A/N: Hello, I am back once again with a new chapter. It is also my first fight scene, so hopefully, I did well. Anyway, enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie.

Grey clouds rolled across the sky, shading Lhasa. The air grew humid, and the sun dimmed. Lightning flashed in the distance, followed by thunder. Rain sprinkled on the duo as they wandered along the route. The monk squinted at the blanketed sky as the wind carried an earthy scent.

Carrie's brow creased. "What's wrong?"

The monk grunted. "A storm is coming. We should find shelter."

After following the trail, they found a cave to the left and ducked inside. Heavy rain fell, thunder boomed off the cavern, and lightning lit the heavens. Carrie jumped and covered her ears, whimpering. As Jago led her from the entrance, they sat on the ground.

"I guess you don't like storms," the monk said.

Carrie shivered. "I imagine God is out there, unleashing His wrath."

Lightning flickered while thunder cracked like a whip.

Jago couldn't agree more with Carrie's statement. "Yes, Vajrapani can be frightening in his works."

Carrie blinked. "Who?"

"Vajrapani is a bodhisattva who embodies all of Buddha's power. He helps people face their challenges and upholds the truth. The thunderbolt he carries stands for knowledge and understanding."

"Is he… a major figure in Buddhism?"

"Yes, he is. My brothers and I were training when a fierce storm arrived when I was a boy. While darting for safety, something hot knocked me unconscious. When I awoke, I was in a hospital wing with bandages around my head. The nurse informed me that a lightning bolt had struck me."

Carrie gasped while shielding her mouth and nose. "No!"

"It's true."

"Where did it strike you?"

Jago gestured to his head around the bald portion. "Although fortunate to survive, the event left an impression on me and lingering headaches. Most of them are self-resolving. Other cases require medicine."

Carrie regarded him with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. I'm grateful for the experience."

"Really? Why?"

"Because it provided me with insight into the path to enlightenment. I was afraid to venture outside, even on rainy days. Concerned, the Abbot visited me in my quarters. He told me it was a sign from Vajrapani and that he was leading me to enlightenment. Those words encouraged me to face my fears.

"One day, while training and debating outdoors, another storm came. While my brothers fled, I stayed. I wanted to confirm the Abbot's statement. I'll never forget that day. Lightning raged in the pitch-black sky. My brothers begged me to take cover, but I refused. I still feel thunder rumbling through me. Lightning snapped through a chain but never hit me."

"What happened next?" Carrie asked.

"Nothing. When I returned to the temple, some praised my bravery; others complained about my well-being. Since then, I have trained in harsh weather, but not severe ones."

"Aren't you worried you might become ill from doing that?"

"Perhaps, but the reward outweighed the risk. I'm indebted to Vajrapani for his strength and protection."

While shifting, Carrie flinched. The rough wall rubbed against the stab wound. She massaged the injury, easing her discomfort.

"You keep rubbing that spot often," Jago noted. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah." Carrie yawned and moved closer to him. "How did the shrine look before its present state?"

The monk lifted his eyebrows. Under Buddhist doctrine, monks would not touch women or vice versa. However, there were exceptions to the rule, so in this case, he relaxed. "As peaceful as it gets. In the courtyard, as the monks pray, their echoes fill the halls. We welcomed migrants fleeing oppression. I miss those days."

They remained in the cave, waiting for the thunderstorm to pass. Rain pelted the earth, creating a soothing sound. As time passed, Carrie's eyes fluttered, growing heavier.

Jago blinked when Carrie slumped on his lap. Sighing, he fashioned a makeshift pillow out of his outer zhen robe. While pulling away, he cushioned her head. To kill time, the monk prayed.

With the storm subsiding, the clouds parted, revealing the moon. While the monk sat in silence, a groan echoed beside him. He uncovered his left eye, observing Carrie getting up.

"Carrie?"

"Just heading to the bathroom. I won't venture far."

Carrie wandered until she discovered a site lined with shrubs and rocks. She squatted and did her business when a fiery streak erupted within her. As Carrie keeled over, something warm moved between her legs.

After brushing her fingers against the source, she gasped. Blood specks flooded her with reflections, from her bullies to the Prayer Closet. Carrie clamped her head and screamed, stopping once her vivid memories faded. However, the ache in her stomach lingered as she headed for the cavern.

While taking deep breaths, Carrie staggered, reeling from the cramps. She grabbed a tree branch for support.

"Aww, what's the matter?" A raspy voice echoed in the breeze.

Carrie squinted. "Who… who is there?"

"You poor thing, alone and having your period. Are you lost?"

"No. I'm returning to my friend."

"A friend, you say? How sweet! Could I stay with you? I'll even heal you from your pain."

Carrie stepped back, her heart pounding. Nothing about this presence consoled her. "Who are you?"

The mystery voice gasped. "Oh, how rude of me! Allow me to introduce myself."

The surface distorted into a swirling pattern until a black portal appeared. Slender black arms and white-tipped fingers emerged from the gateway.

Carrie stumbled back while black clouds formed a humanoid shape. A voltaic current painted its innards, heart, and veins.

The entity stood before her, stretching out twenty-foot-long wings. Despite its inner flickering, the being had no face. It brushed its "face" as if sensing an issue. Its shoulders sagged as it reached into the portal, grabbing a demonic stone face.

Tiny tendrils edged around the mask, attaching it to its faceless head. Upon locking in, the stone eyes and mouth lit up.

"You must be Carrie. It is an honor to meet you," the shade greeted, bowing in mock respect.

A demon, just as Mama warned me! Goosebumps prickled the girl's skin as the surrounding air became cold. Her knees wobbled, and her legs threatened to buckle. "Who… what are you?"

"I am Omen, the Herald of the one true God. I have traveled worldwide, preparing for my master's return."

"What? No, no! This world isn't for the Devil!"

"Oh, you humans are so small-minded. That pitiful and clumsy word doesn't capture all that he is. For your information, I do not serve the 'Devil.' My master is older than whatever myth you worship or fear."

"W…what do you want?"

"Ah, direct and to the point! I like that. Tell me, little one, did Jago mention us to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Jago was my god's favorite until… he defected from us."

"What? N-no! That's not true!"

"N-no! That's not true!" Omen repeated in a high-pitched voice, swooning then chuckling. "What a coward, omitting crucial points. Anyway, I'll need another vessel. I thought about chasing Jago's friends until I heard about you."

Carrie straightened herself with trembling legs, shuffling back with each step. "Y… you want me."

The demon chuckled with malice. "Smart girl. The damage you've caused to your home, how exquisite! It makes Jago's situation like child's play! That alone tells me you would make a strong host."

"I… I refuse to house Satan's disciples in me! I'm one of God's children, not his!"

"You? A child of God?" Omen sneered behind his stone mask. "Poor, stupid little girl-thing. Your God forsook you ages ago. Listen. Their screams surround us. They're calling for you, Carrie White! Even your mother calls."

"You filthy whore! I should've strangled you at birth!"

Carrie collapsed to her knees, trembling. Soon, her victims spoke, seeking help or revenge. Overwhelmed, she arose and sprinted.

"They're calling for you, Carrie White!" Omen hollered and cackled. "You can run and hide, but they'll never leave you! They're calling for you!"

Adrenaline coursed through her veins, masking her menstrual cramps. Carrie's lungs spasmed with air, and her heart pounded. She ducked between a cluster of stones, catching her breath.

He can't find me here. He — Carrie stiffened as hot breath wafted on her neck. With her hands clasped, she chanted the Lord's Prayer.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen."

Unfazed, the evil shade gazed at his prey.

Once again, Carrie recited the religious verse. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name-"

"Look at you." Omen scoffed. "How pathetic, believing you're safe by praying to a corpse. You're better off imploring Spinal. At least that foolish skeleton could move."

Carrie spoke louder. "OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME; THY KINGDOM COME; THY WILL BE DONE; ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD! AND FORGIVE OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US! AND LEAD-"

Omen tackled her, knocking her breath away. A shooting pain spread across her spine as the impact enraged her wound. Carrie wriggled as the demon coiled his clawed fingers over her throat.

"Go on, scream," Omen taunted. "No one will save you."

Carrie fought to escape the demon's grip until a shout echoed.

"ENDOKUKEN!"

A bright flash slammed into Omen, sending him flying. He tumbled with a loud thud.

Gasping and coughing, Carrie rubbed her sore neck. She sat up and found Jago rushing towards her.

"Carrie!" He crouched beside her. "Are you alright?"

She coughed and inhaled more air. "Th-Thank you, Jago. H-How did you track me down?"

"I can sense auras in the environment. The moment I detected an evil presence, I knew something was wrong. Are you okay?"

"For now."

"Find somewhere to hide. I'll handle Omen."

Carrie hurried away, leaving him alone with the demon.

"Jago! My, my, my!" Omen said as the monk faced him. "I'm glad to see you, Father."

He bristled at the word. "Do NOT call me that, demon. You're nothing to me."

"Aww, is that how you greet your son? You know what? You're right. Since you gave birth to me, I should use the correct term. Isn't that right, Mother?"

Jago clenched his hand into a fist. "What are you doing here? Do you plan to corrupt an innocent as you had with me?"

Omen crossed his arms. "What are you going to do about it if I did? Offer prayers and burn incense?"

Growling, the monk moved into a combat stance. He exposed his open palms while curling his fingers.

Omen spread his legs in a horse stance. His palms rested at their sides, fingers curled. "That's right, Father. Come forward: Gargos and the Outer Gods are watching. Pay tribute to the Tiger Spirit and honor them through combat. Let violence be our hymn to them!"

The demon dashed toward Jago with raised claws. White lines trailed behind him as he jumped with his wings outstretched.

The monk swung his kora vajra sword, dodging the slash. Before he followed it with the next attack, Omen vanished. Jago glanced around, searching for the demon. Pivoting his heel, he dodged a lunging Omen. As Jago whirled his sword, the tip dug into Omen's side.

The demon growled after staggering in pain. "You'll pay for that!"

Omen charged again. Jago raised his weapon to deflect the attack, but the demon was too fast. The entity slashed him, leaving four marks on his chest.

Jago staggered as his chest ached with searing pain. He flinched while masking the wound. A dark chuckle reached him as Omen produced three electrical orbs. He evaded the first sphere Omen threw, which destroyed a nearby tree. The explosion sent wood splinters throughout the battlefield. Soon after, the demon tossed another orb.

"ENDOKUKEN!" Jago threw a fireball of his own. Both spheres collided and exploded, resulting in a dense smoke wall.

While smoke lingered, the monk took cover from a rock to protect himself from the third orb. However, as the sphere demolished the boulder, he had no time to react. The power forced him from his hiding spot.

In an instant, Jago evaded an incoming orb as the shade hurled more. While avoiding the spheres, he spun on his foot and flew. Omen reeled as the monk's kick struck his face. With quick movements, he landed more hits on his hated enemy.

Omen blocked the monk's next strike and kicked his stomach. While Jago doubled over, the demon grabbed and lifted him by the throat.

"My turn." The demon created an electrical gateway beneath them. Like a laser, a white column of energy shot upward.

Jago screamed in agony as the energy scorched his skin. He fell unconscious from the pain.

Laughing, Omen tossed his opponent's smoking form aside. After that, he focused on Carrie, who witnessed the fight behind a bush. The shade chuckled, offering a small wave.

Fear-stricken, Carrie fled until the demon landed on her. Once more, Omen gripped her throat.

While Carrie struggled, the shadow creature tightened his grip. The voices that surrounded her earlier returned, urging her to give up. She was losing strength as her vision blurred.

"HELP!" Her cry echoed through Jago's mind.

Groaning, the monk awoke to Omen choking Carrie. Images filled his mind of the horrors he had committed by force. You may have stolen my innocence, demon. You will not steal hers!

While pushing himself up, Jago chanted a mantra until his entire body gleamed with gold. His tattoo shimmered as his injuries healed. While approaching Carrie and Omen, he intoned the Heart Sutra.

The demon recoiled from the light and the hymn, spouting obscenities. Ignoring the creature, Jago increased the volume of his chant while the ambient light brightened.

With a tortured cry, Omen created a portal, desperate to escape. "You damned monk! Despite your victory over me, Gargos will come. How long will you protect her when you learn of her sins? It's not over, Father! We will meet again!"

Once Omen departed, the monk finished his chant. Worried, he sprinted towards the girl. "Carrie? Carrie?"

No response came from her.

Oh, no. Drawing a deep breath, Jago attuned his aura to Carrie's. Please, don't die. After waiting, he sensed a spark, though faint. Without a moment to spare, he willed whatever energy he had left, allowing the spark to grow.

Moments later, Carrie breathed again.

Jago exhaled, his head spinning from the effort, but he couldn't rest. While examining her, he growled at the red handprints on the girl's neck. His brows scrunched when checking the spot where the demon had escaped. What had he meant by her sins? No matter. I'll meditate on that later. Right now, I need help.

Jago hoisted Carrie on his back and jogged a dirt trail. He spotted two women hiking on the walkway when he arrived at a forked road. He spoke in his native tongue, "Excuse me? Can you help this girl? She's not well."

The older woman gestured to the soft grass. "Place her there so we can examine her better."

Jago lowered the girl as the woman assessed her.

"She appears to have a fever. Choden, how's her pulse?" she asked her friend.

Choden pressed two fingers on Carrie's arm. "Faint, but fast. Does your friend have any infected wounds?"

"No," Jago said, "although she kept rubbing one area on her shoulder."

Almost unconscious, Carrie tapped his knee and pointed to her back. He mentioned the area to the ladies. As soon as they removed the two robes, the women gasped, and Jago's eyes widened. A yellowish-green ring encircled the puncture wound, with veins spreading like plant roots.

"Oh no. Your friend has septicemia. It could be fatal if not treated." Choden lifted Carrie, piggyback style. "We have medicine at the Chupzang Nunnery. We'll inform the Abbess of the incident."

Jago bowed. He paused when something triggered his senses. The monk shifted to a distant trail, squinting. Once the nuns called out to him, Jago peered back before following them.

A silhouette scouted from the shadows, watching the four as they departed. "Foul sinners. God won't spare them."

A/N: Well, that escalated quickly, and poor Carrie cannot catch a break. I'll let my brain rest, so I'll see you later.