Enchantment 4 : She Sees Dead

PREVIOUSLY :

                He grabs the fork, twirling it on the table; when abruptly the fork refuses to spin.  “What the hell.. ?”  Akira’s confounded.

                “You really shouldn’t bully my chefs, you know... “

  

                  _________________________________

               

                Akira turns his head, and there he is, leaning against the doorway, wearing a smirk on his face.

                “Oh !  It’s only you,” says Akira in relief.  “What took you so long ?  You were usually would be here the second I puffed into your home.”  He keeps his watch on Kouyou while his best friend saunters right past him to the tall window.

                “That question should be mine.  It’s already been two weeks since I last saw you; and suddenly you appear right in front of me just to have your tea here ?  Are you that simple or just another cuckoo ?”

                Akira grins widely.  “Aww...  Don’t tell me you’ve missed me.  I’m sorry my love, but I do have a life.  Why must I be seeing you during my summer holidays ?”

                Kouyou’s eyes are as wide as it can be when Akira’s statement hits his ears.  Kouyou turns to face him, and he snorts.  “.. and that comes from the very person who spends most of his day in other people’s home, doing nothing but disturbing the peace.  That’s just.. INSPIRATIONAL !”  He chuckles sarcastically and stares out the window.  “Do you know that we will be having new neighbor this late summer ?”

                “Yeah.  That’s the only thing my parents rant these days.  Why ?”

                “Why ?”  Kouyou laughs whole-heartedly, creating loud echoes in the dining hall.  “Oh my God !  This is precious !  You.  The one who always knows everything – hasn’t got a clue about his own new next door neighbor.”  He continues laughing; not because he finds it amusing, but to make Akira looking annoyed. 

                “Why you ask ?  So, I take that as you hadn’t know who are the family members,” he continues.

                Akira frowns.  “What am I missing right now ?”

                As he hears that, Kouyou’s grin widens by an inch.  “It so happened that our new neighbor has a.. daughter.  And she’s definitely around our age.”

                In a flash, Akira’s face turns brighter and more cheerful, and it seems his eyes sparkle even greater than the enormous chandelier hanging right above him.  “Daughter you say ?  Am intrigued.”  He grabs his napkin and courteously wipe his mouth.  “How about we be good neighbors now ?”

                Once his napkin falls back onto the table, both Akira and his best bud are nowhere to be found inside the hall. 

               This time around, the Elite Butlers stay firmly in their seats, all eyes looking out the window.  “Should we follow him, Amoux ?”

                Amoux tilts his head up, and beams.  “Not this time.”

                   ___________________________

                “Careful !  Those are my grandfather’s !”  A young comtesse comes running towards one of the movers carrying Chippendale antique secretary cabinet.  “You can’t find them anywhere else nowadays.  So, you might wanna be very delicate with them.”

                “Oui Madame Levitt,” they reply simultaneously and carry on with their works.  The comtesse watches them like a prey, inspecting each of the movers, trying her best to avoid any unnecessary incidents with her antiques collection.  “Put that in the living hall,” she orders at the top of her voice.

                The Levitts are finally here, in Narbonne – and that has been the talk of the day since they’ve arrived at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport two days ago.  All the hypes are not because they are superstars; the Levitt family isn’t Hollywood’s precious family.  The Levitts are just another normal family that we find as our friendly next door neighbor.  However, the Levitt family owns self-named biggest pharmaceutical company in Europe, with the revenue of billions annually, to add up to the family background.  Hence, they would fit in perfectly in the southern French commune.

               

                An oaken double doors swing open, and enters a young girl, carefully managing her way into the room full of boxes containing her belongings.  “You can put those there,” she says while pointing to an empty corner of the room.  With a nod, the movers enter the luxurious bedroom and cautiously placing those heavy boxes onto the wooden flooring.  Later, after those men had done their jobs, Haley saunters around the room, visiting her new bedroom for the very first time.

                “Blackwood flooring..?  That’s interesting,” she remarks as she walks.  She examines the whole room – the walls, the ceilings, the carpets, the bed, etc. – looking almost identical to her last one in Trieste, and yet she finds it rather lonely.  She moves towards the tall glass window, leaning against it while her eyes watching the moving trucks driving away out from the front courtyard. 

                “I wonder how long will this lasts...”  Then...

                Knock !  Knock !

                “Who’s there ?” asks Haley instantaneously.

                “It is us, miss.  We’re here to tidy up your room,” a girl reply behind the closed doors.  And by the sound of it, she doesn’t come alone.

                “Come on in then,” she invites while opening those heavy doors herself.  Once all of the maids realized the situation, they shriek in terror.

                “Miss !  You shouldn’t have opened the doors for us.”

                “We are the one who should be doing that, for you !”

                “Girls !  Relax...”  Haley chuckles, “I’ve told you that I’m capable of doing those things by myself.  And this is my room.  I do have to be polite to my guests, don’t I ?”

                The young maids can only show their faint smiles.  The Levitts are indeed very proud of their kindness and humbleness.  If asked, none of the butlers nor maids have ever seen their Count and Countess to even frown within their mansion, but that is the very reason they are afraid of doing anything displeasing their well-beloved masters.  Perhaps they’ve heard the quote : “Nice people are the scariest people”.

                “Yes, miss.  But.. we hope you won’t do it again, miss.  We might get in trouble if you do so ?” the maids politely warn Haley.  Haley wants to argue, but was cut short by one of them, “We will start our job now.  Sorry to bother, miss.”  Her words died in her mouth, and she just smiles away to the maids and get herself out of their ways.  

                “Owh !  Not at all.  Sorry if I’m in the way.”  She strikes into her previous pose against the window, viewing the sunny sky of summer season when suddenly –

                Right before her eyes, a young man is hanging in mid air, looking straight into her eyes.  Haley’s stunned; not able to move or spurt a single word.  Her eyes widen in an absurd way, as if her eyes would popped out any seconds !  Both eyes are locked, without a blink, creating a rather tense atmosphere for Haley.  Despites that, she seemingly can’t take her eyes off the suave young lad; and a cold chill runs down her spine, weakens her in the legs. 

                She can feel her legs giving in – she quickly grabs onto an armchair right behind her before she falls, whilst her eyes haven’t revert from that man.  Haley pants heavily when she finds it hard to breathe.  Her face loses its color.  Her hands are as cold as the dead.   

                On that fine evening, Haley is seeing a ghost.

Right before her eyes, a young man is hanging in mid air, looking straight into her eyes

Enchantment 3 : Young Devil

Previously on Enchantment 2 : "Wakasama complains that he wants to eat.  We wanted to reason him, but we know too well that it is useless against Wakasama.  So, if you please,” says the butler, signaling with his hand for Yamamoto to lead the way down to the dining hall. 

                                    _____________________________________

               “Oi ! Bring me the usual fast !  I am famished now,” demanded Akira, who suddenly appears out of thin air in a living hall, along with his four bodyguards at both his sides.  Each butlers and maids in the hall stop dead in their spots, looking bewildered upon seeing the Young Master’s friend’s sudden appearance.  The crowd falls silent.

                Then, a pair of fast-paced footsteps can be heard throughout the hall, and comes an old man, as old as Yamamoto, into the dining hall.  As he reaches Akira, he bows elegantly and beams.  “Satoshi-sama.  It is a pleasant to see you here again.  What may be the purpose of you here ?”

                Akira eyes the Head Butler before him. 

                “Owh !  You didn’t hear me just now ?  I only want my usual.  I am completely FAMISHED, please and thank you,” he says, with a cheeky smirk on his face.

                The Head Butler replies with a warm smile, he bows as he says : “Very well, Young Satoshi-sama.  Your crepes will be done in a moment.”  He moves back and instantaneously gives specific orders to his minions.

                The next second, the whole dining hall and the kitchen become hectic upon the arrival of the young lord of Satoshi Manor - the maids are panicking, keep on bumping on each other; little sweats are visible on each butlers’ forehead as they running in and out of the hall; the chefs cooking up a storm in their holy place, hands trembling while they dice the chicken nervously. 

                Young Satoshi-sama is HERE !!!

                In the meantime...

                        ________________________________

                The door leads to the dining hall in Satoshi Manor whirls open, only to reveal nothing both to Head Butler Yamamoto and Amoux.  Yamamoto looks most puzzled.  He turns to Amoux and finds him grinning while shaking his head softly.

                “Ara ara..  Young Waka did say he wanted to eat in the dining hall.  But I didn’t think it would be in our neighbor’s dining hall.  My mistake, Yamamoto-sama,” apologizes Amoux, still smiling to his senior.

                Yamamoto can’t help himself anymore.  His young lord has done it, yet, again – his Wakasama has totally turned his head.  He lets out his deepest sighs whilst keeping his best composure attached. 

                “The neighbor’s dining hall ?  Whose then ?” Yamamoto asks calmly.

                “Kohara just informed me.  They are now in Masato-sama  Manor.  I will go there now.”  Amoux disappears right in front of Yamamoto’s eyes, even before the Head Butler could answer any further.

                “Wakasama... you’ve done it again...”  He may be mourning, but in the end, a cheery smile is made about the corner of his lips.  “Waka.. waka..  You will never fail to give this old man surprises.”  He gives a small laugh, then he walks out of the hall to resume with his works.

                Don’t get it wrong – everyone in Satoshi Manor love their Wakasama at heart.  However, Young Master Akira tends to throw surprises anywhere, any minutes, in any ways he wants.  The unpredictable master will never ever be predicted, even if it’s only him walking down the stairs; and the name is Satoshi Akira.  

                Satoshi Akira may be young, as he is still in his early 20s, nonetheless he has the most respects in the majestic manor, after his father, Lord Satoshi.  Everyone respects him – everyone looks up to him – everyone fears him...

                Bearing the name ‘Satoshi’ in Narbonne doesn’t only give one privileges of living the most deluxe life, but it gives one gifts that are beyond our wildest imaginations, gifts that give one most powers.  Being the eldest in the family, Satoshi Akira is the most gifted, and that alone scares the residers of the manor.  Young Master Akira, or known as Wakasama by his servers, has never used his abilities to the servers.. directly.  He instead exercises them sneakily, even when they are on-guard, and one is enough to cause a commotion in the whole manor ( or in other manors for that matter ) – due to his cheekiness and ludicrous personality.  The big, old manor is never motionless for once, and that’s the very reason why all the servants love working for their young lord despite the relentless lives.

                                _______________________________

                The Head Butler moves silently across the hallway, moving towards a room at the end of the hall.  By using the knocker hung on the double doors, he knocks the door.

                “Monsieur Masato.. Satoshi-sama is in the dining hall.  Don’t you want to greet you friend ?” says the Head Butler right outside of the room.

                All of a sudden, a small pop burst out from the inside of room, and the Head Butler knows his Young Master has exited the room.  Hence, he steps away from the door without having to enter the room.

                              _______________________________

                “Urm... I’m still waiting on my crepes.  Hope you guys know that,” says Akira dully.  Those words solely agitate the already panicked crowd, sending them rushing in and out of the hall.

                “Satoshi-sama wants his crepes !” shouts a butler.          

                “Get him his drink !” shrieks the maid. 

                “Where are those diced tomatoes ?!” asks a young chef loudly.

                “Where IS the crepes ?!” exclaims another butler.

                “ARGH !  IT BURNT !” screams the chef.

                “You’re not done yet ?!?” another butler cuts in.

                “SATOSHI-SAMA NEEDS HIS CREPES !!” shouts the Head Chef.

                In the thick of the frenzy, smug ideas come flowing like Nil River into Akira’s mind, causing the grin on his face widens by the second.  He snaps his fingers; and the kitchen goes into chaotic mode : “PUT OUT THE FIRE ! PUT OUT THE FIRE !!”, “FETCH THE WATER !!”, “HURRY UP !  THE FIRE IS GETTING BIGGER !”, “SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING !!!!”.

                Akira tries to keep his composure, but a small chortle comes out from the edge of his mouth, evoking his bodyguards to gawk at him.  “That is certainly unnecessary, Wakasama,” says the butler standing on his right.  Akira lets out his last laugh before he groans, he looks up at the butler with stern face.

                He snaps his finger again, and the noises in the kitchen cease all at one.  “I am only lending a helping hand.  What’s the big deal ?” he retorts.  His eyes catch a sight of a shiny tableware set placed in front of him.  He grabs the fork, twirling it on the table; when abruptly the fork refuses to spin.  “What the hell.. ?”  Akira’s confounded.

                “You really shouldn’t bully my chefs, you know... “

He snaps his fingers; and the kitchen goes into chaotic mode

Enchantment 2 : Dark Knights

Previously on Enchantment 1 : All of a sudden, the door leads to the attic cracks open quietly.  Once the door is opened ajar, five black figurines stand before it; all eyes onto the young man in d corner of the room. 

                

                “Whoa !  Haven’t seen this for years !” he exclaims animatedly.  “Still in good condition.  Cool !”

                “Yes...DEFINITELY cool.”  A voice mumbles right behind his ear.  The young lord whirls his head around just to see his tall, pale butler standing right behind him, with his other personal butlers.  He snorts.  “Knew it was you guys.”

                He gets up from his seating and walks pass the butlers to the old chest back.  “You might wanna take note that you were pretty noisy in the hallway just now.  Might wanna lightened up those footsteps,” he comments while picking up another photo album.  The tall butler chuckles – a warm smile plasters on his face, showing a softer side of his lurid look. 

                “Our mistakes, Wakasama,” the butler bows, with his right hand across his chest, “Nothing of the good ears of yours couldn’t hear.  We will certainly consider your comment.”  The young lord blows another dusty album.  The brown-hair butler shakes his head lightly with a smile, believing that his young master isn’t hearing any single words he’s said.  Despite that, he continues smartly : “But for now, it is best for you to follow us, Wakasama.” 

                The room falls quiet.  The butlers wait patiently though the young lord hasn’t shown any signs of a white flag.  “Yamamoto-san has been looking for you since noon, and he’s not looking that happy,” the other butler interrupts, his voice alone echoes in the attic.  “I don’t think you’ll survive this time.”

                The young lord gapes at the butler, he chuckles at his statement.  He instantly closes the photo album in his hands and puts it back carefully inside the chest.  After he the chest is closed, he plods right towards the door, and stops. 

                He looks over his shoulder.  “Do you actually believe that, Ogata-kun ?” 

                The sun rays from the tall glass window reach onto his face, visualizing a devious smirk.  All five butlers grin and follow suit their young lord out of the room.  In their heads, all are thinking a simultaneous respond : Hardly believable.

               

                             _______________________________________ 

                The Head Butler has been pacing up and down in the study room for almost an hour now.  Alone in the room, he only hears the clock ticking by seconds, creating an urge in him to go hysterical.  He slides his left hand into his tailcoat pocket and takes out a golden pocket watch.  With a click, the lid spontaneously opens.  “They are late today.”  He may be spewing these words, but in his thought is saying otherwise, Has something happened to Wakasama ?

                Straightaway, the double doors swing opened, and the same tall butler marches in, without his four loyal companions.

                “Where is Wakasama ?  Where are the others ?”

                “There is no reason to panic now, Yamamoto-sama.  Young Waka is with the other fours.. in the dining hall.”

                “Dining room ?”  Yamamoto’s confused.

                “Wakasama complains that he wants to eat.  We wanted to reason him, but we know too well that it is useless against Wakasama.  So, if you please,” says the butler, signaling with his hand for Yamamoto to lead the way down to the dining hall. 

                Yamomoto let out a softest sigh, yet the tall butler hears it clearly.  He stares up at the young butler.  “You really are something Mr. Leroy.  It would b hard without you..”

                Amoux Leroy, the tall, young butler can only smile hearing these.  “You speak too highly of me, yet I am thankful.  I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this task without my good friends.”  He bows as a courtesy to his senior.  Yamamoto gives Amoux a pat on the shoulder before he plods out of the room.

 “You speak too highly of me, yet I am thankful.. "

Enchantment 1 : Pilot

                “Waka !  Wakasama !  Where are you ?!”

                A sound of shoes clattering echoes throughout the hallway within Satoshi Manor.  Every butlers and maids stare confusedly at the source of the noise.  An old man, in his 40s, walks in full speed across the hallway with a very stern, nervous look on his face.  “FIND HIM,” he commands calmly yet clearly to the audience.  Without a second to waste, all the servants leave their works and start pacing up and down the colossal Rococo manor, searching for one person : him.

                “Wakasama !  WAKASAMA !”  Everyone began to chant the same name.  All of them become restless in their quest to look for that missing someone – the in-house chefs start to rummage their most sacred place, the 200-year-old kitchen; three young butlers continue their hunts in the living room; a small group of panicking maids give a try in the swimming pool area.  Nevertheless, their effort gone wasted as he is still nowhere in sight.  Another day in Satoshi Manor.

                Amidst the ruckus and hubbub below, no one has noticed a pair of eyes carefully watching them from a tall glass window above.  By using his faithful silver mini binocular, he watches everything and nothing misses from his sight.  He gawks at the gardeners whom frantically calling out the name in the wickedly crafted maze garden outside.  He gapes at the butlers in the guest room; gapes at the frustration in their face.  He then lowers his binocular from his eyes, and chuckles softly.  “Guess its our turn now,” he says, informing the other well-groomed gentlemen whom are present in the study room.  Later, the double doors at the end of the room swing open and comes walking the same old man into the room, looking more preserved and calmer.

                “We need you –“ says the old man.

                “Yeah yeah.  We are on it now.”  The shortest one replied before closing the doors behind him.  The old man only watches the doors swing shut.  Then, his smile broadens and he walks away. 

                Poof ! 

                He blows the dust carefully off the old chest.  The small particles of dust seem to be floating within the attic, occupying the atmosphere of the large, antique room.  Yet, the chest is still less than clean.  He peers around the old attic.  An old white cloth lying on the wooden floor catches his eyes.  He slowly grabs it, trying not to make any more dust comes floating.  By using the cloth, he carefully removes the rest of the dust.  “That’s better !” he whispers upon seeing the golden crest of Satoshi Family on the chest vividly.  He then rummages his coat pocket for a golden key with the same embossed-crest.  He calmly inserts the blade into the keyhole, and the chest lid instantly opens after a small twist.  “Come to daddy.”  He unseals the lid wider, exposing all the visible contents in the chest.

                Well-kept inside the chest, numerous photo albums with Satoshi Family emblem materialize once the lid is opened wide.  He grins excitedly, seizes the smallest album situated on top of others, saunters across the attic, and settles in comfortably in a leather armchair in the corner of the room.  He flips the pages carefully in order not to ruin the old photo album of his reputable mysterious family, the Satoshis.

                Located in the outskirt of Languedoc-Roussillon, the Satoshis has been residing Narbonne since 18^th century; and has become the most respected family since then.  Everybody who is anybody acknowledge their power and influences over the region, recognizing them as the Prime Family in South of France.  However, the history of this wealthy family is still unknown even to the permanent residents.  Despite their friendly, down-to-earth attitude, and the fact that everyone loves the Satoshis, the stories behind the walls of Satoshi Manor remains foggy and blurry, and no one seems to be bothered by it.  “Everybody knows they are great people.  There’s nothing else to hide” – the same simple statement uttered repeatedly by locales in Narbonne since their arrivals till today.  No one knows who they really are, except for the Satoshis themselves and those acquainted with the family.

                One loud laughter fills the cold air in the attic.  “Oh my God.  This is priceless !”  He wipes a drop of tear from his right eye due to excessive laughter while his eyes are still fixed on an old picture of a baby.  Without realizing it, he has been up in the attic for hours by now; and still, he is enjoying his alone time in the old room more and more as the time passes by.

                All of a sudden, the door leads to the attic cracks open quietly.  Little by little, long slender fingers emerge from the other side of the door, and with their little might, they push the door slowly to create zero noise from the movement.  Once the door is opened ajar, five black figurines stand before it; all eyes onto the young man in d corner of the room.

Do you know about the Satoshis ? Hush...