Chapter 6 - Taking Stock

As I drove, I felt my powers fading away. Although the poison was spreading in my body, I managed to keep it under control by exercising the Qi in my chest. After a laborious manoeuvre, I managed to reach home safely.

Back in my third-floor unit, I quickly washed my wound and applied some Onmyoji Hira cleansing salt to it.

The initial application brought on a stinging pain that traveled to my spine. I bit my lips as the pain ran its course. The edges around the wound had turned black. I nodded in resignation. The colours testify to the prowess of the practitioner and Ken Ito had improved on his poisoning techniques.

My teacher Masutā Sato once told me that the spirit masters of Kuroi Robu, or Kuroi for short, raised bats, snakes, rats, and other rodents for the practice of their craft. They would also extract their venom for poison, and even medication. On the other hand, at Tenmen So, Onmyojis are forbidden to use live animals for their craft, and we do not apply poison in the course of our work.

The Kuroi's poison are not to be underestimated for once infected, it can lead to fatal death.

I had changed my pants and was just in my underwear for easy application of medication. I passed by a body-length mirror and suddenly realized the hotchpotch of blue and black marks on my legs and arms.

I shook my head. "What a life, Onmyoji!" I thought

Then I reached for the wooden cabinet, which I kept in a corner of my living room, next to the altar. It contained all the portions and medicine brewed by my sect. In it were three shelves of porcelain bottles of all shapes and colours to denote medication for different purposes.

I found what I was looking for - a black bottle. On it, was a yellow label that reads Mamushi - Antivenom compound. I unbottled it and was greeted by a mild scent of heavy plant essence. herba andrographitis, paris polyphylla, wild chrysanthemum. pseudo-ginseng, and plantain. Gently, I lay on the floor leaned to a side, and applied some powder onto the wound which is now an ugly greenish mound.

I remember reading somewhere in the journals that Kuroi’s poison would destroy the senses of an Onmyoji.

If untreated, in another two hours, the poison will spread to my limbs infect my internal organs, and affect the application of my powers. Some symptoms include the nauseous sensation and blurring of vision. My spells and charms would be ineffective and by the end of twelve hours, if I am still alive, I would completely lose the ability to cast spells and apply powers.

The medication began to work as I felt a cooling effect. The tension around the wounds began to subside and there was a faint sizzling sound. I limped over to the sofa and dropped myself on my favourite spot, grabbing my pillow. I shut my eyes to reflect on the night’s events: the call, the ambush, and the appearance of the Kuroi Robu.

Ken’s presence is indicative of something more sinister taking place in the background. He must have abducted Kelly for some purpose.

What could it be?

I must find Kelly in the next few hours and uncover the reason.

Over the centuries the two Supernatural entities have been in a tussle. That struggle originated from the Heian Imperial Court (AD 794) and, dragged through the centuries, until modern times. The deviant sect originated from Tenmen So but chose to use their powers and craft to pursue power and wealth.

The tension between the two sects had left a trail of bloodshed and destruction. Besides Tenmen So, the Kuroi Robu too had squabbles and wars with three main Supernatural sects in Japan and China. In the words of Master Sato; “wherever the Robu are death and destruction follow.

“Kelly oh Kelly where are you?” I mumbled. I checked my handphone. Nobody has called and the silence can kill.

I heard sounds and remembered something. I have not spoken to my Shogu Rei - Guardian Spirit today. All Onmyojis, after a period of cultivation, will harness and raise their guardian spirits. The actual form and strength of the spirit is a reflection of the level of cultivation of the Onmyoji. If the Onmyoji is on the right path of cultivation, the Shogu Rei will grow in both size and power over time.

For me, my Shogu Rei first appeared on my twenty-fifth birthday. It came as a little surprise. I woke in the middle of the night to see a tiny dragon-like creature that was all red except for a white belly. I called him Mon because he had appeared on a Monday.

I limped over to the altar where there were two wooden nest-like structures. I bowed my head and raised my pointer finger. In deep concentration, I focused and summoned my Shogu Rei. Within seconds, from thin air, a red creature materialized. It was about five inches long, it had a pair of wings above the upper limb. Mon had a handsome head that carried gentle features with none of the reptilian nose and mouth.

It was looking alert but its colour was still faint. After weeks of exorcism, I had to rest the Shogu Rei and nurtured it to full strength.

Its physical state was a full reflection of mine.

"Come on Mon."

It crooned and then gently flocked to my palms. I checked its body and stroked its head. I checked its body. The scales are growing back in size and the limbs are sturdy.

I noticed a tiny bump above the lower limbs

"What is this?" I asked as I stroked its body.

"You are growing, arent you?"

It crooned in gentle tones before extending its wings

"Kelly is missing and I need to find her."

Mon dropped on my palm with its eyes widened in anxiety

"I will need your help. However, for now, I would need you to rest. In another three days??

It nodded in agreement and I snapped my fingers

It understood the cue and returned to its nest. Within seconds disappeared into the air.

I sat and shut my eyes to meditate, chanting the Kstigarbha Mantra which was a trusted companion for cultivation.

*

I was awakened by the vibration of my handphone.

It seems I had fallen asleep! Those moments when your consciousness was abducted by fatigue

and drifted into slumber.

I checked the clock - 1 am. I had slept for over an hour.

Instinctively, I checked my handphone. There was a missed call and it was from Visnu.

“Visnu?”

“Adam, are you fine? What happened? You didn't pick up. ”

“Yes, I was too tired. Have you obtained any news about Kelly?”

“It's positive.”

I clenched my fist. Come on!

“We traced the vehicle using our traffic cameras. One of our men from the Traffic Police had discovered

a suspicious van of a similar model that was parked along a deserted road off Jalan Punggol.

“The same number plate?”

“No. There is no number plate. The one you saw was probably fake. However, the model and colour are unmistakably the same.

It was reported stolen last month."

“Can I come over?”

“One of the patrol cars is already on the spot and I am heading over”

“Good to that hear. Any trace of Kelly.”

“Nothing was reported but I felt you should come over.”

“I agreed. I will see you in a while.”

I said as I got up to change. Just as I walked to my room, I realized the numbness in my thigh had faded.

I checked on the wound which has now receded to a palm grey colour.

I must get more of this medication from Otsu the Headquarters.

I put on new pants, a white T-shirt and my red jacket. I studied myself in the mirror.

I looked five years older than the morning version. My hair was dishevelled and the dark eye rings were more pronounced. I had only slept three hours the night before, fought and exorcised a spirit and then walked into an ambush.

Once I found Kelly, I must get down to some rest.

I got over to my sling bag and prepared my tools - a new pack of amulets which carries a total of eighteen amulets, a bottle of mugwort essence, and my Sentō Brush which has the power to devise an invisible talisman to quel and seal evil spirits.

I thought of bringing Mon along but that would require time and I had earlier placed it on meditative rest to recharge its powers. Perhaps not tonight.

I hopped onto my car and drove over to the location details sent by Visnu. Before I drove, I cast a spell over the car to reinforce the protection

In case Ken and his minions have plotted another ambush along the way. I took two amulets and executed a protective spell with my sword fingers and then I sealed them on each end of the car.

“Om!” I commanded and instantly a golden aura of protection grew over my vehicle.

“Now, let’s see if Ken wants to try again.”