Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed

Chapter 6: Demon

Grey clouds rolled across the sky, shading Lhasa. The air grew humid, and the sun dimmed. Lightning flashed in the distance, followed by thunder. Rain sprinkled on the duo as they wandered along the route. The monk squinted at the blanketed sky as the wind carried an earthy scent.

Carrie's brow creased. "What's wrong?"

The monk grunted. "A storm is coming. We should find shelter."

After following the trail, they found a cave to the left and ducked inside. Heavy rain fell, thunder boomed off the cavern, and lightning lit the heavens. Carrie jumped and covered her ears, whimpering. As Jago led her from the entrance, they sat on the ground.

"I guess you don't like storms," the monk said.

Carrie shivered. "I imagine God is out there, unleashing His wrath."

Lightning flickered while thunder cracked like a whip.

Jago couldn't agree more with Carrie's statement. "Yes, Vajrapani can be frightening in his works."

Carrie blinked. "Who?"

"Vajrapani is a bodhisattva who embodies all of Buddha's power. He helps people face their challenges and upholds the truth. The thunderbolt he carries stands for knowledge and understanding."

"Is he... a major figure in Buddhism?"

"Yes, he is. My brothers and I were training when a fierce storm arrived when I was a boy. While darting for safety, something hot knocked me unconscious. When I awoke, I was in a hospital wing with bandages around my head. The nurse informed me that a lightning bolt had struck me."

Carrie gasped while shielding her mouth and nose. "No!"

"It's true."

"Where did it strike you?"

Jago gestured to his head around the bald portion. "Although fortunate to survive, the event left an impression on me and lingering headaches. Most of them are self-resolving. Other cases require medicine."

Carrie regarded him with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. I'm grateful for the experience."

"Really? Why?"

"Because it provided me with insight into the path to enlightenment. I was afraid to venture outside, even on rainy days. Concerned, the Abbot visited me in my quarters. He told me it was a sign from Vajrapani and that he was leading me to enlightenment. Those words encouraged me to face my fears.

"One day, while training and debating outdoors, another storm came. While my brothers fled, I stayed. I wanted to confirm the Abbot's statement. I'll never forget that day. Lightning raged in the pitch-black sky. My brothers begged me to take cover, but I refused. I still feel thunder rumbling through me. Lightning snapped through a chain but never hit me."

"What happened next?" Carrie asked.

"Nothing. When I returned to the temple, some praised my bravery; others complained about my well-being. Since then, I have trained in harsh weather, but not severe ones."

"Aren't you worried you might become ill from doing that?"

"Perhaps, but the reward outweighed the risk. I'm indebted to Vajrapani for his strength and protection."

While shifting, Carrie flinched. The rough wall rubbed against the stab wound. She massaged the injury, easing her discomfort.

"You keep rubbing that spot often," Jago noted. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah." Carrie yawned and moved closer to him. "How did the shrine look before its present state?"

The monk lifted his eyebrows. Under Buddhist doctrine, monks would not touch women or vice versa. However, there were exceptions to the rule, so in this case, he relaxed. "As peaceful as it gets. In the courtyard, as the monks pray, their echoes fill the halls. We welcomed migrants fleeing oppression. I miss those days."