The Devil Within

Anger is One Way to Get the Plot Moving

"Hello, Jophiel," you said, giving him a polite smile as you walked by.

"What has you so crossed?" Jophiel asked, seeing right through your fake smile as he paused his work. "You usually stop for polite conversation when we encounter each other."

"I can't hide anything from you, huh?" you chuckled nervously, pausing your stride as you turned to face him. "I'm just frustrated with a Hunt God has assigned me, it's going on much longer than intended."

"I see," Jophiel hummed, adjusting his vessel's glasses. "Is there any way Heaven can lend aid?"

"I'm afraid I'm on strict orders," you sighed, shaking your head. "Though, I do appreciate the thought, Jophiel. Hopefully, I will be able to figure out this Hunt on my own just as God intends."

"Very well, I wish you luck and my offer still stands should Father's orders shift," Jophiel said, nodding. "Let it be known that all of us involved in the House of the Blessed will aid with our Garrissons following close behind."

"I will keep that in mind," you said, nodding. "Thank you, Jophiel, have a good rest of your day."

"To you as well," Jophiel said as you walked off, returning to his work while sending a quick message to Raphael. 

It wasn't long until you got back to the door leading to the House of the Blessed. This door was the same one the Blessed used to visit dead souls in Heaven, you could also use it to just enter Heaven in general. That feature was mainly reserved for those Blessed by Archangels but others could use it if necessary. You all but stormed through the door, startling poor Aleksei who was relaxing on the couch. Giving him a quick apology, you bolted up the stairs to your room and closed the door. When you were sure the door was latched and the room had sound-proofed itself, you grabbed a pillow from off your bed and screamed into it. Your scream was loud and you had to come up for air before you knew it. 

"Are you done?" Raphael asked, appearing on your bed. 

"Not even close," you huffed, not surprised at all that he showed up. Raphael would always show up when you were feeling an intense, negative emotion, it was comforting knowing he would always be there when you needed him. You just hoped that you could do the same for him in his time of need. 

"When Jophiel said you were pissed, he was quite right," Raphael whistled, observing your angered state. "Please proceed. Do also need to hit anything?"

"Maybe," you said before plopping your head back into the pillow. As you started to scream once again, Raphael stood up and gently picked you up, carrying you up the stairs leading to the overhead landing making up the second floor of your room. He set you down on the floor right in front of the punching bag as you came up for air. "Thank you," you said quickly before screaming into the pillow once again.

"You're welcome," Raphael hummed, grabbing your hand wraps from off the nearby shelf. "I assume the meeting with my Father didn't go all that well?"

"I feel like he's pushing me away from the intended goal," you grumbled, your voice muffled by the pillow. 

"It can feel like that when discussing issues with him," Raphael sighed, agreeing as he pulled the pillow from your grasp and gave you your hand wraps. "Believe me, I know. I am one of three who could attest to that."

Three, not four, three. Gabriel could attest to it as well but you were one of the only beings to know he was alive. While Raphael never intended for his words to be taken negatively, you felt a pit form in your stomach as you bit your tongue. You swore to Chuck you wouldn't tell and a swear to God himself was a difficult thing to break. Instead of responding with words, you simply nodded and stood up, wrapping your hands as Raphael snapped his fingers. In a blink, you were dressed for a workout instead of your previous business-casual clothing. Raphael then walked around the punching bag and stood behind it, holding it steady for you.