Night Guard wanted. Emerson Museum. Yeah, that should be a breeze. Not a large or popular museum, no major works of art, just a lot of old statues. Easy gig to get out of the way, *and* compatible with my already fucked up sleep schedule. Eeeeasy. Sure the rumors of ghost or whatever exists, but that's just them trying to drum up new visitors. Got to when the only interesting thing is that they have the largest gargoyle collection in the state. Not that big for New Jersey. The grounds were large, but thankfully not that complex. Had the garden out front with the... very detailed statue. some kind of creature, I think it's a pokemon, but I never really checked. The west and east wings were just marble statues, and of course the main hall with an actual dinosaur skeleton. Again, shockingly not that big. The currator was babbling, but I wasn't paying that much attention. "... are you listening Mr *shafil;f*." She spoke sharply at me, what I get for getting distracted by the... *many* statues. "Uh. yeah. Wander around on the route, check for intruders, check in at 3 each day. right?" I was at least half paying attention. Something was bugging me about what she said. "Good. If you want to start, you can begin tonight. Our last guard left in quite a huff after only a day, so please stick around for at least 2. There's an additional bonus for it." Bonus? heh, I can do 2 nights *eeeeasy*. "Sounds good boss. Where do I sign?" She lead me to a small guard room near the entrance. A rather portly man was sitting at the desk in a fake mall-cop outfit. "This is Bryan. He's the head of security. He'll get you signed up." She nodded to "Bryan" and left. "Ah! You must be the new recrute. Pleasure to meet you." He rose, crumbs from a sandwich falling off of his shirt, and extended a hand. I tenatively shook it. "Yeah. Sorry if I'm not talkative, didn't sleep well." That was a half lie. I'm plenty rested, but not very talkative. People are just... so annoying. "You have a place for me to sign?" "Haha! Fair enough, want to get right in on the action eh?" He pushes a clipboard with a pen on it. "Can't blame ya. Long as you don't chicken out, mkay?" I nod, glancing through the contract and sign it. Something... felt off. Like one of the statues moved? "Uh. was that..." "Nah, you get over that feeling eventually. Mind playing tricks and what not." He seemed to have felt it too. Strange. But I'm not here for mysteries. I'm here for easy pay and a place to chill away from family. "That all you need?" I hand the clipboard back to him. "Yup. Uniform is in the locker. Barely worn, got it cleaned myself. Glad to have you on the force!" He shook my hand again, not giving me a choice this time. "Go get dressed and I'll hand over the keys." My eyes had drifted to a particularly large gargoyle, perched tall on the plinth in the middle of the main hall... almost like it was... watching over the museum. "yeah. sure." "Hehe, like that one?" He claps a hand over my shoulder. "Call it the Guardian. Museum likes to say it's another security guard. Funny right? Statues guarding statues? haha!" "sure. hilarious." I pull the outfit from the locker and head to the bathroom. --- 9pm. sundown. Hat on right, flashlight ready, get the first round out of the way so I can go binge some youtube videos. First the main hall. Simple and easy. ... is what I would be saying if the damn "Guardian" wasn't already missing! What the fuck?! First night, not even an hour in and I already fucked up? "Who steals a damn statue? It's not even that good!" I freeze as I feel breath on my neck. "What was that?" The voice was smooth... like marble. I freeze in place. That sounded like... no way. I spin and shine my flashlight on the r-obber? "The Fuck!?" Before me stood the Guardian statue. Not like someone had moved it there, *actually standing there!* "wh! Hu? you, what, hu?" It blinked at me. "I said, what was that, little guard?" It... she stood nearly a foot over me, glossy white marble reflecting the flashlight. I swallowed, and started to panic. Did I pass out on the desk? was this a dream? Fuuuuck this isn't right. "No answer hu?" She leaned close to me. I could feel her... breath? I froze again, unable to move away. There was no way this was real. "G-guardian?" She laughed. It sounded a bit like a rock tumbler. "Bryan still calls me that? Glad to know some things don't change. I go by Remedian. Care to share yours?" I stammer, glancing around me. "Go on, if you intend to stay, we might as well get to know each other a bit." I was still stunned by the... reality of this. "T-t-talking... ssstatue." "Yes hun, I talk. I move, and walk, and talk, and have my own life. Most of the statues here do." I blink. "Most of the statues?" I hadn't even taken a moment to look around. Sure enough, I counted 6-7 statues already moving. "Hu? This... wasn't in the job description." She nodded and gave me a *very* toothy smile. "Never is. No one would believe it, and the rest of the staff never actually sees us." My brain turned back on, some questions flooding through. "Wait, but the night guards? How many people know about this?" She thinks for a moment, a... shockingly beautiful pose. "Mmmmm... Well you have the 107 gargoyles here, sooooo. 110?" She gives me another big smile. I swallow, hard. "you're... not gonna eat me, are you?" She laughs again, the sound getting more clear. sliding stone. "Nonsense. It's just you, and the two guards before you." I try to do the math. There were two applicants before me, but the curator had said they both left after their first night. "Wait, what about the last night guard? The one who retired?" "Tin? He's still here." ... "still... here? Like, still working?" She jams a thumb to another gargoyle. He waves at us. "Nah, he really did retire." I blink. "Where... him? that gargoyle is the night guard?" He walks over and offers a hand. no wait, paw. I don't even realize when I shake his hand. "Pleasure to meet you. You figured out your name yet?" She gently slaps him on the back of the head. "Newbie doesn't know about that yet. Was just getting to it." "Name? I already have a name." This was getting weirder... and more concerning. And yet... I didn't want to leave. Something felt... interesting. Nice. Fun. "What, what exactly is going on?" I look to Guard, no wait, Remedian, that's what she said her name was. "Well I *was* gonna ease you into it, but simple answer is, most night guards become night gargs as it were." That smile again. Terrifying, and yet I couldn't look away. "And of course, you're no exception. But what kind of gargoyle has a *human* name?" I blink, "Um well, I guess that makes sense." I pause, suddenly catching the first part of that. "Wait! What do you mean I'm no exception? I get a say in this... right?" "You do, though I think I already know your answer." Fuck, she's right. This is all too... curious, and far more interesting that any other night job. But I can't just... leave my family? They don't even know I'm here. They probably don't care. Fuck, I'm actually considering this. "Yeah, that's the look I expect. Processing the idea, and slowly figuring it out. Don't worry, you have till morning to make up your mind." She smirks as Tin leans over and adds, "Plus you've already had quite a conversation with Rem. You didn't run out like the last two." Yeah... I hadn't. yet. --- 3AM. First check-in. Turns out I had missed the part about the second check in at 6, just before dawn. Tin was more than happy to let me know. Spent the last... gosh, 6 hours? wandering around and meeting the... statues? Residents? They were all pretty nice. Many claim to be former guards, or guests that remained after close. It's hard to believe it, but that does explain the *number* of statues here. I just kept wondering, does the staff actually not know about this? Random statues appearing *must* be a tip-off, right? Do they just not look into it? And surely there are police reports, right? I cant imagine that... nearly 40 people vanish over a decade with no one looking in, right? Then again, would anyone look for me? If the staff assume I'm still here each night, they probably wouldn't think twice. Apparently Tin was never questioned. But he also lived alone before moving here, supposedly. I just... can't imagine my family would care. ... that's it, I'm gonna see how far this rabbit... gargoyle hole goes. Rem wasn't hard to find, as she still towers over all the other statues. "Hey! Rem!" She turned to face me, eyes piercing through before softening. "Yeah little guard? What can I do for you?" I stopped right in front of her, looking straight up. "I want to stay. You seem to have some condition, so what is it?" She smirks, and I feel myself freeze and melt at the same time. "Simple, little guard. Join me on the plinth in the morning. Before sunrise. If you still want to stay by tomorrow evening, then arrangements will be made. If not, you must forget everything you saw here." "Stand on a *plinth*? what's that?" She gestures to the small pedestal she was originally on earlier that day. "ooooh, that's what they're called. I guess? Seems arbitrary, but sure." I shrug and offer my hand. She pulls me into a hug instead. "oof!" "Don't forget to check in, little guard. And, be thinking." I let out a squeak of confusion. "about?" "Your name, of course. Can't have a silly human name among gargoyles, now can you?" It seemed arbitrary, but I shrugged and nodded as she held me. It was weirdly comforting. Both soft and hard, like fluffy stone. The bright red gem on her shoulder pressed into my chest. "*gem*" I whispered. That word stuck with me as she let me go and I wandered back to the guard room. The leather chair was crunchy, likely worn from years of guards sitting in it. Gargoyles too. Tin had sat here before. I brush the seat a bit, a bit of sand flying off. Hu. What would Bryan think? Rem implied he didn't know. I pull open the lower drawer of the desk and take out the check form. At the very least, I need to do the job right to stay till tomorrow. Best not to get fired before I see the end of whatever this is. I start mindlessly checking off boxes and filling in timestamps. Before long, the form is filled, and so is my head. If Tin was a gargoyle *and* the night guard.... was the Night Garg comment... literal? Like, he *said* he became one as part of the gig. So, what... they turn people into gargoyles? My face flushes at that thought. It's hard to believe, but the statues confirmed it. and it... sounds nice. But also, how?! the fact that they're real is already shocking enough, but the idea that they can somehow change people too? It's... weird. Like, what happens if they break an arm off? My mind flashes through visions of each statue here. They all have... crack infill. like someone patches them up. I guess a lost arm would be just as easy, right? but then... what happens if one is re-sculpted? *can* one be re-sculpted? another flush of heat in my face as thoughts of a new form cross my mind. "Fuuuuuck." How can I not? The idea opens... something in my head. something I kept well hidden, even from myself. I feel a wall drop. But not right now! I have a job to do, and something amazing to explore. I pull the page from the clipboard and stamp it, filing it into the little box on the desk, and distract myself with more videos. Distract myself from... that. Maybe this whole thing is a bit... much. Maybe I'm just hallucinating! That makes a lot more sense. *maybe* I passed out on the desk. I wasn't tired, but it's so quiet here before they start moving. I start thinking back to how I got here. Driving from home, talking to the curator, Bryan showing off the room and the route. No... it's all there, in order with no gaps. I don't think I'm dreaming. ... I tip my hat down and focus on a documentary. Maybe I can just... wait these thoughts out. --- 6AM. Second Check-in. Clipboard with me, everything checked and times marked. Tapes rotated and filed. They're still out there, wandering around, but I tried to ignore that. I also tried to ignore the rather full set of check-in forms and the age of the box they sat in. Did *anyone* actually fill these out? I could ask Tin... but I'm honestly not sure I want to approach him. I don't know I could talk with him right now. After all the excitement 3 hours prior, I ended up changing my mind. 'I have people to care for', I told myself. It's a lie, but also the excuse I need to avoid other... things. What's the worst that could happen anyways? They can't kick me out. Sure they're... strong. but they are just art pieces. The museum... hu. that feels... evil to say. Maybe I'll just... find another job. at night. suuuure.... ugh, why did this have to get complicated. "You look lost, little guard." Rem had appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame. "Ah fuck! You. uh..." I looked back at the completed paper in front of me, "startled me." "Well that looks like a resignation form. You don't plan on leaving already, do you?" She gave a very sad look. My stomach knotted. For as imposing as she was, she was also kind. I honestly was conflicted. Everyone here was nice, if a bit wild. The work would have been easy, after all the gargoyles mostly take care of themselves, and there's little chance anyone is breaking in with all of them active. Honestly, the biggest task is just writing down details and changing the... rather useless tapes. And likely keeping them from getting a bit too unruly. ... "Yeah... things kinda... changed suddenly." That was a lie. nothing changed. I just can't be here. "The museum staff plan on giving you a bonus for staying tomorrow, right?" Did... did I tell her that? or was she... oh right. we were standing next to her. "You heard that? I wasn't aware you were... able to hear when... like that." What words do I even use here? What's ok? "bweh" "Of course. We're very aware during the day." My mind wanders to... thoughts. "As I said, if you want to stay tomorrow, I have only the one request." "stand on the plinth. Yeah." I look away. "I think maybe... maybe not." She frowns at me, a clear grinding sound as she does. Did she... do that intentionally? "Something has your mind restricted, doesn't it." She motions for me to follow. Paperwork is done and the task list is clear. I don't think I have any more excuses, so I follow. She gestures to the large plinth she stood on when I first entered. "Please trust me on this. If you still say no after, I will understand." The plinth feels like it's glowing, though clearly it's not actually lit up. I feel a pull. "I cant... I..." I stammer as despite my protests, I still step forward. Thoughts flood my head for a moment before my foot hits the smooth stone. "wai-" --- My head spins. Things feel... odd. heavy. The moment my foot touched the plinth, something snapped. The wave of thoughts, desires to be something else, flooded forward. Images flashed through my head. Ideas, plans, hopes, all formerly dashed by... family. I feel the idea of them growing distant. And yet, there is comfort in that thought. To disconnect from those who... who hate what I want... need to be. I go to look around, but cannot move. Cannot open my eyes. Panic starts to well, but I can't move or speak at all. things feel... heavy. weighted. Something leans on my back. and my... chest... What is happening! Why can't I move! Let me out! I try to scream but no sound. I can hear the gargoyles moving around. Ren standing behind me. My breathing hitches, my throat goes dry. I need water! Please! Let me go! I just want to see! I want to go home! I... want to know what happened... Let me see... something changed, let me see what I look like. Please... I move my arm... my foot... freed, but... odd. I step forward and fall *hard*. My feet feel wrong. I open my eyes. Panic rises --- "What the fuck?!" I look at my hands. no... paws. I have paws! "Why the fuck do I have paws?!" Rem looms over, staring at me. "That's pretty typical for gargoyles." I stand myself up, but fall again, this time into Rem's arms. My feet don't work right. "My feet...." "Digigrade feet, yes. That's also pretty common." She speaks like this is all normal. None of this is normal! I feel something sway behind me and look. A large tail protrudes from my now damaged pants, and wings flitter behind my back. "And those?" She nods. "Yep, pretty normal. Some don't have wings, but tails are pretty universal. Seems you went for a longer one." My brain twists at a word. "*I* went for it? I didn't do any of this!" She smiles at me. A bit mischievous, but clear kindness behind it. That scares me. "You don't pick any of it *conciously*, but you are what you *need* to be. What you unconsciously *want.*" I frown and try to right myself, using her arm for leverage. The wings pull me back... but i feel... stable. I look down and the sight knocks me back. "And I suppose *these* are normal too?!" i gesture to my chest, which has grown... boobs. She ponders for a moment. "No, that one is a bit rarer. Consistant with need, but not very common." I glare at her, and feel my ear twitch. "Why have you.... grrrraf... why did you trick me!" The passing thought that I was *definently* now a gargoyle seemed to slip in and out of my head with little resistance. I suppose I kinda expected it, but it still was a bit of a shock. After all, I was *not* expecting to be female too. What kind of trick was this even? "No trick small one. As I stated, merely a test. A chance to see if you can stay." She picks me up with her tail and puts my now torn had back on my head. "If you choose to stay like this, then you may stay with us. If not, you leave." I looked around at the others. A place to stay... I certainly can't go home. "How long?" "Until?" She brought me up to her eye line "How long till I have to decide?" There was a war in my head, and I was not ready just yet for it to end. She sighed and began pacing, me still held aloft. "Well, you have at least till sunrise to decide for today. After that... you can stick around tonight, but after that, you need to decide for sure. Once you change back, there's no second chance." I frown. "And if I need to say goodbye? Prepare things?" She looks directly through me. "If so, then you aren't ready for this place. If you have unfinished business, then you must handle that." She smiles. "Your loved ones are important after all." ... I wish she was right. I worry more that they would tear this place apart looking for me... if they knew. But also... do I even want to be found? Do I care? There's a computer in the office I can use if I still wanted to talk online. And I really would rather my family forget I exist... though they kinda already have. It's the same thoughts again. And... I do feel... oddly comfortable. Rem scoops me up and hugs me. It's a firm hug, but I can feel every fiber of her... fur. Of my own too. "It's a big change... I'm just... not sure yet." She smiles as I speak. "Lets start small then. Did you decide on a name yet?" I think hard, but only one word comes up. "Gem" I feel her pet my head. It's a soft and comforting motion. "A lovely name, Gem" I look to her. My heart jumps into my throat. "I think... I'll try today. See what happens, yeah?" I give a half hearted smile, but I know it should be a full one. "Sounds like a start, little Gem."