---
A thin line split across the upper ridge of the cocoon and crimson light leaked through it in a bright living thread. Another crack followed at the lower down part, it was wetter and harsher, like a shell resisting the command to break before finally yielding to the body inside.
The cocoon split wider. Pieces peeled away. A section fell to the dark ground with a thick wet stone sound.
And Mira emerged from the cocoon.
Slowly at first. It was not because she was weak.
Because new shapes always took one moment to understand themselves.
Her head rose first through the opening, and the first thing Bat Bat saw was the hair.
Not ordinary hair.
