Chapter 6 - Preparation

After the brief by the Colonel, I headed back to my office. Whilst on the road, my mind was brimming with theories on the whats and what ifs of the disappearance of the soldiers. The stories I had heard about Bukit Pandan in the past were never taken seriously. I never thought I would have any entanglements with the place. Now, that seems to have changed.

There was a streak of light from the setting sun that shot through the foliage of trees outside onto my desk. How apt! Just like the new responsibility that had just fallen on it

My heart is heavy. There is real danger, but I cannot put shape to that menace.

How things have changed. This morning, I had expected a run-of-the-mill week – the usual grind of lectures and tutorials. But by evening, I had been sucked, succinctly by destiny, into what could potentially be an exciting adventure.

Three missing soldiers. Where could they have gone? A real case of AWOL? They are dead?

I quickly snuffed out the thought. In my office, I lit a coil of incense and placed it on the incense holder on the altar. For over a decade, I had worshipped a Buddha, made of impeccable white jade, which was gifted to me by one of my masters from Japan.

I shut my eyes and focused my thoughts training it onto a spot in my mind. However, I soon lost control as my thoughts cruised freely into the mind space. A shroud of darkness sprang up and I quickly stomped it out. I summoned the light in my heart and shifted it through my body. Gradually I felt warmth traveling down my veins which eventually culminated in my chest.

I would need a lot of my positive dynamics tonight, but something seemed to weigh it down.

I was woken from my meditation by Leng’s arrival

“Gosh, Dr Ant!” 

“What is it?” I noticed the look of surprise on Leng's face. I quickly peek at the mirror to make sure I look fine.

“You looked tired.”

“Yes I am. I was awake until 3am.”

“Doing?”

“Looking at some maps.”

“Maps？ You plan to travel?”

I nodded.

“Where are you heading off to?” Leng quizzed, adjusting her spectacles.

I paused and then shook my head “I will tell you when we find time.”

“Not telling me again.” Leng pushed again.

“Be patient. Let’s focus on tonight.”

“Tonight. You think it will be fine?”

“I think so. I am thrilled but at the same time worried.”

“Worried? You mean there is …”

I put fingers to my lips “You never know until you see it. I will let you know after tonight.”

She pouted her lips in disappointment.

“Do you need me to pack for you?” Leng asked.

“The usual,” I muttered. “The usual tools.”

On my adventures, I would usually bring my adventure pack – the leather sling bag which carried all my tools. My usual companion for battles was the Zhong Kui Paintbrush, which was made of the best peach wood. The paintbrush was named after Zhong Kui( 鍾馗) the legendary deity in Chinese and Japanese mythology famed for his prowess in subduing the toughest evil spirits. The Zhong Kui Paintbrush was suitable for scribbling spells to expel and fight malicious spirits.

I also asked Leng to bring two bottles of Mugwort essence, made naturally from the Mugwort plant. It served as a repellent for evil and dark vibes. Before I ventured into the dark arena, I would apply some of it on the vital spots of my face and limbs.

The last must-have was the exorcist compass, the Yang Luopan. The usual Luopan is a trusted trade tool for geomancers as they plot the auspicious and inauspicious spots of a landscape or property. The Yang Luopan is different. Made from dark iron, and neatly shaped to fit in the heart of my palm, it allowed me to read the presence of the dark spirits and their exact locations.

“Do you want me to bring anything else? In case-” Leng asked.

I shook my head.

“To be honest, I’m not sure of the nature of my encounter tonight. Friend or foe?”

I pretend not to hear her and turned my attention to the contents of the bag.

 “This should be enough to keep me alive."

“By the way, can I come along?” Leng asked.

I mulled and shook my head “Things are uncertain. Stay at home and wait for my instructions. It may turn out to be a boring night with no encounters.”

 “Or it could be a thrilling one with scary encounters.” She muttered.

I look out of the window and shrugged. "We will know by morning."

"You want dinner?"

Leng, ever so attentive, had ordered my favourite ramen using GrabFood, which i devoured within minutes.

"I had to get down to some administrative work."

Leng understood she had to leave "Promise me you will bring me along on the next outing?"

I smiled and watched her back as she sauntered out of the office. I had to dismiss her quick. I was worried I would be soft-hearted and acceded to her requirest to join me on the night outing. 

She has been a wonderful staff at work. Intelligent and gifted with boundless energy, I always enjoyed her presence in the office. It never failed to light up my day. She is almost like family to me. She is family and I do not want to put my family member at jeopardy. 

*

By the time I wrapped up the last bit of administrative work - documents signing and writing emails, it was almost eight pm. I grabbed my bag and headed out of office.

The Colonel had arranged for transport to drive me back. On my way to the foyer where a Land Rover was waiting, my desk phone rang. I ignored the call, not wanting to be distracted. As we hit the road, I received a W******p message from Leng.

“There is a call from the Endowment Office. Someone wanted to come over and meet you.”

“At this hour? What do they want?”

“Sounds urgent, but I told them you left.”

“Take the call for me, Leng. Res-schedule something for eh…tomorrow afternoon?”

Call from the Endowment Office? I had no idea who it could be.

“Sure, Dr. Ant, I will do. Now, one other thing.”

“Other thing?”

“if you have time, please check social media.”

“Anything of importance?”

“Some sites are carrying a rumor about the missing NS men.”

You just cannot keep anything a secret for long nowadays.

“Let’s leave this to the professionals. Meanwhile, I will update you tomorrow when we meet in the office.”

I bit my lips as I scrolled F******k and performed searches on G****e. Instantly I was greeted with news highlights on the rumored disappearances. It was reported on mainstream media and social gossip. I noticed there was a report that the officials had scheduled a press conference for tomorrow evening. It was a tactic to buy time. I wondered how long they could keep it under wraps.

I decided to stop the scrolling and shut off the phone. I needed to focus my energy on the task ahead. I fell asleep in the Land Rover. Despite being usually energetic,  I felt drained today.

Was something zapping my energy?

My eyes began looking at trees by the roadside. Silly me for forgetting what my mother once taught me not to - looking at trees in a moving vehicle. I was soon dizzy and shut my eyes. I found my car heading into a dark forest filled with paths that crisscrossed into a maze. I was trapped and felt suffocated. Before I could extricate myself, I saw a baleful face fly into me.

I woke up screaming to a startled driver. We had already reached our destination, and apparently, my fitful nap had concerned the driver.

“What happened?” I asked

“You fell asleep, Sir. Are you alright?”

I rubbed my eyes and sat up.

Who was that? What was that?

I checked the scene outside. It was totally dark. We rolled to a stop and I found Staff Chua, waiting for me in ramrod-straight position. He quickly opened my door.

“Dr. Anthony is everything okay?'' he asked again.

I nodded and realized I was perspiring.

“A bad nap but I’m fine.” I lied. 

 “Then shall we proceed?” he said matter-of-factly.

I thanked the driver and alighted.