A/N: Much like with Chapter 6, the next one has to be split up due to the high word count during the editing. This is a small expansion of the "Secrets" chapter. Enjoy, and happy reading!

Disclaimer: Carrie and Killer Instinct belong to their respective owners.


"Where am I?"

Jago pushed himself off a hard, teal floor and studied his surroundings. Around him was a black void with countless stars and swirling dust clouds. When a groan reached his ears, he found Carrie lying on the same surface. As he approached her, the monk kneeled and nudged her awake.

Carrie groaned as her eyes fluttered open. "Jago? Where are we?"

The monk helped the girl to her feet. "Not sure. We must leave."

"What's—" Carrie screamed and pointed to something behind them, her eyes widening.

Once Jago turned around, he froze upon meeting the source of Carrie's scream. A giant gargoyle-like beast stood behind them, with iron braces clasped on each wrist. Its ominous and sickly yellow eyes glowed. Its sharp-toothed humanoid-tusked mouth pulled into a sardonic grin.

"Carrie, run!" Jago said as the creature grabbed him, lifting him off the ground.

The girl twisted on her heel and ran until a portal emerged from the ether. Several cackling Omens appeared from the gateway and pounced on her.

"Help me! Jago, help me!" Carrie shouted as the monk struggled to escape the demon's grip.

Still retaining its evil sneer, the creature brought Jago close to its face. Its icy contempt betrayed its tiger-like visage. "Hello, little monk. So good to see you."

Jago kept struggling to break free. "Can't say likewise, Gargos."

"Oh, come now, and I carved out time for us."

"You can keep it, so let us go."

Gargos scoffed. "As if I'll let that happen." He cast his cold, yellow eyes toward Carrie. "I'm pleased that you've brought the girl."

"I swear if you hurt Carrie—" Jago spoke until Gargos tightened his hold.

"You're in no position to make threats, boy." Gargos paused as he shifted glances between his captives. Then, he released a faux expression of insight. "Oh, I see! You care for the child, do you?"

He gave a silent nod to his minions. With the Omens holding Carrie down, the main one wrapped its claws around her neck.

"In that case, we should start your next lesson. Now, witness the birth of my strongest fighter."

"NO!" Jago yelled.

Carrie screamed as Omen plunged his hand into her chest. He ripped her soul from her body, her form wavering in the void. After tossing it into the Abyss, Omen phased into Carrie's body. Wriggling on the floor, Carrie's eyes rolled upward. Spittle flew from her mouth, and her skin turned a pale blue. The Omens cackled with a daemonic craze until the girl stopped moving.

When she opened them, her eyes gleamed an electric white. As she pushed herself off the floor, 'Carrie' cackled a strange double-layered laugh. An evil black aura surrounded her as electric wings sprouted from her back.

Jago glared at Gargos, averting away from the horror. Tears shimmered in his eyes. "You bastard, wh-what… what have you done to her?"

Gargos laughed. "Don't worry, little monk. I'll take good care of her. What about you, hm? Will you join me? If you do, you and Carrie will be together."

The monk's eyes narrowed. "Like Hell, I will!"

"Ha, defiant until the end." Gargos wrapped Jago's neck with his clawed hand. "I almost feel… sorry for you. After all, you were my favorite student." He pulled his mouth into an evil grin. "Almost. You still have my thanks for our freedom. Now, Jago, I have one more task for you to accomplish for the 'Tiger Spirit.'"

A black portal appeared, where a sprawling gulf of madness and insane shapes reigned. Jago trembled at what awaited there.

"Nyarlathotep, the Old Ones, and the Outer Gods require your presence. You will be the perfect toy for them as they feast on your sanity and flesh. May your name, screams, and torment be heard and last for eternity," Gargos said.

Once the Shadow Lord flung him, Jago fell into darkness, screaming.

The monk shot up from his chair, cold sweat covering his body. Looking around with widened eyes, he wasn't in that strange realm.

The room was spacious with several chairs, filled with murmured people. Doctors and nurses headed from one place to the next, working hard. The ceiling lights lit the cream walls adorned with vibrant thangkas. A clock hung above the chairs, showing 7:20 pm.

Just a dream. Jago slowed his breathing, his mind settling into reality. Yet, it was so vivid, and Carrie…. He shut out the horrible image of the girl possessed by Omen. At least I stopped that demon from doing so. Still, why was he intrigued with her?

"Excuse me? Sir?" a voice called. Jago shifted towards the source: a young woman sitting behind a desk. "Is everything okay?"

"I'm… I'm fine, miss." Jago exhaled through his mask. "Is there any news about Carrie?"

"Not yet. I wouldn't worry too much. Your friend's in excellent hands."

I hope so. Jago fell silent, musing. After thanking the nuns for their help, he strolled to Lhasa. Often, he had to check a sick Carrie on his back.

It took some time, but he had arrived at TAR People's Hospital. Inside, Jago informed the receptionist, who called forth two doctors. Minutes later, they came with a rolling stretcher. He remembered the girl's frightened expression as he had set her on the bed.

"It'll be okay," he had told her. "I'll remain close by if you need me."

Though fearful, Carrie had nodded before the physicians wheeled her away.

Hours had passed since Carrie was admitted into the emergency room. Then, a bald, middle-aged man in white emerged from the ER door.

"Is someone here for Carrie?" he said.

Jago arose from his seat. "I am."

"Come with me."

The monk followed the doctor to a sitting room.

"I should start by saying that the nuns did a splendid job. With antibiotics, the infection should clear up. However, I need to address the elephant in the room. That stab wound on her back… she's lucky to be alive."

The monk blinked. "What do you mean?"

"While examining her, I used a CT scan and discovered a nicked heart. There was also fluid buildup linked with it. Carrie was suffering from pericardial effusion. This occurs when fluids exert pressure on the heart. The scary part is that anyone who suffers from it doesn't show any symptoms. If left untreated, it would lead to cardiac tamponade, which would kill her."

Jago could not believe the information while he simmered it in his mind. "By the Tiger…."

"It's not something you'd want to hear," the doctor said. "Fortunately, we caught this on time and are treating it."

"That's good. Still… when I saw Carrie rubbing that area, I asked her if she was okay. She said yes, so… why would she…?"

"Maybe she didn't want you to worry. There is something else you should know. I tried to look up your friend's medical history, but it was blank. No annual check-ups, no flu shots, no booster shots, nothing. It's as if she didn't exist."

"No medical history? Did you ask her?"

"I did, even about family. She said, and I quote, to 'not talk about it.' Do you know anything about your friend? Any information would be of great help."

Jago found it hard to believe that Carrie had no medical history. Perhaps her family didn't have enough money to visit a doctor. Then, he remembered the old man's words. "I got nothing from her. I assumed Carrie must've lived a tough life. When can I see her?"

Before the doctor answered, a buzz from his phone grabbed his attention. He reached into his pocket and checked the contents. "I got a text from one of my colleagues. They have finished draining excess fluid from her heart. However, I would advise that she needs to stay here."

"How long?"

"I would say a week or two." The doctor arose from his seat. "Come. I'll take you to her."

The doctor and Jago strolled through the hall, leaving the sitting room. When they approached an elevator, the doctor pressed the Up button. The doors opened a few minutes later, and the men stepped inside.

Once the doors closed, the doctor pressed the button with the number three. The lift moved slowly, creaking until a soft ding rang and the doors opened. They walked through the lobby until they reached the door. On the wall beside the door was a plaque labeled 310 with Carrie's name under it.

"Here we are," the doctor said. "Now, your friend should be awake, but she might still be sedated."

Jago placed his hands together and bowed his head. Before he opened the door, he paused. "Does this place have a guest room?"

The doctor rubbed his chin. "I'll see what I can do."

Jago nodded, and as the doctor left, he opened the door. The room was dark except for the fluorescent light attached to the wall. Faint moonlight seeped through the blinds covering a window. Its soft, stray beams lit parts of the room and an occupant lying in bed.

Stepping inside, Jago moved closer, examining the sleeping girl. Carrie's chest rose and fell with each breath she took. Sensors from a wired heart monitor hid inside her gown. An IV line was taped to her hand. A small catheter was in her chest, leading to a drainage canister.

It seems she's still out of it. While watching the young girl, Jago's dream was still on his mind. Startled at first, he shook his head. The monk found a chair and brought it closer to the bed. He sat beside her and recited a chant. Minutes passed as Jago continued his chant when a groan stopped him.

Carrie's eyes fluttered until she turned her head towards the monk. "Ja… Jago?"

"Hey. How do you feel?"

"Groggy." Carrie spotted the catheter on her chest. "Wha—What's this?" Before she reached for it, Jago grabbed her hand.

"Don't mess with it. The doctor told me there was fluid buildup in your heart resulting from the stab wound. Large amounts. The catheter is there to drain it."

With eyes slightly widened, Carrie moved her hand away from the catheter. Then, she shifted her head towards the ceiling, drawing a deep breath. "I'm so sorry."

The monk furrowed his brows. "For what?"

"For lying to you. Lying is a sin, but I didn't want you to worry. Now, look where it got me. Perhaps this is God's way of—" Carrie coughed while placing her hand on her chest. "Ow, my chest hurts."

Jago drew in an empathetic frown. A part of him regretted taking the girl out for Drukwa Tsezhi. Then again, he didn't know Omen would appear. In addition, Carrie had a close brush with death regarding her condition. "Mind if I do something?"

"What is it?"

Jago held out his hand in offering. "Give me your hand."

"Wha… what are you going to do?"

"Trust me."

Carrie stared at the monk's hand. Chills spread throughout her body as her stomach churned. Omen's words echoed in her mind, but she shook her head mentally. That thing was lying. After a slight pause, Carrie reached out and grasped his hand.

Jago glanced at the door, checking to ensure they were alone. He closed his eyes and recited the following words. "Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha." He repeated the words until he opened his right eye, revealing a gold glow.

Carrie gasped. Though tempted to pull her hand away, she didn't. A glowing aura surrounded Jago as the energy traveled through her arm. As it reached her chest, she prepared for the worst, but nothing horrible happened. Instead, a surge of warmth filled her, erasing any lingering pain. Just as the energy appeared, it faded away. The aura around Jago dimmed until it vanished.

After a brief assessment, Carrie was speechless. "Wha—what did you do?"

"I invoked the Buddha of Medicine to help you," Jago said. "I only gave you a small portion, but it should be enough."

"Buddha of Medicine?"

"Yes. This person went by Baisajyaguruu."

"That's quite a mouthful."

The monk chuckled. "It is, I'll admit. When he attained enlightenment, he made twelve great vows. Upon achieving Buddhahood, he used his teachings to cure the suffering."

Carrie scrunched her brows. "You mean he became the Buddha? But I thought Gautama was the Buddha."

"Yes, but Gautama is the supreme Buddha. To draw forth power from the Buddha of Medicine, one must recite a mantra."

"How many times?"

"Until the power reveals itself."

"Oh. Is it possible to use these mantras, despite religious beliefs?"

The monk scratched his chin. "I'm certain that Christianity might have some mantras. Not sure about healing, though. How come you asked?"

The girl waved her hand. "Just out of curiosity. Each night, I pray to God to help me, even heal my wounds. All I get is silence. That's why…."

"Carrie, mantras shouldn't be used as shortcuts towards achieving desired means. They're more like paths towards enlightenment. Instead of thinking about what you desire, be grateful for what you have. By the way, you mentioned wounds, as in plural. So, that stab wound wasn't the only one?"

The girl froze, unsure what to say. After debating within herself, she sighed. "I have two cuts: one in my right leg and one in my left arm. That man patched them up when he took me in. They probably would've healed by now."

"Mind if I see the one on your left arm?"

Carrie rose her arm, revealing the faint scar. Upon closer inspection, the stitches had long since dissolved. Only a thin, pinkish-white line remained, nearly touching the elbow.

Jago studied the blemish. "How did you get this? The same with your leg?"

"A monster. It wanted to offer my soul to God to prevent me from sinning."

"As in like a sacrifice?"

Carrie nodded.

Taken aback, Jago fell silent. Who would sacrifice a child? Then, he reflected on what Omen mentioned about Carrie's sins. "I don't understand. You have done nothing wrong."

"I did by receiving the Curse of Blood." Carrie covered her face with her hands. "Now that I'm a woman, I sinned."

"Curse of Blood? Are you… talking about your cycle? There is nothing sinful about it. It is only a natural process that all women endure. Besides, you should be used to it by now."

"This is my second."

"Second? Forgive me if I ask, but how old are you?"

"I'm sixteen. Why? Should I be concerned?"

The monk paused but shook his head. "Not at all. It's normal for young women to be delayed in that… department. Still, I'll ask the doctors if they can do some testing tomorrow. Who told you that womanhood was sinful?"

Carrie swallowed an invisible lump in her throat. "Mama."

"Your mother told you this?" Jago folded his arms while a thin line formed on his lips. He glanced away before he studied her. "Turning into a woman isn't shameful or a sin. If your mother believes that, then she needs to do some soul-searching. The journey to adulthood is scary but not evil."

"Why didn't she tell me anything?"

Jago didn't know what to say. He wanted to ask more questions but held back. Baki claimed Carrie was in a terrible place. If her mother… I think I understand now. "You should rest. You had quite a day."

"Can you stay with me? I don't want to be alone, especially after…."

"Of course. The doctor is probably looking for a guest room for me anyway. Something bothers me, though. In my fight against Omen, your voice echoed in my head. How is that possible?"

"I'm not sure." Carrie crossed her arms around her stomach. "It could be a mind trick."

Jago stared, his eyes narrowed. Carrie's hiding something, but what? "Hm, I guess that makes sense. Sleep now."

Relieved, Carrie shifted to a comfortable position. "Can you recite that prayer earlier before I woke up?"

The monk nodded. Closing his eyes, he chanted the Avalokitesvara Mantra.

Like a lullaby, the words pulled Carrie into a calming sleep. Before giving in, she spoke, "Jago?"

He paused, opening his left eye.

"Thank you… for saving me."

Jago smiled as he watched over her. As he resumed his chant, Carrie fell into a deep sleep.


A/N: Who never thought that a terrifying experience from Omen would bring these two together? Well, time for my brain to test. See you soon.