Booker bounced the basketball awkwardly, trying to focus on the game, not the glowing purple gaze that followed his every move.

Astor's new ability to sense minds still kind of creeped Booker out. He knew Astor was trying to use it responsibly, but those powers could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Booker faked left then pivoted right, sinking a smooth layup. Astor grabbed the rebound, dribbling back outside the faded paint lines they'd marked on the cracked driveway.

"Nice shot," Astor said. "Of course, I knew you were going for a layup before you even started driving."

Booker forced a laugh. "Yeah, you've got the psychic advantage here."

Things grew quiet as they continued playing, the only sound the thump of the ball on cracked pavement. Booker finally broke the awkward silence.

"Hey man, are we good? I know everyone's still kinda on edge around your powers."

Astor nodded, eyes downcast. "Yeah, I get it. My abilities freak me out too honestly. But I'm really trying to use them the right way."

"I know," Booker said. "Doesn't help that Mitch still wants to bash your face in half the time."

"Can't say I blame him. I hope I can earn back your trust, even if it takes a while," said Astor.

Booker clapped him on the shoulder. "You're already getting there, don't worry. We're in this together no matter what."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Astor finally met his eyes, relief, and gratitude on his face. At that moment, Booker saw that the teammate and friend Astor was beneath the weird powers.

"Alright, enough mushy stuff. Get your head back in the game so I can cream you," Booker joked, stealing the ball. Their laughter echoed down the empty street as the setting sun painted the sky red. Despite everything, they still had this - the simple joy of friendship. It gave Booker hope.

Mei crept through the eerily silent streets, Mitch close beside her. She felt uneasy about venturing out so far from their safe house, but they desperately needed more supplies.

As they turned a corner, Mei froze. "Do you see that?" she whispered.

Ahead, a swirling purple portal hung in the air, tangled vines snaking out from its edges. The vines were slowly spreading across the crumbling buildings, leaves and thorns sprouting before their eyes.

Mei's skin crawled just looking at it. This was unnatural. Dangerous.

Mitch shifted beside her, fists glowing red with aura. "Yeah, I see it. More freaky magic stuff. I say we go smash whatever's coming out of there."

He took a step forward, but Mei grabbed his arm. "Wait! We should tell Ms. Minxes first. Charging in blindly could get us killed."

Mitch scowled. "The longer we wait, the more monsters that thing can spit out! We can handle it."

He tried to pull away, but Mei held firm. "Mitch, please listen! I want to stop them too, but we need a plan."

Just then, a clawed hand emerged from the portal, grasping at the air. Mei's blood turned to ice.

"Run!" she cried, yanking Mitch by the arm. But more creatures were crawling out, shambling toward them hungrily.

Mei focused desperately as the voice echoed in her mind:

> Congratulations! [Mei Quezon]. You have reached Level 3 Odds user and unlocked Displacement!

Trusting her gut, Mei visualized a point far down the street. Gripping Mitch's hand tightly, she felt reality shift around them.

When the dizzying sensation passed, they stood fifty yards back the way they'd come. The creatures howled in frustration at their vanished prey.

"Whoa...nice one," Mitch panted. "But we need to go take them down before-"

"We're going back to the others," Mei said firmly. "I want to stop them too, but if we charge in now, we'll die."

Mitch looked ready to argue more but finally exhaled. "Yeah, okay. You're right." He managed a shaky grin. "When did you get so badass?"

Mei laughed in surprised relief. Together, they hurried back to rally the team. They would stop these invaders - smartly, not recklessly.

Mei clutched Mitch's hand tightly, drawing courage from his solid presence beside her. His bravery inspired Mei to be brave too. United, they would overcome the darkness together.