A/N: Hello, fellow readers! I am back once again with a new chapter. I hope everyone stays safe from the craziness happening around the world, and what better way to distract yourself from it all is a good book to read, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights of Killer Instinct and Carrie. They belong to their respective owners.

Carrie wandered around the base, exploring the places. She hasn't heard from Jago since Sue informed her of the mission, which prompted Orchid to go after him. As she strolled past the training room, quick battle cries grabbed her attention.

Carrie stepped inside; the area was nearly bare with a large blue mat hugging the floor and smaller folded ones leaning against the wall. Kim Wu was at the center of the placemat, conducting her training session as she swung her nunchaku. She was so focused on her training that she didn't spot Carrie until she did at the corner of her eye. Abruptly, the nunchaku smacked her on the head. She yelped as she stopped, placing her hand on the impact spot.

"Kim! Are you okay?" Carrie jogged towards her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Oh, that hurt!"

"I'm sorry if I distracted you."

"No, no, that's okay."

"What happened?" Yeo said, detaching himself from Kim. After a quick inspection, he tried his best to contain his laughter.

"Don't you dare…" Kim said.

The Dragon Spirit couldn't hold it and let one out. He gained some composure while wiping a fake tear from his eye with his tail. "My apologies. Each time this happens, I can't help it." He blew a gentle breeze towards the impact spot, and the pain vanished. "Oh, Carrie, what a surprise."

Carrie stepped back slightly, avoiding eye contact.

"You don't have to fear him, Care," Kim said.

"It's okay. I expected this. Perhaps a change of appearance might ease the mood."

A bright light enveloped the little dragon as Yeo changed into a man of Korean descent, dressed in silk robes and his eyes obtaining cat-like slits. His salt and pepper mustache and goatee surrounded his lips. Slight rings of smoke puffed from an ivory pipe he held.

"How did you do that?" Carrie moved closer, studying Yeo in this form.

Yeo chuckled. "I am an Astral Being. Plus, I spent so much time with humans—Kim's family, in particular, that it wasn't hard for me to, what's that term… 'blend in with the crowd.'"

"Are there more Astral Beings out there?"

"Used to. I'm one of the last free ones; Gargos slew most of them and stole their powers."

"Like what Pemba said…"

"Pardon?"

"When Pemba recused Jago and me from Gargos's cult, she told us the story about her mother, and how Gargos wanted an Heir. His followers wanted me to bear that monster's child."

"Whoa, time out! How old are you?" Kim said.

"S-seventeen. My birthday had passed months ago," Carrie replied.

"Oh, man…" Kim glided her hand through her hair, her red bangs returning to her forehead. "Did you get a memo about this, of Gargos wanting a kid, Yeo?"

"No, but still, this is disturbing. Then, it's time to recruit new allies. Our first trip is to Japan to find Hisako. You must convince her to join us in our quest to defeat the Shadow Lord."

"Two questions: who is Hisako, and why would she help us?"

"I've been thinking the same," Carrie added.

"Hisako was once a human named Chiharu, who died centuries ago when defending her home from evil people. The Ichoriens found her anguished spirit and turned her into a gatekeeper between here and the Astral Plane. Since then, she longs to destroy the Shadow Lord and his army," Yeo explained. "You've seen her once, Kim, when you faced Shadow Jago, remember?"

As she recalled that day, Kim reached into the pocket of her coat-like cape, revealing a red cloth. "How can I forget? I still like her style. I should grab my portal key-"

"Don't bother. I have a better idea." Yeo brought out a whitish-blue orb from his pocket, now floating in his right hand. "This is a soul shard—a fragment of the Ichoriens. Not only does it contain my spiritual energy and give you your abilities, Kim, but it can also transport us to our destination."

"Cool! Also, can Care come with us?"

"What?!" Carrie and Yeo spoke together.

"Think about it: it'll be the perfect opportunity to get to know her," Kim said. "Aren't you bored being in here, Care?"

"Well, I…" Carrie said.

"Can you excuse us for a minute?" Yeo said. Once Carrie nodded, he and Kim moved away until they were out of earshot. "Is bringing Carrie with us a good idea, Kim?"

"With all due respect, she's bored. It won't hurt if I let her out for a while…"

"Have you forgotten what happened when Carrie unleashed her power? Orchid and ARIA mentioned two severe events in which she lost control."

"Yes, and I'm aware of the danger, but I believe her powers could help us. One time. After that, she'll stay back for more training."

Yeo formed a thin line around his lips while rubbing his chin, weighing the pros and cons. "Okay. Carrie can assist us, but she must stay out of any intense fights and remain close to us."

"Yes! I mean—of course." Kim and Yeo returned to Carrie. "So, how about it, Care? Would you like to come with us?"

"I don't know. I'm still a rookie in defending myself, and I don't wish to be a burden."

"What? You're no burden, and you won't be involved in significant fights, just to assist us. Think of it as a girl's outing, but with important errands."

"What if Jago finds out?"

"We'll cross that bridge when it comes."

Carrie glanced away, musing. Although she wanted to help the Alliance in the missions, she didn't want to hurt anyone if she lost control of her emotions, let alone her powers. "Well, I want to help. I understand the Alliance trying to protect me, but I wish to aid in this fight. I can't sit here and do nothing while the world suffers from that demon's wrath."

"Is that a yes?" Kim asked. Carrie nodded. "All right, this is gonna be great! Just you, me, and my little dragon!"

Yeo smiled, though still concerned. I hope Kim doesn't regret the decision, as do I. "You two should hang on." He let the soul shard float higher as it gleamed brighter, enveloping the small group until they vanished.

An eerie mist surrounded a small Japanese village, surrounded by a plethora of cracked gravestones and tall trees.

The buildings lay in ruin with a two-story pagoda and two Shinto gates at the front, along with a shrine surrounded with candles and dolls. The ground was muddy and filled with puddles from a recent shower.

Apart from the pattering drizzle, silence reigned until vagrant sparks of energy flared, expanding it to a ball of light. The colors collapsed in swirls, revealing Yeo, Carrie, and Kim.

"Whoa…" Kim said.

"What is this place?" Carrie asked.

"This is where Chiharu rests," Yeo said. "Her spirit rose again as a vengeful ghost that the locals call Hisako. For hundreds of years, she guarded the people of this village until Sadira came and disturbed her peace."

"Sadira? The same assassin that tried to kill me? Why would she come here?"

"Probably to mess things up," Kim said. "Still, I have some emo friends at home that would love it here."

"Not the best idea. A spiteful fury lingers in this place. Her presence is nearby! Get ready." Yeo changed back into his dragon form and slipped inside Kim.

"Stay close, Care," Kim instructed.

The telekinetic scanned her settings. A sudden chill crept behind her, tempting her to glance over her shoulder. Carrie recited the Lord's Prayer in silence as she craned her neck towards the stairs; nothing was behind her and Kim. She rested her hand over her heart while she steadied her breathing.

"You good?"

"Yeah. Yeo mentioned that Hisako's presence was nearby, so where she is?"

Suddenly, a loud shriek startled the women as they leaped off from their spots. Hisako emerged, bearing her razor-sharp teeth. The Onryō stepped off the last stone stair and into the ground, staring at the invaders.

*"Watashi no kazoku no maisō-chi o jama suru hito wa daredesu ka?!" she yelled.

Kim came to her feet while helping a trembling Carrie. "I don't understand what you said, but don't go Scream Face on us. I'm only looking for answers. Geez, you friggin' scared the life out of my friend here!"

*"Anata wa obiete imasu ka?"

"Yeo, can you help with the translation?"

"She's asking if you're frightened," the Dragon Spirit said.

"Apart from that jumpscare, no," Kim said to Hisako. "Why would I be?"

*"Shadō Jago to notatakai o mimashita. Anata wa shibaraku suitai shimashitaga, kekkyoku, yūki ga anata o shōri ni michibikimashita. Watashitachi no mijikai deai kara demo, anata wa watashi o osoremasendeshita. Anata ga dore dake yūkan ni tatakatte iru ka o mitaidesu."

"It seems Hisako has been watching you since your fight with Shadow Jago. She has prepared this test of bravery for you," Yeo said.

"Well, let's show her." Kim shifted to her combat stance. "Carrie, stand to the side. This might get ugly."

"Wait, you're fighting a ghost?"

"What choice do I have? It might be our ticket to have her join our side."

"Okay, but be careful." Carrie trotted towards a few gravestones near the shrine and remained there.

The haunted village—now a battlefield—was quiet. Hisako and Kim stared at each other until the former slipped into a portal she created.

"Where did she go?" Kim queried.

"Don't lower your guard," Yeo advised.

Kim scanned her surroundings until she sensed a presence and dodged an incoming blade from the Onryō. She launched a double roundhouse kick charged with blue flames, landing the first hit. Kim followed it with an overhead ax kick, but Hisako knocked her away.

She flipped back and went for a thrust kick, but the Onryō countered, slashing away with her weapon.

Hisako moved so fast that it was hard to determine where she was until Kim responded with a roundhouse kick. She charged towards her opponent, ready to swing her weapon. Kim flipped over the Onryō, striking back with her nunchucks.

Hisako swung her bladed weapon, but the youthful warrior countered with a flying kick.

She went for another assault until Hisako parried and landed a few hits, but Kim struck back.

As the fight progressed, the sky darkened, and lightning flashed, some striking the ground. Candles remained lit around the shrine and various memorial spots. Carrie remained in her place; she wanted to seek shelter from in case a bolt strikes her. She could've sworn she spotted an eerie glow from one of the temples, taking the appearance of what it once was before the ravage of time.

On the battlefield, the Onryō began her assault on Kim and widened her mouth to draw her opponent close, but Kim launched a flaming flying kick, landing a hit.

"Oh, no. I have seen enough horror movies to know what you planned to do." Kim launched two thrusting kicks, which the Onryō blocked. However, she landed hits with her nunchucks until Hisako knocked her back.

Hisako leaped in the air, ready to slash her weapon. Kim stomped the ground as the blue flames erupted, and she launched herself for an upward flying kick. Hisako countered and possessed Kim's body, popping several bones before she emerged once again.

Oh, God, that did not feel good!

After she recovered, Kim kicked the Onryō away before she launched more thrusting kicks, but Hisako parried and struck back. They exchanged one move from each counterattack until Kim landed a final flying kick to Hisako.

With the fight over, the darkness lifted from the village, and the lightning stopped, along with strange otherworldly events. The mist still lingered as if unaffected of the battle.

Kim panted as she backed away from the Onryō, the adrenaline flowing through her bloodstream. Minor cuts from Hisako's weapon littered her body, leaving tears on her clothing. She was close to collapsing when something stopped her.

Carrie extended her arms, letting her powers flow through Kim as she helped her regain balance. "Is it over?"

"Yeah. Damn…for a ghost, Hisako is tough."

Hisako regained consciousness as she sat up, still leaning on her weapon. "Anata no yūki wa izen yori mo kyōryokudesu. Tesuto ni gōkaku shimashita."*

Yeo detached himself from Kim, still in his dragon form. "Your bravery has impressed Hisako, Kim. You passed her challenge."

"What can I say? I have a gift for acing tests."

*"Shikashinagara," Hisako further spoke, "Garugosu to mukiau tsumorinara motto yūki ga hitsuyōdashi, nakama mo motto hitsuyō ni narudarou. To wa ie, watashi no tesuto ni gōkaku shitanode, watashi wa anata ni kuwawarimasu."*

"For passing her test, Hisako will join us on the fight, if you let her," Yeo said.

"Of course, as long as she doesn't scare Carrie again."

Hisako grinned and scuttled toward Kim. She rose to her feet and leaned on her weapon, swaying back and forth. *"Watashitachi wa sōdaina chīmu ni narimasu." Before she vanished, Hisako spotted Carrie, who slightly hid behind Kim. "Kyarī, anata ga saigo ni anata ni atta toki yori mo zutto kenkōdesu. Jago wa anata o jōzu ni atsukaimashita."*

Carrie and Kim glanced at each other before they shifted their attention to the Onryō.

Yeo, however, floated towards Hisako. "What do you mean? Do you know Carrie?"

*"Kojin-tekina kotode wa arimasenga, watashi wa sore ga okotta toki ni soko ni imashita. Sekinin aru hito ni ressun o oshietakatta nodesuga, kyarī wa watashi o nagurimashita. Kanojo o miru to… kowarete, hon'nō wa watashi ni kanojo no kurushimi o owara seru yō ni iimashita, shikashi watashi wa dekimasendeshita. Kanojo wa motto ataisuru niataisuru. Kore ni tsuite wa atode kuwashiku setsumei shimasu. Tasuku o sagashidasanakereba naranai. Sū-kagetsu mae ni shadōjago to rantō shita nochi, kare no omoide o torimodosu hitsuyō ga arimasu."

Once Hisako vanished, the village was quiet again. Yeo never expected Hisako to be aware of Black Prom, let alone Carrie. Still, she was a ghost, so she was free to roam wherever she pleased, despite her bondage to her family's burial ground.

"Yeo, is everything okay?" Carrie asked.

"Um, yes. As Hisako mentioned, we should seek the Watchman of the Gods, for his help is needed in the upcoming fight."

"I'm so glad to finally leave this place."

"You and me both," Kim said. "That fight will haunt me for the rest of my life."

A/N: Hisako has now joined with Kim, Carrie, and Yeo. Now the next person they seek out is Tusk, but will he be as convincing as our favorite Onryō? Also, Kim better hope Jago doesn't raise hell for bringing Carrie along for the ride. Anyway, time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.

Translations from Japanese:

*(Who dares to disturb my family's burial grounds?!)

*(Are you frightened?)

*(I watched your fight with Shadow Jago. You waned for a while, but eventually, your courage brought you to victory. Even from our brief encounter, you never feared me. I want to see how brave you are in battle.)

*(Your courage is more potent than before. You passed the test.)

*(However, you'll need more courage if you plan to face Gargos, and you'll need more allies. That said, for passing my test, I will join your team if you let me.)

*(We'll be a grand team. You're much healthier than you were the last time I saw you, Carrie. Jago treated you well.)

*(Not personally, but I was there when it happened. I wanted to teach the responsible ones a lesson, but Carrie beat me to it. To see her so...broken, instinct told me to end her suffering, but I couldn't. She deserves better. We'll talk more about it later. We must seek Tusk. He should have his memories back after his scuffle with Shadow Jago some months ago.)