The Devil Within

Anger is One Way to Get the Plot Moving

"Go on, release your anger," Raphael said, making you smile. "Pretend you're punching a Nazi."

"You really know how to get a girl going, huh?" You laughed, your mood starting to improve slightly as you raised your fists and stepped into a fighting position.

"I know you," Raphael corrected. "When you get this angered, the only thing that can calm you down and help you think rationally is through hitting something that is supposed to be punched. Now," Raphael said, smacking the bag, "give it your best shot."

Your first strike at the bag was hard, harder than Raphael anticipated. While he didn't waver, he gave you a concerned look. You have never hit that hard before. Something was very wrong, he could feel it in each of your strikes. Through every punch, Raphael could feel your frustration and anger that had no doubt been building up. Your kicks were clean but angry as you hit the bag with a force unlike Raphael has ever seen from you. It concerned him greatly so much so that Raphael would do something he has not done with you ever before, speak to you while you were fighting. When in battle or when sparing, one usually isn't in the right of mind to hold a conversation, they lighten up and stop their attacks. In short, it messed up their fighting style. Raphael had confidence that one mere conversation wouldn't harm you so much, especially when you were like this.

"Can you talk about what exactly is angering you?" Raphael asked when you took a second to stop your onslaught.

"Huh?" You said, glancing up at Raphael. "Oh, uh," you huffed, starting to punch again. Though, your punches weren't as strong. That was good. "I can't say too much..."

"Explain what you can, you clearly need to get something off your chest," Raphael said, watching you carefully just in case your form suffered, potentially causing an injury.

"Well," you huffed, giving the bag a good kick, "there's this one important being that needs help."

"How important are they?" Raphael asked.

"Heavenly," you said, grunting as you punched the bag. "More so. And Chuck wants me to do nothing," you grumbled, focusing your anger on the bag in front of you. "Y'see, this Heavenly VIP got themselves into this unsafe situation because they were trying to run from their family." You took a second and stopped hitting the bag, starting to breathe heavily. "The situation's only going to get worse but because Chuck doesn't want to risk something that shouldn't matter at this point, I can't do anything for another three months."

"Do you care for this important being?" Raphael asked, snapping his fingers as a sweat towel appeared in your hands.

"In a way," you sighed, taking the towel and wiping away the sweat gathered on your brow. It wasn't enough to make your hair stick to your face but you could feel one drop running down your nose. "I can't explain much about that."

"I understand," Raphael hummed, stepping out from behind the bag. "Are you feeling a bit better?"

"Yes," you sighed, nodding. "Still a little frustrated but I should cool down completely after a good night's sleep."

"If that is what will help," Raphael hummed, gently grabbing your shoulder in reassurance. "Is there anything else you need from me?"

"No," you sighed, shaking your head. "I have everything I need here." Before Raphael could leave, you wrapped your arms around him in a hug. He was surprised at first but smiled as he hugged you back. "Thank you," you whispered, taking a deep breath in.

"You're very welcome," Raphael hummed, tapping your back. "I must get back to Heaven soon, I left my post rather abruptly."

"Of course," you chuckled, releasing him from your grasp. "Don't let my tantrum keep you away longer."