A/N: Hello, fanfics. I am here with a new chapter that I finished but kept under wraps until now. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Update: This chapter has been revised to expand a bit on the travel scene to connect with the new chapter two.
Disclaimer: I have never owned Killer Instinct, nor Carrie.
The flight to Bhutan was short, as Baki predicted. In her window seat, Carrie leaned against the wall. Despite the steady engine outside, the chattering gave her a headache. Her ears would also pop whenever she swallowed. She planted her hand on her head and groaned.
"Are you okay?" Baki asked.
Carrie faked a smile. "I want this flight to be over."
The captain's voice blared over the intercom, startling her. "Good afternoon. This is your captain speaking. We're about to descend to Paro International Airport. All passengers are required to return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Stow away trays and electronics. We will send our flight attendants to collect any trash. Thank you again for choosing Druk Air."
Wearied, Carrie stowed away her tray table and checked her seatbelt.
The flight attendants soon arrived, carrying garbage bags. One by one, they collected trash along the narrow aisle. Carrie and Baki handed their empty salad containers to them. Fatigued and with a headache, she didn't look forward to descending.
The engines started revving down as the plane jerked. Carrie jumped away from the wall, chills spreading through her body. "What—What's happening?"
"The pilot is steadying the aircraft to ensure a safe landing. Relax. Everything will be okay," Baki said.
Despite the stranger's assurance, Carrie couldn't bring herself to relax. She bowed, clutched her cross necklace, and muttered a prayer. As it continued its descent, the plane switched its speed for each passing second. As worst-case scenarios flashed through her mind, she kept praying. For one last time, the plane shook as it touched down on something solid.
In time, Carrie stopped praying. Apart from the small chatter, the cabin was calm. While thanking God, the tension left her body except for her headache.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Paro International Airport. The time now is 5:30 pm. Be sure to grab your bags before you depart," the captain spoke through the intercom. "On behalf of the crew, I would like to thank you for choosing Druk Air."
Upon stopping, the jet's engines shut down. One by one, the passengers removed their luggage from the overhead bins. The flight attendants bid them farewell as they exited the plane several minutes later.
Carrie and Baki waited until everyone cleared the plane. As they stepped outside, she shielded her eyes from the light. Once her eyes adjusted, she was speechless. The airport lay deep in a lush valley with clouds hanging around the hilly peaks. Tiny houses and buildings remain in the foothills, close to the airfield. The terminal resembled a temple, though not a Christian one.
Her pounding headache distracted Carrie from enjoying the scenery. She placed her hand on her head, groaned, and descended the stairs with Baki. Her brave face didn't fool the stranger. He sensed that her headache had come from cabin pressure. An entire night's rest was what she needed to relieve her pain.
When Carrie and Baki entered the building, the interiors blew her away. Unique patterns adorned the walls, ceilings, and other areas. Various pictures hung on the walls, showing strange beings and animals. Many shops and restaurants were available, ready to serve visitors.
Despite her curiosity, Carrie didn't find comfort. Sighing, she lowered her head.
The behavior caught Baki's eye. "Is everything alright, dear child?"
"Yes, sir." Carrie rubbed her eyes. "Just tired."
"Jet lag, eh? Once I grab my bag from baggage claim, we'll find a place to rest."
The two strolled until they arrived at the baggage claim area. Baggage carousels moved in circles as passengers searched for their luggage. They approached one labeled '20' and waited. Within minutes, a black and gray backpack appeared from the opening.
Baki checked the backpack's tag for his name. Contented, he exited the building with Carrie. Once outside, he breathed in the fresh air before exhaling. He spotted a few auto rickshaws waiting for any clients. With Carrie in tow, he approached one, knocking on the window.
The driver, a young woman, lowered her window.
Baki bowed his head. "Pardon me, miss, but are you available?"
"I have a client heading to the Nirvana Inn," the woman said. "Are you coming too?"
"Yes, me and my granddaughter." Baki motioned toward Carrie. "She's suffering from a headache, and the jet lag is taking a toll on her."
"Mm, I know the feeling. Get in."
After bowing in gratitude, Baki opened the back seat door and called Carrie. She complied, and they entered. The driver's client arrived a few minutes later, taking the left window seat. Leaving the parking lot, the woman drove away with her clients.
Arriving at Nirvana Inn, lights around the tall building had lit up, heralding night. After paying the driver, Baki and Carrie stepped inside the hotel. Once they'd paid for a room, they settled in.
They spent the next two days at Nirvana Inn adjusting to the elevation. Although her symptoms were mild, Carrie struggled to sleep. As for Baki, he spent his time meditating, never leaving unless otherwise.
After a full recovery, they departed from the hotel on the third day. They hitched a ride and traversed the varied terrain. Carrie viewed the scenery from the window, with the ride lasting four hours. Once they reached Jigme Dorji National Park, Baki thanked the driver.
Carrie surveyed the park. "So, what now?"
"We'll explore the park, pretending to enjoy ourselves. Once we're away from prying eyes, we'll head east to the Himalayas. We must tread with caution, though. Many animals live here, including tigers," Baki said.
Carrie swallowed, praying the animals Baki mentioned would not approach. As planned, they ventured into the park, immersing themselves in nature. Once they crossed the river via bridge, they headed east, walking on a trail. When the sun reached its peak, they stopped to rest in the shade.
In the twilight, Carrie and Baki continued their journey. With the light fading, they stopped to make camp. Baki's tent was spacious, Carrie disliked sleeping inside. Regardless, she had no choice since creatures lurked at night.
Except during the sun's zenith, heavy rains, or nightfall, this routine continued. In Baki's presence, Carrie's stomach quaked. Despite his kindness, how far would it go?
Each scenario in her mind had different endings. In one method, Baki would force himself on her once her exhaustion set in. Afterward, he would leave her body for whatever lurked to feast on. She could flee, but where?
After days of gruesome trekking, they arrived at a clearing. Water flowed in one direction from a river that split near a hillside. A dark haze covered the sky as the sun sank toward the horizon.
"Let's stop here." Baki shrugged off his backpack and dug through it to grab his tent.
Carrie wiped the sweat off her forehead as she sat and massaged her aching feet. "How far are the Himalayas?"
While setting up camp, Baki pointed at a mountain far along the horizon. Snow painted the top while its body remained gray.
Carrie's eyes widened. "I didn't think we were close. Do you live there?"
Baki nodded. "In a village near the baseline. There's a temple on the top."
"A temple?"
"Yes. The guardian inhabits it. Though kind, he keeps to himself. He only comes down if nearby villages are at risk or receiving food."
"This guardian… are you talking about the man you planned to take me to? How can you be sure he'll handle my presence or yours?"
"With broken souls, he mends them." Baki reached into his bag and handed Carrie a hooded coat with fur and gloves. "With snow as its land's ruler, it's wise to wrap yourself in warm attire. We should sleep tonight. With our pace, we'll soon reach the guardian's temple in the Himalayas."
The following morning, Baki packed up his tent inside his knapsack. Carrie changed into the clothes Baki gave her in the woods. After having a light breakfast, they resumed their trek, following the same routine. Along the way, they discovered piles of rocks stacked on each other.
Carrie tapped on Baki's shoulder. "Sir, what are those?"
"Oh, those are Cairns. They have many purposes and spiritual meanings. Here, we're on the right track in our journey. Come."
Carrie studied the Cairns before leaving with Baki. At a higher elevation, the temperature and the air pressure dropped. Carrie found breathing difficult, but she kept moving. The descending sun changed the peaks into a dark orange, foreboding night. The winds turned into a howling monster.
Baki checked on Carrie as the snow pelted them. "Are you okay?"
"I-I'm f-f-freezing." Carrie shivered. "M-my ears… they're r-ringing f-f-f-from the w-w-wind."
"Stay strong. I sense we're close."
Carrie lowered her head, her teeth chattering. Her eyes grew heavy, but she refused to succumb to the frigid weather. The young girl kept walking until Baki beckoned her to stop. Brows furrowed, she struggled to follow Baki's line of sight. The snow lessened its battering as it revealed a shrine on a ridge facing south. Though in a decayed form, it resembled a palace with tiger-headed structures.
Carrie examined the building. "W-W-what's this?"
Baki outstretched his hand. "This is the Tiger Shrine. Once full of life, it is now a shell of its former self." Marveled at the ruins, Baki called out in his native tongue. Not understanding the language, Carrie rubbed and breathed on her hands. "We should go inside. The guardian isn't present, but he'll greet us."
Carrie placed her hand on his shoulder. "What if he doesn't want us in his home? I mean, aren't we trespassing?"
He grabbed her hand and patted it. "He is a generous man. Besides, the night is falling fast. Please, don't worry; the guardian will understand the reason behind our presence."
Carrie swallowed hard as they crossed a hanging bridge. Nearby, a massive bell was suspended from ropes. Clouds hung low over the valley, obscuring the frozen lake below. Scared of heights, Carrie turned away, focusing on the doors. Baki pushed them open with both hands, revealing the temple's interiors.
Wooden beams crisscrossed each other where a roof once was. The wall near the entrance was missing, exposing the mountainous terrain. Bells and chimes clanged in a calm rhythm. Fires crackled from smoking pits framed by snow-buried benches. Bronze and gold tiger statues, carvings, and engravings adorned every corner. They snaked around pillars, their faces locked in fearsome snarls. Carrie trembled under their harsh stares as if passing judgment on her.
"Come, child," Baki called. "The freezing night draws closer."
After drawing a deep breath, Carrie followed him to the sleeping quarters. With torches lighting the hallways, they found an area with rows of sliding doors. Carrie found the room intact when she opened the door closest to the halls.
A small bed remained in the center with a table. Moonlight shone through a single window.
"I wish you a good night. Sleep well," Baki said.
"Y-You too, sir." After shutting the door, Carrie slogged towards the cot and climbed onto it. She remained awake for a while, then drifted off to sleep.
A dark void surrounded Carrie, robbing her of sight and sound. The urge to scream grew inside her as it squeezed her body. The darkness remained until it parted, unveiling the Prayer Closet. Her breaths shook through her lungs, and chills swept through her body. As she stepped backward, she bumped into something.
Her mother's dead face came into view as she grabbed Carrie's throat and lifted her. The woman's brown eyes hid neurotic terror.
"What are you doing in that godless temple?" she said in an accusing tone.
"Mama, you're hurting me!" Carrie struggled to breathe, pulling at her mother's hands.
"Answer me!"
"You're hurting me, Mama! I didn't sin! This-this temple isn't evil!"
Her mother slapped her daughter across the cheek. Carrie tried not to cry as the affected area throbbed. "You filthy bitch, I should've never given birth to you! Now, to atone for my deadly sin."
Two fiery limbs escaped the Prayer Closet and grasped Carrie, searing her arms. She screamed as they dragged her toward the closet. Inside, the fire changed into the horned form of the Devil. The beast laughed as it snatched her struggling form and dropped her into its maw. The fire scorched her flesh, reducing her to ashes.
A scream tore at Carrie's throat as she awoke, sweat seeping from her pores. Scanning her surroundings, she found herself inside the Tiger Shrine.
Thank God, it was only a dream. Carrie placed her hand on her sweaty face, slowing her breathing. Once she calmed her nerves, the young girl headed for the courtyard. The sun peeked behind the mountains as she arrived, reflecting off the statues.
Baki waved at her, sitting on a snow-free bench. "Morning. You slept okay?"
The young girl shook her head. "Had a nightmare."
"Oh, I see." His smile faltered for a moment before he motioned to her. "Come, come! You should feel better after breakfast."
Carrie sat beside him as he held out two pieces of circle-shaped bread. He handed one to her. "Thank you."
"My pleasure!"
While eating in silence, the bells' soft clangs drifted from the spire, floating in the crags. Moments later, the doors creaked open as a man appeared. Carrie paused as the food trembled in her hand.
A plated metal mask, except for his brown eyes, concealed the man's face. His brownish-black hair swept one side, exposing a bald portion from the back. Ropes fashioned into a belt around his lean, bare, and muscled torso. A curved sword strapped to the ropes rested on his back. Wrapped around his waist was an adorned sash matching his blue pants.
On close inspection, the material resembled the draperies in the temple. Red ropes bound the fabric around the man's lower body and legs. His feet were clad in sandals. A pair of tiles acted as braces, both coiled around his wrists. On his knees were two broken tiger-mouthed statues, serving as protective 'pads.' Viewed as a whole, he resembled a fearsome warrior.
The warrior surveyed the temple until he spotted his 'guests.' He shifted towards them, showing a lavish striped tattoo on his left arm and chest.
A soft gasp escaped Carrie. Her mother had once told her to avoid those carrying 'marks of the Devil.' Though instinct compelled her to run, she remained in her seat.
"Kē tapā'ī harā'unu bhayō?" the warrior asked.
Carrie's mind froze. What was that language?
Baki patted Carrie's shoulder with a smile. "He's asking if we're lost." He replied to the warrior, "Tapā'īṁ jānubha'ēkō bhandā baḍhī harā'ēkō chaina."
"What did you say to him?" Carrie whispered.
"No more lost than he's been."
Carrie waited for the warrior's response, though it may sound gibberish.
The latter furrowed his brows. "Timī kō hau? Mailē timīlā'ī gā'um̐kō bhramaṇamā dēkhēkō chaina."
"Ma kō hum̐ tyō mahattvapūrṇa chaina." Baki chuckled while patting Carrie, who jumped a bit. "Tara yō yuvatī hō. Mailē usalā'ī bhayānaka niyatibāṭa bacā'ēm̐. Mailē āphnō kartavya pūrā garēkō chu." He arose from his seat. "Aba ma usalā'ī timrō hātamā chōḍchu."
Carrie couldn't understand the language, but Baki's answer stunned the warrior. However, when the warrior faced her, she shifted in discomfort. She was about to stand when Baki raised his hand, motioning her to stay.
"This is where you and I part ways." He offered her a sad smile. "I wish you good fortune in the coming years."
Carrie tilted her head, unable to speak. Is he leaving me here? As the warrior approached, her attention shifted to him. She swallowed hard with her eyes fixed on the warrior's sword. As if reading her mind, he glanced back and grabbed the handle. Her muscles stiffened as tremors surrounded her.
The warrior raised his other hand while pulling out the sword. The blade was long, with the tip comprising two hornlike protrusions. A slice from such a weapon would cut a human in half.
Carrie held her breath as she awaited the warrior's next move. To her surprise, the warrior placed the sword on the ground. As he pushed it away, the metal scraped against the stone floor. The action lifted the tension, but Carrie remained on guard.
The warrior softened his harsh stare. "Hello, child. What is your name?" His voice was light and calm.
Carrie blinked at his fluency in English. As he moved closer, she crawled backward toward a wall. Her form trembled as she closed her eyes, fighting back the tears.
"Wait, please, it's alright! Please, don't cry," the warrior assured. "This place is safe."
Carrie opened her eyes, trying to gather her courage. "Who… are you?" Her voice sounded small and childlike.
The warrior pressed his hands together and bowed. "I am Jago. I'm a Tibetan monk, and you are?"
A Tibetan monk? Did monks wear masks? She took a deep breath before she spoke. "I-I'm C-Carrie."
Jago raised his head, his eyes squinting. "Carrie…." He spoke the name as if testing it. Despite not seeing his face, the monk's eyes lightened. "That's a lovely name."
The corners of Carrie's mouth drooped. "Is-is this a trick?"
Jago shook his head. "Of course not."
"You must do more than reassure her." Baki drew their attention as he remained by the entrance. "Lama Jago, this child will need your support to move forward from her hellish life. I have faith you'll find the courage in her heart. Live well, child. May peace and happiness be with you."
Carrie raised her hand as he left. "Wait."
Baki paused in mid-step. "Yes?"
"Who-who are you?"
A smile spread across his face. "Just a wanderer, nothing more."
When Baki left, Carrie could've sworn she caught a faint glow from his right eye. Although she remained wary around him, she would miss the aging man.