A/N: Hello, fellow readers! So, as you might've noticed, I've been doing some rework on my chapters, whether the word count is too big or for other reasons. The "Shapeshifter" chapter is one of those large word count moments where it needs to be split in half. That said, here's this small expansion, so happy reading.

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

Carrie let the news sink into her mind before her eyes widened. She covered her mouth with her hand while she glanced at Pemba. When they met her mother, Carrie sensed her time on Earth was ending. She wasn't sure how until she received a vision regarding the tumors.

She moved next to Pemba, placing an arm around her shoulder. While fighting her tears, the woman leaned against the teenager. Though Carrie wanted to tell Pemba to let the tears flow, she refrained. The last thing anyone needed was someone having an unfortunate rebirth.

"I can't imagine the pain you're in," she said. "I lost my mother too."

Pemba pulled away from the young girl. "Āmā kasarī gumā'unubhayō?"

Stumped by the language, Carrie turned to Jago for help.

"She asked how you lost your mother," he said. "I'm also curious. If I recall, you didn't tell the doctor about your family."

Carrie bit her lower lip. She had promised Jago that she would never lie to him. In addition, she debated how much she should reveal. "So, do you remember the monster I mentioned at the hospital?"

"The same one that gave you those cuts on your arm and leg?"

Carrie nodded. "Well, that monster had a friend. Both of them wanted to sacrifice us to God to prevent us from sinning. They killed my mother, but I escaped with minor wounds."

Pemba gasped, clamping her hand across her mouth. "Ē gariba kēṭī! Ajhai, mailē bujhina. Timī duṣṭa kāma garnē mānisa jastō dēkhidainau."

"Pemba doesn't understand how someone as kind as you can be damned," Jago said. "Carrie, show her."

Pemba raised an eyebrow. "Malā'ī kē dēkhā'unuhōs?"

"You'll see if she doesn't mind."

Carrie glanced away while kneading her hands. She took a deep breath and shifted her attention to a rock near the cave entrance. As she focused, the rock lifted itself in the air.

Watching, Pemba's eyes widened as the rock remained afloat. After spinning it several times, Carrie returned the stone to its spot. "Tyō adbhuta! Tapā'īnlē tyō kasarī garnubhayō?"

"She asked how you lifted the stone without touching it," Jago informed.

"Can you translate for me?" Carrie asked, and the monk nodded. "Pemba, I was born with this power. It is half the reason those monsters wanted to sacrifice me."

Jago converted the words into Nepali.

The woman fell silent, absorbing the information. "Ani timrī āmā? Kē unīsam̐ga pani yō śakti thiyō?"

"She asked if your mother had it," Jago said.

Carrie nodded. "It's passed from daughter to daughter, but somehow, it skipped her."

Once again, Jago translated the text into Nepali.

Pemba lowered her eyes, shaking her head. "Kasaikō niyantraṇa bhandā bāhirakō kurākō lāgi balidāna dinu hum̐daina, baccā pani hō'ina. Tapā'īṁ āphnai tarikāmā viśēṣa hunuhuncha, kyārī, ra ma tapā'īnlā'ī yastō bhāgyamā khuśī chu."

"She says no one should be condemned for something only nature controls. She also says that you are unique."

Carrie blinked as if she wasn't expecting that response. "So, you don't think I'm weird… or dangerous?"

Pemba scoffed. "Anauṭhō? Pakkai hō'ina. Khataranāka? Tyō tapā'im̐ yasalā'ī kasarī prayōga garnuhuncha mā nirbhara gardacha. Yasō bhanēpachi hōsiyāra hunuhōs. Janatālē tyastō śaktikō phā'idā uṭhā'um̐chan."

"She doesn't find you weird but advises caution regarding your powers. Some people would love to take advantage."

Nodding, Pemba spoke again.

Jago listened, his brows furrowed.

Carrie tilted her head. "What is it?"

"She has some knowledge of the Cult of Gargos and their goals. However, the language barrier will be a problem." Jago mused until an idea popped into his head. "Carrie, if I recall, you also have telepathy, right?"

"Yes?"

"I believe you might connect with us if you concentrate enough."

The young girl rubbed her arm. "I… I don't know…."

"I understand your reservations, but the information is vital. Plus, you might hear what Pemba is saying without hitting the language barrier."

As Carrie mused, the idea made sense. However, she didn't want to peek into anyone's mind. Relax. You're not invading their privacy. She closed her eyes and focused, using the skills she had self-taught. "Can anyone hear me?"

"I can," Jago said.

"Same here." Pemba shook her head. "Oh my. Is this how I sound if I learn English? Weird."

"Speaking through one's mind is weird. How long can you hold this connection, Carrie?" Jago asked.

"Not sure. I didn't focus so much on telepathy."

"But you had read books about it, right?"

Carrie nodded. "I guess we'll see how far I'll go. So, Pemba, you mentioned what that cult wants."

"Yes, and with horrible intentions. The same faction kidnapped my mother and several other girls as teenagers. They did this to fulfill a prophecy."

"What kind of prophecy?" Jago asked.

"Something about the Heir of Gargos, according to my mother. In ancient times, the beast needed a child to carry his brutal legacy.

"Willing to carry out this task, the cult searched for fertile women. Once they were brought to a hidden asylum, the cult conducted a ritual. They aimed to have Gargos choose a weak-willed woman to conceive with. Gargos didn't choose anyone, but that didn't stop them.

"During the ritual, they possessed dark magic. Soon after…" Pemba paused before continuing, "…they forced themselves on the women."

Jago curled his hands into fists. The thought of Gargos producing an heir sickened him.

Carrie swallowed. Her mother had warned her about those men. Had the cultists captured them, her and Jago's fate would've been sealed. "What happens if anyone can't bear this child?"

Pemba sighed as she lowered her eyes. "Then, the cult offered them to Gargos. My mother was the last to become pregnant, but she escaped. She wanted to kill me when she brought me into the world, but she changed her mind."

Carrie found that too familiar. Her mother had said she wanted to send her to God but kept her instead.

"As a child, I discovered the ability to change forms," Pemba said. "At first, I was scared because I didn't understand what was happening. Once my mother found out, she brought me to Thanza to learn about it. She kept her origins a secret until she was on her deathbed."

In an instant, a fiery pain crept inside Carrie's head. "…we must…stop." She gripped her head, breaking the mental connection.

Jago wasted no time checking on her. "Carrie?"

"Ah, my head! It hurts!"

The monk placed his hand on her forehead, closed his eyes, and chanted. The tattoo shimmered as a gold aura surrounded his hand. Carrie's distressed face relaxed as the pain faded away.

"Kē ūnī…?" Pemba asked.

"Unī ṭhīka china," Jago said. She gets a headache when she reaches her limit with telepathy. Time is running out. She must decide if she wishes to tame the power inside her.

Outside the cavern, the RIPTOR Stalker units hid in the brushwood. Within their cybernetic minds, words formed:

MONITOR TARGETS

ATTACK ONLY ON COMMAND

The pack's leader stared with saliva dripping from its mouth. With its stomach full, the orange beast continued its surveillance.

The peeking sunlight faded the ethereal glow around the waterfall. Only a small stream of smoke from the campfire inside the cave lingered. Jago sat up and stroked his windswept hair. He let out a yawn, followed by rubbing his eyes. As his vision returned, he glanced at Carrie and Pemba, who were still asleep.

As he rose to his feet, Jago approached the waterfall. He removed his mask before proceeding to splash his face with water. The coolness caressed his skin while chasing whatever sleepiness lingered. Refreshed, the monk stepped out of the cave, observing the sun's arrival.

Jago had a lot on his mind, despite being surrounded by calm nature. He balled his left hand into a fist. Just when you couldn't stoop any lower, Gargos, you want to spawn an offspring…

His thoughts were cut off when Pemba emerged from the cave. Despite her lack of tears, her eyes were puffy. She sniffled while rubbing her nose.

"Timīlā'ī kastō cha?" Jago asked.

Pemba sighed. "Ajhai sāmanā garna kōśisa gardai."

"Mam̐ bhanchu sabai ṭhīka huncha, tara tyō mūrkhatāpūrṇa hunēcha. Kyārī kahām̐ cha?"

"Ajhai sutirahēkō cha tara chiṭṭai uṭhnu parcha. Unī hijō rāti nidrāmā kurā garirahēkī thi'in. Unalē bhanirahēkī thi'in, 'āmā, sabaijanālē malā'ī māpha garidinuhōs. Ma cāhanchu ki māyā ra svīkr̥ta hōs.' Malā'ī lāgcha ki unī bēvāstā gari'ēkō huna sakcha."

"Kē tapā'īnlā'ī yati pakkā banā'um̐cha?"

Carrie stepped outside, rubbing her eyes before Pemba answered.

"Good morning, Carrie," Jago greeted her. "How did you sleep?"

The girl shook her head. "Still the same." While warming herself in the sun, Carrie spotted something in the woods. A reptilian eye peered, though hard to spot from a distance. "Jago? Pemba?"

"What's wrong?" the monk asked.

Carrie didn't answer as she pointed to the woods, where she had spotted the eye.

As Jago and Pemba followed the line of sight, they sensed something. Pemba told her friends to stay near the cave while she searched for the source. After a quick browse, whatever Carrie spotted vanished.

"Tapā'īnlē yō kē thiyō dēkhnubhayō?" Jago asked.

"Hō'ina, tara hāmīlē gāsāmā jānuparcha." Pemba placed her hands in a prayer position at chest level. Jago and Carrie shielded their eyes from the bright light that engulfed the woman. Her appearance changed once the light faded.

Throughout her massive, snake-like body, red scales glistened. Deer antlers sat on top of her head. Five-toed paws planted on the ground with stocky yet muscular legs.

Terrified, Carrie headed inside the cave.

Jago and Pemba glanced at each other before the former checked on her. He found her curled up against the wall. "Carrie?"

When Pemba poked her head inside, Carrie's eyes widened. "Get that away from me! It's a sin!"

Jago flinched his head back. "What are you talking about?"

"It's the form Pemba took. Dragons are servants of the Devil!"

Pemba tilted her head. "Ma gardina…."

"Yō ṭhīka cha. Mailē yō bujhēṁ. Carrie, why would you think Pemba's form is a depiction of evil?"

"The Bible talks about dragons, especially in Revelation. The Devil sends them to confront the people of God."

Jago nodded. "Fair enough. However, they're more misunderstood than you think."

"I… I don't…"

"Alright, Carrie, for your sake, I'll be blunt. Think of dragons as humans. One type helps humans and animals live in harmony. Then, you have the other sort where greed fills their hearts. Chaos and destruction are not obstacles in their path. Dragons are no different. Their behavior relies on the thoughts and feelings of people."

"So, dragons represent the hearts of people?"

"Yes."

Carrie fell silent, reflecting on his words. "I never thought of it that way."

"Well, I hope you'll think that way going forward. Come."

Before leaving the cave, they checked to ensure the area was cleared of their presence. As they approached Pemba, she lowered herself to let them climb on her back.

Carrie placed her hand on the dragon's snout. "I'm sorry for my reaction back there."

Pemba closed her gentle, demonic-like eyes with a slight grin. "Don't fret about it. You were taught something different, so I'm not complaining."

Carrie smiled. Once she and Jago climbed on her back, Pemba steadied herself.

"I hope you and Jago are not afraid of heights."

Before Carrie could comment, Pemba pushed off the ground, soaring toward the sky. As they ascended, the forest, along with the area surrounding it, zoomed out. Soon, the landscape was seen from above.

Different from an airplane, yet so exciting!

Now at cruising height, the trio continued on their journey.

Twilight marked its arrival as the sun ended its shift. Red and purple hues painted the sky as if darkness has conquered light. The fading sunlight reflected on the snow-tipped crags with lingering clouds.

Pemba, Carrie, and Jago had been traveling throughout the day, only stopping for breaks. As they flew over the mountains, small white buildings emerged. The village resided on a hill lushed with greenery. Mountains surrounded the town as if kept secret from the world.

"Hāmī yahām̐ chauṁ," Pemba said.

Carrie and Jago glanced down. "That's Gasa? It's beautiful! Should we be worried if they see us with a dragon?"

The monk shook his head. "I doubt that. We're too high. Where will we stay in the village?"

"There's a cottage outside the village. My mother hid there after escaping from the Cult of Gargos. I just hope that it's still standing," Pemba said.

They continued their flight around the village borders until they spotted a small building near the foothills. In a bird's-eye view, the outline blended into the forest.

After telling Carrie and Jago to hang on, Pemba descended. As they landed, they faced the cottage. Grass and other flora grew in the roof, with the entire structure constructed of stone. A wooden door remained in front, with windows patched on various parts of the building.

Pemba changed back into her human form once Carrie and Jago hopped off her back. Approaching the cottage, she turned the knob and opened the door. As they stepped inside, everything was dark. Jago provided light by summoning a fiery orb with his ki. The interior was combined with wood and stone. On their right, a fireplace remained idle, waiting to come alive.

"Still the same, though it could use some sprucing up," Pemba remarked.

As nightfall approached, the trio brought the cottage to life. In the woods, the RIPTOR Stalker units were still hiding.

Warmth filled the lounge as the fire cracked in the hearth. Carrie sat beside the fireplace, musing until she sensed a presence.

"Is it those dreams again?" Jago asked. Carrie fell silent as the monk sat next to her. "Do you wish to talk about it?"

She shook her head. "Too horrific to explain."

Jago nodded. "I'm sorry for what happened to your mother. You have my condolences."

"Thank you." Carrie paused for a moment. "I've decided."

"Hm?"

"The training that you offered me, I've decided."

Jago fell silent as he stared at the fire.

"W-what's wrong? Don't tell me you've changed your mind?"

"I haven't. Your decision is something I'd like to discuss with you. Have you used your powers for a longer period?"

Carrie lowered her eyes, reflecting on the carnage in Chamberlain and prior. "One time at a special event. The rest was in small moderation."

"When you used it, did it affect you in any way? For example, your rising heartbeat."

"Yes, although I thought little of it. Then, of course, there's the headache. Why did you ask?"

"Your powers have left me concerned about your health. I'm not sure what other side effects you might have experienced."

"What are you saying?"

"You need to be careful with your powers. It could kill you if you abuse them beyond the limitations of your mind and body."

"What?!" Carrie stood up, taking a step back. My powers… could kill me? She stared at her hands, trying to process the information. Her chest tightened while taking deep, shaky breaths.

Jago wanted to comfort her but held back to give her space. "I'm sorry to tell you that, but I wanted you to understand the danger."

The girl's eyes welled up with tears. "Why are you telling me this when I made my choice?"

"Carrie, I would have to consult with you, regardless of your decision. Power comes with responsibility. You need to understand your abilities and limitations."

She glanced away, letting the monk's words simmer. When Carrie discovered her gift, she believed she could make a change. The revelation about her deadly abilities hit her hard. "Can you help me?"

"Of course. First, we'll need to learn more about your powers. Once we grasp the full extent and limitations, we'll begin your training."

A/N: So, Carrie has decided to take Jago's offer. What kind of training regime should Jago do for Carrie? Well, time to let my brain rest. After all, it had been a few weeks, so I'll see you later.

Translations from Nepali:

Is she...?

She'll be fine.

How are you?

Still trying to cope.

I'd say everything will be okay, but that'd be unwise. Where is Carrie?

Still asleep but she should wake up soon. She was talking in her sleep last night. She kept uttering, 'Mama, everyone, please forgive me. All I want is to be loved and accepted.' I think she might've been neglected.

What makes you so sure?

Did you see what it was?

No, but we should head to Gasa.