ZZZ:Through the Frosted Mirror

The atmosphere in Section 6's briefing room was tense. The core members of the team—Miyabi, Yanagi, Harumasa, Soukaku, and the others—had gathered to discuss their next steps in uncovering the truth behind the attack on their base, Ellen's disappearance, and Mira's kidnapping. Each of them carried the weight of recent events, and the stakes had never felt higher.

Miyabi stood at the head of the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her eyes scanning the room with unyielding determination. "We've come to a critical juncture," she began, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "The documents we found suggest that someone within our ranks has been feeding information to the enemy. This mole has not only endangered Ellen and Mira but has also compromised the safety of New Eridu. We cannot allow this betrayal to go unanswered."

Harumasa leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes narrowing. "So, what's the plan, Chief?" he asked, his tone neutral but with an edge of curiosity.

Miyabi took a deep breath. "We're going to gather all Section 6 staff, both high-ranking officers and lower-level personnel. During the assembly, we'll announce our findings about the mole and observe everyone's reactions closely. Anyone who reacts suspiciously will be questioned further. This is a direct approach, but it's our best chance to root out the traitor."

Soukaku tilted her head, her oni mask glinting under the lights. "It's bold, but also risky. What if the mole realizes they're being cornered and makes a run for it?"

Yanagi, seated with her hands clasped on the table, nodded in agreement. "That's precisely the concern. While Miyabi's plan could work, it comes with significant risks. If we make this announcement without solid evidence to immediately detain suspects, the mole could alert their handlers, putting Ellen and Mira in even greater danger. We'd lose any element of surprise."

"Do you have an alternative suggestion, Deputy Chief?" Miyabi asked, her tone calm but firm.

Yanagi's brow furrowed in thought. "We could conduct a covert investigation instead. Rather than gathering everyone at once, we could monitor communications and movements quietly, cross-referencing them with the timeline of events leading up to the attack. It's slower but minimizes the risk of tipping off the mole."

Harumasa chimed in, his voice steady and pragmatic. "A covert approach might take time we don't have. Ellen is out there, and we can't afford to waste days chasing shadows. Miyabi's plan, while risky, forces the mole to act. If they slip up, we'll have them."

Soukaku, leaning casually against the table, spoke next. "Why not combine both approaches? Announce the findings but stage it as a bluff. Pretend we already know who the mole is and watch for who panics. Meanwhile, we keep our covert investigation running in the background. Two layers of pressure."

Miyabi's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That could work. By bluffing, we maintain the element of surprise while still putting pressure on the mole. We can station trusted operatives at key exits to prevent anyone from fleeing during the announcement."

Yanagi leaned back in her chair, nodding slowly. "A hybrid approach does mitigate some of the risks. However, we'll need to be extremely careful about how we execute this. If the mole suspects the bluff, they might double down on covering their tracks."

Harumasa uncrossed his arms and stepped forward. "Then we need to make the bluff convincing. Drop just enough information to make them think we're closing in. But not so much that they realize we're fishing."

Soukaku smirked behind her mask. "And if they don't take the bait?"

Miyabi's expression hardened. "Then we move to phase two. The covert investigation will remain active regardless of the outcome of the announcement. We'll have all exits covered and keep surveillance on everyone present. If the mole tries to communicate with their handlers, we'll intercept it."

Yanagi exhaled deeply. "It's a gamble, but it might be our best shot. I'll ensure our trusted operatives are stationed discreetly. We'll need to be absolutely certain of their loyalty."

Miyabi nodded. "Good. Harumasa, Soukaku, you'll oversee the perimeter security during the announcement. Make sure no one gets in or out without clearance."

"Understood," Harumasa replied, his tone resolute.

"You got it, Chief," Soukaku added with a confident nod.

Miyabi turned her attention back to Yanagi. "Deputy Chief, you'll handle the logistics of the assembly and ensure the announcement is delivered without causing unnecessary panic. Keep the staff focused and calm."

Yanagi gave a curt nod. "Consider it done."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the plan settled over them. Miyabi's gaze softened as she addressed the team. "I know this isn't easy. Trust has been shaken, and the stakes couldn't be higher. But we are Section 6. We've faced impossible odds before, and we've always come out stronger. Ellen and Mira are counting on us. We cannot let them down."

Her words resonated deeply with the team. Each member felt the weight of their responsibility, not just to their comrades but to the city they had sworn to protect.

As the meeting adjourned, Miyabi lingered in the room, staring at the map of New Eridu displayed on the wall. Her thoughts drifted to Ellen—her reckless bravery, her unyielding loyalty, and the bond they had begun to form. "Hold on, Ellen," she whispered to herself. "We'll find you. And we'll make them pay for what they've done."

The plan was in motion, and Miyabi had made her presence unmistakably known. The assembly hall, lined with rows of tense faces and guarded by Section 6 operatives, was a cold, oppressive space—both figuratively and literally. The frost that crept across the walls and floor was no accident; it was an extension of Miyabi's aura, her power deliberately unleashed to corner the guilty.

Her voice, sharp and cold as an ice shard, echoed through the room. "We know there's a mole among us," she announced, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Someone who's betrayed us, who's endangered not only our team but the lives of countless innocents. Your facade, your lies, end here."

The staff shifted uneasily. Most were pale with fear, some visibly shaking, but nothing stood out as unusual. Miyabi pressed on, allowing her aura to intensify. The frost deepened, spreading rapidly across the floor, forcing everyone to feel its chilling grip. It was as though the room itself was becoming a frozen tundra, and the air grew heavy with dread.

"Let me be clear," she continued, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "When I find the one responsible, there will be no mercy. No redemption. No escape." Her words hung in the air, carrying the weight of inevitability.

Then it happened—a subtle reaction from one man near the back. His wide eyes darted for just a moment before he quickly looked down, masking his expression. To most, it would have seemed like fear, but Miyabi caught it: the faint flicker of guilt and a failed attempt to suppress it. Her gaze locked onto him, unrelenting.

"You," she said, her tone void of hesitation. The man froze, then looked up with a strained smile, attempting to feign innocence.

"Chief Miyabi, I… I don't understand," he stammered. "Surely you're mistaken. I would never…"

"Enough," Miyabi interrupted, stepping forward. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, a subtle but unmistakable gesture that silenced any further protests. "You've already given yourself away. Save your lies."

The room fell deathly quiet as the man's facade cracked. His trembling lips curled into a smirk, and he let out a soft chuckle that grew into a twisted laugh.

"So you figured it out," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But it doesn't matter. Nothing you or anyone else does will make me betray my creator. Your threats are meaningless."

Before anyone could react, the man reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe filled with a swirling gold and purple liquid. Without hesitation, he plunged it into his neck and pressed the plunger.

"May the creator refine me!" he shouted, his voice echoing with fervent devotion.

His body convulsed violently as the liquid coursed through his veins. In moments, his form began to twist and mutate, flesh and bone reshaping into something monstrous. Etheric energy radiated from him as he transformed into a towering Ethereal, its grotesque body glowing with unnatural light. The staff screamed and backed away, but Miyabi stood her ground, her eyes narrowing with resolve.

"Stand down," she ordered, raising her hand to stop her team from engaging. "I'll handle this."

The room fell silent again, save for the guttural growls of the newly-formed Ethereal. It lunged forward, its claws extending to slash at Miyabi, but before it could reach her, she moved. To the untrained eye, it appeared as though she'd teleported. In reality, her speed was simply beyond comprehension.

In one fluid motion, Miyabi unsheathed her sword, her blade catching the light as it moved faster than anyone could track. She appeared behind the Ethereal, standing perfectly still as she began to slowly sheath her weapon.

"Weakling," she said coldly.

The Ethereal froze, its grotesque form quivering as cracks of frost began to spread across its body. As Miyabi's sword clicked into place, the creature was suddenly sliced into countless pieces, each fragment exploding into glittering flakes of ice. The room was left in stunned silence as the last remnants of the Ethereal vanished, leaving only the cold stillness of Miyabi's aura.

She turned to face the gathered staff, her gaze sharper than ever. "Let this be a warning," she said, her voice icy and resolute. "This is the fate that awaits anyone who dares betray Section 6. We will find you. And you will face justice."

No one dared to speak. The room was suffused with a mix of awe and terror as Miyabi walked past the frozen staff, her presence a reminder of the unyielding force she embodied. This battle was over, but the war was far from won.