A/N: Good morning/afternoon/evening, fellow readers! I am back once again with a new chapter. Today is Sunday. But still, remember to be safe if you're out on protests and the pandemic. Sit back, grab some food, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Killer Instinct belongs to Rare and Microsoft. Carrie belongs to Stephen King.

The Cyclades scattered across the Aegean Sea, close to the mainland of Greece. Among the archipelago was an island covered in lush flora. Crystal clear water surrounded the islands. Sparks of energy emerged around the coastline, expanding to a ball of light. The colors remained until they vanished, revealing Carrie and Kim.

Carrie scanned the new area. "Where are we now?"

"This island is where Aganos comes to mend from his battles with Kan-Ra." Yeo emerged from Kim in his dragon form. "He rests in a cavern he calls the Forgotten Grotto, where we'll find Tusk. Even now, I sense his presence."

*"Watashi mo sōdesu," Hisako's voice added, startling Kim and Carrie. The latter rested her hand on her chest.

"Geez, Hisako, are you trying to give her a heart attack?" Kim expressed.

*"Kanojo wa genki ni narimasu. Kyarī wa yagate watashi ni narerudeshou."

Kim pinched the bridge of her nose. A small part of her regretted adding Hisako into the group.

"Come, everyone," Yeo said. "The Forgotten Grotto awaits us."

They ventured deeper into the island, where a forested terrain replaced the coast. Scattered remains of ancient Greek columns littered the ground. Birds chirped in the background while other wildlife remained hidden.

"So, how did Tusk become a 'Watchman of the Gods'?" Carrie said. "I read some things about him, but nothing else."

"10,000 years ago, Tusk fought against Gargos until he mortally wounded him," Yeo said. "The Ichoriens saved his life and gifted him a weapon. Upon his return to Earth, Tusk trounced Gargos, forcing the Shadow Lord to flee. Since then, he wandered the Earth until he lost his memories.

"According to Hisako, Gargos sent Shadow Jago to attack Tusk. Since Tusk was immortal, wiping his memories clean would suffice."

"Wait. Hisako, does this mean you were there? Why didn't you stop the attack?"

* "Shadoujago kara no kishū kōgeki wa doko karatomo naku dete kimashita. Watashinidekirukoto wa, kiba to kare no buki o kōri no dōkutsu ni fūin suru koto dakedeshita."

"She said no one predicted the attack," Yeo decoded. "She sealed Tusk and his weapon in an ice cave, allowing him to recover."

Carrie fell silent, recalling Jago's story during their time in Lhasa.

The group continued their trek until they found an ancient temple. Doric columns remained tall without a flat base. Behind the columns was a large, round hollow, leading to the unknown. As they approached the entrance, Hisako growled, gripping her weapon.

*"Mimikku o kanjimashita. Watashitachi wa sono dōkutsu no naka ni ikanakereba narimasen. Kiba ga arimasu."

"She says Tusk is in there, but we must tread with caution," Yeo interpreted. "A Mimic is nearby."

"A Mimic?" Carrie stepped back, remembering the stories from the Alliance.

"It'll be okay," Kim assured. "Besides, you have powers. If that Mimic tries to attack you, you can shove it off in the next dimension. Now let's go save Tusky."

Hisako scuttled into the walls while Kim and Carrie descended from the stairs. Kim almost lost her footing from one step but regained her balance.

*"Ashimoto chūi!" Hisako said.

"Thanks. Quick question: what's it like being a ghost?"

*"Watashi ga nandearu ka, matawa watashi ga dō naru ka o setsumei suru koto wa dekimasen."

Kim continued her descent with Carrie until they reached the end.

The sun's light shone into another cavern. The opening revealed the Mediterranean Sea, littered with ruined Greek designs. A small island remained from a distance, with a bridge-like structure. The Mimic wasn't here, but someone else was.

A man stared at the sea; a slight breeze danced around his blonde hair, matching his beard. An elaborate set of tattoos littered his massive torso. A brown belt with a gold buckle and several pouches strapped to his back.

He wore black, modern-looking cargo pants torn from the knees. A tattered green tartan and a white sash wrapped around the waist. His fur-trimmed leather boots covered his feet while a vambrace covered his wrists. A greatsword plunged on the ground beside him. Runic markings obscured the blade and a carving of a wolf on the handle.

"Is that him?" Carrie asked.

"Yep," Kim said. "How should we convince him? We don't even know if he regained his memories."

"I can hear you from here," Tusk said, "and my memories are fine, though slightly foggy. Who are you? What business do you have with me?"

Kim stepped forward and cleared her throat. "Well, I am Kim Wu. There's an invasion happening, with Gargos leading the way. I—we plan on defeating the freak, and we need your help."

With his back facing the group, Tusk swiveled his head, examining Kim and Carrie. "You, facing Gargos? What can you do against a demigod? Also, why did you bring a child into the mix?"

"Let's get a few things straight! You weren't the only one saving the world from that thing's wrath. My ancestors have done the same, with help from the Dragon Spirit. To answer your second question, Carrie has something special."

"I see nothing unusual to her. You and your friend should go home and hide."

"Why, you-!" Kim drew a deep breath, quelling the rising flames building inside her. Calm down. Don't let your anger overtake you, as Yeo said. "If you think I'll be hiding from Gargos, you have another thing coming. What will I do to prove to you I'm a warrior like you?"

A loud rumble shook the cavern as Carrie yelped and hid behind Kim. A Mimic Aganos appeared, carrying its rock club.

Oh, this is perfect! Kim switched to her combat stance. "Care, you know the routine."

Carrie headed towards several ruins lying on the shore.

"I am the Mountain of Gargos!" Mimic Aganos avowed.

"Yeah? Well, even mountains crumble, big guy," Kim said.

The Mimic Aganos hurled its club towards Kim. Though she evaded, it curled into a ball and barreled towards her.

Kim leaped over the golem and launched two thrusting kicks once it uncurled itself. She continued her assault, ending with a flying kick.

The Mimic Aganos stuffed chunks of rock onto itself as makeshift armor. It charged after Kim, but she swung her nunchucks, fighting back. The Mimic swung its enormous arms, striking her with each blow.

Kim was semi-conscious as the Mimic approached her and lifted its foot. Before she braced herself for impact, the foot stopped inches towards her. The Mimic froze in place. Was it Hisako? She didn't see the warped outlines around the Mimic.

"By the Gods!" Tusk yelled. Quickly, Kim glanced behind and discovered what stopped the Mimic.

Carrie extended her arm as she focused on the golem. She slammed the Mimic onto the wall before she hurled it out of the grotto. The Mimic skipped along the water before it crashed. She slid off from a ruin she perched and jogged towards Kim. With her powers, she lifted Kim to her knees.

"Are you okay?" she inquired.

"Yeah. Thanks," Kim said.

Tusk approached the women, now carrying his sword with the blade resting on his shoulder. His blue eyes stared at Carrie, mentally eating his words. "You carry the heart of a shieldmaiden, Kim, but your friend intrigued me. Carrie, right? What are you?"

Before Carrie answered, a splash erupted from the water. The Mimic Aganos recovered from its fling and roared.

"Stand back, both of you. I shall face this beast."

"Oh no, don't think I'll let you hog all the glory!" Kim stayed by Tusk's side. "Care, head to a safer area."

Carrie returned to her perch.

The Mimic Aganos charged towards its enemies, waves crashing into the shore. Once the golem reached land, it hurled both its stony and metal arms. Kim and Tusk evaded, with the latter slashing away with his arcane blade. He dodged an incoming rough fist, letting Kim deal the finishing blow.

The golem staggered before it crashed into the water. Before it attacked again, thin streams of water wrapped around the golem's limbs. While it struggled, it glanced down to discover Carrie controlling the water. She spread her arms slowly, which the water streams stretched the limbs.

Carrie formed a ball of water and changed it into a thick spike. She drove the spike into the Mimic's midsection. The Mimic roared as Carrie tore off the golem's limbs. The Mimic dissolved into a sickly cloud, leaving nothing but rocks. Carrie released the water and the boulders, allowing them to drop. Waves billowed into the shores, leaving Astral Gems. Carrie stared at Tusk and Kim, who watched the scene in stunned silence.

"Whoa…Care, I didn't think you had it in ya." Kim snapped her fingers. "Dammit! I should've recorded that!"

"You and your friend have earned my respect," Tusk said. "I'm still curious about what Carrie is. Is she a wit—?"

"No!" Kim tackled the swordsman as she straddled on his chest, covering his mouth and nose.

"What are you doing?" Carrie queried.

"Don't worry, he's fine, which reminds me. Care, can you check my bag if we brought any healing relics? It's at the base of the stairs."

"Okay."

Once Carrie was out of earshot, Kim removed her hands from Tusk's mouth and nose.

"What was that for?" the immortal said.

"Call it woman's intuition," Kim replied. "You can't say that…word in front of Carrie, lest you risk harm to yourself."

Tusk furrowed his brows as he sat up. Kim straddled off him. "I don't understand. You said it."

"I said 'which' with the w-h-i-c-h. You were about to say 'witch' like sorceress or enchantress. I already had someone who learned that lesson the hard way. He was lucky not to suffer from traumatic brain injuries."

"Would Carrie had done worse?"

"Possibly yes."

"You should heed Kim's advice," a voice said. The greatsword gleamed as it floated into Tusk's hands, with the runes pulsating. "The power inside Carrie is unlike anything I sensed before. If left unchecked, it could cause frightening effects."

"Whoa! Did that sword just talk?" Kim asked.

"Yes," Tusk said. "Warg-gram can also show me visions. One of them involves you, though I'm unsure what it means. As for that tip, thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

"So, does that mean you'll join me in the fight against Gargos?"

"Although you've earned my respect, victory against Gargos means nothing to me. Now, be gone, so I can continue with my quest."

"You cannot be serious! You're so selfish!"

"Maybe, but I didn't wish to become immortal. Gargos has something that I want, and I must attain it. Goodbye for now."

As Tusk departed, Carrie returned, but not without the two exchanging glances. "Kim, all the medic stuff is there. Is Tusk not coming with us?"

Yeo detached himself from Kim. "I'm afraid not."

Kim scoffed while she crossed her arms and pouted. "Geez, what's his problem?"

Carrie glanced at the exit. "He seems sad."

"How so?"

"When he passed by me, I sensed something, like he's carrying a lot on his shoulders. You might say it's because of his role, but I don't know. I can't explain it."

"Well, whatever funk he's going through, he should get over it. He can't stay moody forever."

"We'll see him again, but there are more pressing matters," Yeo said. "We must head to the Tiger Shrine. While you were trying to convince Tusk to join us, a vision came to me. Jago and Orchid have been captured."

A/N: Well, the recruitment didn't go well, but as one says, if you fail, try again. For now, the stakes have risen, and a rescue mission is underway. Time for my brain to rest, and I'll see you later.

*Translations from Japanese:

*(So do I)

*(She'll be fine. Carrie will get used to me eventually.)

*(The surprise attack from Shadow Jago came out of nowhere. The best thing I could do was seal Tusk and his weapon in an ice cave where he could recover.)

*(I sensed a Mimic. You must go inside that cave. Tusk is there.)

*(Watch your step!)

*(I can't explain what I am…or what I might become.)