𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥- 𝘙𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦

Trigger Warning: The content of the story may contain triggering and/or sensitive event and occurrences. Sexual violence, sexual abuse, assault, and suicide are some topics mentioned within this story. Some readers may find disturbing and/or not be suitable for young audiences. Reader discretion is advised.

It may also lead you to be offended due to religious beliefs. We have different religions, opinions,  and practices. The writer does not mean to degrade religions and make the readers feel sympathy towards evil nor an atheist. You may find some topics sensitive and against your own beliefs, but do remember this is nothing but FICTION.

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What is religion? 

It is a practice to achieve the goals of salvation for oneself and others and to render due obedience and worship to God. 

What is Salvation? 

The act of being "saved [from] sin and its consequences, which include death and separation from God," by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the subsequent justification.

People choose what they think is right. They have their own beliefs and it must be respected. It is supposed to be like that. 

However, as years passed by, different types of religions started to rise. Hundreds and thousands of it became a stepping stone to misunderstanding with each other's beliefs. 

What religion can save you? Which religion will you believe to have a free ticket to heaven? 

The answer is, none. 

Religion cannot save you. You can only save yourself. Religion is not an airline that could fly you to heaven. 

And who says you will go to heaven? 

The fact that you're reading this means you are going to hell. 

"There isn't any God and when you die you're just dead. . ." The missionary hummed a song as he was sitting on the ground watching the children from the orphanage play with glee.

"And heaven's just a fairytale to put you to bed. . ." He finished the song. 

The young missionary does not even care if nuns heard him singing a blasphemous song. He watched the young children running around in circles, laughing, and jumping on the playground. 

"Kuya, Tan-tan!" Ivy, the eight year old kid called his attention. She was wearing a cute pink dress running towards him with a big smile on her lips. 

"Slow down, Ivy. Baka madapa ka." Paalala ng binata. 

"Play with me kuya, please?" Ngumuso ito habang nakikiusap ang mga mata.

"Ivy, kailangan ko kayo bantayan. I need to-" 

"Sige na kuya Christian!"  

Mariin na pinikit ng binata ang kaniyang mga mata. Calling him Christian was against his own will, and definitely and insult, but he had no choice but to adhere to that name. 

Sumunod ito sa bata at kapagkuwan ay nakipaghabulan dito. Christian was trying to slow down chasing her, and the child was smiling, teasing him that he was so slow. Matapos umikot-ikot ang mga ito ay gumulong na lang sa damuhan ang dalawa. 

"I am a good girl. Would I go to heaven, kuya?" She took his left hand and played with his fingers. 

"Sabi kasi nila, dapat po behave lang. Magpakabait daw po para pumunta sa heaven." Christian remained silent trying to find the right words to say. 

If he said the harsh truth it would broke the child's heart. She was too young and innocent. Her soul was pure and sincere. May the world and the people around her not cover her with filth and malice. 

"Is heaven a good place po?" Muli ay walang naisagot ang binata. His eyes were just fixated on his hand looking the child's small little fingers playing with his crusifix ring. 

How would he know if heaven was a good place? He'd never been there.

"Napipi ka na po ba kuya Tan?" Kunot noong tanong sa kaniya ng bata. 

He smiled at her and patted her head using his free hand. 

"Don't worry, heaven awaits for a good girl like you." She beamed upon his words. 

"Can I borrow your phone po? Gusto ko manood Mr. Bean!" Mabilis na inabot ng binata ang phone niya at hinayaang kalikutin ito ng bata. 

He let his back rest on the grass as he closed his eyes. How many weeks has it been ever since he'd  been here as a missionary? He lost count of the time. He forgot the main reason why he's even here tending the kids of Angel's Home, an orphanage where he was assigned.

He heard the opening of the cartoon she's watching, and unknowingly he find it pleasant to the ears. His foot was even tapping on the ground following the rhythm of the instrumental song. 

A few seconds later, a random advertising played. He immediately opened his eyes when he heard it was something inappropriate for a child. Mabilis na kinuha ng binata ang cellphone niya at in-exit ito. 

"Bakit po kuya?" She asked innocently as if she didn't saw a ten second video of an upcoming adult movie. 

"It wasn't for kids." She gave him a confused face. 

"Isn't it normal po?" Sa pagkakataong ito, kumunot ang noo ng binata.

"Normal?" 

"Nagbabahay-bahayan po sila, hindi ba?" 

"Bahay-bahayan?" 

"Yes po!" Bigla itong tumayo sabay pag-pag ng suot nitong dress. 

"Kami po ni father Nicholas lagi nagbabahay-bahayan kapag bumibisita siya rito!" Dag-dag pa nito habang nakaangiti. 

Ivy then run towards the other children and started playing in the swing with a big smile on her face. 

Christian knew what he saw from the ad. It was a man and a woman having sex. He knew what he heard from the child as well. Hindi siya bingi at mas lalong hindi siya bobo para hindi malaman kung ano ang ibig sabihin nito.

The calm face he'd been using as a mask suddenly faded. His expression became grim and dark. Nanlilisik ang mga mata nito habang nagtatagis ang bagang. 

He laugh maniacally in his mind. Father Nicolas? The priest who was adored by everyone because of his kind and demure approach towards people? They were singing praises of him. Such a young and kind priest anyone could ask for. 

Who would've thought what he's hiding behind his religion?

He was about stood up when he felt someone sat beside him. Lumingon ito't nagulat nang makilala kung sino ang katabi. Nakangisi ito sa kaniya nang may napapantasikuhang mukha. 

"Since when did your name became Christian?" Pinanlisikan niya kaagad ito ng mata. 

"I supposed you have become holy and sacred now? Oh, wow. I would not be surprised if you went to heaven." Natatawaang saad ng lalaking katabi niya. He was mocking him. 

"When did the Demon of Wrath became soft with human beings?" 

"Shut your mouth, Asmodeus." Asmodeus laughed upon seeing his angry face. 

"From Satan to Christian, bloody hell! That was so funny as fuck!" He continued to tease him. Lalong dumilim ang mukha ni Satan na ikinatawa lang ni Asmodeus. 

"Shut up if you don't want me to shove my fist in your mouth, you good for nothing lust riden demon." He spat. 

"Yes, daddy." Satan elbowed him, and luckily the kids didn't saw him. Asmodeus tried his best to hold his laughter.

Instead of being insulted on Satan's offensive words, Asmodeus just couldn't help himself but to make fun of him even more. Seeing him frowning with his darting eyes brings back memories  when they're still in hell. 

Angry Satan is really to be reckoned with. Kung ano man ang dahilan kung bakit siya galit ay hindi alam ni Asmodeus pero isa lang ang nasisiguro niya. Whoever that person is, he better run for his life.

"Easy there, bud. You might scare the children" Sumeryoso bigla ang mukha ni Asmodeus nang makita ang pamumula ng mga mata nito. 

Mabilis naman na bumalik sa normal ang kaniyang mga mata nang maalalang napapaligiran siya ng mga bata. When Satan stood up and started to walk with heavy footsteps, Asmodeus just look at him until he can no longer see him. 

"Looks like someone's gonna receive the Demon of Wrath's rage." With that being said, Asmodeus look at the girl wearing a pink dress.  

The child had the sweetest smile among them. Muli ay napatingin si Asmodeus kung saan niya huling nakita si Satan. He forgot something about Satan. Even if he was known as the ruthless demon, even if he won't let others noticed it, Asmodeus who had a keen eye and good observations knew that Satan had a soft side with children.

Asmodeus stood up and brushed his hair up. After all the things they've been through in the human realm, they finally found Satan. They had to wait for him to lost his ring before coming to him. 

Hindi nila alam kung paano ito napunta sa Pilipinas at kung bakit hindi niya na suot ang singsing niya pero it did a huge favor for them. Ngayon na nahanap na nila si Satan ay si Belphegor na lang ang hahanapin nila.

MEANWHILE, in a long and narrow dining table, the seven archangels sat on their respective golden chairs. At the center of the table were candelabras, a three candle holder. It was encircled with different fruits and edible flowers. 

The floor was filled with cloud like smokes and a melodious symphony of harp were being played by angels from the outside. Around them were a garden full of crawling vines and aster flowers, pots of tulips, chrysanthemum, and trimmed grasses shaped like wings.

"The number of unrecorded deaths are increasing day by day, Gabriel. What are we supposed to do with it?" Azrael, the Angel of Death asked as he reach out his hand to give Gabriel a golden scroll.

"In addition to that, here are the list of souls who never crossed the River of Life." May inabot na naman itong polyeto na kaagad namang tinanggap at binuksan ni Gabriel. 

"They never crossed the River of Life? Are the Gifters neglecting their duties?" Azrael took a deep breath upon Gabriel's response. 

"The occurrences does not mean the Gifters incompetence, Gabriel. You knew better than that." Pagtatanggol ni Azrael sa kinasasakupan nito.

As the Angel of Death, he shouldered the Gifter's responsibility. He is accountable for everything that will happen if the Gifters made a mistake. 

As the number of unrecorded deaths occur, there were also an increase of souls who were lost due to unknown reason. This had been giving trouble to everyone in the Abode of Paradise. 

"Have you found anything, Chamuel?" Binaling nila ang kanilang tingin sa lalaking kasalukuyang pinaglalaruan ang mga daliri nito sa ibabaw ng mesa. 

Chamuel tilt his head upon the Messenger of God named Gabriel. He was sure he knew who caused such disturbance. Much better to say what creatures interfered with their responsibilities and line of work. 

"This was caused by those demons." Hindi na nagulat ang mga ito sa naging sagot niya. They didn't even bother to ask if he was sure. As the Angel of Connections, all his information are reliable and nothing but the truth. 

"After a millennia, they're doing it again. Had it not always been for those filthy demons, the human world would have been peaceful." Ariel said with voice full of disdain. 

They all look at him when he clenched his fist. Ariel was called the Lion of God, the Angel of Nature. His hatred for demons was unfathomable. Just a mere mention of them could raise storms and thunderclaps in the sky.

"Demons need to exist, Ariel. There must be good and evil. There are always two choices. In that way the world will be balanced." Ariel scoffed with Raphael's statement. 

"Balance? Look at what's happening right now, Raphael. Is there any way you call it balance?" Hindi na lang sumagot si Raphael, hindi dahil sumsang-ayon siya kun'di dahil ayaw na niyang pahabain pa ang usapan. 

Raphael is the Angel of Healing. He's always been gentle in nature, just and neutral in every situations. He sees the good and the bad side and tries to understand the both of them. 

"Calm down. Look at the wrinkles on your faces. You're becoming more unattractive with your forehead knotted, Ariel." Singit ni Jophel sa mga ito trying to lighten the mood.

"Drink your tea, and have a deep breath. Relax." He instructed with a smile on his face, revealing his porcelain white teeth. Parang nasilaw naman ang mga ito sa ngiti niya kaya napairap sa kawalan si Ariel. 

Jophel has always been the playful and the calmest amongst them. As the Angel of Beauty, his face does not disappoint. He has this dashing brown hair and and hazel eyes, symmetrical lips and a mole near his left cheek. A smile from him and you can never say no.

"The problem stems from the Abode of Death," paninimula ni Chamuel. Kumuha ito ng ubas bago magsalita.

"Just like the Gifters, the Grim Reapers have lost the soul they were to be escorted." 

"Like how those souls never crossed the River of Life, demon souls never crossed the River of Death as well." Tumango-tango naman ang mga ito. 

They started to think deeply on how to resolve the problem that has been affecting them. The souls that was lost, those who had loved ones left behind, there's a big possibility they will possess a dead body and live again. 

Such incident can cause disruption in their pre-destined lives. It's an event they could not allow and must be prevented at all cost. 

On the other side, no matter how good the soul is, once they roam around with a thought of how unfair his/her death is as they watch the living happy with their lives, they might envy the living. In short term, they could become a demon.

"If this continues, I believe we have to engage ourselves." Azrael suggested.

"As much as we don't want our hands be sullied and dirtied by handling those demon's affairs, we have no choice,"dag-dag pa nito.

"We need to get involve. I don't trust those demons who did nothing but harm humans and take advantage of their weaknesses. This matter involves the balance of the realms, we need to handle it just like what happened long ago." Ariel stated with conviction in his voice. 

"What do you say, Michael?" Tanong ni Gabriel sa binatang kanina pa tahimik at nakikinig lang sa kanilang opinyon. 

Michael, the Angel of Justice and Protection. He protects the human living together with his trusted angels. If Inferno had Lucifer, Nirvana had Michael who leads the Archangels. His decision would always be the final judgement. 

Michael remained silent as the other Archangels waited for his answer. It's been a millennia ever since the last time they encountered such disturbances. After thousands of years, another problem had arise to disarray the realms.

"As you've said, this matter involves the three realms. That is why we need to be careful not to make a haste decision." Kalmadong wika ni Michael. 

He leaned his elbow on the table and raised his arms at the level of his chin and clasped it under his jaw. With his domineering eyes, he look at them. 

"Leave this matter to the demons." Pinal nitong wika na mabilis na ikinaalma ni Ariel at Azrael.

"But Michael, what if those demons failed and destruction will befall upon realms?" May diin na tanong ni Ariel. 

Nakipagtagisan ng tingin si Michael. His eyes were expressionless, Ariel could not see any glint of emotions from those eyes. 

"I will take responsibility." Napasinghap naman ang mga ito sa naging turan niya. 

As the highest ranking Archangel, it displeases them that he had a huge trust to those lowly mongrels. How can he trust them knowing demons are nothing but sinners and wicked souls who were damned to hell. 

"I might be deaf, can you repeat what you said?" Tila ba nabibinging tanong ni Azrael. 

Instead of answering, Michael crossed his arms in his chest and dead ass stared at him hinting that he had no plan on repeating what he said. 

"Are you sure about this, Cael?" Gabriel asked, making sure about his decision. Michael nodded and stood up. 

"It's settled then. Let the demons of the Abode of Death handle their own affairs. We are forbidden to intervene, and those who will not abide with the order are therefore sentenced to a certain punishment which will be decided later on." Gabriel announced as he wrote it on the piece of old paper. 

"Any objections?" Ariel and Azael would like to mutter some words but they sealed their lips. Whatever they say, it won't change a thing. Tanging ang salita ni Michael ang batas nilang lahat na narito. 

"Dismissed." When Michael had dismissed them they silently went outside the white house while Ariel remained standing.

"I hope you're still thinking clearly, Michael." aniya na siyang ikinataas ng sulok ng labi ng binata.

"My mind has never been clear like this, Ariel." Michael stood up and walk towards him. Nakatitig lang ito sa mga mata ni Ariel na para bang nanghahamon dito.

"Go get some fresh air, Ariel. Clear your mind. Mukhang nakalanghap ka ng maraming ulap at ganyan pag-iisip mo." Matapos niya iyong sabihin ay binigyan niya ito ng ngiti. Nilampasan niya ito na para bang hangin lang sa paningin niya.

Michael learned from his mistakes. He will never make any rush decisions. Not again. And so, this time he will let Lucifer handle it. Even if he was the Ruler of Hell, Michael believed he had no choice. It was given that he was evil and unkind to people and humanity, but that was solely because it was his duty.

His judgement of people, be it demons or angels never failed him and hopefully, he hoped he would never be wrong.

"Your grace," One of his angels bowed and greeted him. 

"What is it?" 

"I had received a message from Purgatory." Tumaas kaagad ang kilay ni Michael. 

"A message from Purgatory?" 

"Yes, your grace. The first lady, Eve would like to discuss some matters with you." Tumango lamang ito bilang sagot. 

Michael was bewildered with receiving an invite from the attendant of Purgatory, Eve. And yes, the first woman to have ever been made since the creation of the world was the one in charge in Purgatory.

"Nirvana. Purgatory. Inferno." Michael chanted as he heave a deep breath. 

Looks like the realms are really in chaos.

A WOMAN stood in front of a huge cathedral where people constantly come in and out. It was a place where people gather to worship and grovel, to ask for their supreme God's blessing. It is where people with different sins gather, to confess and be forgiven. And yet, right after they leave the doors of the church, they sin again.

She ignored the people and proceed to the confessional. She saw a wooden structure with a center compartment at the corner of the church. When she entered the small door, there was a chair and a thin curtain inside.

She cleared her throat and sit on the chair when she felt the presence of the priest. She can feel him watching her across the room, with the thin curtain just in between them.

"Bless me father for I have sinned." When the priest heard her voice, he stiffened. Her voice was soft and melodious. It was as if he just heard an angel spoke to him.

"Confess your sins, iha." The priest's eyes were fixated on the woman's lips. Tanging labi lang ng dalaga ang siyang nakikita niya sa kabila ng nipis ng kurtinang nakatakip dito. He was so curious of the face of a woman who owns that voice.

"I. . ." Her voice cracked.

"Take a deep breath, iha." He saw her wipe her cheeks.

"I. . . I was molested." Napasinghap ang pari sa narinig. The woman behind the curtain shed another tear.

"My molester was a s-servant of God." Napantig naman ang tainga ng pari sa narinig. He made the sign of a cross and prayed it wasn't someone under his care. 

"I was s-so young. I was taken advantage because I'm a woman. I am weak. . ." She sobbed. Pinipigilan nitong huwag humagolgol sa harapan ng hari. 

"H-he sexually assaulted me despite of my young age. Not only once or twice b-but a lot of times." The priest could feel the depressing emotion of the young woman in front of him. He wanted to comfort her but he isn't here for that. He's only here to hear confession and give them prayers so they could be forgiven.

"T-tell me Father, how can a servant of God do that?" Natahimik ang pari. He couldn't say anything.

"I-is that what his G-God taught him?" Tumalima kaagad ang pari sa mapangahas na wika ng dalaga. 

"Do not put God's name in vain, iha. I understood your hatred for what happened but-" His words were cut off when he saw the woman's lips curved into a wicked smile. He find it weird for her to be smiling after crying like that. 

Kahit nagtataka ito sa inaakto ng dalaga ay ipinasawalang bahala niya na lang ito. He cleared his throat. 

"It seemed like you are only confessing what happened to you iha. You are only a victim, how does it make you a sinner?" Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti nito kaya nakaramdam ng kilabot ang pari.

"I was just about to sin, Father Nicholas." He couldn't understand her words at first but when her arms reached out for the curtain and grabbed his neck, he choked. 

When he opened his eyes he was horrified when he found himself in the belltower of the church. A red haired woman was holding his neck at the edge of the tower. His feet was still touching the floor pero nakatihaya ang katawan nito.

"O-our father i-in h-heaven, h-h-holy. . ." Hinigpitan lalo ng babae ang pagkakasakal sa leeg niya. He tried to struggle to gasp some air but he just couldn't. The more he resist, the more her gripped around his neck tightened.

"Your God will not save you!" Umiling-iling si Nicholas. His God will save him. He will save him because he offered his life to worship him, and only him, no one else.

Father Nicholas took the rosary in his pocket and started to chant a prayer in his head. Sa galit ay hinigpitan lalo ng dalaga ang pagkakasakal sa leeg nito. She lift her hand up and choked him as he hang in the air not touching the ground. Sa oras na bitawan niya ang  leeg ng pari ay mahuhulog na ito pababa.

"Impudent fool!" Asik ng babae sa kaniya. 

"You dared to ask for your God's help when you don't even practice what you preach!" Hindi naman maintindihan ng pari kung ano ang ibig ipahiwatig niya kaya naman bahagya siyang napasinghal. 

"You are a fucking pedophile, Nicholas. You have sexually assaulted children in the orphanage, young nuns, even those minor who constantly confess for their sins to be forgiven." Kumurap-kurap ang pari. 

"You even ask them to see you for a bible study and mental therapy just so you could do what you want. Aren't you such a despicable and worthless piece of shit?" Despite of all her accusations, the priest denied it. 

"I. . . am a servant of G-God. I will n-never do. . ." 

"A servant of God? Don't make me laugh!" She scoffed and mocked him.

"Despite of everything you did, you consider yourself holy? Ano ka? Holy shit?" Napalingon ang mga ito nang marinig ang boses ng isang lalaki. 

"The name of hell are you doing here, Asmodeus?" Nagkibit balikat naman ito. 

"Let go of her, Lilith." When Lilith saw who owned that voice, she raised an eyebrow. 

"C-christian!" Nabuhayan bigla ng loob ang pari nang makita ang isang misyonaryo. Isa itong mabait na bata na naka assign sa orphanage sa tapat ng simbahan. 

"T-tulungan mo a-ako!" Naghihikahos nitong wika habang hirap na hirap sa paghinga. Nanlalabas na ang ugat sa leeg nito't namumula na rin ang buong mukha. 

"Let go of him this instant!" Lilith bored his eyes at Satan. With an expressionless face, she let go of his neck. Pabalang niya itong itinutalak sa sahig at muntik pa bumangga ang ulo nito sa nakalapag na kampana. 

"S-s-salamat." Pinanood nilang tatlo kung paano maghabol ng hininga ang pari. His eyes were bloodred from crying thinking he would die. Mabuti na lang ay nakita siya ni Christian, kung hindi ay baka iyon na ang huling sandali ng buhay niya. 

"I will report you to the police! Attempted murder!" Umismid naman si Lilith sa sinabi nito samantalang nakangisi naman si Asmodeus.

"Y-you have no proof of your accusations! How dare you slander my name, a servant of God! I would never do-" Napatigil ito sa pagsasalita nang tumawa ang lalaking kinikilala niya sa pangalang Christian.

"Father Nicholas." When his name rolled on his tongue, he felt shivers down his spine. Ang paraan ng pagkakabigkas nito sa kaniyang pangalan ay tila ba nambabanta sa kaniya. It was as if his name was being called from a death list and he's next. 

"C-christian. . ." When their eyes met, he was shocked to see how his expression changed. 

The Christian he knew was very gentle and kind. He never seen him angry, not even once. He was always calm and he often smiles. But now, it was different. His face no longer look the same way as it was before. 

Now it has become cold. His expression reeks danger and the priest was having a bad feeling about it. 

Satan kneeled his left knee on the floor to reach the priest's height. He took the rosary in the priest hand and toss it near Lilith's direction. Nanlaki naman sa gulat ang mata ni Nicholas. Such a sacred thing to be thrown away is so disrespectful!

"Kilala mo si Ivy, father?" Kumurap-kurap ang pari.

"The child who always wear a pink dress." With that description, it's enough for the priest to recognize who he's pertaining about. 

"She's only eight years old, but what did you do?" Satan held the collar of the cassock the priest is wearing. 

"You defiled her body. You've taken away her innocence, and the worst part? She doesn't even know it." Buong lakas na binangga ni Satan ang ulo ng pari sa kampana dahilan upang tumunog ito. 

"D-d-don't kill me! N-nagmamakaawa ako!" And he was so afraid to die knowing he will go to hell after all the things he did. 

"I-I did wrong! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He cried. Ilang beses itong humingi ng tawad habang may dumdaloy na dugo sa noo nito. 

If only he was asking for the saints forgiveness, that would have been okay. However, they're demons. Prayer is nothing but useless to them. 

"Have mercy!" 

"Mercy are for those who deserved them!" Dumagungdong ang boses ni Satan kaya mariin na napapikit ang pari. 

"You don't deserve it, Nicholas." Nakaramdam ng pananayo ng balahibo ang pari kaya kinakabahan itong tumingin sa binatang kaharap niya. 

Time seemed to stop when the priest saw his face. The right side of his face was brunt like it was skinned alive. He has long fangs and red eyes that compliments the horn on the right side of his head. 

While the left side of his face looks rotten and decaying where he can see his eyeballs sticking out from its eye socket. He can see the bone from his jaw moving as if it was trying to smile at him. He can see maggots fiesting on the last remaining flesh of his body. 

"This is how your body would look like in hell, Nicholas." Nanlamig ang buong katawan nito nang makitang biglang nagsalita ang may sa kung anong demonyo sa kaniyang harapan. 

Mas lalo lang itng nakaramdam ng takot nang marinig ang malalim at malagim nitong boses. He can hear to voices. The other one seemed like Christian's voice, and the other one's deep and menacing. 

"Now keep this image in your mind and remind yourself, that no matter how hard you hide behind your religion, you can never save yourself from the fires of hell." The maggots from Satan's rotten face fell on the priest lap and he winced in disgust as he began shouting. 

"No! No! My God will forgive me! He will forgive me! God have mercy on his people!" Patuloy nitong sigaw habang nakapikit ang mata pero kahit anong pikit niya'y naalala niya ang nakakadiring mukha sa kaniyang harapan. 

Mukha ng demonyo! 

"M-my r-rosary. . ." He crawled on the floor and reach for his rosary but Lilith stepped on it with her heels. 

His hand reached out from the rosary and even if Lilith was stepping on it he continued to mutter prayers in his head. 

Demons. They're all demons. His God will forgive him. He had offered his life to worship God. He belongs to him. Even if he committed sins, he will ask for forgiveness! His God will forgive him! 

"And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin agai-" When the priest look up, he trembled with fear. 

He's seeing demons. Three demons looking down at him as if he was a pitiful trash needed to be burned in hell. 

"Demons! Demons!" He began shouting and thrashing like a mad man. 

When Lilith removed her heels in between the rosary, the priest raised his hand and once again prayed and prayed as if he was trying to repel bad entities around him. However, into his disappointment, he was not powerful enough to shove them away. 

"Poor soul." Asmodeus mumbled in awe looking at the pitiful human in front of him, delirous and insane. 

Lilith flicked her fingers and the bell started to move and ring on its own making the priest even crazier than he already is. 

"As I can see, having a religion is a human rule. You have the right to choose and to believe." Satan concluded. 

"Do not drag down your own religion, or hide behind it with your own hypocrisy." Aniya ni Asmodeus. Lumuluhang sumisigaw ang pari pero walang nakakrinig sa kaniya dahil sa ingay ng kampana. 

"Practice what you preach, Father Nicholas. Only then, things would have been different." And those were the last words of Satan before he vanished in thin air together with Asmodeus. 

Lilith just watched the priest helplessly leaning his back on the belltower's post as he hold his head crying and begging for mercy. Just seeing him in his pitiful situation satisfied Lilith's hunger for punishment. 

After seeing a real demon in front of him that would become his trauma, and eventually for sure, he will be sent to a mental hospital where he will spend the rest of his life. 

A religion does not define a person. It doesn't make you less or more. Only you can prove yourself and act upon the things you believed. 

"You only honor your God with your lips, but not in your heart." As soon as those words left her supple lips, the bell stopped ringing. 

That goes with saying to keep your own belief close to your heart. It must be strong, it must not waver. Prove it with actions and not words. 

For your own religion is yourself, embrace it. Don't be a hypocrite. 

GLC| GOLUCKYCHARM