MIDNIGHT ILLUSION

Fujima looked up as a soft click of the lock signified Sendoh�s return to their connected suites.

He blinked a little as Sendoh entered his room, looking disturbed and slightly discolored.

�What�s up?� he enquired.

�Erm, nothing... Just feel kinda strange about here...�Sendoh muttered as he sat down on a sofa.

�Uh-huh. That�s what I told ya. This place is not as simple as it seems. Especially since this is the Wicked Sisters� abode.� Fujima said before sipping some champagne from a tall glass he held in his hand.

�Yes...but...� Sendoh scratched his forehead, �Well, you know about my feelings for Fila...and Jin-kun lives here too. I�m sure we can trust him..and Keax-chan...she just doesn�t seem that dangerous.�

�Oh, I understand. I don�t fancy leaving this place right now. This place is just wow...look at all these luxuries...and we haven�t met Jigs and Yue.� Fujima reminded.

�Yeah right. And �coz of your sudden fascination in Ran�s butt.� Sendoh commented dryly.

�Jackpot. And I don�t think you want to lose Fila to Tsuzuki, do you?� Fujima grinned before chasing Sendoh out of his suite to catch some sleep after all that partying.

--

The large oak doors of the Wicked Mansion swung open next afternoon at about 3pm.

Keax swooped down the banister from the top of the facing winding staircase and landed at the foot safely after being caught midair by Jin. Fila who was hand-in-hand with Sendoh, Ran and Fujima were already at the large entrance hall.

 A few long line-ups of all the Mansion's servants were already formed neatly surrounding the doors, headed by Peter the chief butler.

A black sleek limo pulled up at the foyer, followed by a couple of smaller BMWs. A footman alighted from the seat beside the chauffer. He headed towards the door at the end of the limo which already had 4 bodygaurds standing around it. The door was opened smoothly and a pair of legs emerged.

Jigs stepped out of the limo, trailed straight behind by Yue. The 2 of them made the walk up the porch stairs and entered back home.

Peter bowed down low and greeted solemnly, �Welcome home, Jigs-sama and Yue-sama.� There was a large symphony of voices as the other servants followed suit.

�Jigs!� Keax and Fila yelled out simultaneously at the sight of a smart-looking girl wearing a black t-shirt and loose baggy pants walking towards them. The 3 of them stood together for a close hug before Jigs looked up to see a suave Ran taking her into his arms.

�Welcome home, my Hime.� Ran then shook hands with the shimmering youth beside Jigs while Jin gave Jigs a hug too.

�So these 2 are Jigs and Yue...� Sendoh said aloud as he walked forward with Fujima. Jigs scanned both bishies from top to toe before giving a charming smile, �I hope you 2 have had some fun with your stay here.�.

�Definitely.� Sendoh flashed an equally sparky grin as he rested an arm on Fila�s shoulders.

Jigs raised an eyebrow and caught Keax�s eye who gave a wry grin and a knowing nod. �Well then, I suppose Tsu is busy at work.� Jigs commented, directing it at Fila who gave a quick wink.

�Yeah. And he just has no time to enjoy precious time with Fila-chan so I figured I would take over.� Sendoh defended himself a little.

�Oh well, I guess that�s ok then.� Jigs chuckled after understanding the situation.

�I suppose Jigs-chan would like to spend some quality time with both Yue and Ran now...which means that we should just let them return to their suites for a rest and some small talk.� Jin spoke up.

�Oh yeah! Gotta work some stuff out and all..ah well! Heh...I�m planning on catching that latest flick screening in town with Jin-kun anyway. It�s gonna start at around 4, enabling us to be back just in time for dinner!� Keax said before Jin latched a hand onto her shoulder and steering her away.

�Hai, Peter, deliver Jigs and Yue�s luggage back to their suites...Sendoh and I would make our own getaway now, shan�t we?� Fila said cheerfully as Sendoh led her away. �See you guys at dinner!�

Fujima gave the trio a small smile before musing out loud that he would enjoy a little spa treatment again before moving off too.

Jigs blinked a little at the quick escape the rest had made before leaving the entrance hall with her 2 bishies back to their suites on a Wheel.

--

Fujima felt a little lonely as he wandered out of the Jasmine Spa. Although feeling newly energized, he felt in need of company. Pushing aside his disruptive emotions, he wandered down a long corridor

.

As his fingers trailed lightly on the inner wall, he was startled as he heard a sudden click of a mechanism and witnessed the paneled wall in front of him sliding aside to reveal a dark inner chamber.

After recovering from his initial apprehensiveness and hesitation, he took a brave step into the space. He could just make out outlines of objects thanks to the dim light radiating from a single bulb hanging from the low ceiling. He could touch the ceiling if he just stretched a little. As he slowly explored the chamber, he jumped as he heard a metal clinking at his feet.

Crouching down, he felt around and touched something rough. Picking it up and staring at it up close, he realized that it was a set of metal chains. He abruptly remembered about the penlight he had in his pocket. He switched it on which gave him more glow than the bulb. He aimed it at several directions.

He saw single bones and skulls scattered around the corners, rusty metal locks and chains and a few steel rods resting against a wall. Carefully examining the ground, he was stunned to see dark spots on the dusty floor. Smelling the metallic odor of dried blood, he experienced a fear that made him weak in his knees and start to tremble.

Stumbling out of the chamber, the wall suddenly slid back into position. Still shaking, he decided to keep silent and don�t mention it to anyone, yet.

�Maybe...it�s just �coz this ancient mansion existed already in the Victorian times.� He said before getting the hell out of the corridor.

Chapter 11