The Fight Isn't Over

The sun shined above. I filled up a bucket of water and added soap. I dropped the dry sponge into it before picking it up and squeezing it. I use it to scrub the surface before me. The soapy water spread amongst the car. I noticed the trim was peeling off. I need to repaint it soon. Music played lightly in the background. With no warning the day grew cold and windy. Someone whistled behind, stark and deep. A song I knew well but couldn’t place. I recognized the whistling, but I had no idea who it could be.

“I’ve been looking for you,” a voice spoke.

I turn to find a man in a trench coat. I noticed the wind did not touch him. The man was slim and wore a devilish smile.

“I’m sorry? Who are you?”

“You thought you could hide from me,” he spoke softly.

Who is this guy? What does he want? Where did he come from?

“Do I know you?”

My gut twists. There is something wrong about this guy.

“You cannot pretend with me, Gabriel,” he smirked, “I know exactly who you are, brother.”

This guy is really creeping me out.

“My name is Issac. You must have the wrong person, buddy.”

My memories got a bit tangled up a few years back, so I don’t even know if I have a brother. I just remember waking up on the side of the street.

“I am never wrong,” he winked.

“Who are you?”

“I’m surprised you don’t recognize me,” he bowed.

“Issac, lunch!” Sarah called out.

The both of us turned to the voice. Sarah stepped down the porch steps. She smiled softly at the man and offered me a sandwich. I had unfortunately lost my appetite. Something about this guy made my stomach uneasy.

“Oh, hello," she smiled.

The man took her hand and kissed the top of it.

He smiled gently, “Oh, hello Sarah.”

How does he know her name? Is this guy some sort of stalker? I push Sarah behind me.

“Get off my property.”

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Sarah asks.

I ignored her and pointed to the man, “I’ll call the cops.”

He puts his hands up, “No need,” he smiled.

“Who are you and what do you want?”

He clicked his tongue, “You must’ve hit your head pretty hard.”

Does he know what happened to me? Why can't I remember? He knows something, I’m sure.

“I lost my memory a long time ago,” I began, “Do you know what happened to me?”

Sarah held my arm tightly. The man tsked and rolled up his sleeve, revealing something silver. I couldn’t tell what it was, but I knew from the smile on the man’s face it was nothing good.

“When I stabbed you with my blade. I was hoping you’d stay dead, but I guess father wanted you alive,” he sighed.

“Who is my father?”

The man chuckled, “I’m getting a little tired of this game, Gabriel.”

“I told you before my name is Issac.”

He pulled out the silver, revealing a knife, “Well, Issac it’s time to finish what we started.”

I stepped back towards the garage. This guy is crazy.

“What do you want? Money?” asked Sarah.

“Your s-s-s-soul!” He slithered.

“Who are you?!” Sarah screams.

I can’t let him hurt her.

“Get away from us!”

Wings spread forth on his back. Dark and gloomy. Something more of bat wings than of a bird. Horns grow on top of his head. He charged towards us, but we dodged.

“Remember me now, brother?”

The memory hit me.

“Give up, now!” he yelled.

“Never.”

“Fine. Have it your way.”

The sword depletes my armor. I stumble and fall.

“Lucifer.”

“Good boy,” he chuckled.

My wings spread out strong and white. Its feathers are soft and pure. Sarah stepped back.

“You…are…you’re an…” she trembled.

“An angel. Part of God’s elite force.”

“Are you real?” she questioned.

“Yes.”

“So…so…” she pointed at Lucifer, “Satan…is in…my…my driveway.”

Lucifer bowed, softly, “In the flesh, my dear.”

“Stay here, Sarah. I will protect you.”

“How?”

I turned to her. I looked into her blue eyes.

“Gaberiel,” spoke a child.

“Yes, little one?”

“Will you always protect me?”

“Are you going to fight or are we going to sit here and have a tea party?” Lucifer taunted.

I stretched out my hand; my sword abides me and appears. Demons join Lucifer’s side and angels join mine. Swords clash against each other. We wouldn’t let them win. Not this time. Not ever.

“Help!” Sarah screamed.

A demon had her in a chokehold. I rushed to her side, but suddenly time froze. God appeared before me. I bow.

“Rise.”

I turn to Sarah, a demon holding her against her will. Lucifer a puppeteer to his puppets.

“I’m sorry, my Lord.”

“Gaberiel, do you remember your mission?”

I pause and turn to Him.

“Protect Sarah Hill.”

“You have done well,” He spoke gently.

I nod to her, “She is in danger.”

“Do you love her?”

“Yes, Lord.”

“Do you finally see her, how I see her?” He asked.

I turn and I see her as a child. When she was once innocent or at least innocent enough. I used to watch over her when she was little. I loved talking with her. Somehow, she knew I was there.

“Yes, Lord.”

He smiles softly, “That’s why I let you stay with her as long as you did.”

I bowed, “Thank you.”

Time started up again, I came up behind the demon and sliced off his head. Sarah simply bowed her head. She was speechless. I tipped up her chin.

“You’re safe now.”

“I remember you,” she spoke softly.

She looked up at me, “God sent you to protect me, when I was a little girl. You’re my guardian angel.”

“I am.”

The Lord touched my shoulder and smiled. Sarah saw Him and whispered.

“Thank you.”

The Lord bent down before her and kissed her head. Sarah fell to her knees crying. Her tears did not cease, but I could tell something was different. She was lighter, maybe even happier. She was a child. Not just any child, God’s child. That’ll never change.