A/N: Hello, fanfics. I am back with another chapter. This chapter will bring some unexpected twists and turns. I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks for all your support!

Disclaimer: Repeat after me: I do not own Killer Instinct, nor Carrie.


The constant car honking echoed through New York City's twisting streets. Traffic lights flashed in a frantic pattern but had no effect. Pedestrians hurried on sidewalks, weaving around vehicles. An array of lights and towers filled the sky, shrouded in fog. One building flashed the words "Ultratech" in eye-catching neon.

The CEO sat alone in her office, musing. Gold and light gray metals adorned her feminine frame. Alloy strips extended from her head like dreadlocks. Her chin rested on her folded hands.

Aside from the steady humming, the office was quiet until the door opened. A fiery humanoid appeared, covered in lava-like plasma. Fire ribbons swirled around the creature like solar flares.

"I don't recall giving you permission to enter, Cinder." The CEO's voice was robotic and grating. She sensed Cinder sneering at her despite the neutral mask concealing his face. He approached a nearby desktop with a dismissive scoff.

"Have you seen the news, ARIA?" Cinder's voice resembled a furnace.

"Be more specific."

"There's a story about a school massacre in Chamberlain, Maine." Cinder typed into a keyboard. "The report claims that a student used her mind to move objects and kill people."

ARIA perked at the news. "Play footage of this event."

"Already on it."

A giant TV lowered from the ceiling after Cinder pressed a key.

A reporter was standing outside what appeared to be the skeletal remains of a burned school. In the background, detectives sifted through the wreckage for evidence in an area enclosed by yellow tape.

"I'm here at Thomas Ewen High School, the site of the iconic 'Black Prom' on May 25, 2013. Authorities haven't identified the suspect responsible for the massacre, and the death toll is unknown.

"Efforts were underway to determine how the incident occurred. Hold on." The reporter pressed something in his ear. "Okay, it's been confirmed that the police found a camera that captured the event. They are reviewing the video to see what happened. With their permission, we can reveal the footage to the public.

"We will stay on-site and report as the story develops. Please use discretion when viewing this footage since it may contain disturbing scenes."

The clip showed a young woman with red highlights in her blonde hair. Her bluish-gray eyes shone, and her pink dress hugged her figure.

A blonde-haired boy was next to the woman on stage when a pool of blood doused them. Although some spilled on the boy, his date took the brunt.

"What started as a harmless prank turned sinister. 16-year-old Carrie White fell victim to a vicious trick," a dramatic voice said. Laughter surged from the speakers until a container fell and struck the boy. "Her date, Tommy Ross, is a suspect in the stunt. Autopsy reports say the bucket was the supposed cause of death."

Cinder scratched his head. "How could a pail kill someone? Really?" He snorted a bit. "Talk about a stupid way to die."

"What happens next is stunning," the speaker continued as Carrie faced the crowd. While lifting her arms, blood floated from her skin. Once she screamed, an invisible force sent the audience flying in all directions. "Carrie locked the prom-goers in the gym to attack her tormentors." As Carrie threw a table, the screen turned static.

"Okay, that deserves an Academy Award for 'Scariest Shit,'" Cinder said.

"Call the units to my office," ARIA instructed. "I have a mission for them. Ms. Grady will take charge."

"Are you sure? I've seen those X-Men movies, and don't get me started on Chronicle."

"Telekinesis has been a mystery for millennia." ARIA interlocked her fingers while leaning back in her seat. "I yearn for its secrets."


The skies over Chamberlain poured rain as healing began. The roads cracked like dried riverbeds. Most buildings remained charred, their black walls appearing like skeletons. The supernatural event left the town reeling in fear. Two steel-clad trucks bearing the Ultratech logo drove into town. Their first stop was Carlin Street, where Carrie's house ruins remained.

Armed soldiers stepped out of the vehicles, securing the vicinity and shooing away curious civilians. Men in white HAZMAT suits and combat androids soon appeared, bringing strange tools. A soldier cleared his throat while scientists took Geiger counter readings.

"Ma'am," he said, distorted by the gas mask. "A cop wants to know about our activities."

"I'll handle this." The scientist followed the soldier to a police car. One wore a yellow hooded slicker, while the other sported a black raincoat. The researcher removed her mask and hood, revealing dark glasses and a grey bob hairstyle.

The officer in the yellow slicker crossed her arms. "Are you the person in charge?"

"Yes. Professor Grady." She shook hands with the policewoman. "Is there a problem?"

"Officer King. To answer your question, yes. That is a restricted plot. What are you doing here?"

"We are with the Department of Health and Safety. We're surveying the places affected by Black Prom." Grady unzipped her suit, pulling out her wallet and papers. She handed them over to the cop. "Here is my ID and our court order and permit."

Officer King inspected the paperwork. "What's with the soldiers?"

"That's top secret," Grady said, leaving no room for debate.

"Hmm." Officer King stepped into her vehicle, checking the records. After a few minutes, King emerged from her patrol car. "Alright, everything's in order." She passed Grady the documents. "I doubt you'll find anything here, though. If you're looking for something for your research, try Town Hall. Have a pleasant day."

Upon returning to King's vehicle, the officers continued their patrol.

"Carol, you will not believe this!" a colleague called out, holding a device. "I finished measuring psychic waves. It is off the charts!"

"What does this mean?" the combatant beside her asked.

Grady flattened her lips as she put her hood and mask back on. "We may not be dealing with a run-of-the-mill telekinetic. Continue as planned, Captain. Prepare your unit for departure. Town Hall will be our next stop."

The armed guard saluted, then shouted orders to the troops. After cleaning up the scene, the analysts took notes and photos. They hopped inside the trucks and drove away, unaware of a figure spying on them. The figure studied the place after coming out of hiding. He took out a notepad and pen, writing his assessment. After that, he walked down the street, unfazed.


During the drive, hidden cameras recorded the wreckage. Inside one Ultratech truck, the researchers conversed with each other.

"Man, the sheer damage, as if a tornado blew through here," one remarked. "A single girl did all this?"

Another person scribbled notes on a clipboard. "From what the reports show."

A young man with brown hair rubbed his neck. "How does ARIA expect us to contain this? We're struggling to keep the other freaks in check. Hell, we're still recovering from that 'Hisako' incident!"

Grady undid her HAZMAT suit. "We'll manage somehow."

As they arrived at a corner, reporters lingered at the entrance like vultures. Law enforcement was also present to preserve order.

After ordering her team to remain discreet, Grady departed. As the vehicles left, she straightened her white blouse and khaki pants. Upon passing the reporters, a police officer examined her. Content, he granted her access to the building.

Grady strolled inside, ignoring the surrounding press. She followed several people into a spacious room and sat in a chair. She wrote notes once the committee began and listened to each speaker. Then, a figure caught her eye. A timid form of Sue Snell stepped into the stand and began her testimony. The girl's tired eyes shimmered with suppressed tears.

"Ms. Snell, you understand how shocking these claims are."

"I'm aware, Mr. Chairman."

"Isn't it possible that what you saw was a natural act?"

"My boyfriend and my friends are dead!" Sue shouted into the microphone. "I know what I saw! I don't know how long she had those abilities, but I'm not calling her a monster. Carrie was a scared girl with no friends. That night, though, she reached her limit, and her power came out. Logic tells me not to blame her, but my heart does. Still, I blame myself for not standing up for her. If I had acted sooner, none of this would've happened."

With the session finished, Grady exited the room. While reviewing her notes, she found Sue on a bench. After checking to ensure no one was around, she walked toward the adolescent. "That was a striking statement, Ms. Snell."

Sue peered at the woman.

"I'm Professor Carol Grady. I represent the Health and Safety Department." She pulled out her billfold, showing the teenager her ID.

Sue's shoulders dropped, but her lips pursed. "The commission is a joke. They even implied I was crazy! Wretched bastards, all of them."

"Your piece impressed me." Grady bowed her head. "My heart and prayers go to you in this difficult time."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Ms. Snell, I understand you have been through a lot these days. If you have some free time, can we speak?"

"Why? I reported everything to the police."

"It's to clarify some things." Grady drew a card and held it out in offering. "If you have any information about Carrie White, here's my card. We'll be in touch."

Sue grabbed and examined the business card. "Ultratech?" The woman vanished as she lifted her head. Sue slipped the card into her pocket and headed for the exit. She pushed past the news anchors as they pounced on those emerging from the premises.

Cold, fresh air filled her lungs once she stepped outside. Across the clouds, a quiet rumble spread. Shivering, she adjusted the black wool beanie wrapped around her head. A midnight blue jacket concealed her black blouse, matching her dark gray slacks. Sue opened her sable umbrella to keep dry as the rain fell for round two.

Sue first stopped by a local floral shop, buying two red roses and one white rose. Later, she strolled through the near-empty town to Memorial Park. Upon arrival, her eyes fixated on the graves of her fallen peers while passing them.

When she neared a headstone labeled "Christina C. Hargensen," Sue's hands tightened on the umbrella handle. I hope you burn in Hell for what you've done, bitch. You and your gang.

Sue resumed her stroll, observing the gravestones of her friends, classmates, and teachers. Along the way, she spotted a lonely mound that brought tears to her eyes. Approaching the tombstone, she gasped at the angry red words.

"CARRIE WHITE BURNS IN HELL."

Sue shielded her mouth as heat flushed her face and neck. Her eyes welled with tears. Dirty, fucking bastards. Whoever did this should get run over. As she placed the white flower beside the grave, a French-accented voice spoke to her.

"It's a shame, no?"

Sue glanced over her shoulder as a man approached her. His navy raincoat hid a blue shirt accented by beige suede jeans and matching shoes. In his hands was a bouquet of Chrysanthemums shaped like a wreath. His eyes met the gravestone's surface with a pained expression.

"How could someone be so cruel? Humanity's lack of respect never ceases to amaze me."

Sue narrowed her eyes. "Do I know you?"

"No, I am here to express my condolences, Miss. Town Hall was where you were, right? You gave the witness account on the stand."

Oh, fuck. "If you're another reporter-"

"I'm not a reporter! I can assure you."

"Who are you?"

"Just a tourist passing through."

"So you thought this would be the ideal photo opportunity for your scrapbook? Are you one of those freaks who take selfies in haunted places?"

"No!"

"Leave, or I'm calling the police!"

"No, Mademoiselle, you misunderstand me! I'm no thrill-seeker! Everyone is talking about the Prom incident and, well…."

"What?"

"I only want to honor the victims. That's all. I swear on my mother's grave."

Sue's eyes lingered on him until she focused on Carrie's grave marker. Neither spoke or moved as they stared side-by-side. Minutes later, her shoulders drooped. "I should've done more to help Carrie. It's all Chris's fault." She licked her dry lips, tears in her eyes. "Because of her, Carrie's dead… and my daughter will grow up without a dad."

The man raised his head. "You have a child?"

Sue placed her hands on her stomach. "I'm expecting."

"Congratulations." The man studied her. "You don't appear pregnant."

Tears threatened to spill as her face scrunched up. "Carrie confirmed it when I came to her house after… Christ!" Sue fell to her knees. She covered her face with her hands, her body shaking with deep sobs.

The man patted her shoulder, comforting her. "Don't blame yourself, ma chéri. A part of your beloved will live through your child. Carrie also appreciates your kindness, even in death. Such people show concern in their limited time. The world could use more of that."

Sue wiped her eyes, sniffling. "Th-thank you, Mister…?"

"Jean. My name is Jean."

"Thank you, Jean. Sorry for breaking down like that."

"Don't fret, ma chéri. It's okay to cry."

As they shifted their attention to the gravestone, they bowed, paying their respects.

"Well, I should head out." Sue tweaked her coat and raised her umbrella. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Same with you. I'm sorry for your loss."

With a subtle nod, Sue headed out of the graveyard.

Once she departed, Jean turned back to the memorial stone. He reached for his cell phone and snapped a photo of the mound. Before sending it, he wrote, "Orchid, I found Carrie's gravesite. You won't like it."

After sending the image, he laid the garland near the headstone. Jean paid his final respects and left.


A/N: Uh-oh, Ultratech is stirring trouble, and the search for Carrie has begun. However, they are not the only ones. Another group also searches for Carrie with unknown intentions. Who will reach her first? It's time to rest my brain, so I'll see you later.