It was a quiet afternoon. The falling sun reached through the windows and past the curtains of little Michael's room. Everything was still. So still.

click click click

A noise stirred underneath the bed.

click click click

The creature tapped and scraped at the floor surrounding Michael's bed. Above the bed, a rustle of sheets.

"Cut that out," came a grumpy voice.

"Well, why don't you come down here and make me?" The response was low and sounded like the cogs of a large machine that was struggling to turn.

"Harumph!" was the teddy bear's only reply.

click click click

One long, sharp claw reached up and over the side of the bed. Nothing else was revealed. Nothing else was ever revealed.

"I think you'd like it down here. It's warm. It's sunny," the voice taunted, "and I've prepared a picnic for you and the others."

"Picnic?" The bear brightened at the word. "I do love a good picnic."

"Yes," the voice gave a sinister laugh, "and we can play hopscotch."

"Ooh! I love hopsco- wait a minute!" The bear was shaken from his daze and a frown fell on his face. "You hate hopscotch!" he declared as he rolled over to the side of the bed and flipped himself over the edge. Two large, menacing eyes stared at him. The eyes laughed mockingly. It sounded like a deep rumble.

"You foolish little bear," it growled, "to think you're Michael's only defence." It laughed until it noticed the bear's furious frown.

Boo!

The bear shrieked and crawled back to the top of the bed. He was trembling, not only because of the shock, but also because the monster's laughing was making the bed shake. The bear flipped itself over the edge to look at the menacing eyes again.

"At least I'm his best friend. You're not even his worst fear!"

The rumbling stopped. The bed was still. For a moment, the room was quiet again. The bear, hanging over the side of the bed, looked for the eyes. He was filled with panic when they opened right in front of his face. Again, the bear gave a shriek, although this time, he covered his own eyes.

"What do you mean 'not even his worst fear'?" the voice questioned slowly. It was a sound so dark and so malicious that the bear began to whimper. The monster under the bed gave a viscious roar that sent the teddy bear back to the top of the bed covers. The bed juddered from the echo.

"M-Michael t-t-told me," stammered the bear, still a little taken aback from having been roared to the sky.

"Grrrr," the creature snarled, "t-t-told you what?" The bear didn't appreciate it's mockery. His fear was pushed aside to make room for his sensitivity.

"Well, if you must know," the bear continued, slightly wary, "he talks to me about other monsters. Yes, and they're mush worse than you." The bear sounded very matter-of-factual. The monster boomed with so much fury that it made the bed jump. The bear gave a yelp.

"Other monsters?"

"Yes. Didn't you know?!"

"Scarier monsters?!"

"Indeed," the bear crossed his arms and smiled in triumph, "much scarier." The monster thrashed and thundered underneath the bed.

"I'm the monster under the bed! There is no scarier monster!!"

"Apparently not," the bear said, and the monster quietened. Its heavy breathing shifted the dust surrounding the bed. Its breath sounded like the huff of a large animal.

"What are these monsters?" it growled curiously. The bear peered over the edge to try and see the monster. He couldn't.

"They're terrible things," the bear shook his head sadly, "awful. Worse than you." The monster gave a low rumble.

"That's not possible."

"And you know what else?" the bear dismissed the monster, "they can get him during the day." The breathing stopped and a curious grunt filled the silence.

"...the day?"

"Yes. Michael comes home and tells me all about them," the bear thought for a moment, "I believe he calls them... Boo-lies." The monster made a series of distressed sounds. It didn't like this. It didn't like this at all.

"I'll show them. I'll show them who's scary!"

"I don't know," the bear was concerned, "they sound really terrible." The creature lashed out beneath the bed, screams echoing somewhere below. The bear was tossed around the air from the jerking of the bed.

"NO! I'm the scariest monster! I won't let these...BOO-LIES do this to Michael!" A large pair of menacing eyes rose above the rim of the bed. The violent wailing and cries didn't stop. The bear squealed at the sight of the creature in the light. "I'll show them!! I'll show them!!"

The bedroom door opened.

A young boy dropped his bag on the floor, shut the door. It was a quiet afternoon. Everything was still. So still. He noticed his bear lying in the middle of his bed.

That's not where I left you.

He walked forward, to the edge of the bed. The dust stirred ever so slightly beneath him. He didn't notice. He just picked up the bear and stared at it. The soft, friendly bear. His best friend. His only friend. And the bear stared back. The bear, however, did not stare through wet eyes. It did stare through black ones, though. Michael gave a weak smile.

"We're kinda the same, Teddy." He hugged the bear and curled up on the bed. The bear wondered where Michael's bruises came from.

"Kinda the same."

Prisoner 0056 has escaped...

Prisoner 0056 has escaped...

Prisoner 0056 has escaped...

The message scrolled across the screen, flashing yellow and red as a high alert to the Retrieval Team. Drog hunkered down in his seat between the massive Rhincon to his right and the bulky Glorbiul to his left. The Threat Eradication Detection and Destruction of Yabba (nicknamed Project T.E.D.D.Y.) was only called out when the most dangerous of the Yabba race were found outside of containment.

Yabba's are venomous and disgusting creatures with the ability to shapeshift into any form. The Yabba's preferred meal were small human children and often disguised themselves as cute objects or toys that would attract children close. When the victims would fall asleep, the Yabba would unhinge its massive jaws and swallow the child whole. There had been ten Yabba attacks in the last year, and the entire T.E.D.D.Y. team was desperate to keep an eleventh from happening.

Drog took a deep breath as the vehicle slowed and began prepping his weapons and adjusting his helmet. The vehicle had barely stopped when the Captain was up and shouting orders, pushing his crew out of the vehicle, "Move it! Go time! Go! Go! Go!" Drog fell in line behind his teammates and rushed to the waiting portal in the docking bay. With laser blaster set to "Well Done," as the boys called it, he aimed carefully at the portal, a bead of nervous sweat already dripped down his horn into his sixth eye. He blinked it away furiously.

Yabba were terrifying beasts. They weren't even really monsters. They were giant creatures that had fell from space sometime when humans were still living in caves. The Monsters, having sworn a pact to protect the human race, have been at war with these space invaders for millennia. Yabba had huge flabby bodies covered in a sticky mucus that acted as a sedative. They had long limbs that stuck out in every direction, huge teeth like knitting needles, and were completely blind, navigating around by smelling with their long tongues like snakes. A Yabba could easily crush you with its arms, but it usually attacked by spitting acid at its prey, dissolving any organic material.

Drog reached up and quadruple checked his helmet clasp was closed completely. His partner, Mlerg, had his helmet knocked off a few years ago during a Yabba attack. Drog could still smell the stench of his friend being melted. "Alright, Scum! We have a High Alert situation here. Prisoner 0056 has escaped from confinement. He is an adult Yabba with full shapeshifting abilities, so have your sensors on heat detection. Remember, Yabba's core temperature never reach below 40 degrees Celsius. You're all looking for a hot spot."

Drog muttered affirmation with his teammates. The captain continued, "On my count, we will enter the portal to the human dimension, so be ready when boots hit the ground for action. As far as we know, there are no bystandards in the immediate area, so be prepared to shoot at will. Weapons hot!?" "Hot!" Came response. "Move out!"

Drog followed closely behind his teammate and felt the familiar pull of the portal as he dematerialized and materialized into the human realm. On tip-claws, he moved forward out of the small space, what appreared to be a dark pantry door and began canvasing the house for any hot spots. They were searching for minutes that seemed like years, when Drog heard the garbled message over his headset, "Sir... I have visual. You're not going to like this." The captain barked, "Officer, Bartyut! Why is this thing still breathing!?" The response came, "Sir, the Yabba has a child captive."

There were multiple curses and swears muttered, and all the officers quietly rushed into the sleeping child's room, decorated with cars and movie posters, and all looked in horror as a boy about 11 years old slept with his arm around a stuffed teddy bear. Drog's sensor read the bear as white hot, and he felt his hands start to shake with the adrenaline.

The captain came forward and carefully made his way towards the teddy bear, "Prisoner 0056," he whispered angrily, "You are under arrest for crimes of war and attempted murder. Release the child, or-" "Oooorwhhhaaaaaaatt......ssssssss" came the hissing reply. A shiver went down Drog's spine. Yabba didn't have lips, so their speech was drawn out and hissed through teeth. A hellish sound that would haunt your nightmares. The captain didn't hesitate, "I will blow your disgusting hide into oblivion where you came."

"Nyehuehehehehheheeee... Sssssstupiiiiid mosssssterrrr.... I'mmmm ooofff the ooooollldd racccccce... you havvve noooo poooowerrrr ovvvveeerrr meeeeeeee. I wiiillllll feeeassssssst onnn thisssssssss ccaaaaaarcccuuussssss aannnndddd theeeeennnnnn cooooonssssssuuuummeee, yyooooouuuu aaalllllllll!" The captain flipped the switch on his blaster and a high pitched whine indicated it was ready for launch, "Don't try me, Space Snot." "GggrggggrrrggrrrrrRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" The Yabba growled menacingly, then its tiny bear jaws suddenly opened to reveal huge jagged teeth and a wet, green tongue lashed out at the captain, causing him to stagger back.

The tiny bear body was ripped back and the blobby and slimy body smilled out of the fur and cotton, revealing an eight foot monstrocity with whipping arms and tongue, spitting acid in every direction, one arm still gripping the unconcious child. Drog swallowed his fear and began shooting at the Yabba's legs, trying to distract him long enough for someone to grab the boy. The Yabba roared again and vomitted a wave of green acid onto one of his teammates.

Thankfully, the protective gear kept the acid from getting to the body, but a loud hissing and an acrid smell filled the air as his suit tried to withstand the damage. The T.E.D.D.Y. retrieval team dodged in and out of the Yabba's flailing limbs, but no one was able to get close enough to grab the boy. Drog suddenly noticed that one of the Yabba's arms bent at an awkward angle. The Yabba must have somehow injured itself during the escape!

Drog quickly lifted his weapon, took very careful aim, and shot the injured limb. "OFFICER DROG! DO NOT SHOOT CLOSE TO THE HUMA-" The captain began to bellow, but the Yabba had lurched back and screamed in agony, dropping the boy as it clawed at its now severaly injured limb. Drog darted forward and barely dodged a leg as he grabbed the child and hunkered down under a desk, wrapping his tendrils protectively around him. The T.E.D.D.Y. team now open fired on the Yabba and managed to force it into a containment cube, screeching and spitting uselessly against the box walls.

The captain came over and stared at Drog, "Officer, that was both the dumbest and best thing I've seen in my line of work. You will be written up for such reckless behavior," Drog's head drooped. However, the captain put a hand on his shoulder, "But you did save a life today. I won't forget that, son." The captain turned and began giving orders when a pair of headlights swept past the window.

"Retrieval team! Move out! Humans are home!" The retrieval team manage to slide the containment cube under the bed, disappearing into the emergency exit. Drog gently laid the boy back on top of the bed, tucking him in gently. He ruffled the boys hair and smiled to himself. For thousands of years, they'd been caring for and protecting these creatures, and they never knew a thing. "Drog!" the captain whispered angrily as the front door knob began to rattle, and Drog slid underneath the bed just as the human adults came in the front door.

Bob the Monster: whispers. Teddy, are you still there? Is Max asleep yet?

Teddy: whispers between gasps of breaths. Yeah, Bob, he's asleep. You can come out now.

Bob crawls out from under the bed and sits on the windowsill. Sees Teddy in Max's arms.

Bob: how's it feel like, when he holds you like that?

Teddy: you mean when he hugs me at night?

Bob: ...yeah. What's it like, being so close to him?

Teddy: It's suffocating. He chokes me, Bob. I can barely breathe. It's hell until he finally falls asleep and loosens his hold.

Bob: but...isn't it a nice feeling, knowing that he loves you? He trusts you...he tells you everything.

Teddy: I guess. I don't know. He keeps whining in my ear all the time before he goes to sleep. He just complains about how much he hates school.

Bob: I wish I could hear. Being under the bed, it's so hard to hear, especially when he whispers. I was worried, today he seemed so sad. I thought I heard whimpering...but wasn't sure...if he was crying or not.

Teddy: Yeah, he cried into the pillow before going to bed. He was a mess.

Bob: with a worried look, he stands up and kneels at the edge of the bed. What happened?!

Teddy: I don't know...some kid at school's bothering him...something like that.

Bob: He's...he's got a bruise near his eye...and his lip is cut.

Teddy: So what?

Bob: It looks painful. Do you think he'll be alright?

Teddy: Not sure.

Bob: He's grown up so fast. Remember when he was a baby? And he could barely hold on to you, Teddy?

Teddy: yeah, can't believe he's ten already. He's too old for me. Soon, he's not gonna need me anymore. Finally, I'll get some freedom!

Bob: I'm worried...he'll grow up and become an adult...the world isn't nice to adults...he's only going to get more hurt.

Teddy: he's gonna get smart, and realize he has to fend for himself. He'll learn not to rely on anyone...not even me.

Bob: ...but hopefully we can find new ways to help him. For now, this is all I can do.

Bob uses his magic to heal Max's eye and lip. His finger touches the edge of Max's cheek. Max stirs, his face scrunching up.

Bob: oh no, Teddy, I touched him!

Teddy: Bob! Why'd you do that! You know a nightmare's gonna get transfered! You always do this! You always wake him up when you try touching him!

Bob: Stop yelling at me Teddy! I know that! I just wanted to help him! I'm sorry!

Teddy: Nevermind! He's gonna wake up! Just get under the bed, Bob! Hurry!

Before Bob can get under the bed, Max wakes up. He sits up, sweating and breathing heavy. His eyes wide with fear. He looks down at Teddy in the bed. Teddy is frozen, inanimate.

Max touches the edge of his eye, surprised that it's not hurting anymore. He looks around in the dark. His eyes scan the room, stopping when he sees Bob the monster. Bob recoils, waiting for the scream that always comes after Max sees him...

But Max doesn't scream. He rests his head back on the pillow, bringing the blanket over his head and curling up into a ball. Teddy falls to the floor and rolls under the bed. Bob sits back on the windowsill. He feels warm on the inside and can't help but smile.

Max isn't scared of him anymore.

Maybe one day...Max will learn to love him too?

As I lay here warm in my new bed I can't help but feel uneasy spending first night in my new home. Looking over my owner lay fast asleep. He loves me so much. Oh no he is stirring. "Plop!" Now I'm laying in the floor. I start to hear a strange sound. It's scratches going across the floor. I look closer under the bed. There is a low deep growl. My heart starts flying. I still see nothing. Glaring closer two blood red eyes open swiftly sending me slumping backwards. Looking towards the red eyes I noticed they was getting closer and closer. Then as they appeared from underneath the bed there was large scaley head coming out with stringy hair attached. Suddenly it wasn't me I was worried about but my owner. I started to stutter. Hi I'm new here who are you! The monster stopped in surprise. He opened his wide mouth in a threatening smile showing huge sharp and drool dripping out by the gallons. I am your worst nightmare he replied in a growl. Taking a deep breath I said, Nice to meet you Mr nightmare. His head sank back and his smile turned to an angry frown. You should fear me he said with a roar. I giggled. Fear you? Why, we want to your friend. He tilted his head sideways. He could not believe what he was hearing. I don't have friends he said. I scooted a little closer uneasily. We will be your friend I said. I put my paw out. He leaned his nose to my paw . He was sniffing my paw to see if he could trust me. Suddenly he stood on his legs and a bright light started swirling around him. He was transforming right before my very eyes. Suddenly I owner getting out of bed. I went limp. He picked me up and held me close. Then I heard him say what's this? He reached down and as he stood up I saw in his hand a stuffed dragon. Wow, he said. I wander where this came from. With excitement he pulled me and the dragon close to him. We can all be friends he said with excitement. looked over at Dragon and I saw the blink of a little red eye.

The name's Bear, Teddy Bear. I know what you're thinking, but no, this is not one of those cutesy stories where girl loses her bear and he magically finds his way back home, and no, I do not wear a raincoat and I certainly Do Not live in the woods with a tiger and pig. No, this, this is the story of my valiant battle with the THING living under your bed.

When you are sound asleep, there are creatures lurking under your bed. Their sole mission, is to hurt you. No one knows for certain how they got there or where they came from. The only thing we (the Bears Against Monsters or BAM) can do is keep that at bay until we can uncover more truths and eradicate them from under your bed.

Imagine this: you are sound asleep, snuggling up to your favorite furry friend (that's me) and there is a rustling going on beneath us. You roll over and I sneak from under the clutches of your arm. I slide down the bed post and get into my attack ready position; this is where the fun begins. My weapon of choice, a spear that I fashioned from an old coat hanger and a broken shard from a sippy cup that I sharpened to a point. I position myself with my weight on my back foot with my spear pointed underneath the bed. I slowly creep into the darkness to face my enemy.

The gentle glow of the night light illuminates my path as I walk further and further to my potential demise. I approach a long creature with piercing green eyes and a wriggling orange tail. How menacing is this beast that they can look me dead in the eye all the while thinking and plotting how they can harm my human. Little do they know that their cockiness will be their folly. I leap forward as it swats at me but I jump so high that it misses me and I land promptly on their backside. I grab ahold of their scruff and kick my heels into their sides to make them run around like a wild steed. It's at this point that they kick and jolt up and down that they are smacking into the top of the bed so they sprint out from underneath and make way for the door. Just as they are inches from the oepning, I do a backflip off of them and land precisely on the nightstand, where I lay my spear to rest.

You are miraculously sound asleep. I crawl into bed, under the covers and safely within your arms. You roll over and give me a squeeze; not even realizing the battle that I just went through. But I don't even care... I would fight a whole army of furry beasts the humans call, "cat," to keep you safe.

"Bro, you need to stop coming out when Ashley's going to bed. You're scaring her."

"Dude, you know I don't mean to. I'm a nice guy. But there is only so much I can eat. And those sunset shadows... They're the best thing."

"I'm her teddy bear. It's my job to protect her. Right now, she thinks I need to protect you from her."

"Man, I'm sorry. I really don't mean to scare her. I'll change up my schedule, eat the sunrise or midday shadows, instead."

"You better. When I let you move in under the bed, you promised Ashley'd never know you were there."

"Yeah, man. I get it. Follow the rules, or you'll find a new roomate. I gotta go. The front door is opening."

"Later, dude!"

Just to be clear, normal text is the teddy bear, and underlined text is the "monster."

"Why are you here?" Asked the Teddy Bear

"This is my home" replied The Monster

"No, this is my owner's home and you haven't been invited. He's afraid of you, and i love him. I protect the ones i love." said the Teddy Bear

"What will you do to make me leave?" asked the monster

"I will fight you with the power of my love. No force is greater than love."

"What if i love him too?"