Ms. Minxes sighed heavily as she gazed out at the smoke rising from the latest destroyed building. This situation was spiraling out of control. She was just one woman trying to guide a group of traumatized, superpowered teens. Could she really protect them from the escalating chaos and their own volatile emotions?
Perhaps it was time to take the risk and leave this place. Staying was only breeding more conflict and darkness.
She gathered everyone together, noting the tension still simmering between Astor and Mitch.
"I've given this a lot of thought," she began. "And I believe our best option now is to gather supplies and venture out to find a new safe location."
The kids exchanged uneasy glances.
"But we've barricaded this place up good," Mitch argued. "And there could be even worse stuff out there."
"I know, but we can't stay here indefinitely," Ms. Minxes replied patiently. "Resources are dwindling, and recent events have proven this environment is getting toxic."
She gave meaningful looks to Astor and Mitch. Astor lowered his eyes, while Mitch crossed his arms defensively.
"So you're gonna make us leave just because of a little argument?" he grumbled.
Ms. Minxes hardened her voice. "This is not up for debate. I will not lead you all into further harm by remaining here."
Seeing Mitch gearing up for more objections, she added "We need this, Mitch. A change of scenery and a new focus moving forward."
His shoulders slumped in reluctant acceptance. The others still looked apprehensive about venturing into the unknown, but no one else protested.
"I know you're all scared," Ms. Minxes said gently. "But we've survived this long by sticking together. As long as we stay united, we can overcome any threat."
One by one, the kids nodded resolutely. Ms. Minxes felt a swell of pride for them. They'd faced horrors no child should have to endure, but here they were courageously preparing for the next leg of this nightmare journey.
She just prayed she could live up to their faith in her leadership. Their lives depended now on finding a safe route out of this war-torn wasteland.
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Astor's heart pounded as the massive dragon swooped down, spewing fire. He dove behind an overturned car, flames scorching the ground beside him.
This was madness. Ms. Minxes had warned them venturing out was risky, but none expected an attack by something this huge and monstrous.
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"Run for the alley!" Mitch yelled nearby. Astor scrambled after him, keeping low as the dragon made another pass. Its talons gouged the asphalt where he'd been moments before.
The others were across the street, beckoning urgently. Astor put on a burst of speed, lungs burning.
Just as he reached the alley, the dragon's spiked tail whipped around, smashing into the buildings on either side. Debris rained down, blocking the narrow passage before Astor and Mitch could pass through.
"No!" Astor cried hoarsely, coughing on dust. He and Mitch were cut off from the rest of the group.
Mitch grabbed his arm roughly. "Come on, we gotta move!"
They took off down the debris-choked street as the dragon screeched behind them. Astor's side ached but he pushed himself to keep running.
At last they ducked into an empty warehouse, collapsed together behind a stack of crates. Astor's heart hammered wildly in his chest.
"You think...it saw us?" he panted.
Mitch shook his head. "I don't hear it anymore. We'll hide out here until the others find us." He frowned. "If they can..."
Astor's throat tightened thinking of the team desperately searching while he and Mitch were trapped here alone. If only he'd gotten across that alley faster...
Mitch seemed to read his thoughts. "Hey, this isn't your fault. We just need to lay low and regroup." He hesitated before adding gruffly "I'm glad you're not hurt, man."
Astor blinked in surprise. Was Mitch really worried about him?
"I'm okay," he managed. "We'll stick together and get back to the others soon."
Mitch nodded, peering around their makeshift barricade. Astor watched him, cautiously allowing a flicker of hope. Maybe this disaster would force them to put aside their tensions at last. United once more, they would find a way back.
Mitch was disgusted with himself. He had attacked Astor three times now, even though the smaller boy had done nothing to provoke him except try to help. And now they were separated from the others because Mitch just had to pick a fight as they were fleeing the dragon.
He hated feeling like a monster, but he couldn't seem to control the rages that seized him whenever Astor was near. It was like just the sight of the boy he'd tormented for years flipped a switch in Mitch's brain, stirring up vicious anger.
Mitch eyed the bruises on Astor's neck, knowing he was responsible for every mark. It made him feel like some abusive punk, lashing out at a weaker target. The thought sickened Mitch.
But the worst part was, despite all that, he'd still fought fiercely to protect Astor from the attacking creatures after they got trapped here. Some deeply buried noble instinct took over in the heat of battle. Yet that just made the unwarranted rage Mitch directed at Astor in calm moments even more despicable.
He was terrified of where this spiraling loss of control might lead. At this rate, Mitch knew he might truly end up killing Astor if they didn't find the others soon. The darkness festering inside him craved a final, savage confrontation.
As much as Mitch hated to admit it, he realized there was only one way to ensure Astor's safety right now.
"When we find the team, I think...I need you to use your powers on me again," Mitch forced out. "Just temporarily, to get us both back safely."
Astor's eyes widened in dismay. "What? No, that'll only make things worse between us."
"Not if it stops me from killing you in one of my rages!" Mitch shot back angrily.
Astor flinched but stood firm. "I swore I wouldn't manipulate any of you again. We'll find another way."
Mitch's hands trembled with the effort of holding back his simmering fury. Through gritted teeth he said, "There is no other way. You don't get it - I'm barely hanging on here! Just do it to keep us both alive!"
Astor shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, but I can't control you again. It's not right, and it'll destroy us both." His voice broke on the last words.
Mitch turned away, feeling sick. Deep down he knew Astor was right. He was asking the other boy to destroy the very principles Ms. Minxes had instilled in them. But Mitch just couldn't trust himself anymore.
They sat in tense silence as the muffled roars of the dragon echoed outside. Eventually, they would have to leave this shelter and face the horrors waiting for them out there.
And when that time came, Mitch could only pray that whatever humanity still lingered inside him would give him the strength to prevail over the darkness threatening to consume his soul.