The Guardian 2

We did our work late into the night. Fortunately, not many accidents and mishaps have happened today. There are only a few customers who will complain but we resolve it professionally.

“Time check, it's eight o'clock,” Geoffrey said from the counter so I glanced at the café clock as I put some cups and plates in a basin to take to Ate Willow. There are only a few customers at this time but almost all of them are students who seem to want to stay up late.

Later on,

“8:30,” Geoffrey said suddenly so the three of us looked at each other and did what had to be done. At that time, every customer who is still here in the shop, we will tell them that the café is open only until 9 o'clock so that they can finish what they need to finish. Others are stubborn and fortunately Ma'am taught us not to stoop down to their level but when they are really stubborn, Ma'am Safira is the one who will take charge.

It was only 8:50 in the evening and fortunately there were no more customers so we closed the door. We arranged chairs and tables while Geoffrey was busy at the counter counting money.

“Hay good thing we’re done,” Iris brought out a sigh as she leaned close to the counter.

“Hay...” Lizar sighed as well as he sat on one of the chairs. “I’m tired.”

“We still have a lot of things to finish before 10,” I said.

“Wait. 5 minutes,” Lizar said.

“Just a moment really Xania,” Iris said. “I’ll be the one to bring the dishes to Ate Willow. ”

“All right. I'll finish mopping this floor,” I said. “You can go back to change your clothes.”

“Thank you Xania,” Iris smiled at once she stood up and brought the basin full of dishes.

“I'll also go to the back in case Kuya Axton needs help,” Lizar said as he stood up from his chair. “You can do the rest, right?”

“Yeah I can do it,” I replied to Lizar.

“Thanks,” as he walked away.

As I mop, I see the chair floated where Lizar sat and sat neatly on the table. I just smiled because of that and looked at Geoffrey at the counter.

“Thanks Geof,” I said. He answered me with a nod.

After I did the mop, I returned all the equipment to the cleaning room. When I returned to the dining area,

“Did I forget anything Geof?” I asked him.

“No Ate Xania,” he replied.

“Ah good. Let's go back,” I said.

We went to the locker room to change and then we went to the room where a door that goes to the back of the café. All six of them are already here and have changed into their casual clothes and they are obviously chatting with fun. Geoffrey and I are the only ones left.

“Is everyone here yet?” Ma'am asked suddenly so we looked at her.

We each replied to hwe that we were complete.

“Good. I just want to say good job everyone for a job well done today,” Ma'am said.

We applauded with joy.

“Because of that, I will give you your salaries for this month for you deserve it.”

After Ma'am said that, we were happy and were given envelopes one by one.

“Spend it wisely,” Ma’am told us.

Others even opened the envelope to make sure the money was correct while I just pocketed the envelope.

“Take care of that later,” Ma'am said as she looked at her watch. “It’s almost 10.”

Each of us fell silent.

At 9:50 pm, all the lights in the shop were turned off even though there were still nine of us in the room.

When it was 10... the door at the back of the café slowly opened and one by one, we came out. They called us tailed beasts and we look different now because at this exact time, our true forms come out naturally. Each of us also has a different number of tails depending on which barangay we are going to.

After we left, Yune went to Barangay Uno, Geoffrey to Barangay Dos, I to Barangay Tres, Iris to Barangay Kwatro, Lizar to Barangay Singko, Ate Willow to Barangay Sais, Ate Oriana to Barangay Syete, Axton in Barangay Otso and Ma'am Safira in Barangay Nuebe.

I am the 3 tailed beast because of my three tails; my hair is brownish black like a porcupine animal, the second was the black blue peacock feathers on my back and a sharp and spiky fish tail.

Today, we go separately and secretly into the woods or the sea not only to look for food, but also to hide. We each have our own personal things to do at these times as I sometimes pass by my house to leave some belongings and go back to the forest so I don’t get caught in my house. The important thing tonight is that no one will see any of our beasts until 12 midnight.

It was 12 in the evening and I was right next to my house so I went back to being human and entered my house. I picked some fruits from the woods that were delicious to eat for breakfast tomorrow. When I was able to change into my pajamas, I immediately went to bed to sleep.

Her face begged me as blood flowed from her mouth.

“Please protect him. His name is...”

I woke up again in no time because of that.

Kriiing! my alarm clock sounded again. I got ahead of it again. I slowly got up and sat down, even though the alarm clock was still ringing, my face was full of worry as I was again dazed by the thin blanket in front of me.

My conscience stills bug me because of that. I looked at my alarm clock again and turned it off first before I looked again at the object next to it.

I'll do it. I promised her that I will do it and I would not disappoint her. The only problem really...

...I don’t know where to start.

I was walking back to Barangay Dyes and as I was walking, I remembered that. What should I do?

Because of that, when I arrived at the café, it bothered me while we were still fixing it.

“Hey Xania,” Iris tapped me so I was surprised and looked at her. “You've been just dazing there since a while ago. Is there a problem?” she asked.

I tried to smile at her just to hide my worry. “I'm fine—”

“Xania!” someone called me suddenly so Iris and I turned to Lizar.

“Ma'am called you to her office,” he said.

“Oh my gash. Maybe Ma'am will give you a raise Xania,” Iris said suddenly. “Good for you.”

“Yeah. Good for you,” Lizar said sarcastically.

“You're just jealous,” Iris said.

“Pssh,” Lizar averted his eyes.

I immediately went to Ma'am's office and knocked.

“Come in.”

When I opened the door,

“Ma'am, you called me?” I asked.

“Yes. Come and sit down,” she said in turn so I did what she said.

When I sat down,

“I hope I didn't disturb you with your work,” Ma'am began.

“Ah no Ma’am. Iris and Lizar can do it anyways,” I said shyly.

“I hope so,” Ma'am said. “But anyways, I'm here to talk about your concern...”

I was a little surprised.

“...about the person you're looking for.”