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The ministry halls were deserted in the middle of the night, most siblings of sin were resting and the ones that weren’t were fucking so Copia’s footsteps echoed in the abandoned marble halls. He was only awake because Terzo had kept him in meetings about songs and tours, not that he minded his work for the ministry was rewarding and gave him a purpose that he had been searching so long for. His little rats would be missing their papa, he was late giving them their dinner and if he waited too long they would never forgive him, Rigatoni was particularly good at holding a grudge. The ministry was particularly eerie at this time of the night around the witching hour even though Copia had practically grown up on old horror movies he still felt a flicker of unease. It also didn’t seem right that he was using his phone torch to light his way instead of a dripping candlestick, he really needed to lay off the vampires. His bed was calling him but back to back over running meetings forced that back as his stomach let out a growl, pasta was calling.
The pasta was boiling on the stove and the sauce was filling the large kitchen with the scent of tomato, he hoped it wasn’t too strong because the kitchen ghouls weren’t happy the last time he snuck in here for a midnight snack. He was grating some cheese to sprinkle on top because no matter how late it was he wasn’t messing around with his dinner. That was when he heard a sudden snap followed by a high pitched pitiful squeak and his heart skipped a beat, he knew that sound. How many times had he asked the staff not to use traps? How often had he tried to save whatever was in them but was too late? Not today. It had come from the far left corner where the old stones were crumbling and letting things in from outside, it was the darkest corner but luckily it wasn’t dingy, he thanked the dark lord for Imperators strict hygiene code. He could just make out the trap and the squirming rat trapped inside, his heart ached for it but luckily it wasn’t fully in the trap only it’s leg was stuck but he still had to act fast.
Copia reached out carefully praying the whole time that it wouldn’t hurt the rat too much as he carefully, slowly lifted the metal keeping in. When it was up he used his other hand to cradle the little rodent and threw the trap into the embers of the fire where it belonged. “Come on sweetheart, let Copia help.” He whispered softly as he brought her to the table, she was gorgeous with perfect a velvety tail and white fur, she would be the perfect companion for his little bambino’s if he could help her. Copia knew what he was doing, all higher ups were required to do a first aid corse although Nihil always found a way to get out of it, probably a good thing because Copia wouldn’t put it past him to start drinking the blood from the patients. He poured some still warm water from the kettle into a little jug and found a clean tea towel to use, the kitchen like every major room in the ministry had a first aid box so he hurried over to take some gauze and bandages hoping they wouldn’t be missed. The black leather of his gloves creaked as he removed them and the cold air felt strange when they were bare but this would be easier without, the little rat was bleeding quite a bit, luckily it won’t show on the red cassock. He dipped the tea towel into the hot water and started cleaning the wound. “They’re now Bella, it’s okay I know it hurts but Copi is here.” Its little squeaks shattered his heart more and more but needed to keep going to hold her firmly so she didn’t squirm away, he would help this rat. “That’s right, we’re nearly done. I’ll get you a treat I promise.” He wasn’t sure if it was more to reassure her or himself. Finally it was clean and he wrapped it up with the stolen bandages, “good girl, you’ve been so good.” He tied the bandage, he’d have to sneak some cream from the infirmary tomorrow. True to his word he reached over to the bowl of cheese he had grated and started feeding his new little friend, she was hesitant at first but must have sensed he meant no harm because she started nibbling. She nuzzled her soft little pointy nose into one of his scared palms investigating the raised welts from the punishments of his childhood. She lifted her own injured leg to press against his palm as if she understood and wanted to comfort him, “Yes, topolino I’m like you aren’t I? Mine doesn’t hurt anymore, I’ll take care of you so your leg won’t hurt anymore as well.” No one had looked after him, he had been left to lick his own wounds but he wasn’t going to let any innocent little creatures suffer now he could help. “Let’s get you to a nice cozy bed.” He also needed a cozy bed, his back was beginning to ache from being on his feet for so long, if he left it any longer he would be in pain tomorrow and he had already pushed himself too hard twice this month. “What should we call you?” He whispered as they made their way through the halls, he cradled her carefully against his chest and she seemed content to curl up in his hands, “How about Ravioli?” She let out an indignant squeal, “No eh ok. Penne?” That was met with a spin of what he believed was approval, “Penne it is then.”
The next morning Copia’s back was protesting his night of action, it would be a cane day but for once that fit with his plans. Penne was curled up in a little nest of straw next to Rigatoni, macaroni and Lasagna were in the castle somewhere. She looked much better now, clean after a bath in his sink last night and a meal. When Copia emerged from his room with his cane in hand he made his way through the halls unusually determined for an early morning, he had a plan. Down the darker less frequented hallways he found the first one, a mousetrap yet to be sprung and he quickly brought the end of his cane down on it. It snapped shut with a sickening snap and he pushed harder making it creak and groan until the plastic shattered. It would be a long morning but he wouldn’t stop until all those horrid contraptions were gone.