Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed

Chapter 39: Calm Before The Storm

Inside an Ultratech factory, a ferocious battle ensued between man and machine. The background roared with fire exploding from the chutes. The cacophony of grinding gears and screeching metal echoed off the high steel walls, creating a symphony of chaos.

However, it didn't distract the two warring beings as Hinmatoom's tomahawks and the Fulgore Mark III's blades collided. Sparks flew with each clash, bathing the factory floor in dazzling light. Hinmatoom moved with agility, his movements a seamless dance of precision and power, while the Fulgore Mark III countered, its mechanical limbs whirring with deadly intent. The air crackled with tension as both combatants pushed their limits, neither willing to concede.

Soon, they backed off, glaring at each other. Hinmatoom bore several gashes across his arms, his skin bruised and bleeding from the relentless strikes. Despite his injuries, he remained steadfast. Meanwhile, the Fulgore Mark III's metallic frame showed signs of wear, with deep dents and scorch marks marring its once pristine surface. Its circuits sparked as it struggled to maintain optimal function.

"Eagle, you must listen to me! Find your strength to break free from Ultratech's control!" Hinmatoom said.

However, the cyborg said nothing and continued its attack, leaving Hinmatoom no choice but to defend himself. Their clash sent shockwaves through the factory, shaking its structure. Hinmatoom searched for weakness in the cyborg's movements as they fought, hoping to reach the human spirit trapped within.

Without warning, the cyborg stabbed him in the stomach, its blade piercing through flesh. Hinmatoom gasped, his eyes widening as pain radiated through his body. It lifted its human opponent before tossing him to the ground. As it moved closer, it pushed the tomahawks away and picked him up by the throat. Then, it pulled its right arm back, its plasma blades ready.

Hinmatoom fought to free himself. "Eagle, please... don't."

The android tilted its head before speaking, blending robotic and Tipyeléhne's voices. "Why? You said so yourself. We may share blood, but we are not brothers." The cyborg thrust its blade toward his heart.

Hinmatoom jolted awake, his chest heaving like he'd surfaced from a deep ocean. A soft, golden light bathed the room, casting subtle shadows of Incan symbols carved into the walls. The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor was the only sound, blending with the gentle rustle of the alpaca pelt blankets that covered him, their vibrant colors reminiscent of a sunrise over the Andes.

Confused, he sat up and glanced around. Where am I? Hinmatoom winced in pain as he placed his hand on his stomach, only to discover bandages around it. With the war paint removed, he soon found more wraps covering his upper torso. An IV drip hung beside the bed, its clear fluid dripping through the tube into his arm. In addition, an ice pack fell from his brow and into his lap when he arose.

What happened? Was it all a dream? I remember the fight and the pain, but how did I end up here?

"Hey, you're awake!" a voice called. Orchid stood by the doorway, relief written on her face. Aganos' tiny avatar form perched on her shoulders; its eyes glowed in relief.

"I remember you. Orchid from the tournament, right?" Hinmatoom asked.

"I'm surprised you remembered me."

"How can I forget? You tried to seduce me."

"Oh, c'mon, I was undercover. As an agent, my task was to gather vital information for crippling Ultratech. I'd blow my cover if I revealed my true self," Orchid said. Once she approached, she rested her hand on the bed, allowing the miniature golem to climb down and hug Hinmatoom.