A/N: Hello, fellow readers. I'm back with a new chapter. In the old drafts, Carrie never interacted with Orchid or her fellow agents in the Disavowed, so I decided to fix that. With that said, grab some breakfast and such, and happy reading.
Disclaimer: Killer Instinct and Carrie belong to their respective owners.
Carrie remained silent as she followed the Disavowed with Jago and Pemba. She rubbed the cloth covering her eyes. After her conversation with TJ, Orchid informed the trio about moving to a well-hidden area. As a precaution, Carrie, Jago, Pemba, and TJ had to wear blindfolds and hooded cloaks. Carrie listened for sounds related to their surroundings as they continued their journey.
The stillness surrounding the abandoned town was eerie, broken by the faint rustling of wind through the empty streets.
"What's this place we're heading to, Jago?" the girl asked, tapping into her telepathy.
"Orchid mentioned the place resembling an abandoned church," the monk said. "It'll serve as a refuge for us and allow us to plan our next move. Also, her faction used it as a base."
Despite wearing a blindfold, Carrie sensed the group stopping. A lack of steps and shuffling gave her a clue they had reached the church. A knock followed, and seconds later, the door opened.
"How many orchid species remain after acid rain destruction?" a male French-accented voice asked.
Orchid cleared her throat. "28,000 species exist worldwide. Despite losing some, many have survived and adjusted to the changing climate."
"Ah, you made it with our guests," the voice said. "Right this way."
Carrie was slow to respond when someone tapped her back, telling her to move. Startled, she moved forward. Upon hearing Orchid's order to remove the blindfold and hood, Carrie gasped as she gazed at the scene.
The once majestic structure stood before her; its grandeur faded and marred by time. Its walls, adorned with peeling frescoes, depicted scenes from ancient stories whose meaning had long faded. Sunlight streamed through shattered windows, casting red, blue, and gold hues onto the dusty floor. The pews, once filled with devoted worshippers, now lay in disarray, their velvet cushions frayed and torn.
"Alright, everyone, get settled in. Also, I want security around the perimeter." Orchid then spotted Carrie, still looking around like a lost child. With Jago, Pemba, and TJ distracted by helping the agents or exploring the area, she saw an opportunity to engage the shy teenager. "Do you like the place? I figured it might fit your style."
Startled by the older woman's presence, Carrie found her voice. "It's… different. What kind of church is this?"
"This was once an Orthodox Christian Church."
"Orthodox?"
"Your mother never mentioned other Christian branches, didn't she?"
"My mother and I didn't have an ideal relationship. She takes religion too far."
"Hm. Religion is a complex matter. It can be a source of comfort and solace or conflict and pain. It comes down to how someone interprets it, which is why I'm grateful to be an atheist."
"You don't believe in God?"
Orchid shrugged. "Not in the traditional sense. I trust humanity's power and ability to shape our destiny. Connections and impact give my life meaning. As for a higher power guiding our every move? I don't buy into that, but I respect those who adhere to higher forces."
"I see. Um, I should check if Jago needs help."
"Of course. I look forward to more chats between us."
Swallowing, Carrie walked away. Though calm on the outside, she trembled with fear.
As night descended, shadows danced across the broken walls, adding to the mysterious setting. The moon's ethereal glow shone on the relics and faded frescoes. It whispered past secrets to those who dared to listen.
Most of the Disavowed remained asleep in their sleeping areas while some agents performed security checks.
Jago peered over the resting quarters on a church balcony like a tiger, his eyes sharp and alert. The only sound breaking the silence was TJ's snore. The monk smiled as Pemba helped a frustrated Carrie place earplugs, ensuring she would sleep amidst the loud snoring.
"Can't sleep?" Orchid approached him.
"I'd say the same to you."
"Well, I take eight-hour naps between late afternoon and early evening. As a leader, I can't tolerate bags under my eyes or irritation."
"Hm. So, you talked to Carrie."
"I guess she told you, huh?"
"When I helped set up the sleeping area," Jago said.
Orchid nodded, her eyes locked on Carrie's sleeping form. "Yes, she's intriguing. I can sense a deeper strength within her, a resilience that might prove useful to us."
"Sister, didn't we discuss not turning Carrie into a weapon for your cause?"
"Relax, brother. I haven't forgotten my promise to you. I'm only giving her the tools to stand up for herself."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Conducting a thorough mental health assessment would be wise."
"You want to assess Carrie?"
"To understand her state of mind."
"But must we subject her to that? She seemed fine to me."
"Here's the thing: Ultratech attacked the old base before you arrived with Carrie and Pemba. We've lost personnel, resources, and security. Everyone's on edge, and having a telekinetic girl raises the tension. Assessing Carrie's mental state will provide valuable insights and-"
"They're afraid of her, aren't they?" Jago asked.
Orchid sighed. "Fear can motivate but also breeds mistrust. Without addressing it, it'll destroy everything the Disavowed stands for. Which is why the girl's assessment could ease those fears and build trust."
"Regardless, it sounds excessive. Carrie's a young girl."
"Jago, we must consider the bigger picture here. Everyone's safety and well-being are at stake. Carrie's unique abilities pose potential risks, and it's our role to ensure she receives guidance and support."
With a smile, Orchid patted her brother's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll approach it with the utmost care and sensitivity."
Carrie wandered through the nave the next day, glancing at the cracked windows and worn iconostasis. As though mirroring her tragic past, the decaying nave stirred sorrow and nostalgia within Carrie. It was impossible not to feel connected to the faded beauty of the surroundings.
While exploring, Carrie spotted an intact stained glass depicting Jesus Christ's crucifixion. In the dim church lighting, Jesus' face distorted with anguish, blood streaming down his cheeks. Carrie held her breath, her eyes widening as the Messiah's visage turned into hers. With a frightened gasp, she stumbled back, unsure if it was real or an illusion.
"Ah, the dark angel." Carrie jerked back from a feminine voice.
Orchid and Nikita appeared from behind a pair of columns, the former leaning against one with both arms crossed, their faces blank.
Carrie's heart raced as fear and uncertainty washed over her, not knowing their intentions. "P-Please, I don't want trouble."
"Relax, dear." Orchid pushed herself from the column and strolled toward her in measured steps. "I was curious about your whereabouts."
Carrie eyed the dark-haired woman, her anxiety growing with each step. The Disavowed leader's movements were supple, elegant, and disciplined. Carrie had never seen someone with such self-assurance and confidence. It reminded her of a cat she had seen many years ago that wandered along the road. However, Orchid's eyes possessed an edge, making the girl uncomfortable. As Orchid stopped before her, Carrie shrunk beneath the woman's gaze, shuddering like a mouse.
After a while, Orchid focused on the frescoes and etched glass windows. "Beautiful, aren't they?"
Carrie nodded, still uneasy.
"Well, at one point, they were before war and famine struck the region, leaving it abandoned. It's a shame." Clicking her tongue, Orchid tilted her head to one side, resting a hand on her hip. "Did you know that the CIA once owned churches?"
Carrie blinked several times.
"Oh yes! Back then, they used churches for various covert activities, including this place until 1975." Orchid mused before adding, "It shows the layers people and places have. History has always been a favorite subject for me. It's often said, 'The devil is in the details.'"
"Was there something you wanted?"
"I'm curious if my colleague and I can evaluate you. As an organization built on trust, some have questions. We've been through a lot, so we're cautious about who enters our circle. Knowing you better would ease our minds, as we lack information. So, what do you say?"
Biting her lower lip, Carrie glanced between her and Nikita.
"An assessment sounds like a smart idea," Nikita said, her eyes narrowed. "We can start with the people she killed in her hometown."
Carrie flinched at the harsh tone and glare.
Orchid flashed a warning glance at her subordinate before facing the teenager. "Ignore her remark. Nikita is often too direct."
"Where's Jago?" Carrie asked.
"I sent him and a few others on a small mission to receive supplies. For now, let's focus on you. Is there somewhere we can sit?"
Nodding, Carrie moved toward a bench at the front. While the girl brushed away some debris, Orchid glared at Nikita.
"Why are you making things difficult?" Orchid whispered.
"We must expect the unexpected. That girl is dangerous," Nikita said.
"So provoking a teenager with immense power is your smartest course of action?"
"Relax. I'll be ready if Carrie gives us trouble during the assessment." The agent pulled out a Taser from her pocket.
"Unless you have a fast reaction time, it's useless against a telekinetic. Also, let's hope we don't reach that point. Keep the girl calm, and do not escalate or endanger her. Carrie has been through enough already."
"How would you handle it, boss? Good cop/bad cop?"
"We take things slow. Remember, we need Carrie's trust, not fear. Keep things civil. Don't. Push. Too. Hard."
"Fine. I'll try to be gentle, but I can't promise if Carrie snaps."
"Just avoid hurting her," Orchid said.
"Alright, alright. I'll wear my kiddie gloves. Don't worry," Nikita said.
Carrie waited on the bench, glancing over the ragged pews. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her palms grew clammy. Despite Orchid's claims, Nikita's last remark hung in the air. A shudder swept through Carrie's body as she braced herself for the questions, uncertain how much she should reveal. Her fingers fidgeted with her cross necklace, steadying her breathing in her attempt to calm herself. The sound of footsteps approaching drew her attention to Nikita.
"Right then," the agent said, "let's begin, shall we?"
As Nikita spoke to Carrie, Orchid stood on the sidelines with crossed arms. She observed the two so that her subordinate didn't cross any boundaries. Despite her destructive actions in Chamberlain, Carrie appeared fragile to Orchid. Her guarded, shy behavior was at odds with the media monster portrayals, which intrigued the secret agent. However, one cannot predict a person's true nature.
With her back against the column, Orchid raised her arm, cupping her chin while observing the subject. As a spy, she understood the need to gather information while maintaining trust. However, Orchid couldn't help feeling this situation required more than "kiddie gloves."
Her mind recalled a vivid memory while watching Nikita and Carrie discuss something.
Eleven-year-old Orchid shivered under the soaked cardboard box she used as a makeshift shelter. She blew on her hands while rain poured down her matted hair. Her oversized clothes hung over her pale, thin frame. As the wind picked up, she held on to a newspaper like a blanket, fluting and scattering pages.
While rubbing her arms, Orchid crumpled into a fetal position and chattered her teeth. A low growl echoed as a fiery golden cat stared at her two feet away. In heavy rain, it glowed. Taken aback, the girl stared as the fire cat approached one paw at a time. Smoke rose from every rain impact. Once it got close enough, the fire cat crawled beside the little girl, nestling its head against her stomach.
Raising her hand, Orchid stroked its head. A smile formed on her face while the fire cat drew closer, its body cuddling against hers. Soon, the girl drifted to sleep, comforted by the creature's presence as it uttered a rumbling purr of pure contentment.
"Why did you say that name?!"
The words snapped Orchid from her thoughts as she found Nikita knocked backward. The pew crashed as Nikita clawed at the floor before whisking off the ground and suspended in the air, struggling to breathe.
Pushing away from the pillar, Orchid lifted her arms, alarmed by the sudden escalation. "Whoa there! Carrie, calm down."
"Why did you say that name?!" Carrie yelled, her angry eyes fixed on Nikita. "Answer me!"
"The hell's going on?!" David, his team, and several other agents arrived at the site. Upon seeing Carrie holding Nikita hostage with her powers, they drew their guns.
"Weapons down," Orchid ordered.
David paused. "But ma'am-"
"I said, weapons down. I'll handle this." Once the agents lowered their weapons, Orchid shifted to the teenager. "Carrie, I need you to calm down. Can you please put Nikita down? Let's talk."
The teenager glanced at her and the others, her eyes brimming with rage and fear. Her breaths were quick and shallow, and her hands trembled. Dousing the flames inside her, she lowered Nikita and released her.
Nikita stumbled away as a fellow operative assisted her.
"Are you okay?" Orchid asked.
Nikita exhaled a trembling breath. "Y-yeah. Just startled."
"What happened?"
"That slut freaked out after I mentioned a name. One of her bullies. Then she became a psycho! She's a menace, boss, a fucking menace!"
"Stand down, Nikita. You're out of line," Orchid said.
"Why are you standing up for her? Didn't you see what she did?"
"Yes, and I'm telling you to stand down. Cool yourself off. I'll deal with this."
"But-"
"Now!"
Nikita sighed as her shoulders slumped, complying with Orchid's request as she left the room.
"Do you need help?" David asked.
"No, thank you. See yourself out, along with the rest," Orchid said.
David nodded and motioned to the other agents as they left.
Orchid exhaled as she lifted the pew from the floor. "You alright, Carrie?"
The girl fidgeted, her left hand holding her right arm while staring down like a scared, injured puppy. "I'm… I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. Also, don't mind Nikita. She is a handful." Orchid gestured for Carrie to join her on the seat. Complying, the teenager lowered her head. "Want to discuss what happened?"
Silence fell over Carrie.
"Which name was it?"
"Sorry?"
"What name triggered that reaction?"
Carrie swallowed, licking her dry lips. "C-Chris. Christina Hargensen."
"Ah, I see. Was that girl mean to you?" Orchid asked. Carrie's form tensed as her mouth clenched. "That's what I figured. What happened that night when the Black Prom incident occurred?"
"I remember having a good time with Tommy."
"Who?"
"Tommy Ross. He was my date that evening. He was so wonderful and kind to me. Everything was so magical."
"Were you in love with him?"
"Many people say that. I like Tommy, but I wasn't into him. Besides, he already had a girlfriend. Still, I never expected it to happen. When he invited me to prom, I assumed he was joking like all the others. Who would want to ask me out? Then, he came to my house to ask again, and I accepted.
"My mother warned me not to leave, that it would lead me to sin and people would laugh at me. I just wanted to live my life." Carrie wiped away a tear. "Was it too much to ask? I thought things would be different.
"The dance was great. I would've been okay with the night ending there, but something unexpected happened. The school declared us the winners of the Prom King and Queen ballots. I was already reeling from dancing with a boy. However, to be declared a winner and receive the crown, I couldn't believe it. I believed it would only get better."
Orchid shook her head. The dance must've meant the world to Carrie, given her miserable life. As she leaned forward, Orchid prepared herself for the last question. "What happened after that?"
Carrie sniffled. "I don't know. Everything happened so fast. One moment, Tommy and I were on the stage, receiving our crowns. The next, everything's fragmented. There was blood, people laughing, the projector screaming the words 'Plug it up,' something metallic hitting something or someone. I remember seeing Tommy on the floor with a pail beside him. I couldn't sense his heartbeat.
"Blood covered the podium. My mother's voice screamed, 'They're gonna laugh at you!' until I blacked out. I couldn't remember anything afterward."
"Hm." Once Orchid figured out the remaining pieces, her blood boiled toward those responsible. However, she cooled her anger for Carrie's sake.
"I didn't mean… to hurt anyone," the girl said in a crackling voice. "I…." Tears fell, soaking her pale cheeks.
Orchid pulled the girl into a hug, comforting her. Her sternness always held her in high esteem, but seeing this crying girl broke her heart. "It's alright. Let it all out."
"Why am I so different from everyone else? What's wrong with me? Why am I like this?"
"No idea, but we'll figure it out, okay?"
"Why do you care?"
Orchid clicked her tongue. "Let's just say I know what you've endured. I relate to feeling like an outsider and longing for acceptance. Being different can be difficult to accept, but it has advantages too. It's what makes you stand out from the crowd and shine. Hey, wanna see something cool?"
Though confused, Carrie nodded. Once Orchid snapped her fingers, a glowing golden tiger appeared before them in flames. Terrified, Carrie yelped and shrunk back.
"Hey, take it easy! He won't hurt you. Carrie, this is Mister Kitty. Mister Kitty, this is Carrie." The tiger purred as Orchid caressed its head and neck. "Would you like to say hello?"
Carrie hesitated before pushing herself off the bench and approaching the Fire Cat. Kneeling beside it, she reached out before retracting her hand.
"It's okay. Pat Mister Kitty. He likes it," Orchid said.
With a deep breath, Carrie stretched out inch by inch. Once her hand made contact, she expected the flames to burn her, but it didn't. Carrie's fear soon became awe and wonder.
"He's so smooth and warm," Carrie remarked. "What is he?"
"That same question plagued me for years," Orchid said. "I tried looking him up in different mythologies. Even my father's diary didn't have the answers. It mentioned his mother- my grandmother- volunteering on some project in World War II, but nothing more. I call him my 'Firecat.'"
Carrie raised a brow at the name.
Orchid almost giggled. "Goofy name, I know, but it fits."
"So, what happens now?"
"You received a poor hand in life. That said, I won't pressure you into fieldwork. It's difficult to tell what the future holds, but we'll face it together. Just know you aren't alone, Carrie - Jago and Pemba, they care about you, and so do I."
Wet lines fell from Carrie's face as her tears melted against the Firecat's glowing skin. Then, she wrapped her arms around the older woman's frame.
Though surprised, Orchid's expression softened as the young girl wept against her, hugging back. As if wanting to join, the Firecat pushed itself against Carrie's leg, purring while wagging its tail. Its warmth added comfort, making the moment even more intimate. Orchid smiled at the creature, grateful for its silent support.
