Suddenly Susan - Part 4

The light outside the window was the only warning they would receive and both of them knew it. "Stay on this side of the room, Merth. Don't give them any reason." RJ nearly laughed as the once arrogant imp cowered in the corner of the room.

"They're coming for us, aren't they?"

"Of course, they are." RJ didn't even try to hide his disgust. "But even if they walk into this room, you stay right where you are and don't make a move." Merth nodded and RJ fixed his gaze on the window. At the right moment, he would make a break for the girl, but not too soon. For right now, however, he simply needed her attention. "Susan? Susan... you're ok Susan..." RJ stopped himself. No, he couldn't say that. That wasn't true and would definitely bring that horde into the room. What to do?

If he could have, he would have leapt out the window and ran next door. Her best friend was there. With a little prodding, he would have her call and interrupt Susan's momentary bout with self awareness. But he knew that any move would... Merth screamed. "At the window! They're at the window!!!"

RJ spun to see a large thigh walk past house. He felt a cold chill run down his simulated spine. The big ones? Why did they send the big ones? Obviously, on this plane of existence, all angels, himself included could appear pretty much however they wanted to. But usually they don't appear like that unless... And suddenly, RJ laughed.

"What in heaven or hell are you laughing at? We're about to be taken!"

"Shut up!" RJ backhanded the trembling spirit. "They're not here for us. They're here on a totally different mission. Somebody, somewhere is praying about something with great tenacity. I'm glad they all don't pray like that." A scream split the sky as small angelic armies clashed over head.

"I bet it's that old lady across the street." Merth's comment was offhandedly casual. But RJ turned slowly to him.

"And what old lady would that be?" He spoke slowly...

Merth could hear the concern creeping into RJ's voice. "Don't worry. She keeps to herself across the street. Works in the yard. That kind of stuff. I hear her mumbling a lot. At first I thought she was just senile but then I realized she was saying her prayers. She does that a lot."

One step. RJ moved towards Merth. "And when did you get close enough to hear her mumbling?"

"A little earlier today. I was riding Susan's shoulder, like in the cartoons you know? Susan was walking past her yard and I thought I'd have a little fun. So I told Susan to give a real demonic angry stare. And, she did. I hadn't suspected to have such control over her so soon. So I told her to flip the old lady off. And she did! It was great.... Hey, you're sweating."

RJ's eyes began to flit between the window and the door. The conflict outside seemed to be growing nearer. No, just his imagination. It was next door, right? Right?... "So what did the old lady do?"

"Are you ok?"

"WHAT DID THE OLD LADY DO?" RJ screamed.

"She started praying for the girl." The voice didn't belong to Merth or RJ or Susan. But in response, RJ drew his sword. Merth tried to shove himself deeper in the corner; tried to disappear but all he could manage to do was whimper. "Do you really want to fight me?" No, RJ didn't want to fight Turion. They had fought before. Turion won but not without injury to both parties. But RJ got the worst of it. He was not wanting to go through that again.