A/N: Hello, fellow readers. As such, I completed the second half of the old "Secrets" chapter, courtesy of a dear friend of mine. So, sit back, relax on this beautiful weekend, and have a 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 traveled to a lake at the Tiger Shrine's mountain base. Earlier, Jago instructed her to fetch water to start the day. After crossing the bridge, she found a path leading to the basin.
Using the wall for support, Carrie maintained her balance. Her feet stepped on the icy ground, avoiding hidden dips and holes. The ice-cold air chilled her as she walked down the trail. Sunlight reflected off the snow, making the lake serene. A shoulder yoke with two empty buckets kept her upright. After a while, she reached the semi-frozen lake.
Returning to the shrine with added weight will be difficult, but I'll manage. Carrie set the buckets down. One by one, she filled them with water, with ice floating. She glanced at the worn-down Tiger Shrine standing tall. He must've been lonely after his run-in with Gargos. With me around, he won't fight his inner battles alone. Then, she squinted at the strange flora on the cliff face. That's weird. What kind—
The 'foliage' climbed toward the shrine, halting her thoughts. Carrie gasped at an enormous, rusted bronze arm grasping the ledge. Oh no, I have to reach Jago! She darted up 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. He peered over his shoulder as rocks rustling and crumbling reached his ears.
"Hello?" he called. Silence lingered until a heavy scrape came from outside. He held his breath while heading to the shrine's entrance.
As he moved closer, something smashed against his frame. While recovering, a massive bronze foot emerged, aiming at him. It slammed onto the surface as he rolled out of the way, forming fissures.
On his feet, Jago faced his attacker—an eight-foot-tall, hunchbacked being with crude arms, hands, and feet. Though crafted from aged bronze, the being had missing parts. A mix of plants, vines, and rocks held it together. The creature's head revealed Akkadian and Mycenaean-styled faces and beards. Two of the faces had archaic smiles.
The third, however, displayed a wrathful expression with an open mouth. Its gems and eyes shone a menacing emerald green with a hint of red.
With a low roar, the giant advanced on the monk. The plants and vines twisted with each movement.
Jago stepped back, preparing himself. What creature is this? Is this one of Gargos' minions? He hurled a fireball at the giant.
The golem tucked itself in and rolled, crashing through the projectile.
The monk dodged and threw another fireball.
After unfurling itself, the golem flicked the fiery sphere. After that, it removed a rock from its body. It crushed the boulder into smaller pieces and hurled them.
Jago hid behind a pillar, shielding himself from dust and debris. As he circled the area, rock spikes jutted from the earth. Some almost skewered him. Rolling to the side, Jago winced as one scraped his arm, drawing blood.
While the monk avoided the spikes, the golem erected a wall. Astonished, he stopped at the blocked exit. Jago didn't have time to react when the golem punched him through several pillars.
Jago groaned as the giant's only hand lifted him. It pounded the monk through each pillar it erected and slammed him on the stone floor.
Metallic copper stained Jago's mouth as he coughed up blood. He bounced back enough to spot the golem lifting its foot again. After rolling away from a crushing blow, the monk arose. From a safe distance, he summoned his ki, healing himself. Then, he faced the golem, growling. 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 at the golem. His strikes were quick and precise before slamming a fireball into its center. As the golem fell, the outside wall cracked, catching the monk's eye. Of course. If this creature falls, the barrier will break. Jago attacked again, but the entity slapped him.
The force rattled his bones and teeth.
By the Tiger, such strength! It's like getting struck by an elephant!
The golem slammed the earth as a wave of stones erupted like flying shards.
Jago dodged the falling rocks, wincing as the smaller ones pelted his body.
The golem tore chunks of rock off the ground, adding them to its bulk. After that, it launched its attack.
Jago slipped under the golem and drew out his kora sword, cutting through its vined body. Annoyed, the golem struck him and aimed its fist. As he recovered, Jago grabbed its gigantic arm. With the help of its momentum, he threw it. The shrine rattled as the rock wall by the exit crumbled.
As Jago walked back, he paused at the giant's behavior while it gripped its head. That's strange. Is this creature in pain? He didn't lower his guard while the golem charged at him.
The monk slid under 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 intense. Then, laced with gold energy, he unleashed his rising uppercut. His fist struck the giant's chin, and both rose.
The shrine below him quaked as the massive golem collided. The monk landed, and after straightening himself, he approached with caution. Adrenaline rushed through his bloodstream. The monk studied the creature until he spotted a black device on its brow. What is that? Before he reached for the device, the giant grabbed him.
The golem grunted as it rose. Growling, it formed a rock club and struck Jago.
As he cried out, the monk soared through the air. His sides burned as he crashed into the wooded wall and the floor. While he arose on all fours, the golem approached, its footfalls creating soft booms.
Jago grunted while clutching his side. The impact might have broken his ribs. "Please, let me help you."
The golem ignored the monk's pleas, rolled into a ball, and charged in his direction.
Awaiting death, Jago braced himself, but it never came. He gasped when he glanced ahead. Although the golem kept spinning, it also floated.
What the….? Jago sensed and tracked a strange power surge, leading him to the entrance.
Carrie focused on the golem with both arms extended. An unseen force invaded the temple, lifting several items. It surged like electricity, so intense that it hummed. Guarding Jago, she forced the golem into a T-position. It struggled to break free from whatever power controlled it.
"YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM! NOW LEAVE!" Carrie shoved the golem away. It spun as it faded over the horizon.
With the danger removed, Carrie collapsed to her knees. She dropped her arms, allowing the items to fall. Panting, Carrie faced a shocked Jago as she swayed and collapsed.
Despite his injuries, Jago caught her. Worried, he detected her aura. Thank Buddha. She's alive. After scanning the temple, he carried her away. He examined the unconscious girl, digesting the events. Just what are you?
In New York City, music blared in the Ultratech Science Department. Employees worked long hours to create the most advanced technologies. At one workstation, a researcher was playing Tetris when beeps echoed. Curious, he checked the monitor after pausing and exiting the game.
"Hey, Carol, come over here," he said as Professor Grady arrived with a cup of coffee. "You won't believe this. Our satellites picked up telekinetic energy from the Himalayas."
"What?" Professor Grady put her coffee down. "What's the data?"
Her colleague typed until a window appeared. Wavy rows ebbed and flowed as they measured the source's output.
Grady adjusted her glasses. "What in the…? It can't be…."
"What is it?"
Grady headed to her desk, only to return with a folder. "Remember when ARIA sent a team to study psychic energy in Maine? At the ruins and the school?" She opened her folder and pulled out several pieces of paper; one contained erratic wavy patterns. She handed them over to the scientist. "Do you spot something familiar?"
Her associate analyzed the wavy lines. "Oh, my God… you don't…?"
Grady pressed her lips into a firm line. "Yes. Carrie White is alive."
"Ain't no fucking way!" Cinder shouted after the scientists reported their findings to ARIA.
"Is it similar to Maine?" the CEO asked.
"The readings don't lie," Professor Grady said via microphone. "Do you want to send a unit to pursue her?"
"No need. The camera within the Fulgore controller on Aganos will tell us. Continue your schedule as planned."
"Yes, ma'am." The video call ended.
"Okay, I have 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." She replayed the fight as Carrie arrived to save Jago. Cinder laughed, distorted and metallic. "What is so funny?"
"Look at Jago's face! You can't tell from the mask, but his eyes explain everything! He had the biggest WTF moment! What an asshole!" Cinder wiped a nonexistent tear, composing himself. "Anyway, allow me to retrieve the girl. If she's with Jago, 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 strengths and potential risks."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Given the terrain, we'll need something to avoid attention. The brand-new RIPTOR Combat Models should suffice."
"The Mark Two Stalker Units? I don't know, ARIA. We haven't tested them yet. Besides, given their appearance, people might freak out."
"The networks are in remote locations. We will also use drones to monitor them."
"What about Aganos?"
"I dispatched some of our security units to recover him."
Cinder folded his arms and pouted.
"You'll have your chance. Just be patient," ARIA assured. "I have a task for you involving a certain assassin."
The flaming effigy's eyes gleamed. "I'm listening."
As Carrie woke up, the darkness looming around her faded. 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 a shrine but smaller, with wall coverings and lit candles.
A sweet incense scent hung in the air.
"You're awake," a voice said.
Carrie found Jago sitting cross-legged beside her. A soft, golden-yellow aura surrounded him. She wanted 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. "A bowl on your left contains a concoction to treat headaches. You should drink it."
"What do you—agh!" A sharp pounding throbbed in her temples. While massaging her brow, Carrie stumbled upon the dish filled with murky water. She sipped first and swallowed 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 never thought I'd be here after my Order fell. Carrie, we need to talk about what you did."
"Wha…?" She paused until she remembered what had happened. She turned away. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Carrie." Jago's tone was like a parent lecturing a wayward child. "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 at his words, she swallowed. I guess there's no point in hiding it now. Carrie slouched and averted her gaze. "I'm… cursed with this power. Some form of telepathy or telekinesis."
As the aura faded, the monk's eyes opened. So that's what it was. That explains her voice inside my head while I fought Omen, not to mention the cracked mirror at the Kyichu Hotel in Lhasa. Her behavior, however, shows extreme distress. What sparked such an emotional response? "Why do you perceive your powers as a burden?"
Carrie jerked her head up. How could Jago remain calm after what he saw? Fidgeting, she traced her fingers on the tile lines. "It is difficult to explain. The only knowledge I have about it is from books and personal experience. I remember doing something strange when I was young but thought little of it."
"Did anyone know you had this ability?"
"Mama did. As far as I know, it passes from mother to daughter. I kept it a secret because I didn't want you to think I was a freak." As those words left Carrie, her eyes burned with tears.
The monk's eyes softened as he sighed. "Carrie, I exposed my powers before you, and you didn't judge me. Why are you judging yourself? Being different isn't a crime. It's what makes you stand out."
"Well, not to me."
The monk paused. "I once believed my powers were a burden. Over time, I learned to use that curse as my strength." He positioned his hands as if he were holding something. Gold streams of energy flowed through his palms until a fireball appeared.
Carrie moved closer, enchanted by the light. "Does it hurt?"
"If you allow it. If you contain your power, it'll cause more harm." Jago squeezed the fireball, pushing the flares. The coloration changed from orange to blood 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 for a while, then faded away. "Despite your control, your abilities are still crude. I could train you if you're interested."
"What? Jago, I..." Carrie fell silent.
As if sensing her dilemma, Jago raised a calming hand. "Don't worry about deciding yet. Mull things over and inform me when you have your answer."
Carrie smiled with watery eyes as a 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 received the journal as a child. He remembered how his master told him it would improve his writing skills. He used it over the years, although he disliked it at first.
After Gargos' horrific acts, his writing became a form of therapy, helping him to work through his emotions and find peace.
While musing, the monk recalled his brief conversation with the older man.
"Are you lost?"
"No more lost than you've been."
"Who are you? I haven't seen you during my visits to each village."
"My identity is not relevant, but this young girl is. I rescued her from a terrible fate. Now that you're here, I have fulfilled my duty. I leave her in your hands now."
With his mind cleared, he lifted his pen and wrote his latest entry as night fell.
July 31, 2013
The aged man's arrival with Carrie in tow left me bemused yet intrigued. Who was he? Why would he bring her here? Omen's interest in her also eluded me until I discovered the truth. Today, Carrie revealed her secret to me in private. While much remains unclear, I understand her situation.
She believes her powers are a curse, and I pity her. I'm not well-versed in her abilities, but she has potential. If only she could see that. What happened to Carrie left her forever scarred. She reminds me of myself in several ways.
I believe she's among Nature's greatest miracles. For this reason, it's vital to preserve and allow her to flourish. Guidance, wisdom, and support are essential to do so. In addition, I cannot allow evil to claim Carrie. The results would be severe, so I must keep her safe.
Buddha once said, "Helping one person won't change the world, but it can change one life." I hope to make a difference and brighten her future. I'll do all I can to protect and enable her to achieve her full potential.
In a world where frightening beings like Gargos exist, corporations such as Ultratech exploit the world's resources.
Where people commit evil acts, the world seems to have forgotten that miracles exist, thus making Carrie more tragic.
The preservation and value of miracles are imperative, and I'm determined to protect this miracle. If it costs me my life, it'll be a life well spent.
A/N: This is not an excellent way to start 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? It's time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.