A/N: Hello, fellow readers. As such, I was able to complete the second half of the old "Secrets" chapter, courtesy of a dear friend of mine. So, sit back, relax on this beautiful weekend, and happy reading.
Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie. They belong to their respective owners.
The sun rose, casting its light on the snow-covered mountainous terrain. Carrie headed to a lake at the Tiger Shrine's mountain base. Earlier, Jago had instructed the girl to fetch water to start the day. After crossing the bridge, she found a path leading to the basin.
Snow and ice covered the trail, making it slick. For support, Carrie used the wall. She also carried two empty buckets attached to a shoulder yoke. After some time, she reached the semi-frozen lake.
It'll be a pain returning to the shrine with added weight, but I'll manage. Carrie set the buckets down once she moved closer to the lake. One by one, she filled the buckets with water, with chunks of ice still floating. As she glanced up, the worn-down Tiger Shrine remainedtall.
Carrie couldn't get Jago's tragic story off her mind.He must've been so lonely after what Gargos did to him. With me around, he won't fight his inner battles alone. While lifting the carrying pole, she sensed a disturbance. As she shifted toward the cliff face, she spotted strange flora.
She furrowed her brows. Strange. I don't remember seeing plants on a cliff. What kind--
Her thoughts stopped when the 'plants' climbed towards the shrine. Her eyes widened as an enormous rusted bronze arm grasped onto the cliff.
Carrie gasped as she dropped the shoulder yoke to the ground, spilling the water. Oh no, I have to reach Jago! She darted towards the path, her legs moving with every ounce of strength. God, please keep him safe.
Inside the courtyard, Jago chanted a prayer when he sensed a disturbance. His ears picked up the sound of rocks rustling and crumbling. He opened his eyes and peered over his shoulder.
"Is someone there?" he called. Silence lingered until a heavy scrape came from outside. The pebbles on the floor shuddered.
What the...? Jago rose and headed to the shrine's entrance. As he approached the source, something crashed into his frame. Knocked to the floor, his eyes widened as a massive bronze foot emerged. It slammed into the ground as he rolled out of the way, forming fissures.
On his feet, Jago faced his attacker. An eight-foot-tall, hunchbacked being with primitive-designed arms, hands, and feet. The being had been crafted from aged bronze and had missing parts. Various vines, plants, and rocks held its body together.
The creature lifted its head, revealing Akkadian and Mycenaean styles. Three faces and geometric-patterned beards adorned its head. Two of the faces had archaic smiles. The third, however, displayed into a wrathful expression with an open mouth. Its eyes and gems glowed a menacing emerald green with a hint of red.
With a low roar, the creature stomped toward Jago. The plants and vines twisted from each movement.
What creature is this? Is this one of Gargos' minions? With narrowed eyes, Jago launched a fireball at the giant.
The golem tucked itself and barreled towards Jago. Its body crashed through the projectile without a scratch.
The monk dodged and threw another fireball.
Unfurling itself, the golem flicked the projectile with its hand. After that, it removed a large rock from its body. It crushed the stone into smaller pieces and hurled them towards the monk.
Jago hid behind a pillar, covering his eyes from the dust and debris. As he circled around the room, rock spikes jutted from the floor. Some were close to skewering him. Rolling to the side, Jago winced as one scraped his arm, drawing blood. He kept on his feet, evading the rising spikes.
While the monk evaded the stones, the golem produced a wall, blocking the exit. Astonished, he stopped. Jago didn't have time to react when the golem punched him through several pillars. His body slammed hard through each of them.
Groaning, Jago found himself lifted by the golem's only hand. The creature struck the monk through each erected pillar and slammed him to the ground.
Jago coughed up blood, the metallic copper staining his mouth. He recovered enough to spot the golem lifting its foot again. After rolling away, the monk arose. From a safe distance, he summoned his ki, healing himself. Then, he faced the golem, letting out a fierce growl. He punched his palm and shifted to a Tiger stance.
The Tiger Shrine remained still as the wind echoed. Bells and chimes danced in harmony until they stopped.
Jago spun on his heel, soaring as he attacked the golem. His strikes were quick and precise before slamming a fireball into its center.
As the golem fell, the barrier cracked, drawing the monk's attention.
The wall….
Jago attacked again, but the entity slapped him with its metallic hand. The force itself rattled his bones and teeth.
By the Tiger, such strength! It's like getting struck by an elephant!
The golem lifted its arms and slammed hard into the ground. A wave of rocks flew into the air.
The rocks fell toward Jago as he arose. He weaved through the stones, wincing from the smaller ones pelting him. He spotted the golem tearingchunks of rock from the floor.
With enough armor stored, the golem moved for a punch.
Jago slid under the golem and brought up his kora sword. He attacked again, cutting its vined body.
Annoyed, the golem slapped him. While the monk staggered, it attempted to follow up with a punch.
As he recovered, Jago grabbed its gigantic arm. Using its momentum, he threw the creature to the ground. The temple rattled as the barrier blocking the exit crumbled.
Walking back, Jago paused at the golem's behavior. The creature gripped its head, letting out a pained cry. That's strange. Is this creature in pain? He didn't lower his guard as the golem charged toward him.
The monk slid under the creature again, evading its next attack. He launched a three-sixty split kick, striking its back. With the golem off-balance, he attacked. His movements grew faster and more robust. Then, laced with gold energy, he unleashed his rising uppercut. His fist struck the golem's chin, and both rose in the air.
The temple below him quaked as the golem collided with the ground. Jago landed on the floor. After straightening himself, he approached the golem with caution. The adrenaline kept rushing through his bloodstream.
Jago studied the creature until he spotted a strange black device on its brow. What is that? Is this the source of this creature's pain? Before the monk reached for the device, the giant grabbed him by surprise.
As the golem arose, it let out a muffled growl. It formed a rock club and struck Jago.
With a pained cry, the monk soared through the air. His sides burned as he crashed into the wall and the floor. While he arose on all fours, the golem approached, its footfalls creating soft booms.
"Please, let me help you." Jago winced as he grabbed his side. His ribs might've been bruised from the impact.
The golem ignored the monk's pleas, rolled into a ball, and barreled toward him.
Prepared to meet his end, Jago closed his eyes and braced himself, but it never came. He opened his eyes with a gasp. The golem kept spinning, but now it was floating.
What the…? Jago sensed a strange surge of power and tracked it, leading him to the entrance.
Carrie focused on the golem with both arms extended. An unseen force invaded the temple, lifting several items. The power surged like electricity, so intense that it hummed. She unraveled the golem as she moved to protect Jago, forcing it into a T-position. The creature struggled to break free from whatever power controlled it.
"YOU WILL NOT HURT MY FRIEND! NOW LEAVE!" With fierce and determined eyes, Carrie shoved the golem away. The creature spun through the air as it vanished into the horizon.
With the danger passed, Carrie collapsed to her knees. She dropped her arms, allowing the items to fall. Panting, Carrie shifted her attention toward a shocked Jago. She swayed, her eyes drooping, and fell before she could explain herself.
Jago caught Carrie before she hit the ground. He placed two fingers against her neck, feeling a faint pulse beneath them. Thank Buddha. She's alive. He scooped the girl in his arms and carried her away. That power…. He studied the unconscious girl, trying to process what had happened. Just what are you?
In New York, employees at the Ultratech Science Department worked long hours. The Killer Instinct theme boomed through the speakers to pass the time. A scientist was on a computer when beeps echoed, showing a rippled world.
"Hey, Carol, come over here," he said as Professor Grady arrived. She held a cup of coffee. "You're not gonna believe this. One of our satellites picked up psychic energy from the Himalayas."
In a hurry, Professor Grady set aside her coffee. "What's the data on this one?"
Her colleague typed on the keyboard, the screen showing wavy rows.
Grady adjusted her glasses. "What in the world…? It can't be…."
"What is it?"
Without answering her colleague, Grady headed to her desk. She returned with a folder. "Remember when ARIA sent a team to study the psychic energy in Maine? At the ruins and the school?" She opened her folder and pulled several pieces of paper. One of them contained a series of erratic wavy patterns. She handed them over to the scientist. "Do you spot something familiar?"
Her associate studied the wavy lines between the paper and the screen. "Oh, my God… you don't…?"
Grady's lips pressed into a firm line. "Yes. Carrie White is alive. Set up a call with ARIA."
"Ain't no fucking way!" Cinder shouted after the scientists reported their findings to ARIA.
"Does it follow the same pattern as Maine?" the CEO asked.
"The readings don't lie," Professor Grady said via microphone. "Do you wish to send a team to track her down?"
"No need. The camera inside the Fulgore controller on Aganos will tell us. Continue your schedule as planned."
"Yes, ma'am." The video ended with a black screen.
"Okay, questions," Cinder said. "How did she get to Tibet?"
"That is irrelevant now." ARIA pressed a button, and the screen showed a paused video. "This is the latest recording from the Fulgore controller." She replayed the fight until it showed Carrie arriving to save Jago. While ARIA studied the monitor, Cinder laughed, distorted and metallic. "What is so funny?"
"Look at Jago's face!" The fiery being cackled while pointing at the screen. "You can't tell from the mask, but his eyes explain everything! He had the biggest WTF moment! What an asshole!" Cinder wiped away a nonexistent tear from his eyes, composing himself. "Anyway, let me go to Tibet and retrieve the girl. If Jago has her, it won't be long before he brings her to Orchid."
ARIA assessed the plan in her mind. "The risk is high. I will need more data to assess her abilities and the potential risks."
Cinder crossed his arms. "What do you have in mind?"
"Given the terrain, we'll need something to avoid attention. The newest lines of RIPTOR Combat Models should suffice."
"The Mark Two Stalker units? I dunno, ARIA. They have not been field-tested yet. Besides, given their appearance, people might freak out."
"The location is secluded, with all networks monitored. A drone will be dispatched to monitor them."
"What about Aganos?"
"I dispatched some of our security units to retrieve him."
Cinder pouted.
"You'll have your chance. Just be patient," ARIA assured. "I have a task for you, though, involving a certain assassin."
The fiery effigy's eyes gleamed. "I'm listening."
Darkness loomed until Carrie roused. From the ceiling, a fierce tiger head glared at her. She yelped and recoiled out of fright until she peeked at it again. Oh, a statue.
As she placed her hand over her heart, she surveyed her surroundings. The room resembled the shrine but was smaller, with full walls and lit candles.
"You're awake."
Carrie found Jago sitting cross-legged beside her, with his eyes closed. A soft golden-yellow aura surrounded him. She had planned to ask if he was okay but held back.
"I'll be alright. I'm using my ki to heal myself," he said, sensing Carrie's concern for him. "A bowl is on your left, mixed with water and crushed herbs to treat headaches."
"What do you—agh!" A heavy pounding throbbed in her temples. Carrie gripped her head, massaging her scalp. She scanned the floor until she found the dish containing the murky water. She sipped first before swallowing the contents. Within a few minutes, the pain released its grip on her. "What is this place?"
"This room is where I first met Gargos, disguised as the Tiger Spirit. I didn't think I'd be in here after the destruction of my Order. This is the closest place to meditate since the courtyard is ruined. Carrie, we should discuss what you did."
"Wha…?" She paused until she remembered what had happened. She turned away. "I… I'm not sure what you mean."
"Carrie." Jago's tone was akin to a parent lecturing a child over some wrongdoing. "Don't insult my intelligence. You promised you would never lie to me when we left the hospital. Don't break that promise now."
Flinched from his words, she swallowed. No point in hiding it now. Carrie lowered her head. "I… have a 'curse.' Some kind of… telepathy or telekinesis."
The monk opened his eyes as the aura faded. So that's what it was. This explains her voice inside my head while I was fighting Omen. Not to mention the cracked mirror at the Kyichu Hotel in Lhasa. However, her reaction is distressing. "Why do you believe your powers are a curse?"
Carrie jerked her head up, wide-eyed. How could Jago remain calm after what he saw? Fidgeting, she traced her fingers on the tile lines. "There is no way to explain it. The only knowledge I have with it is from books and my personal experience. I remember doing something strange as a child, but I thought little of it."
Jago fell silent, absorbing this information. "Does anyone know you have this power?"
Still tracing the tiles, Carrie brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Mama did. From what I can tell, it's passed from daughter to daughter. I kept it a secret because I didn't want you to think I was… a freak."
As those words left her, her eyes burned with tears as she held them back.
The monk shook his head. "Carrie, I exposed my powers before you, and you didn't judge me. Still, I understand why you would believe that. I once had that mindset, believing my powers were a burden. Over time, I learned how to use that curse as my strength." He positioned his hands as if he held something and closed his eyes. Gold streams of energy flowed through his palms until a fireball emerged.
Enchanted by the light, Carrie moved closer. "Does it hurt?"
"If you allow it. If you contain your powers, it will bring more harm." Jago squeezed the fireball, pushing the flares. The coloration changed from orange to an angry red. "To control it, you must embrace it." He eased his grip as the fireball returned to normal until he snuffed it out. Tiny embers lingered until they faded. "Despite your control, your abilities are still crude. If you would like, I can train you."
"What? Jago, I…." Carrie was speechless. Since learning about her powers, she had taught herself until Black Prom. Although she stopped the training, the control remained.
As if sensing her dilemma, Jago raised a calming hand. "You don't have to decide today. Mull things over and inform me when you have your answer."
Carrie smiled with watery eyes as a single tear trickled down her cheek. God, if you can hear me, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to meet someone who understands me.
Jago sat in his candle-lit quarters, reflecting on what had occurred today. While tapping a pen in his hand, he gazed at a journal on his study desk. A gift from the High Abbot, Jago had received the journal as a child. He remembered how his master informed him it would help improve his writing. He used it over the years, although he wasn't fond of it at first.
His writing helped him cope with the horrible events caused by Gargos.
With his mind cleared, he lifted his pen and wrote his newest entry as night fell.
July 31, 2013
'When the old man appeared with Carrie in tow, I was bemused yet intrigued. Who was he? Why would he bring her here? Omen's interest in her also eluded me until I learned the truth. Today, Carrie revealed her secret to me in private. While much remains a mystery, Iunderstand her situation.
'She believes her powers are a curse, and I pity her. I don't know the full extent of her abilities, but she has potential. If only she could see that. What happened before her arrival had left her with trauma. In a lot of ways, I see myself in her. We differ, though, because I believe her to be capable of change.
'She's one of Nature's greatest miracles. Therefore, she should be protected and allowed to flourish. Of course, she would need guidance, wisdom, and support to help her. Therefore, I cannot allow any evil to possess Carrie. The results would be severe. Thus, I'm determined to keep her safe. Despite my struggle to conquer my demons, Carrie's situation is dire. Therefore, I will provide her with any support and advice she needs.
'As Buddha once said, "Helping one person won't change the world, but can change one life."
'When horrors like Gargos exist…
'Where corporations like Ultratech exploit the world's resources for their gain…
'Where people commit all acts of evil, daemonic influence or not...
'My heart breaks for Carrie because the world has lost sight of miracles.
'Miracles need to be protected and valued. That said, I'm determined to protect the miracle living with me. If it costs me my life, then it will be a life well spent.'
A/N: Not a good way to start out the morning for our main characters. To make matters worse, Ultratech now knows Carrie is alive. On the bright side, Jago now knows about the girl's powers and offers her training. Will she be able to take the offer, or will the past prevent her from doing so? Time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.