It's so easy to lie yourself
And say that life is good.
Until you finally open your eyes,
And see the total destruction
Happening before you
- Painful Truth; Happy Days

Chapter Nine: Betrayal In Its Simplest Form

The summer sun seeped through the foliage above him as he lied down the grassy ground---waiting for Choromatsu's return. His mouth was wide open as he snored loudly, not caring about the surroundings anymore.

Osomatsu decided to get some sleep because he was sort of tired and the weather was honestly just too hot to get some things done.

He dreamt about his past encounter with the goddess.

"Hey, Osomatsu." The little goddess once asked him: "What are races, really?"

The devil gave him a surprised look. "Races?" he reiterated.

Choromatsu nodded. "You've mentioned it before when we first met, right? You said that I cannot like you because of my race. Why?"

Geez. So he's at his stage of curiosity now? Osomatsu sighed. "You know, I have no right to disclose it to you." He grabbed a broken twig and jokingly poked the little goddess's nose with it. "I am not someone who can be trusted with information."

"And why is that?" He tilted his head.

"I..." Osomatsu trailed off. What was he supposed to say? That he's an opposite race and he has the full discretion to kill this goddess because he's an enemy to the devil's race? And that Choromatsu could do the same to him? Should he say that he shouldn't trust him because he's a devil?

Unpleasant.

"It's because we're...different," he just chose to say.

"Different? I don't think that's a bad thing at all!" The younger one exclaimed.

"Oh yeah?" Osomatsu asked, obviously amused with the claim. "And why?"

The little one stood up and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "It's because we're friends! And no matter what, that will never change. Even though we may have a lot of differences--be it the races that you speak of--I am still happy that you get to be my friend, Osomatsu!"

Osomatsu's eyes widened from the bold statement. Shit. What has he gotten himself to? He covered his burning cheeks and looked away.

It was the very first time that he knew he was in deep shit with the goddess.

And he didn't know if he'd like it or not.

He guessed that it was the former.

The faint sounds of ruffling shoes startled the devil from his slumber. It was disturbing and moving in a really fast pace---towards him.

He figured out that it would never be the one that he was waiting for because Choromatsu would surely use his wings and for a fact that the goddess wears no shoes. He deduced that those weren't the people that the goddess invited to meet him because he had the feeling that they wouldn't move ever so stealthy and cautiously.

He finally opened his eyes and stood up, grabbing his blue vest that was hanging at a nearby tree branch while he was at it. The presence came closer---and it became steady. He gritted his teeth as he finally recognized who they were.

It was a group of devils.

How many of them were here? No one should know that he's here---except Ichimatsu and Todomatsu, but he knew well that they wouldn't betray him. Did they perhaps go here to kill the goddess? No, there's a law prohibiting them on doing that.

Then why the hell were they here?

Then suddenly, a husky voice feigned over his ear: "We've come to fetch you, my Prince~"

He whipped around to see a flash of red and all of a sudden, Osomatsu was pushed down to the ground with a sharp heel on his back---particularly on his wings. The younger devil choked a pained groan as the assailant pressed him further, stepping on him heavier.

Fuck.
He knew very well the only one who could take him down like this.

"T..Tougo!" He snarled as he attempted to squirm away from the taut grasp but failed miserably, much to his chagrin. There were other devils who were with him, maybe his subordinates.

"Long time no see, wouldn't you think?" Tougo smiled. "I missed you, my dear Osomatsu."

"Fuck you," he screeched.

"Still hateful as ever." The older devil knelt down and grabbed his collar, raising him up high within his reach. "Play time is done, little devil. It's time to go back where you came from."

This gave Osomatsu the chance to retaliate. Maximizing his position, he swung his feet towards Tougo---successfully toppling him over. He made a smooth landing and backed away from the slowly recovering devil.

"And you're still as strong as ever!" Tougo grinned at him---his pupils flashing a deep crimson red as he started to tackle the younger devil at a top speed. Osomatsu let out a surprised gasp as he attempted to dodge, which deemed successful. Tougo let out a gleeful laugh as he raised his hands, eliciting a small ball of dark light that was directed towards Osomatsu. The other devils retreated from the place, scuffling away from the fight.

Osomatsu finally snapped.

The younger devil skipped on his feet before lunging towards Tougo at an indescribable speed, earning a direct contact on the older devil's stomach. The attack has sent Tougo flying and landing hard on a tree. Good thing that was sturdy.

Tougo wiped the blood that dripped through his nose as he stood up gingerly. Time to use that, he thought.

He looked at Osomatsu whose red eyes were flashing dangerously. "Let's get this over with, shall we?" He closed his eyes and spoke quietly. "Confinare."

It was then Osomatsu felt a sudden binding force that pushed him down the ground. "You fucking cheater!" He snarled as he clenched his fists. "Release me so I can beat the shit out of you!"

"Too bad that the prolonged exposure to this realm has weakened you, yes?" Tougo sneered as he crouched down to lift Osomatsu's raged face. "You can't even untie yourself. How bad."

The younger devil spat at him.

The older devil wiped off the saliva from his face. "You little piece of shit." Tougo raised his hand and slapped Osomatsu hard across his right cheek. The younger devil's nose bled and his eyes drooped tiredly as his face was forced to face Tougo again. He hated this situation. He hated being fucking useless.

He hated being weak especially in front of this bastard.

"Pathetic." Tougo literally threw Osomatsu's face and stood up, dusting off the grass and dirt from his pants. "Hey, you useless guards. Get him. We're going back-- oh, wait." He grinned as he stuck out his index and middle fingers that had long, sharp nails to accompany. He went beside Osomatsu and slowly pierced through his side---drawing out blood and staining his clothing. The younger devil screamed in pain as he moved violently despite his restrictions, feeling his strength slowly disappearing from his body. Another spell.

Tougo grinned maliciously as Osomatsu finally lost his consciousness. He teared a large part of the blood-smeared cloth and left it on the ground. "A little gift for the wonderful creature that this little devil has befriended. We're bound to meet soon, goddess."

The guards lifted the unconscious Osomatsu and gathered round in circle. Tougo glanced at the surroundings for the final time and grinned.

"Until we finally meet."

He snapped his fingers and little by little, all of them finally went back to Hell.

________________________

Osomatsu woke up feeling his side and cheeks hurting. It was dark and the smell of this place was awful. He slowly stood up and glared at the rusty bars of the chamber. The old prison, huh. An easy place, in all honesty. It's not like he can't escape---it was just he was too languid to do so.

Now, he'd done it.

How did Tougo know his whereabouts? Shit. That town was secluded and not really noticeable so a pure guess and coincidence weren't obviously the answers.

Ichimatsu wouldn't betray him; so does Todomatsu---despite him being a bitch sometimes. They were the only ones who knew about his encounters with the goddess and it's impossible for them to spill the beans to that bastard. He believed in them.

The most probable reason would be someone who overheard their conversation inside his room.

Who could have possibly busted him to Tougo? His mind was too hazy to think about the possibilities.

How many hours had he been sleeping already? Or perhaps it's already been days?

He observed that there were no guards around but he wasn't surprised. Tougo was too busy to even assign a guard to him. He still felt weak---maybe that bastard casted a lingering spell on him.

Since when did Tougo learned to cast spells? He needed to catch up.

"What the fuck? Did Ichimatsu nii-san give the wrong place?" A voice suddenly echoed in the chambers. It was faint but there was definitely a voice. "There's literally no one here and this is just an old chamber! Is this even a maintained prison? It stinks!"

Todomatsu?

"Then wouldn't that be a good sign?" another voice asked. Who's that? "I mean we can easily go in here-"

"Obviously not! This is way too easy!" It's Todomatsu again, his voice rising incredulously. "Is this a trap or somethi-"

"Is...Is someone there?" He choked out, cutting their voices off. His throat hurts, too. Tch.

Shortly after, he heard hurried steps and ragged breaths that were slowly getting louder. He saw a flash of pink and black and he thought that it was Todomatsu but seeing those bewildered emerald eyes proved him wrong.

Choromatsu knelt down, grasping the dirty railings---Osomatsu almost wanted to scold him for doing so. How did he reach this place?

This idiot goddess. Why are your eyes so worried? You're almost crying! He wanted to say but his words were caught up on his throat from the overwhelming worried look on the goddess's face. Had he been that agitated since he was gone?

What is this silly tug on my heart?

"I was worried about you, idiot Osomatsu!" The goddess finally spoke after some moments. The devil's eyes widened on the bold statement.

"Why are you here in Hell?!" He suddenly shouted, startling Choromatsu. "And what the hell is that get-up? How were you able to come here?! Don't you know how dangerous it is for you?!"

Choromatsu looked hurt but it subsided in a bit. "I'm here to save you!"

"Save me?!" Osomatsu glared at him. "You're a goddess! You can't possibly be her--"

"Osomatsu nii-san, enough of that." Another pink--it was surely Todomatsu this time. "I...I was the one who helped h-him."

"Todomatsu!" His low voice was laced with threat as he spoke.

"Nii-san, you're in danger! I can't possibly abandon you!"

"And dragging him here will help you?!"

Todomatsu bit his lips in remorse. He looked down--his pointed hat obscuring the view of his pink pupils. "I...I'm sorry, okay? I just...wanted to help."

"No. Todomatsu didn't drag me on this. It's my full decision to follow you here." Choromatsu glanced sympathetically at Todomatsu. "No need to blame him."

"You don't understand, Choro--"

"No! You're the one who doesn't understand! Just shut up and get saved already!"

The devil was suddenly shut at that. He didn't expect the goddess to shout like that...at all. What's happening? He looked away as Choromatsu asked Todomatsu on what they should do next.

"Well, for now, treating Osomatsu nii-san's wounds would be a first step." Todomatsu turned to the devil. "Nii-san, show me your wounds."

Clack. Clack. Clack.

"No. You need to get out of here!" Osomatsu frantically warned. "Actually, no. Hide somewhere. Todomatsu! Quick! Cast some spells on both of you. Someone's coming!"

Clack. Clack.

"What? Choromatsu!" He grabbed the goddess's gloved hand and thought for a temporary escape route. He spotted an open prison and bit his lips.

"Todomatsu!" The devil shouted.

"I'm thinking, okay?" The witch cringed at the thought of entering a grimy place.

The sound of the shoes resonated more clearly as seconds passed by. He stomped his feet. "Argh. Whatever! Let's go, Choromatsu!" He dragged him inside the prison, clenching his teeth on the unpleasant surroundings. He raised his staff---its end emitting a small light as he muttered under his breath: "Sparire!"

Both of their presences disappeared immediately right after Todomatsu casted the spell. Osomatsu heaved a sigh as he sat down the dirty ground---closing his eyes as he leaned at the wall. That must be the guards.

"So you're finally awake." He heard a low voice.

He opened his eyes slowly, his crimson pupils flashing in the dark. These were met by a man clad in a brown, plaid suit and a pair of eyes with a darker shade of red looking down at his position. "I see that the spell had worn off already."

"Where did you learn to cast spells?"

"Oh, this? Ardere." His palm emitted a blazing flame that lit up the dark. A quiet gasp escaped Todomatsu. Devils shouldn't know these kinds of spells.

A witch surely taught him.

"Someone who has a good heart taught me." Tougo smirked. "It's amazing, right?"

"More like forced them?" Osomatsu smirked. "No one in the other race will be willing to help your weak ass, Toug--"

The devil's words were caught up in his throat as he felt a tight grasp on his neck and he was being suspended in the air. Despite the difficulty in breathing, Osomatsu could only smirk at the annoyed expression that the older devil wore.

He chuckled weakly. "What? Can't...accept that...you're a weak--" he coughed "--ass king?"

"Silence!" Tougo sent Osomatsu flying while shouting angrily. The older devil gritted his teeth. "Confinare!"

Osomatsu felt another bind on his body again, his face falling first on the floor.

Choromatsu gasped silently and moved as if he'll run right in front of the two devils but Todomatsu stopped him--glaring at the former. The goddess can only look back at the scene unfolding right in front of him.

Suddenly, a muffled, mocking laugh reverberated inside the chamber. It was definitely Osomatsu's. "Fucking...weak ass...who relies on a corrupted...powers. That's not even you--!"

"Zittire!" Tougo shouted again, effectively silencing the already languid devil. "You fucking piece of shit. Stop provoking me."

Osomatsu can only smile.

"You're still staying here. I'll let you fucking rot in this place. But you're already rotten, right? Well, anyway, enjoy your life as a prisoner here. Alone and dying...

"Soon, I'll be the one who'll end you--right in front of the goddess that you adore. That would be so wonderful, right?" Tougo smirked as he saw the shock and rage in Osomatsu's eyes. Bullseye! "I'll offer you a wonderful death right on front of your dear goddess. Oh!" He suddenly clasped his hands together in realization of another thing. "I'll kill that goddess, too! And I can gain additional powers for myself." He laughed hysterically as he started to walk away from the chamber.

"I'll be seeing you soon, my dear Osomatsu!" He smiled at him as he finally disappeared from the prison.

"Cancellare." Todomatsu finally spoke as they reappeared in front of Osomatsu. All of the spells casted to the devil was finally gone. "Are you all right? Let me heal you."

"Yeah." Osomatsu knitted his eyebrows, looking worriedly at the goddess behind the witch. "Choromatsu, you need to get out of here."

"But I still need to save yo--"

"No. Choromatsu, please," Osomatsu said gently, looking straight at the goddess. "Listen to me. I..." He looked away as he laid out his injured arm at Todomatsu. The latter started to heal all of his wounds. "The last thing that I want in this world is for you to be in danger. So please..."

There was silence.

"Promise me one thing." Choromatsu muttered under his breath after a bit.

"Huh?"

"Please promise me that you'll be back!" Choromatsu was crying, biting his lips in nervousness. "I don't want anything to happen to you--"

"Silly goddess." Osomatsu chuckled and grinned at him. "I wouldn't let myself die just because of this! What do you even think of me?"

"I-I'm just worried!"

"Oho~ I'm much honored that the goddess is very worried about my wellbeing." He rubbed his finger under his nose.

"Whatever! Shut up!"

"Okay? Are you done with your flirting yet?" Todomatsu asked irritatingly as he stood up. "That should do. I gave you a defensive spell as well and that should be effective for a week. You'll be fine as long as you don't be too reckless, okay? Oh, and here." He held out a necklace with a glass pendant. "A teleportation tool. It's only effective once and inside Ichimatsu nii-san's room. I've set up a gate there for other creatures like the both of you. And judging from his uptight security on his own room, only we can utilize that so you'll be safe."

"Are you sure you want to stay here?" Choromatsu asked.

"Thank you, Todomatsu!" He smiled happily as he stretched to test his fully healed body. "And yes, I'll find a way to escape here somehow." He saluted and winked at the goddess.

"Choromatsu nii-san. Despite him being an idiot, he has an abundant luck." Todomatsu snickered. "He'll be fine. Trust on my spells, won't you?"

"He's right, you know?" Osomatsu leaned at the bars. "You need to go now. Quick."

Todomatsu raised his staff and began speaking a teleportation spell. Choromatsu looked at the smiling devil that was detained in the dilapidated cage. Osomatsu mouthed him a 'goodbye' and an 'it will be all right' so he just gave out a worried smile.

Soon after both of the creatures disappeared in thin air. Osomatsu's smiled faded as he glared at the place where Todomatsu and Choromatsu disappeared.

He noticed that there was something off from that...visitation. Knowing Todomatsu, he knew that there is something suspicious about the whole ordeal. He possibly can't just help another creature--let alone an opposite race--for free.

Realization suddenly struck him and his eyes widened.

"Since when did Todomatsu learn how to heal wounds?"

_____________________

"Woah! Jyushimatsu-kun?" Homura yelped as the papers she was holding suddenly flew out of her hands due to a fast whip of air that went past her. The mentioned angel abruptly stopped--his eyes forming like a cat as he did so. He bent down to help pick up the papers whole profusely apologizing to the brunette.

She chuckled as she grabbed the papers. "No, it's all right! Why are you such in a hurry anyway? Is everything all right?"

Jyushimatsu's smile was still on his face but he shook his head. "Something came up down there! I need to do something!"

"How about that reaper that you were observing?"

"He can wait!" He flapped his long sleeves in panic. "This, however, cannot! Yeah. Definitely not!"

"I see." She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I hope everything will be fine. Please be careful!"

He cheerfully smiled as he flapped his bright wings. "I will! Take care as well! Bye bye!"

Homura waved at him and he swiftly went off.

The warm sun shone brightly amidst the clear blue sky as Jyushimatsu marveled through the thin clouds that floated up the air. Although his smile was still etched on his visage, the angel couldn't help but worry about the things that's happening.

Why did I become too engrossed about watching that reaper? he thought to himself as he flew, I forgot about him! And now... And now...

He gritted his teeth in worry. He had been careless that he forgot his duty. His original duty.

This is the only way to fix this.

A minute later, Jyushimatsu can finally see the huge cross impaled at the top of the church that Karamatsu had been serving. Another thought occurred to him as he slowed down, preparing for landing.

How come he managed to get under our noses?

He knew it wasn't Karamatsu's fault. He was only acting upon what he believes in. Also, he's awfully kind.

But those traits now endanger his life.

The huge double doors of the church were ajar; Jyushimatsu folded his huge wings as he walked towards it--opening it slowly. The church was empty except for the one that he had meant to meet.

"Karamatsu nii-san!"

The mentioned priest whipped around to see a white-clad angel that was now running towards him. He quirked an eyebrow. Why the haste?

"Karamatsu nii-san!" Jyushimatsu's smile was not evident as he panted slightly--a bad omen. "I...I have to tell you something!"

"Brother, why the haste? We have all the time in the world!" He tried to sound cheerful but failed miserably as his eyebrows knitted. "Would you like to sit down first?"

"N...No." The angel stuttered. "This is important!"

"What could be more important than a proper conversation? Come, rest first--"

"A sacristan named Todomatsu resides here, correct?"

Karamatsu gulped audibly. "Yes. W-What about him?"

Jyushimatsu looked down. He never expected it to be this hard. Should he be doing this anyway? What if things get worse because of this? What if this thing will be deemed useless after all of this?

"Jyushimatsu?"

No. I must.

That moment, Karamatsu knew there was something wrong and he can't help but fidget on his place right in front of the altar. He suddenly felt cold.

"Todomatsu..." The angel looked straight at his blue eyes---meeting a frantic pair of yellow.

Karamatsu felt his heart stop after hearing Jyushimatsu's words.

"Todomatsu is a witch."