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 still 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.”
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Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed
Fanfiction"Carrie had an ability, but she was a person, not a monster. She had hopes and fears, and we pushed her. You can only push a person so far before they break." A dark veil fell over Chamberlain, Maine, after tragedy struck the quiet town at the hands...
