A/N: Hello, I am back once again with another chapter. I may go through a Chapter Four situation with this one, but I hope not, so enjoy.

Update: a small expansion has been added regarding this chapter.

Another Update: Due to a large word count, this chapter will be split into two parts.

Disclaimer: *Putting up a sign that says I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie.*

It had been two weeks since Carrie's hospital stay. She was still recovering but gaining strength. Though she was feeling better, her doctor warned of a slow recovery. Upon her release, Jago received a list of medications for her. In addition, he signed some documents regarding his role as a foster parent. One doctor called the Kyichu Hotel manager to give them a place to stay. Also, Carrie promised the monk she would never lie to him again.

Carrie found Jago's cot empty this morning when she awoke. Where is he? On top of the wood drawer, she discovered a note. She unfolded the letter and read it once she grabbed it.

'Stepped out to do errands. I will return soon.'

-Jago.

Relaxed, Carrie shifted to the nearby window. Sunlight reflected off the window, filling the room. Part of her longed to remain in bed, but her face blanched when a funky odor hit her nose. Oh, God. When did I last bathe?

Sitting up, Carrie yawned and stretched, heading to the bathroom. Fresh towels hung on the railing above two ceramic sinks. A bathtub sat against the wall with a shower hose. When Carrie entered, she spotted a picture of a man in a boat. While gazing at the portrait, she imagined herself facing the waves. Shaken from her thoughts, Carrie averted her gaze from the picture. As she neared the bathing tub, she switched the faucet on.

Water poured into the basin while she adorned the edge with a washcloth and soap. At halfway, Carrie shut off the valve and removed her clothing. She tested the water's temperature with her foot. Contented, the girl immersed herself in the washbasin. Carrie relished the moment as she washed. After splashing her face, she wiped her eyes. When she opened them, she froze, staring at her reflection. A crimson-red hue surrounded the surface as her victims' faces emerged.

In a startled yell, she jumped out and examined herself. Is it my period again? She checked the tub. The crimson color vanished, leaving the bathwater clear. She pinched her nose. It's all in your head.

With the mood ruined, Carrie unplugged the drain and picked up a towel. While drying herself, she peered at a mirror and recoiled.

Her mother stared back; her expression twisted in disgust. "Why are you with him? He's a sinner!"

"No, Mama, Jago saved me!"

"He's not saving you. He's trying to infect you with his sin. First comes the blood, then the boys—"

"Stop it—"

"He'll take you, little girl, like your father did to me!"

"STOP!" Carrie shielded her ears as the glass cracked. Trembling, she slumped to the floor, curling into a fetal position, crying. A knock on the door caught her attention, but she remained still.

"Carrie?" Jago called from the other side. "Carrie, are you alright?"

"…Help…" she said in a tiny voice.

Jago peeked inside to check if she had anything on her. Seeing the towel wrapped around the girl's body, he entered. "What happened?"

"…I didn't mean… the mirror…"

While the frightened girl sobbed, Jago approached the looking glass, tracing his fingers along the cracks. What happened here? Has that demon returned to harass Carrie? The monk didn't sense any presence, let alone that evil shade. His mind raced with questions, attempting to make sense of the situation.

Since Carrie had no cuts, suicide was off the table. The bathroom's condition also puzzled him. Aside from the reflective surface, everything was intact. His eyes softened as the whimpering girl shivered.

He grabbed a housecoat hanging on the hook and held it out. "Here."

After viewing the housecoat, Carrie glanced down. Blushing, she snatched the robe and covered herself.

Jago arose, lowering his head. "I'll give you some privacy to change." He shut the door behind him, reflecting on what had transpired. What am I dealing with here?

After informing the staff of the incident, they left the hotel. A brief stroll around town brought them to a palace with a fountain in the center. Colorful plants decorated the area, bringing it to life. Carrie and Jago spent the day exploring the castle's gardens to calm their minds.

As the sun dipped, it cast a golden glow over the gardens. Clouds drifted across the sky, shimmering in warm oranges and yellow hues. Most tourists had already left, while others stayed to enjoy romantic times.

Jago and Carrie stood by a lake surrounded by two temples, engrossed in the vibrant colors of nature.

For a long time, they fell silent until the monk spoke first. "How are you doing?"

Carrie sighed. "Okay, I guess."

"Is something troubling you? I sense you're uneasy."

The teenager fidgeted. "I keep thinking about the night that… thing attacked us. Mama told me about demons, but I never thought I'd see one."

"Omen is a dangerous being, among many."

"He said awful things to me. Horrible things. Mama taught me not to confide in devils, but I can't help wondering…."

"About what?"

"He… he claimed that… that you were a follower of his master. I still refuse to believe it, but is it true?"

Jago grew silent, his expression troubled. After a while, he drew a deep breath, his shoulders sagging. "It was."

A sharp pain erupted in Carrie's head upon hearing the answer as the voice mimicked her mother.

"See? He made a deal with the Devil and sold his soul to him!"

Carrie pushed it away. No, I should let Jago explain himself.

The monk stared at his reflection in the water. "When I was a child, I had trouble interacting with people."

"You did?" Carrie's brow wrinkled. "Um, no offense, but you don't look like someone who would."

Jago stifled a laugh. "I am a different person from the little boy I was. I wasn't in touch with others growing up. Almost every interaction I had with other kids ended in anger. Often, I got beaten up, but the other children ignored me. In solitude, I could study, think, and meditate.

"After some kids roughed me up, I was alone inside the Tiger Shrine. While there, a soothing voice greeted me."

Nine-year-old Jago sat in a corner within the Tiger Shrine, sniffling.

"Hush, little one. Don't cry," a voice said.

Startled, he surveyed his surroundings. "Who's there? Jigme, is that you?"

"No, little one, I'm not Jigme."

"Who are you?"

"You're standing in front of me."

"Huh? What-who?" Jago peered around until he spotted the tiger statue greeting him. "You're… the Tiger Spirit?"

A light chuckle erupted from the sculpture. "Indeed, my child."

Kneeling, the youngster bowed and brought his palms together.

"My, my, such politeness! Please stand. What is your name, my child?"

The boy sniffed while wiping his nose. "Ja… Jago."

"Jago," the spirit repeated, although the figure didn't express emotions. "A good name. Why were you crying?"

"Some kids were mean to me. They said I wouldn't amount to anything, and I don't belong here."

The idol paused for a moment. "Well, those kids are wrong. The Heavens have decreed that you become the greatest monk within the Order. However, to achieve enlightenment, you must study. Every scroll, every lesson, no matter how trivial it appears. The heavens do not reward indolence or failure."

"What does 'indolence' mean?"

"Being lazy."

"Oh. What if I fail?"

"Then you try again. The only thing preventing you from ascending is yourself, my child. You might stumble, falter, or fail, but fear not. You're not alone. While I acknowledge the importance of diligent work, I can ease things for you. To what extent are you prepared to commit?"

He lowered his head to reflect on this question. With conviction in his heart, he gazed at the stone effigy. "I want to be the greatest monk there is, Tiger-Lha."

"Do you swear to be a faithful servant to the Tiger Spirit from hereon? Would you uphold the rules, values, and authority? Will you vow to fight for peace and enlightenment?"

"I do, Tiger-Lha. I'll do anything you and the heavens ask of me."

The spirit's loud, hearty laughter filled the chamber. "Very well then."

The statue's eyes gleamed. A burning sensation spread through the boy's body before he could react. Jago almost cried from the pain until it faded.

He collapsed on his knees, panting. "What did you do?"

"I've granted you a gift, my child," the Tiger Spirit said. "Use it well. Do not flaunt your power, nor succumb to arrogance."

Jago checked his arms for any signs, but nothing. He joined his hands in prayer. "Thank you, Tiger-Lha. I promise I'll be worthy of you and this Order."

The statue grunted in approval. "Knowledge is a blessing, little one. If you have trouble understanding something, ask your teachers. Never forget that, Jago. You can also talk to me about anything that troubles you. My shrine will always be open to you."

Tears fell from the child's eyes as he kneeled. "T-Thank you, Tiger-Lha." Jago turned around, departing from the Tiger Shrine.

Jago stared into space, recalling the fateful day he met his old 'friend.' "I have visited the shrine and spoken to the Tiger Spirit since then. Everything the Tiger Spirit asked of me, I did. I was attentive to my studies and listened to the teachers. My social interactions improved as my self-confidence grew. Through the Tiger Spirit's guidance, I rose to Gelong."

Carrie couldn't find the right words. Nothing could express her respect for the masked man. "Um, what's a Gelong?"

"Gelong is a title meaning 'senior monk.' Most monks attain Gelong status in their thirties, if not older. I was twenty-three when I received the title."

"What? That's so young!"

Jago chuckled. "Indeed. Because of that, the High Abbot selected me as his star pupil. He trained me in martial arts techniques and ki channeling."

"What is ki?"

"Ki is the life force energy inherent in everything. Skilled martial artists can use this energy to enhance certain abilities." Jago produced a small fiery orb.

Carrie backed away from him. "Y-you're a… a sorcerer?"

"No. I'm a ki user. Besides, we don't practice black arts. Every living being on Earth possesses ki, including you. For my Order, we employ it for healing and warding off evil spirits." After snuffing the fire sphere, Jago fidgeted. "When I channeled my ki, the coloration was different. A person's ki would have no color or be orange, flame-like. Mine was green."

"Green? What did that mean?"

"None of the members knew. Still, it didn't deter the High Abbot from taking me on as his pupil. I would meet with the Tiger Spirit in my free time. We talked about many things, from stories to singing songs. However, things were about to turn.

"It was after I earned Gelong status. While meditating, a fellow monk named Akar attacked me. He uttered strange words, repeating himself. 'Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn! Ph'nglui mglw'nfah Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!' It freaked me out."

Carrie shivered, affected by the words. "What did you do?"

"I… I killed the man in self-defense." The monk winced at the memory of his fellow brother. "Despite my justified actions, Akar's death weighed on me. I distanced myself from the others to atone for this act and settled in a mountain cave as a hermit. I played over the events in my mind, seeking clues to what caused Akar's chaotic state. With all my heart, I believed that I could have saved him.

"The Tiger Spirit visited me one day, offering kindness and solace. He then informed me of the real danger. Akar's death, he revealed, was connected to something broader. Sinister forces were abounding, and he traced its source. He encouraged me to compete in a tournament called 'Killer Instinct.'"

"Killer Instinct?" Though not familiar with the name, Carrie listened.

"Yes. It was a program run by Ultratech, a technological innovation company. The Tiger Spirit sensed terrible evil there. This dark force was so intense that I couldn't rely on my abilities. He planned to impart more of his power to me. 'Of course, it is your choice, my child,' he explained. 'This journey and mission will be fraught with danger. There's a chance you may die or become mad like Akar. Think it over. You can't turn back once you decide.'

"In the end, I accepted his offer. I would have served my Order and Heaven if I could purge this evil. No one would suffer the same fate as Akar. I had faith in the Tiger Spirit and never doubted his wisdom or words." Jago trembled as he recalled the sensation.

Carrie swallowed. "W-what was it like… having that power?"

Jago blinked, startled by the inquiry. "Words… can't describe such a thing. I had to use all my willpower not to yield to madness. After meditation, rest, and training, I joined the tournament to purge the evil it contained. I faced many worthy opponents throughout the program. Searching for the source wasn't easy, but I found dark, strange, and disturbing things. The tournament host saddened me the most. He was a German Baron afflicted with a condition. The poor man."

"What was his condition?"

"His story is for another time. In my attempt to remove the corruption, I became possessed. I saw myself do atrocious acts and was too powerless to stop. While in that state, I encountered a vile creature named Eyedol."

"Eyedol?"

"That's what it called itself. I learned about dark, forbidden things in my fierce battle with the creature. Eyedol was an Outer God who sought freedom. One of two warlords sought to claim this world ages ago. One thing led to another, and the Tiger Spirit unveiled his proper form.

"The 'Tiger Spirit' was Eyedol's nemesis. A creature called Gargos. Upon his rival's defeat, the released energies freed him. Then, he forced me to watch as he destroyed my Order from afar with his power, saying it was a 'reward' for my efforts. Their screams and cries still echo in my head."

Carrie gasped. "Are you… the sole survivor of your Order?"

Jago clenched his fists, glaring at his distorted image. "Yes. Because of me, everyone in my Order died. My master. Jigme. Nuba. Anil. Assam." His posture sagged, and his fingers unfurled. "Despite defeating Gargos and sealing him away, the damage remained. Also, that monster left a mark on me. A stain within my soul that I struggle to erase. After that, I had to relearn everything from scratch.

"I also created this uniform using the materials from the temple itself. It has taken some time to expel Gargos' influence on me, but it runs deep.

"Although my dedication, skill, and willpower have brought me to this point, my inner darkness still haunts me. I fear Gargos might reclaim me."

While Jago gazed toward the sky, Carrie remained stunned. How could a person endure such trauma? Her mind replayed the carnage in her hometown. Though their situations were different, they shared a similar path. They suffered betrayal and exclusion, and those closest to them hurt them.

Yet somehow, Jago became more resilient. The ability to move forward from tragedy amazed her.

Would it be possible to….? No, not after what I've done. She was unsure what to say to Jago, much less comfort him. After much effort, Carrie expressed her sympathy. "I'm… so sorry for your loss."

Lost in thought, Jago viewed the sunset.

While brushing some hair behind her ear, Carrie regained control of her voice. "Do… do you mourn them?"

Jago glanced at her as if he didn't hear the query. "Hm?"

"Your fallen brethren. Are you still mourning their loss?"

The monk's eyes crinkled. "Tibetan tradition prohibits grieving."

"Huh? Why?"

"It would increase the sufferings of the departed, leading to unfortunate rebirths. It was difficult, but I understood that life is about suffering. The cycle of life ends with death, followed by rebirth. To be clear, we Tibetans do care when someone dies. It's just that our beliefs encourage us to acknowledge death. Therefore, one can develop stronger compassion for others."

Carrie turned toward her watery reflection. Though thinking of death this way was strange, she found comfort in this viewpoint. However, something else came to mind. "Can someone… repent for their mistakes?"

The monk reflected on the question. "Yes. Redemption is possible for everyone, regardless of their crimes."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Do you know Milarepa's tale?"

"I'm afraid not."

"I see." Jago glimpsed towards the horizon, a sliver of sunlight almost disappearing. "It's getting late, but I'll tell you about Milarepa some other time. Come."

With her heart troubled, Carrie followed Jago to the Kyuchi Hotel. They stayed in Lhasa for a few days before returning to the Tiger Shrine.

A/N: Wow. To say that Jago's tragic story is sad is an understatement. One couldn't imagine how lonely he must've been after that horrifying event. He has Carrie now so that he won't be completely alone. It's time to let my brain rest, so I'll see you later.