I'm a man with a one track mind,
So much to do in one life time.
Not a man for compromise and where's and why's and living lies
So I'm living it all, yes I'm living it all.
- I Want It All; Queen

Chapter Four: Envisioning His Goals

"Jyushimatsu! Hey, come back here! Stop runnin-- Hey! Are you listening?!" Choromatsu exclaimed as he watched the angel score off another homerun and dash away from his place. I told him not to be that playful, he thought. "Oi-- Jyushimatsu!"

"Yes?" Jyushimatsu shouted from his current place.

"Go back here! You might get hurt!" The goddess, exasperated, flew towards the angel to drag him back the river. Jyushimatsu reluctantly let himself be dragged, occasionally looking up to Choromatsu's obviously annoyed face. He kept grinning.

"Choromatsu-kun grows up so fast! You're almost the same height as mine!" Jyushimatsu lit up. "You're amazing!"

The goddess, despite his mood, smiled. "Well, that's because I guess I have the knowledge of this body now. It's all thanks to you."

"Then we'll play baseball?!" Jyushimatsu jumped away from Choromatsu's grasp.

"No. You need to teach me more! I still have a lot to learn."

Jyushimatsu pouted but immediately returned to his smiling visage. "You are such a diligent being! No wonder you're a goddess. You are all like that!"

"Really, now?" Choromatsu arched one of his eyebrows. "We're still not playing baseball. Don't trick me."

"I'm not tricking you at all!" Jyushimatsu nodded. "Hm! Definitely not!

"But still, time runs so fast, doesn't it?" the angel pondered out loud as they arrived at the riverbank. "And even though I've been a guide of former goddesses here for a long time already, I'm still shocked by your progress. Maybe one of the fastest! You're amazing, Choromatsu-kun!"

"Is that so? T-Thanks." Choromatsu sat down as several birds rested on his shoulder. He smiled as he played with one of them. "I hope you'll continue guiding me throughout, Jyushimatsu."

The goddess, physically and mentally speaking, is now an 18-year old. He glanced up and witnessed the golden leaves of trees fall down on the river-- slowly, one by one, creating a wonderful ripple on the blue surface.

It has been a year (and a bit more) since he came in this world; a year since he learned a lot about this world through a certain angel's and priest's help. A year since he guarded this river almost 24/7.

And last but not the least...

It's been year since he met a certain devil whom he befriended when he literally had no clue.

Much to Choromatsu's relief, the devil showed no signs of coming back. No, he didn't hate Osomatsu. It's just...things are complicated.

Honestly, Choromatsu doesn't know how he would act if he would see those pair of fiery red eyes again. He's a goddess and he knows that he shouldn't interact with such beings.

Yet, there's a tinge of yearning inside Choromatsu's heart...but he is just too stubborn to admit it. Those times where they would always play together and he would witness Osomatsu's antics were missed, in all honesty. But logic over emotions, as he would often quote.

Karamatsu advised him not to bottle up his feelings a lot-- for someday, it would eventually burst into something more destructive. Choromatsu would love to heed to the priest's words but sometimes, Karamatsu's way of talking is...weird.

"How unfortunate!" Karamatsu exclaimed as he stood up, shocking Choromatsu. "Two lovely beings parted by the social injustice of this world. Life's really cruel, no?"

"Uh...Karamatsu, it's not really like that," the goddess sighed. "I'm not expecting him to return either."

"And why is that?"

"Can't you see? It's wrong. We can't be friends since we're the polar opposites. He's a devil and I... I'm a goddess!" Choromatsu explained in vexation. "I can't possibly be acquainted with a devil! That's just too wrong."

"I see." Karamatsu smiled. "Though, wouldn't it be nice if all races we're to live in harmony? No wars. No division. No separation. We can befriend anyone we want without any worries," he added, looking quite dreamy on the stack of books on the shelf of his room. "A good friend of mine told me that once and that rhetoric is actually quite an ambition. It's wonderful.

"He liked reading books when it comes to harmonious relationships of the races before and he always told me stories about it when we were both in the seminary. Really, he's a nice guy."

"Where is he now?"

"Ah," the priest suddenly went melancholic. "Regrettably, he disappeared. But there's no use on dwelling on the past! I'd rather give the gifts of it to this current generation. That's why I strived to be a priest: to share the things that I believe in garnered from the past that I lived in."

"You're...strange," Choromatsu commented. "I mean, for a priest you sure are idealistic."

"Am I now?" Karamatsu chuckled. "Well, I guess I am."

"Oh, that's right!" Jyushimatsu suddenly jolted up, snapping Choromatsu out of his reverie. "It's about time I teach you how to use your powers!"

"Powers?" Choromatsu inquired.

"Your race is luckily bestowed with several abilities that will help you to your job--" Jyushimatsu gathered more of his ancient books "--but it can only be cultivated when you reach the age of an adult. I think now will be a good time, yes?"

"What are these abilities?"

"Oh, just a few!" Jyushimatsu held up his hand and started enumerating stuffs. "Healing, power negation, knowledge about concoctions, and you can even control bodies of water!"

"Really? That's...amazing!" Choromatsu cheered. "Teach me, Jyushimatsu!"

The angel nodded cheerfully. "Of course! Well then," Jyushimatsu smiled widely. "Let's start!"
_______________

"No, don't put it there! This should be put here! How many times did I tell you that?" Todomatsu shrieked as he held the candelabra and put it at its rightful place. "You shouldn't slack off and remember what I am saying. We've already discussed these things, right?"

"We're sorry."

The altar boy just sighed. "Just do it right next time, okay? Go on. Prepare the other materials."

The other church helpers then set out to the check out more things for the upcoming mass. Todomatsu went to the aumbry to check if the Eucharistic tools were already cleaned and prepared.

Okay. Almost everything was finally on their places.

"Still the perfectionist that I knew, as I can see." A baritone voice was heard on the altar and Todomatsu immediately turned to welcome the person.

"Karamatsu nii-san! Good morning." The altar boy smiled. "Yeah. You know that's a nature of mine! I can't simply let the younger ones be lazy, can I?" He chuckled lightly. "Oh, are you going to be in for the first mass?"

"Ah, no. Father Dekapan will lead the first mass today. I'll be at the last mass this night. How about you?"

"I'll be serving for the afternoon masses today but I won't be at yours so I'll be out by night. I need to do something."

"I see." Karamatsu glanced at his wristwatch. "Well, since it's still quite far away, would you like to go out for a bit then? We'll be back right before your service starts."

Todomatsu nodded. "Sure! I'll just change my attire." He then set out to go to the changing room.
________________

The department store was quite far from the church so the both of them had to commute; some people even acknowledged Karamatsu as they did so. The priest happily greeted them back as Todomatsu mentally made a list of what they could do. It's been their bonding to shop sometimes together so maybe that'll do for today. Good thing that Karamatsu invited him because, honestly, the altar boy cannot let the priest shop alone.

Well, that's because...

"Karamatsu nii-san!" Todomatsu shrilled as he grabbed the...err...clothing that the priest had picked. "Your taste is still horrible! This is not even a proper shirt! What's with these shiny things?!" Todomatsu pointed at the sequined part of the apparel. "Horrendous!"

"But Totty--!"

"No buts! You're not buying this shirt!" Todomatsu harshly shoved it back to the rack despite the nickname that his company called him. He browsed through the clothes and picked a periwinkle blue polo shirt. He put it in front of Karamatsu and assessed the complement. "There! Much better!" Todomatsu finally puts the garment on their shopping basket.

"But that shirt looks comfortable! And it looks so nice! It will harmonize with my vibrant ambition to let the people kno--"

"Nice?!" Todomatsu faced him, obviously agitated with the fact that his pseudo-brother has a dreadful fashion sense. "Which part of that shirt was nice?!"

Karamatsu, who was very bewildered at the moment, stuttered, "W-Well, it really looks nice! A-And besides, the embellishment looks so attractive!"

Todomatsu sighed in defeat. "Karamatsu nii-san, those are clearly, truly appalling clothes. Trust me. But...well, if you really want it, I guess we can."

"Really?!" Karamatsu abruptly cheered up. He reached for his hair fringe and dramatically let it go as he grinned playfully. "Heh. I guess you really can't resist the charm of your brothe--"

"Okay. I'm changing my mind. Let's go back." Todomatsu muttered as he started walking away from Karamatsu together with their basket.

"Wait-- I was just joking!" Karamatsu panicked as he took his chosen shirt. He picked up his pace to catch up with his younger fellow. The priest then flashed an apologetic smile. "Forgive me?"

Todomatsu glanced at his side to see that adorable smile of his brother. Ah, truly satisfying. He grinned beguilingly as he got the shirt from Karamatsu's hands and shoved it to their basket. "You're forgiven if you do me a favor," he muttered amusingly as he set the shopped goods down the cashier's counter. He gave the staff a cute smile as she performed her duties.

"A favor?"

Todomatsu nodded as he paid for the clothes and took the shopping bag. He glanced at the clock that was displayed right at the middle of the department store. Perfect, he thought as he turned to the wondering guy beside him. "You can always cook for me," he cooed.

"C-Cook?" They started walking towards the store's exit.

"Come on, Karamatsu nii-san. It's been long since you did that for me! Besides, I really miss your cooking and we can always give some to the others as well, right? Since you always cook too much." Todomatsu chuckled at the memory of how funny the priest was when they were younger.

"Ah! Mistake!" Karamatsu exclaimed as he marveled around the kitchen of the seminary. Todomatsu peeked in curiosity-- only to see his big brother carrying a humongous pot of what smelled as curry. His eyes went wide-- obviously brimming with exhilaration.

"Curry! It's curry!" Todomatsu exclaimed as he made a run to the dinner table. Karamatsu smiled. Well, at least he got to see a cheerful Todomatsu. In addition, there's always the church staffs to share the excess with.

Karamatsu started to set out plates and utensils on the table as he served some of the meal to the younger one's plate. Todomatsu grinned at him as he lifted his spoon and waved it in the air.

"Now, now. It isn't the time for that, is it?" Karamatsu told Todomatsu as he sat down, his own plate filled with his own serving already. "You shouldn't play at the table, yes?"

"Okay!" Todomatsu smiled as he clapped his hands once. "Thank you for the food!"

"Come on, nii-san!" Todomatsu pouted cutely as he spun to face Karamatsu-- making himself walk backwards. "It's still early! We have a lot of time in our hands. Besides, don't you really miss those times?"

Karamatsu looked at him. "Why won't you come back to the seminary then?"

Todomatsu chuckled at the older one's question as he regained his track, facing forward. "Don't be so adamant about it, nii-san. You always told me before: 'Explore the world out there for there lies the unexpected treasures that you can encounter,' right? I really enjoy my current state and that's all to it." Todomatsu looked longingly in front of him-- like envisioning a concrete goal that he would conquer soon. It made Karamatsu quiet. Seeing how Todomatsu's eyes show that fervor somewhat woke something in him.

The priest smiled as he swung his arms at the younger one's shoulder. "Well then, your request shall be granted, my brother!" He grinned as they began to tread their way to the terminal of public vehicles.

Todomatsu was, indeed, growing up.

__________________

The night fell fast quickly and Todomatsu had just finished his church duties. The last mass commenced-- with Karamatsu leading it.

Todomatsu stepped out from the establishment through the church's back entrance for the staffs. Karamatsu's voice resonated around the vicinity-- his homily starting in a bit.

Todomatsu decided to go home early for a quite important matter. He kept his church attire-- since it will play a vital role for his business.

The chilly night breeze made Todomatsu shiver as he walked his way towards the nearby river which was just several meters away from the church.

To be honest, the skirmish environment frightened him but he brought a candelabra and lit it up with a simple fire incantation. The light from the candles was enough to eliminate his fear and to let him see the way properly.

He heard a faint, hearty laugh-- definitely not too far from his position. Okay, he was almost there. Todomatsu pursued.

"So that will be how you'll cast that spell-- no! Choromatsu-kun, focus your energy to your palm," a deep voice exclaimed. "Right there! Yes! You are getting it! Hahaha! Amazing!"

Oh. An angel is here, too?
Well, that's certainly a fortunate opportunity for me, Todomatsu thought as he hid at a nearby tree-- the distance was just enough to see the two heavenly beings clearly.

"Now try to heal these small wounds that I got from playing baseball earlier!" The cheery angel presented his grimy hands in which the goddess cringed.

"I told you not to play too much," the goddess clicked his tongue. He then held the angel's hands and closed his eyes. His right hand was hovering over the injured areas as he muttered a series of incantations. Choromatsu's palm started to emit a bright light that noticeably mended the wounds.

As expected from a goddess.

But damn.
Todomatsu wants it.

He had to admit-- healing is one of the hardest powers to gain in their race. Almost no witch had that ability, with exception to those who are really experts on witchcraft. He, himself, can't get his hands on that ability. But now that he had seen it right in front of his very eyes, he'll make it damn sure that he will.

He smiled coyly to himself as he stood up, his feet leading towards the direction of the two heavenly beings.

With the sweetest voice that he could muster, he smiled at the both of them.

"Good evening, Mr. Angel and Mr. Goddess."