"Don't be afraid," Lucifer told the boy. "They really can't hurt you."
The small body continued to tremble.
"Try to stop them ... try!"
"I want my Mommy...."
Nina took the boy into her own arms. She cradled his face against her breasts, pressed her lips to his cheek.
"Just keep your eyes closed," she cooed gently. "Everything is all right now."
She stroked the wiry red hair, and murmured.
"You don't have to look to stop them, do you? Why, you can stop them any time you want to! Let's tell all the other boys and girls to keep their eyes closed—and stop those people so they can't hurt Mommy and Daddy! Here, I'll help you—we'll do it together."
Nina pressed her cheek tightly to the child's, and closed her eyes. The boy stopped trembling.
The Goolies slowed. It became harder and harder for them to move against the invisible current. An attendant picked up one of the smaller creatures and hurled it forward. In midair, the Goolie rebounded and knocked the attendant off his feet.