"You..." Tarnished's voice was a little dry. "What exactly are you?"-Are you really the "big bro" I knew?
"The Eternal City designated me GODS7943, but I gave myself a real name: Ashmi!" the silver tear said cheerfully, her voice buoyant. "I can perfectly replicate any creature's appearance, movements, knowledge, even combat techniques! Let me observe you long enough, and I can become exactly like you. Not even the people closest to you would be able to tell us apart!"
Silver liquid bubbled out of the chest, flowing and shifting until it gradually traced a woman's silhouette. It first took Millicent's shape, then rapidly collapsed and reassembled into Blaidd, followed by Bernahl, before finally settling into a humanoid form with shimmering silver skin and no distinct facial features.
"But imitating the strong is what I do best," Ashmi's voice emerged from that silver body, carrying a hint of pride. "I can become your most dependable comrade, your sturdiest shield. Take me with you, and I'll prove my worth!"
Millicent turned to Tarnished, a question in her eyes. Blaidd still held his Greatsword raised, but most of his killing intent had dissipated. Bernahl frowned deeply, his fingers rubbing together unconsciously as though weighing how dangerous this strange being might be.
Tarnished did not answer immediately.
Instead, another scene surfaced in his mind: amid Stormveil's howling winds, a silent silver figure fought a bloody battle at his side; within Raya Lucaria's raging vortex of magic, that figure resolutely stepped in front of him and took a lethal blow; atop the scorching peaks where the Fire Giant dwelled, they stood back to back against enemies surging toward them like a tide.
That had been his "Mimic Tear big bro"-silent as iron from beginning to end, yet always dependable, always there when he needed help