ZZZ:Through the Frosted Mirror

As the dust settled over the frozen ruins of the central district, the rhythmic sound of boots against cracked pavement signaled the arrival of the rest of Section 6.

Yanagi, Soukaku, and Harumasa emerged from the surrounding streets, their weapons still humming with residual energy from their battles. Their eyes widened as they took in the scene before them—an entire battlefield encased in crystalline frost, the remains of a fierce battle evident in the shattered structures and lifeless Ethereal remains. And standing at the center of it all were two figures they almost didn't recognize.

Miyabi, now towering at six and a half feet, her once black hair now pure white with streaks of blue, exuded an overwhelming presence of calm yet formidable power. Her fox ears twitched slightly as her golden eyes, now carrying an eerie yet beautiful glow, met theirs.

And beside her, Ellen. Seven feet tall, her form even more imposing than before. Her arms, from hands to shoulders, were covered in dark, vein-like markings that pulsed faintly. Despite her monstrous strength and her new haunting appearance, there was an unmistakable warmth in her gaze, especially as she stood protectively near Miyabi, using her long shark tail to keep a still-sleeping Mira secure on her back.

For a moment, silence reigned.

Then Soukaku, munching on a burger she had somehow acquired amidst all the chaos, let out a long, exaggerated whistle. "And I thought my fight was intenser—uh, more intense! Y'all look like you just walked out of a legend or something."

Yanagi crossed her arms, her sharp eyes scanning the two before nodding approvingly. She tilted her head. "How the hell did this happen?"

Harumasa, normally the quiet one, stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Ellen's arms. "You regenerated your arm," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His gaze lingered on the markings, mind already forming hypotheses he'd have to test later. "And those markings…"

Miyabi, who had been tightly holding onto Ellen, finally let out a soft chuckle. "We've… changed."

Ellen grinned at her before looking back at the rest of Section 6. "Long story. But we're still us. That's what matters, right?"

Harumasa nodded, satisfied with that answer for now.

Yanagi sighed, shaking her head but smirking slightly. "I guess if anyone was gonna evolve mid-battle like some overpowered protagonists, it'd be you two."

Miyabi exhaled, allowing herself to relax for the first time in what felt like forever. "I'm just glad you're all safe."

Before anyone else could respond, an all-too-familiar voice crackled to life over the district's intercom system, slicing through the heartfelt reunion like a blade.

"Ahhh, what a wonderful conclusion to this grand experiment!" The Doctor's voice oozed with amusement, and his words instantly put everyone on edge. "I must say, Section 6, you've exceeded my expectations. Your efficiency in handling my little test subjects was delightful to observe. And as for you, Miyabi, Ellen—oh, you two were magnificent."

Miyabi's fists clenched, her newfound strength making the air around her hum with power. "You…"

"The changes you've undergone… truly fascinating! Far beyond what I had initially predicted. I must say, I'm pleased I wasn't disappointed." The Doctor chuckled lightly. "I'll leave you all be for now. After all, even my test subjects need time to recuperate. Consider this a moment of respite, my dear participants. But do not get too comfortable. Our next meeting is inevitable. And when that time comes… I expect even greater results."

With that, the intercom cut out, leaving only static in its wake.

A heavy silence followed before Soukaku, still chewing, clicked her tongue. "I hate that guy. Also, what's he talkin' about 'recupur—recupinatin'—er, whatever? He talks too fancy."

"That makes all of us," Yanagi muttered darkly.

Miyabi and Ellen exchanged a glance, their hands brushing against each other. They both knew this was only the beginning. The Doctor had his sights set on them now. Whatever came next, they would face it together.

And for now, that was enough.

As Section 6 prepared to return to their base, a wave of exhaustion washed over the group. However, upon arrival, they were met with a devastating sight—the entire base lay in ruins. Smoke curled from collapsed structures, and the ground bore the scars of battle. Silence fell over the team as they took in the destruction.

Ellen let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Uh... my bad."

Yanagi let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Of course it was you."

Soukaku groaned, rolling her shoulders. "Well, there goes our place to crash."

Harumasa crossed his arms and smirked. "Guess I have a real excuse not to go to work now," he quipped, earning a half-hearted chuckle from the others.

Everyone was too drained to even argue. One by one, they decided to head their separate ways for the night. Yanagi and Soukaku both opted to return home, needing some well-earned rest. Harumasa gave a lazy wave as he took his leave, humming to himself as he disappeared into the city streets.

As the team dispersed, Ellen suddenly remembered something—her apartment. It had been ages since she last set foot there. Memories of her old life, before everything had spiraled into chaos, resurfaced. Then, a pang of guilt struck her heart. Sharkboo.

Ever since she left Victoria Housekeeping, her little companion had been waiting for her, likely confused and alone. The realization hit hard. She had abandoned her friend, the one who had always been there for her through thick and thin.

Miyabi, still standing beside her, immediately picked up on Ellen's troubled expression. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Ellen exhaled heavily. "Sharkboo... I left her alone for so long."

Miyabi folded her arms and gave Ellen a firm look. "Then let's go see her."

Ellen hesitated for a moment, but before she could even suggest otherwise, Miyabi continued, "And I'm staying with you. No negotiations."

Ellen blinked, then gave a lopsided smile. She wasn't going to argue. Truth be told, she didn't want to be alone tonight either.

With that settled, the two of them set off, making their way to Ellen's long-forgotten apartment. Mira, still fast asleep, rested securely on Ellen's back, her small frame wrapped snugly in Ellen's shark tail. The night stretched ahead, filled with the promise of reunion and perhaps, a sense of home.

Ellen walked through the quiet, dimly lit streets, Miyabi following closely behind her. A sleeping Mira rested securely on Ellen's back, her small frame supported by Ellen's long, powerful shark tail. They had finally arrived at Ellen's apartment building, and to no surprise, it seemed completely evacuated. The silence was almost deafening, an eerie contrast to the chaos they had endured earlier.

Ellen stepped up to her door, reaching for her keys before realizing she didn't have them. Letting out a small sigh, she held out her hand, channeling her frost abilities. With a precise touch, ice formed around the lock, subtly adjusting its internal mechanics before click—the door unlocked. As she pushed it open, she was hit with a wave of familiarity. Everything was exactly as she had left it.

Carefully, she made her way to her bedroom, where she gently laid Mira down onto the bed. The young oni murmured softly but remained fast asleep. Ellen pulled the blanket over her before stepping back, watching her for a moment. It was still surreal, everything that had happened, but right now, all she wanted was a moment of peace.

"I'm going to explore your place," Miyabi announced, stepping away without waiting for a response. Ellen didn't stop her; she had something else to do. Someone else to find.

Her heart pounded slightly as she moved toward the living room. Sitting there, motionless on the couch, was Sharkboo. It was staring off into space, its small body unmoving, as if it had shut down entirely. Ellen hesitated at first, unsure of how to even begin. Too much had happened. She had been gone for so long. She should have checked in. She could have checked in. But she didn't.

Taking a deep breath, Ellen stepped forward. "Hey… Sharkboo."

No response.

She swallowed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I—I'm sorry. I left you alone for so long. I should've visited, should've checked in. I got so caught up in everything… and I just forgot." The guilt in her voice was heavy. She felt awful. "I know that's no excuse. I know I should have been here."

Her voice wavered as she continued, her regret deepening. "I should've been better. You've always been there for me, and I didn't do the same for you. That's not what a good friend does. I don't even deserve your forgiveness, but I—"

Before she could finish, she felt something small wrap around her torso. Tiny fins pressed against her sides, clinging tightly. Ellen looked down, shocked to see Sharkboo hugging her with all its might. It began speaking in its Bangboo language, its voice quivering with emotion. Ellen could understand it clearly.

It told her how worried it had been. How her friends had come over, time and time again, knocking on her door, checking in, hoping she'd return. How they had eventually stopped coming, their hope fading. How Sharkboo had begun to doubt if Ellen would ever come back. But now, seeing her here, it knew. It knew she cared. That she had come back. That she hadn't let her guilt keep her away.

Ellen's breath hitched, and for the first time in what felt like forever, a tear slipped down her cheek. She slowly wrapped her arms around Sharkboo, pulling it close, cuddling it against her chest.

"I'm here," she whispered, holding it tightly. "I won't leave you alone again."

After spending some time cuddling with Sharkboo, Ellen finally pulled away with a sigh, rubbing the small Bangboo's fin before standing up. "Come on, let's go to my room," she said, picking up Sharkboo and heading down the hallway.

Inside, Mira was still fast asleep, curled up comfortably in Ellen's bed, her small frame rising and falling with each breath. Across the room, Miyabi had settled herself on a shark-themed bean bag chair, idly inspecting the room's decor. Sharkboo, now nestled in Ellen's arms, perked up upon seeing Miyabi.

It made a few beeping sounds before introducing itself to Miyabi in its own Bangboo language. Ellen watched as Miyabi raised an eyebrow, amused at Sharkboo's enthusiasm. "Nice to meet you, I guess," Miyabi responded, giving it a small nod.

Ellen stretched, feeling the tension in her body from the day's events. "I'm gonna take a shower," she announced, making her way toward the bathroom.

The moment she stepped inside, she realized something—this bathroom was way too small for her now. The showerhead was lower than she preferred, and the limited space made it clear that showering while standing would be a hassle. Given her new height and her Thiren biology, it was going to take a while to make sure every part of her was properly cleaned, especially her tail, which had grown significantly longer and thicker. She let out a sigh, already knowing the problem.

It was going to take all the hot water just to clean off.

With that in mind, she turned on her heel and walked back out, heading straight for Miyabi. "We've got a problem," she said bluntly, arms crossed.

Miyabi blinked up at her, tilting her head. "What?"

"My tail's too big. If I take a bath alone, I'll use up all the hot water," Ellen stated flatly. "So, we're gonna have to share."

Silence.

Miyabi's face instantly flushed red as she sat up, staring at Ellen with wide eyes. "W-WHAT?! Do you not have any shame?!"

Ellen raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "I'm asking you again—unless you're fine with cold water?"

Miyabi opened her mouth, then closed it. Her ears twitched slightly, and after a long pause, she sighed, avoiding eye contact. "...Fine."

Satisfied, Ellen grabbed a pair of stretchy shorts and the biggest shirt she owned—everything else in her wardrobe was too small now. If she wore anything else, it'd practically be a crop top with oversized panties. She glanced at Miyabi, who was quietly rummaging through Ellen's clothes with a noticeable blush on her face.

Ellen smirked but said nothing.

Heading back to the bathroom, Ellen started the shower, adjusting the temperature before stepping inside. She began peeling off her clothes without hesitation, but as she did, she noticed something—Miyabi was staring.

The fox Thiren's tail wagged slightly, her face growing redder by the second as her gaze slowly trailed over Ellen's toned physique. From her muscular arms to her defined abs, down to her powerful tail, Miyabi's mind was clearly wandering.

Ellen narrowed her eyes playfully. "We don't have all night. Hurry up."

Snapped out of her daze, Miyabi flinched, ears perking straight up. "R-Right! I'm going!" She turned around quickly, fumbling as she shyly started undressing. Ellen, who had stepped into the shower, watched as Miyabi hesitated before slipping out of her clothes.

Ellen's eyes briefly scanned her, appreciating her soft curves and elegant frame before smirking. "You're beautiful, y'know. And kinda cute when you're flustered."

Miyabi's ears twitched violently, and she muttered a small, barely audible, "Thank you…" before quickly stepping into the shower, avoiding Ellen's amused gaze.

Steam filled the small bathroom, the warmth settling over Ellen and Miyabi as water cascaded down from the showerhead. The gentle sound of running water mixed with the occasional deep breaths from both of them. Ellen, standing under the stream, had taken complete control of the situation. The usual sharpness in her demeanor had softened, replaced by something far more deliberate, almost instinctual.

Miyabi stood frozen at first, her tail swishing hesitantly behind her. The heat that spread across her skin wasn't just from the water—it was from the sheer closeness of Ellen, who moved with quiet confidence. Ellen wasn't just washing her; she was taking care of her. Possessively, gently, as if making sure every part of Miyabi's body was cared for in a way words could never express.

Ellen's touch started at her shoulders, firm yet careful, working over the tension knotted into Miyabi's muscles. Her fingers trailed down her arms, massaging in slow, soothing motions, as if reassuring her. She worked the soap over Miyabi's back, taking time to clean every inch, only avoiding the areas that might have made the fox-eared girl bolt from the bathroom entirely. Still, even as Ellen stayed away from her most sensitive spots, it didn't stop Miyabi's body from reacting to every glide of Ellen's touch.

Miyabi's head lowered, a soft croon escaping her lips before she could even process the sound. It was a natural reaction—one Ellen immediately noticed. A smirk tugged at Ellen's lips, her possessive instincts flaring up at the sight of Miyabi melting against her hands.

"Feels nice, huh?" Ellen's voice was low, husky, but laced with amusement.

Miyabi's tail betrayed her once more, wagging slowly, and she pressed her lips together, embarrassed. Ellen chuckled, the sound vibrating deep in her chest. It sent a new kind of warmth through Miyabi, one that made her knees weak. It wasn't just about the act of cleaning—it was something much deeper. The way Ellen touched her wasn't just functional; it was protective, like she was claiming every part of Miyabi without needing to say it out loud.

When Ellen finished, she stepped back slightly. "Alright, your turn."

Miyabi hesitated before nodding, gathering her courage to reciprocate. She reached for Ellen's tail first, knowing it would take the most care. "May I?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ellen leaned down slightly, her sharp eyes watching Miyabi with something unreadable. Then, she nodded. "Go ahead."

Miyabi's hands trembled slightly as she ran her fingers through the length of Ellen's tail, working the soap into it with careful strokes. The longer, stronger appendage twitched under her touch, and Miyabi swore she felt Ellen tense. It was rare to see her react like this. Ellen, who was always composed, always in control, now letting her guard down so freely.

Miyabi swallowed, continuing the process, feeling every inch of Ellen under her hands. The soap suds slid over smooth, toned skin, highlighting every muscle, every curve of her powerful body. Ellen was different from anyone Miyabi had ever known. She wasn't just strong in body—she was strong in spirit, in will. And yet, in this moment, she was letting Miyabi care for her in a way no one else ever had.

By the time they finished rinsing off, the shower had taken on a new air between them, something heavier, more intimate. Ellen turned off the water, her gaze locked onto Miyabi's for a long, quiet moment. Then, without a word, she filled the tub with warm water and sat down, pulling Miyabi into her lap without hesitation.

Miyabi didn't resist. She curled into Ellen, her head resting against the crook of her neck as she breathed her in. Ellen's arms wrapped securely around her, her tail looping possessively around Miyabi's waist, holding her close as if to say, mine.

A soft purr rumbled from Miyabi's chest, deep and full of unspoken emotion. Ellen smirked, pressing her lips against the top of Miyabi's head, nuzzling into her damp hair.

"You did good," Ellen murmured, her voice dipping into something deeper, more raw. "Good girl."

Miyabi shuddered, her body alight with warmth, and she gripped onto Ellen tighter. She didn't have words for what they were in this moment, but she knew one thing for certain—she didn't want to leave Ellen's embrace. Not now. Not ever.

And neither did Ellen.

Ellen and Miyabi stepped out of the bathroom, steam rolling behind them as they dried off. Ellen ran the towel through her hair with practiced ease, her shark tail swaying slightly as she stretched. Miyabi, still flushed from their bath, quickly dressed, though her hands trembled slightly when she reached for her borrowed clothes.

Ellen had grabbed the biggest shirt she had left, but as Miyabi watched her pull it on, she realized just how much her body had changed. The fabric strained against Ellen's frame, barely covering the bottom half of her toned abs. The way it clung to her chest made her breasts look even larger, and the shorts she wore only further accentuated the definition in her legs. Miyabi swallowed hard, heat sparking in her lower stomach, an unfamiliar feeling tightening in her core.

She quickly averted her gaze, pretending to focus on adjusting her own clothes, but Ellen wasn't so easily fooled. Sharp eyes flickered toward her, and Ellen's instincts flared at the scent of Miyabi's poorly concealed arousal. A deep, primal part of her roared in response, demanding that she act, that she claim, that she make it undeniably clear to Miyabi and the world that she belonged to her and no one else.

Ellen's grip on her towel tightened, her claws slightly piercing the fabric as she forced herself to breathe. Not yet. Not now. She couldn't afford to scare Miyabi, not when she was still figuring things out herself. With a slow exhale, Ellen buried the wild urges deep, her muscles relaxing as she reigned herself in. The heat in her blood simmered, though it didn't fade completely.

"Come on," she said, her voice casual as she walked toward the couch. "Let's get comfortable."

Miyabi nodded, keeping her face neutral as she followed. Ellen paused to check on Mira, who was still fast asleep, curled up against Sharkboo. The little Bangboo had powered itself down, its small frame nestled close to the young oni. Seeing them like that brought a warmth to Ellen's chest, momentarily easing the lingering tension.

She grabbed a thick blanket from her closet, along with two pillows, before settling on the couch. Miyabi joined her without hesitation, pressing close to Ellen's side as soon as she sat down. The fox-eared woman rubbed against her, deliberately nuzzling against Ellen's shoulder, her scent filling the space around them.

Ellen clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palm as her instincts went wild again. She's marking me. The realization made something in her snap, but she held firm, barely restraining herself from pinning Miyabi down right then and there. Instead, she let out a slow breath, keeping her composure even as Miyabi finished her little ritual with a final, lingering lick against Ellen's neck.

A sharp shudder ran down Ellen's spine, but she only chuckled lowly, pressing a kiss to the top of Miyabi's head. "You're a little menace, you know that?"

Miyabi mumbled something unintelligible, already half-asleep as she tucked herself closer. Ellen adjusted the blanket over them, wrapping an arm around Miyabi protectively, her tail instinctively curling around her legs.

As the night stretched on, Ellen lay there, eyes closed, body tense, the weight of her instincts pressing heavy on her chest. The need to claim, to take what was hers, burned deep, but she wouldn't let it control her. Not yet.

Instead, she forced herself to focus on Miyabi's breathing, steady and slow against her. Her warmth, the way she fit so perfectly against her. With one last deep breath, Ellen willed herself to sleep, though the tension in her body refused to fade completely.

This was only the beginning.