I hate to ask this, but the job I was supposed to get next week didn't pan out. we could use some assistance for life necessities while i apply to others.
About: It's Perpetua's first sermon and he goes missing. Brother Andrei is sent to fetch him.
Rating: Mostly safe, contains swearing
Characters: Papa V Perpetua, Brother of Sin OC
Misc: Church is called The Ministry of Ghost. Perpetua's a vampire.
Itās a very special day for the Ministry of Ghost. The newly anointed Papa V Perpetua is to give his first public sermon. Unlike the previous papas, he didnāt have a proper coronation. Rumor has it that Frater Imperator didnāt bother giving him one. This was to make up for it. Since the early morning, staff had been running around, getting the cathedral ready. And no staff was as busy as the ushers.
The ushers are the real heart of the church. They provided cleanliness, organization, security, and above all else, a welcoming aura. And to be an usher for the Ministry, one must go above and beyond. Especially, one who is the Head Usher.
Brother Andrei, and their can of Monster, made sure that all would go according to plan. The temperature of the place to be at a comfortable degree, extra seating being provided for the overflow of devotees, that the acolytes were provided with candles, wafers, and incense, plenty of pamphlets and music sheets to give out, having security ghouls escort the new papa upon his arrival, etc. And all with the most positive attitude they could muster.
After all was said and done, and their clipboard covered in check marks, Andrei decided to patrol the perimeters. As much as they wanted to attend the sermon, they felt it best to go get some fresh air. Thereās always next time. Right now, they just wanted to clear their mind and relax.
Until their walkie-talkie began to make noise.
They hoped it was nothing big that needed attention as they took the device off their belt loop.
āS-Sir, we have a situation,ā a voice spoke.
āWhatās the matter?ā they asked.
āUh, well, the new Papa. Heās, uhā¦ā
āWhat? The cushion on the throne too flat? Too much sunlight? Donāt tell me he went through all the blood bags alreadyā¦ā
āNo, none of that! Heās-ā the voice was cut off by another coming through.
āBROTHER ANDREI!ā
Oh no. Itās Frater Imperator.
āWHEREāS THAT FUCKING IDIOT?!ā he shouted.
āā¦Who?ā
āTHAT BROTHER OF MINE!ā
āOh. First off, calm the fuck down.ā
āā¦My apologies.ā
āThank you. Second, I honestly donāt know. I literally saw, with my own eyes, the ghouls escorting him inside the place.ā
āItās been ten minutes and there is no papa at the helm! I need you to find him!ā
āI seeā¦ Okay, Iāll have my team sniff him out immediately. Is that all?ā
āYes and hurry! I am counting on you as Dux Portero!ā
---
Andrei shouldāve known better than to let their guard down for a second. There had to be a bump in the road. And from this new papa of all people! Why did Frater wait that long to give them the heads up? They should cut him some slack. Heās still getting used to his new position, plus the addition of a new brother.
It didnāt take long for the ghouls to sniff out Perpetua. Andrei was surprised when they reported he was hiding in a coat closet of all places. Thankfully, he wasnāt crawling on the ceilings or hiding in the crypts. Once Andrei arrived, they gently shooed the ghouls away, assuring them that they could handle it from here. They picked up their walkie.
āHey Frater, you there?ā
āDid you find him?ā he asked.
āYes, Sir. On our way, ASAP.ā
āI knew you could do it! Bravo!ā
āGive your applause to the ghouls, please.ā
Attaching the walkie back to the belt loop, Andrei stared at the door for a moment. It just hit them that this will be their first time meeting Perpetua. They had been busy with the preparations, there was no chance to introduce themselves properly. Only viewing him from afar. What could he be like? They say heās Fraterās twin. Same personality, perhaps? Is that even possible from being separated for so long?
They looked over their outfit. Were they decent? No stains to be seen. Hair kept in a neat bun. Glasses are smudge-free, their name tag easy to read. Being on the heavy side, they were afraid the clothes might look tight on them. No way. They looked fine. Andrei hugged their clipboard as they cleared their throat. Here we go!
āPapa V Perpetua?ā Andrei knocked on the door. āYour dark excellency?ā
A noise was heard. Something hit the floor.
āI apologize if the ghouls startled you in any way,ā Andrei continued. āI also apologize that we are meeting like this. I am Brother Andrei, head usher for the Ministry. Frater has told me you are running late. So, Iām here to escort you back.ā
No response.
āPlease? Your sinful patrons are waiting for you.ā
Still nothing. Andrei shrugged and pulled their phone out. They set a timer for five minutes. Looking at their notifications, Frater sent them a text. It said he was going to stall the crowd until they got there. Thatās something at least. Andrei set a thumbs up and started to scroll through the social medias. When the timer went off, they put their phone away.
āOkay, Papa. We really should get going,ā they said.
Perpetua still hadnāt come out of the closet. Andrei felt a joke of some sort, but couldnāt come up with it at the moment.
Most of the time, Andrei can be patient. Itās one of their valued qualities as a worker, and what helped them get employed at the Ministry.
Patience is a virture, but this isnāt a Catholic church.
āPardon my mannerisms, Papa,ā Andrei began, their tone slightly annoyed. āI really donāt have time for this and you got people waitinā!ā
With that, they grabbed the handle and flung the door open. A startled hiss came out. There stood Perpetua, dressed in his new vestments. Andrei thought Frater had the shiniest vestments. Thatās no longer true. Perpetua could barely fit in there and was crouching. Gloved hands gripping onto his mitre. When they looked up at him, his eyes locked with theirs.
Andreiās annoyance melted away, now replaced with unease. His eyes continued to pierce into theirs, like he was examining their soul. They remembered the feeling. It was the same one when they first met Frater as a cardinal. Itās that white eye, Satanās eye. Perpetua finally broke contact for a moment to look Andrei over, his nose wrinkling. When he looked away, their shoulders relaxed as they exhaled. They hadnāt realized they were holding in their breath.
āSo, uh, letās go?ā
Perpetua shook his head no, and sinked further into the closet as best he could.
Oh, right. Andrei mentally slapped themselves. They shouldāve known better. Papa or not, his head was probably not in the right head space.
āIām sorry. You feelinā nervous?ā
Perpetua looked at them and nodded.
āThatās okay. Uh, is it ācuz of Frater?ā
He shook his head no.
āThe higher clergy people?ā
No.
āAfraid of messinā up?ā
A shrug.
āOrā¦ you afraid they wonāt like you?ā
His pointed ears perked up at those words. He nodded, hands really squeezing the mitre now.
āI see.ā
Andrei got as close as they thought they were permitted.
āWellā¦ Canāt know for sure ātil itās done, right?ā Andrei started. āIām sure theyāre gonna like you. That new single of yours really helped boost your popularity! If that helps,ā they shrugged.
ā...ā
āIā¦ I really liked it!ā they admitted.
āā¦ You did?ā His first words.
āOh shit, you can talk! I meanā¦ Yeah, I loved it!ā
Perpetuaās grip loosened some as he took in their words. Looking over their face, he could feel they were being genuine, and could hear how fast their heart was beating.
āAndā¦ my appearance in the video?ā he asked softly.
āHuh? Sorry, Iām hard of hearinā.ā
āThe video. Was my appearance liked too?ā he spoke up.
āOh absolutely! Itās all everyoneās been talkinā about,ā they smiled.
Finally, Perpetua stepped out, with Andrei moving back to give space. Theyāre used to being short, but seeing him straightened up, they were surprised at how tall he was. About the same height as Frater, maybe an inch taller. Could be the shoes, though.
āBrother Andrei, is it?ā he asked, looking down at them.
āYes, Sir.ā
āAndreiā¦ Iām sorry for keeping everyone waiting, especially you,ā he started. āIāve had to deal with a lot of things lately. New residence, new family, new positionā¦ It can be a lot at times. I find my tongue being held by an imp of some kind,ā he chuckled.
They nodded, and scratched the back of their head.
āIām not sure what to say to that. I get not likinā change, but itās a natural thing,ā they said. āYou were chosen for this path for a reason.ā
They smiled at him.
āSatan sees potential in you. A papa once said, āThe Dark One believes in us just as we believe in him.ā Not sure if I quoted that correctly, but the statement stands. The congregation believes in you, Papa. And so do I!ā
A lump formed in Perpetuaās throat, but he swallowed it. He reached for Andreiās free hand. Lifting it up to his lips, he planted a kiss. Andrei couldnāt help but blush, hoping he wouldnāt notice. A mark was left.
āThank you, Andrei! Your lovely words have touched me,ā he smiled at them. āI feel like I can face my new flock with ease now.ā
āI-Itās nothinā, really,ā they chuckled shyly. āHow ābout we get goinā?ā
āOf course, my dear,ā he smiled, kissing their hand again.
Once Andrei gently pulled away, Perpetua put on his headpiece.
āHow do I look?ā he asked.
As they looked him over, Andrei felt a slight tingle down their spine. They began to have thoughts, very bloody thoughts. But, those can be saved for another time.
āYou look exquisite, Papa,ā they bowed.
At last, Andreiās mission was complete. Not only were they able to escort Perpetua back, they helped melt away his nerves in their own way. Despite being very late, everyone welcomed him with open arms! The sermon was a success. The high clergy seemed impressed and Frater didnāt lose his head, for now. It was times like these that reminded Andrei the number one duty of a Ghost usher: to make someone feel like they belonged here. And what an impression they left on Perpetua.
A very special impression.
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed!
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Some quick cheebs, coincidentally in time for pride month lol
Once again I am unable to find the original image for this meme but I stg it is out there somewhere; if you have it send it to me and I'll add it in here
The ghost portrait series has been updated š I do so miss having so many photos of rituals to look through though š„² I just have to sit and hope theyāll come to canada later š
Missilia Amori being played live. Papa V with his claws. And when it gets to that part "Wherever you may hide away!" He scans the crowd, then makes eye contact with you. You feel a chill. "I'm gonna hunt you down!" Eyes still on you, he gets as close as possible. "Wherever you may hide away, I'm gonna hunt you down!" A claw pointing at you, as he smiles. That same smile from the Lachryma video.
Credit to @moonlightbewitched for adding in the smile
Because I need to ramble or else Iāll explode, hereās my review of each song on the album. Rating with skulls. Five skulls being the highest and one skull being the lowest. These are my opinions. Will contain vulgar language. If you continue, you have accepted the incoherent ramblings of a mad bat.
1. Peacefield
First time I heard it, I thought it was an okay song. The second time aroundā¦ The chorus is beautiful, like going to church. Well, a Satanic one in this case. Itās a song of reassurance. Yes, these are dark times, but we will get through. And Papa has his hand out for you to hold. The song had me tearing up.
Rating: 5 Skulls
2. Lachryma
Immediate hook. Itās giving so much 80ās horror vibes. I can see people making music videos with horror movie clips to this song. Hell, even Scooby-Doo! Canāt properly explain how much I love this song. I need it injected into my veins. The official music video itself is so hypnotic. I canāt stop watching Papa (Iām fixated on his teeth) and the Ghouls.
Rating: 5 Skulls
3. Satanized
An even more immediate hook, if that makes sense! What can I say that hasnāt already been said? Instant hit. Itās one that can be interpreted in any way, especially with a line such as āI have begged God for the remedy, but Iām no longer sure!ā So addicting. I think they somehow put crack in it. I never get tired of replaying it. Need to work on my dance moves for my ritual.
Rating: 5 Skulls
4. Guiding Lights
I may have been influenced by the alleged fact that it was supposed to be for a specific, heart-breaking scene in Arcane Season 2. Sorrow, frustration, a plea for answers, having to watch someone make a choice you know isnāt right. The vocals in the last chorus are sooooooo good! Peacefield is a tear starter, but Guiding Lights has me sobbing. āThe road that leads to nowhere is longā¦ā
Rating: 5 Skulls
5. De Profundis Borealis
āThe song was always intended to sound, eh, I guess in a way uh kinda like a black metal song. [He faces the camera] I know itās not a black metal song, so you donāt have to fucking get going!ā ā Tobias Forge, for Metal Hammer
I have very little experience with black metal, but I think I heard it! As a song about regret, the lyrics sell it. It starts off calmly, then whirls you into a storm. The ending is very haunting. Not sure what else to say. Itās an enjoyable song.
Rating: 4 Skulls
6. Cenotaph
The beginning is definitely interesting. I wasnāt sure where it was gonna go, ha-ha! A memorial song. A reminder that even though those who have passed are gone physically, they still live on within us. I have lost a couple loved ones, so this song is a nice listen when I donāt wanna be sad from Life Eternal. āWherever I go, youāre always there riding next to me.ā
Rating: 3 Skulls
7. Missilia Amori
This song is a literal soundgasm. I donāt care that thatās not a real word. DID I HEAR CORRECTLY? WERE THOSE MOANS??? I need this song to fuck me, fill me. Papa V can come hunt me down and do whatever. If he shows me his, you bet your ass Iām showing him mine. I have nothing but horny thoughts. This is a hate fuck song and I love it.
Rating: 5 Skulls, plus the Eggplant and Water Drops emojis
8. Marks Of The Evil One
This song definitely gives off older Ghost vibes with the lyrics, like if Opus had been done in this time period. If thatās what youāre looking for, this song is for you. With the arrival of the Four Horsemen, there is the fear of the marks of the Evil One. A very catchy song! I find myself bobbing my head to it a lot.
Rating: 4 Skulls
9. Umbra
Alright! Weāre fucking again! The intro should sound very familiar to Ghost fans. Didnāt expect to get fucked by two songs on this album! The imagery of the altar, candles, and shadows. The guitar solos coming together as one. Same feelings as with Missilia Amori. āStripped of sin, deep within, I will make you my angel.ā Dear Satan, the chill that went up my spine!
Rating: 4.5 Skulls- Iāll give it a full 5 if Papa can come put his love in me
10. Excelsis
āGo live your lives, god damn it.ā ā Tobias Forge, for Metal Hammer
At first listen, I thought it was an okay song. Thereās parts of it that I felt couldāve been reworked more. I donāt know. Iām not a professional. Now that Iāve had the chance to hear it on repeatā¦ Like Peacefield, I want to tear up. Weāre alive now, and we need to live as much as we can. Do as much as we can. Love as much as we can. A song that pulls at my heartstrings. From now on, not a song Iād want to put on repeat in my everyday life, but when Iām in need of a reminder to live. Funny how this is a song about not needing to focus too much on that weāre gonna die, and itās the last song of the album. āThis is the end of the avenue. I am afraid of eternity, too.ā Damn.
Rating: A generous 3 Skulls
Overall Album Review
Skeleta seems to be a soundtrack to a play/opera/etc, and I say that as a compliment. Peacefield and Excelsis are a great beginning and ending. Though not so Satanic as whatās expected of Ghost albums, the style for this album works. Itās focusing more on oneās emotional side. Our ups and downs. Inner demons. Huh, maybe it is Satanic after all, ha-ha! Papa V and the Ghouls are the actors and do a phenomenal job. As always, you can hear Tobiasās inspirations in his music, which I always welcome with open arms.
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