A/N: Good morning, fellow readers. So, I've been trying this new app called WordTune, and so far, I'm impressed. If anyone doesn't know what that is, all you have to do is highlight a word, sentence, or paragraph, and it'll provide suggestions if you don't want to have choppy sentences and such. That said, I've been using it for my story. Also, some have commented that the travel scene has gone too fast, so I decided to expand on that. This will be an expansion to the "Jago" chapter. So, have a great Saturday morning and happy reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie. They belong to their respective owners.

Flocks of birds flew in tandem near the fish-filled sea. Below them, the ocean liner sliced through the water with its hull. Sunlight reflected off the railings like a vibrant jewel. Carrie remained inside her quarters, staring through the window. A sigh escaped her lips as she sat on her bed.

Three weeks had passed since she spoke to the mysterious man who rescued her. She didn't bother mingling with anyone onboard. By doing so, someone would expose her and alert authorities.

While the aged man meditated on his cot, Carrie grew unnerved around him. She could not understand his behavior or his actions. Though grateful to him for saving her life, he was a stranger to her. Besides that, no one in her hometown had cared about her.

After three weeks of awkward silence, Carrie cleared her throat. "Um… excuse me? Sir?"

"Hm?" The man kept his eyes closed.

"Do you… do you have a name?"

"Yes, but hard to pronounce, so my friends call me Baki." He opened one eye. "You're still wondering why I helped you, right?"

Carrie rubbed the back of her neck and nodded.

"Curious, aren't you? Can you understand that I want to help you?"

Distressed, Carrie shifted.

Baki exhaled and closed his eye. "I meant what I said. The captain was curious about you when I brought you on the ship. I told him you were my granddaughter and showed him the visas."

"What's a visa?"

"A visa allows you to enter a country with a passport."

Carrie furrowed her brows. "Where did they come from?"

Baki smiled. "I have my ways. Still, if you're worried about authorities, I'll handle it."

Astonished, Carrie fell silent as she blinked. Why would he do that? After a while, she returned her attention to the window.

Waves splashed against the vessel as it waded through the water. The crew checked on each passenger to make sure everything was okay. Carrie refused to leave her room except at night. Tonight was no different as she reached the bow.

The silver sphere remained in the sky with its gleaming aura. With memories of her hometown haunting her, she bowed her head. God, please forgive me. All I wanted was love and acceptance. Instead, I became a victim of cruelty.

From afar, Baki watched with a pained expression.

On the 25th day, the ship continued its voyage, turning towards the Meghna River. The vessel continued north, passing through small towns that lined the river. Observing the outside world from the window, Carrie remained in her room. Despite being relieved to see land, she focused on the passengers.

Carrie gritted her teeth. How could they be so happy? She could throw them overboard with her powers. However, thinking back to her hometown, she shook her head. The opening door broke her thoughts as Baki returned, checking his light luggage.

"In a few hours, we should reach our destination," he said.

Carrie nodded and turned to the window.

The ship traversed the Padme and Brahmaputra Rivers until it reached its endpoint. As the crew assembled the stairs, all was silent. After a few hours, the passengers crowded the deck. Once they descended the stairs and stepped foot on the dock, everyone parted ways.

Baki and Carrie were the last to leave the ship. He stretched his arms above his head. "Ah, land at last. How are you?"

Carrie rubbed her temples to ease a dull ache settling in her head. "Not good. Where are we?"

"We are in Guwahati, a city in Assam, India. As promised, you're free to go." Baki pulled out a small pouch along with a map. "Here's some money. The circled areas will tell you which places you can visit. The Xs are the ones to avoid. Well, I must go to Tibet, so I wish you luck."

While Baki departed from the pier, Carrie remained at her spot. Though surrounded by greenery, apartment-like buildings remained by the river. Strange sounds reached her ears, making her jump at each turn. One by one, she stepped back, wanting to return to the ship.

Sensing something was wrong, Baki paused and turned to her. "What's the matter, child? Why are you afraid?"

Carrie lowered her eyes, licking her lips. "There's… nowhere I can go."

Baki's eyes widened as he gasped. "Oh, you poor child. My apologies." He stroked his chin until a light bulb popped into his head. "I might know someone in Tibet who can help you. If you would like, I can take you to him.

"I understand your distrust of me and the environment. Your fear is the reason I offer you this choice. You may leave anytime but keep your money and map close. Avoid the areas marked with Xs. You are welcome, of course, to join me on my journey to Tibet. Whatever you decide, I will support and respect your decision."

The stranger's words sat with Carrie while she considered her next move. Foreign languages, cultures, and customs were unknown to her. She was also unsure if other agencies extended their search for her. With no other choice, Carrie lifted her head. "I… I want to come with you."

Baki nodded. "Very well."

They turned around and left the pier. Carrie and Baki strolled around Guwahati as the golden sky darkened. While the village was not part of the city, it appeared foreign. Strange statues adorned some worn-down buildings. This left Carrie curious as to what the history was behind them.

After some time, she and Baki discovered a three-story beige building. When they stepped inside, Carrie's eyes widened at how clean the interiors were. Black chairs with tawny armrests and legs stood against the curtain-covered windows.

While Baki talked to the receptionist, Carrie glanced around the room. Several people wore strange attire, catching her attention. Some women had a red dot between their brows.

Carrie turned away from the friendly locals. A wave of nausea churned in her stomach. Baki rented a room in time before anyone became curious. As they moved through the hallway, her body relaxed.

Upon finding the room labeled '199,' she twisted the door handle. Stepping inside the room with Baki, Carrie studied her surroundings.

Two separate twin beds fit into the small room. A nightstand rested between them, holding an alarm clock and a few other things. She closed the door behind her while Baki put his belongings away.

"Go ahead, child. Make yourself comfy," he said.

Carrie found a couch beside the windows. While sitting down, she folded her knees close to her chest.

"If you need anything, please wake me up, okay?" Baki yawned, stretching his arms. "Traveling can tire someone like me. These bones aren't as strong as they once were."

Carrie nodded as he climbed onto a bed. The instant his head hit the pillow, he fell asleep. On the couch, she shifted into a more restful position. She tightened her arms around her legs. Mama… I wish she was here.

"Why do you mourn that witch? You're better off without her," the voice suggested. "Plus, your 'companion' might sell you as a slave somewhere."

Carrie's eyes widened in alarm as she regarded the sleeping man. He wouldn't do that... would he? No. She shoved that horrible suggestion aside. He took me with him, fed me, and gave me shelter when he could have left me to die. He said he lived in Tibet, didn't he? As for this person he mentioned, I hope he can help me. I bet he's looking forward to returning home.

A sense of longing overwhelmed her. Carrie closed her eyes and lowered her head, letting the tears fall.

On the following day, they walked through several street bazaars. Despite the crowded markets, sellers encouraged their clients to buy their goods. Smoke from cooked exotic foods lingered while people conversed in strange tongues.

Remaining close to Baki, Carrie studied her surroundings. A few men fixed their gazes on her as if planning something. Her stomach churned in discomfort, and her pulse raced. Her powers could warn the stalking men, but she didn't want to cause a scene.

Baki creased his brows. "Dear child, are you alright?"

"I want to leave." Carrie's voice was soft but carried the strain of stress.

Baki glanced back, spotting the men. As he narrowed his eyes, a low growl rumbled within him.

To Carrie's surprise, the men stopped as if spooked. With furrowed brows, she glanced toward Baki, who returned with an assuring smile. "We don't need to worry about them. Once we reach the highway, we'll catch a taxi."

"Where to?"

"The airport because it's the only way to reach Tibet. Are you afraid of heights?"

A line formed on Carrie's lips. "I'm not sure. I have never been on an airplane."

"There is a first time for everything. Come."

Though challenging, they were fortunate to hail a cab when they reached the major road. Inside, a good deal of wear and tear had been done to the leather seats. However, it was a promising sign. The worn outs showed how demanding the job is.

Pine fresheners hung in the rearview mirror, giving off a forested odor. As they put on their seatbelts, the cushions squeaked under them.

"Where are you heading?" the driver asked.

"Guwahati International Airport," Baki said.

With a nod, the driver set the gear stick on D and drove onto the road. Throughout the 27-minute ride, Carrie and Baki were quiet. She viewed the city from the window. Unlike the suburbs, the city was full of life. People and vehicles blended together as they continued with their lives. The building caught her eye as they arrived at the airport.

However, the wondrous feeling faded as security patrolled the place. Despite having Baki with her, the worst-case scenarios played in her mind.

Carrie drew a deep breath and followed Baki into the building. Inside, people moved around the check-in booths. Digital monitors displayed arrival and departure times. The chatter of people echoed for hours on end.

Carrie placed her hands over her ears, her sensory levels flooding. Her chest hitched with each breath as she closed her eyes, wanting to scream. The electricity around the airport hummed, catching everyone's attention. Carrie was about to explode when a soft voice stopped her.

"Dear child, are you okay?" With his hands on Carrie's shoulders, Baki stared into her eyes.

With every breath she took, Carrie spoke. "This is… too much. This is… too much."

"It's a lot to take in, but give yourself time. One day, you'll see the beauty in this world."

"Hey!" a voice shouted as a security guard approached them. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, sir," Baki assured. "I'm trying to calm my granddaughter. She's nervous about flying. This will be her first time."

The security guard nodded. "Everyone gets nervous the first time they fly. Well, I'll leave you two be."

"Before you go, I must ask which airline to choose. We're flying to Tibet or somewhere close to it."

"Hmm. I would suggest Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air. The check-ins are over there." The security guard pointed at the booths. "They might take you to Katmandu, Nepal, or Paro, Bhutan. Either way, you'll be close to Tibet as possible."

"Thank you, sir." Baki pressed his hands together and bowed.

"Anytime. Was it weird how the electricity stopped working?"

"Yes, it was weird. You should speak to a technician."

The security guard couldn't agree more and left.

Baki shifted towards a frightened Carrie, offering her a warm smile. "See? I told you I'd handle the authorities. So, shall we proceed? Let's try Bhutan Airlines. If the seats there aren't available, we'll try Druk Air."

Though relieved, Carrie was speechless. A close call, and one that wouldn't be her last.

They tried to check in with Bhutan Airlines, but the planes were booked. When trying out Druk Air, they were fortunate to discover some seats available. Baki showed the passports and visas to the desk agent. They walked through the building toward security with their boarding passes in hand.

Surrounded by a sea of people, Carrie fiddled with the cross around her neck. Near the security screening, she listened to the nonstop chatter of people. Upon showing their passports and boarding passes, security let them pass. They headed to the gate of their choice after being checked. Once there, they settled in the waiting area.

Carrie's heart pounded inside her chest while she rubbed her hands. As more people arrived, she shifted in discomfort. She distracted herself by watching the planes leaving and arriving at their gates. The plane she and Baki were about to take would land in thirty minutes.

"Nervous?" Baki asked.

Carrie nodded, breathing through her nose to calm her nerves.

"The first time is always nerve-racking, but it'll be alright." Baki arose from his seat. "I'll grab some salads for us. You'll need your strength for where we're heading."

Though quiet, Carrie couldn't agree more with the stranger. Minutes later, Baki returned from the nearest food court, carrying two bowls of salad. He handed one to Carrie, which she accepted.

Thirty minutes had passed when the plane arrived at the gate. While the jet bridge expanded, the ground crew prepared the aircraft for its next trip. The passengers emerged from the door, ready to have fun.

More minutes passed until the flight attendant announced the trip. She called for those with a variety of benefits to enter the aircraft. In zone three, Carrie and Baki used this time window to prepare themselves. Once their sector was announced, they scanned their tickets and proceeded to the cabin.

Carrie lowered her head, taking deep, calm breaths. A nauseous sensation churned in her stomach and throat. Instinct urged her to escape, but she refused to listen.

The flight attendants greeted her as she approached the entrance. She nodded to them as she entered. She switched glances between the row numbers and stopped at the middle row. However, her seat was next to a window. Carrie groaned and slipped into her chair.

Baki, who was behind her, sat next to her. While trying to get cozy, he caught her fidgeting. "Are you alright?"

Carrie rubbed her arms. "I… I don't know."

"Everything will be alright. This flight will last about an hour. The plane is flying to Paro, a city in Bhutan."

"Why?"

"Bhutan is close to Tibet. Once we arrive at Paro, we'll spend the night in the city. Then, we'll head to Jigme Dorji National Park the next day. The park covers the foothills of the Himalayas."

The roaring engines outside and a slight jerk from the plane startled Carrie. On the intercom, the captain welcomed the passengers on board. During safety procedures, her unbuckled seatbelt caught her eye.

Carrie fastened her seatbelt and lowered the window covering. She then bowed and covered her cross necklace with her hand. She prayed to God to protect her and everyone else.

Amid her prayer, the aircraft lifted off the ground. A dropping sensation filled her stomach but slowly faded. Only when something tapped on her shoulder did she stop praying.

"We're in the air. Nothing horrible has happened," Baki said with assurance.

With every tension leaving her body, Carrie leaned against the wall. Thank you, Lord.