ZZZ:Through the Frosted Mirror

The cave was silent, save for the faint sound of wind whistling through its entrance. Ellen lay on the cool stone floor, her body still as she rested. Mira was curled against her, her smaller form pressed protectively against Ellen's side, with Ellen's tail acting as a makeshift blanket. The moonlight seeped in through the cracks of the cave walls, casting pale silver streaks that danced across their forms.

Ellen stirred slightly, her sharp senses snapping her awake. Something was off. Her eyes fluttered open to find Mira sitting upright, staring at her. The girl's oni form was still prominent, her darkened horns faintly gleaming in the moonlight. But it was her eyes that froze Ellen. Wide and dilated, they were locked onto Ellen with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. It wasn't the look of a scared child or even one of confusion—it was predatory.

Ellen propped herself up slowly, keeping her movements measured. "Mira?" she asked softly, her voice calm but edged with concern. "What's wrong?"

Mira's head tilted slightly, her lips parting as if she was tasting the air. "I…" she began, her voice low and almost guttural. "I'm hungry."

Ellen's instincts flared. This wasn't a normal hunger. Her body tensed, but not in fear—it was something deeper, primal. A voice in her head whispered urgently, Feed her. Protect her. She's yours to keep safe.

Her sharp eyes scanned Mira, taking in her trembling form, the way her hand gripped her knee tightly, claws faintly digging into her own skin. Mira was holding back, trying to fight whatever urge was overtaking her.

Ellen took a slow breath, her thoughts racing. She needs you. You promised to protect her. Even if it's from herself. Her mind flashed to the moment she first found Mira in that cold containment cell, frail and terrified. Then to the look of sheer relief when Mira hugged her, clinging to her like she was the only safe thing in the world. That was a bond Ellen couldn't—wouldn't—betray.

She leaned closer, her movements deliberate. "It's okay," Ellen murmured, her voice steady. "You can have what you need."

Mira's eyes widened in shock and hesitation. "No… I'll hurt you," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Ellen shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "You're not going to hurt me. I'm tougher than I look, kid." To prove her point, she tilted her head, exposing her neck. Her glowing blue bioluminescence began to spread across her skin, illuminating the cave in a soft, ethereal light. The glow pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, and Ellen felt her instincts shift. Her body seemed to understand what Mira needed even before she did.

Mira hesitated, her breathing shallow. But the hunger was too much. With a small, pained whimper, she leaned forward. Her sharp teeth sank into Ellen's neck, and for a moment, Ellen's body stiffened. But there was no pain—only a strange warmth spreading through her veins.

Ellen's thoughts wandered as she felt Mira draw from her. I'm a survivor. I've been through worse than this. If this is what she needs to stay alive, then so be it. She thought of her own struggles, the nights spent wondering if she'd ever find a place to belong. And now, with Mira, she felt that sense of purpose. We're the same, you and me. Both fighting to hold onto what little we have left.

Mira's feeding slowed, and Ellen felt her body relax. The faint glow around Mira intensified, her horns growing slightly, and faint markings appeared on her arms, glowing gold and purple. She pulled back, her lips stained with Ellen's blood, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to…"

Ellen reached up and ruffled Mira's hair gently. "Hey, none of that. You're okay, and that's what matters." Her tone was light, but her eyes betrayed her deeper feelings. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Mira. Even if it means giving more of myself than I ever thought I could.

Mira sniffled, curling back into Ellen's side. Ellen wrapped her tail around Mira again, the bioluminescent glow slowly fading. The cave fell into silence once more, but it was a different kind of quiet. Not one of fear, but of understanding.

As Ellen closed her eyes, her thoughts lingered on the fight ahead. Whoever had put Mira through this, whoever was behind the chaos that had torn their lives apart, would pay. But for now, she had one job: to get Mira back to New Eridu. And nothing in the world was going to stop her.

Miyabi and the rest of Section 6 in their command center, combing through the remnants of the mole's actions. Tensions are high, but every member of the team is laser-focused. Surveillance footage from security cameras and reports from guards stationed near the outer perimeter of New Eridu have revealed a critical clue: a shark Thiren matching Ellen's description was seen bolting out of the city and into the Outer Ring.

Miyabi stood at the helm, her usually composed demeanor strained with concern. She clenched her fists as Yanagi reviewed the footage on a screen. The image was grainy but unmistakable – Ellen's powerful frame sprinting out of New Eridu like a predator on the hunt.

"This is our first solid lead," Yanagi said, her tone calm yet firm. "It confirms Ellen left of her own volition, but there's no telling what state she's in now."

"The mole," Miyabi interjected, her eyes narrowing. "What else did we find on him?"

Soukaku, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, spoke up. "We've extracted some data from his personal communications. He's been in contact with someone based in the Outer Ring, coordinating something involving both Ellen and Mira. There's a base out there – or at least, there was. We think that's where Mira was taken."

Harumasa added, "The information isn't complete, but we have enough to pinpoint a general area. It's a long shot, but it's all we've got."

Miyabi's gaze flicked to each of them in turn, her jaw tightening. "Then we move. I won't sit here waiting while Ellen and Mira are out there. They need us."

Yanagi stepped in, her voice steady but laced with caution. "Chief, I understand your urgency, but we can't rush into this blind. The Outer Ring isn't just dangerous – it's a death trap. The terrain, the Ether surges, and the roaming dangers… we need a plan."

"We don't have time for plans," Miyabi shot back, her voice rising slightly. Her usual poise cracked under the weight of her emotions. "Every second we waste, they could be suffering."

Yanagi placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch grounding. "I know you care about Ellen more than you're willing to admit. We all do. But if we charge in without thinking, we'll be the ones who need rescuing. Let us do this the right way."

Miyabi took a deep breath, her frosty aura momentarily flaring before she reined it in. "Fine. But we leave as soon as we've secured transport and gathered our equipment."

The team dispersed, each member preparing for the mission. Harumasa meticulously inspected his weapons, ensuring they were in perfect condition. Soukaku adjusted her gear, her expression a mix of excitement and determination. Yanagi coordinated with logistics, her sharp mind already mapping out potential obstacles. Miyabi, however, lingered, staring at the screen displaying the last known footage of Ellen. Her thoughts swirled with worry and guilt.

"Ellen," she murmured to herself, her fingers brushing against the hilt of her blade. "I'll find you. No matter what it takes."

The journey to the Outer Ring was grueling. The team traveled in an armored vehicle, its reinforced frame designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert-like wilderness. The once-vibrant skies of New Eridu gave way to the oppressive heat and swirling sands of the Outer Ring. Every mile they covered seemed to intensify the tension within the vehicle.

"We're nearing the coordinates," Yanagi announced, her eyes scanning a digital map. "If the intel is correct, the base should be just over that ridge."

Miyabi nodded, her expression steely. "Prepare for combat. We don't know what we'll find there."

The vehicle came to a halt, and the team disembarked, their weapons at the ready. The base loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the setting sun. It was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of machinery.

"Spread out and search for clues," Miyabi ordered. "But stay alert. We don't know what's waiting for us."

As they advanced, the weight of their mission pressed heavily on each of them. They knew the risks, but their resolve was unshakable. Ellen and Mira were out there, and Section 6 would stop at nothing to bring them home.

The journey to the Outer Ring was grueling. The team traveled in an armored vehicle, its reinforced frame designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert-like wilderness. The once-vibrant skies of New Eridu gave way to the oppressive heat and swirling sands of the Outer Ring. Every mile they covered seemed to intensify the tension within the vehicle.

"We're nearing the coordinates," Yanagi announced, her eyes scanning a digital map. "If the intel is correct, the base should be just over that ridge."

Miyabi nodded, her expression steely. "Prepare for combat. We don't know what we'll find there."

The vehicle came to a halt, and the team disembarked, their weapons at the ready. The base loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the setting sun. It was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of machinery.

As the team approached, they immediately noticed the signs of devastation. The base was in complete ruins, its structures reduced to crumbled debris. Scorch marks marred the walls that still stood, and large claw marks were gouged into the ground. Pools of a strange, shimmering liquid scattered the area – remnants of Etherial ichor.

"Looks like we're late," Soukaku muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the destruction. "Something tore this place apart."

"No," Yanagi corrected, kneeling by one of the claw marks. "Someone. This could have been Ellen."

Harumasa walked toward what seemed to be the remains of a central command room. The walls were riddled with deep gashes, and overturned furniture lay scattered. "She went through this place like a storm. I'd say she was hunting for Mira and didn't hold back."

Miyabi's eyes glinted as she stepped into the ruins, her frosty aura pulsating as she assessed the damage. Her heart ached at the thought of Ellen rampaging through this desolate place, fighting for her life and Mira's. Yet, she also felt pride – Ellen was alive, fighting tooth and nail.

"There's nothing left here," Yanagi concluded, her voice tinged with frustration. "No survivors, no evidence. Whatever was here, Ellen made sure it couldn't harm anyone again."

"But she's not here now," Miyabi said, her voice colder than usual. She turned to the team, her expression resolute. "We need to find their trail. Ellen and Mira can't be far."

Harumasa stepped forward, holding up a faint set of footprints leading away from the base. "Found something. Tracks heading northwest."

"Good," Miyabi said, her grip tightening on her blade. "Let's move. We're not stopping until we find them."

The journey into the Outer Ring was harsh, but the sight before them brought an unsettling realization of just how dangerous the territory had become. Miyabi and her team stumbled upon the remnants of a massacre, and the sight gripped her heart with a mixture of sorrow and dread. Her breath hitched as she scanned the scene—bodies of Thirens strewn across the desolate ground, their lifeless forms telling stories of violence. The coppery tang of blood mixed with the arid desert air, creating an oppressive atmosphere that pressed against her chest. Each detail—the brutal efficiency of the wounds, the mangled bikes—painted a vivid picture of what had transpired. Miyabi's fingers tightened around the hilt of her blade, her usually composed expression betraying a flicker of anguish. This wasn't just a massacre; it was a testament to Ellen's struggle, and it made her wonder how much more her friend could endure before breaking entirely. Strewn across the desolate landscape were the bodies of a biker gang—all Thirens of varying species. Their motorcycles lay toppled and scattered, some mangled beyond recognition. Blood and sand mixed in the blistering heat, creating a macabre scene.

Soukaku crouched beside one of the bodies, her sharp eyes scanning for details. "This wasn't a random attack," she said, her tone grim. "Whoever did this didn't just kill them—they tore through them like paper."

"These wounds..." Harumasa inspected another corpse, his expression darkening. "They're clean but brutal. Whoever did this was efficient and powerful."

Yanagi stood a few paces away, surveying the carnage with a calculating gaze. "Ellen," she said quietly. "This has her written all over it."

Miyabi's heart tightened at the name, a surge of guilt and worry washing over her. Ellen's name wasn't just a reminder of a friend—it was a representation of everything they had failed to protect. Her mind swirled with memories of Ellen's sharp wit, her unyielding determination, and the hidden pain she often masked behind her gruff exterior. Seeing the aftermath of what Ellen had endured left Miyabi grappling with the weight of her absence.

Had they pushed Ellen too far? Had their inaction forced her into this relentless struggle? The image of Ellen, battered and missing an arm, yet still standing strong to protect a child, ignited a mix of admiration and sorrow within her. She clenched her fists, vowing silently that she would not let Ellen carry this burden alone any longer. Her mind raced as she took in the scene. The sheer destruction, the precision of the kills—it aligned with what she knew of Ellen's capabilities. But it was more than that. There was a ferocity here, an edge that hinted at something deeper.

"She was protecting Mira," Miyabi said, her voice steady but cold. "This gang must have threatened them."

Yanagi nodded. "Makes sense. They're scavengers, opportunists. They probably saw Ellen and Mira as easy prey. Big mistake."

Soukaku rose to her feet, dusting off her hands. "The tracks are still fresh. If we hurry, we can catch up."

The team moved quickly, following the trail Ellen had left behind. The faint impressions of her footprints and the deep grooves from her tail led them further into the wasteland. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The air grew cooler, but the tension among the team was palpable.

"We're close," Harumasa said, his eyes scanning the horizon. "The tracks lead to that ridge ahead."

As they crested the ridge, they spotted the entrance to a cave nestled in the rocky landscape. It was unassuming, almost hidden among the jagged stones, but the faint traces of frost around the opening gave it away.

Miyabi's eyes narrowed. "She's in there. Be ready for anything."

Yanagi placed a hand on her shoulder. "If she's cornered, she might react defensively. Let's approach carefully."

The team descended toward the cave, their movements deliberate and silent. Miyabi took the lead, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. As they neared the entrance, the faint sound of breathing reached their ears. It was steady, almost rhythmic, but there was an underlying heaviness to it.

Inside the cave, Ellen sat against the wall, Mira resting against her chest. Her gaze drifted to the smaller girl, her thoughts a whirlpool of exhaustion and determination. She thought of the risks she'd taken, the lives she'd ended just to keep Mira safe. Every choice had brought them to this moment, and the enormity of it all pressed down on her shoulders. Was it enough? Could it ever be enough?

Her shark tail curled protectively around Mira, a shield against a world that seemed determined to harm them. She felt the slight rise and fall of Mira's breathing and was reminded of the fragility in her arms. A fierce protectiveness welled up within her. No matter the cost, she had to keep Mira safe. The faint traces of frost that clung to her own skin were a testament to her resolve—her abilities weren't just a weapon; they were a promise to the girl she had risked everything for. Ellen's shark tail was wrapped protectively around the smaller girl, and her glowing eyes reflected the faint light filtering in from the cave's mouth. The sight of her missing arm and the exhaustion etched across her face made Miyabi's chest tighten.

"Ellen," Miyabi called softly, stepping into the cave. "It's us. You're safe now."

Ellen's eyes snapped to the group, her body tensing like a coiled spring. For a moment, she looked like she might attack, but then recognition flickered in her gaze. Her posture relaxed slightly, though her grip on Mira didn't loosen.

"Took you long enough," Ellen said, her voice hoarse but carrying its usual edge. "She needs help. Now."

Miyabi nodded, her concern overriding any questions she had. "We'll take care of her. And you."

As the team moved to assist, Miyabi couldn't shake the weight in her chest. Her thoughts churned as she processed the scene before her. Seeing Ellen battered and worn, yet still fiercely protective of Mira, struck her to the core. She thought of the sacrifices Ellen had made—the blood spilled, the isolation, the toll on her body and spirit. It wasn't just Ellen's physical state that tore at Miyabi's heart; it was the unspoken pain in her eyes, the kind that came from carrying burdens no one else could truly understand. Miyabi felt a deep sense of guilt and admiration all at once. She had always known Ellen was strong, but seeing the lengths to which she had gone to protect this child made her realize just how much Ellen had given of herself. And for a moment, she wondered if she had failed her friend by not being there sooner. Ellen had endured so much to protect Mira, and now it was their turn to ensure neither of them had to face danger alone again.