Guardian Angel-Hell Over Heaven Completed

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – Hunters and a Visitor

After watching the football game with John, Chase stretched, feeling at home in the easy rhythm of everyday life. He glanced outside and saw John lugging a bucket filled with water and soap toward the driveway.

"What are you up to?" Chase asked, following him.

"About to wash the cars," John replied, grinning.

"Need a hand?" Chase offered.

John chuckled. "Sure. And, you know, you're not nearly as strange as you were back then."

Chase smiled. "I had a lot of time to... work on myself," he admitted.

John's expression softened. "When you left, Sarah cried for days. Five, to be exact. She was only a kid back then, but I never forgot about you, Chase. Not for a moment."

Chase looked down, a pang of guilt surfacing. "I'm sorry I left like that. I promised Sarah I'd come back, but I never knew when that would be."

John patted him on the back. "It's not your fault, son. You did what you had to do. But I have to admit, I always hoped you'd visit."

Chase sighed. "I wanted to, but I had to learn everything—chants, fighting techniques, even how to control my emotions. It was... intense."

"Well, it sounds like you came out stronger," John said, nodding in approval.

"Thanks." Chase gave a small smile, appreciating John's understanding.

Just then, Sarah poked her head out of the door. "Hey, Dad?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Can I go downtown to Quoin's bookstore? I need some books for college."

John looked at her and then at Chase. "Yeah, go ahead. And take Chase with you."

"Sure thing," Chase said, tossing her the car keys. "Come on, let's go."

They reached downtown in half an hour, and Sarah picked up a stack of books on math, science, world languages, and other subjects. Afterward, they strolled through the park, stopping under a shady tree as Sarah sat down on a nearby bench to read.

Chase leaned against the tree, his eyes half-closed, listening to the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. He focused on Sarah's gentle breathing as she read, watching how her fingers traced the words. But then, a strange sensation prickled at the back of his mind. The wind shifted, growing stronger. Chase tensed, recognizing the dark energy.

"Sarah," he said quietly, his tone urgent. "Get up. We need to go. Now."

She looked up, confused. "Why?"

A sinister voice interrupted. "Going somewhere, Chase?"

Chase turned, his gaze landing on two demons with twisted smiles. The first demon wielded a long silver blade, while the other held a black sword with a streak of red along its edge.

"Oh, look. The angel's speechless," sneered the first demon. "But let's see if he can fight."

Chase narrowed his eyes, steadying himself as he gripped his Hell Angel sword—a golden blade encircled with black, ending in a sharp, light-blue tip. Just as he prepared to strike, another figure stepped forward—a man with wavy brown hair, intense brown eyes, and a tall, imposing frame dressed in dark jeans and a gray shirt. He drew his own weapon, a Spartan sword with black markings etched down its golden edge.

"Oh, so there's more," laughed the second demon. "This will be fun."

"Sarah, get to the car," Chase ordered, not taking his eyes off the demons. Sarah nodded and sprinted to the car, glancing back nervously as she got in.

Chase and the newcomer charged toward the demons. The clash of metal echoed through the park as their swords collided. Chase's blade sliced through the first demon's shoulder, but the demon retaliated, swinging toward Chase's stomach. Chase dodged, only to be kicked back against the tree. He pushed off, driving his sword into the demon's chest, but took a punch to the face. Recovering quickly, he threw his sword, severing the demon's head clean from its body.

Beside him, the other stranger fought fiercely, ripping out the remaining demon's heart and decapitating it with a single brutal strike.

Panting, Chase looked over at the man beside him. He sensed something familiar—an unmistakable, almost familial presence. Before he could speak, he heard the man's voice in his mind.

"Chase, you didn't think I'd let my brother face this alone, did you?"

Chase's eyes widened. "Jackson... I didn't expect you back here."

Jackson smirked. "When my brother's in trouble, I come running. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

"Thank you," Chase replied, breathing a sigh of relief.

Jackson raised his hand, and the two demon bodies dissolved into thin air. With a quick movement, he touched Chase's chest, healing the cut from the fight. "Come on, let's go find Sarah."

They returned to the car, where Sarah sat in the front seat, watching anxiously. As soon as Chase opened the door, she jumped out, throwing her arms around him.

"Chase! Are you alright?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern. Then she glanced at Jackson, curiosity sparking in her gaze. "And who's this?"

Chase gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Sarah, this is my brother, Jackson."

"Hi," Sarah said, looking at Jackson with a mix of awe and curiosity.

Jackson took her hand, bowing slightly as he kissed it. "It's a pleasure, Sarah."

Sarah blinked, blushing. "Uh... nice to meet you too."

Chase rolled his eyes, giving Jackson a knowing look. "Alright, that's enough, Romeo. Let's get back before John starts worrying."

Sarah climbed into the back seat, opening her book again, while Jackson settled into the passenger seat. As Chase drove, he couldn't help but smile, feeling a strange sense of comfort. He was back with his family, surrounded by people he cared about—and this time, he wasn't facing the darkness alone.

Jackson glanced back at Sarah, then looked over at Chase with a mischievous grin. "She's a lovely young woman, Chase."

Chase shot him a warning look. "Don't even think about it."

Jackson laughed, settling back as they drove on. "I wouldn't dream of it."