Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed

Chapter 37: Saving Thunder

Darkness blanketed the Andes foothills, filled with chirping crickets and croaking frogs. A breeze swept through the valley, carrying scents of wildflowers. The stars shone in the sky, and a full moon cast a warm, silver glow over the landscape. Amidst the dense forest canopy, an odd sound rippled through the forest. Aganos, a towering figure of stone and moss, lumbered forward, twigs and leaves crunching beneath its feet. Its tiny avatar sat on its shoulder, a miniature version of the golem with full stone hands.

In its rugged, green-rusted arms lay Hinmatoom, his body battered and bruised from the brutal clash with Fulgore. The stab wound on his stomach was still bleeding, albeit slowly, as the golem’s Eye of the Ancients prevented him from losing too much blood. Each step seemed more urgent as Hinmatoom’s condition worsened. Worried for its injured friend, Aganos quickened its pace, searching for help.

***

The Night Guard base remained silent within the City of Dawn, with its warriors patrolling the area.

Most of the gang fell asleep at the courtyard huts, exhausted from the festivities. Jago read his telekinesis book in a hut where he and TJ lived. Using a flashlight, he scanned the pages. Since encountering the Stalker units in Tibet, he hadn’t forgotten Carrie’s heart issue when using her powers during battle. Strange. There’s no record of health-related problems linked to telekinesis. I could ask Carrie if someone from her family has had issues. From what I recall, she inherited her powers from her grandmother.

TJ sprang from his bed, panting, interrupting the monk’s thoughts. He slipped his hands under the alpaca pelt blankets, patting his groin. “Oh, thank God. My mini-me is still here.”

Jago raised an eyebrow. “Is everything alright?”

The boxer rested his hand on his forehead. “Sorry, man. I dreamed Ultratech had that candiru or whatever Maya called it. They planned to slip that thing inside me if I did not surrender.”

“Sounds like you had quite the nightmare. Maybe you should avoid the spicy food before bed, mighty one.”

“Yeah. I’m still reeling over eating a skewered fried guinea pig. Something tells me I’ll have nightmares about that in the future. What’s with the book?”

“It’s to help Carrie. She has potential, but her power strains her heart. I hoped the book had answers to the problem.”

TJ fell silent. “Why do you do it? Train Carrie, I mean?”

Jago bent a corner on a page and closed the book. “Her spirit reminds me of mine. Her strength is undeniable, but her commitment to protecting others inspired me. If I can help her harness her abilities, she could avoid mistakes like mine.”

“You mean the one time when your dark side took over and started a killing spree at the Killer Instinct tournament?” TJ asked, and Jago stared at him. “Sorry, Ninja-Boy, that was way out of pocket.”

“It’s fine. I’ve come to terms with my past, and it’s taught me many lessons.” Jago glanced back at the book, his expression relaxed. “If Carrie can learn from my experiences, she won’t have to face the same darkness I did.”

“That’s noble of you, man. Not everyone gets a second chance, let alone the chance to guide someone else through their journey. I guess that’s what makes you a skilled teacher. Carrie’s lucky to have you watching her.”

“Indeed. I want to ask you something. Why did you freak out when you asked Carrie for her name at Orchid’s hideout?”

TJ glanced away, rubbing his neck. He recalled his discussion with Orchid about telling Jago about Carrie’s role in the Black Prom massacre. Goddammit, what should I do? I could explain what Carrie did. After all, he deserves the truth, but I don’t want to damage their student-teacher bond. Think, TJ, think! I got it! He cleared his throat. “An incident happened in a Maine town where teenage punks attempted to deface a grave. They mentioned the tomb belonging to Carrie—our Carrie.”