#if Copia dies I swear to Satan

[copias-girl]

why. is the writing. fucking dripping. with blood now.

We’ve had Satanic Panic now get ready for fucking ✨Satanic Anxiety Attack✨

[cloudghoul32]

If Copia dies I SWEAR TO SATAN

[feartheoldblog]

ok here goes i guess. full disclaimer ghost is the only band i have a shirt of so uh yeah i think their music is ok. also your post reminded me they have a new ep i havent listened to yet so ive been playing that all day.

the chronology is kind of split up by album so ill go by that

Opus Eponymous (good fucking metal album):

So ghost started out as a concept band of over-the-top tongue-in-cheek anonymous satan worshippers. That has since changed for a couple reasons I'll get into. Anonymity was a big thing for the first few albums, every song was credited as written by a "nameless ghoul" and they all wore masks and the frontman wore corpse paint and i think some facial prosthetics so you couldnt tell who anyone was. Of course some people had guesses (and they turned out to be right lmao). The frontman was called Papa Emeritus and he wore like evil satan antipope clothes and shit. There's also this whole "Clergy" thing which is like the satanic church ghost represents - they're also a band in lore, and their goal is to gain converts by getting fans through the music.

Infestissumam (my favorite album):

Papa Emeritus 1 was an old man and one day he died. I think. Or he retired or something. So to release the new album, we got Papa Emeritus 2, who was Papa 1's younger brother (still like in his 40s or 50s or so). It was still obviously the same guy behind the makeup but who cares its lore baby. I think they actually summoned satan? There's a reading of the first two albums as concepts of a group doing evil magic devil summoning and then a world where the antichrist is actually walking around doing stuff. Anyway I don't remember Papa 2 doing much.

Meliora (their best album but not my favorite. ):

Papa 2 got taken out behind the shed or something i wasnt really into the lore at this point. Being into Ghost and being into the lore is two very different things, you really gotta be paying attention to be in on the lore. Papa Emeritus 3 debuts with this album, which also marks the band's beginning of their shift towards a more poppy sound (the is Ghost metal? debate has been waged for years by the worst metal fans in the world [on both sides] and all i have to say is if you need music to fall into a definition of your preferred genre in order to like it you don't like music, you like putting things in boxes and sounding smart). Papa 3 was the youngest brother, and he was big into the limelight and rockstar image in a way his more serious older brothers were not. This was also a height of their popularity anecdotally (i swear i heard square hammer on the radio once). Papa 3 was a slut, he was absolutely the one to fuck with socks on. Which is funny, cause I had never heard that bit about him fucking with socks on but I do know a guy in real life who fucked with socks on. Crazy.

Prequelle (came out right before covid lmao their weakest album though imo):

Papa 3 was abducted by goons right at the end of their big tour. oh no what happened? They started putting out "Message from the Clergy" videos on their youtube (might still be there) which introduced our boy Cardinal Copia (not a member of the family) who was a mousy little clergyman, and Papa 0 who was like the head of the church (and a few nuns i forget their names). Also in one of those videos all 3 former Papas were killed (they were alive? huh). Prequelle is also where the lawsuit happened which, uh, was a big fucking mess to put it lightly. Band members of the previous three albums were arguing with the frontman about pay (which was an issue cause like i said before, all the songs were credited to an anonymous ghoul), and like limb bizkit says its all about the he said she said bullshit. anyway they had to break the anonymity to go to court, so people learned that the frontman was actually Tobias Forge (formerly of Subvision). This was the prevailing theory by the way not the hugest surprise. I'm not going to get into details of the trial (cause i forget really) but im sure you can find it on the fuckin sweden legal database or whatever. Anyway, the band did kind of break up over this - some of the original longtime members left and Forge continued with the name Ghost and a rotating group of musicians.

Impera (impera is good but when i listened to it i was also having kind of a major depressive episode so that may have affected my opinion):

This is where I largely fell out of the Ghost lore loop. I hear Copia got promoted to Papa 4 which is good for him, nice kid. He's in like his 40s too i think.

They're kinda like the Four Kings cause a new one comes in when the old one dies and if you don't do enough damage there's actually 5 of them. and their music sucks

THE FOUR KINGS REF 😭😭😭

ghost WISH they could have a cultural impact as profound as dark souls 1’s four kings battle and boss theme

thank you for the proper run down i was fighting for my life trying to piece everything together from the shreds i could find (i refuse to watch a 40 minute youtube video sorry i’m stubborn). it literally reminded me of when i first played bb and was like ‘what the fuck happened’, went researching and ended up even more confused.

also you’re so real for your comment on forcing music into really specific categories. why can’t people just enjoy something without arguing over stupid shit like that………… rock? metal? nah, they’re just cringe. embrace it and be free.

question to leave bc i’m a souls bro

who would win in a fight: copia or patches dark soul?????

discuss

[gh0stchoir]

head in hands if copia dies i swear to fucking satan.

[oldonemaster]

So here are mine few things from my Prague ritual:

BABIES! BABIES EVERYWHERE!!!

Was pointed by Aether. I've been blessed!He's a pure gold.

Copia pointed at me twice. TWICE! Jfc to him I WASN'T READY FOR THIS.

Had an eye-contact with beefy boy.

Had an eye-contact with Copia. A bit on during "Cirice" and a whole FUCKING CURSED EYE-CONTACT during "Satan Prayer". He with his cape and that goddamn white eye are gonna haunt me till the end of my life.

My man. I swear to anyone this is not a ghoul. It's a work of art. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I was hypnotized by him. Probably, lost a lot of things, but I don't care. He noticed me when I showed to him that sigh that he shows during "Year Zero" mostly, while everyone else just showing them a "goat". He looked at me and it looked like:" Yeah baby. Exactly". I'm pretty sure I died and I'm typing from my grave when I saw him on his knees, praying. Also when I was singing to him "just wanna be, i wanna bewitch you" he looked right at me and I died on that moment for the second time.

Aether being such a goof during "Spirit" he gave a bump to Swiss cause no one else didn't want to do that. BABIES!!!

Somehow got an eye-contact with the goblin. Looks like he noticed that I've been watching at my man for all the time mostly, and he tried to get some attention. Ha! But also seeing their eyes through the mask is so weird.

Rain. PURE BABY BOY!!! Literally the cutest ghoul! He was doing those leggy things a couple times on my side, but still not enough of him.

Swiss and Aether being babies were sending kisses to each other during "Kiss the Go-Goat".

At the end on my side I saw how Rain hugged Dew from the back and make a titanic pose. I just can't handle it.

Copia looked at me, sent a kiss and oh myy good he was so precious on that moment!!!

Cirrus gave me heart-hands. Absolute babe!

In conclusion: I love one (1) nasty man/ghoul who totally ruined my life and I'm thankful him for that.

[ghostheadcanons]

Papas + Copia: Holding Their Child for the First Time

Anonymous said:

Fluff ahead! How would the Papas and Copia react to holding their children for the first time? (Bonus: what would they name them?)

We had their reactions to hearing you were pregnant...but what comes next, dear readers? What comes next? 

Hell! :D

Papa Nihil:

When your water breaks, he doesn’t panic--he’s done this before. The old man is excited! He squeezes your hand as Sister Imperator leads you downstairs in the Ministry. “Life is coming, cara mia! You’re going to be a mother!”

They have a ‘birthing chamber’ set up--and plenty of painkilling magic to make the birth a little easier for you. Which is good, because it’s going to be a hard labor. 

Imperator gives you directions while Papa Nihil holds your hand. “Push! Push, now!”

It takes a long time, but the baby is finally born--a little girl with nubby horns and the Emeritus eyes. The baby is screaming and nearly bites Imperator’s fingers off with a full set of sharp teeth. 

She hands the child over to the healers, who get her cleaned up and swaddled. You’re exhausted. “Is...is she okay...?”

“She’s fine, dear, just fine. Hush, hush now...” Imperator walks back over with the baby. Nihil has his hands out impatiently, waiting to hold his very first daughter. 

He never thought he’d get another chance to be a father, but here it is, in his arms, looking him in the face. Something wet is trickling down his cheeks. Papa Nihil blinks--and realizes that he’s crying. 

“Cara mia, look at our child,” he whispers.

“She’s beautiful,” you say softly. 

You settle on the name Thomasin. Papa Nihil wanted a happy name, something from a story with a happy ending. Imperator fully approved. 

It’s going to be a lot of hard work, raising a baby with this much demon blood in her.

But between the three of you, you have your bases covered. 

Papa I:

He’s very calm during the whole process. He takes you by the arm, leading you gently. “Come, beloved. It’s time.” 

He has his own ‘birthing chamber’ set up, with incense and plants and herbal remedies. 

His healing magic is much stronger than the Ministry’s typical healers, so he’s able to dull the pain to a far greater degree. 

It’s an easy birth--no complications, nothing goes wrong. 

You give birth to a beautiful baby boy. The child is crying when he comes out, but is easily soothed. 

Papa I takes the boy into his arms, looking over his new charge. He smiles wide. “Praise to Satan, for such a wonderful gift...look, lamb. He has your nose...”

“And your eyes.” You’re smiling back at him, breathing heavily. 

“He is almost as beautiful as the Morning Star himself...” Papa I sits beside you, and the two of you fondly regard your son for awhile.

Lucian is going to do great things. You’re both sure of it. 

Papa II:

Your water has broken early--three weeks early, as a matter of fact. You begin to panic, but Papa II gains control of the situation quickly. “Caro. Breathe. And get in the car.”

He’s quick to get you to the hospital. You’re in a lot of pain--not even the epidural dulls the sting.

Papa II sits by your side, holding your hand, letting you squeeze as tightly as you need to. You’re nearly thrashing and screaming by the time the baby is crowning.

The lights are flickering. Static blurs the monitors, guttural whispers fill the room. The doctors are incredibly unnerved, but one glare from Papa II is enough to keep them working. 

And it all stops when the baby is born. 

You nearly have a heart attack when you don’t hear the crying--is your baby breathing??--but by the time the nurses have your daughter bundled and handed to Papa II, the both of you can see that her eyes are open, and she is, indeed, breathing. 

Her eyes are dark, moody--like her father’s. She’s staring intensely at him, almost like she’s sizing him up. 

“Hnah...I....I don’t think...she’s impressed....” you croak, managing a little laugh.

“Shhhh. You need your rest.” Papa II runs a hand gently through your tangled hair. “Are you alright, caro?”

“I’ll live...but I’m never...letting you fuck me again...without a condom.”

“Hm.” He gets a little smirk, looking his daughter up and down. Checking for horns, or a tail. “I won’t take any chances.”

“Sir?” 

Papa II glowers over at the interrupting nurse. To her credit, she doesn’t back down. “Do you...have a name picked out?”

He looks back at the girl in his arms, tilting his head a bit.

“...Cathisma,” he finally answers. “Cathisma Emeritus.”

“What a pretty name....” you sigh, closing your eyes. 

The pregnancy is over. Now the hard part is only just beginning. 

But with your Papa at your side, you’re sure you can handle it. 

Papa III:

After months and months of preparing for parenthood, Papa III is starting to feel a little more confident. A little more happy. A little more ready.

That all goes out the window when you go into labor. 

“Cazzo!” he swears, eyes wide. “Okay--okay--get in the car, we’re going to the hospital!”

Both of you are freaking out the whole time. He runs in there with you in a wheelchair, babbling at the receptionist. “She’s pregnant! I’m the dad! It’s coming out!”

Nothing incredibly strange or unusual happens--no flickering lights or weird voices--and the epidural helps. Papa III is holding your hand, trying to reassure you that it’ll be okay. He feels like he might faint. 

But everything seems to slow to a halt when they hand him the first bundle. 

He stares into the eyes of his son--they’re your eyes, he realizes, even though the rest is like looking at a younger version of himself. The child stops crying when he gets a good look at his dad. 

The baby smiles. 

It hits him all at once. 

“Holy shit,” whispers III. “I’m a father.”

The second bundle comes relatively soon after. This one looks like you, but his eyes are like III’s. 

“You okay, there, Papa...?” you murmur. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“Twins...” he mumbles. “Di Lucifero, tesoro, we’re parents....”

He passes one of them over to you. 

“Any ideas for names?” You look over at him, bouncing the baby in your arms a bit.

A thought occurs to him. He gets a wide, infectious grin.

“Mario and Luigi.”

“Papa!” You gasp, letting out a laugh. “Imperator’s going to kill you!”

“Bah. Imperator can shove it.” He coos at the baby he’s holding. “That’s right! She can shove it, Mario! Yes she can!”

At least it won’t be boring. 

Cardinal Copia:

When you tap him gently and tell him your contractions have started, he goes into panic mode. He’s more freaked out than you are!

“Topolino! We must get you to the doctors!!”

“Copia, it’ll be okay...! Keep your eyes on the road!”

They make him sit in the waiting room. He’s a pacing wreck, imagining all the horrible things that could go wrong, remembering all his nightmares. What if the baby is plagued, like he is? What if the birth kills you? What if neither of you survive??

When the nurse comes back, he’s immediately demanding to know what happened. She just sighs and leads him back to your room. 

And there you are, sitting up in your bed, holding the most beautiful baby the Cardinal has ever seen. The little girl has a curl of his dark hair, and his mismatched eyes.

“...Topolino...” he croaks. 

“Vincenzo. Come say hello,” you murmur, smiling and holding up the child. 

Copia takes the baby into his arms, handling her carefully, like she’s made of glass. When the little girl beams up at him and lets out a giggle, he bursts into tears. 

“She is so beautiful,” he sobs, holding the child close. “So beautiful, topolino.”

“She looks just like you, Copia.” You pat his arm. “Come sit down, I want a turn, too.”

The two of you agreed on names beforehand--if it was a boy, he would have been named Vincenzo, jr.

But her name is Loretta. Loretta Copia. 

[klutzdeluxe]

My Second Ritual - Omaha 11/6/2018

Okay. Finally, my second ritual. So it was over a month ago at this point, and I cannot believe I never put up my notes about it! It was amazeballs. Just as good as my first one in Kansas City! I met up with some super cool fans from a Facebook group beforehand and we got some supper. Some of us were VIP/photo op, so after we ate, we waited in line together. They helped me keep my sanity because I was absolutely FREAKING OUT about meeting the Cardinal. Thanks, guys! I’ve never met any sort of celebrity before. EVER.

~The moment I stepped through that curtain, I was a goner. I briefly made eye contact, felt my soul leave my body, and couldn’t look him in the face again. I shook his hand and he said, “Oh that’s quite the tight grip you’ve got!” or something along those lines. My brain short-circuits and I think I’m hurting him or some shit. I yelp, “I’m sorry!” and practically drop his hand. He wraps an arm around me and helps guide me to the photo spot because all I can do is mumble about never having done a photo op before and look at my feet. He holds me and we take the photo. I get my wits together enough to tell him, “Take care of yourself on the road!” and the Cardinal says he will and thanks me. I was so starstruck that I forgot to give my name, ask for a hug, or tell him basically anything I wanted to, so I was upset about it for a few days.

~In the end, the picture turned out decent, which is rare because I’m unphotogenic af. Plus I wrote him a card (with a cat on the front) with everything I wanted to say in it and was able to get it to another fan to give to him at their photo op. In that, I had some closure.

~We chatted with a few security guards before the show, and they really didn’t know anything about Ghost but seemed eager to learn about them. Later on, I saw the same guards bobbing their heads during the performance and taking a million pictures on their phones. It was great to see.

~To the ritual! I was third row in the orchestra pit, to my left, in which the seating was a bunch of folding chairs that would definitely not be staying in place. BOOM. Ended up right in Aether’s line of view this time. Eye contact immediately when the curtain went up during “Ashes.” Persisted throughout the whole night.

~For the record, if you’re toward the front during any show, it’s really not that hard to snag the attention of the band members. Especially if you’re a jumpy, bouncy bitch who sings along to everything like me. I was at it with my hands up the entire way through. INSTANTLY this was different than the Kansas City show. They sounded so fresh and ALIVE. You could tell they had the day off before.

~Periodically throughout the show, Aether would be jumping in time with my bunny-hopping, looking at me. It made me so freaking happy. What a goof!

~The Cardinal was annoyed about it being a Tuesday, so he made us pretend it was a Friday night instead.

~I think I got to hear him say, “For shits and giggles” at one point. I’ve never felt so blessed.

~I was one of the few belting out “Lord of silence/Desolated one/Vengeance is his” during the bridge of “Idolatrine.” Copia stared at me, gestured at me, and conducted my screechy singing.

~Waving my hands around, conducting the ghouls while they played “Devil Church” and getting various head tilts and “wtf” stares from them.

~At this point, I had been interacting with Aether from my spot quite a bit, so I cheered him on as loudly as I could during the pre-Cirice duel with Dewdrop. This time, he lost on trying to pick out A-ha’s “Take on Me.” For some stupid ass reason, my brain couldn’t figure out what the song was until I saw a video of it the next day.

~THE LITTLE GIRL GETTING CIRICED. I DIED. IT WAS SO PRECIOUS. We were all clapping so loudly for her. Also props to her for having the coolest dad in the world. I believe she did the photo op too.

~As “Cirice” ended, Aether pointed at me and attempted to throw me a guitar pick. He whiffed it, as it ended up in the hands of a man in front and to the right of me instead. Now, I missed his pick in Kansas City due to a similar circumstance, so I kind of just shrugged and pouted at him, and Aether shakes his head and throws his hands up in an apologetic gesture. I’m a bit sour about missing yet ANOTHER pick from him.

~Conducting the ghouls again during “Miasma” and just absolutely losing myself dancing to it, as you do. Aether was watching me dance. At this point, the chairs have really been moved around, in and out of the rows.

~Copia telling us to clap on the 2 and 4 of “Jigolo Har Megiddo.” The dude next to me sassed him saying, “So, 1 and 3?” very loudly. Copia stopped short and said, “NO! No, that’s stupid!”

~Copia conducting us during the vocalizing at the end of “Pro Memoria.” There’s nothing like it. It’s one of my favorite bits. Cue my screechy singing again in order to be loud.

~Dew didn’t come over to our side of the stage much but he did at some point and gave me a head tilt. I doubt he remembered me from KC. I’m kind of plain-looking.

~Swiss noticed me and started copying my dance moves during “Witch Image.” Just different ways of swaying and small hops.

~So it’s “Life Eternal” again and I’m crying. No meaningful interactions with the ghouls this time, BUT I got the smug satisfaction of seeing Dewdrop NOT interact with anyone during the song like he did with me in Kansas City. I’m horrible, sorryyyy. Chatted with some wonderful people around me during intermission.

~”Spirit” and “From the Pinnacle to the Pit” go by, and I’m getting real antsy about not still having a pick from Aether. I noticed that there is a wide open space (due to chairs being shifted and people not coming back from intermission) right in front of the stage, directly in front of Aether. “Majesty” starts up and I see that a few people have already jumped rows. I debated for a bit, looked security (who weren’t giving a rat’s ass), and climbed over seats to the open spot at the front. All of us in the VIP section paid the same price to be there, after all. Aether cocked his head at me, seeming surprised to see that I moved, and then just nodded.

~OMAHA, I’M SO PROUD OF YOU. We sang that chorus loud and proud during “Satan Prayer.” Copia was SO satisfied with us! Also his cape didn’t fasten properly so it was undone for most of the song; I nearly imploded. Also, several pairs of panties and maybe a bra were tossed onstage during this song. Copia picked up one pair and cracked a joke about, “Someone in the audience standing there bare-assed.” The other undergarments sat up there sadly, to be carried off by an unfortunate stage crewman when the song ended.

~Have I mentioned that ”Faith” is such a jam? I threw my neck out again. During the live performances, the Cardinal adds a growl during the intro that I can feel in my ass. Also Copia acts like he’s waving away a fart behind him during the “A fecal trail across the land” line. I died because it looked like he was sneaking away from cropdusting someone.

~Poor Dewdrop was so sick. During “He Is,” (I think), I saw him lift his mask a little and wipe his dripping snot on his sleeve. He went about it in a “Ewwww” kind of way.

~At the end of that one, Aether ONCE MORE points at me and tosses me a pick. It hits my fingers and falls to the floor. I drop to my knees IMMEDIATELY and scramble to find it. I do fairly quickly, stand up, and kiss it, elatedly holding it above my head in victory. Aether pumps his fist in the air when he sees me waving it around. I tuck it into my bra because “Mummy Dust” is about to start and we’re going fucking crazy. Sadly, very few bills were dropped. I did have Copia thrusting like five feet from my face though. I am eternally grateful for that experience.

~After Aether was introduced during the break in “If You Have Ghosts,” I blew him a kiss, and he caught it and clapped his hand to the side of his face, acting all bashful and cute about it. HE’S SUCH A SWEETHEART.

~For some reason, I was thinking that this was the last song, despite having been to the KC ritual. So when they played “Dance Macabre,” I was thrilled there was still more to the show and boogied around like the idiot I am. That song makes me so happy. Again, Swiss starts imitating my dance movements, adding a little more shimmying around this time. All right. Boi’s got my attention now.

~I’m trying to get good photos of Swiss now, but Aether is pouting and keeps photobombing them whenever I point my phone in that direction, pointing at himself to redirect my focus back to him. I stuck my tongue out at him. Brat.

~Have I ever said how much I love “Square Hammer” live? FUCK. THE ENERGY. Due to it being the “last song,” I blow a kiss to Swiss when it’s all over and get one from him in return. I have perished and am very distracted for the rest of the evening.

~Copia changing his mind about pretending it’s a Friday and telling us, “It’s Tuesday. Go home!” And we boo.

~During his speech before “Monstrance Clock,” he again takes note of the little girl he sang to during Cirice and asks her how her evening was. He also substituted the word “organism” for “orgasm,” for her. Such a soft father.

~I am fully watching Swiss now and his “Monstrance Clock” hips now and GODDAMN HIM. He put me in heat with those moves, I swear. I was instantly a hot mess. I was transfixed and soooo mad that I hadn’t paid more attention to him sooner.

~There was a cute lil’ stuffed dragon sitting at the front of the stage during the song. I’m not sure if it got picked up or not.

~That moment when the lights come on at the end of “Monstrance Clock” and the stage is completely empty as the song fades out is the most HORRIBLE feeling. Because it’s over and the absence of the band members is so profound. “Monstrance Clock” still occasionally makes me sad.

~A few of us waited outside by the buses for the band to come out. IT WAS FREEZING OUT. I hate the Midwest. We didn’t see Tobias (I think they snuck him out the back to their hotel across the street) BUT we did see both Ghoulettes (THEY’RE SO BEAUTIFUL. QUEENS!) and Dewdrop (Per) walk out, along with another member I wasn’t too familiar with at the time, so that was pretty rad.

I know my summaries might come off as a little self-indulgent, but it’s how it happened in my mind. Plus everyone else’s are too. And honestly, my rituals are something I want to remember. Major kudos to the Omaha crowd. Best crowd I’ve seen at a show in a while.

[rockyoutonight]

(via https://open.spotify.com/user/124211611/playlist/5Uc647aFjwWlKUVOUgwCRw?si=Y3mMfVZYRueU0QD1l7FYEg)

@lefttreephantom​, I’m your Secret Ghost Santa! I hope you enjoy this playlist inspired by Cardinal Copia’s life leading up to joining Satan’s side. I also threw in a little fic that accompanies the playlist.

@ghostbcsecretsanta

Very few people know about Copia’s past. The man is notoriously private and does not trust easily. The few people that he has opened up to are aware of the importance of this action and do everything in their power to stay in Copia’s good graces. Those who do break his trust are dealt with… harshly.

Alessandro Copia was born in the early 14th century in a small village outside of Rome. He was the third of five children. His family was poor, but his childhood was happy. He spent his days playing with his brothers and sisters or helping his father with his work, and his nights reading by candlelight. His family was very devout, especially Copia who attended services multiple times a week. He always had a morbid fascination with death and often worried about what would happen to his soul once he left this world. When Copia turned 15, he entered the Catholic clergy to begin his studies towards priesthood. 

By the age of 30, Copia had proven himself to be one of the most devout followers in the Church. He had risen through the ranks of the church and had become a well-respected priest. He was invited to Rome often in order to study and translate ancient scriptures, and churches were always filled when he held mass. There was even whispers of him being appointed as a bishop in the coming years, something that pleased Copia greatly. His life seemed to be perfectly laid before him, until he met her.

The church was supposed empty at such a late hour when he heard music coming from the sanctuary. Curious, Copia left his study to investigate the noise. As he approached, he could make out the loveliest voice singing a hymn. Though she did not sing loudly, the vastness of the sanctuary amplified her voice, causing it to echo throughout the church. Copia opened the door silently, searching the dimly lit room for the source of the ethereal sound. He spotted a woman among the pews, her dark chocolate curls obscuring her face. He listened silently as she sang to her Lord, enchanted by her voice. As she completed her song, she looked up towards the heavens before catching Copia’s gaze. She smiled shyly and made her way to introduce herself.

Copia and the woman grew closer over the next few years. She was a devoted follower and Copia greatly enjoyed discussing scripture with her. He especially loved when she sang for him, and their God, as it was the sweetest sound he had ever heard. Copia found himself falling for her, and she for him, which both thrilled and terrified him. He was a man of God after all and had devoted his life completely to Him and took his vows seriously. But he often wondered what it would be like to leave the church for this woman who he loved. Such thoughts left him conflicted and he prayed often for guidance. He poured over the scripture searching for an answer. Was his love strong enough for him to forsake his vows leave the Church? And if God was love, could he not also show his devotion by loving this woman?

Copia made his decision regarding his love during a months-long trip to Rome. Though he still felt loyalty to the Church, he found that he could not bear the long nights without her. He made his plan to leave the Church an marry her as soon as he arrived back home. The days seemed to drag before he could leave Rome and Copia grew more and more anxious with each passing day. He felt as if he would burst with excitement when he finally made it back to his village, heading straight to his love’s home. But all was not well when he arrived. He had heard whispers of a great sickness sweeping across Europe and it seemed like it had finally reached Italy. Her family was gathered at the front of her home praying. A doctor was speaking softly to her father as her mother wept beside him. Against the doctor’s wishes, Copia rushed to his love’s bedside where she lay, ravaged and dying. He cried, prayed, and begged to his God to save her. He would stay with the Church if it meant she could live. He would trade his life for hers.

Alessandro, amore mio, sono in pace.

She died two days after his return. Copia was broken and his faith in God was shattered. He had devoted his life to Him, but He still would not save her. The next few weeks passed in a haze until he too found himself falling ill. The disease took hold of him quickly. Fever wracked his body as hallucinations of his love haunted him. He prayed for release, but to whom he prayed to he did not know. The thought of death terrified him. Surely, he would be punished for turning his back on God.

Copia could feel death taking hold of him. His time was almost up on this world. He prayed harder in his final hours, begging any entity that would listen to not let him die. The world outside was dark and cold and quiet. What was left of his family had left his side to avoid the sickness, leaving alone and terrified with his thoughts. Darkness crept in the edge of his vision. He closed his eyes and took his last breath.

Copia.

Bright orange flames burst into his mind’s eye, bathing him in light. Copia watched, mesmerized, as the flames as they danced over his body. He watched a shadowed figure step through the flames and approach him. The figure embraced Copia and he was filled with hope for the first time in weeks.

Are you prepared to swear before the Devil?

Yes.

[itsmalachitenow]

Ghost Headcanons: Suicidal S/O

The Papas + Copia walk in on their depressed S/O trying to commit suicide.

Papa Nihil

At first, he isn’t sure what he’s seeing; he opened the door to the room in the middle of a question for you.

His eyes widen considerably, and he lets out a hoarse scream. “Cara mia--!” which is cut off by a hard coughing fit. 

That’s what makes you drop the knife in your hands--seeing the old man doubled over, wheezing, fumbling for his oxygen mask and unable to reach it. Immediately you’re at his side, helping to steady him. You press the mask to his face with shaking hands and he takes a few deep breaths. 

You thank whatever lower powers are out there that you reached him in time. 

He’s doing the same thing, staring into your worried eyes as his breathing steadies. 

“...Cara mia....” he whispers, taking your face in his hands. The Grand Papa knew you were struggling, but he had no idea it had gotten this bad. The pain is clear in his milky white eyes. “...why didn’t you tell me....?”

You can’t look at him anymore. You begin to cry, trying to pull away, but the old man’s grip is iron. He pulls you into a hug. 

He would make you tell him everything, and get you set up with the best healthcare professionals money can afford. Therapists, psychiatrists, whatever it takes to help you. You can say goodbye to your alone-time, too--Nihil wants you closer to him than ever before. He’s more than prepared to help you down this dark road to recovery...you just have to let him in.

Papa I

Your eyes are closed, your breathing is heavy. You have the knife over your chest--ready to plunge it into your chest and get it over with. 

“Lamb?”

The familiar voice makes your eyes snap open. Standing beside you is Papa I, and he’s taken hold of your hands--effectively blocking you from using the knife. You didn’t even hear the door open, but here he is.

His expression is somber. “My lamb....it is not your time yet. What has brought you to this?”

You never told him your problems with depression--but he knows. He always knows about these sorts of things. 

You end up having a breakdown, letting the knife clatter to the ground as the truth comes out. 

Papa I sits with you for hours, working through your feelings with you. There’s something about him that makes him easy to talk to, and he’s an excellent listener. 

Like his father, he would set you up with counselors and doctors--should you want them. But he would strongly recommend you get the help, because there’s only so much he can do on his own. 

If you have any kind of duties in the church, all of a sudden they’re switched to ones that keep you in the same room with him. It’ll be a long and difficult journey, but he intends to be with you every step of the way. 

Papa II

You hear the door opening behind you--and all of a sudden you’re slammed into the wall with a guttural yell. 

“What were you thinking?” Papa II is absolutely furious, shaking you by the shoulders as you weep. “What were you thinking, caro?!”

But he’s not mad at you--it’s himself that he’s angry at. Why didn’t he notice you were getting worse?

Papa II takes the reins of the situation pretty quickly--you’re telling him everything and he’s scheduling appointments and he’s coming with you to every single one of them. Refuses to hear a word of argument--you obviously weren’t doing well enough on your own, because look at what almost happened. 

The idea that he might have lost you haunts him. 

He has you by his side at every possible moment now--even if it means you have to sit in his lap while he’s working. He’d prefer that, actually. 

He doesn’t want to think about how close you came to dying. 

Well, you won’t come that close again. He won’t let that happen. Even if he has to drag you kicking and screaming, you will get better. 

It’s a promise. 

Papa III

“NO, DON’T--!”

Papa III doesn’t know what to do. All he can do is cry out, reaching for you. You turn in surprise, eyes wide and filled with tears. 

He’s never dealt with this kind of thing before. He’s just as big of a mess as you are, holding onto you tightly as you admit how much worse it’s gotten. 

The whole time, he’s thinking, If I had come in just a few minutes later....

He tries really hard to console you, but in his head he keeps going back to that thought, like a dog to an old bone. If he’d come in any later, you could have died.

And he would be alone again.

He ends up asking his father and brothers for advice, and soon the entire family knows about what you’re going through. Papa III does his best to keep himself together for you--you need him now more than ever, and he doesn’t intend to let you down.

If you’re open to it, he’ll help you get the medical help you need. If not...well, he’d really prefer it if you did, but it’s not like he’s leaving your side anytime soon. He’ll do his best to encourage you and keep your head up during your worst hours. 

You’ll get through this together.

Cardinal Copia

The Cardinal is immortal due to his pact with Satan. Death is nothing new to him, and he’s seen plenty of people die over the years. It’s part of the reason why he’s kept himself sequestered and not gotten attached to others.

So when he sees you, the one person in centuries he’s opened up to, the one person he can’t bear to lose, about to kill themselves, everything else goes out the window for him. 

He’s at your side in an instant, hugging you so tightly you can’t breathe, crying into your shoulder. 

Soon, the two of you are sobbing in one another’s arms, the knife laying on the ground between you--like a botched scene from Romeo and Juliet. 

“Don’t go,” Copia chokes out, staring into your teary eyes. “Don’t go where I can’t follow. We have so little time together already, topolino. Do not cut it even shorter.” He pulls you close once more. “Please.”

You swear to him that you won’t ever try to kill yourself again. It takes awhile for you to tell him everything that’s going on, but he is prepared to listen. 

If you need money for treatment, he’ll give you more than enough. He’d want to go to treatments with you and even sit in therapy with you to hold your hand, but if you want him to wait in the waiting room, he will wait there. 

He knows you don’t have forever. And he’s willing to do anything he can to make your time here a happier time. 

And he’ll be at your side, no matter what. 

[ghostheadcanons]

Papas + Copia: Saying “I Love You”

@just-here-for-copia​ said:

Okay, I swear I'm not sending a sad ask this time! I know in your HC's about the Papas/Copia wooing their s/o, you had brief mentions of them saying "I love you". Would we be able to get a little bit more in terms of how/ they said "I love you" for the first time?

They say it on their deathbeds to you and you cry really hard. It’s very, very sad.

OKAY, NOT REALLY.

It’s always so wonderful to think of our favorites confessing to us, isn’t it? Especially the grumpy ones....hee....

Let’s get started! 

Papa Nihil:

You had come to see him. 

Papa Nihil always looks forward to your visits (he always enthuses about them to Sister Imperator), so of course he smiles at you when you walk through the doors to his office. “Ah, cara mia! It’s so good to see you. In fact, I believe I have something for--”

“Ah, actually,” you cut him off, walking closer with your hands behind your back. “Before you give me anything, I...I wanted to bring you something!”

He blinks. Normally he has a gift for you every time he sees you. “What’s this?” he murmurs. “You brought me something, cara mia?”

“Close your eyes for me, Papa?” 

He chuckles. “Such a silly thing you are, caramellino...” But he obliges. Something warm and fuzzy is placed in his hands.

“Okay! Open them!” 

Papa Nihil does, and sees the dark red scarf, made from woven yarn. His eyes widen.

“Tada!” You grin. “You’re always giving me presents, so I decided to make you something nice! I remember you complaining about how cold it’s gotten...”

“Cara mia....!” He looks over your fine handiwork. “You...made this, for me?”

“I did!” You lean in slightly, eyes sparkling. “...do you like it?”

“Like it?”

Papa Nihil is known for spoiling his lovers with gifts; he never expects anything in return for them. Yet you had decided--not only to get him a present--but to make him one. You had taken a lot of your personal time to do something nice for him, and you had remembered something he’d said when deciding what to make. 

He was a man who could have anything in the world--foods, jewels, wines...he had enough money to get them with a snap of his fingers. And many gave him these sorts of things as gifts, or offerings to win his favor.

Somehow, this scarf topped them all. 

“I love it.” Now the old man is beaming, slipping on the scarf as neat as you please. “I love it, cara mia.”

Your eyes meet. 

“...I love you,” he whispers. You blink twice, cheeks reddening considerably. 

“P-Papa... I’ve been waiting to hear you say that...”

“Have you? Then let me make it up to you for taking so long.” He pulls your hands into his, and the two of you kiss. 

Papa I: 

Papa I has homemade tea and biscuits ready when you walk into his bedroom. “Ah--there you are, lamb.” 

“I came just as soon as I got your message, Papa.” You nod respectfully. “You wanted to speak to me about something?”

“Indeed I did. Please, sit down. Sit down.” He gestures to the opposite chair, to which you do. He proceeds to pour you a full cup of tea.

“What have you brewed today, Papa?” you prompt him.

“Rose hip and chamomile,” he responds, expression softening. “Your favorite.”

The touched look on your face makes his heart flutter. “....thank you, Papa. Ahem. What did you want to tell me?”

“Ah, yes.” He finishes pouring his own cup of tea before clearing his throat. “I’ve been meaning to speak to you about something...personal.”

“Yes?” You sip at your cup, eyes never leaving him. He can see you drinking in his words along with his tea. 

“My child, I am not one for mincing words, so I am just going to say it.” Papa I takes a deep breath. “I have feelings for you.”

You choke on the tea, sputtering slightly and making a bit of a mess. Papa passes you a napkin, patting you on the back. “Are you alright?”

“I’m--I’m fine,” you wheeze, coughing a bit. “What...what was that?”

“I have feelings for you,” he repeats. “I have never met someone I have felt so in tune with, spiritually and mentally. And I would be honored if you would join my side in my worship of the Olde One. ...if you do not feel the same way, I completely understand,” he adds, his face falling a bit. “And I won’t bring it up aga-”

You cut him off with a kiss. You’re leaning across the table and pressing your lips against his, gentle and sweet. Papa I is taken aback by you being so forward, but he doesn’t mind one bit.

After all, it’s just one of the many things he loves about you. 

Papa II: 

He is not happy with you. 

“I can’t believe you,” he growls. “Going out in the rain like that, without even a coat? What were you thinking?”

You sniffle in reply from your bed, blowing your nose. “You...you needed the ingredients by the end of the night....full moon....had to hurry..”

“I could have waited another month!” snaps Papa II. “Or sent the ghouls out to get them. Why would you do something so foolish, getting yourself sick like this? You had me w--you had my ghouls worried to death!”

You hadn’t noticed his slip-up. Thank Satan. 

You’re avoiding his eyes like a scolded child. “...you’re...always doing such nice things for me...”

As you sink further into your pillows and blanket, you trail off. Papa II raises an eyebrow, leaning in a bit. “Yes?”

“...wanted...wanted to help you, for once.” Your eyes slide closed. “Wanted to make you smile.”

Your answer knocks him off-guard. “...you what?”

“You’re so handsome when you smile...hee....like a king, all regal and stuff...”

You let out a weak giggle, one that turns into coughing before long. He sighs; you were obviously addled by the fever you’d caught. 

He turns his back on you. “Sleep. I’ll send you up something to eat in a little while.”

“Stay with me?”

Your words are quiet. Weak. Pleading. 

“....you’re lucky I love you, caro.” he murmurs, so quietly it’s almost inaudible.

“Huh....?” You open one eye, staring blearily up at him. “You...you gotta speak up, Papa...can’t hear so great....”

“I said you’re lucky I have the night off.” Turning back to face you, Papa II sits at your bedside. 

And even after you’ve drifted off to sleep, he’s still there with you. 

Papa III:

“Figlio di puttana!”

The youngest Emeritus brother slammed his fist into the dressing room table, knocking off all of the bottles and brushes there. He was furious--Sister Imperator had spent the evening arguing with him, and to make things worse, his brother wasn’t there for him to vent about it. 

And, he was more than a little drunk.

“Papa...?”

He whirls around to face the door. Oh, no--now you were poking your head in, looking Concerned for him. The look makes him even angrier; the last thing he needs right now is anybody’s pity. 

“Go away. Leave me alone!” he snarls. 

You don’t heed him. Instead, you come into the room, closing the door behind you. “Papa, tell me what happened.”

“I said get out!” He attempts to shove you back out the way you came. But his feet get tangled, and he ends up hitting the ground hard. 

“Papa--!” you gasp. 

“Fuck...cazzo...” he mutters. As he stares up at the ceiling, the full reality of his situation dawns on him. His hair is a mess, his makeup is smeared to hell and back, he’s so drunk he can barely remember his name, and one of the people he likes the most has seen him at his lowest. 

He bursts into tears. 

“It’s not enough,” he hiccups. “I’m not enough. Fucking....can’t do anything right....Imperator, that bitch...with her standards...can’t preach right, can’t walk right, can’t talk right...” He jabs a thumb to his chest. “I’m supposed to be Papa. If I can’t be Papa...then who in the hell am I?” He closes his eyes, tears rolling freely. 

“You’re Dante.”

His eyes fly open at the use of his first name. You’re kneeling beside him, your tone and expression kind. “You like cheesy horror movies and playing kazoo. You have a wild and wonderful imagination. And you always have a joke ready if you see your friends sad.”

You smile. “You’re Dante Emeritus, and you’re my closest friend.”

He’s speechless. 

You help sit him up, dabbing away the smeared skull makeup with plenty of kleenax. It’s when you move to help him to his feet that he blurts it out. “I love you.” 

Your face goes a little red. “You’re drunk. Come on--let’s get you cleaned up.”

“I love you. More than anything,” he insists, as you lead him out of the dressing room to get him to the bathroom. 

He will not remember his confession the next morning. But he will remember that you were there for him when he needed someone with him. At some point in the future, he will make a grand, romantic gesture and confess his feelings to you that way. But he won’t quite understand just why you’re smiling so wide the whole time. 

Cardinal Copia:

(Continuing from Copia’s part, here!)

His heart is hammering wildly in his chest. One minute to the arranged meeting time, and then you would finally see the man behind the pen. 

And you would reject him. He’s sure of it

Cardinal Copia is hidden slightly out of sight--you would be able to hear him speak, but not see him. It was his final line of defense. 

Footsteps! That had to be you. He peeks out from his hiding place and immediately recoils. It is you. And you’re looking more beautiful than ever. Had he underdressed? He looks down at his red cossack. Oh, Lucifer, had he overdressed?!

Your voice pulls him out of his thoughts. “Hello?”

“Gah--!” Copia pulls back even further into his hiding spot. You hadn’t gotten a good look at him, thank Satan, but now you knew for sure he was there. 

“...’Cyrano?’ Is that you?” you prompt his pen-name, leaning in, but he holds up a gloved hand.

“Not any closer,” he chokes out. “Please. I. Give me a minute...” 

You oblige him, waiting patiently for him to catch his breath. 

“I....got your letter,” you say quietly. “With the meeting time. Are you alright?”

“No. I am not alright.” Copia stares up at the ceiling, feeling his heart sink. “Because I am not worthy of your time.”

“If you weren’t worthy, then I would not be here.” You cross your arms. “...will you come out, at least? The entire point of meeting was to finally see one another, face to face.”

He says nothing.

“It’s hardly fair, don’t you think?” you add. “You know everything about who I am, and yet I know next to nothing about you. Please. Show me your face.”

Slowly, ready to bolt at any second, Copia comes into the light. 

Your eyes widen. “....Your Eminence?”

“I really must be going--”

“Wait! Don’t go. Your last letter moved me to tears, Copia. May I call you Copia?”

He blinks, looking over at you. You had not reacted in revulsion...in fact, you were staring at him in awe. “...you may.”

“I never would have imagined that you were so talented,” you say breathlessly, smiling at him. “You’re so good with words, has anyone ever told you that? Sheer poetry.”

You weren’t laughing at him. The Cardinal watches you carefully, not quite able to find the right words. How ironic, for a man who could write such wonderful letters. 

“I saved them all, you know. Every single one.” You’re walking closer. “I like to read them before I go to sleep at night.”

“...do you really?” is all Copia can say. You nod, smiling wider. 

“They make me feel at ease. I...I know this is forward of me...but I can’t keep this hidden any longer. I love you, Cardinal Copia. And I want nothing more than to spend my days with you. Even if you can only confess in your letters, then I will confess here, in conversation.”

It’s everything he’s ever wanted.

You stand there with your arms outstretched. “....will you accept me?”

Copia is hugging you close to him before you can even finish the sentence. 

“I love you, too, topolino.”

[ghostheadcanons]

Suicidal S/O (Papas + Copia)

The Papas + Copia walk in on their depressed S/O trying to commit suicide.

Papa Nihil

At first, he isn’t sure what he’s seeing; he opened the door to the room in the middle of a question for you.

His eyes widen considerably, and he lets out a hoarse scream. “Cara mia–!” which is cut off by a hard coughing fit.

That’s what makes you drop the knife in your hands–seeing the old man doubled over, wheezing, fumbling for his oxygen mask and unable to reach it. Immediately you’re at his side, helping to steady him. You press the mask to his face with shaking hands and he takes a few deep breaths.

You thank whatever lower powers are out there that you reached him in time.

He’s doing the same thing, staring into your worried eyes as his breathing steadies.

“…Cara mia….” he whispers, taking your face in his hands. The Grand Papa knew you were struggling, but he had no idea it had gotten this bad. The pain is clear in his milky white eyes. “…why didn’t you tell me….?”

You can’t look at him anymore. You begin to cry, trying to pull away, but the old man’s grip is iron. He pulls you into a hug.

He would make you tell him everything, and get you set up with the best healthcare professionals money can afford. Therapists, psychiatrists, whatever it takes to help you. You can say goodbye to your alone-time, too–Nihil wants you closer to him than ever before. He’s more than prepared to help you down this dark road to recovery…you just have to let him in.

Papa I

Your eyes are closed, your breathing is heavy. You have the knife over your chest–ready to plunge it into your chest and get it over with.

“Lamb?”

The familiar voice makes your eyes snap open. Standing beside you is Papa I, and he’s taken hold of your hands–effectively blocking you from using the knife. You didn’t even hear the door open, but here he is.

His expression is somber. “My lamb….it is not your time yet. What has brought you to this?”

You never told him your problems with depression–but he knows. He always knows about these sorts of things.

You end up having a breakdown, letting the knife clatter to the ground as the truth comes out.

Papa I sits with you for hours, working through your feelings with you. There’s something about him that makes him easy to talk to, and he’s an excellent listener.

Like his father, he would set you up with counselors and doctors–should you want them. But he would strongly recommend you get the help, because there’s only so much he can do on his own.

If you have any kind of duties in the church, all of a sudden they’re switched to ones that keep you in the same room with him. It’ll be a long and difficult journey, but he intends to be with you every step of the way.

Papa II

You hear the door opening behind you–and all of a sudden you’re slammed into the wall with a guttural yell.

“What were you thinking?” Papa II is absolutely furious, shaking you by the shoulders as you weep. “What were you thinking, caro?!”

But he’s not mad at you–it’s himself that he’s angry at. Why didn’t he notice you were getting worse?

Papa II takes the reins of the situation pretty quickly–you’re telling him everything and he’s scheduling appointments and he’s coming with you to every single one of them. Refuses to hear a word of argument–you obviously weren’t doing well enough on your own, because look at what almost happened.

The idea that he might have lost you haunts him.

He has you by his side at every possible moment now–even if it means you have to sit in his lap while he’s working. He’d prefer that, actually.

He doesn’t want to think about how close you came to dying.

Well, you won’t come that close again. He won’t let that happen. Even if he has to drag you kicking and screaming, you will get better.

It’s a promise.

Papa III

“NO, DON’T–!”

Papa III doesn’t know what to do. All he can do is cry out, reaching for you. You turn in surprise, eyes wide and filled with tears.

He’s never dealt with this kind of thing before. He’s just as big of a mess as you are, holding onto you tightly as you admit how much worse it’s gotten.

The whole time, he’s thinking, If I had come in just a few minutes later….

He tries really hard to console you, but in his head he keeps going back to that thought, like a dog to an old bone. If he’d come in any later, you could have died.

And he would be alone again.

He ends up asking his father and brothers for advice, and soon the entire family knows about what you’re going through. Papa III does his best to keep himself together for you–you need him now more than ever, and he doesn’t intend to let you down.

If you’re open to it, he’ll help you get the medical help you need. If not…well, he’d really prefer it if you did, but it’s not like he’s leaving your side anytime soon. He’ll do his best to encourage you and keep your head up during your worst hours.

You’ll get through this together.

Cardinal Copia

The Cardinal is immortal due to his pact with Satan. Death is nothing new to him, and he’s seen plenty of people die over the years. It’s part of the reason why he’s kept himself sequestered and not gotten attached to others.

So when he sees you, the one person in centuries he’s opened up to, the one person he can’t bear to lose, about to kill themselves, everything else goes out the window for him.

He’s at your side in an instant, hugging you so tightly you can’t breathe, crying into your shoulder.

Soon, the two of you are sobbing in one another’s arms, the knife laying on the ground between you–like a botched scene from Romeo and Juliet.

“Don’t go,” Copia chokes out, staring into your teary eyes. “Don’t go where I can’t follow. We have so little time together already, topolino. Do not cut it even shorter.” He pulls you close once more. “Please.”

You swear to him that you won’t ever try to kill yourself again. It takes awhile for you to tell him everything that’s going on, but he is prepared to listen.

If you need money for treatment, he’ll give you more than enough. He’d want to go to treatments with you and even sit in therapy with you to hold your hand, but if you want him to wait in the waiting room, he will wait there.

He knows you don’t have forever. And he’s willing to do anything he can to make your time here a happier time.

And he’ll be at your side, no matter what.