Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed

Chapter 40: Reminiscence

"Goddammit!" TJ smacked his head on the table. He lost another game of Backgammon to Jago in their shared hut. Nikita, Pedro, Pemba, and Carrie watched the match unfold with amusement. Despite his loss, they chuckled at the boxer's dramatic defeat.

Reggie, the guinea pig, scurried around the room, unfazed by the commotion. He nibbled at a stray piece of lettuce that dropped from the table.

"You shouldn't use the Lord's name in vain," Carrie said.

"Sorry. My fault." TJ scratched his head. "I don't understand what happened. I was certain I had Ninja-Boy's ass right where I had him. How the fuck did he slip past me?"

Jago grinned. "Since you were more focused on defending than attacking, I saw an opening and took advantage of your distraction."

"What?! You sneaky bastard! I can't believe you read me like that!"

"What's happening here?" Orchid entered the hut after running some errands.

"Jago beat TJ in backgammon again," Carrie said.

Orchid shook her head. "Good grief, TJ. You've been the heavyweight boxing champion for twenty years, but can't beat a humble monk in a board game?"

"Hey, it's not as easy as it looks!" the boxer protested. "Throw me in a ring, and I'll show you who's boss, but board games are a different beast. This Backgammon shit - it's like poker, chess, and checkers had a threesome!"

"Okay, that's an image I didn't need. How about I try? Also, not to brag, but I excel at two of the games you mentioned."

"Be...my...guest." Once TJ offered Orchid his seat, Jago reset the board, and the siblings played.

Orchid studied the board, tracing potential moves. She opted for a balanced approach, advancing her pieces while maintaining a solid defense.

Not fazed by Orchid's impressive play, Jago changed his approach. Instead of focusing on the offense, he employed a more flexible strategy, mixing offensive and defensive techniques.

"Who wants to wager?" TJ asked. "I'll bet twenty bucks on Orchid. She's got the brains and skills to outsmart him."

"I'll take that bet," Pedro said. "I'll even raise the stakes. Whoever loses the wager must do cardio training with Maya tomorrow."

"You mean that two thousand feet training run?" TJ asked as Pedro nodded. "Damn, that's brutal! Alright. You're on."

Nikita rolled her eyes. "I swear, you men and your bets."

Carrie and Pemba shook their heads, amused by the room's competitive spirit.

The game between Orchid and Jago became intense, with both players making strategic moves. The audience watched throughout the match, unsure who would prevail in this battle of wills.

Jago's brow furrowed, revealing the only hint of distress the monk had shown. While he examined the board, Orchid seized the chance to press him. She moved her piece into position, creating a sturdy blockade.

"Nice, but can you control the entire board, or are you making me react?" Jago then shifted his piece, revealing a gap in her defense.

Despite the tension, Orchid didn't falter. "Every opening is an opportunity. Whether in games or real life, it's about being one step ahead."

"Or two," the monk countered. Time blurred as the game continued, each player vying for control. With every move, the stakes grew, and neither sibling would concede victory. Then, Jago moved forward with a piece that could secure his win or put him in peril.