Mei watched solemnly as the police escorted her adopted father, John, out of the FBI building in handcuffs. Reporters swarmed the scene, cameras flashing as they called out rapid questions. John kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, his face an emotionless mask.
Mei's mentor Sofia shook her head in disgust. "After everything he's done for portal exploration, they treat him like a common criminal."
Their bodyguard Davis nodded. "No respect for the founder of the Flower Guild. Cowards, all of them."
But Mei remained silent, conflicted emotions warring within her. She knew John had pushed legal boundaries in pursuit of profit from the portals. But did that make him evil?
"He took me in when I had nobody," Mei said quietly. "Helped me learn to control my powers so I could aid others."
Sofia scoffed. "And now they'll lock you away too if given the chance. We have to keep fighting for what's right."
Mei bit her lip uncertainly. Everything felt less black-and-white since the authorities had come for John. She still believed the portals held promise to better humanity if handled responsibly. But was unrestrained corporate exploitation justified for that end goal?
"I don't know..." Mei murmured. "Maybe there should be oversight, ethical rules. The portal pioneers can't stand above the law."
Davis frowned. "You sound like that rabble-rouser Hayes. Don't lose faith in John's vision."
Sofia grasped Mei's shoulder firmly. "Think of the lives we'll save unlocking the portals' secrets. That's all that matters. Don't let them poison your mind against our mission."
Mei met her mentors' uncompromising gaze but said nothing more. In her heart, she wasn't fully convinced. There had to be a middle ground between unchecked corporate power and excessive regulation.
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For now, she would keep her doubts to herself until she figured out her own stance. Mei still believed in using her gifts to serve the greater good. She just had to find the righteous path through the ethical minefield now surrounding them.
Silently, Mei vowed not to blindly follow in John's footsteps without questioning the morality of his methods. She would stay true to her principles, no matter how the swirling chaos around them tested her convictions. There was still light ahead if she refused to surrender all hope.
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Booker still couldn't believe his dream was finally coming true. After years of service with the Spearhead Guild, he was about to embark on an unprecedented joint expedition, collaborating with the prestigious Frontier Guild. And he'd be going in with the full arsenal of his mana powers at the ready.
As he approached the designated meeting spot, Booker was surprised to see three familiar figures already there chatting - Mitch, Astor, and Mei. He hadn't seen his friends from that fateful incident back in Ares, so long ago. Yet here they were, representing their guilds and PSA for this historic portal venture.
"Hey strangers, long time no see!" Booker called out, grinning as he hurried over.
The reunion was joyful, full of laughter and nostalgia. Despite their time apart, the bond forged in crisis instantly rekindled. It was like no years had passed at all.
"Man, I can't believe we all ended up here," Mitch said, clapping Booker on the back. "The dream team, back together again!"
Though still brash as ever, Mitch's temper seemed less volatile than before. He and Astor fell into their familiar banter but without the harsh edge of the past.
"You got tall," Astor teased. "How am I gonna drag your giant butt to safety now if you do something stupidly heroic?"
Mitch rolled his eyes. "Please, you know I'll be the one watching YOUR scrawny back."
Mei smiled indulgently at their antics. "It's so good to see you all again. I've missed you more than words can say."
Booker flushed a bit at the warmth in Mei's voice. Her compassion and inner beauty had only grown over the years apart.
The four friends spent hours catching up and reminiscing, their old bonds reforming as if no time had passed. Though trials still awaited, together they would conquer any challenge these mysterious portals threw their way.
When the time came for them to part ways again, there were bittersweet tears but also joyful anticipation of their next reunion. The future brimmed with possibility and hope.
"We're just getting started," Booker said, filled with purpose.