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2024-10-29 19:42:56"What crazy ideas have you got in that mind?" May demanded when we were all back in Visnu's car.
"I am accepting this commission, Visnu," I said directly to the man who gatecrashed my life this morning and destroyed the peace of my life for, probably, the weeks ahead.
"You sure? I am happy to hear that."
"I had a hunch."
There was stony silence.
"What did you see?"
"A touch of bad vibes but hazy darkness. It will be worth exploring."
"Adam!" It was May, again
"What ideas do you have? Can you not disrupt our investigation?"
"I promise. I just needed one night."
Visnu was silent and it seems May is calling the shots now. I looked at her for signs of approval
"I still remember when you last performed your rites at the hospital, the entire place caught fire, and two fire engines were despatched."
"That's the past and it was not my mistake. We are dealing with a different…eh..presence. That fire was caused by malevolent spirits who are out to inflict harm."
"A naughty spirit that spewed fire. I remember now." Visnu said matter-of-factly
I kept mum as my mind raced down a path of recollection. The obstinate I, Adam Wong Takahashi, had insisted on conducting an audit of the haunted hospital and unexpectedly triggered a cosmic reaction.
"The fires were unexpected occurrence."
May dropped into her tight-lipped expression again.
How did we get into a relationship in the first place? I thought
"I am fine with not doing anything. Visnu, I am out and…"
Before I could speak further, he had placed a finger on my mouth
"May, please. As you begin your investigation, let Adam try his method. Let him conduct his usual stuff.
May glared at me and after a long pause, nodded reluctantly.
"Do you need anything from us? "Visnu quickly asked. "Would your men still be around?"
"My men will be deployed outside the mansion for the remainder of the week and I can join you if you need," Visnu said
"I need to be too." May quickly added. I prefer she stays away.
"Can you tell me something about Mina? And I need more about Hock?"
I asked. With some reluctance, May spoke,
"This just came from our colleague. There seems to be suspicion about Hock however he has worked for twenty-four years for the Chuas, and there is no bad blood between him and John Chua. Besides being gruffy, he is loyal to John Chua."
"I saw how protective he was of John Chua earlier." I observed " But I guess everyone is just the tip of the iceberg," I said, looking at Visnu intently.
"You still remember my words of wisdom?" he replied with a smile
"It makes so much sense, does it? You can never tell a person's true character in the hour you spent with him during an interrogation."
"That's why we will keep on our investigation work."
"What do you think of that Mina?"
"Her full name is Aminah. Indonesia. This is her second year with the Chuas. We are still checking her text messages with about 70% done but nothing suspicious has come up so far."
"Adam, you have to realize this is only the sixth hour since we arrived on the crime scene. With the pressures of expectations from the Chua family and our superiors, we are giving our everything to hunt down the killer as soon as possible."
I nodded.
"You suspected anything," May asked, paused, and then continued "You mean you suspected something already?"
I winked.
Early conclusions are bane of an investigation as the mind will block out any other possibilities and alternative perspectives of investigation. I had learned never to conclude too early.
However, it is still perfectly fine to act on hunches. The instincts of an Onmyoji act like a radar, picking up signals from unseen sources and allowing us to work with a certain inclination that brings us to the right direction.
It is hard to explain and I have never tried to explain too much to amateurs or outsiders about how an Onmyoji operates.
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After Visnu dropped me at the office, it was way past lunchtime.Ah Mui dutifully ordered lunch and we waited by the working desk in my office. This is not Ah Mui's first assignment and she had already breezed into the momentum.She had her laptop in front of her, ready for my instructions.The past outings have its close shaves and she made important contributions. However, an exorcist assignment has its risks and I prefer not to push Ah Mui to join even if I need her help."You don't need to come if you have classes," I said referring to her postgraduate course."No, that starts next week. You have forgotten about that."I tapped my forehead lightly "You are right."" I am ready." She continued"The first thing I need is the floor plan of the Chua's mansion. I had spoken to Visnu about that before he dropped us off.""I will keep a lookout for that." Ah Mui said and pored over her handphone "Once I receive it
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"I have only done a quick check on the internet, Dr Adam. It seems they have a Family Office which provided some writeup. Besides that, the business dailies and Forbest provided some business-related information about the Chuas.""It is good enough. I appreciate the quick turnaround. I am know I can be quite a pain.""Don't say that." Ah Mui said. " I am used to it." She winked to which I was at a loss of words and simply nodded."The Chua family information you had asked for."Mui turned her laptop screen over and shared a word document.I read "John Chua has three children – Eldest Son – Marcus Chua, second daughter -Mavis Chua and youngest son Jonathan Chua. Marcus Chua and family stay at the mansion from time to time.""I remember Visnu and May said once in a fortnight?""Then there is Mavis Chua and Jonathan Chua" "Marcus Chua is the General Manager of Four Seas." Ah Mui shared."He looked stern with that central parting.""A split image of his father," I said. I shifted to Mavis
Adam the Spirit Master Chapter 9
John Chua has lived up to his word of allowing me to return to the mansion for my audit and investigation.When I reached the gates to the Chua Mansion, the security already knew about our assignment, and let us in. However, I was not allowed to park in the mansion for security reasons.I parked outside and the moment I walked through the side gate with Ah Mui, I sensed a heavy mood of paranoia and pessimism.I saw Visnu and May Li waiting in the guardroom."Good to see you again Adam. Did you receive my message?" Visnu said as we walked down the boulevard towards the house.I nodded "The floor plan is great, very useful. We also needed some help with the history of the development of this particular plot of land. Can you help Ah Mui with that?""Dr Adam, I have already written to ASP Visnu. I texted him while you were driving us over here."I whistled my approval of her efficiency, and spotted a wink from Visnu."A
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"Do you suspect any foul play from external parties?" I probed"There are no signs of a break-in." Visnu shared. "The security at the guardroom commented the night was like any other. It was quiet and peaceful. They made two rounds patrolling the place at 1 am and 4 am but heard nothing. We estimated Claudia's time of demise to be around 5 am and they did not hear any unusual.""They can be trusted?""Two of them are from Cisco Security. They have been through three hours of interrogation already." May added. "We have also checked their files. They are clean and one of them is over fifty. They do not have any reasons to murder Claudia.""Where were they at the estimated time of murder?""They were right at the gantry. They did not hear anything loud or odd. There were no screams. There were some sounds in the bushes and they thought it was a cat. There is a usual cat in the neighborhood so they thought nothing much of it.""I guess I w
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The stairs brought me to a cozy living space and a long corridor with a series of doors. The first thing that greeted me was the pleasant scent of flowers. There was an L-shaped leather sofa, with a smallish coffee table in the middle, placed over a beige-colored carpet that looked ideal for a lie-down after a day's work.It was an underwhelming experience - plain and predictable.On the coffee table, there is a white vase of yellow Orchids. Several small oils on the walls lend an ambience of comfort and welcome. In the corner of the living space, by the stairs is a standing vase of variegated Chrysanthemums."This is where the family sleeps?""Yes, this is their private space. They do not like to be disturbed. Seldom, are strangers allowed here."Ah Hock explainedI closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The large living room. My inner voice spoke.Can I look at all the rooms?"Hock protested "No, no. Mr Chua will be angry. He does not like strangers wandering around the house." He l
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"I will need a pail of water," I said."Warm water?" Hock asked"No. Make it hot. I would like a pail of hot water." I said Everyone was bewildered "Hot? Do you mean it has to be boiling? You want to cook ah?" Ah Hock exclaimed.Ah Mui smiled and shook her head. "He needs hot water, please. It has to be a high temperature to allow him to perform his ritual.""Wah, I have never heard about this. Hot water." He repeated."Make it 80% hot, and 20% tap water." I repeated my request.Despite his disbelief, he moved along. A few minutes later, he returned, treading with caution. In his hands was a basin of hot water spewing spirals of steam. With the attentiveness of a cook, he placed the basin in front of the chair and added a few towels around it."You sure?""Yes I am sure."I took off my socks and sat down. Then I dipped on foot into the basin. "Yes, just right." Then I placed both feet in much to the consternation of a stunned Ah Hock."You feel ok?"I nodded."I had never heard ab
Adam the Spirit Master Chapter 13
Every transition is an intensive ritual that demands deep focus and complete control over our senses. Only well-trained Onmyojis can successfully conduct a transition in their investigation of supernatural crimes. It has taken many years of training for some and for me, it was, strangely, an easy craft to master. My teacher, Master Sato, observed this may be a result of my mother's background. She was also trained as an Onmyoji. Gradually, I planted my feet in the basin. The warmth travelled through the pores on my skin and breathed life into every cell of my body. I began meditating, chanting the Ksitigarbha Mantra, Om Hahaha Vismaye Svaha, which I regarded as the golden standard of mantras. It was something that soothed my heart, and drives away the cloud of dust in our minds and dispelled anxiety, anger and all dark vibes. As I meditated and focused my energy, trying to find the point of light in my consciousness, The process is pretty much like gliding in the air. The distur
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I took a deep inhale before moving on. Slowly, but steadily, I ascended the stairs and soon found myself in the living space. The yellow Orchids were still there but this time it has faded to a lower tone of white. There seemed to be an assortment of sounds coming from the rooms down the corridor. I tightened my grip on my brush and paced down the corridor like a panther. I pushed open the first door, it had a bed and dressing table. The walls had a coat of pink with a nice desk. There was a working desk placed adjacent to the the window, and I saw some photo frames. I stepped closer and found them to be pictures of Mavis with her parents. There was also a picture of her in her graduation gown. This must be Mavis’s room. Suddenly a thump from my back snatched my attention. I swung around and heard something from the other room. The corridor had taken on a pale light. Something is not right.“Who is it?” I demanded but was only greeted by an eerie silence. I tightened my grip on
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ay confronted me and I saw her aura was an intimidating ring of red. “What was that for, Adam? Why did you do that?”"Calm down. Don't snap." I defended myself. “ I am just trying to find the truth. I am not hurting her.”“You should at least tell me before you do it?”“Would you believe me?”May shook her head “I tried and I know you have super powers and can see these things and communicate but can you not interfere with my work? She was about to tell me.”“The truth is your methods don’t always work. She did hear something but somehow did not pick it up. She saw something.”May bit her lips “Fine! You had your chance but this is the last time. I will have to report the matter to Visnu about this.”"So be it. For now, let us give Aminah medical assistance,” I said. Ah Mui had brought over medicated oil and applied it on her temples. “So what did she see? Why is she like that?” May asked. “ I think she had seen the spirit. “What is that?”“During the transition, we arrived back
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After a long and awkward silence, Aminah spoke with a firm tone“I am a mother. I have two children – six and four. I cannot be with them because I come Singapore. I need to make money for my family. However, I make sure they have toys. They have no childhood but I must give them enough money. I saw things Mum Claudia threw. They belonged to Marcus, Mavis, and Jonathan. All memories. You cannot throw.”Aminah's lament brought a sense of melancholy and I realized May's stern look had softened. Her eyebrows drooped. She is human, after all.“I can fully understand. Then what happened?” I said.“Mum Claudia was angry. She put things in the box and threw them by the roadside.”“She was mad at you?” I repeated. “Mum Claudia was so angry and her voice loud. I feel my ears burning… " Aminah grimaced and slapped her forehead. "She blamed me for mistakes I did not make.” Aminah shook her head as her eyes burned with angst. “I did not make mistakes.” Her face crumpled in stress as tears roll
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May looked haggard, probably from the rigours of the new investigation. The dark eye rings spoke of a sleepless night. However she still looked menacing with her slender build and trained arms. “May Li?”“I can see you have just finished one of your….work”“Thank you for your kind words.”“Really?”“You used to say ‘strange rites’ or ‘odd rituals’”“People change.”“People change.” I repeated, “Why are you here?”“Adam I need you to stop whatever “ “Siti Aminah I need to question you.” It is important.”I looked at Aminah whose face was now white as a sheet of paper“What happened?”“We would like to seek some clarification.”“Did you get your investigation wrong?” Mavis asked“Madam, our investigation showed that Aminah and Claudia Goh had a long telephone conversation on the day before she died.”Aminah shook her head continuously“No, no. I did not kill Mum Claudia. No, I did not.”“I did not say you kill her. Can you calm down?”At her cue, the two officers tried to restrain h
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I woke and felt like I was starved of oxygen. “Ah Mui! Mavis!”I cried out loud but nobody responded. I was all alone on the lawn. Alone.The lawn. Why am I here? In my ears, I was accompanied by the chorus of crickets sounds and birds’ chirps. I looked up and found the skies were blue with roses of clouds. A pleasant day and a hot breeze over the lawnThen I remembered Mavis. She was with me at the transition. Could she still be in the mansion? I looked in the direction of the house and was surprised.The mansion that stood in front of me was vastly different from the one I knew. I have seen it before. I slammed my fist in my other palm. I remembered. It was in the pictures Ah Mui had shown meAs I walked towards the mansion, I realized I was looking at an incredible thing. The mansion was from another era. The paint is different a faded yellow instead of a fresh white. The red bricks portion of the walls were old while the ones in 2024 were freshly built. The windows were of
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I knew something was amiss from Mavis's expression. I formed the sword fingers, inhaled, and turned slowly, ready to fight. I quickly scribbled a protective charm with my Buki brush and pulled the protective shield over us.I soon found myself staring into a dark abyss, a mass of dark energy throbbing and palpitating with each movement sending a ripple of dark energy. We meet again.“兵“ I shouted and executed a swiping move with my right palm to reinforce the shield of energy. Contrary to my expectations, the dark mass did not attack and instead hovered in front of us"What is it?""This is what I wanted to find out."“Is this the same spirit you encountered, Adam?”I nodded. “Do not be afraid. Control your breathing.""I wish I can..." Mavis said and I felt her quivering voice“Raise your scarf,” I said and Mavis obliged by holding up her right hand. Slowly I kept my brush. I joined my hands and bowed“With all respect, I am Adam Wong-Takahashi and I am a sprit master. I want to h
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Chapter 32
We took our seats, side by side, each other.As the trail of agarwood incense drifted into the air, I began my chanting.“Focus,” I whispered.Slowly I felt the water in my feet drift. I caught sight of Mavis opening her eyes. It is her first time and naturally, she is nervous. “Close your eyes. Drop the curtains on your soul. Stay focused but relax. My chanting is the wind to drive a sail. Focus on your mother and the times you spent with her.”“Drop your curtains on the soul.” Mavis smiled, eyes closed. I looked at her intently. She is even more beautiful with her eyes closed. I snapped back to reality“Let’s get started,” I pronounced. I began to focus my mind. Moments lapsed, and soon, it looked like it was not going to happen. I realized that as I gravitated toward the vortex, Mavis remained elusive. I sensed fear in her, and she withheld her consciousness. I could not feel her. I slowed down my chanting and stepped back into our reality. I opened my eyes to check and foun
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Chapter 31
After the permission was obtained, I was back at the Chua Mansion. This time with Ah Mui. The skies were a lot brighter than the the usual nights thanks to a full moon. It gave me a feeling of crystal clarity and provided a soothing sensation to my tight chest. The moon also has a nurturing effect on the minds of Onmyojis. With my bag slug over chest, I led Ah Mui down the walkway, past the lawn towards the tentage where the funeral is held. There is a small crowd and a prayer session was going on as we arrived. The casket has arrived after the mortuary gave the clearance. I peeked and found the Chua family seated at the front row- there was John Chua, Marcus, his wife. Their faces were stern and unsmiling. However, Mavis was not in sight. Suddenly, I felt a touch of chill on my shoulder. I swung around to find frail figure standing behind me – Aminah“Hi Aminah? Nice to see you. You can call me Adam.”“Hi sir, hi sir. Madam Mavis. She in living room.”Saying she led the way and
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Chapter 30
I rushed home after the meeting with Ah Mui to make preparations for the night’s outing.The first thing I did was to head over to the altar and light the incense. I clasped my hands and prayed. Gently I hit the bronze bowl on the altar. The tingle of metallic harmony rippled through the room. Before I chanted the mantra, I searched for my guardian spirit. “Mon?” I called. Within seconds, there was a spark in the air in front of me and Mon materialized like it hatched from air. It released a low croon, the usual greeting when it sees me. Fluttering the wings like a bee, Mon landed on my palm. “Hi, buddy. I need you to be with me tonight. We may be handling a foe. I will need you to cover my back, alright?”Mon flashed a grin and nodded. I checked its features - the horn is bulging out its forehead and its tail has gone longer. It leaped into the air and circled over my head like a gleeful bird. “That’s the spirit.”I commended.“Now can you settle down? Meditate and feed on the s
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Chapter 29
The episode at the mortuary sapped some of my energy and left me flat. On my way back to the office, I was sipping continuously from the water bottle. Despite emptying a one-litre bottle of water, I felt dehydrated. However, the sight of Claudia's distressed spirit dwelt in my mind. It is hard to erase it but it did not affect my moods. I was determined I would find justice for her - find the killer and bring him or her to justice.Back in the office, my mind shifted to my hunger pangs. Earlier, I had asked Ah Mui to order a hearty meal and she did not let me down. When I arrived at the office pantry, I found a table of food and she was laying out the paper plates.One of the key conditions for a successful exorcist assignment is to be fully fed. A full stomach gives us energy and stamina to create the talisman and spells to quell the malevolent spirits.Over a meal of bak-kut-teh(pork ribs soup), fried carrot cakes, and my favourite Wan Ton noodles, we chatted“I got your favourite
