Astor stood uneasily beside Mei as they faced the swirling portal, its chaotic energies washing everything in an unearthly red glow. On one side stood the ranks of Flower Guild explorers, on the other, Frontier Guild members. Both were armed and tense, the dispute over excavation rights here on the brink of turning violent.
Mei stepped forward, hands raised pleadingly. "Please, stand down! There's no need for bloodshed - we can negotiate shared access."
John Masters, founder of the Flowers Guild, scowled. "Negotiate with these lawless rogues? The portal rights are ours!" Angry shouts of agreement rose from his followers.
Astor moved to Mei's side, eyes glowing purple as he focused his psychic abilities. "Violence will only breed more darkness. There are peaceful solutions if we open our minds to them."
"Pretty words, but these fanatics understand only force!" sneered Ava, leader of the Frontier Guild, as her warriors brandished their weapons. "We will not yield what is ours by strength alone!"
Astor shared a desperate glance with Mei, both their pleas falling on deaf ears. He could sense the bloodlust and rage swirling in both groups, minds closed to reason. Words alone could not turn the tide now.
As tensions reached the breaking point, Astor took Mei's hand and whispered urgently, "On my signal, shield us!" He reached out psychically as chaos erupted, factions clashing violently. The air warped around Mei and Astor, deflecting the destruction surrounding them.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
When it ended, the portal stood abandoned, its former claimants scattered or dead. Astor surveyed the tragic scene, heart heavy. "Why must it always come to this?" he murmured bitterly. "We should be allies against the darkness, but ambition divides us."
Mei squeezed his hand sympathetically. "There's still hope. We'll find others seeking unity, not division. The light still remains if we look hard enough."
Astor managed a sad smile. Dear Mei, ever the optimist trying to lift his spirits.
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Mitch tapped his pen anxiously on his clipboard as he observed the Spearhead Guild team suiting up for their latest portal expedition. As a safety inspector for the Portal Security Agency, it was his job to ensure proper protocols were followed.
He stiffened when he noticed a familiar face among the explorers - Booker, one of the only other survivors from his ravaged hometown. They hadn't seen each other since their ordeal years ago.
As the team leader cleared the group to begin final checks, Mitch hurried over. "Booker? Man, it's been ages!"
Booker turned in surprise, then broke into a grin. "Mitch, hey! What are you doing here?"
"I work for PSA now, keeping an eye on you reckless portal cowboys," Mitch joked. His smile faded. "But seriously, how have you been holding up after...everything?"
Booker's expression turned solemn. "Some days are rough, but I've got good people around me. Helps to feel like I'm making a difference, you know?"
Mitch nodded. "It was the same when I started here. Feels good protecting others from the chaos we endured."
"Exactly. So are we keeping you safe and rule-abiding so far?" Booker asked with a wink.
Mitch laughed. "No violations on my watch. You guys have a solid operation." He clapped Booker on the shoulder. "Stay safe out there, man. We survivors have to stick together."
Booker pulled him into a quick hug. "We do. Let's grab drinks soon, I want to hear how the others are if you've been in touch."
Mitch's heart swelled. "Definitely, it's a plan."
They parted ways reluctantly as the portal team prepared to embark. But Mitch's spirit felt lighter now, reconnecting with an old friend who truly understood his past hardships.
He had a renewed sense of purpose fueling his own work, keeping Booker and his peers as safe as possible on their journeys. Together, they would unravel the mysteries still lurking within the portal network's chaotic depths.