Ellen's footsteps echoed down the familiar hallways of Victoria Housekeeping Co.'s headquarters. It felt surreal to be back after days of relentless survival in Hollow Zero. The smell of freshly brewed tea wafted from the kitchen, and the faint hum of a vacuum cleaner in the distance brought an unexpected comfort. Yet, even with the warmth of familiarity, Ellen couldn't shake the tension that clung to her like the lingering cold of the Hollows.
Mira trailed behind her, clutching the edge of Ellen's jacket. The girl's wide eyes darted around the room, a mix of curiosity and nervousness evident on her face. Despite the exhaustion written all over her, Mira stayed close, as if afraid to lose the one anchor she had left.
Von Lycaon was the first to greet them, his sharp gaze softening as he approached. "Ellen," he said, his deep voice tinged with relief. "It's good to have you back."
Ellen managed a faint smile. "Yeah. Guess you can't get rid of me that easily."
The rest of the team quickly gathered in the common area. Rina, ever poised, had a tray of tea ready within moments, though the uncharacteristic tremble in her hands didn't escape Ellen's notice. Corin looked like she might cry but masked it with a sharp comment. "You sure took your time getting back," she muttered, though her voice cracked slightly.
Ellen chuckled softly. "Missed you too, Corin."
As the reunion settled, the reality of their situation began to sink in. Mira's presence was impossible to ignore, and the team's usual lighthearted banter gave way to a more somber discussion. The question hung unspoken in the air: What would happen to Mira?
Later that evening, the team gathered around the central table. Mira sat quietly beside Ellen, her small frame dwarfed by the oversized chair. The conversation was cautious, voices hushed but urgent.
"We can't just leave her to fend for herself," Corin said firmly, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "She's been through enough."
"But what options do we have?" Rina countered, her tone calm but strained. "We're not equipped to raise a child here. And if the authorities get involved..."
Ellen's jaw tightened. "She's not going to some orphanage," she said, her voice low but resolute. "They'll take one look at her and see an opportunity, not a kid who needs help."
Von Lycaon nodded thoughtfully. "Ellen's right. Mira's unique circumstances make her a target. If the wrong people find out about her connection to the Hollows..."
The room fell silent, the weight of the unspoken dangers settling over them. Mira glanced around nervously, clearly understanding more than she let on.
It was Ellen who finally broke the silence, his voice unusually serious. "We need to find a solution fast. The longer we wait, the greater the risk."
The knock at the door came late that night, cutting through the heavy quiet of their deliberations. Ellen exchanged a wary glance with Von Lycaon before moving to answer it. Standing in the doorway was the chief of Section 6, her presence as commanding as ever.
Miyabi stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "We need to talk."
The team regrouped in the common area, tension thick in the air. Miyabi wasted no time getting to the point. "We've been monitoring the situation," she began. "Mira's condition and her connection to the Hollows make her a person of interest—not just to us, but to others who might exploit her."
Ellen's fists clenched, but she held her tongue, letting Miyabi continue.
"Section 6 is offering to take both of you under our wing," Miyabi said, her gaze steady. "Ellen, your survival in Hollow Zero showed exceptional potential. With proper training, you could be a valuable asset. And as for Mira, we can provide the protection and resources she needs."
The room erupted into protests. Corin was the loudest, her voice rising above the others. "You can't just take them! They're part of our team!"
"Corin," Rina said softly, though her voice carried an edge of warning. "Let her finish."
Miyabi waited for the commotion to settle before continuing. "I understand your concerns. But this isn't just about what's best for Ellen and Mira—it's about what's safest. The Hollows are unpredictable, and the threats they pose are escalating. We can't ignore the risks."
Ellen's gaze shifted to her teammates. She could see the conflict in their eyes, the mix of anger, sadness, and reluctant understanding. "This isn't what I wanted," she said quietly. "But if it means keeping Mira safe..."
Von Lycaon stepped forward, his presence commanding as he addressed Miyabi. "You swear they'll be protected? That this isn't just some ploy to use them?"
Miyabi met his gaze without flinching. "I give you my word."
The room fell silent once more, the weight of the decision pressing down on everyone. Finally, Von Lycaon nodded. "Then we'll trust you. But if anything happens to them..."
"It won't," Miyabi assured him. "You have my guarantee."
The following morning was a blur of preparation. Ellen packed what few belongings she had, her movements mechanical as she tried to process everything. Mira stayed close, her silence speaking volumes.
The team gathered to see them off, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken emotions. Corin pulled Ellen into a tight hug, her usual bravado replaced by quiet vulnerability. "You'd better take care of yourself," she muttered. "And don't forget us."
Rina offered a gentle smile, her composure cracking just enough to reveal the sadness beneath. "You'll always have a home here, Ellen."
Von Lycaon placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. "Remember, you're not alone. We'll always have your back."
Ellen nodded, her throat tight. "Thank you. All of you."
As she and Mira stepped into the waiting vehicle, Ellen glanced back at her team one last time. Their faces were a mix of pride and heartbreak, a reflection of her own conflicted feelings. She gave them a small, determined smile, a silent promise that this wasn't goodbye forever.
The doors closed, and the vehicle began to move, carrying them toward an uncertain future with Section 6. Ellen reached over to take Mira's hand, her grip steady despite the turmoil inside her. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on, just as she always had.
The air felt colder as the vehicle approached the base of Section 6. Ellen stared out the window, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The sleek, imposing structure of the HIA building loomed ahead, its polished steel and glass exterior reflecting the pale light of the overcast sky. The building exuded a sense of precision and authority that made Ellen's stomach twist.
Mira sat quietly beside her, clutching the stuffed toy she'd been given at the checkpoint earlier. Her wide eyes took in the towering structure with a mix of awe and trepidation. Ellen gave the girl's hand a reassuring squeeze, though she wasn't sure who needed the comfort more.
The vehicle came to a smooth stop at the entrance, where a group of Section 6 operatives waited. Their uniforms were sharp and intimidating, a stark contrast to the casual, worn attire of Victoria Housekeeping Co. Harumasa stood among them, his expression calm but serious. He opened the door for them as they stepped out of the car.
"Welcome to Section 6," Harumasa said, his voice steady. "Follow me."
Ellen nodded, keeping Mira close as they entered the building. The interior was as sleek as the exterior, with polished floors, towering glass panels, and a faint hum of technology in the air. The atmosphere was sterile, efficient—a far cry from the homely warmth of the Victoria base.
Mira's grip on Ellen's hand tightened as they passed clusters of operatives and technicians, all of whom cast curious or wary glances at the newcomers. Ellen met their gazes with a defiant glare, silently daring anyone to say something.
Harumasa led them to a conference room on one of the upper floors. The walls were lined with screens displaying live data from various Hollows, and a holographic map of New Eridu hovered in the center of the room. Miyabi stood waiting, her miko-inspired outfit a sharp contrast to the modern surroundings. She greeted them with a nod.
"Thank you for coming," Miyabi said, motioning for them to sit. "I know this transition isn't easy, but we're here to ensure your safety and provide the resources you need."
Ellen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Let's get to the point. What's the plan for Mira?"
Miyabi's expression softened as she glanced at the young girl. "Mira will be placed under our care and protection. We'll monitor her condition and provide specialized training to help her control her abilities. She'll also have access to education and counseling to support her recovery."
Mira shifted in her seat, her eyes flicking between Ellen and Miyabi. "Will I still see Ellen?" she asked quietly.
Miyabi smiled gently. "Of course. Ellen will be here as well, undergoing her own training. You'll have time together."
Ellen leaned forward, her tone firm. "And what about me? What's your angle here?"
Miyabi's smile faded into a more neutral expression. "Ellen, your potential is remarkable. Your survival in Hollow Zero and your unique Etheric abilities make you an asset. We'd like to formally recruit you into Section 6. You'll receive advanced training, access to resources, and the opportunity to work alongside others with similar experiences."
Ellen crossed her arms, her gaze unyielding. "And if I refuse?"
"We'll still provide protection for Mira," Miyabi replied evenly. "But your abilities—and your connection to the Hollows—are too important to ignore. Joining us is the best way to ensure both your safety and hers."
Ellen leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. She hated the feeling of being cornered, but deep down, she knew Miyabi was right. Section 6 could offer Mira the stability she deserved, and Ellen herself could use the training to better protect her. Still, the thought of leaving her old life behind weighed heavily on her.
"We'll give you time to settle in and think it over," Miyabi continued. "For now, let me show you to your quarters."
The quarters were sparse but comfortable, each equipped with a small bed, a desk, and a private bathroom. Ellen's room was next to Mira's, a decision she'd insisted on. Mira seemed relieved by the proximity, though she still looked uneasy as she unpacked the few belongings she had.
Ellen sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the duffel bag at her feet. The weight of everything hit her all at once: the fight to survive in Hollow Zero, the revelations about Mira, the decision to join Section 6. She buried her face in her hands, trying to push away the doubts and fears threatening to overwhelm her.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Harumasa stepped inside, his expression unusually gentle.
"How are you holding up?" he asked.
Ellen shrugged. "I've had better days."
Harumasa chuckled lightly, leaning against the doorframe. "That's fair. For what it's worth, you're making the right choice. Section 6 isn't perfect, but we'll do everything we can to help you and Mira."
"Yeah, we'll see about that," Ellen muttered. "Just make sure she's safe. That's all I care about."
Harumasa nodded, his gaze steady. "She will be. And so will you. You're stronger than you think, Ellen. Don't forget that."
As he left, Ellen lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she'd do whatever it took to protect Mira. Even if it meant walking into the unknown with Section 6.