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 big word count moments that must 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 covering her mouth. Her vision of the lethal tumors confirmed her sense that the mother would die soon. She moved close to Pemba, placing an arm around her shoulder.
While fighting her tears, the woman leaned against the teenager.
"I can't imagine your pain," she said. "I lost my mother too."
Pemba pulled away. "Āmā kasarī gumā'unubhayō?"
Stumped, Carrie turned to Jago for help.
"She asked how you lost your mother," he said. "I'm curious about that, too. If I recall, you didn't tell the doctor about your family."
Carrie bit her lower lip. "So, do you remember the monster I mentioned at the hospital? Well, that monster had a friend with one goal: offering us to God to save us from sin. They killed my mother, but I escaped with minor wounds."
Pemba gasped. "Ē gariba kēṭī! Ajhai, mailē bujhina. Timī duṣṭa kāma garnē mānisa jastō dēkhidainau."
"She's confused about your 'damnation,'" Jago said. "Carrie, can you show her?"
"Malā'ī kē dēkhā'unuhōs?"
"You'll see."
Carrie glanced away while settling on a rock by the entrance. Once she extended her left arm, the stone floated.
Pemba's eyes bulged as the rock remained afloat. After spinning it several times, Carrie returned the pebble to its original position. "Tyō adbhuta! Tapā'īnlē tyō kasarī garnubhayō?"
"She wants to know how you lifted the stone," Jago informed.
"Could you…?" Carrie asked, and the monk obliged. "This power is inherent in me, Pemba. It is half the reason those monsters want me dead."
Jago repeated Carrie's words in Nepali.
"Ani timrī āmā? Kē unīsam̐ga pani yō śakti thiyō?"
"Pemba asked if your mother had it," Jago said.
"Yes," Carrie said. "It's passed from mother to daughter but skipped her."
"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."
"Pemba says no one should suffer for something nature controls. Everyone has a right to happiness," Jago explained. "She also says you are unique."
"So, you don't think I'm weird… or dangerous?" Carrie asked.
The woman 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."
"Pemba doesn't find you weird but advises caution regarding your powers." Jago listened as the woman spoke more. "The Gargos Cult is familiar to her. The only problem is the language barrier." He mused until an idea popped into his head. "Carrie, you also have telepathy, right?"
"Yes?"
"I believe you might connect with us if you concentrate enough. I understand your reservations, but it's worth a try."
Carrie mused, weighing her options. On the one hand, she would practice her abilities for the first time since the Black Prom incident. However, the girl disliked invading people's minds. Not only was it rude, but she feared what she might find. Or better yet, what Jago and Pemba may discover. Relax. You're not intruding on their privacy, nor will they peer into yours. After much debate, Carrie focused. "Can anyone hear me?"
"I can," Jago said.
"Same here." Pemba pressed her temples. "Oh my. Is this how I would sound if I were to learn English? Weird."
"How long will you hold this connection, Carrie?" Jago asked.
"Not sure. I wasn't into telepathy that much."
"But you read books about it, right?"
"I did. 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 long ago. They did this to fulfill a prophecy about Gargos' Heir.
"She told me the beast needed a child to carry his brutal legacy. Willing to perform this task, they sought fertile women.
"Once the sect brought them to a hidden asylum, they conducted a ritual. They aimed to have Gargos choose a member endowed with his power.
"With it, the chosen would 'plant an evil seed' inside a weak-willed woman. Gargos didn't choose anyone, but that didn't stop them. During the ritual, they possessed dark magic.
"Soon after, they forced themselves on the women."
Jago curled his hands into fists.
Carrie swallowed. "What happens if anyone can't bear this child?"
Pemba sighed. "Then, the cult offered them to Gargos. My mother was the last to become pregnant, but she escaped. She planned to kill me when I was born but had second thoughts.
"In my younger years, I discovered the ability to change forms.
"My first reaction was fear because I didn't understand.
"When my mother found out, she brought me to Thanza to train.
"She kept its origins secret until her deathbed."
In an instant, a burning pain crept inside Carrie's head. "…we must…stop." She gripped her head, breaking the mental connection.
The monk checked on her. "Carrie?"
"Ah, my head! It hurts!"
Jago pressed his hand against her forehead and chanted. Carrie's distressed face relaxed as the pain faded away.
Pemba furrowed her brows. "Kē ūnī…?"
"Unī ṭhīka china," Jago assured. She gets a headache when she reaches her limit with telepathy. She must decide if she wishes to tame the power.
Next to the cavern, the RIPTOR Stalkers 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 sun faded the waterfall's ethereal glow. Only a slight stream of smoke from the campfire inside the grotto lingered.
After waking up, Jago sat up and stroked his windswept hair. Rising to his feet, he approached the cascade and splashed his face.
Refreshed, the monk stepped out, observing the sun's arrival. He balled his left hand into a fist.
When you couldn't stoop any lower, Gargos, you wanted to spawn a child.
His thoughts stopped when Pemba appeared beside him. Despite her lack of tears, her eyes were puffy.
"Timīlā'ī kastō cha?" How are you?
"Ma sāmanā gardaichu." I'm coping.
"Sabaikurā ṭhika hunēcha. Kyārī kahām̐ cha?" Everything will be okay. Where is Carrie?
"Ū ajhai sutirahēkō cha tara cām̐ḍai uṭhnu parcha. Kyārīlē hijō rātī nidrāmā kurā garin. Usalē bhanirahancha, 'āmā, sabailē malā'ī māpha garidinuhōs.'" She's still asleep but should wake up soon. Carrie talked in her sleep last night. She keeps saying, 'Mama, everyone, please forgive me.'
Before Jago replied, Carrie stepped outside, half awake. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"
"Still the same." While warming herself, Carrie spotted something in the woods. A reptilian eye peered, though difficult to spot from a distance. "Jago? Pemba?"
"What's wrong?" the monk asked.
Carrie didn't answer as she pointed to the bushes, where she spotted the eye.
Pemba told her friends to stay around the cave while she searched for the source. After a quick browse, she returned, believing whatever Carrie had seen vanished.
"Tapā'īnlē yō kē thiyō dēkhnubhayō?" Jago asked.
"Hō'ina, tara hāmīlē gāsāmā jānuparcha." Pemba joined her hands in a prayer position as a flash of light enveloped her. Carrie and Jago shielded their eyes until the intense light faded. Throughout her massive, snake-like body, red scales glistened. Deer antlers adorned her scalp. Five-toed paws supported its stocky, muscular legs.
Afraid, Carrie headed into the cave. After exchanging glances with Pemba, Jago found her curled against the rocky wall. Once Pemba's dragon-like head poked in, the young woman pulled back. "Get that away from me! It's a sin!"
Jago furrowed his brows. "What are you talking about?"
"It's the form Pemba took. Dragons are the Devil's servants!"
Pemba cocked her head. "Ma gardina…."
"Yō ṭhīka cha. Mailē yō bujhēṁ." Jago patted the dragon's snout. "Carrie, why would you think Pemba's form depicts evil?"
"Revelation talks a lot about dragons. The Devil sends them to confront God's people."
"Okay, but dragons are complex."
"I… I don't…"
"Alright, Carrie, for your sake, I'll be blunt. Think of dragons as humans. One type helps humans and animals co-exist. Then, you have the other group, driven by greed, chaos, and destruction. Their behavior depends on people's thoughts and feelings."
"So, dragons embody the hearts of people? I never thought about that."
"Well, let's hope you'll think that way next time. Come."
Before leaving the cave, they checked to ensure there was no trace of them. As they approached Pemba, Carrie placed her hand on the beast's muzzle.
"I apologize for my reaction back there."
"Don't fret about it. You got taught something different, so I'm not upset." Pemba steadied herself once the duo was on her back. "I hope neither of you fears heights."
Before Carrie spoke, Pemba pushed off the ground, soaring toward the sky. As they ascended, the forest, along with the area surrounding it, zoomed out.
From high above, the landscape sprawled out in all directions. A breathtaking scene emerged from the golden rays glinting off the river, trees, and mountains. The trio continued their journey at cruising height.
Twilight arrived as the sun ended its shift. Red and purple hues painted the sky as if darkness conquered the light. The fading sunlight reflected on the snow-tipped crags with lingering clouds.
The trio traveled throughout the day, only stopping for breaks. As they flew over the mountains, small white buildings emerged. The settlement sat atop a hill covered in greenery.
"Hāmī yahām̐ chauṁ," Pemba said.
Carrie peered down. "That's Gasa? It's beautiful! Should we be worried if they see us with a dragon?"
"I doubt that. We're too high," Jago said. "Where will we stay?"
"There's a cottage outside. My mother hid there after her escape. I pray it's still standing," Pemba said.
Along the borders, they spotted a small building near the foothills. After landing, they faced the house. On the roof, grass grew, and stones surrounded the structure. With its patched windows and thick wooden door, the building showed signs of wear.
Carrie slid off Pemba's back, followed by Jago, allowing the woman to shift into human form. Approaching the cabin, she opened the door.
As they stepped inside, everything was dark. Jago provided light by summoning a fiery orb with his ki. The interior design included wood and stone elements.
On their right, a fireplace remained untouched.
"It hasn't changed, though it could use some sprucing up," Pemba remarked.
With nightfall nearing, the trio worked together to bring the cottage to life. They cleaned, scrubbed, and rearranged the furniture inside. The last touch ignited a fire in the hearth for warmth and light.
While they settled in, the RIPTOR Stalker units remained hidden in the undergrowth after traveling far to follow their targets.
Carrie sat before the fireplace, musing. She couldn't shake the sensation of something looming over her, but she dismissed it as paranoia. The girl huddled in the blanket despite the fire's warm glow. She slipped into a trance for a while until she sensed a presence.
"Is it those dreams again?" Jago appeared and sat beside the girl. You feel like talking?"
"No. Too horrific to explain."
"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 you offered me, I accept."
The monk fell silent, staring at the fire.
"What's the matter? Don't tell me you've reconsidered?"
"No. I want to discuss your decision. Have you applied your skills for an extended time?"
"One time at a memorable event. The rest was in small moderation."
"Did it affect you in any way?"
"Yes, although I thought little of it. Why did you ask?"
"Your powers worry me about your health. It'd be wise to use caution. It could kill you if you abuse them beyond your mind and body."
"What?!" Carrie backed away, taking it all in. The girl's eyes welled up with tears. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I would have to consult with you, regardless of your choice. Power can be a double-edged sword. How you approach it will make all the difference."
Carrie allowed the monk's words to simmer. The reality of her powers' lethality dawned on her. "Can you help me?"
"Of course. First, we'll need to learn about your powers. We'll begin your training once we understand the full extent."
A/N: So, Carrie has decided to take Jago's offer. What kind of training regime should Jago do for Carrie? Well, it's time to let my brain rest. After all, it has been a few weeks, so I'll see you later.
