Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed

Chapter 11: Secrets

The sun rose, casting light on the snow-covered mountains. Carrie walked to the lake at the base of the Tiger Shrine mountain. Jago had instructed her earlier to fetch water. She crossed the bridge and found a path leading to the basin.

She clutched the wall for support and kept her balance. Her feet stepped onto the icy ground, dodging hidden dips and holes. The frigid air bit her as she walked down the trail. Sunlight reflected off the snow; the lake looked serene. A shoulder yoke with two empty buckets kept her upright. After a while, she reached the semi-frozen lake.

Returning to the shrine with this weight will be difficult, but I'll manage. Carrie set the buckets down. One by one, she filled them with water, ice chips floating on top. She glanced at the worn-down Tiger Shrine standing tall. He must've been lonely after his run-in with Gargos. With me around, he won't fight his inner battles alone. She squinted at the strange foliage on the cliff face. That's weird. What kind-

The foliage climbed toward the shrine, halting her thoughts. Carrie gasped at an enormous rusted bronze arm grasping the ledge. Oh no, I have to reach Jago! She sprinted up the path, drawing on every ounce of strength. God, please keep him safe.

***

Inside the courtyard, Jago chanted a prayer, sensing a disturbance. He peered over his shoulder as gravel rustled and stone crumbled nearby. Silence held until a heavy scrape came from outside. He walked toward the shrine, holding his breath.

A massive blow smashed against his frame as he moved closer. Before he recovered, a gigantic bronze foot emerged, aiming at him. It slammed onto the surface, forming fissures as he rolled out of the way.

On his feet, Jago faced his attacker-an eight-foot-tall, hunchbacked being. Its arms, hands, and feet were crude. Though crafted from aged bronze, the being had missing parts. A mix of plants, vines, and rocks bound its form together. The creature's head bore Akkadian and Mycenaean-style faces and beards. Two of the faces had archaic smiles.

The third, however, displayed a wrathful, open-mouthed expression. Its gems and eyes shone a menacing emerald green, tinged with red.

The giant bellowed and advanced on the monk. The plants and vines twisted with each movement.

Jago stepped back. What creature is this? Is this one of Gargos' minions? He hurled a fireball at the giant.

The golem tucked in, rolled, and shattered the projectile.

Jago dodged and launched another fireball.

The golem flicked the fiery sphere as it unfurled. It tore a rock from its body, crushed the boulder, and hurled the pieces.

Jago hid behind a pillar, shielding himself. Rock spikes sprouted from the earth as he circled the area. Some almost skewered him. Rolling aside, Jago winced as one scraped his arm, drawing blood.

While the monk avoided the spikes, the golem erected a wall. He stopped at the blocked exit, astonishment flashing across his face. Jago didn't have time to react. The golem punched him clear through several pillars.

Jago groaned as the giant's only hand snatched him up. It pounded the monk against each standing pillar and slammed him onto the stone floor.

Metallic copper stained Jago's mouth; he coughed blood. He bounced back enough to see the golem lifting its foot again. The monk arose after rolling away from the deadly blow. From a safe distance, he summoned his ki to heal. He faced the golem, growling. He punched his palm and dropped into a Tiger stance.

The Tiger Shrine remained still as the wind howled. Bells and chimes danced in harmony, snapping silent.

Jago spun on his heel, blazing at the golem. His strikes were quick and precise, slamming a fireball into its center. As the golem fell, a crack split the outside wall, catching the monk's eye. Of course. If this creature falls, the barrier will break. Jago attacked again, but the entity backhanded him.