Autumn kept as still as she could as she heard footsteps approach her locker. She held her breath, pressing against back of the metal, hands clenched into fists. She felt Aiden’s anger as the man reached for the handle to open the door but before he could strike something else did. She heard Jason’s voice and opened the locker, eyes wide. She squeaked at the shot that rang out and covered her ears as she flinched at the noise. She watched the violence with wide eyes. 

When the alien looked like it was about to strike Autumn cried out and jumped in front of Jason. The aliens mouth was stopped mid-air as Autumn threw up a shield. The creature tilted its head and raised its tail, striking at the place where its mouth was stopped. The child cried out and fell back against Jason. The downside to her shield was that while it protected her and those around her it hurt her every time it was hit, like someone was stabbing her brain with something sharp. 

Echo jumped into the fray before Autumn could be seriously injured and unloaded the flame-thrower at the beast. It shrieked and disappeared back into the vents. The girl whirled and caught Autumn as the shield lowered and the girl staggered. The tram arrived and Echo scooped Autumn up and pushed Jason towards it. Once they were safely inside Echo gently laid Autumn on the seat, sitting next to the girl as she stroked her hair. “You okay?” She whispered to the child, who nodded as she closed her eyes.