Through the velvet black sky, stars twinkled like diamonds. Gasa was still asleep until a thin line appeared from the distance. With their dance over, the stars faded, waiting for their next show.
Jago prayed outside the cottage where he, Pemba, and Carrie remained. The cool summer breeze swept by, but the monk stayed seated. Throughout the past few days, he tested the girl’s powers. During his assessment, Carrie lifted small and medium items. However, she found it challenging to handle any excessive weight.
From the golem incident and Carrie’s assessment, he concluded she would pull off amazing feats when under pressure but become weak afterward.
With his morning ritual complete, he opened his eyes. Towards the horizon, the sun flooded the wooded mountains with light. He filled his lungs, savoring the pine-scented air.
While viewing the majestic terrain, the monk detected a presence.
“Good morning, Pemba,” he said in Nepali.
The woman approached him, stretching her arms. Shivering, she adjusted her chuba. “Morning. Do you feel cold when praying?”
“Not really. Is Carrie awake?”
“She is, but ill. Mother Nature struck at the wrong time.”
Jago furrowed his brows. “Mother Nature? Oh, that.”
“It sucks, but that’s life. When will you train her?”
“Until I understand her powers. The mystery surrounding them persists. With the tests we’ve given her, we’re just scratching the surface. We must determine her powers and how to help her manage them.”
“Indeed. Since we’ve worked so hard, we should relax. A visit to the hot springs would recharge us and clear our minds. Plus, it would help Carrie with her monthly cycle.”
Jago fell silent as a rancid odor surrounding him wrinkled his nose. “Well, a trip to the baths wouldn’t hurt.”
***
After breakfast, the trio trekked through the forest, heading to the Gasa village. Carrie rode on Pemba, who had earlier changed to a Tibetan pony. She doubled over in pain from menstrual cramps.
Pemba glanced back and asked via mind link, “Are you okay?”
Carrie groaned. “These cramps hurt so much. One minute, they retreat, and then, they return full force.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be alright once we arrive at the springs,” Jago said, comforting the girl.
“How does a hot spring help? I’ve never been to one before.”
“They have healing properties, which help with pain relief and stress reduction. It’s also useful for opening your pores and cleansing your body. However, it might be easier to shower if your cycle is heavy.”
In a short time, they reached the village. Lush grass and trees surrounded the land. In an open field, residents herded yaks and their hybrid offspring. Several houses had solar panels as they explored further.
“Vāha. Gasa varṣaharūmā parivartana bha’ēkō cha,” Pemba said.
“I’m not surprised. With Gasa’s increased trading, it’s become a magnet for tourists. Despite this, the villagers kept their way of living around nature,” Jago said.
Soon, they arrived at a temple-like structure. Jago motioned Carrie to dismount Pemba so the shapeshifter could change back. At Carrie’s request, Pemba reverted to human form in the back.
YOU ARE READING
Killer Instinct: Carrie Unleashed
Fanfiction"Carrie had an ability, but she was a person, not a monster. She had hopes and fears, and we pushed her. You can only push a person so far before they break." A dark veil fell over Chamberlain, Maine, after tragedy struck the quiet town at the hands...
