A/N: Hello, fellow fanfics, and welcome to a brand-new chapter, so sit back and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Check the sign: I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie.

Through the velvet black sky, stars twinkled like diamonds. Gasa was still asleep until a thin line appeared from the distance. With their dance over, the stars faded, waiting for their next show.

Jago prayed outside the cottage where he, Pemba, and Carrie remained. The cool summer breeze swept by, but the monk stayed seated. Throughout the past few days, he tested the girl's powers. During his assessment, Carrie lifted small and medium items. However, she found it challenging to handle any excessive weight.

From the golem incident and Carrie's assessment, he concluded she would pull off amazing feats when under pressure but become weak afterward.

With his morning ritual complete, he opened his eyes. Towards the horizon, the sun flooded the wooded mountains with light. He filled his lungs, savoring the pine-scented air.

While viewing the majestic terrain, the monk detected a presence.

"Good morning, Pemba," he said in Nepali.

The woman approached him, stretching her arms. Shivering, she adjusted her chuba. "Morning. Do you feel cold when praying?"

"Not really. Is Carrie awake?"

"She is, but ill. Mother Nature struck at the wrong time."

Jago furrowed his brows. "Mother Nature? Oh, that."

"It sucks, but that's life. When will you train her?"

"Until I understand her powers. The mystery surrounding them persists. With the tests we've given her, we're just scratching the surface. We must determine her powers and how to help her manage them."

"Indeed. Since we've worked so hard, we should relax. A visit to the hot springs would recharge us and clear our minds. Plus, it would help Carrie with her monthly cycle."

Jago fell silent as a rancid odor surrounding him wrinkled his nose. "Well, a trip to the baths wouldn't hurt."

After breakfast, the trio trekked through the forest, heading to the Gasa village. Carrie rode on Pemba, who had earlier changed to a Tibetan pony. She doubled over in pain from menstrual cramps.

Pemba glanced back and asked via mind link, "Are you okay?"

Carrie groaned. "These cramps hurt so much. One minute, they retreat, and then, they return full force."

"Don't worry. You'll be alright once we arrive at the springs," Jago said, comforting the girl.

"How does a hot spring help? I've never been to one before."

"They have healing properties, which help with pain relief and stress reduction. It's also useful for opening your pores and cleansing your body. However, it might be easier to shower if your cycle is heavy."

In a short time, they reached the village. Lush grass and trees surrounded the land. In an open field, residents herded yaks and their hybrid offspring. Several houses had solar panels as they explored further.

"Vāha. Gasa varṣaharūmā parivartana bha'ēkō cha," Pemba said.

"I'm not surprised. With Gasa's increased trading, it's become a magnet for tourists. Despite this, the villagers kept their way of living around nature," Jago said.

Soon, they arrived at a temple-like structure. Jago motioned Carrie to dismount Pemba so the shapeshifter could change back. At Carrie's request, Pemba reverted to human form in the back.

Upon her return, they headed inside the building. After paying for the admissions, the trio headed off in separate directions.

On the women's side, Pemba checked the towels while Carrie examined the changing room. Behind the sliding doors, steam floated, and women chatted and laughed.

Carrie fingered her cross necklace. Her stomach churned with cramps flaring inside her. Her mind played a terrible memory as voices echoed.

"Plug it up! Plug it up! PLUG IT UP!"

"Carrie?" Pemba's gentle voice snapped the girl into reality. "Is everything alright?"

"Y-Yeah, apart from the cramps. I had a moment."

"It'll be okay. Come on."

Wearing only towels, Carrie and Pemba entered the swimming pool room. The women continued their banter, with some glancing at the recent visitors.

Carrie kept her head lowered. Sensing discomfort from the girl, Pemba squeezed her hand to reassure her. When they reached the shower stalls, Carrie trembled. Her mind flashed back to the day she experienced her first menstrual cycle in Chamberlain. She remembered the humiliation as her high school peers laughed and taunted her.

Once again, Pemba's voice returned the girl to reality as the woman's eyes softened. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Without replying, Carrie shielded her face, crying.

Pemba hugged the girl, consoling her. "How about I stay with you?"

Upon hearing those words, the same aching pain reached Carrie's head as the voice shrieked, mimicking her mother's.

"There you go again, having those lust-filled thoughts!"

Once more, Carrie shoved the voice away. "Yeah. I'd like that."

On the men's side, everyone relaxed in warm pools or bathed in faucets. The murals showcased the Himalayan mountain range and its rolling hills. Some of them depict local villagers engaging in traditional activities.

In front of the faucets, Jago washed on a stool. Steam lingered in the air, filling the space with soothing warmth.

"Excuse me?" a French-accented voice said, grabbing the monk's attention. Wearing only a towel, a man with flaxen hair appeared. In one hand was a wooden bucket with soap and a washcloth. The other hand held a chair. "Is this spot taken?"

Jago studied the man before glancing at an empty spot beside him. Upon assurance from the monk, the man placed the pail on the floor. After untying the garment, he sat on the stool.

"Is this your first time?" Jago asked. "I can tell you're a tourist."

"Oh, oui. I've been to some bathhouses on the Western side. They're okay for the most part. I wanted to see how they looked on the Oriental side," the man said.

"Hm."

"So, what sect are you associated with?"

Jago fell silent as memories of his former Order lingered.

The man realized his mistake in asking. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any offense. Curiosity gets the better of me."

Jago waved. "It's fine, though some questions are better left unanswered."

"Fair enough. I also sense something else is on your mind. Do you wish to vent? I'm no psychiatrist, but venting relieves pressure. So, even if it's to a stranger, there's nothing wrong with expressing."

Jago glanced at the man, choosing his words if anything seemed off. "I have a student with a gift she considers a burden. I offered her training, which she accepted, but I'm unsure where to start."

"Does she control this gift?"

"In part, yes. I tested my student to discover her limitations."

"That's a good start. So, what gift does your student have? If you would rather not answer, that's fine."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

The man hung the washcloth on the faucet and crossed his arms. "Try me."

Jago sighed. "She… could move things with her thoughts and read people's minds. Also, I can't say she predicted the future, but she could sense what was coming. For example, I have a friend named Pemba, whose mother died from cancer. When my student met Pemba's mother, she had this vision of tumors flashing before her. She told me about it."

"Oh wow, and she views it as negative? Why?"

"She didn't say, although I suspect she lived a harsh life."

The man mused. "Such a rare power. It is not something you encounter in society. I might have something that could help. Wait here." He tied the towel around his waist and exited the room. A few minutes later, he returned with small books in his hand. "These should help."

The man gave Jago a blue book with mixed colors and a shadowy figure. The book titled "Telekinesis: A Guide for Beginners." On the cover was the author, Mari Silva.

"Here's one for mind-reading."

The second book featured a red cover and another obscure silhouette. Like the last book, the author's name was on the front page, titled "Telepathy."

Jago narrowed his eyes. "Sir, with all due respect, I cannot take these books."

"Please, I insist. I'm sure your student would benefit from them."

Jago froze, unable to comprehend the offering before him. He pressed his hands together and bowed. "Thank you. Your donation won't be in vain."

Refreshed from the thermal springs, Pemba, Carrie, and Jago walked to the lodge. Sunlight drifted toward the hills, blending fiery colors into the sky.

In his room, Jago read the telekinesis book. So, this ability was rampant in ancient times. Telekinesis, however, waned as technology advanced but still exists. As he browsed the FAQ section, he squinted at the question:

Is telekinesis dangerous?

Jago traced his fingers on the section. It says telekinesis is safe if not rushed. Given Carrie's level of control, she might've sped hers. It would explain why she fainted after saving me. A knock on the door grabbed his attention. "Come in."

The door opened, and Pemba poked her head inside. She spoke in Nepali, "Jago, do you have a moment?"

"Sure." The monk closed the book. "What is it?"

"It's about Carrie. I'm worried for her." Pemba explained to Jago what she witnessed in the women's section at the bathhouse.

"She didn't use her powers in those moments, did she?"

"No."

Jago glanced away, stroking his chin. "PTSD. That's not something anyone could shake off. How long Carrie has been suffering is unclear. Thank you for telling me this, Pemba. She'll need our help more than anything."

Three days passed as Jago returned to the rock he had been sitting on since arriving at the cabin. At the edge of the cliff, he prayed. A few hours later, the monk sensed someone next to him. When he unveiled his left eye, he saw Carrie praying. Though surprised, Jago smiled and resumed his routine.

At night's end, a line of light peeked from the sky. The twinkling stars dimmed, along with the moon. Solar rays stained the sky crimson and gold while ascending. Birds chirped within the trees, embracing dawn.

Carrie opened her eyes. Her worries drifted away as she breathed. Gratitude filled her as the girl thanked the Lord for the new day.

"How are you?" the monk asked.

"Much better. This month's cycle was rough," Carrie said.

"I'm glad you're well. When you discovered your ability, did your mother help you?"

"No, I was alone. How come?"

"I was reading a book a tourist gave me. It mentioned how rushing that power might damage your health."

"You think I rushed mine?"

"It is possible."

Carrie paused, placing her palm over her heart. Despite self-learning her abilities, she never considered their effects. "Is there anything the book says about emotions attached to this power?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like whenever I get teary, angry, etc., it comes out."

Jago rubbed his chin. "Not to my knowledge, but I'll consider it." He arose and dusted himself off. "You should be ready."

"For what?"

"Training, of course."

Carrie, Jago, and Pemba settled in a clearing far from the town. A river flowed from a distant place, supplying its water.

Pemba perched on the flat rock, holding the books.

Butterflies fluttered in Carrie's stomach as she faced Jago. For the first time, she would receive proper training. From what she witnessed, the monk was an experienced fighter. Also, whatever he read from his book on telekinesis, Carrie assured herself he would teach her the techniques.

"You called your power a curse, but we'll make it greater," Jago said. "Focus, energy, and force are three essentials. With these basics, you'll unlock your full potential. To begin, you must build self-belief or intention. So far, you know your powers, but what is your intention?"

"I… I wanted to change. Throughout my life, I have been treated like a freak by many. I aspired to be normal, regardless of this ability within me."

"If that is your intent, focus on it. Never fill yourself with doubt. If you do, your abilities will be suppressed or locked. Aside from mental training, physical endurance is also a must."

"You're teaching me to fight? How will it help me control my powers?"

"To embrace your talents, you must strengthen your mind and body," Jago explained. "Fighting skills can be a backup if you cannot access your gift. You might not have a choice because you don't want to hurt someone. I'm in the same boat as you, as the religion I follow loathes violence. My martial arts training only served to protect others.

"Let's start with basic meditation. It will help increase the effects of channeling your potential. We'll start slow. As time passes, you'll learn to do things yourself."

"How long should I meditate?" Carrie asked.

"Five to ten minutes. Over time, we'll increase it to fifteen to twenty minutes. So, that grassy spot over there, you can begin your session."

Carrie sat cross-legged and lowered her head at the spot the monk mentioned.

"Yasalē kēhī samaya lina sakcha," Pemba said. "Jaba tapā'īṁ kasaratamā jānuhuncha, usalē gunāsō garna thālcha."

"I expected it, but I have faith in her," Jago said.

A/N: Carrie gets more potent through training, but will it be enough? It's time to let my brain rest, so I'll see you later.

Translations in Nepali:

(Wow. Gasa has changed a lot.)

(This could take a while. When you get to the workouts, she'll start complaining.)