Charcoal clouds overshadowed Lhasa. Thick, humid air stifled the city. Lightning flashed in the distance; a deep rumble of thunder answered. Rain dusted Carrie and Jago as they walked the kora route. Jago squinted at the gloom, the wind whipping damp earth into his masked face.
The heavy air crushed Carrie. “What’s wrong?”
Jago’s head snapped up to the sky. “The storm is here. We must find shelter.”
On the left, they spotted a cave and scrambled inside. The sky broke. Rain slammed down, and thunder cracked through the cavern, making the rock vibrate. A blaze of lightning flared, blinding them. Carrie shrank, hands clamped over her ears, a terrified sound caught in her throat. Jago pulled her away from the entrance and settled them against a damp rock face.
“You don’t like storms,” Jago noted.
Carrie trembled. “God is out there, unleashing His wrath.”
Lightning stabbed; thunder ripped the air.
“Vajrapani can be frightening in his works.”
Carrie frowned. “Who?”
“Vajrapani, the bodhisattva, embodies all the Buddha’s power. He helps people face challenges and upholds the truth. His thunderbolt stands for knowledge.”
“A major figure in Buddhism?”
“He is. When I was a boy, a storm like this one struck our monastery. While running for safety, something hot knocked me out. I awoke in a hospital wing, bandages wrapping my head. The nurse mentioned a lightning strike upon me.”
Carrie clapped a hand to her face. “No!”
“It happened.”
“Where?”
Jago touched the bald spot. “I survived, but the event left an impression and lingering headaches. Most are self-resolving. A few require medicine.”
Carrie leaned closer. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m grateful.”
“Why?”
“It provided me with insight into enlightenment. I was afraid to venture outside. Concerned, the Abbot visited me. He called it a sign from Vajrapani. Those words forced me to face my fears. While debating outdoors, another storm came. My brothers fled; I stayed. I had to confirm the Abbot’s belief. I still feel thunder rumbling through me. Lightning snapped through a chain but missed me.”
“What happened next?”
“Nothing. Some praised my bravery; others complained. Since then, I’ve trained in harsh weather, never severe.”
“Worried you’ll become ill?”
“Perhaps, but the reward outweighs the risk. I’m indebted to Vajrapani for his protection.”
Carrie flinched. The rough wall ground against her week-old stab wound hidden beneath her robes, wrenching a deep groan from her. She clamped her fingers over the injury, trying to smother the sudden, searing throb.
“You keep rubbing that spot.” Jago’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” Carrie yawned and pressed against his side. “Can you describe the shrine? How did it look before the damage?”
Jago tensed, but eased his shoulders. The doctrine forbade physical contact, yet he permitted it. “Peaceful. The monks’ prayers echoed through the halls. We always welcomed migrants fleeing oppression. I miss those days.”
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Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed
Fanfiction"You can only push a person so far before they break." The dark veil of the Black Prom Massacre still hangs heavy over Chamberlain, Maine. Everyone believes the tragedy's catalyst, Carrie White, is dead, but they are wrong. Barely clinging to life a...
