A/N: Hello, and happy Easter to everyone. I am back once again with a new chapter, so enjoy it. Also, since Dzongkha is not listed in Google Translate, Nepali is as close to the language as possible.

Update: Due to the large word count, I'll be making a new chapter to continue this chapter.

Disclaimer: Check the sign: "I do not own Killer Instinct nor Carrie."

Sunlight peeked behind the peaks, breaking through the starry night. The sky changed from its nightdress to its morning robe. At the Tiger Shrine, Jago prayed, with the previous day remaining fresh in his mind.

Though the monk thanked Carrie for saving him, her abilities concerned him. Jago sensed Carrie's heart rate increasing when she hoisted the golem. Once she drove the giant away, she became drained and fainted.

Despite the impressive feat, he worried about Carrie. He was unsure what side effects the girl's powers had on her mind and body. He hated to think about the possible adverse effects on her health. If Carrie abused her powers, she could die.

With a grunt, Jago arose and dusted himself off. He needed to consult Carrie about this. After his morning prayer, he visited the lake to gather water. After returning, the monk entered the kitchen.

He added water to a pot and ignited a fire. While the kettle bubbled, he opened a cupboard and extracted two cups.

As he placed them on the table, he detected a presence.

"Good morning," he greeted Carrie as she emerged from her quarters. "You slept okay?"

"Not really."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm making toothpaste."

"Toothpaste?"

"Yes. Grab our toothbrushes from our quarters and meet me in the common area."

Carrie opened her mouth to say something but paused and left.

The monk sensed her hesitation. Poor girl, she's still uncertain about the training I offered her. Hearing the bubbles, Jago checked the pot. Contented, he doused the fire, cooling the water. Now, all I need is salt.

He rechecked the storage closet and found a salt-packed bowl with a spoon. Afterward, he filled the first cup with water and cleared the kitchen.

Jago reached the courtyard, still damaged from his fight with the golem. While sitting on the floor, he positioned the items before him. Next, the monk added a tablespoon of salt to the cup of water.

While the mixture simmered, Carrie arrived, carrying toothbrushes.

"I didn't know toothpaste could be handmade," she said.

"It's a simple but effective recipe. We monks must maintain our health despite detachment from worldly comforts." Jago skimmed the foam with his spoon, adding it to Carrie's toothbrush. "Try it."

Carrie stared at her toothbrush, unsure if the mixture was safe.

"Do not worry. It is safe to use," the monk assured.

With her lips pressed, Carrie obliged, ignoring the salt wreaking havoc on her tongue. After brushing her teeth, Carrie gestured for a mouth rinse. Jago handed her the glass with the mixture, which she sipped.

After a quick swish, Carrie spat the blend into the empty cup.

"My teeth feel weird." She licked the front and sides of her molars. "Is that normal?"

Jago grabbed a bowl. "The feeling won't last. I should get prepared."

"Where are you heading?"

"To a village called Thanza."

"Why?"

"Are you familiar with almsgiving?" Carrie's puzzled expression gave the Tibetan monk the answer. "I see. Almsgiving is a Buddhist tradition dating back thousands of years."

"What does it entail?"

"Buddhist monks travel to nearby villages at dawn. People would prepare food and wait for them to approach with their alms bowls." Jago gestured to the marble bowl. "Once these items are inside, I place the lid on the bowl. After that, I bless them with a prayer. You're welcome to join but refrain from touching me. If you wish to stay, that's fine too."

Carrie didn't plan on staying. "Can I come?"

"Of course."

Carrie and Jago strolled through the foothills. Along the way, they spotted a dark-haired woman next to a stream. A red chuba with yellow Dharma Wheel décor draped her slim figure. Once she lifted the shoulder yoke, the woman started climbing.

Jago knitted his brows. "She's about to struggle. Let's help her."

They descended the cliff and stopped on a ledge. Carrie stretched her hand toward the surprised woman while Jago remained close. She grabbed the woman's hand and pulled her up.

Once on the shelf, the woman exhaled. She rubbed her left shoulder to relieve whatever pain lingered. "Dhan'yavāda. Kām̐dhamā juvā bōkēra aglō ṭhā'um̐mā pugnu pīḍā hō."

"She said thanks, and it was a pain to reach the summit with that." Jago pointed at the shoulder yoke.

"Ask her why she does that and if her shoulder is alright," Carrie said.

Jago repeated Carrie's questions in his native tongue. As the woman replied, he listened. "According to her, she was training. As for her shoulder, she has chronic pain but takes medication. She's curious about our presence. Hāmī hāmrō bhikṣā rā'undakō lāgi thānjā jām̐daichauṁ."

The woman gasped. "Timī nabhana. Ma thānjāmā baschu, yadyapi bāhirī bhāgamā. Tapā'īṁ ra tapā'īṅkō sāthī bhramaṇa garnuparcha, jahām̐ ma prastāva pradāna garna sakchu. Ma pēmbā hum̐."

The monk joined his palms together and bowed. "Ma lāmā jāgō hum̐. Javāna kēṭī kyārī hō, mērō vārḍa. Hāmī tapā'īṅkō ghara bhramaṇa garna sam'mānita hunēchauṁ."

Carrie cleared her throat. "What did you say to her?"

"I informed her we're visiting Thanza for almsgiving. Pemba invited us to her home. She lives on the outskirts of Thanza, so that will be our first stop."

They resumed their trek once they returned to the trail. The short brown grass blended with the rocky terrain. The mountains remained tall, protecting the land from unknown threats.

While enjoying the scenery, Carrie eyed Pemba and Jago talking. She scrunched her face, not understanding their language.

"Is something wrong?" Jago asked.

"I… the strange language you two speak makes me… left out."

"Are you referring to Nepali? What's the issue?"

"Um, nothing. It's…."

"You don't understand it. I'm guessing you have never encountered such things."

"No. So, could you teach me to speak Nepali?"

"I suppose it's fair. Also, my apologies if the language barrier left you out."

Carrie glanced away, hiding the redness creeping into her cheeks. "No. I should apologize. I would love to learn another language."

"Well, I'll help you with that if we have time. I should warn you, though. Learning Nepali is difficult in some ways."

"Malā'ī viśvāsa cha usalē yō garna sakcha," Pemba said.

"What did she say?" Carrie asked.

"She believes you can do it," Jago translated.

The girl's lips curved upward. "So, what were you both talking about?"

"I asked Pemba about her training. Her mother fell ill a few years ago and cared for her. However, her mother's medicine is expensive to buy. While seeking a solution, she witnessed a street fight. The winner would get bragging rights and, in rare cases, money. She entered these street fights to save money for the medicine.

"Then, rumors spread about a fighting tournament in America. Believing that prize money was involved, Pemba trained harder. If she won, she would cover her mother's medical expenses."

"Sounds noble," Carrie remarked. "Did you ask for the name?"

"I did…" Jago sighed. "…and I advised her to stick with street fighting. The title was Killer Instinct."

"The tournament you told me about in Lhasa?"

"Yes. Don't worry, though. Pemba never entered because her mother's illness worsened."

"Oh. I'm sorry you spent all that time training for nothing, Pemba."

"Yasakō bārēmā cintā nagarnuhōs. Arkō paṭaka ma saḍaka laḍā'im̐mā pravēśa garchu, praśikṣaṇa vyartha hunēchaina."

"She mentioned not to worry. The workout she endured won't be in vain for her next street fight," Jago stated.

The woman glanced ahead, her eyes sparkling. "Ē, phēri ghara."

They arrived at a wooden cabin perched on a hill. Moss and thick grass covered the roof, concealing cracks. The aroma of burning wood and spices wafted from the stone chimney.

"Āmā, ma ghara chu!" Pemba lowered the shoulder yoke. "Mailē mērī āmālā'ī jām̐can āvaśyaka cha, tara masam̐ga prastāvaharū tayāra hunēchan. Sāthai, yadi tapā'īṁ tyō kināramā jānuhuncha bhanē thānjā tyahām̐ cha." She stepped inside the house.

"Pemba will prepare the gifts after checking on her mother. Also, Thanza is visible from the ledge," Jago explained.

"I hope her mom gets better," Carrie said.

"Same here. Come, I'll show you the settlement while we wait."

They approached the precipice, where the small settlement emerged into view. Houses spread out over a flat area bound by stone walls. A river snaked beside the town. Watchtowers guarded the borders, their wooden roofs standing out against the vast sky.

"It appears small, but to the people here, it's home," Jago said.

Carrie lowered her head while a dull ache spread to her throat. Despite living in Tibet for a few months, Chamberlain was still in her thoughts. As her chest tightened with a heavy heart, her chin quivered.

Pemba's voice interrupted Carrie's thoughts as she arrived with a frail woman.

Strands of grayish-white hair hung before her bony face, dotted with small black spots. A cane hit the earth as she used it to support herself.

The elderly woman bowed. "Dhan'yavāda… Mērī chōrīlā'ī ghara lyā'unubha'ēkōmā. Ma… Usakō lāgi cintita hunchu… Harēka paṭaka… Ū nadīmā jāncha."

"She's thanking us for returning Pemba," Jago told Carrie. "She says she worries about her whenever she travels to the river."

Before she could respond, a vision flashed in Carrie's mind. Although brief, the image compelled her to step back.

"Carrie, are you alright?" the monk asked, brows furrowed.

Released from her trance, Carrie shared glances with Jago and the women. "I'm okay now."

Jago squinted until Pemba's mother grabbed his attention.

"Malā'īṁ māpha garnuhōs? Unī ṭhika chin?"

"Unī ṭhīka hunēchin. Jasarī unalē bhanin, unīsam̐ga kēhī kṣaṇa thiyō."

Convinced of the monk's answer, the mother motioned to her daughter. Pemba reached into her chuba, pulling out a cloth wrapping something. She unwrapped the fabric, sliding pieces of balep korkun into the container.

Jago prayed to the women. Soon after, he motioned for Carrie to follow him on his journey. He waited until they were further away. "Did anything happen back there?"

"Pemba mentioned her mother was sick, right?"

"Yes. Why?" His gaze narrowed at Carrie's concerned face. "You saw something when you met her."

"Tumors… around her bones. They looked aggressive."

"Tumors, as in… cancer? How is that possible?"

"It's my powers. Sometimes, when I'm near someone, images flash in my mind. Some are vague; others are clear. For instance, I would detect heartbeats if I encountered a pregnant woman. Also, I would know the baby's gender and how far along they are."

"How often does this occur?"

"At random. Should we tell Pemba?"

The monk mused. "No. It's bound to raise questions. How would you answer them?"

Carrie was about to respond but stopped herself. How would she explain to Pemba about her mother's limited time?

"Come. We should head to Thanza."

As Jago resumed his trek, Carrie remained at her spot. After one last glimpse of the cabin, she caught up with him.

The village appeared barren upon their arrival. While exploring, they found villagers outside a house. A man spotted Jago with the alms bowl and moved indoors; the other two remained.

Minutes later, the same man returned with food. Jago eyed the remaining pair while the man loaded the vessel, speaking in hushed tones.

After giving alms, the man bowed. The monk returned the gesture, and he and Carrie continued their walk.

"Hmm, strange," he uttered.

"What is it?" Carrie asked.

"The two men mentioned a fight between a demon and a shapeshifter."

"Demon? Is it….?"

"The details are sketchy, but they describe the monster as having tentacles. Also, there is this shapeshifter, who can change into anything it wants. Human, animal, nothing is off-limits to them."

During their journey, more details regarding the battle emerged. Yet, the longer they listened, the less they understood. Despite this, certain aspects of the event stood out. The demon ranted about sinners burning the world. As for the shapeshifter, it received a bite on the left shoulder.

Upon entering Thanza's western area, they froze. The stone huts appeared to have been damaged or destroyed. Along with debris, footprints dented the earth. Repairs were visible on the ruined buildings.

"What happened here?" Carrie asked.

Jago examined a giant paw footprint. "The fight occurred here."

"Should we help them?"

"Depends on if they need help. Let's move. Watch out for footprints."

Their stroll through the area revealed more extensive damage. They checked with the villagers if they needed aid. Most declined help when asked; some donated to almsgiving. A few vile merchants swore and sent them on their way.

As they rounded a corner, a shout reached their ears. From their left, a crowd surrounded a platform where two cloaked individuals stood. Black cloaks adorned with strange patterns concealed their appearance. The monk moved closer to the group as Carrie followed.

"My brothers and sisters," a hooded figure addressed. His associate translated the words into Nepali. "I'm here to explain the situation. The End Times are upon us! By worshipping false idols, you have brought this punishment upon yourselves!"

Enraged, the mob shouted at the cloaked figures; some swore. The speaker raised a placating hand, silencing the locals. "Do not lose hope, though. Gargos, the One True God, will protect you if you join our cause. Only then will you find salvation! Iä Gargos! Iä Nyarlathotep!"

Furious, the townspeople clamored. Some people grabbed stones and threw them. The lecturer and his partner ducked under the rocks, fleeing.

Jago growled as his right hand curled into his fist. His body became tense while his muscles quivered. "Carrie, let's go."

She sensed the monk's tense demeanor. "What's wrong?"

"There's no time. Let's go."

While the duo left, the hooded speaker spotted them, squinting.

They walked fast on the alms-round route. Carrie switched glances between the monk's worried features and the place they had left. "What's the matter? Who are they?"

Jago secured the offerings. "They must be a cult, but that's not what worries me. They follow Gargos."

"Why are they here?"

"I don't want to find out." He checked all directions, searching for a trusted route. "I never expected them to show up. We have to return to the shrine."

Before rounding another corner, Jago stopped beside a building, with Carrie following suit. The monk peeked out, spotting two more hooded figures harassing a market vendor.

The cult leader pinned the man to the wall. "Enough with your lies! My sources informed me that a girl with unique power is here. She's traveling with that traitor monk. Now, where are they?"

Afraid but defiant, the man spoke.

The second cultist listened. "He explained there was no girl with powers, let alone a monk."

Scowling, the lead cultist pulled out a razor-edged knife from his cloak. He pressed the blade against the owner's neck.

Unable to decide between helping and observing, Jago bared his teeth. Carrie was about to ask what was happening, but he hushed her.

"You have one chance to live," the cult leader said. "If you tell me where the fugitives are, I'll spare you. Refuse, then prepare yourself as a sacrifice for Lord Gargos."

Afraid, the man conceded and spoke.

"He said they were doing their alms rounds," the other cultist stated. "By the sun's trajectory, they're heading for the Tiger Shrine."

The lead cultist squinted. After a while, he smirked. "Thank you. Do you have a family?"

The man shook his head.

"Good, because what I said earlier about sparing you, I lied." In one swift motion, the fanatic cut the man's throat.

Jago backed away, taking a deep breath from what he had witnessed.

The owner gasped for breath as blood poured out of his throat. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, falling limp. Contented, the cultist dropped the dead man on the ground. "Let our brothers know. Have them guard every road."

"What if they slip past us?" the follower asked.

"I doubt they would leave so soon. Still, send a small group down the quick route. We'll be ready when they return."

Jago muttered a curse as the cultists left with the body.

Carrie swallowed. "Is everything okay?"

"No. Those bastards are after us."

"What should we do?"

"Moving to another town is our only option. However, we'll have to sneak out without alerting the cultists. Come."