Guardian Angel-Hell Over Heaven Completed

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – He's Back

From high above, Chase peered down from Heaven, searching for the human vessel he'd been assigned. His gaze landed on a man walking alone along a quiet street—a tall figure with jet-black hair, piercing blue eyes, and standing around 5'11". Chase focused, causing the lights around the man to flicker, the TV in a nearby window pulsing on and off. The man glanced around, confused, before stepping closer to the TV. Then Chase spoke, his voice faint but unmistakable.

"Go outside. Your destiny awaits," Chase whispered, his words reaching the man like an echo from a distant past, as if the voice had traveled through time.

Intrigued and unnerved, the man—named Eric—stepped out onto the sidewalk. A bright light descended from above, and in that instant, Chase merged with Eric's body, becoming one. Chase's spirit had taken over, transforming Eric's physical form into his earthly vessel. Chase straightened, adjusting to the human body, and took a steadying breath before he began his walk. Across the street, a shadowy figure watched him closely, disappearing into the mist as Chase turned away.

Chase soon found himself standing in front of Sarah's house, heart racing with anticipation. Though it had been six long years since he'd seen her, memories of his time spent protecting her were still vivid. He took a breath, steadying himself before he knocked on the door. Footsteps approached, and when the door opened, there she was—Sarah, with her familiar green eyes, her long brown hair framing her face. She was taller now, standing at about 5'8", and looked every bit as determined as he remembered.

"May I help you?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Chase smiled, trying to keep the emotion from overwhelming him. "It's me, Chase."

She blinked, confused. "Who? And how do you know my name?"

Chase felt a pang of disappointment but quickly recovered. "I'm your guardian angel," he said, hoping it would trigger a memory.

Sarah's expression turned skeptical. "Yeah, right. Look, I don't know who put you up to this, but you should leave."

As she began to walk away, Chase called out, desperation in his voice. "What about the time in the cemetery? When you visited your mom, and two demons appeared to attack you? I stopped them, and then... you punched me in the face for scaring you."

Sarah froze, her footsteps halting mid-stride. After a pause, she turned back, studying him carefully. "Alright... if you're really Chase, tell me something only he would know. What did I make you promise?"

Chase's face softened as he replied. "You made me pinky promise... that I'd come back one day."

In an instant, Sarah's face broke into a smile, and before Chase knew it, she had tackled him in a fierce hug, sending him stumbling backward to the ground.

"Oh my God, it's really you!" she exclaimed, laughing as she held him close.

Chase chuckled, catching his breath. "Yeah, I did promise, didn't I? But, uh... could you get off me now?"

"Oops!" Sarah scrambled to her feet, blushing. She looked him over, marveling at his appearance. "You look... different."

Chase nodded. "This is my human form, from a long time ago—1922, actually. Eric's body is... well, a lot like mine was."

Sarah shook her head in disbelief, a smile still playing at her lips. "I can't believe you're here."

Chase looked her over, his eyes twinkling. "And look at you! You've grown a lot, too. So, what's new? What's this college you're going to?"

Sarah beamed with pride. "The University of Wisconsin-Madison!"

"That's amazing!" Chase said, his smile widening.

Just then, the front door opened, and a tall man stepped in—Sarah's dad, John. Sarah turned, waving him over. "Dad! Guess who's here?"

John looked Chase up and down, disbelief in his eyes. "Sarah, I told you not to let strangers in—"

"No, Dad, he's not a stranger. It's Chase. He's back."

John's expression shifted, shock and recognition dawning as he took in Chase's familiar yet altered face. "Is... is that you, son?" he asked, voice thick with emotion.

Chase nodded. "It's me, John."

Without another word, John pulled him into a hug, patting his back. "Well, I'll be. It's good to see you, Chase. You're really here."

Chase grinned as they broke apart. "And you're still working at the firehouse, I see."

John nodded, clearly still in awe. "That's right. And what about you, son? Did you... did you ever find your father?"

Chase's smile softened. "Yes, I did."

"Good." John nodded approvingly, then looked a bit hesitant. "How old are you now? And... this body, it's a bit strange, isn't it?"

Chase chuckled, trying to ease his adoptive father's confusion. "I'm technically 23. This is Eric's body, but it looks just like mine did back in 1922. It's a bit complicated."

John scratched his head, clearly trying to process it all. "Well, I suppose there's plenty we'll need to catch up on. How about a drink?"

"Dad!" Sarah interjected, laughing. "Angels don't need to drink."

Chase held up a hand, amused. "Actually, Sarah, I can eat and drink now, just like a human... though I still don't need to sleep. And, as for how it all works..." He shrugged. "Let's just say it's still classified."

John chuckled, grabbing a couple of beers and leading Chase into the kitchen. "Alright then, son. Come on—we've got a lot to talk about."

Sarah followed them, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Yes, please explain everything—especially the part about taking over a human body!"

Chase smiled, feeling more at home than he had in years, surrounded by the people he'd once sworn to protect and who had, in many ways, become his family. As they settled in, the future still uncertain, he felt a sense of peace. For now, he was exactly where he needed to be.