Papa emeritus IV X Ghoul!Mom!F!Reader
Chapter 5
Word: 4.1k
-----
Today felt off. You feel a little tense. You had since you agreed to aide in the summoning. Copia had known he was asking a lot, having you be the lead ghoul, but he explained that it felt right to at least ask. You were seen as a motherly figure to most ghouls in the abbey. A soft presence with a guiding hand and gentle voice. Most ghouls are confused and disoriented immediately after being summoned.
It's a painful experience. Being ripped through the veil. So he thought having you there to help reorient the ghoul and if push comes to shove, help subdue them with your quintessince. He neglected to say it would also be a comfort to him, along with all his ghouls being present. Including Aether.
The chatter was constant. Everyone you passed in the halls was talking about tonight's ritual. Copia had reassigned your normal chores to someone else for the next couple days, much to your disliking. He left a note insisting you resting was going to be important. Its not your first time aiding in a summoning, you had been present for several. Even after having the experience you were anxious about the looming evening and the events to follow.
Something just felt strange. Strange in a way that has your intuition screaming at you. It would be a long night or possibly a long couple of days. It would depend on how the summoned ghoul adjusted. With the way you were feeling you were assuming it would not go the way everyone was hoping. Only time would tell.
Continuing down the hall you head back to your room. You had slept in his room again last night. This morning being the first time you had awoken in his bed though. When you had come to the realization of where you were, you felt a small swarm of butterflies in your stomach. At some point, he must have moved you from the couch. He was long gone by the time you had come to, having slept till late morning. He had left the previously mentioned note to explain his absence.
Your relationship with your current Papa has been evolving at a rapid pace. Less than two weeks ago you hadn't know a lot about him outside of his role or what you had learned when he was Cardinal. He knew even less about you. Whatever was taking place between you was happening at a neck-breaking speed. It was hard to think about. If you thought about it too hard you'd spiral and that wouldn't benefit anyone.
Entering your room you rummaging around for a fresh pair of clothes, still being in your clothing from the day prior. You planned on taking a long, hot, everything shower in hopes of melting some of the tension and worry away. Going to the connected bathroom you start the shower. Taking your clothes off you step into the spray of water. Looking up you close your eyes and just let the water cascade down your body. The warmth slowly beginning to strip away your thoughts as you focus on the feeling. Taking this opportunity to wash away the grime and dirt you begin your routine.
After spending a good chunk of time pampering yourself, you exit your shower. Though you now felt more relaxed you could not shake that stubborn nagging voice in the back of your head. You still couldn't identify if it was completely bad. Wrapping a soft towel around your body you start brushing your teeth. While brushing you look in the mirror. Having had so much going on the past week you hadn't had much time to really study yourself. You looked brighter. Not quite as tired. Noticing this brought other realizations to the surface. You feel better. Not quite so weighted. You had slept better these last four days then you had in what felt like ages. Was it sleeping with another person present? Or was it not have to carry the weight of feeling alone and building a connection? Or maybe both. You weren't sure but whatever it was, you definitely felt better.
Copia is healing a little part of you that much is clear. You swiftly finish up your daily morning hygiene and move to dress yourself. Forgoing the uniform you normally wear you opt for a simple black sleeveless high-neck catsuit. Comfortable yet functional.
Leaving the bathroom you seat yourself at your desk and look over some of the pages lying on it. A chore schedule, an empty sketch page, a copy of the announcements for the week. Grabbing the sketch paper and sliding the pencil holder closer, you grab one from its confines. Starting in the corner the pencil glides across the paper, leaving a trail of graphite behind.
With each stroke, an image begins to unravel. Drawing from memory you did your best to depict your subject. Slowly but surely, Primo's face becomes clearer. A warm look on his features. Primo had always had this air of calm control. After a while of line work and shading you sit back and admire the small sketch of your dear friend. Deciding you're not done, you shift your area of focus on the paper. Dragging the first line you begin again. This time it's Sodo's face that starts to take shape. Unmasked and wild. After you move on again. Copia's strong face making its appearance. Him in the morning after falling asleep on the couch, his simple paints smeared out of place.
You take extra care on the last one though. Detailing every feature to be as close to an exact match as you possibly can. In the leftover space, you draw your kit. The memories of him in his infancy flood your mind. The paper portrayed a small kit in a bassinet sleeping. Tail curled up over the abdomen and hair unruly.
You continue to draw with as much precision as you can muster when a knock sounds after your door. "It's open." You call out into the room. You knew who it was before they even opened the door. Glancing over as Sodo makes his way through the door you quietly go back to working on your sketch. Sodo peeks over your shoulder at your little art project. "What are you working on?" Still shading away you give a simple reply. "Just drawing. Relaxes me."
He studies the page that you were so carefully scribbling away at. The first thing he noticed was himself. Your perception of him gave him a slight flutter of joy. He takes in the two Papa's before honing in on your current illustration. "You're good." He turns and takes a seat on your bed. "Thank you. I've had time to practice." You chuckle. Taking a pause you set your pencil down, maneuvering your body to face him. "What are you up to. You normally don't come find me until after or during lunch."
Throwing his helmet on the bed beside him he flops back on the bed. He pulls his blond hair free from its bun. "I got bored. Papa gave us the day off because of tonight. He's working on preparations for everything. Speaking of which he mentioned you being there." Leaning into the chair you sigh. "Yeah, he asked me to lead in trying to settle the new ghoul." He nods. "I'll stick by you." "What don't think I can handle myself? I know I'm old but if I remember correctly I was present for a certain ghouls summoning. I'd say I handled myself just fine." "I know you were, but that's not what I meant and you know it Ma." You giggle. "I know but I've got to tease you a little bit. I'd appreciate the help if the time comes." Seemingly having built up the courage to ask Sodo sits up onto his elbows. "Who are you drawing?" Looking back at your paper you glance over it.
"Oh. This? Just little things from my memories." You half deflect then remind yourself that you've got to try. "I've got Primo, my best friend. You and Copia. This little devil here. This is my kit in infancy." You look at the drawing with such fondness. "You have a kit?" Sodo sits up completely now. "I sure do. Been quite some time since I've seen my boy though. He was left behind when I was summoned." Quietly as if not sure to say he mutters a "I'm sorry". You hand him the page so he can look closer. "He's younger than you. Probably closer in age to Rain, but still a bit younger. He was wild and full of energy. I think about him almost every day."
You drag the folder with the older drawing out and hand him that one too. He looks up at you again. "How many people know?" "Primo was the only one I ever told, well and now you." He focuses on you, then the pictures, then on you again. "You've been up here for over a century, and you've carried that essentially alone." Sighing you adjust your chair to better face him and relax back. It felt nice to talk about him. "It took a long time for me to be okay. When I was summoned, I was very feral. A mother ripped from her kit, then cornered. A marvelous combination if you're seeking out bloodshed. They were not experienced and did not know how to handle ghouls at the time." You paused. "I was locked away for a couple of years to ensure others' safety. Eventually, I became stable enough to gain some freedom. It takes a lot of pain to become this gentle. I've been here a long time but time doesn't heal all pains unfortunately. You learn to live with them and yourself. Or you let them drive you mad." "You hiding anything else?" You shoot him a mischievous grin. "Most definitely, but maybe you can learn more later. I'm getting hungry." He chuckles and hands the papers back to you. You place them in the folder and stand. You both secure your masks in place and leave the room behind.
---
You both decided to track down the rest of the Imperia ghouls to eat together. After tracking everyone down you all sat down and enjoyed a meal together. After today they were going to have a significant change and invite a new face to their circle. Your only hope is that it goes over well and they are all able to get along.
After all the jovial conversation and eating everyone agreed to meet up right before the summoning. You decide to see if you could sniff out Copia. Much to your luck he was in the first place you looked, his office, but you couldn't be granted to much luck because he wasn't alone. You decide to chance a knock anyway. The worst thing is he says it's not a good time. The talking in the room quiets for a moment and then the door opens. Copia in full paints meets you, keeping the door half shut. "Ah! Il mio fiore. Come posso aiutarla?" You try not to look past him out of respect. "Hi Papa! Is now a bad time?" You try to be as polite as possible knowing who's on the other side of the door. You didn't want to cause trouble for him or yourself. "Purtroppo è proprio adesso. Mi dispiace, fiore mio. Mi dispiace anche per stamattina." You note his use of only Italian. He wanted to keep the words mostly private. In a lower voice, you reply. "It's quite alright. I'm sorry to have bothered you while busy, Papa. Would it be okay for me to stop by later?"
Before he could answer a female voice interjects. "If you are so sorry why are you still talking. He is busy. Why must you bother him on such a day knowing well enough?" Sister Imperator moves behind Copia to get a look at who interrupted.
A look of disgust crosses her face when she recognizes you. "It's disrespectful and you should feel ashamed. You of all people should know this." She scoffs. "But then again you've always been a nuisance and stuff your nose in places it doesn't belong." Your ears flatten back and tail flicks subtly with irritation. "I apologi-" "No, don't apologize." He turns his body towards his mother. "That was very unnecessary and disrespectful. We were having a convention. I would appreciate it if you do not speak to her in such a manner again!" She glared over his shoulder. "Why are you defending her. I can think of so many better to converse with than her." She was not fond of you.
You and her had a history of disagreeing with each other, to put it nicely. "That is enough." His voice was stern and commanding. He pivots his body towards you and ushers you away from the door.
Expecting him to close the door he surprises you by coming into the hall with you, securing the door shut behind him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to add trouble to your already full plate." He smiles softly and brings his gloved hands to rest on your cheek. "I am the one who needs to apologize. I should not have allowed that to happen. I am sorry." He rubs his thumb over your cheekbone. "What did you need, il mio fiore?" You smile back at him. "It's alright. It is not the first time, and it surely won't be the last time she shares her distaste for me. I just wanted to come make sure you had eaten or if there was anything I could do to lighten your load." "I haven't eaten. I will, no doubt. Thank you for caring. As of right now I don't have anything I myself can delegate." He seems to decompress somewhat. "I'm sorry about leaving you this morning. I was hoping to spend a bit of time with you before the chaos took over, but as it normally goes, I cannot escape it. There is a chance we will not be able to see each other for a while outside of taking care of the new ghoul. Not until the ritual is complete and the ghoul is either settled or subdued. I will seek you out whenever I can."
Warmth spread through your chest. You give him your best reassuring look. "I completely understand, Copia. I know things are going to be hectic. It'll be ok." His free hand lands on your other cheek. Now cradling your face he leans in to place a firm kiss on your forehead. Butterflies erupted in your stomach. "Thank you, il mio fiore. I appreciate you. When we do have time, I want to show you something." Letting his hands fall away to his side. He stepped back and nodded. "I must cut our time short, il mio fiore." You wave him on. "Get going, busy man." With that, he walks into his office. You backpedal until your back hits the wall behind you, never taking your eyes off the door he disappeared through. You blow out a deep sigh. He gave you the warm fuzzies and butterflies. Shit.
---
You were trying to keep your mind off Copia and what transpired earlier. You were failing. It was taking over every other thought. You didn't understand what was wrong with you. You were a grown ass demonic being from hell. You had killed and fought, and yet you felt like you were ready to giggle and kick your feet like a youngling with a crush.
Keeping a steady pace to the agreed meeting spot, you try the clear your head. You didn't need to be distracted. Especially when the summoning started. There was little room for errors or lives could be lost. Turning a corner the group of ghouls you were looking for came into sight. No one was masked. Not even you. "Hey guys. Do we have anyone?" Everyone looked around. "Everyone is accounted for." Mountain comments. You nod. "Good let's get this show on the road." The group begins to make its way the the basement staircase. The abbey has a bi-level basement. You would be on the lower level. As you make your way down the stairs and the drywall turns to stone, the feeling from the morning returns to you. This time it was so intense it slammed into you like a ton of bricks, making you stop in your tracks. That nagging voice in the back of your head and weighted stone in the pit of your stomach. Something was coming. Something big. You let out a slow breath and restart your descent.
Sodo's hand lands on your shoulder. Looking over at him he asks "Are you okay?". You smile and nod. "I'm fine. Just got a weird feeling." He studies your face. "Should we be worried?" You shake your head. "I don't think so, but I don't think it's a bad idea to keep our guard up a little high." Everyone around you nods.
Making it to the bottom you come face to face with 2 large doors to either side and a set of double doors straight ahead. The ceiling here was quite tall, reaching 14 ft tall. Heading forward you all approach to ornate double doors. The closer you get the louder the voice sings. Your anxiety grows. What's going on? You've been a part of several summoning rituals. Never have you felt this way. Mountain and Rain make it to the doors first and begin pushing on them. Your ears flatten back and tail thrashing in small, violent, movements. The voice is screaming. Something's coming! You want to scream back at it. What? What is coming? Sodo sudden grip on your hand startles you. You look at him. His eyes hold concern. Able to sense a little bit of your inner turmoil. You look ahead as the door fully open and you see into the ritual room. The voice goes silent, leaving you with a worse feeling. You can't place it. Should you be scared? You don't know, but it definitely left you feeling unsettled.
Everyone ventures into the large room. The stone architecture in the room was always a breathtaking sight. Siblings rush around doing the finishing touches on everything. Lighting the candles that litter the room and picking up supplies. Most of the preparations were done from what you could tell. There was a large sigil painted in the center of the room. Each one of you takes a spot around the circle standing about 4 feet back to allow room. Aether to your left and Sodo to your right. We would stay and wait for the rest of the involved clergy to arrive. Standing in your spot you find you can't relax. Your body wound tight. That feeling that at any moment something will go wrong. Your eyes bounce from corner to corner. Person to person. You fidget with your hands to try and release some of the anxious energy.
You wouldn't have to wait too long. Roughly six minutes later the doors open again to permit Copia, Sister Imperator, and high Clergymen entry. Any siblings who needed to took leave, others stayed and lined the walls away from the circle. Copia was the first to join the circle from the coming group. He chose to stand directly across from you. He was in a lighter version of his blue papal robes, granting more mobility should he need it, and a full face of his paints. The rest of the participants trickle into the circle. Sister takes her spot off to the side as a spectator.
Copia's eyes linger on you before looks around at everyone and nodding. "Everyone is aware of your roles?" All present nod in agreement. "Good. Then let us being." He is then handed an open book. Old. Ancient. A book of the damned and broken. Finding the correct text he begins the ritual. His voice bouncing off the walls with a slight echo. The Clergymen begin a chant of there one meant to amplify Copia's. Nothing happens for what feels like an eternity. The only sounds filling the room were the men's voices. Suddenly the flames of the candles intensify and begin the dance wildly. The room begins to feel heavier and the temperature begins to rise. Keeping your eyes glued to the center you watch the already there cracks in the stone. They begin to cave and widen, a red orange light seeping through.
Abruptly a screeching hiss ripes through the warm air. A sound a wild animal makes when its wounded and fighting for its life. Copia's chants hold steady. The ghoul begins to crawl out of the opening in the ground. Its pained cries peirce through you. Preparing your self for whats to come, a mop of wavy hair is the first thing you notice. Once out of the opening the ghoul erratically looks around the room a low threatening growl escapes their chest.
Copia finishes the chant effectively sealing the hole that was there mere seconds ago. The ghoul locks onto Copia. Ears and body language promising violence. Before he can finish his first step you yell out a "Hey!" and do a quick pull at the ghouls essence, successfully grabbing his attention. He whirls around to face you.
The moment you lock eyes you freeze. You know. You know what your intuition was screaming. You understand. You had been thinking about it all wrong. Had been convinced it was something bad. These thoughts take over your mind as he lunges. Copia yells your name out in a panic throwing an arm out as if he could reach you with his thoughts alone. The Clergymen flee the circle. You hear everything but it all feels like it's going in slow motion. You can't move. You know those angry, feral, eyes. You know them. Tears begin streaming down your face. Before the ghoul can reach you Sodo body checks the ghoul, sending him tumbling to the ground. "Don't you fucking touch her!" Sodo's voice was full of rage. Your knees give way and gravity pulls you down as you let out a grief-stricken wail that racks your whole body. The ghoul attempts to get back up but Sodo prevents it with a hard shove and a savage hiss. They begin struggling to overtake each other.
Copia rushes around towards you and Aether kneels to try and help. Mountain, Swiss, and Rain make a move to try and help Sodo keep the ghoul at bay. All the while the girls stand back to protect the others in the room. You shrugged Aether off and attempted to crawl forward, sobbing. Sodo raises his arm the strike the ghoul again as the ghoul attempts to bring his legs up to kick Sodo off. "SODO! No! It's him! It's my phantom! It's him!" You plead. Everything in the room stops, except for your cries. No one moves another inch. Sodo makes eye contact with you immediately. Pure shock on clear display. The same shock can be seen on the ghoul's face. Phantom's face.
You drag yourself towards them. Sodo steps back, the entire room still silent. Everyone holds their breath, as if any movement or sound would cause this to go south. You bring yourself right in front of him, settling on your knees. Hiccuping, you bring your shaking hands up but don't touch him. Studying his face you see recogniznition creep into his features. His lip is cut but otherwise he's fine. He looked older then when you'd last seen him. Only slightly. You can't believe it. He's sitting right in front of you.
Suddenly he launches himself into your arm. Everyone in the room flinches, those closest to you ready to reach out and rip him off of you. Your sobs ramp back up as you embrace him as tight as you can. Your tear stained face lodged in his shoulder. His body begins to shake against you.
Sister Imperator stomps towards the circle before demanding "What is the meaning of this!?" She gestures to you and the ghoul. Nobody knows what to say. Nobody know what's going on. Nobody... expect Sodo. "That's her son." He says, watching the two of you. Now its his turn to be looked at in shock.
----
Come posso aiutarla? - how can I help you?
mi dispiace, fiore mio - Im sorry my flower
purtroppo è proprio adesso - unfortunately it is right now
Mi dispiace anche per stamattina - I'm sorry about this morning too.
----
Tags!
@maddie-21-skye
@seestorpopia31
@water-ghoulette
@chezze-its
@aphroditeadores
@thirstyroses-world
