A/N: Hello once again, fellow readers. I have returned with a new chapter. I had to clean my stories and am trying this Grammarly app. It is a great app to use. If you want to find any spelling or grammar errors, get the free version (highly recommended), but if you're going to get technical, there's always the premium one. Anyway, enough of that, so sit back and enjoy.

Update: this chapter has been reworked.

Disclaimer: Y'all know the routine: check the sign before reading.

Inside an Ultratech factory, a ferocious battle ensued between man and machine. The background roared with fire exploding from the chutes. The cacophony of grinding gears and screeching metal echoed off the high steel walls, creating a symphony of chaos.

However, it didn't distract the two warring beings as Hinmatoom's tomahawks and the Fulgore Mark III's blades collided. Sparks flew with each clash, bathing the factory floor in dazzling light. Hinmatoom moved with agility, his movements a seamless dance of precision and power, while the Fulgore Mark III countered, its mechanical limbs whirring with deadly intent. The air crackled with tension as both combatants pushed their limits, neither willing to concede.

Soon, they backed off, glaring at each other. Hinmatoom bore several gashes across his arms, his skin bruised and bleeding from the relentless strikes. Despite his injuries, he remained steadfast. Meanwhile, the Fulgore Mark III's metallic frame showed signs of wear, with deep dents and scorch marks marring its once pristine surface. Its circuits sparked as it struggled to maintain optimal function.

"Eagle, you must listen to me! Find your strength to break free from Ultratech's control!" Hinmatoom said.

However, the cyborg said nothing and continued its attack, leaving Hinmatoom no choice but to defend himself. Their clash sent shockwaves through the factory, shaking its structure. Hinmatoom searched for weakness in the cyborg's movements as they fought, hoping to reach the human spirit trapped within.

Without warning, the cyborg stabbed him in the stomach, its blade piercing through flesh. Hinmatoom gasped, his eyes widening as pain radiated through his body. It lifted its human opponent before tossing him to the ground. As it moved closer, it pushed the tomahawks away and picked him up by the throat. Then, it pulled its right arm back, its plasma blades ready.

Hinmatoom fought to free himself. "Eagle, please… don't."

The android tilted its head before speaking, blending robotic and Tipyeléhne's voices. "Why? You said so yourself. We may share blood, but we are not brothers." The cyborg thrust its blade toward his heart.

Hinmatoom jolted awake, his chest heaving like he'd surfaced from a deep ocean. A soft, golden light bathed the room, casting subtle shadows of Incan symbols carved into the walls. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor was the only sound, blending with the gentle rustle of the alpaca pelt blankets that covered him, their vibrant colors reminiscent of a sunrise over the Andes.

Confused, he sat up and glanced around. Where am I? Hinmatoom winced in pain as he placed his hand on his stomach, only to discover bandages around it. With the war paint removed, he soon found more wraps covering his upper torso. An IV drip hung beside the bed, its clear fluid dripping through the tube into his arm. In addition, an ice pack fell from his brow and into his lap when he arose.

What happened? Was it all a dream? I remember the fight and the pain, but how did I end up here?

"Hey, you're awake!" a voice called. Orchid stood by the doorway, relief written on her face. Aganos' tiny avatar form perched on her shoulders; its eyes glowed in relief.

"I remember you. Orchid from the tournament, right?" Hinmatoom asked.

"I'm surprised you remembered me."

"How can I forget? You tried to seduce me."

"Oh, c'mon, I was undercover. As an agent, my task was to gather vital information for crippling Ultratech. I'd blow my cover if I revealed my true self," Orchid said. Once she approached, she rested her hand on the bed, allowing the miniature golem to climb down and hug Hinmatoom.

"Aganos," he said as a wave of familiarity washed over him. The tiny avatar beamed at him, its eyes glowing brighter as it nodded in acknowledgment. "Can you tell me where I am?"

"Before I answer, share what you remember last."

Hinmatoom rubbed his neck, grasping at the fragmented images in his mind. "Aganos and I were in this Ultratech factory, searching for my brother's remains. After that, we encountered this Fulgore unit. Somehow, it carried my brother's spirit. Once I told Aganos to find safety, I fought the creature. The flash of its blade, and then, darkness. I kept drifting in and out of consciousness until I blacked out."

Orchid nodded, understanding his plight. "You're in a hospital inside the City of Dawn within the Andes Mountains, hidden from Ultratech's prying eyes."

"Wait, what? The Andes? What brought me here from Idaho?"

"Your stony friend carried you here. You were in terrible shape and fighting a fever. That reminds me." Orchid placed her hand against his brow. "It looks like you broke your fever. Still, I suggest you rest."

Hinmatoom sighed, grateful for the golem's loyalty. Despite the pain, he signed, "Thank you for saving me. I would've been dead without your efforts."

Aganos' eyes gleamed as it signed back, "I couldn't let you die from facing that metal monster alone."

"Aw, it's sweet you two have bonded," Orchid said. "That's needed in the fight against Ultratech."

"There's something you should know. Have you heard of 'Project Carrie?'"

"It doesn't resonate with me. What is it?"

"I haven't delved into it, but it involves a girl, Carrie White. It was strange because I was sure the girl was dead. After all, I've seen the news about the infamous Black Prom massacre in Maine. However, Aganos mentioned seeing her when she shoved him with her abilities during his forced attack on Jago. I don't know why Ultratech wants her, but it won't lead to anything good."

"Aw, shit! So my assumption was right: they want her powers. I should contact my faction living in Europe to look into this issue. I'll inform Maya about it, too."

"What about the agency you work for? Can they help?"

A thin line appeared on Orchid's lips. "Thunder, what you must understand is-"

"She got fired," a voice said.

Orchid recoiled at the word as she turned toward the source and glared. Jago stood at the doorway. "Dammit, brother! I did not get fired! The bastards dismissed me!"

The monk shrugged. "I called it like it is. Thunder, how are you feeling?"

"It could've been better or worse," Hinmatoom said. "Are you alright, though? Aganos told me of his forced scuffle with you."

"Yes, it was an awful experience, but Aganos isn't at fault. He was a victim of Ultratech, like us. Now, what's this I hear about a 'Project Carrie?'"

Orchid took a deep breath. "It's something Ultratech might be working on. They seem intent on exploiting telekinetic powers. We must find out more before they unleash something beyond their control."

"Should I warn Carrie?" Jago asked.

"Perhaps, but not now. It would detract from the girl's training."

"Agreed. Carrie wants to know when you'll show her some martial arts techniques since she completed your challenge."

Orchid slipped into memory lane until her eyes widened. "Oh, that's right! Damn! I almost forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me, Jago. You'll be at the waterfall, right? Give me a few hours, and I'll join you soon."

"Very well. We'll be waiting, and Thunder, I wish you luck with your recovery."

"Thanks. I'll need it." As Jago left, Hinmatoom waited until the monk was out of earshot. "So, about the fired/dismissed part…"

"Let's just say it was a huge, complex clusterfuck," Orchid said.

"Fair enough. So, Carrie is here?"

"Yeah. My brother's been looking after her since she came to his shrine. He's guiding her to control her powers while keeping her safe from Ultratech's reach. She's made lots of progress, but we remain cautious."

"How could someone so normal wield such destructive power?"

"What can I say? She's a textbook definition of 'never judge a book by its cover.'"

Hinmatoom chuckled, though the motion sent a ripple of discomfort through his bruised ribs. "Isn't that the truth?"

"Speaking of which," Orchid said, her tone softening, "you should take it easy for a while. Your injuries need time to heal, and stressing yourself will only set you back."

"I have no complaints. Besides, with Aganos accompanying me, I can stay out of trouble."

"Project Carrie?" Jean asked from the radio. Orchid arrived later at the Night Guard command center to update her spy ring. Even with the energy-cloaking artifact protection hidden in the vault, Orchid hid her frequency.

"Yes. It's a high-priority concern," Orchid said. "Ultratech is developing a project that could weaponize telekinesis. We need to gather intelligence on it."

"Understood. I'll contact some informants to get some intel about this. I still can't believe someone like Thunder, who has no guerilla tactics training, discovered some damning information in these raids."

"Well, his desire to find his brother's remains drove him to uncover secrets most wouldn't even think to look for."

"Indeed. So, for this project to become a reality, Ultratech needs Carrie, right?"

"That's right. Carrie's abilities are the key to their plans, so we must keep her safe. If Ultratech captures her, it could spell disaster."

"I'll mobilize additional resources and keep you updated on any developments. We can't let Ultratech get the upper hand."

"Orchid?" Maya arrived at the command center. "Oh, you're on the radio? Good, because I need a favor if you're not busy."

"Jean, I need to put you on hold. I'll be back." The agent engaged a secure channel switch, ensuring her frequency remained concealed from potential eavesdroppers. With the press of a button, Jacceptsline fell silent. "So, what do you need?"

"I'm sending a few warriors to Ravensburg, Germany, on a mission. Do you have anyone from your faction who wants to volunteer?"

"What's the mission about?"

Maya leaned in, her voice calm. "According to one of our informants, there's an ancient relic hidden within the Sabrewulf Castle that tracks Kan-Ra. It resonates with his magic, allowing us to pinpoint his location."

"Sabrewulf Castle, eh? That brings back memories. Are you also planning to find the Baron and relieve his misery? Last I checked, he had vanished after the Killer Instinct tournament fallout."

"The primary goal is the relic. If we cross paths with the Baron, we'll assess his situation. His condition makes him unstable and dangerous."

"I'll check if my operatives are interested in joining the mission."

"Thanks. Also, I learned about 'Project Carrie' while walking in. I can't believe it. Telekinesis as a weapon? That's a disaster waiting to happen."

"Tell me about it." Orchid shook her head. "Imagine if they succeed. It could tip the balance of power in ways never imagined. The chaos Ultratech might unleash would dwarf the Black Prom massacre."

Maya shivered at the thought. "The idea alone sends chills down my spine. I'll work on reinforcing our defenses and have some of my informants work with yours regarding Ultratech's movements."

"Thanks. Let's keep each other informed as things progress."

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the City of Dawn in a warm, golden glow. Shadows stretched long across the area, and the bustling activity outside quieted as dusk settled in. The first stars appeared in the deepening sky, signaling another vigilant yet peaceful night.

Inside Hinmatoom's room, Aganos sat on the clinic bed, guarding its human friend like a small sentry. It stared through the window as more stars emerged in the sky.

Meanwhile, Hinamtoom remained asleep, his chest rising and falling for each breath. The IV dripping and the EKG's beeping added tranquility to the sterile environment. He awoke only during doctor check-ups or unique events. One example was when he and the small golem spotted a giant water ball from a distance during daylight hours.

The water ball floated mid-air, shimmering in the sunlight like a mirage. Aganos cocked its head, intrigued by the unusual spectacle, while Hinmatoom squinted, trying to make sense of the phenomenon. A line of water poured from the sphere, vanishing as it shrank.

Then, a knock on the door grabbed the golem's attention. Minutes later, Carrie opened the door, carrying a plate of sliced fruit. The vibrant slices revealed a bright magenta flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, their colors striking against the white plate. The fruit's sweet aroma filled the room, contrasting with the sterile air.

"Hey, Aganos," Carrie said while placing the plate on the bedside table. "I thought your friend might enjoy a treat."

Aganos nodded in gratitude while Hinmatoom blinked awake, the enticing scent rousing his senses from slumber.

"Is that for me?" The man glanced at the fruit, enchanted by its vibrant color. "I never had this before, but it smells amazing."

"Maya calls it dragon fruit," Carrie said. "She figured it would help you recover."

Hinmatoom picked up a slice, admiring its distinct appearance before biting. He savored the sweet and refreshing flavor as it melted on his tongue. A delighted smile spread across his face as he chewed. "This is incredible. It's like tasting a Senzu Bean from Dragonball Z. It's restoring my energy and healing me with each bite." He took another piece, thankful for the thoughtful gesture.

"I don't understand what that means, but I'm glad you like it. If you don't mind me asking, where are you from?"

"I'm from Idaho, living on the Nez Perce reservation."

"Nez Perce?"

"Yes, the Nez Perce are a Native American tribe with a rich history. We're known for our deep connection to the land and traditions passed down through generations. Being in this hospital makes me appreciate my roots even more."

"You miss home, don't you? I miss mine too, although I don't think I'll return there, not after…"

Hinmatoom paused, his eyes meeting Carrie's with curiosity and caution. He remembered the whispered stories of the notorious prom night. Yet, sitting before him was a girl who appeared gentle and kind, not the vengeful figure the media portrayed. "So, you're Carrie White. I've heard about you, but meeting you now, you're not what I expected."

Carrie lowered her eyes, pushing a strawberry-blonde hair strand behind her ear. "People believe what they want to believe. I only wanted a normal teenage life. Instead, I became the center of a nightmare I never asked for. Everyone painted me as a monster, but they never understood the pain I endured. Since being with Jago and meeting new people, I've seen things in a different light."

"I can relate. Everyone hears one side of a story and accept it as truth. Fear can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Have you or anyone seen a giant water ball in the afternoon?"

"Oh, that was me. I've been training to control my powers; that giant water ball was part of my practice. Jago's helped me understand my abilities. Until today, I've had issues using them for longer periods because of my heart strains."

"That sounds terrible. Does Jago know?"

"He does. So far, Jago is helping me with exercises to strengthen my heart and improve my endurance. Even Orchid showed me a neat trick when she arrived. She told me to associate my powers with something positive rather than negative. Of course, that's easier said than done, considering my past."

"Orchid must've created a mental trigger for you to channel your powers. It's a wise approach. Have you found a particular memory that helps you focus?"

"I saw myself as a child, talking to something. I couldn't tell if it was a memory. It was a hovering, glowing skull with unusual markings and large fangs. At first, it terrified me, but then it spoke gently, guiding me to embrace my fears and strengths. That encounter, strange as it was, has become a source of comfort and focus during my training sessions."

"A skull with strange markings and a gentle voice?" Hinmatoom scratched his chin. "It reminds me of a Weyekin."

Carrie tilted her head. "What's that?"

"Weyekins are spiritual guides in Native American traditions. They manifest as an animal or a symbol, offering wisdom and protection to those who encounter it."

"How could that be? I've been a Christian my whole life."

"Spiritual guides don't adhere to one specific faith or belief system. They can appear to anyone, regardless of their background. This Weyekin - assuming what the skull is - might've chosen you because it sensed your inner strength and potential."

"It's comforting that a guide watches over me like a guardian angel."

"I guess that's one way of putting it." Hinmatoom paused, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. He shifted to a relaxed position on his bed. "Sorry. This fever's messing with my head."

"Here." Carrie grabbed a wet towel from a water-filled bucket. After squeezing the excess water, she placed the towel on Hinmatoom's head. While doing so, a brief vision slipped into her mind, showing the man's memories. In the vision, Hinmatoom was in a mansion, facing a skeletal creature wielding an eldritch shield that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. The creature's hollow eyes glowed red, but Hinmatoom remained resolute. With a battle cry, he charged at the entity.

Once the vision vanished, Carrie shook her head and breathed. Her heart raced from the unexpected glimpse into Hinmatoom's past.

"Carrie? Is everything alright?" the man asked, concern etched in his features.

She blinked, steadying herself. "Yeah, sorry. I had a moment."

"Carrie?" Jago arrived to catch their conversation. He glanced between them, sensing the tension in the air. "Did I interrupt something important?"

The girl shook her head. "We talked after I delivered the dragon fruit. It was a pleasure meeting you, Thunder. I hope you feel better soon."

"Thanks. Also, tell Maya I appreciate the fruit if you see her. It's well-needed."

"I will." Soon, Carrie left, leaving the two men.

Hinmatoom adjusted the wet cloth on his head. "I suppose you'll tell me to steer clear of your ward."

Jago chuckled. "Why would I say something like that? She must meet new people and hear different perspectives."

"Hm. Carrie's lucky to have you as her teacher. Few people can nurture Carrie's uniqueness with such understanding and patience. Wish I could do the same for my brother."

"We each have our paths to walk, and sometimes those paths are fraught with challenges we can't foresee. Only learning from the past helps us to strive better."