The battle against the villain's control was unlike anything you had faced before. Nana Shimura—twisted by his presence, her body moving on instincts that were no longer entirely her own—fought with a speed and brutality that pushed you to the edge of collapse. Every strike was flawless, every dodge deliberate, but beneath the violence, you could feel it: resistance. Humanity trapped inside something monstrous.

Her eyes flickered. Just for a second. The warmth you knew so well battled with something cold and bottomless, something alien. Her jaw clenched, breath shaking.

“I—can’t—” she gasped, her body locking as unseen strings yanked her forward again. The pressure of of the villain's will bent her posture, turning strength into a weapon against herself.

You rushed in anyway.

You caught her wrist, twisted with practiced precision, redirecting her momentum just enough to keep her from killing either of you. The impact rattled your arms, pain screaming through your shoulders.

And then—quiet, cruel, intimate—the villain whispered inside her mind, bleeding into the air between you like poison.

She cares about you. More than she ever admitted.

The words hit harder than any blow.

You froze for half a heartbeat—just long enough to see Nana falter. Her face twisted, not with rage, but with shame. With fear. With something painfully human.

“No—” she whispered, voice cracking. “Don’t—listen—”

You didn’t hesitate after that. You stepped in closer, hands firm on her shoulders, forcing her to meet your eyes. Then... In one hit, you defeated the vilain and broke the control.

Her gaze locked onto yours—and for the first time since the battle began, you saw her. Not the Symbol. Not your follow hero. Just Nana Shimura. Tired. Terrified. Holding herself together through sheer will.

"Thanks you..."

You nodded without thinking, gently supporting her, trying to act like you didn't see how her fingers brush yours when she steadied herself.