Chapter Text
When it was time for the Ghost project to go on tour, Copia usually enjoyed getting everything ready for said tour. He would double check all his outfits and costume changes were perfect and not one thing had a stain or tear. He would make sure all the instruments were in the best condition along with all the items for the stage. Hell, he didn’t even mind double checking everything was in order for the museum even though it unnerved him being alone with certain… items (bodies). There was only one thing he hated about getting ready for tour and he couldn’t even be apart of this tour. This should have been some Perpetua had to do but no, he was too busy trying to figure out how to summon his own ghouls. Now Copia was stuck taking all the ghouls to the vet to make sure they had all their vaccinations for the world tour.
Copia sighed and shook his head as he left his office to go get his ghouls. He supposed it made sense that until his ghouls got used to his tw— nope not going to say it—get used to V, they likely wouldn’t behave at the vet. Granted they don’t exactly behave for him either but at least they’ll somewhat listen. “Ok go through the check list again,” Copia mumbled under his breath. “Biggest flight risks that I need to take first are Dewdrop, Swiss, Aurora and Phantom. Mountain will likely come easily. Rain should be easy too— wait no I only got him last time because the lake was frozen over so he couldn’t hide. Damnit he’s a flight risk then, at least none of them are will fight me this time. Maybe I can ask Cirrus and Cumulus to help me gather the other— no last time they both hid in the chandeliers unless I get them to go first— no that would give the others time to figure it out and then run.” Copia pinched the bridge of his nose. “They all will run as soon as I take one of them away to the vet. Maybe I could get some of the other ghouls to help. Aether is likely to assist— no he helped Dewdrop escape me the last time. And the older ghouls will likely think I’m also trying to take them to the vet for their check ups.”
He was so lost in thought he nearly ran into the ghoul den door. Copia coughed embarrassed and straightened out his Frater Imperator suit before straightening his back. “I’ll start with Cumulus and Cirrus so they can’t hid in the chandeliers again.” Copia opened the door and looked around the main den area to see if anyone was in the lounge. There were a few of the older ghouls that were taking breaks from their chores for the day but he didn’t see one of the ghouls that were part of the band.
“‘Scusa, have any of you seen where Cirrus and Cumulus are?” Copia asked after getting their attention. Which ghouls were they again? One was small earth ghoul. Was that Pebble? The other had a cane to help them move around, so that was likely Zephyr. They were also braiding a water ghoulette’s hair and Copia only recalled Mist hanging around the other two.
Mist looked over carefully to not mess up Zephyr. “You’re too late Frater. They all got the notification from Papa V about the upcoming tour departure and knew you’d be coming sooner or later.”
Copia deflated and groaned, running a hand down his face in irritation. “Of course V told them the departure date before I could get them to their checkups. Fucking V.”
Zephyr glanced up from where they were braiding in blue ribbons to Mist’s hair. “Cumulus is actually in her room. She didn’t hide like the others because she wanted to talk to you about something but with your schedule, the Psaltarians have said that you couldn’t be bothered. She saw this as her best opportunity to discuss with you something she’s wanted to say for months now.”
Copia blinked in surprise before frowning at Zephyr’s words. “Really? I would have made time if I knew that.” He was surprised Aunt Marika turned away one of his ghouls from talking to him. Well maybe not that surprised, she likely did it so I would stop finding excuses to not do my work, he thought. Copia shook his head before nodding to Zephyr. “Thank you for telling me.”
Zephyr nodded before returning to the intricate braid they were doing. Pebble glanced over to look at Copia. “None of us are due for our check ups right? Just the ones apart of the tour?”
Copia looked over as he walked to the hall leading to the band ghoul wing. “As far as I’m aware it’s only the ghouls of mine that are part of the tour. If the rest of you are due for your check ups, I likely won’t get around to them until much later. That or I’ll make V deal with you all when he’s done with the tour.”
Pebble snorted before relaxing back on the couch. “Figured as much. Give the new Papa a challenge when he comes to meet all of us.”
Copia cracked a smile before leaving. He made his way down the hall to a room with an air symbol on the door and two names scrawled on the name placate in flowing loopy letters. He knocked on the door and waited for a response. “Cumulus? It’s Pa—Frat— it’s Copia.”
The door opened to reveal the curvy ghoulette. She had an amused smile that was visible from the opening of her Prequella mask. She preferred it more than her Impera mask since she kept getting the hoses caught on her mate’s horns. “Still getting used to the title change, Frater?” Her tone was happy and teasing before she moved aside to let him in.
“Still doesn’t feel right,” he admitted as he followed her into the room. “I am surprised you didn’t hide like the others after getting the text from V about the departure date.”
Cumulus shrugged as she closed the door before sitting on the bed she shares with her mate. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. I’m not going to join the tour this time.”
Copia froze, his eyes wide as he stared at her. “You don’t want to go on tour this time? Why Cumulus? The fans love you.”
Cumulus nodded and fidgeted with her fingers for a moment. “It just doesn’t feel right participating without you there, Copia. The others agree that no one can take your place as our Papa but the others are going since they know Perpetua hasn’t summoned any ghouls yet.” Cumulus looked at Copia. “So I asked Perpetua to not include me for the tour and instead have my spot filled by the ghoul he’s gonna summon soon. I also know you need an assistant ghoul so I’m volunteering to be yours since I know you don’t exactly trust Phil after what happened.”
Copia’s soften while looking at Cumulus. “You would do that for me Cumulus?” When she nodded, Copia felt tears in his eyes before he coughed and looked away. He was not going to cry. “Well then. I suppose a good way to start as my new assistant ghoulette is to help me get the others so they can go to their checkups. Also no pulling what Aether did the last time we all went on tour and hiding one of the others from me.”
Cumulus chuckled before nodding. “Of course. Sadly though I only know where my mate and Mountain are. Mountain is just in the greenhouse and didn’t really care about the vet visit. Cirrus though is in the old bell tower.”
“I’ll hold off on Mountain when I need a break from wrangling the others.” Copia heaved a sigh before standing. “Let’s go to the bell tower.”