Chapter 7 - The Jungle

The jungle was a sea of darkness and in the background, a cacophony of insect sounds heralded the start of darkness.  The Army had a few field lights mounted along a path that led to the Base Camp. Were it not for the illumination, I could barely see my hands.

The only respite I enjoyed was the fragrance of the Pandan plant, which carried a soothing quality. It was a favorite ingredient in Chinese dessert soups.

“What was that?” I asked, referring to the series of lights floating through the darkness.

“Search party. The last for tonight.” Staff Chua explained, “It’s getting late. Almost nine pm and we don’t want to lose another soldier to the night.”

He sounded dispirited. I soon noticed everyone I met in the tentage was plain tired.

“Did they make any progress after I left?”

Staff Chua shook his head.

“Where is the Colonel?”

“He left to brief the Ministry officials. He mentioned he would be back to meet you later.”

After I settled down at the tentage, Lieutenant Razali joined me. He had shed his uniform and donned green military fatigue. 

“Are you serious about venturing into the forest?” Razali asked as he sat next to me.

“I have to, Lieutenant. Objections?”

“You’re not going alone. I would like to follow.”

I was surprised. I had sensed their skepticism when we first met.

“I am thankful for the gesture.”

“I want to come along too,” Staff Chua, who had heard our dialogue, volunteered.

“Thank you, gentlemen. Do be careful. No matter what happens later, stay on the sidelines. Leave the fight to me.”

They looked at each other and turned to me.

“What’s going to happen?”

I smiled. It was a matter beyond their comprehension.

“I will explain in depth after tonight and meanwhile, I would like some time alone.”

I found a corner of the tentage and began to meditate. When it was ten minutes to eleven pm, I checked my sling bag - the Zhong Kui Paintbrush and the Yang Luopan.

Satisfied, I was ready to walk out of the tentage.

“Now, before we go, please apply this on your temples.”

I poured some Mugwort essence on their palms.

“What is this?”

“It is Mugwort, and it will give you a gloss of positive vibes that will keep unwanted spirits at bay. It will keep you safe.”

Despite his reservations, Staff Chua applied it gingerly on his forehead. I could tell he was finding it incredulous.  Razali turned down my offer politely, and I did not push it.

After I stepped out, I found myself staring at the intimidating darkness of the forest - the ravishing beauty of darkness, and the depressing uncertainty of its vastness.

With the accompaniment of the cricket sounds, I looked around me with the Yang Luopan on my palm. The needle seemed stable, and I was facing North.

“Where do you want to go?” Razali asked.

“I’ll just trek at random. Do you know the terrain well?”

“Trail eighty-one is at two o’clock. Rises to fifty-four meters above sea level. The trail descends to the western end of the forest, which leads to Pan-Island Expressway.”  Razali explained.

What a coincidence, I thought. Trail eighty-one lay to the Northeast.

“Let’s do Trail eighty-one then.”

The duo obliged. I was fleet-footed and walked in front. Staff Chua quickly paced ahead of me

“Dr. Ant let me lead. We are familiar with the woods.”

I smiled and shook my head

“I am fine. You lead but stay close to me. Just in case.”

“In case of what?”

“In case there are other occupants in these forests that do not like our intrusion.” I said

“These are state lands. We have permission to train here.” Staff Chua remarked matter-of-factly

“State authority applies to our world. The beings from other domains do not need to comply.”

“Other domains.” Staff Chua mumbled.

“You will learn.” I explained as I trudged up the trail, which was a clay-based road that was wide enough to take a vehicle.”

“Trail eighty-one is a common route used for the training?”

“Yes, it is the main route that is used by planners to map out topography targets. It is also a

marching route for some of the units.”

“Coincidentally, it laid in the northeast direction. The Northeast sector contained Gui Men

(鬼门）or what the Gate of the Ghosts. That is usually the spot where the Yin energies are strongest, and spirits and ghosts tend to use this spot to cross over into our world.”

“You mean Trail eighty-one leads to these Gui Men that you just mentioned,” Razali asked.

“Yes and No. Yes, because Trail eighty-one lies in the Northeast domain, but it does not lead to the Gate of Ghost unless you activate some elements to unlock that portal. It is another dimension that is unseen to most humans. The key lies in timing.”

“So, am I right to say at certain times, maybe, hours in a day, that trail connects to the other dimension?” Staff Chua asked, wide-eyed.

“If someone triggers it. Like pressing a metaphysical button. Due to the metaphysical elements of our world, we do not and cannot cross over to the other end. I suspect the three boys may have accidentally chanced upon that moment and crossed over.”

There was silence as the two gentlemen digested my words. I took out my torch and shone it into a spot afar.

“It’s like the principles of light. You shine it on a spot, and you can see it. Turn off the light, you don’t see it. The objects are still there regardless of the light. However, the key lies in finding the right light. The ability to cast that light requires cultivation and practice. ”

“So the boys are still in this forest, we just can’t see them?” Lieutenant Razali asked. “Is that what you are saying, Professor?”

 I nodded. Most likely.

“There are no traces of them. Their bodies were not found. Was this an attempted case of AWOL? The chances are unlikely based on the Colonel’s deduction. This can only mean their disappearance is unnatural.”

“We found their phones,” Razali added.

“My intuition tells me it was left there by deliberation. It was not found on the first search and only, after some time, in a subsequent search.”

“Deliberate? By who?” Staff Chua added in a deep voice.

I looked around at our surroundings. The chirps of crickets was more accentuated in the stark silence. “ Someone.” I said. For a moment I felt a chill on my back and witnessed the look of discomfort on the soldier’s face

“You are serious?”

“I don’t want to be alarmist but we may be dealing with an unknown force.”

“I heard of those stories about the place some of the soldiers today.” Lieutenant Razali chipped in” There is a history about this place.”

“We are sure about this?” Staff Chua asked “I am really looking forward to seeing them or it. I just want to bring the boys back safely.”

“If they are still here,” Razali said "I am sure we can find them."

“Which ‘they’ are you referring to?” I asked

“ Either.” Razali said as he looked at Staff Chua

“This is a thick forest.” I looked around at the dark forests. “I just read from G****e this a virgin forest with some trees estimated to be five hundred years old.”

I noticed Staff Chua and the Lieutenant exchanged glances.

“We didn’t know that“ Staff Chua siad

“You know that that means there are possibly many ancient beings dwelling in these dimensions.” I said gleefully. 

The duo was silent, and their blank looks told me both the Lieutenant and Staff Chua are out of frequency.

“It will be an interesting venture.” I said trying to snap us out of the awkward situation. “I am expecting some interesting finds tonight when I try to communicate with the spirits in the jungle."

"We heard of your ability. Are you born with it or..."

"It is a long story. I will share with you one day..." I explained

"What are your plans tonight?” The Lieutenant asked.

“I plan to find the spots where the dark energies are strongest. and try to open a portal.”

“Portal? I am completely lost now.” Razali lost his customary coolness as Staff Chua shook his head.

I had tested their faith in me.

“I will be using meditation powers to travel to another dimension, one that is unseen by the human eye. In that dimension, I will be able to see the spirits that resided in this forest. “

“Is it dangerous?”

“I have experienced many challenging situation before but yet I survived. Trust me; I will be fine.”

“I’m sorry. We don’t mean to distrust you. We’re prepared for the worst, as long as the three men are found.”

“I want to find them, too. Let’s continue our journey.”

The duo dutifully guided me down the trail, Staff Chua taking the lead while Razali stayed by my side with a torch on the path.

Throughout the journey, I had my eyes on the compass needle. Made of obsidian rock, it had an acute sensitivity to the presence of spirits. If it fluctuates, there was likely to be a presence of a spirit; and if it swung wildly, the spirit was a malicious one.

It was the eighth day of the lunar month, and I noticed a half-moon in the western sky. It lent a sense of desolation to the darkness. The forest was a galaxy of living spirits but there was something else - larger and malevolent. I could not put shape to it and it is frustrating.

I extended my hand to feel the atmosphere and felt the vibes in the night, a dark blanket of stale vibes. 

It is unlike a normal jungle that usually emanates light and rejuvenating scent that is both alluring and raw.  

What could it be?

As I lost myself in my thoughts, there was a sudden shriek in the air, which stopped us in our trek. Before I could ascertain the source of the sound, something hit Staff Chua on his face. The Lieutenant lunged forward to help, but Staff Chua had the intruder in hand, quite effortlessly.

  It was a fruit bat! Battling its wings in fear, it’s shriek is annoying.

With a heroic hurl, Staff Chua sent it back into the air. A false alarm, but its presence had induced an unnecessary sense of eeriness.

Then I noticed the needle starting to swing. I looked around me and realized the lone Flame Tree was just a couple of yards ahead.

“I have found my spot, gentlemen.”

I walked over to the tree, which had majestically huge foliage. I could imagine its verdure in full daylight.  I found an open space, laid the groundsheet, and sat down.

Lieutenant Razali and Staff Chua had followed closely and helped to roll out the groundsheet. At the four corners of the groundsheet, I planted a chopstick and ran a red string around it.

“Now what do you want us to do?” Razali asked.

“I will stay in this square and conduct my mediation. For both of you please stay out of it but stand close to it.”

“Anything specific you want us to do?

“Do nothing but stay awake.” I winked

I wielded the Zhong Kui paintbrush in my right hand and wrote, in the air, a protective charm in four corners of the perimeters.

“Stay calm." I instructed, "No matter what happens, don’t do anything rash.”

Before anyone could ask any questions, I had sat, crossed my legs, and shut my eyes to meditate.