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 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 nudged her awake.

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

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

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

Jago froze once he turned around, meeting the source of Carrie's scream. Behind them stood a gargoyle-like beast with iron braces on each wrist. A menacing yellow glow shone from its eyes. 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.

Carrie 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 cried as the monk struggled to escape the demon's grip.

With an evil sneer, the creature brought Jago close to its face. Its icy contempt betrayed its tiger-like visage. "Hello, dear monk. So glad to meet you."

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

"Come now. I've set aside time for us."

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

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 shouted until the Shadow Lord tightened his hold.

"You're in no position to make threats, boy." Gargos paused as he shifted glances between his captives. He then 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 lead 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 moved 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 glee until she stopped moving.

Her eyes gleamed an electric white when she opened them. 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 his eyes from the horror. Tears shimmered in his eyes. "You bastard, wh-what… what have you done to her?"

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

His 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. "Well, almost. You still have my thanks for our freedom. Now, Jago, there's one more task 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 him.

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

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

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

In a spacious, chair-filled room, people chatted. 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….

"Excuse me? Sir?" a voice called. A young woman sat behind a desk, her face filled with concern. "Is everything alright?"

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

The woman shook her head. "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 help, he strolled to Lhasa with Carrie on his back. After some time, he arrived at TAR People's Hospital. Inside, Jago informed the receptionist, who alerted 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 be close by if you need me."

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

Hours had passed since Carrie was admitted to the emergency room. A bald, middle-aged man in white emerged from the ER. "Is someone here for Carrie?"

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 must address the elephant in the room. That stab wound on her back… she's lucky to be alive."

Jago blinked. "What do you mean?"

"While examining her, I used a CT scan and discovered a nicked heart. Also present was fluid buildup. 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, killing her."

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

"It's not something you would want to hear," the doctor said. "Thanks to early detection, we're 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, flu shots, booster shots, nothing."

"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 helpful."

Jago found it strange that Carrie had no medical history. Perhaps her family couldn't afford to visit a doctor. He then recalled the old man's words. "I got nothing from her. I assumed Carrie had lived a difficult life."

The doctor nodded. "After her treatment, I might need to call child care services if--"

"You don't need to do that. I'll take Carrie in."

The doctor raised his brows. "Are you sure?"

Jago nodded. "The shrine has housed many orphans. Carrie is no different. 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. As they approached an elevator, the doctor pressed the Up button. Once the doors opened, the men entered.

The doctor pressed the number three button once the doors closed. The lift moved 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. "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. I'll come by later with the paperwork for you to be Carrie's foster parent. You also have the option to adopt her, but I'll leave that to you."

Jago nodded, and as the doctor left, he opened the door. The room was dark except for the fluorescent light attached to the wall. Moonlight seeped through the blinds covering a window. Soft, stray beams lit parts of the room and the person 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.

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 are you feeling?"

"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. Your heart developed fluid buildup from the stab wound. Large amounts. The catheter is there to drain it."

Her eyes widened as she moved her hand away from the catheter. "I'm so sorry."

Jago furrowed his brows. "For what?"

"For lying to you. Lying is a sin, but I didn't want you to worry." Carrie coughed while placing her hand on her chest. "Ow, my chest hurts."

An empathetic frown swept across the monk's face. A part of him regretted taking Carrie out for Drukwa Tsezhi. However, he hadn't expected Omen to 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 planning to do?"

"Trust me."

Carrie stared at the monk's hand. Omen's words echoed in her mind, but she shook her head. 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. A glowing aura surrounded the monk as the energy traveled through her arm. As it reached her chest, she prepared for something terrible. Instead, a surge of warmth enveloped her, erasing the pain. As soon as the energy appeared, 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."

She tilted her head. "Buddha of Medicine?"

"Yes. The person's name was Bhaiṣajyaguru."

"That's quite a mouthful."

Jago chuckled. "It is, I'll admit. When he attained enlightenment, he made twelve significant vows. After achieving Buddhahood, he used his teachings to cure 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. The Buddha of Medicine's power can be invoked by reciting his mantra."

"Like you did just now? How many times?"

"Until the power reveals itself."

"Oh. Is it possible to use these mantras?"

Jago scratched his chin. "I'm sure Christianity has some mantras. Not sure about healing, though. Why did you ask?"

Carrie waved her hand. "Just curious. Each night, I pray to God to help me heal my wounds. All I get is silence. That is why…."

"Carrie, mantras shouldn't be used as shortcuts towards achieving desired outcomes. They're more like paths toward enlightenment. By the way, you mentioned wounds, as in plural. So, that stab wound wasn't the only one?"

She 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 found me."

"Can I see the one on your left arm?"

Carrie lifted her arm, revealing the faint scar. The stitches had long since melted, leaving a pinkish-white line.

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

Carrie fell silent, struggling to answer without revealing her past. "A monster. It wanted to offer my soul to God to prevent me from sinning."

"As in, like a sacrifice?"

"Yes."

Taken aback, Jago fell silent. Who would do that to a child? "I don't understand. You have done nothing wrong."

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

Jago scrunched his brows. "Curse of Blood? Are you… talking about your cycle? Every women endures this natural process. Besides, you should be used to it by now."

Though trying to hide her face, Carrie's cheeks flushed pink. "This is my second."

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

"I'm sixteen. Why? Is anything wrong?"

Jago paused but shook his head. "Not at all. Still, I'll ask the doctors if they can do some testing tomorrow. I don't understand how womanhood is sinful. Who told you that?"

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. "Turning into a woman isn't shameful. If your mother believes that, then she needs to do some soul-searching. The journey to adulthood is scary but not evil."

"Then, why didn't she tell me?"

"You already know the answer. You just won't admit it," the voice said.

Jago didn't know what to say. "You should rest. You had quite a day."

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

"Of course. The doctor is probably looking for a guest room for me anyway. He also said he'd come by later with paperwork."

"Paperwork? What do you mean?"

"They planned to send you to a foster home after your stay in the hospital. They assume you're an orphan since you didn't tell them about your family."

"What?" Carrie's eyes widened as the heart monitor beeped faster. "No, no! I don't want to live in a stranger's house!"

"Carrie, calm down. Listen to me. I convinced them I would take you in."

Her heart monitor returned to normal as she drew slow deep breaths. "Why?"

Jago rested an assuring hand on the railing. "To spare you from the pain. There are decent shelters for children. However, I have heard horror stories about the shady ones. Plus, living where oppression and tyranny is present can be difficult."

Carrie lowered her head, fighting back the tears. "I don't know… what to say."

"Everything will be alright, but something bothers me. In my fight against Omen, your voice echoed in my head. How is that possible?"

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

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

With her body relaxed, Carrie shifted to a comfortable position. "Can you recite that prayer 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. "Jago?"

He paused, opening his left eye.

"Thank you… for saving me."

Jago smiled. 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.