By The Riverbed

From a young age, Philip Hamilton has been told stories of war-time. There are familiar names, familiar places. There is Lafayette, the loud Frenchman who always smiles. There is Hercules Mulligan, who is just as loud as Lafayette and always has a silver flask. Then there is John Laurens. He doesn't know much about him, just that he was Papa's best friend. He has heard great stories of this man, too. He asks Papa often if he can see him, but his father gives no answer. One day, Mama tells the young boy why he can't go see the man. With reluctance, she told him the truth. She told him the man was hurt in battle. She said he died, that he's in Heaven now, watching over them all. Philip knew now that he would not be able to see the man he's heard so much about until he was far older, until he had died and gone to Heaven himself.
And despite all the odds, despite all Mama's words, Philip was reluctant to admit that he was now seeing John Laurens--the man who is nearly eight years dead.
* * * *
John Laurens. Three words describe this man: soldier, guardian, dead. On August 27, 1782, John Laurens was shot killed before he hit the ground. Now, he is nothing more than a corpse in the grave, a forgotten memory, a person who once was. That is, until he is given the role of guardian to a young boy named Philip Hamilton. And to Philip, John is alive. He is alive, real, and truly here. John was always there for Philip. But what Philip doesn't know is the true reason a person is granted a guardian.
* * * *
In this world, there are two types of people: Guardians and Mortals. A Guardian is given to a Mortal at a young age, they are destined to assist their Mortal throughout their life. The catch? Guardians are only given to a person if they only have a short life to live. Whether it be natural, an accident, or even murder. They are destined to help the Mortal to Heaven.
* * * *
And who knew that a bullet, a single bullet, could end it all?