War from Under the Bed

Peace Begins

It was strange...to sit with the monster that had tried to kill her so many times. They were back in their world after the monsters had had a bit of time to adjust. Fenris still looked sickly...but at least he wasn't in pain anymore.

"What are we waiting for exactly?" Fenris shattered the dense silence that had settled in the quiet cave. Sadie did her best not to flinch. Even in this weakened state, his voice held a strength that always made her want to run and hide. The monster either didn't notice or pretended not to.

"For the King," Popi replied, glaring at him, "He's the only one with the authority to make a peace treaty with you."

"Popi...watch the tone," Sam warned, the already fragile situation tipping. They didn't need to rile up Fenris any further. He was already putting aside his pride for this.

"How's Jack?" Sadie asked, hoping to deter attention away from the fuming monster.

"He's fine...no more nightmares," Sam said, glancing at Fenris, "he just needs some real sleep and he'll be up on his feet in no time." Pang sat with him, keeping well away from the monsters.

"I hope he isn't too damaged," Vin said as he peered at Jack, "Sometimes kids don't-" Sadie elbowed him in the side before he could say anymore. This monster was certainly blunt.

"He'll be fine," Sadie cut in, "He's stronger than he looks." Fenris snorted and Sadie's patience was wearing thin. "Want to say something?" she asked the commander.

"Humans are pathetic worms...weak minded," Fenris hissed, "I doubt any of those kids are sane at this point." Pang whimpered as she did her best not to glare at him. She scared him...but he pissed her off more often lately.

"We'll see..." Sadie said through clenched teeth. They were on better terms than before, an argument would only make things worse. Before Fenris could reply, a flash of light came from the cave entrance. The mood instantly shifted, but she wasn't sure why. The monster commander went stiff, almost afraid. Sam grabbed his cross and went quiet. Popi leapt to her feet and ran to the entrance with the biggest smile she had ever seen on the stern angel's face.

"Rais!" Popi cried as she leapt in the arms of an angel...or at least Sadie thought he was an angel. He looked more like a god honestly. He was tall and had white hair...reminded her of Santa Claus.

"Popi, how's my favorite angel?" Rais said as he entered the cave.

"As well as I can be with...him here," Popi said and the mood once again became sour.

"Rais..." Fenris muttered, looking the king of the angels right in the eye.

"Fenris, been a while hasn't it," Rais replied like he was greeting an old friend, but Sadie could sense weariness coming from him. They were anything but old friends, that's for sure. He smile, the gesture looking natural despite his feelings, and sat down. Sadie suddenly found herself sitting next to him. Up close, he was as intimidating as she thought he would be. He was big...but it was like a teddy bear kind of big. His eyes were warm, the golden color almost glowing as he looked at her with a soft smile. "You must be Sadie." She didn't know how to respond as she stared at him. The king chuckled at her silence. She was sure her astonishment was plain on her face.

"Can we get on with this," Fenris growled.

"In a moment, we just ended a war Fenris. Give them a little time to relax," Rais replied, his calm curdling slightly with an underlying anger that he had hid well.

"You want to fight old man..." the monster hissed. Sadie swallowed at his building rage. She really didn't want another fight, they had just ended one.