A/n: Thank you to everyone for being patient and understanding. I was able to finish this chapter up (as I had most written before my mom had to go to the hospital), so I'm able to update. It's a bit of filler, mainly. I'll post the next chapter once I've got it written.

Enjoy!

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Copia woke early, before the sun had even begun painting the sky as he always did, but instead of lingering as he allowed himself to every other morning, he rose and readied for his day. Annie lay sleeping soundly, face easy and peaceful as though last night's events never happened. And, for her, they hadn't because she would have no memory of it.  He worried if he had made the right choice in allowing Lilit to alter her memory, but deep down, he knew it was for the best. She had looked so utterly broken, her eyes dull and lifeless. Whatever that spell had done to her, it truly got to her.

He would make sure, whoever it was, would get what was coming to them. They just had to figure out who it was. a task that was proving to be most difficult. They had gone over everyone, but nothing stood out. Not in observing, not in the records. And he’d personally gone over them multiple times. It just didn’t make any sense.


Sighing, he leaned down and placed a whisper soft kiss to her forehead, and made his way down to his office. He had hours yet before anyone else was up. Before the day truly started. He would go over the siblings' personnel records again and write up new orders and safeguards for the ghouls to implement. He also had to ensure they would be ready in case of attack. He hadn’t given it much thought. Of the Magistratus daring to target the Ministry itself since there were so many ghouls, wards, and protections. But with such blatant attacks on Annie from someone who was now confirmed to be not only a witch but the daughter of a High Priest that sided with them? He wouldn’t take chances. He felt foolish for not focusing more on this. Maybe if he had…



When the bells above tolled seven, he sent a group message to all the ghouls requesting their immediate presence in the Chapel. It was Saturday, and breakfast was not until 10, so there was no worry about the kitchen ghouls being late to start cooking. Grabbing the folded habit the ghouls had found last night, he made his way to the chapel.


“Mornin, boss,” Aether said with a smile behind his mask as he ran into Copia in the hall. “What’s with the impromptu meeting?”

“I’ve made some adjustments for security and added shifting patrols that will keep watch and do rounds 24/7. Need to give the ghouls their new schedules.” Copia sighs, his eyes focused on the floor in front of him. “After last night… I realized I have not put as much focus on what’s been going on. I'm making sure all is well here at home and Annie keeps paying for my oversight.”

“Copia..” Aether sighs lightly. “Don’t do that to yourself. Things have been hectic lately. You know that.”

“I still could have been doing more!' Copia nearly shouted, his face screwing into a grimace of an expression,  his left eye flashing. "Should have done more!”


Aether recoils, feeling a harsh scalding flash of heat radiate from the man next to him and looks around the hall quickly before grabbing hold of Copia's arm, dragging him into an empty classroom. Closing the door behind them. He pulls off his mask and balaclava before crossing his arms over his chest, giving the Cardinal a hard look.


“You need to calm yourself, Vincenzo.”

The use of his proper name throws the Cardinal off guard. “Scusami?”

“You heard me. You need to calm down.”

“I am calm.”

“You aren’t.” Aether sighs lightly, his look and stance softening. “You don’t realize what happened, do you?”

Copia looks at him with confusion before slowly shaking his head.

“Your power flared because of the mood you’re in, because of the anger and rage you feel and if I were not a ghoul, the intensity of the heat I felt just then would have probably burned me. Lucifer told you you were awakening powers, and we know you’ve made fires rise and burn with intensity with your mood.” Aether uncrosses his arms and steps closer, placing a hand on Copia’s shoulder, his voice soft and soothing, full of understanding and concern. “So yes, you need to calm down. We don’t know what’s going on with you, but the last thing we need is you to accidentally hurt someone innocent because you’re pissed at someone else. That includes yourself.”

“How can I be calm when I have so much worry? When i have so much anger towards who did this. Who keeps doing this."

Aether smiles softly, giving Copia’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You stop, and you breathe. You think of what you do have - your friends and family. And, as hard as it is, you accept that what has already happened has happened and can not be changed. All you can do is move on and do what you can to prevent something like that from happening again with the understanding that even though you may be doing everything you can to prevent it, some things may still happen that are completely out of your control.”

“It is not that easy, caro.”

“I know.” Aether pats his cheek lightly  before pulling his balaclava back on, followed by his mask. “But I also know you can do it. Focus on reigning in that rage for now.”

Copia sighs and rubs at his face carefully, avoiding his paints so they don’t smear before pinching the bridge of his nose. He takes several deep breaths, eyes closed to focus on his breathing. Slowly but surely, he feels his rage settle, still there but not right on the surface. When he’s confident, he lowers his hand and gives the ghoul a small smile.

“Feel a little better?”

“Si. Grazie, amico. Mi dispiace.”

Aether smiles and reaches over to squeeze Copia’s shoulder once more before turning to the door. “C’mon. Let’s not keep the other ghouls waiting.”

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After the meeting with the ghouls, during which they passed around the found habit to get a whiff of the scent it carried, storing that scent away in case they come across it at some point, they seperated to attend to their daily chores. Copia returned to his office to finish several stacks of paperwork that were in much need of his attention. It was after lunch before he was finished, the papers set aside in neat stacks to be collected. He greatly wanted to take a moment to relax, but he had practice to get to.

Allowing another moment of silence in which he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, he rose and made his way down to the practice hall. He could hear loud laughter and cheers from inside over the sound of a familiar song, feeling the thump of the drums and bass that accompanied it and it piqued his curiosity. Easing the door open he stepped in and a wide amused smile graced his face.

“Yeah! Keep going Annie!” Swiss hollered when the solo started, smile wide as he cheered her on with some excited shimmies. Looking from him Copia saw Annie watching her fingers as she played on Dews guitar, the gremlin on his spare looking confused and frustrated as he went from watching his own fingers to watching her play with ease.

“Are you on the square? Are you on the level? Are you ready to swear right here right now, before the devil?!” Swiss sang out with the ghoulettes, everyone dancing and having fun as Annie relaxed after the solo, fingers still moving along with the proper notes until the song was over.

Copia beamed with pride. She had played that like she’s known it for years. His enthusiastic clapping turned everyone's attention to him and he saw Annie smile widely with a blush as he walked over.

“Amore, that was wonderful! When did you..?”

“About twenty minutes ago,” Cumulus laughs with a smile. “She’s good, Copia. Dew only had to show her a couple times before she got it.”

“Smoked him with it, too!” Swiss grins widely, slinging his arm around Dew’s shoulders. “Seriously, might consider her for a replacement if we ever need one!”

“Goddess, I could never! Dew is way better than me. He’s got more practice and definitely does better on a stage than I ever would. I was just lucky,” Annie says, her blush deepening as she pulls the guitar off and carefully sets it on its stand.

“You did good, Darlin," Dew says sadly, a distant look in his eyes. His whole demeanor had changed after Swiss' comment and he seemed… off now. "If anyone would replace me I could only hope they’d be as good as you.”

“Dew, I was only joking,” Swiss says softly, brows furrowing at his mate's tone. “No one is ever, EVER going to replace you. They’d have to be crazy to try.”

Dew just shrugs and pulls away to set his guitar in a case before turning to Copia. “In any case. I know practice is, like, starting now, but do you mind if I step out for a few?”

Copia gives a small smile and nods, patting Dew’s shoulder as he walks past. Swiss casts Copia a look and the Cardinal nods, the multi ghoul rushing off after Dew.

"Is he going to be okay?" Annie asked, her voice small as she watched Swiss run out the door.

"He will be okay, amore." Copia slides his arm around her, pulling her into his side as he kisses her temple. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah. It was quite fun. Easier to play than the acoustic, I think. But the acoustic sounds better."

He laughs softly, nodding. "Si, I agree to that. Were you going to stay for practice, amore?"

Annie shakes her head, resting her head against his shoulder for a moment. "No
I've got things to prepare for tomorrow. "

"Then, you are still going?"

"I have to. I can't let what happened get in the way of helping the others. But, we'll be better prepared this time."

Copias brow raises as he looks at her. "How so?"

"I'm going to make satchels of protection that should theoretically stave off other enchantments. Plus, when we find the coven I'll go in with just Sage and Kali. Mysti and Ace will stay back until I call them in case something happens. Then they can get help or act from the outside. That is…" She sighs. "If they still are willing to go with me. I need to talk to them about it."

Copia sighs lightly and gently leads her from the room, the other ghouls chatting and tuning behind them. Out in the hall he gives her a small smile, reaching over to gently cup her cheek. “Amore, it’s not up to them. Ace and Mysti… they’ve been ordered to your service. They're duty bound to go with you.”

“No, they don’t.” Annie smiles softly. “And they won’t if I tell them not to. They may be bound to the Ministry and only another Cardinal, Sister, or Papa can truly order them to do anything, but as you said, they were ordered to my service which means they also need to listen to me.”

Copia looks at her, brow raised as he thinks it over.  Eventually he gives a small nod and hum of agreement. “Si, I suppose you are right."

Annie smiles and leans over, placing a gentle kiss against his lips. "You have fun at practice, hun. Did you have anything in mind for dinner later?"

He shakes his head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nothing comes to mind. I can figure something out and have it ready when you return later."

"You don't have to, hun."

"But I want to, amore." Copia gently holds her face, thumb brushing against her cheek as he leans down to kiss her. She returns it, smiling against his lips, arms wrapping around his waist. "I enjoy cooking for you. You know this."

"You do make yummy food. Alright, hun. Surprise me. I can't wait."

____________________________________


She knew her plan, now she just had to go to the garden to collect what she needed. It was better to start with fresh herbs and, to her luck, the ones she needed had just bloomed and were ready for harvesting.

Making her way deep into Primos garden to the beds she needed a sound caught her ear. It was familiar in a way yet also unusual and she grew worried as it got louder. Someone was crying.

"I've got you, baby," a soft soothing voice said, barely heard over the harsh sobs of a second person. "You're okay. No one is replacing anyone. You're safe here."

Peeking around the tall hedges Annie's heart twinged. Swiss was swaying slightly, his arms wrapped tightly around Dew as he muttered soft comforts. Dew had his face buried against the taller ghouls neck, his own arms around Swiss' middle with his fingers bunched tightly in the back of his shirt as he shuddered and sobbed openly.

"I-i-it w-was s-s-so s-sudden w-with them," Dew chokes out. "W-we d-didn't…I c-c-couldn't…"

"Shh..shh…" Swiss comforts him again, his arm tightening, one hand lifting to stroke over Dews unbound hair. "No one will ever take you from me. From us. No one could ever replace my little firecracker."


Annie frowns, looking away from the pair. She too wanted to comfort Dew but she knew it wasn't her place. She just hoped he would be okay.

Moving without a sound she returned to her task and quickly gathered what she needed.

____________________________________

Annie spent the rest of the early afternoon in her classroom which she had, at Kali's suggestion, turned into a workspace so the siblings didn't have to go to her rooms for her remedies. Some of the passing siblings heard her humming as she mixed and crushed herbs and wandered in to watch her, intrigued to see a witch working. She didn't tell them what exactly she was doing, however. There was still a spy somewhere.

Ace and Mysti wandered in later, the former hefting themself to sit on the table next to where she was working and after Annie politely asked the siblings to leave they talked. The two ghouls, with smiles on their faces, told her they appreciated the choice given to them, but to them there really wasn't one to be made.

"Levy, you're stuck with us no matter what."


Annie had them text the other two and about thirteen minutes later Sage and Kali walked in right as Annie was finishing her satchels. Gathered together she told them of her plans for tomorrow. They were nervous but agreed it was probably the best course of action.

"Sleep with these tonight," Annie says, passing a satchel to each. "And have them on your person tomorrow. If I did this correctly it should offer you some protection from any outside spells, but I've never made something like this so there's no guarantee it will work."

"Better than nothing, Solros." Kali smiled and slipped his satchel in his pocket. He trusted his sisters abilities and, even if they somehow didn't work it still eased his mind a little.



The group moved to the kitchens next,  chatting happily. Annie kept what she saw in the gardens to herself but she still wanted to do something for Dew so she turned to one thing she knew best.

Baking.

The others tried to help but she wouldn't let them, not with everything.

Knowing she couldn't make something for just Dew she let them help with the cookies but the brownies were all her. She poured in all of her love and affection for the gremlin into it as she mixed everything by hand, singing softly as she went. Her mother had always told her you could taste the love when something was made by hand. Annie hoped he would know how much he was loved.

As an extra treat she topped it with plump sweet berries she knew he enjoyed and an extra drizzle of spiced chocolate.


When everything was baked and the cookies separated for the others to share she bid the kitchen ghouls goodbye as they started on dinner. With Kali's help they made their way to the dens, Kali with the cookies and Annie with the tray of still warm brownies. Most of the pack were lounging in the main common area and Annie caught a flash of various skin colors and horns before everyone quickly applied their glamours. She gave them a grateful smile and an apology.

"Sorry. I should have had Kali let you guys know I was coming here."

"It's alright, sweetheart," Swiss says as he finishes up in the kitchen area, though his voice didn't carry his usual happy spark to it. Dew was nowhere to be seen.  "What did you bring for us?"

"Cookies. But I have something special for Dew, too. Is he in his room?"

Swiss looks over before slowly nodding. "I can give it to him. I'm heading there now."

"I'll walk with you, if that's okay. Gotta pass the rooms to get back upstairs anyway."

She bumped into Kali with her shoulder, giving him thanks for the help and he kissed her temple with a smile, wishing her a good night and that he'd see her in the morning.


Swiss, laden with his own tray now, smiles down at Annie and walks her back down the hall until he stops in front of one of the many doors.

"I'll go set this down then come get that from ya."

"If…if it's okay, can I step in? I want to tell him something."

Swiss frowns slightly. "I….don't think that's the best idea, Annie. He's not in the best mood right now and won't be glamoured. I can tell him for you."

"Please?"

Swiss looks her over before sighing lightly, shifting his tray to one arm. "Alright. Just….don't be upset if he lashes out or completely ignores you. I'll be there to stop him if he does lash out."

Annie nods and takes a deep steadying breath, following Swiss into the dim room. It was lit by several small candles that sat atop the short dresser on the left hand side situated against the wall. Next to it was a beautiful guitar on a simple stand. The curtains were drawn over the small window above to the bed on which she saw a pale figure laying on his side. Her eyes immediately went towards the smooth horns poking out from behind pale gold hair before they were drawn to the long tail that twitched and thumped against the mattress similar to how a cat might when it was agitated.

"You shouldn't be here," Dew growled lowly though there was no menace behind his words, curling in on himself with a sniffle. "Get out…"

"I.. I made you this," Annie says slowly as she inched closer. "Just for you. It's got chocolate an berries and I-"

"I don't care! Get out!"

She flinched at his tone before letting out a soft sigh as she walked over and set the pan on his bedside table. She had wanted to say something to him, comfort him in some way but she wasn’t sure what to say. She shivered as something pressed on the base of her skull, almost like a gentle tickle and new words flowed from her tongue.

"Your weeping is dousing your spark. Smile and shine like the brilliant ghoul you are, mia ​​dolce piccolo Pyro."

Dew gasped and sat up as he quickly turned, but Annie was already out the door. He turned to Swiss next, his eyes wide and pricking with fresh tears.

"She just…only those two…. Why did she say that?"

"She couldn't have known, baby," Swiss says as he eases himself on the bed next to Dew. "And what little Italian she said maybe it's something she picked up from Copia?"

Dew shakes his head vigorously, his hair fanning out from the movement. "They would say the same thing to me when it all became too much. The exact same….."

"But she couldn't…"

"She's done weirder." Dew sighs, his exhale slow and shaky.

“Are you going to be okay?”

Dew sighs and nods, reaching up to wipe at his eyes before taking a deep breath picking up the sweet chocolatey aroma of the brownies she left. Smelling the air he turned towards the tray and regarded it a moment before reaching over, pulling it onto his lap. They were already cut into decent sized squares, one dislodged for easy grabbing and he took it. Taking a deep breath, he slowly lifted it to his mouth and hesitantly took a bite. Flavor exploded on his tongue - the sweet richness of the chocolate, the tart of the berries and the spice of the drizzle on top intermingled with a flooding warmth like the sun itself had reached out and enveloped him in the most comforting hug he had ever felt and he had to choke back a sudden thick sob that lodged in this throat as he swallowed the bite. He took another, and again he felt it. That all encompassing blanket of a warm comforting hug. By the time he finished the square he had tears running down his face and a very concerned Swiss watching him.

“Baby..? Are you..?”

“Annie… she..”

Swiss reaches over, tentatively rubbing his hand across Dew’s back as he shifts closer. “She what? Did they not turn out?”

The blond doesn’t answer and instead reaches into the pan to take another brownie, offering it to the ghoul next to him. Swiss looks at Dew, opening his mouth to take a bite. He too picks up the rich, tart and spice before he’s overwhelmed by a flooding warmth that’s almost suffocating and by the time he’s done with his square he, too, is silently crying.

“That… eating that… it felt like the last time my mother held me,” Swiss whispers softly. “And all I could feel was her love for me.”

Dew hums and gives a sniffle before grabbing another square. “She made these just for me, she said.”

“What was that thing she always says? When she bakes or cooks.”

“Real food is made with love. You show your love by using your hands to incorporate it.”

Swiss wraps his arm around Dew, leaning over to place a kiss on his temple. “She must have poured all the love she has for you when making this. I told you you weren’t alone, baby. That you are so very loved by more than just me.”


Dew says nothing, choosing to just lean into Swiss. He still felt the strings of deep set doubt and fear that he wasn’t good enough. That some day they would come with no warning and replace him with no regard or regret like they had the others. He missed them so much, his old pack. Alpha, Earth. Air. Omega…

He knew they couldn’t. He was bound to Copia now and no matter what, once you were bound they had to respect that bond or risk the Cardinal’s life as bonds to a person could only be broken by the human or by death, but he still held that fear. It was different before. With the others. With their Papa gone their bonds had been severed so the clergy could do what they wished. If Copia hadn’t… It’s why he was so fierce in protecting his Cardinal and his pack. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if….

“You’re okay, baby,” Swiss says, holding Dew tighter and drawing him out of his thoughts once more. “Let’s save the rest of these for later, yeah? You’ve gone through half the pan already.”

Dew looks down at the half empty pan of brownies and slowly nods. He hadn’t even realized he ate so many, wrapped in his thoughts and the phantom embrace.

“Swiss?”

“Yeah?”

“I…” Dew started, his breath hitching. “Thank you.”

Swiss smiles softly, and after setting the pan of brownies on the table, he gently guides Dew’s face to turn with his fingertips against his jaw, leaning down to place a tender kiss to his lips. “I would do anything for you, Firefly. I love you.”

“Me, too.”