Booker eyed Mitch curiously as they took a break from boarding up windows.

"So what was it like when Astor...you know, messed with your head?" Booker asked.

Mitch scowled, his fists briefly flaring red. "It was freaky, man. I knew what he was doing but couldn't fight it. Just got this weird happy feeling around him."

He slammed his hand against the wall. "Makes me sick remembering it. Being forced to feel something that wasn't real."

Booker nodded slowly. He hadn't considered how violating Mitch must have found the whole experience.

"Did it...change you in any way? Like, unlock something you didn't know was there?"

Mitch was silent for a moment before responding. "I've always had a lot of anger issues. But when Astor made me feel so calm, it was like all that rage went away. Felt good, honestly."

He fixed Booker with a hard look. "That's why I can't stand him now. If I let my guard down and he gets in my head again, I might start relying on it like a damn drug."

Booker's eyes widened in understanding. He too would hate becoming dependent on someone else manipulating his mind and emotions. The temptation could become dangerous.

"We'll all keep an eye on him," Booker assured Mitch. "Ms. Minx is right, using his powers on us is wrong. We can't let him cross that line again."

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Mitch nodded firmly. "He tries anything with me, I can't promise I'll hold back. Just the thought of him in my head again..."

He trailed off, jaw clenching. Booker felt uneasy at the palpable tension between Astor and Mitch. If it erupted into real violence, it could tear their group apart.

For now, they had to maintain their fragile trust in each other. But Booker resolved to watch Astor closely for any psychic impropriety. The power the boy wielded was frightening, and ripe for abuse if he lost control.

They would steer Astor down the right path, keep him using his abilities ethically. Booker could only hope the temptations of such unfettered mental influence did not prove too great for Astor to resist. Their lives might depend on it.

Mei crept slowly through the debris-filled alley, eyes scanning for any sign of movement. According to Astor, a large rat had been spotted scurrying around back here. He wanted to try influencing its mind, getting some practice in with his powers.

Mei was happy to help, hoping it would build some trust between her and Astor. She knew he felt ostracized by the group after the Mitch incident.

There - a bit of grey darting behind a dumpster. "Over there, behind the metal bin," Mei whispered.

Astor nodded, focusing intently. His eyes glowed purple as he extended a hand toward the dumpster.

After a moment, a plump rat emerged from its hiding spot. Moving almost hypnotically, it scuttled over and climbed up Astor's leg to perch on his shoulder.

"You did it!" Mei smiled. Astor looked pleased but also a bit disturbed by his ability to hijack a living creature's free will.

Sensing his discomfort, Mei gently said, "I know you'll use this gift responsibly, Astor. It doesn't have to be bad."

"Thanks, Mei," he said, hesitantly meeting her gaze. "And again, I'm really sorry for trying to manipulate your emotions the other day. I won't ever do that again, I swear."

Mei squeezed his hand. "I know. I forgive you."

Astor looked relieved. As he coaxed the rat back down to the ground, he added, "Something interesting happened when I tried using my powers on you...I couldn't. Your mind was completely blocked off, like those goblins."

Mei's brow furrowed. "Do you think it's related to my invisibility powers somehow?"

"Must be. So uh, I guess you're immune," Astor said with an abashed chuckle. "Just do me a favor and whack me if you ever see me trying to use my powers on the others, okay?"

"You got it," Mei promised. She was glad to know Astor couldn't access her mind. And she would try to keep him from going down an unethical path with the others.

Together, they would unravel the mysteries of their uncanny abilities—both the incredible gifts these powers bestowed...and the dangerous temptations.