NOT Your GUARDIAN

FALLING

I wasn't prepared for the emotions you unravel deep in me. I must hate you for that.

***Sasi***

**********

The tents have been settled at the center of the court, but I remained seated outside on the benches. Enveloped in the warm jacket of Raki, with his scent on it. Jose’ was preparing our food in the makeshift kitchen on the right side, and Lin was helping him. I realized that they do look good together. The fondness within the looks and smiles that were exchanged between them cannot be denied.

I never noticed when they became closer like this, probably because I am too occupied with my own thoughts. It would be awesome if ever they ended up together. I smiled when Lin suddenly hit Jose’ in the head with a ladle. The latter scratched his head in frustration and Lin laughed heartily.

I also laughed as I watch them have fun while cooking.

“What are you laughing about? Don’t you want to sleep and rest inside the tent?”

Raki asked following my way of vision.

“Later. I’m not tired.”

I replied.

Silence took over between us for a while before I blurted out the question that has been bugging me.

“Can I ask you a question?”

I said.

“Is that Math?”

He said back.

“N-No. Why?”

“Nothing. I hate Math. Go shoot.”

He grinned at his silly joke, and I rolled my eyes.

“It was about the four of you. How did you meet?”

I was curious how they ended up together as my bodyguards.

“I was their Captain way back in the army. Daniels and I joined the training at the same time five years ago. We met Jiro and Jose’ during our first assignment. We are a team of nine. Daniels and Jose’ used to fight often because of women. Wherever we got assigned to, these womanizers would drop at any nearby tavern and would go back with bruises on their faces.”

He smiled as he recalled his memories. They must be so happy back then.

"Daniels is a good fighter. Jose' is the best chef I have ever met. Give him grass and he'll turn it out into some fine dining delicacy, I'm not even joking. And Jiro, that guy is very mysterious but give him orders, he'll finish it before you even blink. He could find anything, anyone, anywhere if he wished it."

He sounded so proud of hi team.

“We have been together for over two years when something tragic happened. Our task has been compromised and four of my comrades died. We were devastated that after I get out of the hospital, I filed for indefinite leave. I need to heal before I get back.”

Sadness clouded his eyes, and I fought the urge to reach out and hold his hand.

“You said four died, and four survived. Where is the other one?”

I asked curiously.

“Ji-yi Han. Our sniper survived as well, but we couldn’t find her anywhere. Jiro has tried everything to search for her whereabouts, but she has totally gone missing. I have no idea if she’s still alive or dead, but I hope she’s not.”

“She? A woman?”

“Yes. Ji-yi is a Korean. She’s very skilled in combat but the M40 is her specialty. She’s like a modern-day Robinhood with a gun. Honestly, I wanna know how she’s doing, I can’t help but worry.”

“You said she’s very skilled. She might be alive somewhere, healing as well.”

I noted.

“Yeah, you are probably right.”

Jose approached us carrying a bowl of a steamy soup I remembered being called Sopas. It was perfect for the cold weather. Raki and I eat in silence as I saw Jose’ and Lin giving bowls to some neighbors who smelled the delicious food. The local government has given food assistance to all evacuees, but Jose’s food smelled great that a lot has come to have a taste.

After eating, Raki escorted me towards the tent where I would be staying. We got two tents for my group as Daniels had carried his own tent just in case which was better because the heck I will be sleeping with the boys! They got to occupy the six pax capacity tent given by the staff and I get to use Daniels’, which is good for three people, still too spacious for me.

Darkness has started to envelop the sky, the electricity got cut off and the officials advised us to sleep early. Daniels and Jose’ entered their respective quarters while Raki and Jiro remained seated outside my tent with an oil lamp between them. Every tent has been given one oil lamp with a glass casing.

I laid down inside my tent. Raki and Jiro’s shadows cast a gloomy silhouette on the walls. The heavy rain and winds outside were never-ending, it was accompanied by lightning that would cast a white light on the thin walls of my makeshift bedroom followed by thunder every now and then.

I couldn’t sleep.

 I am afraid of thunders.

But I couldn’t tell them that I am afraid.

They might laugh at me.

One loud thunder boomed, and I shrieked in shock.

My hands started to tremble as I controlled my fear. No, I can’t let them see me like this.

“Miss, are you alright?”

Raki slightly opened the zipper and peeked at me.

I was trembling, I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t ask him to come and hold me. Because my body was shivering in fear.

I don’t know how he realized what was happening despite the dark surroundings, but he ended up going inside and engulfing me into a tight embrace.

“It’s okay.. shhh.. it’s okay.”

He whispered into my ears.

“Shh, I’m here. Relax. Breathe slowly Sasi.. Shh..”

He brushed my back softly as he held me in his arms.

It was warm, calming and I felt safe instantly. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

… to be continued.

 I wasn't prepared for the emotions you unravel deep in me. I must hate you for that.

***Sasi***

**********

The tents have been settled at the center of the court, but I remained seated outside on the benches. Enveloped in the warm jacket of Raki, with his scent on it. Jose’ was preparing our food in the makeshift kitchen on the right side, and Lin was helping him. I realized that they do look good together. The fondness within the looks and smiles that were exchanged between them cannot be denied.

I never noticed when they became closer like this, probably because I am too occupied with my own thoughts. It would be awesome if ever they ended up together. I smiled when Lin suddenly hit Jose’ in the head with a ladle. The latter scratched his head in frustration and Lin laughed heartily.

I also laughed as I watch them have fun while cooking.

“What are you laughing about? Don’t you want to sleep and rest inside the tent?”

Raki asked following my way of vision.

“Later. I’m not tired.”

I replied.

Silence took over between us for a while before I blurted out the question that has been bugging me.

“Can I ask you a question?”

I said.

“Is that Math?”

He said back.

“N-No. Why?”

“Nothing. I hate Math. Go shoot.”

He grinned at his silly joke, and I rolled my eyes.

“It was about the four of you. How did you meet?”

I was curious how they ended up together as my bodyguards.

“I was their Captain way back in the army. Daniels and I joined the training at the same time five years ago. We met Jiro and Jose’ during our first assignment. We are a team of nine. Daniels and Jose’ used to fight often because of women. Wherever we got assigned to, these womanizers would drop at any nearby tavern and would go back with bruises on their faces.”

He smiled as he recalled his memories. They must be so happy back then.

"Daniels is a good fighter. Jose' is the best chef I have ever met. Give him grass and he'll turn it out into some fine dining delicacy, I'm not even joking. And Jiro, that guy is very mysterious but give him orders, he'll finish it before you even blink. He could find anything, anyone, anywhere if he wished it."

He sounded so proud of hi team.

“We have been together for over two years when something tragic happened. Our task has been compromised and four of my comrades died. We were devastated that after I get out of the hospital, I filed for indefinite leave. I need to heal before I get back.”

Sadness clouded his eyes, and I fought the urge to reach out and hold his hand.

“You said four died, and four survived. Where is the other one?”

I asked curiously.

“Ji-yi Han. Our sniper survived as well, but we couldn’t find her anywhere. Jiro has tried everything to search for her whereabouts, but she has totally gone missing. I have no idea if she’s still alive or dead, but I hope she’s not.”

“She? A woman?”

“Yes. Ji-yi is a Korean. She’s very skilled in combat but the M40 is her specialty. She’s like a modern-day Robinhood with a gun. Honestly, I wanna know how she’s doing, I can’t help but worry.”

“You said she’s very skilled. She might be alive somewhere, healing as well.”

I noted.

“Yeah, you are probably right.”

Jose approached us carrying a bowl of a steamy soup I remembered being called Sopas. It was perfect for the cold weather. Raki and I eat in silence as I saw Jose’ and Lin giving bowls to some neighbors who smelled the delicious food. The local government has given food assistance to all evacuees, but Jose’s food smelled great that a lot has come to have a taste.

After eating, Raki escorted me towards the tent where I would be staying. We got two tents for my group as Daniels had carried his own tent just in case which was better because the heck I will be sleeping with the boys! They got to occupy the six pax capacity tent given by the staff and I get to use Daniels’, which is good for three people, still too spacious for me.

Darkness has started to envelop the sky, the electricity got cut off and the officials advised us to sleep early. Daniels and Jose’ entered their respective quarters while Raki and Jiro remained seated outside my tent with an oil lamp between them. Every tent has been given one oil lamp with a glass casing.

I laid down inside my tent. Raki and Jiro’s shadows cast a gloomy silhouette on the walls. The heavy rain and winds outside were never-ending, it was accompanied by lightning that would cast a white light on the thin walls of my makeshift bedroom followed by thunder every now and then.

I couldn’t sleep.

 I am afraid of thunders.

But I couldn’t tell them that I am afraid.

They might laugh at me.

One loud thunder boomed, and I shrieked in shock.

My hands started to tremble as I controlled my fear. No, I can’t let them see me like this.

“Miss, are you alright?”

Raki slightly opened the zipper and peeked at me.

I was trembling, I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t ask him to come and hold me. Because my body was shivering in fear.

I don’t know how he realized what was happening despite the dark surroundings, but he ended up going inside and engulfing me into a tight embrace.

“It’s okay.. shhh.. it’s okay.”

He whispered into my ears.

“Shh, I’m here. Relax. Breathe slowly Sasi.. Shh..”

He brushed my back softly as he held me in his arms.

It was warm, calming and I felt safe instantly. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

… to be continued.

 I wasn't prepared for the emotions you unravel deep in me. I must hate you for that.

***Sasi***

**********

The tents have been settled at the center of the court, but I remained seated outside on the benches. Enveloped in the warm jacket of Raki, with his scent on it. Jose’ was preparing our food in the makeshift kitchen on the right side, and Lin was helping him. I realized that they do look good together. The fondness within the looks and smiles that were exchanged between them cannot be denied.

I never noticed when they became closer like this, probably because I am too occupied with my own thoughts. It would be awesome if ever they ended up together. I smiled when Lin suddenly hit Jose’ in the head with a ladle. The latter scratched his head in frustration and Lin laughed heartily.

I also laughed as I watch them have fun while cooking.

“What are you laughing about? Don’t you want to sleep and rest inside the tent?”

Raki asked following my way of vision.

“Later. I’m not tired.”

I replied.

Silence took over between us for a while before I blurted out the question that has been bugging me.

“Can I ask you a question?”

I said.

“Is that Math?”

He said back.

“N-No. Why?”

“Nothing. I hate Math. Go shoot.”

He grinned at his silly joke, and I rolled my eyes.

“It was about the four of you. How did you meet?”

I was curious how they ended up together as my bodyguards.

“I was their Captain way back in the army. Daniels and I joined the training at the same time five years ago. We met Jiro and Jose’ during our first assignment. We are a team of nine. Daniels and Jose’ used to fight often because of women. Wherever we got assigned to, these womanizers would drop at any nearby tavern and would go back with bruises on their faces.”

He smiled as he recalled his memories. They must be so happy back then.

"Daniels is a good fighter. Jose' is the best chef I have ever met. Give him grass and he'll turn it out into some fine dining delicacy, I'm not even joking. And Jiro, that guy is very mysterious but give him orders, he'll finish it before you even blink. He could find anything, anyone, anywhere if he wished it."

He sounded so proud of hi team.

“We have been together for over two years when something tragic happened. Our task has been compromised and four of my comrades died. We were devastated that after I get out of the hospital, I filed for indefinite leave. I need to heal before I get back.”

Sadness clouded his eyes, and I fought the urge to reach out and hold his hand.

“You said four died, and four survived. Where is the other one?”

I asked curiously.

“Ji-yi Han. Our sniper survived as well, but we couldn’t find her anywhere. Jiro has tried everything to search for her whereabouts, but she has totally gone missing. I have no idea if she’s still alive or dead, but I hope she’s not.”

“She? A woman?”

“Yes. Ji-yi is a Korean. She’s very skilled in combat but the M40 is her specialty. She’s like a modern-day Robinhood with a gun. Honestly, I wanna know how she’s doing, I can’t help but worry.”

“You said she’s very skilled. She might be alive somewhere, healing as well.”

I noted.

“Yeah, you are probably right.”

Jose approached us carrying a bowl of a steamy soup I remembered being called Sopas. It was perfect for the cold weather. Raki and I eat in silence as I saw Jose’ and Lin giving bowls to some neighbors who smelled the delicious food. The local government has given food assistance to all evacuees, but Jose’s food smelled great that a lot has come to have a taste.

After eating, Raki escorted me towards the tent where I would be staying. We got two tents for my group as Daniels had carried his own tent just in case which was better because the heck I will be sleeping with the boys! They got to occupy the six pax capacity tent given by the staff and I get to use Daniels’, which is good for three people, still too spacious for me.

Darkness has started to envelop the sky, the electricity got cut off and the officials advised us to sleep early. Daniels and Jose’ entered their respective quarters while Raki and Jiro remained seated outside my tent with an oil lamp between them. Every tent has been given one oil lamp with a glass casing.

I laid down inside my tent. Raki and Jiro’s shadows cast a gloomy silhouette on the walls. The heavy rain and winds outside were never-ending, it was accompanied by lightning that would cast a white light on the thin walls of my makeshift bedroom followed by thunder every now and then.

I couldn’t sleep.

 I am afraid of thunders.

But I couldn’t tell them that I am afraid.

They might laugh at me.

One loud thunder boomed, and I shrieked in shock.

My hands started to tremble as I controlled my fear. No, I can’t let them see me like this.

“Miss, are you alright?”

Raki slightly opened the zipper and peeked at me.

I was trembling, I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t ask him to come and hold me. Because my body was shivering in fear.

I don’t know how he realized what was happening despite the dark surroundings, but he ended up going inside and engulfing me into a tight embrace.

“It’s okay.. shhh.. it’s okay.”

He whispered into my ears.

“Shh, I’m here. Relax. Breathe slowly Sasi.. Shh..”

He brushed my back softly as he held me in his arms.

It was warm, calming and I felt safe instantly. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

… to be continued.

 I wasn't prepared for the emotions you unravel deep in me. I must hate you for that.

***Sasi***

**********

The tents have been settled at the center of the court, but I remained seated outside on the benches. Enveloped in the warm jacket of Raki, with his scent on it. Jose’ was preparing our food in the makeshift kitchen on the right side, and Lin was helping him. I realized that they do look good together. The fondness within the looks and smiles that were exchanged between them cannot be denied.

I never noticed when they became closer like this, probably because I am too occupied with my own thoughts. It would be awesome if ever they ended up together. I smiled when Lin suddenly hit Jose’ in the head with a ladle. The latter scratched his head in frustration and Lin laughed heartily.

I also laughed as I watch them have fun while cooking.

“What are you laughing about? Don’t you want to sleep and rest inside the tent?”

Raki asked following my way of vision.

“Later. I’m not tired.”

I replied.

Silence took over between us for a while before I blurted out the question that has been bugging me.

“Can I ask you a question?”

I said.

“Is that Math?”

He said back.

“N-No. Why?”

“Nothing. I hate Math. Go shoot.”

He grinned at his silly joke, and I rolled my eyes.

“It was about the four of you. How did you meet?”

I was curious how they ended up together as my bodyguards.

“I was their Captain way back in the army. Daniels and I joined the training at the same time five years ago. We met Jiro and Jose’ during our first assignment. We are a team of nine. Daniels and Jose’ used to fight often because of women. Wherever we got assigned to, these womanizers would drop at any nearby tavern and would go back with bruises on their faces.”

He smiled as he recalled his memories. They must be so happy back then.

"Daniels is a good fighter. Jose' is the best chef I have ever met. Give him grass and he'll turn it out into some fine dining delicacy, I'm not even joking. And Jiro, that guy is very mysterious but give him orders, he'll finish it before you even blink. He could find anything, anyone, anywhere if he wished it."

He sounded so proud of hi team.

“We have been together for over two years when something tragic happened. Our task has been compromised and four of my comrades died. We were devastated that after I get out of the hospital, I filed for indefinite leave. I need to heal before I get back.”

Sadness clouded his eyes, and I fought the urge to reach out and hold his hand.

“You said four died, and four survived. Where is the other one?”

I asked curiously.

“Ji-yi Han. Our sniper survived as well, but we couldn’t find her anywhere. Jiro has tried everything to search for her whereabouts, but she has totally gone missing. I have no idea if she’s still alive or dead, but I hope she’s not.”

“She? A woman?”

“Yes. Ji-yi is a Korean. She’s very skilled in combat but the M40 is her specialty. She’s like a modern-day Robinhood with a gun. Honestly, I wanna know how she’s doing, I can’t help but worry.”

“You said she’s very skilled. She might be alive somewhere, healing as well.”

I noted.

“Yeah, you are probably right.”

Jose approached us carrying a bowl of a steamy soup I remembered being called Sopas. It was perfect for the cold weather. Raki and I eat in silence as I saw Jose’ and Lin giving bowls to some neighbors who smelled the delicious food. The local government has given food assistance to all evacuees, but Jose’s food smelled great that a lot has come to have a taste.

After eating, Raki escorted me towards the tent where I would be staying. We got two tents for my group as Daniels had carried his own tent just in case which was better because the heck I will be sleeping with the boys! They got to occupy the six pax capacity tent given by the staff and I get to use Daniels’, which is good for three people, still too spacious for me.

Darkness has started to envelop the sky, the electricity got cut off and the officials advised us to sleep early. Daniels and Jose’ entered their respective quarters while Raki and Jiro remained seated outside my tent with an oil lamp between them. Every tent has been given one oil lamp with a glass casing.

I laid down inside my tent. Raki and Jiro’s shadows cast a gloomy silhouette on the walls. The heavy rain and winds outside were never-ending, it was accompanied by lightning that would cast a white light on the thin walls of my makeshift bedroom followed by thunder every now and then.

I couldn’t sleep.

 I am afraid of thunders.

But I couldn’t tell them that I am afraid.

They might laugh at me.

One loud thunder boomed, and I shrieked in shock.

My hands started to tremble as I controlled my fear. No, I can’t let them see me like this.

“Miss, are you alright?”

Raki slightly opened the zipper and peeked at me.

I was trembling, I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t ask him to come and hold me. Because my body was shivering in fear.

I don’t know how he realized what was happening despite the dark surroundings, but he ended up going inside and engulfing me into a tight embrace.

“It’s okay.. shhh.. it’s okay.”

He whispered into my ears.

“Shh, I’m here. Relax. Breathe slowly Sasi.. Shh..”

He brushed my back softly as he held me in his arms.

It was warm, calming and I felt safe instantly. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

… to be continued.