Booker burst through the school doors, one arm wrapped around the petite Asian girl named Mei. She was the only reason they'd made it out alive after those monsters appeared.

As they raced across the lawn, Booker glanced back at the burning school, its windows exploding from the intense heat. He couldn't believe it was happening. Everything had seemed so normal just an hour ago.

"This way, we can hide in those trees," Mei said softly, pulling him toward a stand of oaks and maples. She always spoke gently but with an air of determination.

Booker nodded, following her lead. He could tell she was scared too, but she kept it together better than he did.

They ducked behind the broad trunk of oak just as another explosion rocked the school. A burst of blue light shot from Booker's hands, scorching the grass. He quickly clenched his fists, getting it under control.

"Sorry," he said to Mei. "I can't always control when it comes out."

Ever since he'd woken up to find himself able to shoot blue energy beams, he'd been struggling to rein it in. The blue bar in his vision drained a little every time he used his new power.

"It's okay," Mei replied. Her voice took on a soothing tone. "Just stay calm. We'll figure this out."

Booker nodded, amazed by her composure. Mei suddenly stiffened, her eyes widening.

"More coming," she whispered. "Don't move."

She pressed her hand to Booker's arm. A strange tingling sensation passed over his body. His arm was barely visible when he looked down like it was fading from view.

Heavy footsteps approached. A gruff voice called out, "I know you're here, kiddos! Come on out!"

Booker held his breath. After endless moments, the footsteps retreated. The concealing effect on him ended as Mei released his arm.

"That was close," she said. "We're not safe here. We should keep moving."

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Booker agreed. He didn't know what was happening but knew he had to keep this girl - and her incredible powers - safe. Together, maybe they could survive the madness descending on their town.

Mei's heart pounded as she peeked around the tree, scanning for any more threats. She had used her newfound powers to hide herself and Booker from that gruff-voiced monster, but it had taken a lot out of her. The yellow bar in her vision was drained nearly halfway.

She glanced over at Booker. The tall, athletic boy looked shaken, but he was holding it together. She gave him a reassuring nod before slipping out from behind the oak tree.

"We should head for the streets, try to find other survivors," she said softly.

Booker nodded, falling into step behind her. Mei moved slowly, listening for any approaching footsteps or snarls. Her senses felt heightened, attuned to the slightest noises.

As they neared the sidewalk lining the school, Mei detected a stealthy rustling coming from the bushes up ahead. She quickly grabbed Booker's arm, activating her power once more.

They both faded from view just as two wolf-like creatures emerged from the bushes, their eyes glowing red. The beasts sniffed the air and glanced around in confusion before retreating back into the foliage.

Mei maintained her grip on Booker until the creatures were gone, then allowed them to become visible again. The effort made her sway on her feet.

"You gonna make it?" Booker asked, steadying her with a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll be okay," Mei assured him. She wasn't about to be a burden. "We need to keep moving before more of those things show up."

They continued toward the streets bordering the school. Plumes of smoke rose above the buildings ahead. Screams and gunshots echoed in the distance. The town was in chaos.

Mei feared what they would find, but she knew they had to keep going. She refused to give up or cower in fear. Booker was relying on her, and she would not let him down. She would stay brave, stay focused, and keep them both hidden from the horrors invading their home.

Somehow, someway, they would survive this nightmare. She clasped Booker's hand tightly as they ventured into the ravaged streets, drawing courage from the kindness and humanity she still saw in his eyes.

Ms. Minx hobbled along the sidewalk, wincing with every step on her broken leg. Astor was still supporting Mitch, who drifted in and out of consciousness.

As they turned a corner, two figures emerged from behind a tree up ahead. Ms. Minx tensed, ready to call for Astor's help. But as they drew nearer, she recognized them as students - Booker and Mei.

"Oh thank heavens!" Ms. Minx cried in relief. "Are you two alright?"

Booker nodded, though his eyes were wide with shock. "We barely got out. This is crazy..."

Mei looked pale and unsteady on her feet, but her voice was calm. "We're glad you made it out too."

Ms. Minx quickly made introductions and explained about Mitch's injuries. "We need to get somewhere safe to rest and regroup."

"My house isn't far from here," Booker offered. "We can hole up there for now."

Ms. Minx hesitated. She knew they needed shelter, but she worried about putting these children in harm's way. However, she didn't have any better ideas.

"Alright, lead the way," she said finally.

They moved as quickly as they could with her limp and Mitch's dead weight. The streets were eerily empty, though the sounds of destruction carried from all directions.

At last they reached Booker's house. He dug out his keys to unlock the door with shaking hands.

Inside, they lay Mitch on the living room sofa. Mei went to get water and bandages to clean his wounds. Ms. Minx checked Astor and Booker for any injuries as well.

"What do we do now?" Astor asked in a small voice.

Ms. Minx wished she had an answer. She was used to handling disobedient students, not monsters and magic powers. But she steeled herself - these children needed her to be strong.

"We'll get you all home safely," she said with more conviction than she felt. "For now, we'll stay here and come up with a plan."

The others nodded, looking to her for guidance, just as her students always had. Ms. Minx prayed she could live up to their trust in her.