Chapter Text
As lead rains will pass on through
Our phantoms forever, forever
Like scarecrows that fuel this flame
We're burning forever and ever
Know how much I want to show you
You're the only one
Like a bed of roses
There's a dozen reasons in this gun.
Demolition Lovers by My Chemical Romance.
The next week, Copia was sitting at his desk writing. He never took the time to write personal things, since his administrative work consumed most of his time. However, that day he decided to sit down and write.
After the events regarding Rosario, premonitory dreams had become more and more frequent. Scenes of both kissing, hands intertwined, death around, rituals, among other things. The truth is that Copia had no idea what they meant, since nothing similar had ever happened to him.
On the positive side, his depressive episodes had decreased. He was happy filling out administrative paperwork and translating books into various languages. Now, he was happy writing in his diary. He used to write poems, but he didn't take the time to edit or revise them. He only wrote and was happy to do so, as long as this meant a release from his mental turmoil.
A white eye so close,
We’re mourning the loss,
Of those we love,
Death is coming
like a falling dove.
If only love could persevere,
If only our love could fix,
Our broken hearts,
Innocent and naïve,
Hearts that haven’t seen,
Anything but pain and grief.
At the end of the poem, he thought for a few minutes. He knew that he couldn't help but reflect on everything, but the situation with Rosario and his dreams warranted it. He felt that death was very close, almost at his side. Perhaps Rosario was his salvation and his only way out of the destruction that would come.
His little crush (he kept telling himself that it was nothing more than something tiny, he barely knew the girl) had intensified as the days went by. He saw Rosario in the hallways of the Ministry and in the library, near his office. Many times, he heard her whispering songs that he didn't understand (they were probably in Spanish) and other times he just found her immersed in her reading.
The other day he finally decided to talk to her. It was a small conversation, but his heart was still racing at the memory.
“Buongiorno, sorella” he greeted her. She looked at him without much expression on her face.
“Good morning, Cardinale Copia,” Rosario replied. A small hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
“Er… how are you? What are you reading?" Copia asked. He didn't know how to create conversation topics. His shy and innocent personality did not allow him to risk having an in-depth conversation with the girl, much less subtly telling her the things he felt. Still, he did his best.
“Okay, Cardinale. And you?" he asked her. Her gaze returned to the book she was reading. “I'm reading some poems by Alejandra Pizarnik,” she commented. “She is an Argentinian writer that I really like, have you heard of her?
“I'm fine, mia brava ragazza. I don't know that writer. I love poetry, but I focus on European poets, unfortunately. I don't know Spanish, so it would be difficult for me to read anything of her in her native language,” said Copia, relatively nervous. What would she think of him if he didn't know one of her favorite writers? What a shame, for the glory of Satan.
“Don't worry, Cardinale. There are several translations in the Ministry's library. I managed to find some volumes of the complete poetry in Spanish and others in English. If… if you would like, I can help you learn Spanish…”
At that moment, Copia thought he was dying for the umpteenth time, always in Rosario's presence. Damn.
“Uh… yeah, yeah. No problem. I would love to, topolino. I have Thursday afternoons free in my office, if you don't mind coming,” Copia told her, with the small hope that she would say yes. Honestly, he felt his heart burst. What would happen if Copia told Sister Imperator that he wanted Rosario as his assistant? Would they leave it? It wouldn't hurt to have an extra hand for all the paperwork and translations…
“Of course, Cardinale. It would be an honour. Would you like to meet at your office next Thursday afternoon?” she asked in a soft voice. A small smile appeared on her face and Copia thought his face was turning tomato colour. Breathe, Copia, breathe.
“No problem, Sorella. See you next Thursday afternoon. In my office."
“It's a date, Cardinale Copia,” Rosario responded. With that she took his book and left the library leaving Copia alone with his thoughts, again.
After that conversation, Copia looked forward to Thursday. There were approximately two days left. He wanted to leave his office in perfect condition and, honestly, he didn't want to disappoint Rosario in any way. What if she rejected him in some way or another? She had already denied his friendship from the beginning, but at least he wanted to be on good terms with her. After all, he wanted her to be his assistant. If she didn't want to be friends, he would make sure their professional relationship was excellent. It's the least that both he and she deserved.
The day passed quickly. The truth is that, immersed in his reflections and work, the days passed like this. He didn't have many interactions with the rest of the clergy, so his life was limited to being absorbed in his thoughts and sitting in his office. Unfortunately, he was getting bored of following that monotonous life. With the arrival of Rosario, a new flame was lit within his chest; one who wanted to do something for his life, change his destiny.
He walked from his office to the chapel. This one, with black brick walls, candelabras and statues, stood in all its splendour. A figure of Baphomet, on the side of the place, looked at him carefully. Pictures of Lilith (who reminded him of Rosario), Lucifer Morningstar, and other deities surrounded the walls of the church.
He approached the statue of Baphomet and knelt in front of it. His knees, sore from the wood of the seats and armrests, showed devotion. With his hands folded, all he managed to do was pray.
“My Lord, please give me tools to get out of this misunderstood love. Give me a clue to know if my feelings, in some recess of Rosario's heart, are reciprocal. I beg you,” he prayed ardently. He found himself, after a few minutes, with the same sepulchral silence of the chapel.
“Dark Lord, please, I who have been devoted to you, give me a glimpse of light to illuminate my eyes blinded by humanity, tell me what I should do and who I should be. I don't know why my dreams are full of a woman who doesn't love me, and I don't know why they are full of death," he pleaded.
Suddenly, a cold wind entered the place and ran down his back, causing him to chill. In a moment of darkness, he heard the distorted voice of a man in the distance.
“Cardinal Copia, how good it is that we meet after so many years…” the voice murmured.
Copia took a shaky breath. He felt like he was going to drown in the atmosphere so charged with dark energy. He looked around and saw the figure of a man, with straight black hair, almost the colour of tar, and beautiful features, along with yellow eyes, approaching his place.
“This visit is short, Cardinale,” the figure commented. “You must know me by now. You just prayed supplicatingly to me and, honestly, I love such devotion.”
“Lucifer Morningstar?” Copia asked. Oh shit. “Hail Satan,” he said, lowering his head.
“Don't worry about the formalities, dear Cardinale. The message must be quick, before someone enters this place” he mentioned the obvious of the situation. Lucifer, with his gaze resting on Copia's head, told him, “Raise your head, my son. That you have a long, dark road ahead of you.”
Copia looked at him strangely. “What do you mean, Sir?” asked.
“The Angel of Death is near you. She brings destruction to this Ministry, the death of important people. But you shouldn't worry, she is pious. Nothing will happen to you. However, your great future is approaching in leaps and bounds. Remember the white eye you saw in your dreams. Remember that pleasure and that happiness. You will see tomorrow with another perspective. Your dear Rosario is someone you should take with a grain of salt, but remember: she is your future. Take care of her and you will not receive my punishment. Your white eye is my blessing, as it is a curse to her,” said Lucifer. After that, the tension in the atmosphere dissipated. Copia no longer saw anyone in the church.
From that moment, he knew that something very bad was going to happen, but that Rosario would be by his side to prevent it... or so he hoped.