Booker found Mitch sitting alone behind the abandoned gas station, looking more dejected than Booker had ever seen him. This had to stop before they tore each other apart.

"Hey man," Booker said, sitting down beside him. "We should talk."

Mitch stared at the ground. "About how I'm turning into a monster? Don't think there's much left to say."

"I knew you had a temper back in school," Booker began gently. "But I didn't realize how bad things had gotten."

Mitch exhaled shakily. "There was a time my anger almost ruined everything. Pushed away my dad, my real friends...I was out of control."

He lifted his eyes to meet Bookers. "That's when I started taking it out on easier targets like Astor. Made me feel strong again. And suddenly, my other relationships got better."

Booker swallowed hard. Hearing Mitch admits that’s, left him shaken.

"So, you think you deserve what's happening now?" Booker asked. "Being manipulated and feeling that rage again?"

"Maybe I do," Mitch said bitterly. "If I had dealt with my issues, then instead of hurting people, none of this would be happening."

Booker clasped his shoulder. "You can't change the past, man. But you can still take control of your future. Don't let the anger win."

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Mitch clenched his jaw. "It's too late for me, Booker. I'm not strong enough to fight this."

"Yes, you are," Booker insisted. "We're all struggling with these freaky powers, but together we'll figure it out."

Mitch just shook his head despairingly. Booker had gotten through to him before; he couldn't give up on his friend now.

Somehow, Booker had to help Mitch see that he didn't have to face this darkness alone. And that Mitch still had a choice before he went down an irredeemable path that would destroy him.

Mei hovered in the doorway, watching Astor sulk on his bed. Ms. Minx had asked her to keep an eye on him after the latest incident with Mitch. But Astor clearly wanted to be left alone.

As Mei took a step into the room, Astor snapped without looking up, "Go away! I don't need a babysitter."

Mei flinched but stood her ground. "You shouldn't isolate yourself right now. Let me help."

Astor whirled on her, eyes flaring purple. "I don't want your help! Just leave me alone!"

Anger rose in Mei's chest. "No, you need to stop wallowing in self-pity! Pushing us away won't solve anything."

Astor looked stunned by her outburst. Mei felt a twinge of guilt but forced herself to continue.

"I know you're hurting. We all are," she said more gently. "My family..." Her voice caught before she could finish.

Astor's gaze softened. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled. It's not fair taking this out on you." He hesitantly patted the bed. "Here, come sit."

Mei sat down next to Astor. His cat Mittens leapt up and curled into her lap. Mei stroked the cat soothingly as they sat in silence for a few moments.

"I still have nightmares about finding them," Mei finally whispered. "My family. Seeing what those monsters did to them..." She shuddered, tears prickling her eyes.

Astor nodded somberly. "I wish I could take those memories away, but..."

"I know," Mei said quickly. She didn't want him using his powers on her, no matter how well-intentioned.

"I'm not giving up on any of you," she added fiercely. "We'll get through this darkness together. We have to."

Astor managed a small smile. "You're right. Thanks for not letting me push you away, Mei. I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

Mei bumped her shoulder against his playfully. "Hey, that's what friends are for. We help each other carry the burdens, right?"

"Yeah," Astor agreed, gently scratching Mittens behind the ears. "Together, we'll be okay."

Mei smiled and leaned her head on Astor's shoulder. The hurts were still raw, but the bonds they shared made the shadows a little less dark. Step by step, they would find their way.