Weeping from mere exhaustion and "starvation", Karamatsu led himself to the nearest town, which beautifully (yet inconveniently) placed high upon a large, rocky cliff by the ocean.

The cold wind dried the man's tears from his eyes as he hugged himself, trudging along a dirt path, which would eventually lead him to this new place where he could find sufficient rest. Karamatsu kept his expectations low, since word could easily be spread on what kind of a man he really was. He had no intentions of staying.

Eager to be forgiven so he could move on with life, the lonely priest prayed that this little town would be oblivious to his past. He hadn't seen any power lines near by, which brought him great pleasure.

No wires meant no internet, and no internet meant that Karamatsu would be safe from any sort of news out there about him. Maybe.

" I can start over here..." Karamatsu thought to himself, panting as his legs grew more and more exhausted. "I can rest, then find that city, which should be near here. I could hide there...and maybe even just abandon my duties as a priest. I could just go on and start a new life, all alone. Seems like the perfect punishment for a disappointment like me..."

Karamatsu took two more steps before he collapsed to the ground. He had been rejecting his health ever since he had begun traveling. His body didn't matter, after all that had been done to those he loved. The priest believed he deserved to suffer constantly, even if much of his suffering was self-inflicted.

Inhaling deeply, Karamatsu felt himself slipping away from his senses, losing all train of thought.

"Is this really how things had to be...?" Karamatsu thought, his body beginning to relax on the open, dirt road. "I'm already failing her final words to me...I cannot be pure in this state. Sanity is beyond me at this point. Just look at how filthy I have become...I even left that old village, dressed in my priestly clothing. I'm not worthy of such things. I've dirtied my appearance and my simple life is beyond repair..."

Karamatsu dug his nails into the dirt, trying to control the emotions his was feeling deep down.

"I'll never live up to the expectations of those I used to know...I'm sorry in advance. But I guess it's too late to apologize, right...?" Karamatsu thought as he groaned, too exhausted to get to his feet again.

Despite not wanting attention, the priest knew, eventually, someone would come along the road and find him. Perhaps it would be someone kind, someone who would take him in and nourish him back to health. Even if a lowly person helped him, Karamatsu wouldn't mind. He just desired to be found.

And by the time the sun had begun to set, the priest had been passed out on the ground for hours. Only when there was a sharp, annoyed tap on his shoulder did he come to his senses again.

"Excuse me," a woman sighed impatiently at the priest. "Cars go down this road, you know. This isn't the place where you can take naps, sir. You might be run over by accident."

The woman examined Karamatsu closely, then gasped, immediately apologizing. "Father, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I had no idea you were a priest! Your appearance is so filthy, I failed to notice. Please, I meant no dishonor beforehand!"

"I-It's fine..." Karamatsu groaned, pushing himself up into a sitting position. His legs seemed to be aching more than before. Meeting the gaze of the troubled woman, Karamatsu forced a friendly smile on his face. "Life just isn't-"

"Ineedhelp,Father," the woman uttered in one, desperate breath. She lowered her voice, tears welling up in her sad, blue eyes. "I understand you're in nothing but rags at the moment...but I have a...achildwhoneedshelp."

"A child?" Karamatsu's eyes lit up, feeling hope in his heart. He was unsure why he felt hopeful, since he was aware of what happened to his secret family. "I'll do anything for a child in need!"

The woman smiled sadly, nodding her head, as she turned around, walking stiffly to her small car. Within a matter of seconds, she retrieved a young boy, whom appeared to be no younger than three years old.

"Todomatsu," the woman spoke gently, grabbing the boy's hand. "Please, cooperate."

The little boy glared at Karamatsu, anger pouring from his body.

"NO!" Todomatsu shouted, stomping his child sized loafers on the dirt ground. "NOOOO!"

The woman dug her nails into the child's wrist and roughly dragged the rebellious child towards the priest.

Todomatsu tried to pull away, but the woman only tightened her grip on him. Red marks were beginning to appear on his wrists.

Eyes still heavy, Karamatsu struggled to get a good look at the child, though he could feel that he needed lots of love and affection.

"What would you like me to do?" the priest asked softly.

The woman sighed, shaking her head a little. "He's was found in the streets about three years ago. No parents or guardians were in sight. Trust me, father, we've tried to tolerate this young boy...but something just isn't right with him. He's always angry. We try to keep our orphanages free from toxic children. Todomatsu is one of those toxic children. He must be possessed."

Karamatsu smiled at the little boy, his fragile heart softening even more.

"I'll take him in, if the town can provide me with a church and a place to call home. That is all I ask," the priest spoke humbly, bowing his head. "For this child is a blessing, which I do not deserve at all."

"I-I think I'll be able to arrange something..." the woman stammered as she let go of Todomatsu. And surprisingly, despite the boy's fiery soul, he ran into the arms of the priest, beginning to bawl.

"There there..." Karamatsu comforted Todomatsu, running his fingers through the little boy's silky, black hair. "I'll protect you..."