The Fall of Peter

III Leaders

1. Pope Francis calls Abate in his room. He hugs the cardinal, glad that he was fine and back to his home. But he doesn't stall, asking more about Peter. They talk for a while, until something catches the pope's attention.

2. "So, he said that God made him hear what every single prophet said... Moses, David, Jacob, Joshua, even Isaiah..."
Abate says but Pope Francis interrups him.

3. "Wait, those were the ones that he told you, right?"
The Supreme Pontiff says.

4. "Yes, Holy Father, but probably there's more, he was just generalizing."
The cardinal replies.

5. "Don't you see the pattern, your eminence? And also all his speeches through the world. He says he's a descendant of Peter, but he only believes in the Old Testament.
6. That was actually pretty translucent, how could I not have seen that?"
The Holy Father starts to realize the connections.

7. "It makes sense, Your Holiness. Nina also said that Peter's sense of justice was always turned to blood and death."
Abate sees the nexus and comments about what he was told in one of the resistance's communions.

8. "I can't believe this... he wants to establish the old fashioned imperialist monarchy. This is insane."
Pope Francis says.

9. "Insane? This is apocalyptic! It would be the end of the world!"
The cardinal complements with a bit of euphoria.

10. "I know, Abate... Now, calm down. What else did you get?"
The Patriarch tries to keep him less worried.

11. "Oh, yes. I found out that Peter was actually a priest as well. His request to be a cardinal was withdrawn 4 months ago, a little before he started to conduct miracles."
Abate says.

12. "How could that be possible if he's unable to read? Oh no..."
The pope realizes.

"What's wrong, Holy Father?"
The cardinal asks.

13. "This means that God does talk to him, it's the only explanation... And also means that the prophecy was probably right. If Benedict XVI wouldn't have resigned, Simeon would have an enormous chance to be the final pope: Peter the Roman..."
14. The Holy Father, once again, sinks in his powerless status quo that has been dragging his mind all along to pessimism.
15. "Maybe that's actually God's will..."
The Holy Father says, with his head down low and with no longer strength to think about any reason why he should keep selling illusions that everything is under control.

16. "No, Holy Father, it couldn't be! Think, why would He choose you to be our leader just to destroy us all together right after?"
Abate makes a good point again.

17. "Because I am a sinner, Abate. I am a coward"
The pope replies with shame in his face and no courage to even look at the cardinal.

18. "We're all cowards, Your Holiness. That's why we've chosen this lonely life. We could be serving the Lord by getting married, having children... But we're too mentally fragile for this. Sure, we can be weak in emotions, but we're strong and invencible to spread His words!"
19. Abate speaks wisely, like always.
"Don't be dragged out of here like those stupid cardinals that left their house because they were afraid."
The cardinal complements.

20. "You're right, your eminence..."
The Supreme Pontiff agrees with him and lifts up his head.

"So, are you saying we fight, Holy Father?"
The cardinal anxiously asks, as the Patriarch looks at him and says:

21. "Yes, we fight!"
In a blink of an eye, Pope Francis regain his confidence and attitude.

22. "Don't forget, Your Holiness: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
23. Abate says, and then runs to give the news to the people, and thousands of catholics get ready to defend their church as well.

24. The night is long for both sides, but when the moon starts to fall, they know it's time. The catholics stand in St. Peter's Square with their weapons, as the resistance marches their way to the Vatican's heart.