Astor cried out in pain as Mitch's fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. He didn't fight back or even try to defend himself as Mitch unleashed his rage, pummeling Astor with enhanced blows. All Astor could do was curl into a ball and pray for it to end soon.
He didn't know what had set Mitch off this time. They had been getting along okay since the dragon attack brought them closer. But something inside Mitch had snapped again, and Astor was once more paying the price.
After what felt like an eternity, the blows stopped. Astor lay there bruised and bleeding, struggling to remain conscious. To his surprise, he heard Mitch sink to his knees nearby...and start sobbing.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry," Mitch choked out between heaving sobs. "Please Astor, make it stop. Use your powers, make me feel better again."
Astor's heart twisted hearing Mitch beg for that mental escape. The noble part of him wanted to refuse, to stay strong against using his abilities unethically.
But Mitch was clearly spiraling, dangerously close to losing himself completely. Could Astor really abandon his friend to madness and self-destruction when he had the power to help?
"Okay," Astor rasped out. "I'll do it."
Ignoring the stabbing pain, Astor reached out with his psychic abilities, soothing Mitch's volatile emotions and replacing his anguish with serenity.
A familiar voice echoed in Astor's mind:
> Congratulations! [Astor Bracken]. You have reached Level 4 Psi user and unlocked Soothe!
This new power lets Astor manipulate emotions even more potently. He knew it was wrong, but the relief on Mitch's face erased any doubts.
After a few minutes, Mitch helped Astor sit up. "Here, let me clean you up," he said gently, dabbing at Astor's cuts with a rag. His hands were so tender and caring now. It made Astor want to weep.
Overcome by self-loathing, Astor abruptly severed the mental connection. He couldn't keep exploiting Mitch's weakness like this, no matter how much it helped them both.
Mitch's eyes clouded with confusion as the haze lifted. He backed away from Astor. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you to do that. This is so messed up..."
Before Astor could respond, Mitch turned and fled. Astor hugged his knees to his chest, wincing at the pain. But the emotional torment hurt far worse.
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He was disgusted with himself for giving in again. Ms. Minxes had entrusted him to use his powers ethically, and he kept failing.
Astor knew he had to stop before this twisted codependence destroyed them both. But the yearning for connection and peace was so powerful. Could he really resist its siren song if Mitch begged again?
Astor buried his face in his hands. They had to find the others soon, or he feared neither of them would make it out of this darkness with their humanity intact.
Vex watched gleefully from the shadows as Mitch once again lost control and brutally beat Astor. The rage and anguish pouring off the two boys was delectable.
Everything was proceeding perfectly. With a bit of demonic intervention, Vex had ensured the dragon attack separated Astor and Mitch from their troublesome companions. Now they were alone, their bond corrupted beyond repair.
"Yes, give in to the darkness, my puppets," Vex purred as Mitch begged Astor to manipulate his mind again. He thrilled at how readily Astor complied, despite his moral qualms.
These humans were so pathetically weak and desperate to escape their pain. It made them such easy prey for corruption. Their mutual addiction to Astor's mental control would utterly destroy them both in due time.
Vex licked his lips, savoring their exquisite suffering. But just then, a distant explosion caught his attention. He turned to see armored vehicles rolling through the rubble-strewn streets. Soldiers poured out, weapons ready.
"No!" Vex hissed. How had the human military found them? This could ruin everything!
The soldiers began firing at nearby mutant creatures, driving them back. Vex snarled, wavering between keeping Astor and Mitch isolated or letting the others reach them. Both held risk now.
Perhaps these interlopers could also serve his plans, Vex mused. Yes, their arrival might push his vulnerable pawns even further into darkness and instability. Their fear and paranoia could be turned against them.
Vex faded back into the shadows, allowing the soldiers to pass unmolested. Everything was still in chaos. Plenty of opportunities remained to twist the knife in Astor and Mitch's crumbling psyches.
For now, the army's presence added an exciting new dimension. Vex would continue meticulously cultivating the vicious cycles of addiction and shame in his chosen victims. Human minds were endlessly malleable, one just had to find the right pressure points.
"The darkness is patient, and so am I," Vex murmured to himself, savoring the excruciating dilemma now ensnaring Astor and Mitch. Their demons were far from conquered yet.
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Lt. Cardoso stood in stunned silence as his former sergeant, Ms. Minxes, finished recounting the incredible events of the past week. Psycopic powers, RPG skill trees, monsters - it was unbelievable. But Cardoso knew Minxes too well to think she would make up something so absurd.
"I know it sounds crazy, sir," she said, clearly reading his hesitation. "I can barely believe it myself. But I swear on my life it's all true."
Cardoso shook his head slowly. "No, if you say that's what happened, then I trust you. But damn, Minxes, how do you get yourself mixed up in these situations?"
Despite everything, he gave her a wry half-smile. He'd served with her for years before she retired. She'd always had a penchant for attracting weird adventures.
"Just my luck I guess," Minxes replied with a snort. But her expression quickly turned serious again.
"Two of the boys are still trapped further in town. If we move quickly, we may be able to extract them safely."
Cardoso considered for a moment then nodded. "Alright, we'll assemble a small recovery team to minimize detection. Can't have too many witnesses for something this bizarre."
He put a hand on Minxes' shoulder. "We'll get your boys back. Once they're safe, maybe you can pass some of your gamer wisdom about their powers onto us. Could be a crucial strategic advantage."
Minxes laughed dryly. "Never thought my gaming obsession would actually serve a real purpose. Alright, it's a deal - we'll trade intel and get through this madness."
They clasped hands. It was an insane situation, but Cardoso took comfort in facing it with someone he trusted. Together, they would rescue those kids and unravel the dark mysteries surrounding this attacked town.