Astor shifted uneasily as he returned to the Frontier Guild's expedition staging area, feeling the resentful glares of his five brainwashed companions. They always got upset anytime he spent more than a few seconds away from them, even just to chat with his old friends from Ares.

Being back in his ravaged hometown stirred up complex emotions in Astor. This joint Cerberus expedition with the Flower and Spearhead Guilds was the biggest inter-dimensional event yet. But for Astor, it also represented a chance to finally reclaim the community stolen from him on that fateful day the portals first opened.

"Where were you?" Kren demanded, standing abruptly. The other youths gathered behind him, eyes flashing with jealousy and anger.

"Just catching up with some old friends," Astor said carefully. "We went through a lot together back then."

"We're your companions now!" Caleb said accusingly. "You're supposed to be mentoring us, not them."

The others murmured agreement, pressing in closer around Astor. He held up his hands defensively.

"Everyone calm down. I'm still your mentor; that hasn't changed," Astor assured them. "But this is my hometown. Can't I talk to people I knew growing up here?"

The brainwashed youths hesitated, the conditioning compelling them to obey Astor, conflicting with their irrational possessiveness.

Astor pressed what he hoped was an advantage in their disorientation. "In fact, why don't you all come to meet them? I'd love for you to get to know Booker, Mei, and Mitch too."

But his persuasive words sparked an even stronger backlash. The youths reared up angrily, shouting objections.

"No! We're your companions, not them!"

"You belong with us!"

"Don't care about them, only us!"

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Their frenzied reactions sent a pang through Astor's heart. He wanted to believe a glimmer of their true selves still lingered beneath the brainwashing. But the jealousy and rage in their eyes now were devoid of reason or humanity. They were well and truly lost.

Astor sighed in defeat. "All right, let's just focus on resting up for tomorrow's mission."

The group relaxed at once, appeased to have his attention returned fully to them. They gathered around Astor possessively as he sank down onto his bunk.

Gazing at their smiling yet empty faces, Astor felt the familiar swell of mingled pride and self-loathing. He had nurtured such love and loyalty in them, yet through such twisted means. They were his companions, but not by choice. Just more innocent souls warped by cruel forces beyond their control.

Astor wished he could show them the light still waiting to be rekindled in each of their hearts, but the time had passed for saving them. Now, he could only try to shield what little humanity they had left.

And hope that when judgment day finally came for Astor, forgiveness might yet find them all.

Mitch tried to contain his excitement as the guildmasters filed into the room. He couldn't believe he was breathing the same air as celebrity explorers like Sofia and the legendary Astor. Sure, Mitch had plenty of reasons to resent Astor after their ugly history. But ever since reconnecting with him weeks ago, Mitch found himself slipping back into his old role of awestruck fan.

He glanced at Astor, who gave him a subtle nod of acknowledgment that nonetheless sent a thrill through Mitch. They had exchanged several messages since that chance encounter, but Mitch was desperate to rebuild the bond completely. He knew it was pathetic, but he couldn't relinquish the euphoric bliss Astor's powers once granted him.

He forced himself to look away, jaw clenching. Astor may be some hotshot guildmaster's deputy now, but to Mitch, he would always be the scrawny nerd who had twisted his psyche and made him dependent.

Mitch shifted in his seat, trying to focus as Deputy Inspector Thompson reviewed the briefing. But his leg bounced anxiously beneath the table. Part of Mitch just wanted this procedural stuff to end so he could hang out with Astor and the other famous guild members he idolized.

Thompson droned on. "...so, in summary, any violations of the permitted excavation boundaries will result in immediate mission termination. All relics and resources must be meticulously documented and catalogued as well."

Sofia, the elegant but steely leader of Flowers Guild, arched an eyebrow. "Rules are essential, of course. But tremendous opportunity awaits in the Cerberus zone. Surely some flexibility is in order."

Mei, her quiet deputy, gave Sofia an uneasy look but remained silent. Mitch wondered if the shy girl had gotten in over her head joining up with the notorious Flowers outfit.

Thompson bristled at the pushback. "Miss Price, the restrictions exist precisely so reckless fortune-hunting does not undermine this expedition's scientific mission."

Before Sofia could retort, Bear - the hulking, wild-bearded leader of Spearhead Guild - slapped a massive hand on the table, making everyone jump. "Enough bickering!" he boomed. "We all know the stakes here. This is bigger than any one guild's ambitions."

Booker nodded along eagerly next to him. "Bear's right. We need to work together here, not squabble over technicalities."

Ava, the sophisticated but sinister guildmaster of Frontier, gave a condescending smile. "An inspired perspective, I'm sure. But when lives are lost due to foolish restrictions, remember that wisdom comes at a cost."

Her mocking words wiped the enthusiasm from Booker's face. An uncomfortable silence descended on the room. Mitch met Booker's eyes briefly, feeling a pang of sympathy for his friend stuck playing deputy to these treacherous guild hotshots, same as him.

Thompson finally cleared his throat. "I think we've covered everything for now. My team will be embedded to provide oversight and guidance. We all want a successful mission here. Please don't give us cause to terminate it early."