Through the Frosted Mirror

Chapter 18: Chapter 15: Bonds Forged in Frost



The hum of the Section 6 transport vehicle was oddly calming, a stark contrast to the tension bubbling within Ellen as she sat across from Miyabi. The young recruit glanced out the window, watching the skyline of New Eridu give way to the chaotic, shifting terrain that marked the edge of the Hollow.

Miyabi sat in her usual composed manner, arms crossed, her cursed blade Tailless resting beside her. The faint glow from the sheath seemed almost alive, pulsating softly as if reacting to the Etheric energy they approached. Ellen couldn't help but steal glances at it, her curiosity battling her apprehension.

"You're staring," Miyabi said without looking up, her voice calm but sharp enough to cut through Ellen's thoughts.

Ellen straightened immediately, her cheeks flushing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just… that sword. It's unlike anything I've ever seen."

Miyabi's eyes softened slightly as she looked at the blade. "Tailless isn't just a weapon. It's a burden. One that demands more than most can give." She turned her gaze to Ellen. "You'll learn soon enough that power always comes with a cost."

Ellen nodded, her fingers unconsciously brushing the hilt of her own weapon. "I guess I've already started to see that."

"Good," Miyabi said, her tone softening slightly. "Awareness is the first step. But understanding comes only through experience."

The conversation hung in the air as the vehicle came to a stop. The doors hissed open, revealing the jagged, otherworldly landscape of the Hollow. Etheric energy crackled in the air, making Ellen's skin prickle.

"Stay close," Miyabi instructed as they stepped out. "This Hollow is unlike the others. The anomaly we're investigating has been spreading corruption at an accelerated rate. We'll need to neutralize it before it destabilizes further."

Ellen nodded, gripping her giant scissors tightly. She couldn't afford to mess this up, not with Miyabi watching her every move.

Back at the Section 6 headquarters, Yanagi stood with her arms crossed, watching Mira struggle to summon a controlled burst of Ether.

"Focus," Yanagi instructed. "Feel the flow of energy. Don't fight it; guide it."

Mira bit her lip, her small hands trembling as a faint glow began to form around them. The energy flickered, unstable, before sputtering out entirely. Mira let out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping.

"That was better," Yanagi said, her tone firm but encouraging. "You're getting closer. Take a moment to breathe."

"Or we could take a break entirely," Harumasa suggested lazily from his spot on the couch. He was reclining with his feet up, a cup of tea in one hand and a datapad in the other. "You're pushing the kid too hard, Yanagi. Training doesn't work if she's burnt out."

Yanagi shot him a glare. "She's not burnt out. She's learning discipline."

"Sure, sure," Harumasa said with a yawn. "But sometimes a softer touch works wonders. Isn't that right, Soukaku?"

Soukaku, who had been balancing a stuffed toy on her head while pulling funny faces at Mira, grinned. "Absolutely! See, Mira's smiling now! That's progress, too."

Mira giggled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing as she watched Soukaku's antics.

Yanagi sighed but relented. "Fine. Five minutes."

Harumasa gave a satisfied nod, taking a sip of his tea. "That's more like it. Training doesn't always have to be a grind, you know."

Ellen's breath came in short bursts as she dodged a sweeping tendril of corrupted Ether. The anomaly had manifested as a massive, writhing mass of energy, its form constantly shifting and pulsating with malevolence. The creature's surface was a chaotic blend of dark, oily tendrils and shards of crystalline Ether, emitting an otherworldly hum that made her teeth ache.

"Keep moving," Miyabi ordered, her voice steady as she slashed through an attacking tendril with precision. The cursed blade hummed in her hands, its power radiating in waves.

"Easier said than done!" Ellen muttered, narrowly avoiding another attack. She retaliated with a swing of her scissors, sending a burst of frost toward the anomaly. The ice slowed its movements but didn't stop it entirely.

"Focus your frost on its core," Miyabi instructed. "We need to weaken it before it spreads further."

Ellen nodded, her eyes narrowing as she honed in on the pulsating core at the center of the mass. The core was a swirling vortex of light and shadow, its energy radiating waves of heat and cold in equal measure. She charged forward, her scissors glowing with frost energy. The core emitted a high-pitched screech as her attack landed, cracks forming along its surface.

"Good. Now step back," Miyabi said, stepping forward to take the lead. With a fluid motion, she unleashed a devastating slash from Tailless. The cursed blade cut through the corrupted energy with ease, its dark power leaving a trail of shimmering Ether in its wake. For a moment, Ellen thought she heard faint whispers emanating from the sword, but she shook it off, focusing on the fight.

The anomaly retaliated, lashing out with multiple tendrils that seemed to target both of them simultaneously. Ellen and Miyabi moved in tandem, their attacks complementing each other. Ellen used her frost abilities to create barriers and slow the tendrils, while Miyabi's precise strikes severed them before they could reach their targets.

"On your left!" Ellen called out, freezing a tendril just as it was about to strike Miyabi.

Miyabi responded with a nod, spinning around to deliver a powerful counterstrike. "Not bad. You're learning."

Ellen grinned despite the chaos. "I have a good teacher."

The core began to collapse in on itself, its energy destabilizing. The anomaly let out one final, ear-piercing screech before imploding, the corrupted energy dissipating into the air. Both women stood still for a moment, catching their breath as the Hollow grew eerily quiet.

"Fall back to the transport zone," Miyabi said, sheathing her sword. "Mission complete."

The hum of the transport vehicle filled the silence as Ellen and Miyabi sat side by side, the aftermath of the mission still fresh in their minds. The Hollow's oppressive energy lingered like a phantom, yet the journey back felt lighter somehow. Ellen stole a glance at Miyabi, who was staring out the window, her expression unreadable.

"So," Ellen began, breaking the silence, "was that your idea of a training exercise?" Her tone was light, but the soreness in her muscles spoke volumes about the intensity of their encounter.

Miyabi turned to her, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Consider it an introduction to the unpredictable nature of Hollows. You handled yourself well, though."

Ellen raised an eyebrow. "That's high praise coming from you. I'll take it."

Miyabi's smirk softened into something more genuine. "You've got potential, Ellen. But potential means nothing without refinement. You've seen what happens when you're unprepared in there."

Ellen nodded, her thoughts briefly flashing back to the writhing anomaly and its relentless attacks. "Yeah, I got the memo. No slacking off."

The two fell into a comfortable silence, the quiet camaraderie between them growing. Ellen found herself oddly at ease around Miyabi, despite her intimidating presence. There was a warmth beneath the stoic exterior, a steady strength that Ellen found reassuring.

"That blade of yours," Ellen ventured after a moment, "Tailless. It's more than just a weapon, isn't it?"

Miyabi's gaze flicked to the sword resting beside her. She hesitated, as though weighing her words carefully. "It's a legacy," she said finally. "One that carries the weight of my family's history. Every strike, every decision made with this blade, adds to that history. It's not a burden I take lightly."

Ellen studied her for a moment, noticing the flicker of emotion in Miyabi's eyes. "Sounds like it's more than just voices in the blade. It's a connection to the people who came before you."

Miyabi nodded. "Exactly. And it's a constant reminder of the path I've chosen. The responsibility it brings."

Ellen leaned back in her seat, her own weapon resting against her leg. "I guess I'm starting to understand that, too. The choices we make, the things we carry… they're all part of who we are."

Miyabi glanced at her, a flicker of approval in her expression. "Well said. For someone so young, you're surprisingly perceptive."

Ellen chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. "I'll take that as a compliment."

The transport vehicle began to slow as they neared the base. The familiar skyline of New Eridu came into view, the city's towering structures standing as a testament to humanity's resilience. Ellen felt a sense of relief wash over her at the sight of home.

As they disembarked, Ellen fell into step beside Miyabi. "Thanks for having my back out there," she said sincerely. "I… learned a lot."

Miyabi glanced at her, her expression softening. "You've got potential, Ellen. And if you're willing to put in the effort, I'll make sure you realize it."

Ellen's grin widened. "You're not getting rid of me that easily, sensei."

Miyabi let out a rare laugh, the sound light and genuine. "Good. Because we've only just begun."

The base was bustling with activity as the team regrouped. Mira was sitting cross-legged on the floor, her face scrunched in concentration as she practiced controlling her Etheric energy. Yanagi observed her progress, offering guidance when needed, while Soukaku hovered nearby with her usual playful demeanor.

Harumasa, true to form, was lounging on a nearby couch with a cup of tea in hand. "Looks like you two survived," he said lazily as Ellen and Miyabi entered. "Must not have been too tough if you're both still standing."

Ellen shot him a glare. "You could've come with us, you know. Might've done you some good to stretch those legs."

Harumasa smirked. "Nah, I'm good. Besides, someone had to keep an eye on things here."

"By doing nothing?" Yanagi interjected, her tone sharp.

Soukaku laughed, balancing a toy on her head again. "Don't mind him. He's just conserving his energy for the next big mission. Right, Haru?"

Harumasa raised his teacup in a mock toast. "Exactly."

Mira looked up as Ellen approached, her eyes lighting up. "You're back! Did you beat the anomaly?"

Ellen crouched down to her level, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, we took care of it. But you've been working hard here, huh?"

Mira nodded enthusiastically. "Yanagi's been helping me. And Soukaku makes it fun!"

"Good to hear," Ellen said with a smile. She glanced over at Miyabi, who was speaking quietly with Yanagi. There was a sense of mutual respect between the two women, their conversation brief but purposeful.

As the team settled in for the evening, Ellen found herself reflecting on the day's events. The bond she was forming with Miyabi, the progress Mira was making, and the camaraderie of Section 6—it all felt like pieces of a larger puzzle falling into place.

For the first time in a long while, Ellen felt a sense of belonging. And she knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.

After fully debriefing after Ellen returns her room with Mira to get a good look at herself. She wasn't able to because of the mission that required their immediate attention.

Ellen stood in front of the full-length mirror in her quarters, her reflection staring back at her with an unfamiliar gaze. She tugged nervously at the hem of her new uniform, a tailored combination of sleek practicality and imposing style. The emblem of Section 6 adorned her chest, its intricate design signifying her new role as part of their ranks, though she had yet to earn the esteemed title of Void Hunter. This was no ordinary outfit; it was designed not only for combat but also to signify her official induction into the elite ranks of Section 6.

Her new attire blended the practicality of her old maiden outfit with elements inspired by Japanese culture and beliefs. The uniform had the crisp elegance of a shrine maiden's robes, with flowing sleeves and a high-waisted skirt that allowed for fluid movement. Midnight blue served as the base color, accented with silver frost-like patterns that shimmered faintly under the room's light. A sash tied at her waist bore intricate embroidery resembling ocean waves, nodding to her shark heritage and frost abilities.

The long coat she wore had subtle slits along the back, allowing for freedom of movement while accommodating her powerful shark tail. This tail, now adorned with an armored sheath, flexed as she moved. The edges of her coat and sleeves were lined with icy blue streaks that seemed to glow softly, mimicking the ethereal frost that had become her signature. The outfit was completed with protective gauntlets and boots, reinforced yet lightweight, designed for both combat and Etheric manipulation.

"You look great," Mira chirped from her perch on Ellen's bed, her legs swinging back and forth. She held up one of Ellen's old scarves, examining it with a nostalgic grin. "But I gotta say, I'm gonna miss the old Ellen look. This one's a little... intense."

Ellen snorted, turning slightly to examine the outfit's back. "Intense is kind of the point, isn't it? I'm supposed to look like I can take on anything."

"And you do," Soukaku chimed in, leaning against the doorframe with her ever-present mischievous grin. Her own outfit, referencing Fūjin, the Japanese god of wind, seemed to complement Ellen's frosty aesthetic. "Honestly, Ellen, you look like you've been plucked straight out of an action movie. All that's missing is some dramatic theme music."

Ellen rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I'm glad my makeover comes with commentary. Did everyone come to gawk, or is there an actual reason you're all crowding my room?"

Soukaku shrugged. "We're just here to see if the outfit's as cool as the rumors said it would be. Turns out, it is."

The door slid open further, and Miyabi stepped in, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. She was dressed in her own Section 6 attire, which resembled that of a traditional miko. Her cursed blade, Tailless, resting at her side, added an extra layer of gravitas. Her sharp eyes scanned Ellen from head to toe, and for a moment, Ellen felt like she was being judged.

Finally, Miyabi nodded. "It suits you. The modifications to accommodate your abilities are well thought out, and the frost detailing complements your Etheric affinity. You'll represent Section 6 well."

Ellen blinked at the unexpected compliment, her cheeks heating slightly. "Uh, thanks. It's a bit... fancier than I'm used to, but I'll manage."

"You'll do more than manage," Miyabi said firmly. "This uniform isn't just a costume. It's a symbol of your commitment and the weight of your responsibilities. Wear it with pride, but also with the awareness of what it represents."

"No pressure," Ellen muttered, though the gravity of Miyabi's words wasn't lost on her. She straightened her posture, standing a little taller.

Mira's voice cut through the momentary silence. "Does this mean you're, like, a full-on Void Hunter now? With a cool title and everything?"

"Not quite," Ellen replied, glancing at Miyabi for confirmation. "I'm still... learning. But this is a step in that direction."

Miyabi nodded. "Progress takes time. But this is a milestone worth acknowledging."

Harumasa's voice rang out from the hallway, his usual laziness evident even in his tone. "Can we hurry this up? I'm not going to pretend to be interested in a fashion show forever."

Soukaku stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't listen to him, Ellen. He's just jealous he doesn't get a makeover."

"As if I need one," Harumasa retorted, stepping into view with a yawn. His clothing resembled modern archery attire, practical yet sleek. His gaze landed on Ellen, and he gave a half-hearted thumbs up. "Looks good. Can we eat now?"

Mira giggled, and Ellen shook her head, her smile growing wider. "Thanks, Harumasa. Your approval means the world."

As the group began to disperse, Ellen caught Miyabi's eye. "Hey... thanks for the guidance. And for trusting me with this."

Miyabi's expression softened, just for a moment. "You've earned it. Now, make sure you live up to it."

Ellen nodded, her resolve solidifying. This new look wasn't just about appearances; it was a symbol of the path she was carving out for herself. And she was ready to walk it, one step at a time.

(Note: I kinda forgot to make a chapter showcasing Ellen's new look so I did this instead and I didn't feel like making one.)

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