast asleep, even when Copia picks him up. Special yawns and whines quietly as he walks with Terzo, leaning heavy on his side. He nearly falls back asleep when they stop by his mother's grave, so Terzo can say good night; but, he manages to stay mostly conscious until they're in the lobby, at least. Terzo might be surprised to find his brother waiting for him; but, it's definitely more surprising when all he does is roll his eyes and pick Special up over one shoulder and leans down enough that Terzo can get his arms around his neck so he can be carried, too.

Despite the unceremonious deposit of the Ghoul, Special still doesn't wake up when he hits the mattress. He wriggles around until he's attached to his favourite pillow; but, he doesn't show any signs of being awake-awake. Terzo stays attached a few seconds longer, clinging tight until his brother finally hugs him.

"... 'Cesco?" He gets a questioning hum from the man's throat and just clings tighter—as tight as he can, even when he knows it isn't all that tight. "Are they going to take Special away if I summon another Ghoul?"

He whines—displeased and petulant—when he's pried loose so Secondo can sit on him on his bed. He kneels down so he's at eye level, even when Terzo stubbornly keeps his attention on the floor. "Is that why you said no?"

"... One of the reasons, yeah. … They are, aren't they? Papa doesn't like him, either…"

"Vale, look at me." He looks up, reluctantly, only to squeak out a protest when Secondo ruffles his hair. "You already know how I feel about the whole thing. Namely that thing." Terzo scowls, briefly; but, Secondo doesn't give him a chance to protest. "I'm not going to let them take it away from you. You did your research and I may still be mad about how you summoned it, but the fact remains… those two are the most stable Ghouls in the entire Ministry. Maybe even the entire church and all of its branches. … Are you going to do the demonstration?"

Terzo nods, slowly, "As… as long as they don't take Special away after it…"

"Then Angelo and I will do everything we can to make sure they don't." He leans up to kiss Terzo's forehead before gently pushing him back into his pillows, pulling the blankets up to his shoulders. He looks annoyed, for a split second, when Special abandons his pillow to cling to Terzo instead; but, just as quickly, the look levels out to exasperated fondness. "Get some sleep and try not to worry too much, alright? I'll talk to Angelo tomorrow and you just focus on making a list of what you need for the ritual so we can get it all together before people start showing up, yeah?"

Terzo nods again, unable to cover the yawn as the warmth of his Ghoul and the blankets starts to settle in and make him a comfortable sort of sleepy. "M'kay… love you, 'Cesco… g'night…"

He doesn't get a response; or, if he does, he's already too sleepy to hear it.

[iii. contract]

Terzo's still nervous when the day finally comes around.

Despite having spent the entire week and a half looking over his notes—poring over them over and over and over, until he was having lucid nightmares of reciting them and his brother finally took the notebook away—he's almost scared from the nerves trying to twist his insides into knots. Mostly because… it really is terrifying being under the scrutiny of the entire upper clergy and thensome. Not just their members, either; not just his father and Sister Imperator and the Cardinal and Arch-Bishops… but the higher ranking members from at least six other branches. People he doesn't know and, in the anxiety of expectations, has already forgotten their names, even when they were introduced barely twenty-four hours prior.

Right now, he can hide because his brother, one hand fisted tight in Secondo's vestments and the other gripping Special's hand so tight he can feel his fingers starting to lock up. He whines, quietly, when his brother pries his hand loose and puts a gentle hand on his head, "I have to go up to the observation balcony with father and Angelo… Priest Copia will be observing from the ground, as we did for Mountain; Bishop Santi will be presiding over the ritual, officially." Terzo starts to protest; Secondo hushes him, quickly, "Shhh… we both knew there was a good chance I wouldn't be allowed to. … At the very least, since Copia is acting as Santi's assistant for this, Special and Mountain will be allowed to stay as well, further from the summoning circle. Alright?"

Terzo still presses his lips into a thin line of displeasure; but, he nods and glances around his brother. Sure enough, Copia's seated where Terzo had been during Mountain's ritual, with the bishop standing just in front of him, arms folded behind his back. Mountain's on the opposite side, in a small alcove that puts him further from the summoning circle, where Earth had been. Terzo slowly releases Special's hand and gives him a small smile, "Go stand with Mountain, okay? It'll… it'll be okay, yeah?"

Special chirps, quietly, at him and nudges his head gently against Terzo's, "You've got this. Audience or no, you know what you're doing and whoever you summon is going to be so fantastically lucky to have you as their human."

He scampers off to join Mountain; in passing, Terzo's proud of him for staying upright for the short distance… but, mostly, he just lets the words wash over him and works on steadying his breathing. He doesn't even have the mind to scowl when Secondo gives his hair a gentle ruffle as he crosses to staircase up to the observation balcony. Primo's already seated next to father, Earth and Quinn at his shoulders; Imperator's the one that stands, though, clearing her throat to get the attention of the room.

"Most honoured guests, we are delighted to be graced with your presence. As you've all heard by now, there have been… phenomenal breakthroughs in the summoning rituals, due to intensive research conducted by the youngest Emeritus." Terzo does his best not to scowl when the woman refuses to use his name. He's not surprised, but it's still a little annoying. "The findings are still being tested, thoroughly, before we allow them to spread properly to other branches; it seemed most appropriate to have the young man demonstrate his findings on his own. We do ask that you hold any questions for tomorrow, as the ritual does appear to still be quite taxing and he is still a child. Now then… at your leisure."

Supportive and condescending all at once. But, Terzo still offers a polite tip of his head before he bows in full and pulls a deep breath to steady himself. He doesn't need to rush. He can measure more carefully.

It's much easier to paint the circle itself, with the outlines carved into the chamber's ground. He still pauses at the five points, tilting his head at the symbols just outside of the outlines and confirms the sigils actually are in the wrong order. Easy enough to fix—they all simply need to be shifted to the right by one place—but he still makes a note to bring it up to Primo, later. A bit more difficult to paint from memory without the reference right there; but, he knows the sigils need to be painted at specific points.

He's barely started the third one when his concentration is broken by sudden shouting that makes him jump. He manages not to spill the paint, at least; but, he still flinches back and pulls his hands inside of his cassock sleeves to avoid having his knuckles hit when the bishop crosses to interrupt him.

"What do you think you are doing?"

An annoyed hiss, not loud enough for the upper clergy to hear and Terzo just looks between the man and up at his brothers; they didn't say anything about a test—

"Emeritus." He jumps again and yelps when his right hand gets yanked. "I strongly suggest you reevaluate exactly whatever prank you've decided on—"

"Santi, you have five seconds to let him go, or Satanas as my witness—"

Terzo feels his anxiety starting to spike when Secondo gets involved; not yelling, but a firm tone that echoes in the chamber, even as Primo and father both tell him to sit down and leave it be. He manages to wrench his hand free, quickly picking up the bowl of paint and the brush he'd been using before it spills, and backs up, hugging the items tight to his body, even as the paint splashes on his cassock. The important part is it doesn't get on the summoning circle and he's outside of it with a few steps.

"They're in the wrong order! I'm doing it right—Copia did the same thing for Mountain!"

Copia's between them before the bishop can grab him again, "With—all due respect, Bishop… this demonstration is based on Terzo's research." His tone levels out after the first word. Terzo stays behind him, just for good measure. "And his research did indicate that the sigils needed to be shifted to different points. I used the same format for Mountain and this is meant to be a proofing… … if you had read the notes from my ritual or even those going into this ritual, you would know that."

It's rare for Copia to talk back to any of the clergy members above him and Terzo can see the other man steadily going red in the face, until his father's voice comes from above, this time.

"Bishop Santi… we will discuss your conduct after the ritual. Please, wait outside. I'll not have you interrupt this demonstration any further." His tone goes cold in that moment and Terzo presses himself closer to Copia. He's calmer the second the chamber doors close behind the bishop a moment later. "My apologies, honoured guests. … Priest Copia, you are familiar with the research being tested. You will turn in the reports following the completion of the ritual, in Bishop Santi's place. … Terzo, you may continue, once you've had a moment to gather yourself."

Terzo nods a little and looks down at where the paint's splashed on his cassock and grabs at Copia's robe before he gets too far away, tugging on it to get the man's attention, "I need more paint… I got the rest on me…"

Copia laughs a little—clearly still a bit shaken from talking back—and gives him a gentle push, "Let the smiths change your cassock, before you try to continue, too; there's more paint on the table with the rest of the ingredients."

When he looks over at the table and confirms as much, he nods and finally moves over to where the smith is waiting with a new Ghoul mask and a few robes in various sizes. It's a quick change and easy enough to find one that fits him—after how small Special had been, they've started making the robes in different sizes to accommodate the fact Ghouls could apparently come in different sizes when summoned. He hopes the new Ghoul will be a little bit bigger, so it isn't swallowed by the larger robes.

The ingredients have all been measured out already; but, he still double checks everything when he grabs a new bowl of paint to finish the sigils.

It's a little bit easier, without the bishop watching his every move, even as he remains painfully aware of the observation balcony and everyone visiting from other branches of the church. At the very least, it is making him… maybe a little overly conscious of what he's doing; but, definitely making him more aware and more careful than he normally his. More determined not to trip over himself and spill any of the carefully measured out ingredients. More determined to make sure he doesn't cut himself a second time and, as he's putting the candles around the bowl of ash, he pauses, brows furrowed tight. He burned himself during Special's summoning, too… he's not willing to risk that happening again, either.

"Uhm… Copia, could you… light the candles for me…? It… it shouldn't affect the ritual. … I'm pretty sure." Mostly sure. The important part was the incantation, really. Copia still waits until he gets a sign of approval from the clergy above them to come over and kneels down, careful not to step on the summoning circle any or let his robes drag through the paint. It only takes the one match and he takes the book and used matchstick with him so Terzo can move down to the bottom of the summoning circle, pulling one more deep breath before he carefully starts the incantation.

He wants to sing—his brain oh so helpfully supplies the verse lyrically, even as he forces himself not to—and, despite speaking slowly and clearly enough that he doesn't trip over any of the words, he can feel his chest constricting with each syllable.

He's… terrified. Even as the last word leaves his lips and he realises he's breathing that little bit heavier than when he started, even if it's a simple response to the pain starting to radiate in his left eye, the realisation just makes it that much harder to regulate his breathing. He hears Copia telling him everything's fine; that he needs to relax. He kind of hears Secondo telling their father to stop the ritual, even when they all know it would be more detrimental than simply seeing it through. Special's voice is a little bit clearer. Reassurance and affirmation; not a single trace of anxiety.

Terzo only means to look back for a moment—just long enough to tell Special that he is helping and Terzo feels fine. Just in time to see one of the smiths picking Special up, despite the immediate hissing and thrashing from the Ghoul and a protest from Mountain, barely a foot away from Special. Realistically, he knows they're simply moving Special back into the alcove—back away from the summoning circle, back to a "safe" area.

He knows everything is fine; but, he still can't stop the spike of anxiety that threatens to choke him in the same moment the summoning circle lights up beneath him. The same moment the dull throb around his eye becomes a searing pain and he desperately presses the heel of his left palm against his eye, nails digging into flesh in some vain attempt to stop the pain.

He doesn't want to do this anymore.

He knows he's messed up, he knows it's past the point of fixing it or even safely stopping. Safety is quickly becoming the last thing on his mind. He doesn't care how much trouble he gets in, he doesn't want another Ghoul, he just wants Special—

As sudden as the spike in pain comes, it fades. So does the sound around him and… the colour…? His breathing is still uneven as he looks around, slowly lowering his hand from his face so both hands can knot into the front of his cassock. The silence is deafening, but not nearly as unsettling as the thick fog that settles in the chamber, making everything look like chiseled statues. Moments frozen in time. It almost looks like those weird, old silent films Primo and Secondo liked to watch to get him to go to sleep—

"You're quite mischievous, aren't you, little conjurer?"

Later, Terzo will be proud of himself for not screaming. As it is, he simply jumps and his attention snaps back to the summoning circle, where a form is pulling itself together from the void around them. Not… not the same as the one from Special's ritual, though. Still bigger than a human, but not the looming shadow. Did that mean Copia saw someone different, too—?

"Quite so. Belial assisted the priest. He will be most pleased to hear his Ghoul is thriving." Terzo just stares; but, before he can ask for any sort of clarification—mostly just trying to wrap his head around hearing someone mention a king of Hell so casually—a clop of hooves on stone echoes in the stillness and a looming, bipedal horse finally steps from the wisps of void and shadow, shaking off before leveling Terzo with an amused look. "And you know who I am, little conjurer?"

"... Orobas—wait. But… you aren't who… you didn't bring me Special, though…?"

The horse tilts his head, ears flickering curiously, "Special… ah. I see your friend has settled on his name. The one who brought him will be most pleased by this information, as well; I was sent in his stead to bring you someone very important." It's odd to consider a horse smiling; but, it helps Terzo relax, gradually. "He has such extraordinary hopes for you… and for you to meet those expectations, you need someone to remind you not to fear the uncertainties of the future and to… clarify, shall we say, your ambitions to see them realised. Will you accept this new contract? I believe I heard you say you do not desire a second Ghoul… I can leave, now, if that is truly your desire. However, if I do… you know what the consequence will be, I'm certain."

If he stops now—if he fails now—they'll just use it as an excuse to take Special away. To take Mountain away from Copia, too, probably. Terzo probably won't get a second chance or even a chance to ascend—a chance to prove he can be just as amazing as his brothers and father. He pulls a slow breath, finally aware the pain around his eye is a simple, dull throb again and doesn't hurt as much as he thought.

"I accept the contract. I'll take care of them and protect them just as thoroughly as Special."

It's only in that moment—as Orobas reaches forward to tape the outer corner of his left eye, the same as the large shadow had—that Terzo realises his hand is… a hand and not a hoof like his… feet? The curious thoughts are interrupted by the tap and Terzo realises the pain in his eye—and the rest of his body—dissipates almost immediately on contact, even as Orobas fades like ashes on the wind and a new figure pulls itself up from center of the summoning circle.

Smaller than Special is now, but probably about the same size as when he'd been summoned, initially, and a pair of bright, fire orange eyes blink at Terzo. The Ghoul chirps and trills for a short burst before the monotony and stillness around them seems to just turn off and all of Terzo's senses jump as the noise returns. He immediately covers his ears and crouches down in an attempt to quell the burst of anxiety that comes with it.

"It's alright—everything's alright, now."

The voice is… new. It isn't Special. But it has the same unsteady warble that Special had when he was first summoned. It gives him something to focus on and the volume around him seems to turn down, in the process. He hears Special wriggle free—still hissing and thrashing, but Terzo doesn't hear any exclamations that would imply he's bitten anyone—but a moment later he soon feels the Ghoul attached to his back, down to his body suit, robe probably forgotten with the smith that was trying to restrain him, and latches on tight.

Terzo finally looks up, tension melting away in the security and he grips one of Special's arms as tight as he can. The void of the Ghoul is still solidifying. He doesn't look bothered when one of the smiths come over and hands a mask down to Terzo. He… maybe forgot about the mask; but, he takes it and carefully holds it out to the Ghoul.

Sure enough, same as Mountain, once close enough, the mask lights up—a burning orange, instead of green—and Terzo releases it, startled, when the glow really does act as a magnet. It was odd enough to witness; but, doing so himself is definitely weirder. It doesn’t distract him for long—barely long enough for the veins to spread through the Ghoul and for him to shake off and accept the offered cassock from the smith.

Terzo feels… calm wash over him when the Ghoul's attention turns back to him. He can practically see the smile in the eyes, even with the mask concealing his mouth.

"Welcome… … do… do you have a name?" The exhaustion hasn't quite hit him, yet; but, as Special's hold around him starts to relax into the more natural hold they generally have on each other, and the calm spreads through him, he's… definitely starting to feel drowsy.

The Ghoul hums, thoughtfully, attention drifting around the room, curiously, as he does. "Mmmm… I don't remember, quite yet.That will be fun to learn, won't it?"

Special shifting his hold—whining quietly as he can't quite hold Terzo up on his own—wakes him up a little more and he rubs at his left eye to try staying awake. "Yeah… that's okay, we can figure it out! … After—" he's not quite able to stifle the yawn; but, does at least remember to hide it in his sleeves, "after… a nap…"

He maybe thought he was so exhausted after Special's because of how late it was. But, as he's struggling to stay awake, he realises… it really is just that exhausting. Or maybe it is because he's still younger, because… he doesn't remember Copia being too tired? Maybe it had simply hit him later or he'd taken a short nap after being debriefed by the upper clergy—?

As it is, he's only awake enough to protest with a sleep-laden whine when both Special and the new Ghoul hastily get out of Secondo's way, when he comes down from the observation balcony. A whine that's more or less forgotten and completely lost when his brother picks him up and Terzo promptly melts against him, arms loose around his neck, even as he grumbles against Secondo's shoulder.

"You said I was getting too old for this…"

"Stuff it, stronzino." Secondo's tone is still gentle and he sighs, hugging Terzo tighter. "You're still small enough to carry, deal with it." Before Terzo can work through the sleepy fog trying to take over, Secondo's voice lowers even more. "You did fantastic… do not scare me like that again, though, do you understand?"

Terzo tries to grumble an affirmation; but it comes out as a yawn and him simply settling in to nap against his brother's shoulder.

[iv. clarity]

Despite not growling or hissing, Special still watches the new Ghoul, closely, after they've all been dismissed from the summoning chamber for the upper clergy to chitter among themselves.

As curious as he is—mostly because he wants to parrot all of it back to Terzo, later—he's quick to take the out and follow Secondo. Maybe because he's scared of being banished… but, mostly he just wants to be close to Terzo.

The new Ghoul is a little unsteady on his feet; about as much as one would expect… but it's still weird that he has such a quick grasp on speech. Special knows why he had trouble with speaking; but, Mountain had struggled with the stuttering for at least a week, too. It's… weird, but not threatening and, frankly, quickly the last thing on Special's mind as they get up to Terzo's room and he more or less immediately loses all interest in the new Ghoul in favour of crawling onto the bed as soon as Terzo's set down and Secondo manages to pry the sleepy grip loose.

He purrs, contently, when his summoner simply turns the grip on him and snuggles up, despite the annoyed look it gets him from Secondo.

"I can't say I'm thrilled there's two of you, now. But, they should leave Valentino alone for the day. I trust you two can keep him out of trouble if he happens to wake up at a decent hour?"

Special really wants to stick his tongue out; but, he settles for a dismissive nod, even as the other Ghoul offers a more vocal affirmation and tips his head as Secondo leaves with an annoyed scowl. He turns a curious look back towards the bed, clearly uncertain if he's allowed to join or even sit at the end.

"Should we not be cordial with the humans…?"

"Generally speaking, yeah. But that one's a prick." Special shrugs one shoulder and simply hugs Terzo tighter. "I'm civil enough with him. … You'll learn fast. He doesn't like Ghouls much."

Another hum and Special finally tilts his head towards the end of the bed in invitation. The new Ghoul crawls up and sits on his knees, watching the pair curiously.

"... So you "don't remember" your name?" Or, he just knows there's something very wrong with the upper clergy. Even when Special can't quite put his finger on it, there's something… really unsettling about them. Something that makes him want to keep Terzo away from most of them.

It's definitely the later, given that the Ghoul laughs, quietly. "I didn't want to make a fuss and he seemed too tired to retain much more from the ordeal. I'm Bell. And you're… Special?" Special hums an affirmative. "Curious… but, that isn't—?"

"It's my name." He doesn't leave room to argue; but, he does calm down when Terzo gives a quiet whine and pushes his face into Special's shoulder, like he's trying to escape the sudden volume increase. "… It's the name he gave me. It's the name I want to be mine."

Bell tilts his head, curiously. "And your contract reflects this change? How fascinating. Our dark lord's gifted are such… curious creatures, aren't they? Humans are curious." He moves past the observations before Special really has a chance to hiss at them that they aren't creatures to observe anymore than Ghouls are. "I look forward to learning more and seeing just how brightly he shines in the future."

Special knew more Ghouls was inevitable. For Terzo to ascend and realise his full potential and the actualization of his ambitions, he knew there would be more Ghouls. He's not so sure he's ready to deal with that, anymore; not just because of how tired it leaves his summoner…

But maybe also a little because he's not sure he's ever actually going to be ready to deal with more Ghouls, if there's a chance they're all going to be like this.

#sqooshy writes #ghost band #ghost fanfiction #terzo #special ghoul #cowbell ghoul #copia #papa emeritus iii #papa emeritus i #primo #secondo #papa emeritus ii #ghouls era 1 #rating: general #fic: ritual of summoning #summoning meta

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