A/N: Hello, fellow readers. Given that today is my birthday, why not bring forth a new chapter? With that out of the way, sit back and happy reading.

Update: this chapter has been revised.

Disclaimer: Please check the sign from the previous chapters before reading.

Ukraine's war-torn town remained silent. Its streets echoed with the haunting stillness of a shattered community. The buildings that once stood tall were mere skeletons. The rubble whispered the sad story of lives lost and dreams crushed.

Within the dreary city, a bunker stood untouched by destruction. Its faded concrete walls, pocked with bullet holes, stood. The entrance, concealed behind a broken wooden door, was almost invisible amidst the debris and fallen bricks.

Two Disavowed agents, armed with assault rifles, stood sentinel at the entryway. Their gazes scanned the surroundings for signs of movement.

Inside, Orchid was in the comm room. In the soft light of computer screens, it buzzed with activity.

Since the Stalker attack, the Disavowed sought another base of operations. They weighed several criteria when choosing. They needed a well-hidden, difficult-to-detect location with multiple entry/exit points. In addition, it had to provide a path to resources while reducing the risk of enemy discovery.

When they discovered the bunker, it checked all the boxes. However, it came with challenges. It lacked proper ventilation and natural light, making it cramped.

The limited space also posed a challenge, forcing them to adjust their equipment and supplies. Despite these flaws, the bunker's secrecy and fortified structure made it their only chance at survival.

While facing the monitors, Orchid remembered a week had passed. She winced when reaching for her ear transmitter. She glanced at the bandages around her right arm, concealing the gashes left by a Stalker unit from the attack. To lessen the injury, Orchid tapped the transmitter with her left hand.

"Black Flower to Oriental Tiger, come in," Orchid said. No response came. "Oriental Tiger, come in." Silence again. She sighed. Please, Jago, respond. I get it. Transmitters might not be your thing—

"This is… Oriental Tiger, right? Over? These code names are so weird," the monk said.

At least he's learning. "How far are you and Carrie at?"

"We're fifteen minutes from the apartment."

"Listen, that area's no longer secure."

"What? Why?"

"I'll explain everything when you arrive. Do you still have the GPS device?"

"I do."

"Okay. Give me five minutes to update it." Orchid typed on the keyboard. "You haven't told me how you and Carrie can arrive."

"Pemba is helping us with that."

"Pemba? The supposed shapeshifter?"

"Yes. It sounds like you don't believe that."

"Let's say I'm a woman who wants proof rather than trust someone's claims," Orchid said.

"You'll meet Pemba once we arrive," Jago said. "Just don't have your agents shoot at us."

"Don't fret, brother. You're in safe hands. One question: What should we expect pending your arrival?"

"There will be a giant bird with multicolored feathers. You won't miss it."

"A massive bird, huh? Alright. I'll inform my agents to monitor for unusual sightings. Black Flower, out."

"Oriental Tiger, out."

Orchid leaned back in her chair, musing. Although it sounded absurd, she had seen stranger things in her career.

"Petite Fleur?"

Snapped from her thoughts, Orchid glanced back at Jean, who peeked behind the door. "Yes?"

"I came to inform you that Mr. Garrett is here."

"Where is he?"

"He's waiting in the conference room."

"Okay. Also, call a meeting. We have much to discuss."

The makeshift meeting space had a worn-out table and random chairs. Chemical lights hung at the table's edge, providing the only light source. TJ sat at the table, drumming his fingers. Beside him were his escorts- two covert agents who brought him here.

"So, this is your headquarters? Not what I expected," TJ said.

"Spy rings do not have headquarters. We operate in various locations," one of his escorts said. "This is a place to meet."

"Well, ain't that somethin'. It makes sense, though; it keeps you movin' and is challenging to track. So, when will I meet the boss?" TJ asked.

"She will come soon. Many demands require her attention," the second escort said.

"Oh shit, the head honcho's a woman? Um, question: is she single?"

The first escort chuckled. "I'm afraid that's classified information, Mr. Garrett. Our focus is on the mission at hand, not personal matters."

TJ grinned. "Fair enough, just thought I'd ask. Can't blame a guy for trying, right?"

"Same old TJ. Your appearance might've changed, but your personality remains the same," a familiar voice said.

TJ froze when he shifted to the source. Orchid stood in the doorway, a faint smile on her lips.

"Holy hell! Orchid, is that you? Damn, I haven't seen you in a long time. What the hell are you doing running a spy ring?"

"Life can take unexpected turns," she said.

"Tell me about it. What happened to your arm?"

"Oh, this? Stalker unit attack. They caught my crew and me off guard, but we escaped. You must've had a nasty run-in with them as well."

"No shit. Those damn things came out of nowhere while I was heading to…" The former boxer paused, reminiscing about his beloved gym.

As she approached him, Orchid rested her hand on his shoulder. "My contacts informed me about your gym in Chicago. I'm so sorry."

TJ patted her hand with his. "It's alright, O, and I appreciate your condolences. That gym meant everything to me. It was where I found my passion, my purpose. Losing it was painful but also brought me here, ready to fight Ultratech. So, when can we start?"

"I have another person coming with precious cargo, and I'll address it in the meeting. Once they arrive, we can discuss our plan of action."

"Sounds good to me."

Later, the Disavowed agents arrived at the assembly room, joining Orchid and TJ. Excitement and tension filled the room as they prepared to plan their strategy.

"Alright, everyone," Orchid said. "Now that we're all here, let's begin. William, what's the news about the funding?"

"Funding from sympathizers is promising," William said. "We've received generous contributions from various individuals who believe in our cause. With their support, we can ensure we have the resources."

"How long will it take to allocate?"

"Based on the projections and contributions, we should allocate within two weeks."

Orchid nodded. "That should give us time to prepare. Do we have any updates from our informants?"

"Intel has been quiet in recent days," an agent said. "With Ultratech tightening their security measures, it's difficult for us to gather information. We must devise alternative ways and stay one step ahead of them."

Another agent spoke. "I have a contact who might have insider knowledge of Ultratech. I'll ask them if they can provide valuable intel."

"Keep me updated on how it goes," Orchid said. "Now, before we dismiss, there's one last thing to address. As you all know, my brother is coming over with his ward. When I spoke with him, he received unexpected help with his travel. We must seek a location to prevent Ultratech from launching another unexpected attack."

"Did he say anything to expect upon his arrival?" a third agent asked.

"Yes, and you may not believe this. My brother advised us to watch for a gigantic bird adorned with bright feathers."

The agents murmured, unsure what to make of Orchid's statement.

"Are we talking about a code here, boss?" a random agent asked.

"No, no code this time. You could say my brother found a unique companion."

"I can vouch," Jean said. "During the China/Tibet/Bhutan mission, my team and I discovered a woman with the boss's brother and his ward. She's called Pemba and appears to shapeshift."

Murmurs and whispers engulfed the area as the agents processed this information.

"That's some science fiction bullshit," TJ said. "Is there proof?"

Jean smiled and pulled out a small device from his pocket. "In the mission, I caught this woman changing into a wolf and attacking a Stalker unit weeks ago." Once he pressed play, a 3D image emerged. It showed a horse-sized wolf tackling a Stalker unit and ripping the raptor's head from its body. The wolf morphed into a woman moments later.

Almost every agent and TJ stared, their jaws dropping.

"Is this some kind of joke?" one agent said, breaking the silence.

"I've seen some strange shit in this line of work, but this takes the cake," another agent added.

"Man, I'm still processing the woman ripping that fucking Stalker's head clean off as a goddamn wolf!" TJ said.

Orchid raised her hand. "Settle down, everyone. We can debate fantasy and reality later. So, any suggestions for a venue to accommodate my brother, his ward, and this shapeshifter?"

"How about the facility we used for a high-profile covert mission last year?" one agent suggested. "It's well-defended and still contains the equipment. It's in a remote area, which lessens the chance of unwanted attention or interference."

"Do you mean the one that resembles an abandoned church?" Orchid asked. "It's a strong contender, but we should consider the possibility that Ultratech stumbled upon it. We should conduct a thorough assessment to ensure its integrity is intact."

"Agreed. Let's send a team to investigate. It's better to be safe than sorry," Nikita said.

"Alright," Orchid said. "Jean, you and your team head to the site. Don't leave any stone unturned. Report back to me once the assessment is complete."

"Understood," Jean said.

"As for everyone else, prepare for a potential move," Orchid said. "Dismiss."

The agents dispersed, each attending to their respective tasks.

TJ stretched his arms. "If you need me, O, I'll head up front where those guards are."

"Okay. Also, tell the guards to scan the sky for my brother."

"A giant bird?" The first guard raised a brow after TJ arrived and passed Orchid's message. "Are you sure she didn't mean something else?"

"Jago told her that. Also, Jean believes this bird could be a shapeshifter," TJ said.

The second guard scratched his head. "A shapeshifting bird? It must be a joke. What's next, talking squirrels and magical fairies?"

"Shit, you never know, right? Weird things happen in this crazy world," TJ said.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," the first guard said. "I've encountered some bizarre things, but a bird that shapeshifts? That's a new one."

The second guard shrugged. "Well, if it shows up, I hope it can carry some of our task load."

While TJ and the guards conversed and laughed, the ground trembled beneath their feet. Pausing mid-conversation, the men exchanged puzzled glances as the faint vibrations grew.

"What's happening? Earthquake?" the first guard asked.

"No way, and it's not the weather either," the second guard said. "It's supposed to be a mixture of sun and clouds."

The first guard reached for his radio. "David, you and your squad should meet at the entrance. Something strange is happening."

"Alright. We'll arrive in a few minutes. I'll call the boss to inform her."

After the transmission, the guards and TJ stepped outside, scanning their surroundings. Above them, a shadow passed, followed by an ear-splitting screech.

"What was that?" TJ asked.

Once David and his team arrived, another screech echoed, combined with thunderous wing flaps. Everyone exchanged worried stares as a colossal winged creature with shimmering feathers emerged from the clouds.

"What in the MonsterVerse is that?!" TJ shouted as the bird flew past them. Freaking out, everyone scrambled for cover.

The bird circled, heading toward the building. Once it landed, it spread its wings, screeching. Its piercing amber eyes gazed at the hiding humans. Fear and awe gripped the guards, TJ, and David's team. Most agents pointed their weapons at the creature in alarm, while others made cross signs.

"What do we do? Shoot it?" one agent asked.

"No. Hold your fire," David said. "We don't know what it's capable of."

"Excuse me? Hello?" a voice called.

David peeked through his rifle scope and spotted a masked man dressed as a Tibetan monk perched on the bird's back. Next to him was a young woman in her teens, also dressed in Tibetan robes.

"Please, don't be alarmed," the masked man said, his voice calm. "We mean no harm."

"Everyone, remain in position." David appeared from his hiding place, his weapon lowered but ready. Being cautious, he approached the bird and its riders. "Who are you?"

The monk pressed his hands together and bowed. "I am Jago. We came at your leader's request."

"Wait a minute. Are you Orchid's younger brother?"

"That I am."

David squinted. "How do I know for sure? You might be an Ultratech spy."

"Have doubts, eh?" Jago crossed his arms. "Well, ask me a question that only I can answer."

David paused for a moment. "While possessed, what do you recall of the tournament events?"

Jago's expression softened, and he took a deep breath. "I remember a dark chill engulfing me. While I saw myself do horrible things, I cried. I wanted to believe it was a dream, but it was real. Every scream, cry, and impact affected me. All the while, I couldn't stop."

David noted the monk's genuine pain and remorse. He then lowered his gun. "Damn, man, I can't imagine what you've endured. It was one thing to hear this from Orchid, but hearing it from you, I believe you."

"Thank you. Even though I'm atoning for my sins, I'm here to help. So are my friends."

While interacting with Jago, David caught a familiar face beside the monk. In recognizing the woman, his heart skipped a beat. Reports of the Black Prom massacre flooded his mind, but he reminded himself that people change. "Is that Carrie?"

The young woman crouched when the agent mentioned her name.

Jago rested a comforting hand on Carrie's shoulder. "Yes. She's been through a lot, but I vouch for her and believe she can contribute in more ways than one."

If only you knew about the chaos she unleashed. "I trust your judgment, Jago. If you say she's here to assist, I'll give her a chance, but I'll keep a close eye on her. Same with this giant bird, too." David glanced at his comrades and TJ, who were still on high alert. Some of his teammates still had their weapons aimed. He raised his hand, signaling them to lower their guns, easing the tension.

Orchid arrived minutes after receiving an urgent call. "What happened? What's this about—?" She paused when she saw the bird. "What in the actual fu—?"

"Hello, sister." Jago bowed. "I hope Pemba had frightened no one."

Almost speechless, Orchid pointed at the bird. "Wait, this is Pemba?"

The bird tilted its head. "Aba kē tapā'īṁ āphnō bhā'ilā'ī mērō ākāra parivartana garnē kurāmā viśvāsa garnuhuncha?"

"What the hell?! Did that big-ass, kaiju-ass bird talk?!" TJ said. "Also, what did she say?!"

"Pemba asked if you believe me about her being a shapeshifter," Jago said.

"I guess, but tell her to be less scary next time. Some of us shat bricks when she flew above us," TJ said.

The monk's eyes crinkled as he translated the ex-boxer's request to Pemba in Nepali. The bird made a strange noise as if she were laughing.

"This damn bird thinks it's funny, scaring the hell out of everyone," TJ uttered.

Orchid chuckled at the situation. "Well, I must admit, she makes quite an entrance. Jago, why don't you come down with your ward?"

"Give me a minute." Jago turned to Carrie. "So, are you ready?"

"I… I think so. What if these agents turn on us?"

"I understand your concerns, but we're here to protect you."

Though still nervous, Carrie exhaled and nodded. As she and Jago began climbing down, Pemba lowered herself, her massive wings folded against her body. They gripped onto her feathers, taking their time. Jago spoke Nepali to Pemba once their feet touched the ground.

Pemba closed her eyes as a bright light enveloped her. Everyone shielded their eyes as the light strengthened. As it faded, they saw Pemba in her human form. She then rolled her shoulders, stretching her muscles. "Phēri mānchē banna pā'um̐dā rāmrō lāgcha."

Everyone, except Carrie and Jago, gasped.

"Okay, not capping: that was cool," TJ said.

"Let's get inside first. We can't stay outside for long," Orchid said.

Carrie stayed close to Jago as everyone headed inside, finding comfort in his presence. While scanning inside the bunker, she noted the array of advanced technology and surveillance systems lining the walls, which both awed and unnerved her. Several agents continued their tasks along the way, glancing at the newcomers with curiosity and suspicion.

Once they reached the conference room, Orchid informed her agents to wait outside, for she needed to speak with their newfound guests.

"Do you want me to leave too?" TJ asked.

"No. Stay," Orchid said. "First, I appreciate you arriving here in one piece, given you've flown on a giant bird."

Pemba smiled with pride.

"The weather has been kind to us," Jago said until he spotted the bandaged arm. "What happened?"

"Stalker units. It was the reason the previous place got breached, but we all escaped. Ultratech's attack was unexpected and caught us off guard," Orchid said. "Since then, we've been on full alert. I'll be fine. It'll take more than gashes to break me."

"You're lucky to have escaped."

"What can I say? I'm a survivor. If anything, I'm more concerned about your ward, brother, given what she could do."

"Well, Pemba and I have trained her to harness and use her power well. Although she's made progress, there's still work to do. Still, I believe in her potential and ability to face challenges."

"Wait, the kid's got powers? She looks normal to me," TJ said. "What's your name?"

"It's Carrie," the girl said.

"Carrie. Wait. The name sounds familiar, but I can't remember where. Carrie, Carrie…" TJ reflected on his visit to the Toons Bar Grill in Chicago, where the news discussed the graveyard incident in Maine. In addition, the locals talked about the Black Prom massacre. While turning pale, he needed more confirmation. "Um, kid, what's your last name, if you don't mind me asking?"

Swallowing, Carrie answered, "It's White, sir."

TJ's healthy eye widened as he made the connection. Oh, shit! "Um, Orchid, I need to talk to you."

"Um, sure. There's a separate room we could use-"

"Okay, good." TJ headed there with Orchid.

Jago furrowed his brows. "Is everything okay?"

"No worries. I have to discuss something with your sister. It's nothing alarming. We'll be back soon." When they entered the empty room, TJ closed the door and paced. "Oh my God, you have to be kidding me!"

"What's with you? You're acting as if you saw a ghost," Orchid said.

TJ tried to compose himself. "How is this possible? That girl should be dead!"

"Who? Carrie?"

"Yes! Tell me, have you checked out the news?"

"Of course I have. Just because we stayed off the grid doesn't mean we're oblivious to what's happening worldwide."

"Okay, so you heard about the Black Prom massacre in Maine, right? The news reported Carrie White dead after her murderous rampage, but here she is, standing before us! How the fuck is she alive? Also, how did Jago get ahold of her?"

Orchid sighed and leaned against the wall. "I asked myself the same question when I discovered her with my brother. Regardless, we must focus on keeping her safe. Whatever happened in the past, she's here now and needs our help."

"Help? With what?" TJ asked.

"Carrie possesses a mysterious power that people want to exploit. Ultratech is one of them."

"What kind of power does she have?"

Orchid breathed. "Telekinesis. Carrie can move objects with her mind, but she's still learning to control it, and that's where we come in. By helping Carrie harness her abilities, we can protect her.

TJ rubbed his temples. "Okay, let's assume I believe you. How do we help her? I mean, none of us have the experience. And how can we trust her? She killed people! It's insane!"

"We can't change what she's done, but with Jago's help, we can guide her toward a better future. We'll remain cautious, of course, but I believe Carrie wants redemption."

"Now for the million-dollar question: does Jago know about the Black Prom massacre?"

"No, he doesn't. I haven't told him, but we should take it slow. Jago is protective of Carrie, and if he finds out about her past, it could complicate things."

"What do you suggest? By keeping it secret? If so, it might worsen things."

"We'll inform Jago about the massacre when the time is right. Spilling everything could add unnecessary pressure and emotionally burden him and Carrie. Right now, our focus should be on supporting and helping her."

TJ sighed, brushing his hand on his hair. "Alright, but if he gets the news from an outside source or by himself, that's our ass."

Orchid's comm device came alive, emitting beeps.

"Golden Lion to Black Flower, over," Jean called.

"Black Flower, here," Orchid said.

"We finished sweeping the building we planned to use for the newest hideout."

"Is everything secure?"

"Affirmative. No signs of intrusion or surveillance. It's a clean location."

"Good work, Golden Lion. Great timing because our guests arrived. We'll move as planned. Black Flower out."

"So, moving day has begun, eh? I hope this doesn't blow up in our faces regarding Jago and Carrie," TJ said.

"It's risky, but we must trust Jago's judgment and give Carrie a chance for redemption," Orchid said. "Come on, let's inform them what's happening."

A/N: Well, they'll be on the move again. Had Orchid made the right choice not to tell Jago about Carrie's role in Black Prom? Anyway, it's time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.