Chapter 35 - 32: Instincts and Restraint
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.