A sliver of sunlight cleaved the peaks, tearing the night apart. At the Tiger Shrine, Jago kneeled, the previous day's terror a stone in his gut.
He thanked Carrie for saving him, yet her power disturbed him. He had sensed her pulse hammer when she hoisted the golem. Once she drove the giant away, she dropped, exhausted.
Despite the impressive feat, he feared for her. He did not comprehend the side effects the girl's abilities exacted on her mind and body. The potential for lasting damage was a bitter thought. If Carrie abused her power, she could die.
Jago grunted, rose, and brushed the dust from his knees. He had to find Carrie. After his prayer, he collected water from the lake before entering the kitchen.
He poured the water and kindled the fire beneath the pot. The kettle hissed as he pulled two clay cups from the cupboard. Setting them down, he froze. Someone stood behind him.
"Good morning," he greeted Carrie as she emerged. "Sleep well?"
"No. What are you doing?" the girl asked.
"I'm preparing the salt-paste."
"Salt-paste?"
"Grab your toothbrush from your quarters and meet me in the common area."
Carrie opened her mouth, but stopped and hurried out.
The monk sensed her hesitation. She still fears what her power demands. I need her to trust the method. The kettle whistled. Satisfied, he smothered the fire to cool the liquid. Now, all I need is the salt.
He snatched the salt bowl and spoon from the storage closet, filled the first cup, and tidied the kitchen.
Jago crossed the courtyard, its stone paving still scarred from the golem's attack. He settled onto the floor and arranged the items before him. The monk stirred a tablespoon of salt into the cup of water. As the mixture dissolved, Carrie arrived, carrying the toothbrushes.
"I didn't know you made paste," she said.
"It's a simple, effective recipe. We monks must maintain our health despite detachment from worldly comforts." Jago scooped the foam onto Carrie's brush. "Try it."
Carrie stared at the brush, her nose wrinkling at the puckering saltiness.
"Do not worry. It is safe," the monk assured.
Wincing, Carrie rubbed the grit over her teeth, ignoring the harsh, abrasive salt. "My teeth feel weird," she announced, licking her molars. "Is that normal?"
Jago grabbed a second bowl. "It won't last. I need to get prepared."
"Where are you heading?"
"To a village called Thanza."
"Why?"
"Almsgiving," Jago replied. Carrie's face remained blank. "It's a Buddhist tradition dating back thousands of years-receiving offerings."
"What does it entail?"
"Buddhist monks travel to nearby villages at dawn. People prepare food and wait for us to approach with our alms bowls." Jago gestured to the marble bowl. "Once the offerings are inside, I place the lid on the bowl. After that, I bless the family with a prayer. You're welcome to join, but please refrain from touching me. If you wish to stay, that's fine too."
Carrie didn't plan on staying. "Can I come?"
"Of course."
***
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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...
