Nino

NINO ROSS SAVEY

Illustrator : Yann Guerin – Reviewer : Loris Savignano New-York London Toronto Sydney New Delhi

Sara-Lynn Pelegrin - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars February 18, 2019 - Format: Paperback I cannot give enough praise to this book. It is a beautifully written story of a young man who has to fnd his place in the world and in a young lady's heart. The author takes you along for a ride by making you feel all the emotions he experiences throughout his journey. Reading this book has helped me through a diffcult time in my life and gave me hope for the future. I am excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds in future volumes.

NB: The reviews were done before 2019. Indeed, the title of the novel was 'The path of Luca'. The author decided at the end of 2018 to rename his Roman 'Nino' in memory of his late father.

Julie - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars December 11, 2018 - Format: Kindle Edition Incredible novel, Perfect from beginning to end. Exciting story and twists. The second part of the story in Canada is completely unexpected. This novel mixing the lived experience and the fction you hold in breath with pleasure. Must be known.

Malika Djouder - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars June 2, 2018 - Format: Kindle Edition The frst part is very sad, Nino's dad is quite brutal with him. The story is exciting to the end. I absolutely wanted to know what happened to Nino all along his journey.

Anny Besson - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars March 1, 2018 - Format: Kindle Edition Wow, what a beautiful and emotional story with a lot of twist. I'll see Nino in a cartoon movie.

Odile LEJUEZ - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars October 20, 2017 - Format: Kindle Edition Exciting book. We can not give up reading. The end of the book is surprising and unexpected. The character is very friendly and the life of this young man, we revives some good moments of ours. MUST Read!

Stephanie - 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars September 16, 2017 - Published on Amazon.com Great story, nice to read!

Dan - 5.0 out of 5 stars SUPER December 26, 2016 - Published on Amazon.com Super story !! At the end of the novel, I could not believe that it was already over. Romance, emotion and humour !! I recommend it to you?

AWAKENING - 2

BIRTH..................................................................................4 CHILDHOOD...................................................................11 TEEN..................................................................................25 SEPARATION....................................................................36 ESCAPE.............................................................................49 FIRST NATION.................................................................59 LEARNING........................................................................74 OFFENSE..........................................................................97 GUILTY............................................................................127 CONTACT........................................................................141 FUSION...........................................................................165 AWAKENING...................................................................210 POWER OF LOVE..........................................................252 DISTRIBUTION..............................................................293

NINO - 3

BIRTH - Every child is an artist.

Staying when you grow up is a challenge, Pablo Picasso.

AWAKENING - 4

In the late ffties, in the maternity ward of a small village in Provence, a child was born with umbilical cord wrapped around the neck. Most of time this was harmless. But for this baby over nine pounds, this circumstance is going to seriously complicate his survival.

Exhausted after twenty-fve hours of labour, Filomena caressed Nino on her belly, it was time for the baby to be separated forever from the alliance of creation. It was the end of suffering for one, and the beginning for the other. Welcome to the new world. It was the generation of baby boomers. And even in this small village of Provence, many babies were born. Christmas time, the hospital's staff was reduced, and they were nearly overwhelmed.

For more than fve minutes Nino was laid in a kind of incubator, and nobody could imagine what was happening to this little boy. As he gesticulated in every direction, the doula thought he was full of energy and therefore he was playing. She decided to let him discover his new environment, while she was wrapping up another baby ten minutes older than him. But Nino was not playing, no, he was just choking. He was missing oxygen, and at each movement, the umbilical cord was tightening a little more around his neck. Minute by minute, the tint of his face NINO - 5

darkened and was now shooting towards the blue. However this little angel was born for a reason! Even though he already had a rough fght to begin with. A fnal distress call, in one of the last breaths of life, allowed him to moan one more time.

Nevertheless without supervision, no one heard. His only alternative was to rely on God Almighty because only a miracle could save him.

A man in his forties was walking hastily into the hospital hall.

He seemed to be late or a little confused, he was looking for his sweetheart's room. He got lost in the hallways, and as he was walking close to the nursery, he heard babies grunting and moaning. This alerted his curiosity and he entered the room.

Pretty quickly, he noticed the infant with a pale blue face.

Unquestionably, the baby was struggling with all it soul. Hand of death was already pointing out. From the delight smile of birth to a sudden death... there was only one step away. This man understood the danger that was happening for the newborn. Panicked, it's true, but without hesitation, and without even discerning where the baby's agony came from, he took him, the most carefully possible, and into the hall at the run, looking for a nurse in order to pass the baby in the good hand, he's exclaiming: AWAKENING - 6

- The baby! the baby is not well! the baby is not well!

A cleaning lad heard the man screaming in the hallway. She left the room she was cleaning, in order to calm the mood. The nurse also went out the room in where she was meeting other parents. Suddenly she saw the cleaning lad heading for the emergency room at all speed, with Nino in her arms. The nurse immediately followed. The man, still in shock, tried to calm his emotions.

Five minutes later the cleaning lad came back from the emergency room. As soon as the man asked for the current health of the baby. But, she just smiled as a sign of gratitude and then, to avoid any embarrassing questions, she said that someone is coming to meet him, and she continued on her way.

Suddenly, the doctor on duty arrived in the hall followed by the nurse. The worried man approached the doctor.

- How is the baby doing? Asked the man.

- Hi, please let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Aquilina, and this is the nurse Scott.

- Hi. - We do not know yet, replied the physician. But thanks to you sir, he is alive. Certainly this baby is very weak, but he is NINO - 7

breathing.

- I'm glad to hear that, said the man proudly.

- We sincerely wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your courage and your attention. Our staff was simply overwhelmed by all these births. I really thank you.

- Oh! That's nothing! it's quite natural, said the man resuming to join his sweetheart.

As he went in search of the room - Sir! can we help you in any manner?

- Oh! I guess I'm fne. I'm just looking for my wife's room, whom I brought to your hospital this morning. I could not stay, you know, I... I had to go to work, said the man rolling the R with a small foreign accent.

- Of course, of course, I understand.

- How is she doing so far? Asked the man.

- Well, in order to better serve you, we would need to know your name. You are sir?

- Um yes! sorry, I... my name is Giuseppe... Giuseppe Spina, and Filomena Spina, she's my wife. She... she was in the room sixtyseven, this morning I believe, right!

The physician did not answer right away.

- Doctor! Giuseppe insisted.

- Mr. Spina you... you just... saved your son, said the doctor manifesting a different look.

AWAKENING - 8

- What!

Giuseppe was chocked, he's expression literally changed. He put his hands on his head, and let himself fall on his knees. He looked at the sky as he thanks to the divine, and sobbed a moment. Then he reacted and he started to curse, in Italian, the nurse and the doctor. The situation was degrading, he could not contain his emotion, he repeated aloud.

- What kind of hospital is about? bunch of incompetent! if I had not been there, my baby would probably be dead right now.

The doctor could not answer, he'd rather wait until Mr. Spina calmed down and that he is recovering himself. but it was even worse, Giuseppe approached the doctor as if he wanted to punch him. When suddenly he heard a voice rude and alarming, begging his name. He promptly realized, It was Filomena. These nerves had taken over and, he had completely forgotten.

Giuseppe let the doctor go and ran towards Filomena, guided by her voice. He saw her leaning in bed, stressed and tired. She had heard everything. They stared at each other, she smiles gratefully, dispelling her concern about the baby's health.

Giuseppe hugged her with a lot of emotion. In the midst of the sadness and the uncertainty, Filomena could not contain herself NINO - 9

and literally burst into tears.

AWAKENING - 10

CHILDHOOD

- Strength does not come from physical abilities, it comes from an indomitable will, Mahatma Gandhi.

NINO - 11

Nino was now nine-years-old and, with his sister Camilla, one year older, they were getting ready to go to school of St. Helena, two steps from the sea on the very famous Promenade des Anglais, in Nice.

Nino was a little jealous of his sister. Indeed Camilla had everything for her, intelligence, the beauty, the respect of her parents, and because she was a brilliant student, she also took advantage to get many more things. Nino did not feel considered in the same way.

Indeed his father often said to him: - You're not an athletic guy and most importantly, you do not do anything at school. You're the worst of the class and you are as dumb as the donkey. And donkeys do not need anything. Nino hated his father, when he put him back into place while still using his bad school grades as excuses. He was humiliated and devalued.

But his father was right. In fact Nino was really bad. He was part of the group who sits at the very back of the class in order to avoid to disturb the best ones. Yet Nino was not a disruptor, oh no! he was a dreamer. Always thinking of something else. As his teacher, Mr Vago informs Filomena during the many student parent meetings.

AWAKENING - 12

The school season was almost over. And in June, this last convocation was a chock for Filomena. In fact, Nino did not have the level to move to the upper grade. Next September he will have to repeat the same lessons with the same teacher, Mr. Vago. That was a nightmare for Nino, and it really pissed him off.

That night, at home, he went to his room which he shared with his sister and he lied down in his bed. He wasn't feeling very well. He didn't even eat, he was inconsolable. But it was worse when his father came back home after work and fooded him with insults, incompetence, good for nothing. And he constantly compared Camilla, which only increased his loneliness.

Therefore, Nino had tried to integrate the class at the beginning of the year, he knew that his task was complicated. Every year it was the same song, and as each year, it was going some way to the next level but, with Mr. Vago, it was a different matter. From all the teachers who had preceded him, this one was the most ignoble.

Actually, Nino had a small problem. He stammered so badly. He was unable to say a strait little sentence. Which irritated Mr. NINO - 13

Vago. He played with this defect by making fun of him whenever Nino had to speak, he led the whole class into laughter. Which they did, most often to please Mr. Vago, or at least pretend to participate in spite of themselves in his stupidity, his comrades were cruelly abusing him. They were not really aware of it. The mixed schools did not exist at that time, girls would probably have had more compassion for him. So Nino literally stopped talking and as time goes on, he decided to avoid participating in any class discussion.

A few months earlier, Mr. Vago gratifed Nino with a nickname that he will never forget since he could not pronounce a word correctly. In fact, a classmate had not buttoned up his pants properly and Nino thought it important to whisper it in his ear.

Mr. Vago surprised him standing and talking with his classmate without permission. He asked him what he was talking about.

Very embarrassed, Nino blushed then tried to pronounce the word "pants button" but he could barely said (Bu, Bu, Bu.) the following letters did not want to go out, so he panicked and accelerated, and the more he accelerated and the more he stammered (Bu, Bu, Bu, Bu.) Mr. Vago burst out laughing with such force that the whole class followed. This event gave the opportunity to his teacher to rename Nino “Bubu�. Actually he received this nickname as a humiliation. Nevertheless it will be AWAKENING - 14

used by his teacher and his classmates until the end of the season.

The last day of the school was a fun day. Students could play in all classes until the last minute. Nino stayed in his corner without really paying close attention to what was going on around him, except when he heard knocking the door. It was Miss Ricci, the teacher of the upper grade. She asked to Mr. Vago if it was okay with him to join the two classes. The main reason was the early departure of some students which reduced considerably the crew. He accepted with arrogance, like always he was nourished.

In the afternoon Miss Ricci noticed Nino at the back of the classroom. During several hours he was staring at the sea and sailing boats on the horizon. Miss Ricci asked the name of this boy to Mr. Vago, who also told her his feelings about Nino, and added out loud: - You waste your time wanting to integrate him into a group of players. Anyways, he does not understand what the school could have brought to him, if he had merely made a small attention and participation effort.

After this statement, Mr. Vago left the classroom to go outside to smoke a cigarette while Miss Ricci was approaching Nino, who NINO - 15

he was still staring at the horizon.

- Hello Nino, why don't you play with your friends? She asked.

But Nino did not answer, nor even moved his head.

- Let's see Nino! I'm sure you'd like to play with them. But you are probably a little too shy, or embarrassed, am I right?

Madame Ricci was right, deep in him, he drooled, he had never seen anything like those toys in his life.

There were some kind of nice vintage cars with the headlights lighting up. The James Bond's Aston Martin with rockets that ejected from the grille when the rooftop button was pressed, and stems tire slicks that came out on the sides of the wheels.

There were also hundreds of lead soldiers, some on horseback with swords or rifes that some could move from their hand to their shoulder. Trailer trucks, cranes, electric tractors and even yoyos, puzzles, board games like Monopoly and Bingo.

Despite all of those, Nino did not move, and kept his everyday attitude, facing Mr. Vago.

But Miss Ricci had more than one trick up her sleeve.

- Well Nino, I have a little game for you.

She has laid some matches down to Nino's desk.

- Do you know the leapfrog game with matches?

- No Madame.

- No...? she wondered.

AWAKENING - 16

Miss Ricci did not pay attention to his stuttering and returned to the board to talk to all the students.

- Listen children, I'm drawing your attention here. Who knows the leapfrog game that is played using matches.

The students had never heard of that. One curious student asked her the rule of the game.

- Well, for those who want to try, I'll give them eight matches.

They represent sheep walking in a strait line. Four sheep arrive from one direction of the trail and four from the opposite direction. To allows them to walk then, they need a space in front of them. At the beginning the gap is spotted in the center.

There will always be one gap during the game. They have no way of getting around.

Hum... The trick is to pass all the sheep over those who come in the opposite direction, so that they can continue their trail. But here's the catch. A sheep can only jump over an other sheep that's coming from the opposite direction. And the sheep who is going to be jumped, has to have the gap behind it, in order to give a space to the sheep jumping it. Now, I've told you guys everything. Those who want to participate, raise their hand!

The students hesitated, the game seemed complicated. Think again! for the last day of school!

NINO - 17

- Hum! Not a lot of courageous over here! So what! My group!

Just three students! And just one of Mr. Vago's student! Hum! Actually I forgot one thing. The winner. I mean the frst who will fnd the right formula, he'll win this big bag of candy with a ton of different colours. So! Now several children raised their hand, the bag of sweets, motivated them.

- Get ready! Set! She was watching Nino, who did not move. Go!

There are more than ten to try their luck and although Nino did not raise the hand. Miss Ricci left the matches on the Nino's desk and added: - Nino, you don't have to play, but if you tried I'd be happy to see that you've participated in something today. You don't have to move from your desk or play with other students. You can keep watching the sea until the time to leave. If it's your wish I'll respect it. But you also can try to win the big bag of candy.

Give yourself a chance to try, nobody will come to see what you'll do. So what are you afraid of Nino?

Nino stared at her for a few seconds. Her big gracious smile was astonishing. She was so beautiful with long blond hair and a kind of body fgure model. Nino would love to be in her class next year. He took a deep breath and replied: AWAKENING - 18

- I have no chance against my classmates and those in your class. Miss Ricci's students heard Nino speak stammering for the frst time and began to laugh, but she stopped them right away.

- Children please. To make fun of your friend is not going to make you smarter. You probably don't need his friendship and maybe that's the reason of his loneliness. However, I have a question for you guys. I'm talking with Mr. Vago's students. Did Nino ever disrespected, insult or even beat one of you?

A child who sat in the frst row stood up and answered: - Miss, Nino cannot disrespected us. He... he never speaks. As the students laughed again Madame Ricci went on.

- What do you think is the reason for his silence?

- Well, when Nino tries to talk, Mr. Vago laughs at him and we follow, replied the child without hesitation.

- Oh! my Lord! she said very embarrassed. Well, if he never disrespected you, it would be very appreciated to not make the situation more diffcult, don't you think children?

The children nodded and continued their activities. Nino smiles at her gratefully and she added: - To answer your worry Nino, this little game has nothing to do with the knowledge acquired during the year, neither with age, nor with anything else. It's just a question of logic. So Nino, it's NINO - 19

up to you.

Time goes by and several students showed their solution to Miss Ricci but no one was correct, which fuelled Nino's sense of competition. Every bad answer put him in confdence and suddenly, he tried on his own. Miss Ricci watched his contribution and smiles. Mr. Vago came back, Miss Ricci pointed out with a nod that Nino was trying his luck. He shrugged and sat down. Miss Ricci took advantage to express her dissatisfaction with his poor behaviour pedagogical against Nino. He just turned his head and avoided the subject.

There was only ffteen minutes left before all students will be free and they'll leave school for summer break. Miss Ricci went to the stage and declared: - So kids, who played leapfrog. None of you found the right answer, unfortunately. So I'll write it down on the board and of course I'll keep the bag of candy. But I have to mention, I enjoyed playing with some of you today, including, I will have the privilege next year to have some of you guys in my class. You will see, this is going to be informative and a lots of fun.

Nino listened attentively about what she was saying and he realized for him, it's not going to be fun and informative. He felt AWAKENING - 20

guilty and as he began to tear up he saw Miss Ricci write the answer down.

- Miss!

Which she stopped and replied: - Yes, Nino, do you want to tell me something?

- Yes, he said.

Nino explained to Miss Ricci his solution. She listened carefully, even though it had taken more than fve minutes. Miss Ricci smiled tenderly at him and went to the stage without saying anything. Mr. Vago was waiting impatiently her verdict. She looked at him and then spoke to the whole students: - Well! smart and gifted children, it's not easy to have common sense! Right! Hum! This little boy at the back of the class, which he will retake this grade next year, she said with a lot of emotions. Well! There are undoubtedly reasons for this. Even if I regret it from the bottom of my heart. But Nino, makes good sense! because he just gave me the right formula. Then she turned to Mr. Vago and added: - So! you have nothing to say, haven't you?

The students applauded, some even said, that it was unfair that he had to retake this grade, others went to shake his hand.

- Bravo Nino, you won this bag of candy! exclaimed Miss Ricci.

Mr. Vago was speechless with a sort of stupid expression on his NINO - 21

face. He looked at Nino and obviously he didn’t understand.

Nino watched him with satisfaction with feeling of given a small lesson to him.

Students had literally left the school when Nino was walking quietly to the exit. Miss Ricci gave him a candy bag, he smiled, he was happy as if he had just won the lottery. Mr. Vago remained seated while she said: - Mr. Vago, you have acted very badly with this child. You pushed him down, in deepest way of his being. You... have touched his weakness point, and no doubt he will never forget you.

- Miss Ricci! He replied. I do not allow you to ...

- Shut up! Shame on you! A teacher of thirty years of experience in elementary school. Such a veteran as you pretend to be, you've missed so much pedagogy and tolerance with Nino. You probably have destroyed his life as a schoolboy. You have seen in him only his lack of language which was for you, a way to empty yourself and to shine your ego, making fun of his handicap. You did not know how to speak in his heart, to put him in trust. This child could have been one of your best students if you extended your hand.

Mr. Vago didn't even observe her. That, annoyed Miss Ricci the most.

- I agree! every child is different. But our duty as a teacher is to AWAKENING - 22

fnd in each student his strengths, if he does even have just one.

But please God! At least try on his strength in order to build with him his identity for the future. Do you understand? hum! not sure.

If the student is great at drawing, and bad in everything else, we will use this quality to develop writing and calculations in graphic form, in order to preserve a link with the drawing! and accordingly encourage him to keep in touch with it. If your student doesn't like to read but loves mathematics, allow him to read the problems, before solving them. It's our mission to encourage a student, with what he likes most in order to use his assets for the best, and adapt him to other school activities.

School education didn't teach you that, Mr. Vago? You may have overestimated your teaching skills!

- That's enough! you are silly Miss Ricci, this young boy is ...

- Stop! You make me sick! I hope that one day he will forgive you for your helplessness, your narcissism and your mediocrity.

Good evening!!

The following year Mr. Vago no longer had Nino in sights, he had students much more painful which gave him a hard time.

He laughed less often, but nevertheless, he still called Nino, Bubu. Nino didn't change his attitude, however, he passed to the upper grade. He didn't work better, but the current academic NINO - 23

system did not allow a students to retake the same grade more than twice. Nino was hoping to have Miss Ricci as a teacher. But she had left the school and she was replaced by Mr. Bernard.

But the gap Nino took during these two years with Mr. Vago, didn't allow him to catch up the program of this level. At the end of the year, he retook the grade again.

AWAKENING - 24

TEEN - What you are is a gift from God. What you become is your gift to God, Robert H. Schuller.

NINO - 25

At home Nino did not have too much contact with his father.

Indeed, he worked very late in the evening. At that time it was no less than ten hours a day, and only Sunday was holiday. This day, in a ceremonial way, the Catholic families met in the morning at the church and at lunch time. Giuseppe, the mass did not inspire him, he often found an excuse in order to escape his Catholic duties by saying that: God existed for those who believed in him, That's it that's all.

So!! he was not entirely wrong.

He was merely an angry character who was upset with the whole world. His misery sticks him to his skin and his whole family was impregnated with it. His main debate was around all the things he didn't have, and he kept repeating them over and over again. He said, the pleasure of life was reserved for profteers and wealthy people, same as the beautiful cars, the holidays and the luxury stores it was not for him.

Outside activities were rare, during the holidays, like Christmas, he said there was not enough money to buy gifts. Then he came out with his magic sentence: - If I buy some gifts for you guys, what is your mother going to put on the table for dinner? Nothing to eat, right! So, when you'll be on your own you'll do what you want but here and AWAKENING - 26

now, it's like that. Period.

One day, a friend from work, who knew the coach of a small soccer team presented Giuseppe with a free tryout for his son.

Giuseppe decided to bring Nino to the practice. He thought that he would be more gifted at soccer than at school.

But Nino had another little problem that his father didn't know about. Nino hid his defciency since the age of four, in order to avoid to be devalued more than he already was. He would have liked to have more value in his dad's eyes. Like any child, he loved to please his parents and to be congratulated for his good intentions. Growing up, Nino thought that as a child he shouldn't suffer his parent's problems, and free themselves from their own failure without accusing their child of existing.

When Giuseppe was angry with his kids, he always said this sentence to them: - If I knew that. I gave you a life, and that's how you thank me!

Giuseppe and Nino approached the coach, the team was already in warm-up phase. The coach was aware of his coming.

- Hey! Hello! you are Giuseppe, aren't you? He said while extending his hand. And here is the future champion I presume! what's your name?

- Nino, Giuseppe replied.

NINO - 27

- Nino, nice name, I'm Eugene, but call me Gege. I have been the coach of this team for two years now. So tell me, have you ever played soccer?

- Yes, of course, he used to play striker, Giuseppe replied again.

- Hum! I see, I see and in which club? Added the coach.

- City of Nice, he said.

Of course, everything was just a lie. And in each word that Giuseppe added, Nino lowered his head a little more. He was ashamed of him. The coach had discerned it.

- Hey! Does this child have a tongue to speak? It is to him that I asked the question!

- I know, but it's because he is very shy and, he has a problem of language, you see! Replied Giuseppe.

- Hum! Okay! Nino please join the team and warm up. Hey! Sebastien! Yelled the coach, Please take Nino in your group for the warm up, will you?

- Ok, Mr. Gege, answered Sebastien.

- Good! Giuseppe. We will see what he can do. His language's problem should not affect him too much on the feld, right?

- Come Nino, said Sebastien. We still have a big turn left and then we will begin the practice. Are you new around this neighbourhood?

- Yes, Nino barely replied, and he started running with his AWAKENING - 28

group.

- Come on guys! hurry up! we will start the practice soon, come on! As the group passed the stands, Nino was lagging behind.

- Hey! kid! speed up a bit, you should stick to your group.

Ouaou! how long has he not trained?

- Well! It's been about two to three weeks, maybe.

- Hum! Ok guys! warm up is over! make two teams. Sebastien!

Please keep Nino with you. Sebastian put Nino in the middle of the feld next to David and Alexander. Gege gave the kick-off.

Five minutes passed, Nino was running in all directions but he had not touch the ball yet.

- Nino! exclaimed the coach. You must run faster on your opponent, and don't leave him time to think, do you understand?

Giuseppe found that he was saying truth. After ten minutes of play, gradually Nino was reducing his pace. He was red like a crayfsh and he was missing all the passes. The coach was getting impatient, Giuseppe noticed it and he decided to step in: - Nino! shouted his father. Damn it! what the hell are you doing! The coach told you to run on the ball! Do you hear me!

Come on! Nino approved it and he tried to satisfy him and he NINO - 29

accelerated the pace.

- It seems better, said Gege, undeniably delighted.

While Giuseppe also seemed satisfed, Nino breathless, collapsed on the ground and hit his head.

- Mr Gege! Please come quickly! shouted David, while he's trying to help Nino. The coach joined them while Giuseppe just rolled his eyes like a sign of desolation.

- Who gave me a child like that! Such a misery! I cannot do anything with him!

- Hey Giuseppe! please, asked the coach. Your child is regaining consciousness, it seems that he has... like an asthma or like something similar. You... you should have take him to the hospital and not here in a stadium. You are unconscious or what! this child could kill himself trying to please you then, he said while he's gently raising Nino. I cannot train a kid in these conditions, he must be treated. Come back to me when he gets better, you understand Sir, I'm sorry about that.

He took Nino by the arm and they headed for the bus station.

- What is this! I lost my face because of you! Damn it! What is your problem! By smacking him behind the head to help him talk.

- I have asthma, Nino said with a little frightened voice.

AWAKENING - 30

- Asthma! what's the hell is that? I do not know what I'm going to do with you.

You... you're a donkey at school and you're not good at playing soccer. AGRR! but why I entered this room that day!

When he was referring at his son's birth when he had saved him, Nino suddenly felt guilty of existing. He started pouting, hoping to catch his father's attention, then his father might have mercy for him. But it was no use, it was quite the opposite.

When they arrived at home, He ended the discussion by accusing Filomena of her silence during all these years, that everything was her fault and because of her, he had lost the face in front of the coach.

The subject was closed for the rest of his life, Giuseppe did not have time to deal with children with health problems.

Nino had asthma since the age of four. His asthma attack started as soon as the evening arrived, and they calmed themselves at dawn, sometimes late in the morning. In the early seventies, there were no corticosteroids like Ventolin. Time and patience were essential to overcome this breathing diffculty which, the often kept in sleepless nights.

The atmosphere in this low income building was noisy during the day.

NINO - 31

Indeed, there were always mess on all foors, motorbikes, mopeds and other sound gear. It was at night that Nino was going to get a little calm and fresh air on the balcony of the apartment. He often watched his parents and his sister sleep deeply. While a new fght against his breathing was waiting for him. He sat on a chair and staring at the stars, wrapped himself in a blanket, and ended his night as much as possible.

Sometimes the asthma attack was so tough that he had to wait until the energy was weakening. It was early in the morning he was really falling asleep when his mom woke him up for school.

During the night of the Saturdays, Nino refrained from going outside even in case of asthma attack. Because in the morning, Giuseppe took place on the balcony It was time to have fun. He opened the newspaper on the horse turf page with cigarettes and coffee that Filomena concocted to him. Then he didn't want to be disturb in anyways.

Giuseppe lost hundreds of francs all his life thinking that someday it will go better. He played every Sunday, he went to validate his tickets at the bistro of the city, drank a Pastis or two, and after lunch, he sat face on TV to see, the race in direct.

Badly, as he was still losing, he had to spend the afternoon analyzing his defeat in getting mad at the whole world and AWAKENING - 32

injustices.

- It's cheating, he said. The horse jockeys are in the mix, and my horses have slowed down the arrival and the others overtook him the last second., yet he said. I just missed only one to win.

Finally, he sometimes admitted that fate was beating against him and so he could not never win, and if Filomena had the mistake to add: - Well, stop then, instead of hanging around and losing money.

He exploded with anger, no one could control him. He had to wait until he was lacking energy for him to calm down. He often promised to take them all to the seaside. But that did not happen often. His analysis of his defeat, as well as the fnal results and winnings, immobilized him the rest of the day.

The children had very little memory of their father, and it was better that way, Camilla would always say, who did not have a better attention from him. Having friends everyday in this low income building was not easy. There was often fghts, cries, insults, some shots scared Nino. Fear and fghts captured the control of his behaviour and his emotions. Even though his stuttering improved year after year, shyness took the lead about his relationships. Only a few children played with him due to his lack of physical activity and his health problems. He was not very fearless or daring like the others. Besides, he was always in NINO - 33

the shadow of his friends. So sometimes Nino liked to be alone in the nature, to contemplate it or to speak with it. He can feel it and understand it better than anyone.

One afternoon, Filomena and Camilla went out to do some shopping before Giuseppe arrived from work. But it was very crowded in the neighbourhood and for a good reason, the police were chasing car thieves.

The sky was low and it was raining. Filomena and Camilla walked along the sidewalk. However, the car of the young thieves was going too fast, and in the bend, the driver lost control of the car and badly screwed up. They ended up running straight into them. Filomena got hit hardly. She did not have time to see him coming from behind. They got used to these incessant noises and therefore no longer paid attention.

The driver died instantly while crossing the windshield. The passenger wanted to go out of the car while he was still driving.

He had his foot severed. Camilla was transported in the emergency room and remained no less than ten days because of the emotional shock and some scratches. Unfortunately Filomena succumbed to her wounds.

The past funeral, Giuseppe, alone with his children, in the AWAKENING - 34

midst of crying and complains, he confessed to Nino that he had never wished to have children, especially since this new life is not going to help the situation. Invoices, rent, work and the children were too much for him.

His brother, Uncle Alonso, also widowed of a marriage with a Canadian First Nation, enjoyed a much higher fnancial income than him. He bought a house in northern Quebec. And it was there that Giuseppe decided to send Nino. Camilla was placed with his paternal grandmother Rosaria in southern Italy.

The tears were very deep, Nino loved his father despite everything, and he could not believe to leave like that. He thought he will never see his sister again his only witness, who knew everything about him. The children repeatedly tried to convince their father, Nino even suggested working after school to participate in the house budget, but Giuseppe did not give up, not at all.

NINO - 35

SEPARATION

- There are times when the wildest dreams seem feasible provided you dare tempt them, Bernard Werber.

AWAKENING - 36

Helpless related to his father's decision, Nino awoke in the middle of the night before the departure for Canada. He took all stuff that his dad had prepared for him. He watched the nooks and crannies of the apartment. He tried to memorize all moments spent with his mother and sister, which he hugged tenderly. Nino's proposed her to run away together. But she refused, the unknown was scaring. He scrutinized his father and with great calm took on the dresser a twenty francs bill. He was scared when his father turned his face to him when he moved as he was sleeping, but he did not open his eyes. Nino looked at him one more time and left, he was sixteen.

Early in the morning his father called Nino to get ready for the departure. His was chocked when he knew by Camilla that he had fed during the night.

Giuseppe was about to slap Camilla for her silence, raised his hand. But stopped and screamed his name.

Furious he came out of the house and asked all passers by if they had seen a young teenager alone. Nobody paid attention on him and on what he was saying, except, an old gypsy woman, who called him: - I saw your son running that night, and I know where he was going.

NINO - 37

- Where? Where did he go? Talk to me old lady! Giuseppe asked eagerly.

The nomad reached out: - Nothing is free in this world.

Giuseppe shrugged and he was about to leave when she added: - He is dark and short hair, not very tall, not too fat and dressed in beige trousers striped, with a jean jacket.

- Okay! Okay! there are many young people who dress like that.

So what do you know ..

The old lady did not let him fnish.

- And he strongly stutters.

Giuseppe stopped immediately.

- Ok, it's him. How much do you want old lady? Do not ripped me off, I'm not rich, you know. We have to help each other... like us, poor people... isn't it?

- Fifty francs bill, she announced.

- What! where do you think I'm going to fnd this money? It's way too much! he frmly replied.

- Do you mean this child is not worth enough?

- Yeah! you know what! this fool kid stole me twenty francs bill and I don't have much left to you. Be generous old lady, help me instead of condemning me.

- Why did he run away? she asked with curiosity.

- It's not your business grandma, he said.

AWAKENING - 38

- Ok then! Give me ffty francs bill and I will not ask you any more questions, retorted the old lady.

Giuseppe realized that he had to say more in order to get some information.

- He's worthless, an incompetent, I don't have time and patience to take care of him. I... I have to work and pay my bills you know, do you understand?

- Dare you saying that you're about to get rid of your own son?

Giuseppe did not want to answer and turned the subject aside.

- No more questions grandma, I answered your worries, be nice.

I give you ffteen francs bill and that's all I can do, right?

The old lady stared at him, Giuseppe looked down but quickly reacted.

- Don't look at me like that grandma, you know... it's not my fault. His mother went crashed by a car, I... I told her several times do not go on this sidewalk, there are always crazy people passing by, and that's what's happened.

- Maybe it's by dint of telling it you have triggered this misfortune.

- What do you mean?

- Thinking is something very powerful, it's creative for the best or for the worst.

NINO - 39

- You wonder old lady, if it was true, you would not be begging.

The old lady stared at him and replied calmly: - Do I look tormented as you can be now? Do you sleep well, like baby? You cannot. Because you have your bills to pay, this is the reason why you work hard right? Why are you behaving like a sheep? I have chose this life, did you choose yours? You give value to others by looking at their wallet. I rather listen their heart, and in yours, I can't hear any thing.

- It's not those ones who have the big heart that can give me a job, are you with me?

- It's not those ones who give you a job today who will care about you tomorrow, are you with me. People who has a big heart will never let you down, even if he has no money he will fnd a solution for you.

- My boss needs me, so everything is fne.

- Well! What's the price for that? Did you choose to spend two hours in traffc to go at work. With the anxiety of sticking the walls of the offce if you have the misfortune to arrive fve minutes late? Have you chosen to talk with your friends at work, even if you hate them? Did you choose to stay late at night when your boss asks you or telling you that if you make him happy and good! maybe you'll have a raise... of some cents...

AWAKENING - 40

because he knows you, and he knows how to play with you.

- He's not like that.

- Well, why don't you have enough money to pay your rent and feed the little one that you have left! You see! you can't deal with that, shame on you. And maybe one day, your boss will tell you get out of here! bye! then you have invested your whole life with him, rather than with your lovely family, what will you do?

Will you ask him to have a big heart? Maybe you'll understand by then.

Remember young man, when the Angel of death will come to you and get you, you will not take anything with you, only your soul, if you haven't sold it to the devil by then, because everything else does not belong to you.

After a moment of silence, Giuseppe replied: - Ok old lady, you won, I listened to you. Now take my ffteen francs bill and give me the information, hurry up I have work waiting for me. I'm a sheep right!

- Shame on you, keep your money, you will need it more than me, and I'll tell you what you want, because I frmly believe that your son has nothing to do with you anymore. And you know what! One day will come when your son will save you.

- My son! My son will save my life! Ah! Ah! You're getting crazy NINO - 41

poor old lady, and now where is he?

- Your son went to the train station, that's where you'll fnd him... maybe.

Giuseppe thanked the old lady and ran away. She looked at him to the farthest.

Nino was awakened by the garbage trucks, he had slept close to the station, wrapped in a big moving box. Half bowed, he massaged his belly that he was screaming famine. He saw a bakery open down the street and, with smile, he got in: - Three croissants and a baguette, please Madam, he asked with happiness in his face.

He took from his pocket the twenty francs bill which he deposited on the desk and then he took back his change by eating his delicious hot croissant. And while he was going to the exit door, his father was waiting outside. It was a shock, a defeat.

Nino could not calm down he started sobbed.

- So, you, ass hole, you tried to run away with my money! give them to me immediately before I'm gonna slap you brutally that you will never forget.

- I... I cannot dad. I... I just bought croissants and bread and ..

- What! do you mean, have you used my money to feed you?

Shit! Let's go to the station you're going to regret that, I swear, he said, changing his tone.

AWAKENING - 42

The baker listened to the conversation and in order to calm the situation, She took back the croissants remaining and bread in exchange for his twenty francs bill. Then Giuseppe went out holding Nino by the collar like a criminal person. Inconsolable, Nino cried with heavy tears but did not said nothing. Arrived at home Giuseppe realized that he did not have too much time to give a shit to his son. The hour of departure was approaching, they had to go there right away.

They ran quickly to the ticket offce. Nino slowed down his pace a little, but Giuseppe was carefully watching him. The controller took Nino's plane ticket and validated it. Then he asked him to pass on the other side of the gate. But he could not. This separation was too intense. Too emotional Nino sobbed and begged his father to reconsider his decision. But Giuseppe had no visible feeling, no reaction. Nino begged, begged again. The controller seeing that smiled and said: - Well, we cannot say that your son does not love you sir.

Nino looked straight into his father's eyes. But nothing came out.

- Young man! I have to ask you to pass the gate because the plane does not wait too long, alerted the controller.

- I don't want to go Dad, I want to stay with you. I love you, I NINO - 43

love you so much Dad. His father remained dubious and then answered in Nino's ear: - Well but... I don't love you, so get out now, go!

Nino lowered his head, he was very sad, and this rejection triggered him about his remembers, what he was and the fact that he will always be an unloved, a good-for-nothing, as his father often said. Then head down, Nino passed the gate. The controller smiled at Giuseppe, thinking that he had succeeded to tell him a little word of love and comfort, hence the reason for his abdication.

On the other side, right away Nino turned to greet his dad one more time. But he had already left. So he ran, ran to evacuate his anger sooner or later and, ran down the hall until he came straight into the arms of a hostess.

- Oh! My gosh! what's going on little boy? Oh! I see, you are very sad to have left your family, are you?

Nino did not answer.

- Well, may I ask you your ticket? Oh! Montreal! Nice city, are you going to visit your family?

- Yes madam.

- Have you already fown? Added the hostess.

- No! No, madame, he said, wiping his tears.

AWAKENING - 44

- No! Listen girls! she said to her colleagues. This handsome young man which his name is Nino, he's about to do his frst fight!

- Bravo! said one of them, applauding. But Nino had no reaction.

- Well! Let's see where is your seat. Hum! Fifty-nine, over here!

Just right here! Lucky you, you are close the window. Sit down, put on the belt and stay calm, you know you're gonna love it. I'll come back to see you later. Good trip Nino.

This hostess was really nice, she was not very young and in a certain way, reminded him a little of his Mom. And nothing else was enough to make him cry. The passenger next to him seeing his sadness and said: - Hey! boy! don't cry, you'll be fne, it's going to be okay. It's my sixty-seventh fight, and you know I love the plane. So don't worry! the pilot knows what he has to do. I know him well!

Nino did not answer. The fear of the plane, he had not even thought about it. Images was running fast in his head, his Mom, who woke him up in the morning with a bowl of hot chocolate and bread that she made, her morning kiss on his forehead. He saw himself smiling with his sister Camilla, his only witness.

School, some friends, then, his father and his last confession who sounded still in him. His throat very tight and his heart at NINO - 45

high speed, he closed his eyes to try to forget everything, everything he could, but nothing helped.

Finally the plane took off, and here we go, he was impressed by the power of this metal machine. How could plane hold in the air, he wondered. The view was beautiful, the plane made a semicircle and few over the city. He watched it through the window, hoping to see the bus. The bus bringing his father home. He could not, the tears sank again on his little teenage cheeks. After a few hours of fight, Nino exhausted, fell asleep.

- Nino, the dinner is ready, said the hostess, introducing him to various dishes. What do you prefer to eat?

- I... I don't want to eat madam.

- What do you mean! The meals are very tasty in our planes.

Isn't it Mister Beauvais?

- That's true, boy. The meals are delicious! forget your worries for a moment. You... you cannot change anything. You know, the best way to deal with, it's to give up. Accept this situation, and tell yourself that... if you are on this plane, right here and right now, there is a reason... that you will discover one day. But for now, just forget that. If you do it, in ffteen minutes you will see that you will getting a lot better. You will have a big hunger and you will probably eat. Do you wanna make a bet?

AWAKENING - 46

The old man, a little paunchy, held out his hand as a bet.

- Okay! if in ffteen minutes you refuse to eat then I will have lost and pledge I will give my dessert, a great chocolate cake that you can eat when the hunger will come back to you. But if you eat before the ffteen minutes, because you're going a lot better and you have forgotten your worries, then I will have won and I will eat your cake. Okay?

This made Nino smile and somewhat, the anxiety subsided.

Nino stared at him and fnally agreed.

After almost ffteen minutes Nino was hungry, a big hunger even. He watched his neighbour dozing off. No longer able to resist, he ate his appetizer followed by a hot dish of spaghetti and an apple. There remained only the chocolate's cake. He took it in his hands, opened his mouth and, watching his neighbour sleep, put the cake gently on his little table.

- Go ahead buddy, you can eat it, said the old man while keeping his eyes closed. Nino was surprised and did not know what to say.

- This bet was just a way to provoke your soul, and as I can see you have always a fame inside. So, please, never allow anyone to extinguish it... promise?

Nino did not really understand what it was, but he accepted.

NINO - 47

- Eat it boy! eat it! I love cakes, that said, it is not recommended for my health. So please, eat both. You... will give me a favour, Nino hesitated. Go ahead! go ahead! eat them!

Nino devoured them with no delay, and suddenly he remembered when his Mom was making them in the past. His father was eating so much that he was getting fat, so he ordered Filomena to stop making them, and no one ate those delicious cakes any more. Then about Mr. Beauvais, he fell asleep for real.

AWAKENING - 48

ESCAPE - It is in the darkest night that we see the most beautiful stars, Indian proverb.

NINO - 49

The air plane landed at Montreal Airport, his neighbour greeted Nino.

- I enjoyed travelling with you young man. You're not very talkative but you're a good boy. I wish you all the best and happiness. Also remember, only your soul knows the path of your destiny. So listen to your intuitions, your emotions, they will always lead in the right direction... even if sometimes... the road is strewn of pitfalls, you will have to surpass them. Nino rogers that, and with a broad smile hugged the old man as if he was his father. He saw the pain in his eyes and inhaled all the love locked in his heart that he could not express.

At the exit of the airport, he looked for his uncle in the crowd, which was supposed to hold a banner with his name. He perceived him at the very end of the hall and went there.

- Nino? Asked his uncle.

He nodded.

- Follow me.

His uncle Alonso was brief. He walked in front, Nino followed with his luggage. Arrived at the car: - Come on in, Nino opened the door on the passenger side. No! in the back, his uncle said. Nino hesitated a moment then he executed.

AWAKENING - 50

The atmosphere was not the most familiar, they drove almost a day to the north of Quebec without exchanging a single word, just to tell Nino to go to the bathroom when he stopped at a gas station to fll the fuel tank.

Giuseppe had warned his brother about the money with which Nino tried to fee. They arrived at the sunset to Saint-FĂŠlicien in the Saguenay. His Uncle quickly introduced Nino to his two sons. John eighteen and Paul twenty years old.

Nino noticed quite quickly the lack of respect of his cousins. He did not get along at all with them, who treated Nino in the same way as their father. His integration was disturbed. At home they found him all kind of complicated tasks to do, and if he failed his uncle scolded him, this excited his cousins. Nino stammered more during this period. One day Paul said to him by tapping on his shoulder: - But... well... but... but... but. You... You... see... here... we... we... are! Uh! That... that... I... I... I... wou... wou... would say.

And all laughed loudly, even the uncle who found it rather amusing. But not Nino, and he yielded: - No! stop!

Paul retorted: - Yes! yes! You're... you're... you're... right... right... right... but I...

NINO - 51

I... can't... can't... can't ..stop right now.

And everyone was laughing even more. Exacerbated, Nino got up and pushed Paul with force, which fell. Suddenly the uncle was upset and took Nino by the collar of the shirt and dismissed him right in front of the cellar door at the bottom of the stairs, which had been arranged for him.

- That's how you thank us Damn it! Go to your room! and you... you... you will come out that... when i... i will tell you tabarnak!

Alonso shouted. To...to listen this guy I'm stammering me too!

Shout! is it contagious?

It was enough to make his cousins laugh again. Nino went to his room sobbing, not knowing what to do. He remembered the moments when he was with his mum. It was not great, with no money and sometimes nothing to eat, but here, it was worst.

Nino had been enrolled in school, but he never showed up. At the dinners, it often happens he had nothing on his plate. In fact, before going to the table, he had to do his chores that never ended. And when he was done, his cousins had eaten everything or almost everything in his plate. The uncle pretended not to see anything. So it was during the day that he went to pick some food on the stalls of the market. Some fruits and vegetables here and there. He quickly became a thief recidivist. But one day the traders handed him a trap and he got AWAKENING - 52

caught. Being minor he was taken back to his uncle who paid the damages claimed by the traders.

This evening was terrible. Angry, his uncle told him he had no choice to bring him home. His brother Giuseppe had done him a great service in the past.

Alonso accepted him in spite of himself, knowing that he was a thief and besides, he just gave him the opportunity to prove it.

This revelation petrifed him even more, he had to pay for all damages he did. For a week he could not leave the cellar, except to carry out his daily tasks which they have been multiplied.

Night brought advice. At dawn of the next day, he fed again. He was seventeen years old.

When his uncle awoke, Alonso and his neighbour friends tried to fnd Nino in the neighbourhood. With no success Alonso alerted the police, who went to investigate later in the day: - How do you explain the departure of your nephew Mr Spina?

Asked the policeman.

- I do not understand Mr. Agent, I... I treated him like my son, while turning his face to John for approval. Right John?

- Oh! yes Dad, he replied without hesitation.

Agent Dujardin contented to listen and wrote the deposition.

- As I said, it's real, he had everything he needed, tabarnak! added the uncle. What I should tell to his father, now?

NINO - 53

- Mr. Spina, wait a little before alerting him, he could not have gone very far without money, huh! he will come back very quickly the winter arrives and outside it is getting cold. Did you give him some money?

- Of course not! he replied.

The uncle was stingy and refused even to give to his children.

They had what they wanted clothes, food, games but no money.

So from time to time, Paul stole a few cents from his wallet and waited several weeks before regrouping enough money to get alcohol and cigarettes. But an unexpected fact comes up: - Dad, said Paul at the top of the stairs, looking very sad.

- Yes, Paul?

- Do you know something? Asked the agent.

- Dad... the jewels, and the grandfather's watch have disappeared.

- What! exclaimed Alonso, getting up. Are you kidding me Son? - No Dad. - Ha! retorted the agent. So if he stole, he can trade them for money. This new fact changes everything.

- Dad, I’m not done, he continued, bowing his head.

- Tabarnak what else? yielded Alonso.

- What? The agent said.

- He... he is armed.

AWAKENING - 54

- Do you mean he took my rife, that little cretin of ass-hole?

Alonso worried.

- No Dad, your 44 magnum pistol.

Alonso looked at the policeman, then climbed into his room.

Desperate he added: - Crisse de Tabarnak, his father warned me that he was dangerous, I did not believed it, but it's less funny in asti.

- Mr. Spina, as I said this fact, changes everything, he must be arrested at the soonest. I... I have to inform the authorities and the media. The agent went to the exit.

- I'm sorry, Mr Spina, but we must act as quickly as possible.

- Sacrament! I'm fed up asti! anyway, I hope that this ass-hole will be arrested, protested Alonso.

- Yes, of course we all wish it. I'll let you know Mr. Spina, don't worry. And thank you for the photo.

- You're very welcome, replied Alonso.

Nino was on the highway and was hitchhiking, a truck driver stopped: - Where are you going, man? He asked.

- Close the mountains, he answered without precision.

The trucker did not ask any questions and left Nino where he wanted. Nino never came out of town, and his frst experience with nature was going to be suicidal. Autumn was sometimes NINO - 55

changing very quickly, especially in these regions. His frst night under the stars, just dressed with a jacket, was fne. He fnally felt free, no more chores, no more orders, no more bad cousins.

He breathed in his lungs observing the peaks in the mountains already snow-covered and maple felds with red leaves.

He was watching an eagle fight, it was magic, such a beauty.

"The people of the city do not realize that", he thought. They work day after day and go to the shops or parks, hoping to have some fun. But in reality, happiness is here, in the meadow.

Nino had not eaten anything. At the edge of the river, he caught a hook in the ground. He made a fshing rod with a makeshift stick. He even found some nylon that he fxed on his cane. And a worm at his feet that he put into the hook. "I think, nature wants me well".

Two hours passed and unsuccessful so far, he was going up the stream. Without being aware of the weather changing, an autumnal snow surprised him. Nino was not prepared for it. He threw away his fshing rod and took shelter in the forest under a balsam fr. The cold caught him, Nino seeing that, he was no longer safe, returned to the river, but he did not fnd his way back. So he walked, walked in the wood, when suddenly he heard cracks quivering far in the bush. By curiosity he went AWAKENING - 56

towards this echo that brought him back to a stream, but more vigorous. On the other side of the bank, the branches of a white spruce were shaken. Nino thought, It was probably a deer or something similar. So he had an idea.

He found a big corner stone and crossed the river through a trunk beaten down. The westerns movies he once saw on television inspired him. He thought then he can hurt the animal with this stone and maybe eat it.

As he stood halfway on the trunk, the animal was grumbling loudly now, which came out of the bush. Instantly Nino froze with his arms raised in the air while he perceived the beast.

A big black bear spotted him and walked towards the trunk while grumbling. Frightened Nino threw the stone and fed at full speed. The predator pursued him. The snow was falling in abundance now, and Nino was not dressed to face the cold, nor armed to defend himself against the beast.

The grunt of the animal approached, Nino imagined him in his mouth. He thought of his mother, Camilla. He saw his short life scrolling in an instant. Nino could not run quickly anymore, asthma controlled his speed. As a last wish, as a last message to the divine, he rolled his eyes before bending, giving up to the beast.

- To die having given the best of myself, there is no shame, no NINO - 57

reproach to me, he said to himself.

Powerless in the face of nature that he believed his friend, he was going to suffer the fate of his unconsciousness. Actually, no one had warned him, neither the truck driver nor the old man in the airplane. How could he have known?

Exhausted in a body that had become frozen, Nino collapsed on branches and foliage covered in snow.

AWAKENING - 58

FIRST NATION

- The man who looks at the horizon does not see the meadow in front of him, Proverb Indian.

NINO - 59

He woke up slowly and he realized he was still alive. He jumped up and fell over the hammock, he was under a teepee.

Nino got up and was very startled to see a beautiful girl with green almond eyes stared at him. She had very long shiny black braided hair, a white pearl necklace. She had an ornament blue sky with golden lozenges dotted around the edge of the dress.

Fringes to the foot revealing her slender legs. She was wearing a moccasin with fringe and a pretty little blue collar around the opening of the foot. She did not move when he woke up. They remained for a few moments motionless to observe each other.

Then she went out.

Ten minutes later, she came back with an elderly man. He was wearing a crown of eagle feathers, adorned with jewels and necklaces. Seashell rings and metal bracelets garnished his hands. He had a bear tooth hanging around his neck and a Wampum necklace. Rather tall with wide shoulders prominent.

His square face dominated a large neck. His noble and conquering approach brought out an obvious presence. He was a tribe leader. They talked to each other. But Nino could not understand what they were talking about, neither of the situation in which he found himself, nor the language with which they spoke.

AWAKENING - 60

Suddenly, the chief talked to him: - My name is Wakiza Yiska. Wakiza means "Determined warrior", in our Mohawk language. And she is my daughter, Aiyanna, who means "Eternal fower". And you, what is your name young man?

- Ni... Nino, sir.

- Sir! he said smiling. No! Wakiza, sir, it's ok for white skin.

- Ok, he replied a little scared.

Wakiza stared at him for a few seconds then added: - Well! You know Nino, that we shot down the animal that was chasing you. It was him... or you.

- Oh no! I... I did not want that, I...I'm so sorry.

- Don't be sorry. We did not have a choice fellow. How old are you?

- Seventeen years old Sir. - Hum! - Uh! pardon, seventeen.

- The same age as Aiyanna.

They looked at each other for a moment and then she looked down. Wakiza noticed it.

- You were very lucky that we were hunting in the woods.

Aiyanna saw you and shot at the bear a few step away from you.

NINO - 61

With a little smile, Nino thanked Aiyanna.

- But you did not hear anything, continued the chief. You were in hypothermia due to the cold and yet your heart system was very packed. Do you have a lung problem? Oh! My! you must be very hungry, Buddy. Please Aiyanna, bring him something to eat!

The food was brought, he devoured everything that came up, and, while eating Nino replied: - Yes... yes I'm asthmatic, Nino stammered less as he calmed down. And... and I do not breathe well when I panic.

- Hum! what could you do in these mountains without anything to eat or drink or even warm clothes. Were you aware of the danger?

- I... I did not know it was dangerous. In my country the mountains are safe.

- Where you come from? Aiyanna asked with a sweet and fairy voice. Nino, charmed by the lightness of her tone, gaped for a few seconds. Then he replied bluntly: - I come from France, but I lived with my uncle in SaintFĂŠlicien for a year and half.

- Did you run away?

Nino hesitated to answer.

- Did you run away young man? Wakiza repeated once more AWAKENING - 62

insistently. I need to know what to do with you.

- Yes, my uncle does not really like me, he replied after taking a big breathing.

- Oh boy! I'm pretty sure your uncle has given your name to the police, especially that you are a minor and you were under his responsibility. Hum! the police are looking for you now. We... we have to take you home.

- Oh! Oh! no sir uh! no please I .., Nino stammered a lot more, while he was answering and the anxiety quickly returned. I do not want to go back to my uncle's house. I'd rather ...

- Ok, ok calm down young man. Interrupted Wakiza. I do not have a choice, I don't want any problem with the police do you understand. I... I have to...

- (Rake:ni "Father", Aiyanna interrupted, speaking in Mohawk, give him a chance.)

- (What! We've done it before, with Eduardo, have you forgotten? Replied Wakiza.)

- (I did not forget Rake:ni.)

- (What did he bring us? A lots problems with the administration, this boy, that I had raised like my son for six years.

Then when he turned eighteen what he did! he disappeared with your half-sister Awan "Smoke rising on the water". The Police even thought we killed him and buried, do you remember now?)

NINO - 63

Wakiza seemed to get angry as the memories returned to him.

- (I know Rake:ni I know. But... this one... he's different.)

- (Different... different in what? It's a boy in distress, give him time to take his bearings and you'll see.)

- (No Rake:ni, this one, while she's turning her face to Nino, he has a pure heart like the sun and the soul vibrating like our Mother Earth. Only his conscience is asleep.)

- (It couldn't be possible Aiyanna, he's not as us, Wakiza certifed.)

- (But, it's true, Rake:ni! We need to help him awaken his conscience, she added while she's staring at his father with shining eyes.)

Wakiza remained motionless for a few seconds. Nino watched him. He swayed his head as if he were embarrassed and looked up the sky. Then he exclaimed and left the tipi without adding anything.

Nino did not understand anything and what was happening, he looked at Aiyanna with worry but with attentive eyes. Aiyanna understood his dismay: - Don't worry Nino! my father has nothing against you in particular, but he was like... disappointed by a white boy whom he had raised like his son. And... one day he disappeared.

Without saying anything, leaving no address, no message. He AWAKENING - 64

runs away with my half-sister Awan. It's been three years now.

Father was very morally affected and he had sworn never again to take care of a white man.

- I see, he must regret that you saved my life.

- No, why are you saying that? Aiyanna answered. No... no... isn't the point, not at all.

- Ha! Nino answered with relief.

- Yes, there is something else. Something in you that is... strange.

- Strange! replied Nino with astonishment.

- Yes... different. I don't know what, I cannot explain it, but weird.

- But how weird?

- I don't know, but your soul, has a high frequency.

Nino frowned, he did not quite understand what the soul was doing in his concern.

- My soul!

- Hum! she said, shaking her head. Ok, I can... I can feel the frequency... the vibration emitted by a soul. It allows me to communicate with it.

- Communicate! really! he replied, puzzled.

- Yes, but not with all beings. I can, in certain way, communicate with... all animals! By the motion of vibration, I can understand NINO - 65

their messages. You know... it's a real language!

Nino's eyes frowned again, he had never heard that before.

- But it's fabulous! how do you do that?

- Well, I... I can explain it to you later. That said, with humans it is quite different. I can only feel their frequency.

- Ha! How? - The frequency your soul emits is... is very high. I... I had never felt that before. Except, on my father's one. I didn't think that possible. And yet your soul sends me a much higher frequency.

I... I cannot imagine it. And that's the reason why it's put my father in this mood, she said smiling. He knows that I do not never cheat on it. You have a kind of legendary soul... but you don't have any consciousness about it... at least not yet.

- But how? I mean... I am rather banal... and your father is afraid of that?

- No! no! you don't get it Nino. My father is not afraid of anyone, nothing elsewhere nor even darkness. What worries him, it is not that your soul is higher than his soul. Just a bit. But that's because it's higher in the body of a... white boy... and... and this, he is trapped.

- Trapped how?

- How's that, how's this, how can you blablabla... can you stop repeating how's something?

- What! Oh! I'm sorry I don't have another word, my uncle AWAKENING - 66

always says that.

Aiyanna sighed then answered: - I'm sorry too, I got upset for nothing, please forgive me.

- It's ok.

- When... when I said he is trapped, it is because he no longer has the choice to keep you with us.

- It is true! that's great! Nino answered happily.

- No, do not think that Nino.

- How! Aiyanna stared at Nino. Uh! I mean why?

- Well, we believe in the coming on earth of strong souls. To help people wakes up. My father says that we have the advantage of having kept the connection with our land. Our lands contains sacred shrines, we fght to protect our way of life and our languages for centuries. We fght with our prayers, our songs and our ceremonies. We are the guardians of the earth.

The whites have lost this link.

- I did not know that.

Dad also says, that you do not even observe nature anymore, the birds, the trees, and you barely do not feel the ground under your feet. You are too concerned about your individuality.

Absorbed by what you own and by the accumulation of goods.

People watch each other with jealousy, but it's wrong. Eyes are NINO - 67

the vision of the soul. No one realize anymore that there are many free things, a thousand times more beautiful around you.

He also says, that you are brainwashed by whatever institutions they are, in order to persuade you that you are other things than what you really are. That said, we have one thing in common. It is the responsibility of our sufferings by our behaviours and our attitude to face life. We are at a moment of existence where some souls are ready to awaken.

But... it's still necessary that their conscience is awakened. It's our culture to bring those strong souls to their potential.

Unfortunately, as I told you earlier, I have the power to feel the frequencies of human souls. But in noways I can translate the messages they sprayed, or even dialogue with them.

- But who... who can translate the messages of souls?

Aiyanna hesitated a few seconds, not knowing if she should continue to expand on this subject.

Nevertheless she started: - It's said... there are some kinds of shamans on this earth who have this faculty. It's said that there would be only less than a dozen in the world. But nobody saw them so far and nobody knows, if these shamans are aware of their power. They might be recognizable by a special tattoo on the right shoulder. This AWAKENING - 68

tattoo could appear in adolescence or later.

- What does this tattoo represent?

- A... a seahorse. Which is the sign of wisdom, but this seahorse is imprisoned.

- How... uh! I mean, he's in a prison?

- No no! it would have a skin streaked in the horizontal direction, a kind of jail cells. That's why they say he's imprisoned. It's for them to remember not to use their power against others. It's kept forever in the cage of consciousness.

- But... but how can this power to dialogue with souls be dangerous! It's just... I mean... it's an exchange of information.

That's it.

- Oh, no, it's dangerous.

Nino just nodded that he was waiting for the rest without saying anything.

Aiyanna returning her long braids back added: - Well, they say they can ask the souls in which body did they live in the past. In other words, in their previous life. So these shamans could recall these spirits to relive again by replacing or merging with the spirit of the reincarnated soul. In fact, all the qualities and defaults of that spirit of the past would be... or could be used in the present. Can you understand the danger?

Nino nodded.

NINO - 69

- But then, these people could change the life of anyone?

- That's right, but no... no hold on! the person concerned must give voluntarily his consent for this. In fact, the mind living has to be in harmony with his soul.

Nino did not understand very well. Aiyanna caught on: - But this is another story, and besides I don't know more than that.

- But your... your father, what is he going to... what will he do with me? Nino asked.

- I do not know yet. It will probably take a little while. Maybe not. I am not sure. I'm... I'm sorry Nino. Rest for now, and then we'll see.

- Okay, thank you again for saving my life.

- You're welcome, Nino, so Ataensic has decided.

- Ataensic!

- Yes, it's our Goddess of creation. A bit like, your God.

As Aiyanna went outside, Nino added: - By the way, what did you do with the bear chasing me? I would like to see him.

- Hum! you can see it from where you are.

- See it from where I am? But where? Uh! I'm sorry, but, I do not see any bears over here.

And while laughing she answered: AWAKENING - 70

- The bear that was chasing you, it's now warming your body as a blanket. Nino jumped back when he realized. She burst out laughing and went out.

Amarok was the chosen one. He was waiting for Aiyanna outside. He was a fervent warrior, not too tall, strong muscle with long braided hair.

He questioned her in Mohawk: - (What is this white skin doing here?)

- (Oh, do you remember when last time with father we went hunting in wood?)

Amarok nodded.

- (This is where we saw Nino being chased by a black bear.)

- (Nino!)

- (Yes, that's his name.)

- (When will he leave?)

- (I do not know Amarok, father wants to keep him.)

- (What the hell!)

- (For... for a while, she reassured him.)

- (Has he lost his mind? It was not enough with Eduardo, he wants to make the same mistake!)

- (Do not say that Amarok, I remind you that he is our leader, before being my father, and we owe him authority and respect.)

- (I have to talk to him.)

NINO - 71

- (You cannot, he is in conference with the elders, you can not disturb him now ..)

- (I need to know right away.)

And with determination he went to the tipi of the elders.

- (Amarok, no, wait! Cried Aiyanna.)

Amarok stopped without turning his face around.

- (Amarok, listen.)

The gaze fxed on the horizon.

- (Amarok, this boy is special.)

- (Special! he's a white skin, how can white be special?)

- (His soul is pure Amarok, it emits very high vibrations.)

- (Wakiza has this potential no? There is nothing special about it.)

- (No Amarok, it's... it was really different.)

- (Different!)

- (When... when I approach father, a foot from him, I feel my whole body tingling. I can then feel it's power and the radiation of the frequency of his soul. With... with Nino, I was tingling... even before I enter the tent. He was still sleeping in the hammock.)

- (No way, you're kidding me, said Amarok, annoyingly.)

- (No Amarok. By approaching Nino, a soft heat invades me, and... the more I approached and the more my body vibrated. It AWAKENING - 72

was like... it was a feeling of lightness, a pure sensation of freedom. I felt... foated, you see? I was attracted by him, his frequency flled my energy.)

- (You're wrong Aiyanna, not in a white skin.)

- (My feelings never betray me, you know it, and you must believe me.)

- (Anyway, I have to talk to Wakiza, he said, He has nothing to do in our camp.)

- (Calm down Amarok, what's happening to you? She said, trying to calm his ardour.)

Amarok stepped towards her, gave her a kiss on the forehead and added: - (It's nothing Aiyanna, it's just that... I won't wish Wakiza to choose you in order to teach him our traditions. Because if he decides to keep him, it's going to be a big mistake.)

- (Hmm, you're referring to Awan, aren't you?)

- (These strangers are capable of everything.)

- (Ok Amarok, I'll go chat with father, after the sachems counsel.)

- (I'm going to feed the horses now, see you later.)

NINO - 73

LEARNING - I never lose. Either I win or I learn, Nelson Mandela.

AWAKENING - 74

Aiyanna joined the group.

- (Rake:ni are we going to keep Nino at the camp, or are you going to transfer him to the confederation?)

Wakiza thought for a moment and then said: - (Our goddess Ataensic sent him to us?)

- (Yes Rake:ni it's seem to be true.)

- (White skin or not, we must help him, and teach him our Mohawk traditions. This is the essence of our presence on Mother Earth.)

- (Yes Rake:ni I understand, but who ..)

- (He will stay with us at the camp, and... and you will take care of him Aiyanna, after all... you saved him. That's our mission, isn't it?)

- (Hum! Yes Rake:ni probably. So, I... I'll take the responsibility.

But Amarok won't accept ..)

- (Ok, I'll refer to Amarok, I know, he's going be quite upset, but that's my decision.)

Actually Amarok did not really adhere to that. But he resigned to it. He could not challenge the authority.

The frst months were very formal for Nino. He absorbed Native traditions by their rituals and habits. He had to accomplish certain requirements. Aiyanna showed him how to pick and choose nuts, wild fruits, sunfower seeds and also how to cut the NINO - 75

maple to extract the syrup. In time, he grew the three sisters: bean, corn and squash.

Then will come a day to learn and to ride. With and without the saddle. To catch the fsh in nearby streams and rapids, and probably the most diffcult, he will have to hunt bear, deer or beaver. In the afternoon he met the most closest friend to Aiyanna, Kaya, to teach him the Mohawk language.

In the evening, dances around shamans, and elders. Drums were talking very loud to the spirits of nature, Nino was really impressed.

One day, they were sat at the edge of the river.

- Aiyanna, is Kaya your sister? Nino asked.

- No, but I consider her as such.

- Then why does she call Wakiza, Rake:ni like you?

- Oh! I see. Well, at the age of four Kaya lost her parents in a car accident.

- Oh! I am sorry about that.

- It's ok Nino. My father adopted her and raised her as her daughter. We are very close. Kaya is not her real name, her name is Kisos. But although she has a strong and imposing character, and take care over me all the time. She's my little sister and, that's what Kaya means. Also she learned to fght with our AWAKENING - 76

warriors. She is very effective, but it's felt on her behaviour.

- What do you mean?

Aiyanna smiled and replied with a laugh: - She has a very bad behaviour with men, nobody wants to marry her in the camp. I am so sorry for her.

- Really! she doesn't seems to get angry with me, and when I do not understand this or that, she taught me well the Mohawk, she is rather patient.

- Yes! Nino, but it's different, Kaya knows you now, and she likes you and she wants to help you as much as she can.

- Ha! he said.

Suddenly.

- Aiyanna! I think I got one!

- Ah! yes, wait, I'm coming to help you out, she replied.

- No! I... I have to do it by myself.

- Ok Nino, as you wish.

After some effort, he pulled out a big trout from the river, it moved so much that Nino was quite afraid of it. He approached the bank without really paying attention, slipped and fell into the river, and so the fsh set off. Aiyanna burst out laughing as she saw how Nino had a lot to learn.

He went out of the river and he lay down in the shore smiling.

NINO - 77

Aiyanna watched him, he felt he was picking up her attention.

It's been a few weeks since they saw each other, just two of them, and that was the frst time she dared to look at him without deviating. Actually, Nino was embarrassed, and with delicacy drifted his gaze a little, when he was surprised by a squirrel refreshing to the river.

- Look! a squirrel!

- Where?

- Here! on your right! hold on! I will catch him ..

Nino got up, and the squirrel went up to the frst tree.

- Oh! Shoot I missed.

Aiyanna laughed again.

- Why are you laughing at me Aiyanna?

- Excuse me Nino! sorry! no! I... I did not laugh at you, like we could mocking for lack of respect. I laugh... I laugh at your eternal innocence Nino. Your way of expressing yourself is pure and without hesitation. You do not think. You just say it bluntly... like would do a child.

- But I... I am not a child.

- Yes Nino. You are not a child. You... you are just different.

- Yes that I know. I've been told it enough.

- Don't be angry Nino, look! look at this squirrel in the tree, look at it well and please don't move ok!

AWAKENING - 78

Even if he did not understand the reason why, Nino was silent.

Aiyanna closed her eyes, and focused on her breathing getting deeper but slower. The squirrel did not move. But after a few seconds it went down the trunk, and to the amazement of Nino, the squirrel approached Aiyanna. She reached out with a tassel in her palm always keeping her eyes closed. The squirrel was now on her hand, grabbed the tassel without hurry, got on his back legs, watched Aiyanna a few seconds and then went away.

- How come...how do you do that? And ... and why you didn't do it with the bear?

- I can communicate with animal souls, right? But some are more diffcult, or take longer. With the bear I didn't want to take any chances.

- Oh! I see, but what... what do you say to the animal?

- Well, most animals are stressed by the presence of humans.

Right! So in the frst place I... I reassure them, I calm them, I send them a high energy and reassuring.

- But how?

- By thought and by breathing. In fact, I reduce my heart bit this is going to report to the animal that I am very calm. A hunter would be rather nervous before shooting. Then by the thought, I send him messages of love, happiness and fraternity. So his soul comes in contact with me, and if the animal receives correctly my messages, it will come near me... or leave... it will NINO - 79

depend on my message.

Then they walked by the river when suddenly a bald eagle passed only a few feet above them.

- Wow! exclaimed Nino. Have you seen the eagle? He is... he is so beautiful!

- Oh! That bald eagle is Pika, Aiyanna replied.

- You... do you know him? did you tame him?

- No Nino, she said smiling.

- A long time ago, actually... when I was fourteen or ffteen years old... I noticed an eagle on the top of a fr tree. A beautiful eagle, this bald eagle. Eagles are sacred in our community. Hunters were spawning a way to get closer and shoot it more accurately.

Seeing this, I sent him a message of fear, of danger, so that he could fee and... and the eagle was fed. You see Nino! the hardest thing in this case is to stay calm. If I had panicked or increased my anguish as a hunter would have probably done, this would not have worked, do you understand? Since then, it appears to me from time to time, often when an event will happen, good or bad, it warns me.

- Wow! it's amazing, it's great Aiyanna! Nino was in complete admiration, and also on the way she told it.

- Yes it's quite pleasant I admit it. You should try. With time you AWAKENING - 80

will arrive too.

- Hum! Yes maybe I will have to try against fies and bugs.

- Flies! why fies? she asked, bursting into laughter.

- Well, I cannot sleep at night. They turn around my head, so if I send them a message of danger, maybe they will run away.

- Yes Nino, you're right. Try it! It's so cute what you say.

She turned to Nino and gave him a kiss on the forehead, which blushed instantly.

- You're a funny boy, do not change Nino. I like your personality, and your humour.

Nino looked at her then smiled.

- Thank you Aiyanna, my father used to say that I did not have many assets to face life. But he said that I had a lot of humour and that it may serve me.

- Yes Nino, your father was right. We lack a lot of humour in our community, so stay that way!

They were very close to each other, they looked at each others eyes, when suddenly Amarok arrived at full speed. He imagined the scene and, seized a little by anger, stopped his horse a few steps from Nino, sending him a lot of dust on the face. Aiyanna startled looked at Amarok which refected that look, with more serious and aggressive. Aiyanna lowered her head.

- (I do not want to have any problems with this white boy, he NINO - 81

says. Stay away from him if you don't want me I hit him.)

- (What are you going to imagine Amarok? Aiyanna replied.)

- (Did you hear me well? Amarok insisted, accenting the tone.

Come on, we're going back to camp.)

- (Well, I can not leave Nino alone.)

- (He knows the way now, he'll come home alone.)

- Yes! I... I can go home alone. Aiyanna don't worry.

To the amazement of the natives, Nino understood what they were talking about.

- Oh boy! looks like the lessons with Kaya are effective, isn't it!

Aiyanna said.

- Oh! I...I can just understand some words.

- That's great! So see you later, Nino, said Aiyanna.

- Yes bye for now!

Amarok gave a hit to the horse's side with his heels, the horse neighed, revealed himself on his hind legs and rushed to the camp. Aiyanna gazed a last look at Nino, who did not leave his eyes until they disappeared. Then he walked to the camp.

Arrived at the tipi Amarok got off the horse without saying a word.

- Where are you going to Amarok? Aiyanna asked.

- I'm going to talk to Wakiza, I do not want you to teach things to that white stupid boy any more.

AWAKENING - 82

Amarok was obviously very jealous. He decided to interrupt this growing relationship. He shared his wishes with Wakiza. But the chief refused his request, he had in the hope of forming Nino as a Mohawk. He asked Amarok not to act, to be patient and accept Ataensic's wishes, only her could judge what was good or bad for the Clan. Amarok returned more angry than ever.

Couple of days later Nino had to shoot a fsh in the Mistassini River on the reserve Hickman. Indeed, it was his frst day of hunting with a bow.

- You see Nino, please come over here, Aiyanna asked.

Nino obeys.

- Listen, you must make as little movement as possible and as little noise as possible like inert object, You get that?

- Yes, I get it.

- Now I'm gonna show you, it's really easy.

Aiyanna took off her sandals, cocked her bow, and slowly entered the water.

- You see Nino, the water must not splash. Take one step after another gently.

- Ok I see.

- Hush!

Nino signalled that he understood, Aiyanna smiled, now she whispered.

NINO - 83

- Here I stand here and wait. I hold out my bow as if the fsh were already there, present, close to me, ok! and observe.

A salmon was coming up the river, he was approaching a few feet from Aiyanna, she did nothing. Nino raised his arm but Aiyanna winced in a gesture of not moving. He remained with his arm up until she saw him and beckoned him down. Then the fsh approached her less than two feet, Aiyanna was ready to shoot, she watched Nino and a nod of his head asked him if he had understood the procedure, which he nodded.

- That's it Nino, she said while returning to the shore.

The fsh escaped in less than a second.

- But Aiyanna, why did you let the fsh go? he exclaimed.

- Well, that's the easiest part. I do not need to kill him to show you that.

The goal is that you understand the technique, ok?

- Ok I've understood Aiyanna.

- You must try Nino. Yesterday you trained on an inert target today it's real!

- Yes ok, give me the bow please.

- Here we go!

Nino took off his sandals, grabbed the bow, and entered in the river with the best respect instructions. He cocked his bow AWAKENING - 84

ready to shoot but no fsh, He was a little impatient.

- Aiyanna did you catch the fsh's attention like you did with the squirrel?

- Not at all Nino, I promise you. I stayed very calm and patient, that's what you need. Now don't talk anymore, breathe deeply and imagine the fsh approaching. Be present Nino.

Suddenly he saw a two-foot trout coming slowly towards him.

Excited, he warned Aiyanna, who had already seen the trout before him. Nino nodded. Trout approached his feet, he smiled looking at Aiyanna who motioned him to observe the fsh instead and act. Nino nodded and let go the arrow that pierced the side of trout. He grabbed the rod and lifted his grip out of the water, which was still wriggling. Aiyanna applauded.

In the afternoon he rejoined Kaya for class language, and with surprise he realized that when he spoke in Mohawk he did not stammer. Which gave him even more desire to learn. And after a few weeks, Nino was able to chat with Aiyanna.

- (What are we going to do today, Aiyanna? He asked.)

- (Ah, today you will go up Ozalea, which means rising sun. Do you want to?)

Ozalea was a mare with a dappled gray dress.

- (Yes, but she is too gently.)

NINO - 85

Aiyanna smiled and corrected Nino.

- (Calm Nino not gently, calm.)

- (Ok, calm.)

- (That's it, but you have to move smoothly, gently as you said earlier.)

- (Ah OK.) - (Today you'll ride Ozalee, but without the saddle, Aiyanna added.)

They walked towards the ranch and Nino saw Chayton, which means hawk. It was a big horse in the dress pie bay.

- (I want to ride Chayton! Nino said.)

- (Are you crazy! Nino, she said, astonished.)

- (With the saddle, he added.)

- (But he's wild and not reliable.)

- (Please, say yes, you're here and you can bite him to his soul!)

- (What! Bite him to his soul, what do you mean Nino?)

Nino repeated the explanation in his language.

- I mean that... that you can talk to his soul.

- Oh! talking is (talking... talking), she said with a smile.

- (Yes, talk, he corrected himself.)

- (Do you feel ready?)

- (Yes.) - (Ok Nino, but I told you Chayton is special horse and he does AWAKENING - 86

not always listen.)

Nino nodded.

- (Ok, so let's go, I'll follow you with Yuma.)

Yuma, which means, son of the chief. It's a big horse with chestnut magpie dress.

Nino tried to get on Chayton, but the horse did not stay in place and stepped back. Nino tried it again and again each time he failed.

- Shoot! This horse is... ! Aiyanna! Can you please talk to the horse, ask him to stay calm.

- I told you Nino! But ok! Let's try that.

Aiyanna took a deep breath and closed her eyes a few seconds, and indeed Chayton calmed down and Nino was able to ride him.

- You see Aiyanna you managed him, he became calm like a lamb.

Aiyanna smiled.

- Yes, it looks like. But stay on with care Nino.

As soon as she fnished speaking than Chayton neighed and then reared. Nino stood frm reindeer, but Chayton began doing a sort of rodeo back and forth. Now, Aiyanna was not smiling NINO - 87

anymore.

- Nino! jump! she shouted. Drop the reindeer and jump!

But Nino held on and Chayton went off at a gallop pace.

Aiyanna followed him. She managed to return to Nino but far off was a danger. There was a obstacle to jump and a branch to avoid. In order to negotiate this jump, it was necessary lie on the horse's back. But Nino did not have the skills and expertise yet of a great knight.

- Nino jump! Aiyanna begged.

But he did not hear and when Chayton jumped the obstacle, Nino hit the branch with his head and fell back close to a ditch, and lost consciousness.

Aiyanna arrived next to him.

- Nino! Nino! Can you hear me? Nino! I'm sorry, I... I'm sorry, I should have stop you from riding Chayton, Nino! Nino! talk to me! Please. She grabbed Nino’s head in one hand and stroked his face with the other.

- Nino! Nino! talk to me! Nino! Oh no! I should never have accepted. I... I am an idiot!

While Aiyanna was insulting herself while watching the sky, Nino opened an eye. He still has a blurry eyesight but he realized that his head was in her hands. Pika few around Aiyanna, but she did not pay attention. Nino without saying AWAKENING - 88

anything, gently put his hand on her long black hair. She jumped and lowered her head to see him. While smiling, she sighed with joy, which instantly triggered tears of emotion that sank the along her cheeks. They watched each other for a long time, Aiyanna brought her face closer to Nino’s face, who was raised a blue bump on the forehead.

- So you... you did not talk to his soul properly? Nino said, wiping Aiyanna's tears.

- Be quiet a little rider, she said with a smile. You know, you made my heart one of the worst moment of my life. I... I thought... I was going to lose you ...

Instantly, Nino placed his fnger on her mouth. She understood and came closer more of his face. This time without looking away, and without adding a single word she gently kissed his lips with innocence and carelessness teenager. Nino and Aiyanna forgot for a moment everything around them. Neither Pika who kept spinning in the sky while glowing. Neither the Mohawk lessons with Kaya. Neither Wakiza nor even Amarok.

Nothing mattered anymore. They stayed at the edge of the river one on the other until the sun releases them by lying down to the horizon, and only their rising love, mattered.

Later, Kaya went to warn Wakiza that she had not seen Nino NINO - 89

come to the Mohawk lesson.

- But did you see Aiyanna? Wakiza questioned.

- No Rake:ni neither! I don't know where is she! She said a little upset.

Amarok heard the discussion and watched Wakiza. Which he understood and turned his head. Amarok immediately ran to his horse, jumped from behind and crossed the camp, as fast as possible.

- Amarok! no! Wakiza shouted.

- I told you Wakiza, you didn't barely want to hear anything, protested Amarok while passing by gallop.

- Amarok! repeated Wakiza.

But he was not able to listen, he was already far away.

- Kaya! he exclaimed. Quickly take Waban and Yahto with you and follow him, they are probably along the river. I have... I'm scared for Nino.

- Well Rake:ni.

Kaya called the two warriors and went off at full speed.

- Aiyanna, do you believe in fate?

Aiyanna thought for a few seconds then replied: - Do you mean... you and me? Why are we here right now... at the edge of the river?

AWAKENING - 90

- Yes. I could have been in France, or at my uncle's house, but you know what?

- No Nino.

- An old man on the plane told me there was defnitely a reason.

Having left my father to settle here.

- Yes Nino, I think so too. But maybe... let's do what Ataensic's reserved for us in this life. My father often tells me that, if I feel good in what I'm doing, that because I am in my path. And with you Nino, I feel good.

They kissed again.

- Oh! Aiyanna, Aiyanna you are really very beautiful. I love you since the frst day I saw you but, I dared not tell you, because ..

- Amarok, right? Aiyanna simplifed.

- Yes. You are his destiny, how could it be different now?

- Hey wait a minute, I have my word in all this, I'm concerned right? I... I'm his promised, but nothing is written in the stone.

- Yes, but ..

- Hush! Aiyanna put her fnger on Nino's mouth. I... I feel good with you Nino. I know you have nothing as a warrior, yet you comfort me. You have nothing as a knight yet I will follow you.

You know practically nothing about our traditions but I will learn yours. So, she added, laughing. You have nothing as a talkative, but I will get drunk with your modesty and your silent NINO - 91

behaviour. After a few kisses.

- Your soul appeases me permanently I feed on it without limit.

I do not feel this with Amarok. What's in you? An inner strength that forges my soul. Who calls me continuously. I do not have the power to read it message which it frustrates me somehow. Who are you exactly? I do not know, but I want to continue adventure with you Nino.

- I want it too, you are my fame, you are my light you are the life in me, you are the tenderness that I want to cherish for the rest of my life.

They looked at each other for a moment, she smiled, and embraced again. Tenderly, they were one. They wished this evening never ended.

- But, I do not want to run away, added Nino, decided. Here I feel good among you. So what are you going to say to Amarok?

- I... I do not know yet, I'll talk to father frst, then ..

Suddenly a cavalcade. It was Amarok arriving at a gallop.

Aiyanna did not have time to let go Nino and get up. Amarok had seen them entwined. His eyes on Nino, he jumped off the horse and strode toward him with a tomahawk in his hand.

Nino watched Aiyanna, he realized that the fght was inevitable.

He just had time to stand in a fghting position Aiyanna ran to AWAKENING - 92

Amarok to stop him.

- Amarok no! you cannot fght him, he's not armed and he's not a warrior, he ..

Amarok did not let Aiyanna fnish her sentence, he grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her on the side. She returned to Amarok but he had already punched the Nino's face which he had no idea of the fght and fell backwards. Aiyanna tried to stop him jumping on his back, but Amarok ejected her again from the front. She fell, her head in the sand.

Nino moved back into position, his nose bleeding. Amarok returned on him and tried a hit on the face with the handle of the tomahawk, which could dodge it. Immediately a kick followed, which he took on the fank, and then paralysed him.

So he bowed to soothe the pain, Amarok took a impulse and lifted his arm very high preparing the weapon, while Aiyanna shouted: - No Amarok! not that! You're gonna kill him!

He turned to Aiyanna and replied with clenched teeth of hatred: - That's my intention.

Meanwhile Kaya, Waban, and Yahto arrived, who ran to Amarok to avoid the worst.

- No! Amarok! Kaya shouted.

Yahto was now very close to Amarok. He jumped on him, but he NINO - 93

let himself to fall on Nino and with his weight, accentuated the hit. The neck of the tomahawk fnishes his path on the neck of Nino who had not yet recovered from the kick. He fell like a leaf with Amarok and Yahto on him.

Yahto immediately grabbed the Amarok's tomahawk, and with Waban took him by the arms and pushed him backward to avoid another hit. But Nino did not get up, he was inanimate on the ground.

- Noooonnnn! Aiyanna screamed as she ran towards Nino, Kaya watched the scene.

- I told you I'll kill him, here we go, Amarok exuded.

Aiyanna turned to Amarok.

- How can you be so cruel! He is not a warrior and you have took advantage from your strength to kill him. You disgust me, I will never marry you. I don't want to see you anymore Amarok.

- If you are not mine, you will not be for anyone. It's our law, you were promised to me by the Grand Chief Wakiza and you broke his commitment. From now, you will not be for anyone.

It's our law you have to accept it.

- It's your law Amarok! not the law of the clan. And then it was not up to you to take such decision. Wakiza is the supreme leader who can agree or refuse. And that scared you! that's why you intervened.

AWAKENING - 94

Then Aiyanna returned to Nino, still expressionless.

- Nino speak to me! Nino please, do not die! Nino! she begged, sobbing.

Wakiza arrived. He looked at Amarok, grabbed him by the arm frmly and said: - We will talk later about this with the committee. Go now!

And Amarok walked away with a mean little smile on the corner of his face.

- He's breathing! Kaya shouted.

- Yahto, Waban! take Nino delicately and bring him to the camp, we will take care of him, Wakiza ordered.

The man grabbed him and laid him down on a wooden stretcher attached to the Wakiza horse, who had foreseen this eventuality.

Wakiza summoned Amarok to the council of sachems, which had been kind enough towards him. He had ten days of community work and he had to stay alone in a shed, to meditate on his behaviour.

Nino was laid down in his tipi with a big bandage around the head, herbs and leaves gathered around the camp, and incense to hunt evil spirits. But he was still unconscious, Aiyanna stayed NINO - 95

at his bedside all day changing his bandage regularly.

She spoke to him while he seemed asleep. After four days of coma, Wakiza decided to transport Nino to Jonquière hospital, because although he was breathing, he was not feeding, so his life could really be in danger. Wakiza took Nino with his 4x4, he went with Aiyanna, Kaya and Yahto. The Jonquière - Saguenay Hospital was at about two hours away.

AWAKENING - 96

OFFENSE - When you do not know where you are going, remember where you come from, African Proverb.

NINO - 97

Nino was taken to the resuscitation room for emergency frst aid.

- It's too early to say something, Wakiza, said Dr. Humbert who knew very well all members of the camp. He's still in a coma.

How did this happen?

- Hard to say... a bickering with a clan member has degenerated, and... he hit something falling, replied Wakiza.

Aiyanna wanted to interrupt him but Wakiza added: - We gave him care for four days, but nothing changed.

- Hum! I see. We have to wait. I... I suggest you go home Wakiza and I'll keep you posted asap.

- Sounds good Doctor.

As the group headed in direction of the 4x4, Wakiza made some provisions and as he's walking past a pub, something alerted him. The photo of Nino was showing in the news. A man on the screen was interviewed. Wakiza got inside.

The man said that Nino was wanted for stealing pistol and several precious jewels. His uncle showed the photos of the stolen objects. Since then the teenager was considered a dangerous person and he has to be arrested.

Wakiza came out of the pub completely decomposed in his face.

He was walking slowly towards the car, sat in the driver's seat.

AWAKENING - 98

- Rake:ni, are we going to tell his uncle that Nino is in the emergency room? Kaya questioned.

He did not answer.

- (Something serious has happened Rake:ni? Asked Aiyanna.

Something is wrong, right?)

He started the 4x4 engine and left the parking.

- (Rake:ni please speak to us, your vibrations are low, what is happening to you? She insisted.)

The traffc light turned red, Wakiza stopped. The clan was waiting. Then he fnally begins: - (Did I tell you, I did not want to deal with people different from our culture, do you remember that Aiyanna?)

- (Yes Rake:ni, but why do you say that, are you referring to Nino?)

- (Who else then!)

- (I do not understand Rake:ni, it's not Nino's fault what happened, but from Amarok to ...)

- (Amarok was right, said Wakiza.)

- (What! what are you saying Rake:ni. Nobody understands Nino because he's different and you know that ..)

- (No, he's NOT, he said, raising his voice, he's not Aiyanna.

You... you made a mistake, that's all.)

- (Why do you suddenly say that Rake:ni, added Kaya worried.)

- (It's not possible Rake:ni, his soul cannot deceive me, outbid NINO - 99

Aiyanna.)

- (You're wrong... his soul is ordinary, Wakiza argued.)

- (Rake:ni! are you talking about what's happened? And what did Nino do wrong? He followed your plan perfectly You cannot blame him, said Aiyanna.)

- (Be quiet Aiyanna, and listen. He's an imposter, he was just looking for shelter. That's why he was on those mountains. The police and his uncle were looking for him, for... jewelry theft... and gun theft. Gun! Do you understand fnally! that's what your Nino is. A liar and an imposter.)

- (What ! It's... it's ridiculous, it's his uncle the liar. Nino is not a thief. Oh! no! he is not, she said, gazing at her father fxedly.)

- (His uncle has a proof Aiyanna, Amarok was sceptical about him. I sentenced him to ten days' detention for nothing. Now I do not want to hear his name anymore in my camp. It is understood?)

- (Where did you get this information Rake:ni where? She questioned.)

- (While walking towards the car, I made some provisions in town. Lucky I was when I walked near a pub. This thief was passing on the news on tv. His Uncle was interviewed. He was showing up on pictures, the pistol and the jewels stolen.)

- (No, no, I do not want to hear such nonsense anymore... It's a nightmare, that's enough! what happens to you father you say...

AWAKENING - 100

you say stupid things that's nonsense to me, do you hear me, now! Aiyanna lost her control.)

- (Do NOT talk to me like that Aiyanna. You... you're in love... how can you be objective?)

Aiyanna takes the advantage of the traffc light was red to get out of the car and escape.

- Yahto! stay with her. We return to the camp, I send you Waban with a car, go now!

- Ok Wakiza.

And he executed.

They walked one behind the other along the shore.

- Go away Yahto! Aiyanna shouted. Leave me alone, I do not need to be watched as a baby.

- I'm sorry, It's an order Aiyanna.

- Grr! orders I don't really care! leave me alone.

The people she crossed by, turned to look at a Native screaming and crying. They looked at each other and whispered as she was condemn. Aiyanna knew their thoughts and systematically she returned to them a funny face.

She did not understand what was happening to her, she felt hurt. This story had reaches her heart deep down. Her love for Nino was now hard affected. Yahto contented to follow her.

NINO - 101

"How is it possible that I am mistaken?", she thought over and over again.

She sat down on a bench beside the river, so at night she fell asleep. Yahto sat down next to her on the ground. Meanwhile Waban had joined them, he took out a blanket that he gently placed on Aiyanna's body, then he went back to sleep in the car.

At dawn Aiyanna saw Yahto at her feet and Waban in the car, asleep. With the lightness of a cat, she got up and without making a sound, went away. But Yahto was sleeping only with one eye, and when she was far enough, he ran quickly to wake Waban up. They followed her at a distance. Aiyanna soon saw them and suddenly she had an idea. She moved in the middle of the road. Waban stopped in front of her, Yahto opened the back door, which she got in the car: - Ok guys, you're not going to let me go, are you?

- You know that Aiyanna is an order from Wakiza, said Waban.

- Ok, ok. So give me a favour.

- A favour! What kind of favour do you want Aiyanna? he said in a surprised manner.

- Let's go back to the hospital, I have to see Nino.

- What! Are you serious! we cannot. Wakiza formally gave it to us, we are not allowed.

AWAKENING - 102

- Come on! be nice, I must know. I have to question his soul.

Please! we will go to the camp right after. Promised!

Waban did not know what to say.

- Ok Aiyanna. But no more than ffteen minutes, he required.

- Ok chief, she approved by a military salute.

They went in Nino's room, close his bed. But this one was empty, no more clothes, no more trace of him. Aiyanna did not understand.

- What... what! But... but where is he? She stammered and grabbed a nurse who passed in the central alley. Please where... where did you move Nino?

- Excuse me ma'am! who are you talking about?

- Nino! the young man who arrived last night... where is he?

- Sorry! I do not know who you are talking about. Rather go ask the reception... I have to go. I have a patient waiting for me, signalling to her that she was holding her by the sleeve of her blouse.

Aiyanna thought for a moment and then let go.

- Oh! sorry!

The nurse left but she did not appreciate the way Aiyanna had restrained in the hallway.

- So what? Waban asked.

- Let's go down to the reception. He may have been transferred NINO - 103

to another room.

At the reception: - Excuse me ma'am. She said to the receptionist by interrupting her. Can you tell me in which room you transferred the patient who was in room one hundred forty-three yesterday?

- What is name please?

- Nino... Nino Spina.

- Hold on, please.

She read on her screen a note which it said: "If someone would like to have information about the patient Nino Spina, call me", signed Dr. Humbert. That's what she did immediately. Then answered Aiyanna: - I have no information about him. But Dr. Humbert is aware of your visit, he will come shortly to explain to you guys what's going on. Please can you take a seat in the waiting room on your right, down the hall, thanks.

The troop went there.

- It's incredible that nobody wants to tell us what's going on with Nino, exclaimed Aiyanna.

After almost an hour, Dr. Humbert joined the group.

- Hello Hello. I... I'm so sorry for making you wait so long. I've had some problems at the post-operative.

AWAKENING - 104

- It does not matter Doctor, I understand. So, how is Nino doing and where is he?

The doctor did not answer right away.

- Well, uh! It's... a little tricky.

- No! no! he... he died of his wounds. That's correct Doctor?

Supposed Aiyanna in panic.

He did not answer.

- Doctor! Aiyanna insisted. Is he dead? Has he been transported to the morgue?

- Well I cannot answer you Aiyanna, he added.

- But! what do you mean! You... you have something to tell us?

I... I am probably too young and you do not want to hurt me?

So, tell the story to Waban, he'll turn thirty fve years old soon.

Waban slapped Aiyanna's shoulder as a sign of inappropriate information.

- No... no... that's not the point! he went on.

- What's that Doctor? Aiyanna was getting impatient.

- Well! It's the truth, I told you Aiyanna. I do not know if he is alive. Because ..

- Because!

- Because... he was transferred this morning... to a military hospital.

- What! a military hospital! But... but for which reason?

NINO - 105

- Aiyanna! Did you know this guy well?

- Yes! He... he had been with us at the camp for several months.

Why? - Information about him came to us, saying that... this Nino, he's a... criminal wanted for several weeks. We did not know it, but... even though we knew it, our frst mission, it's to treat the wounded without judgement or opinion.

It is when they are out of danger that we warn the police department. This was already happened in the past.

- So what! you just said he may not have been healed. So why did you called the police, then? Aiyanna wondered.

- Oh! It was not a member of our service who called the police.

Orders are formal. Here nobody derogate... no. No! it was someone else who talked with the police and disclosed his identity.

- What! but who would have done that? His uncle?

Suddenly a nurse arrived in the waiting room.

- Dr. Humbert! Someone needs you at room ffty-nine.

As he was about to leave: - Wait! Doctor, who... who did that? Aiyanna insisted.

- Uh! I do not know. You... you will have to fgure it out by your own Aiyanna. I... I'm sorry. It's all I can say to you guys. I have to go now.

AWAKENING - 106

Aiyanna remained speechless. She sat down for a moment, collapsed.

- I... I will never know the truth. He... he's gone. I will never know.

Waban put his hand on her shoulder to remind her that the ffteen minutes were long gone. She followed them evasively to the car.

She went straight into her teepee without talking or seeing anyone. She stayed in bed until evening, without even eating. At the end of the day Wakiza entered in her teepee and he went to sit next to her. As he stroked her long hair: - I'm sorry Aiyanna, but it's better that way.

Father! You speak for yourself, while she was talking Amarok entered. He was released earlier.

- Who is he? what are you doing here, get out of my tipi, Aiyanna shouted.

- Aiyanna! please, said Wakiza.

- It's all his fault father, I'm telling you, all his fault, Aiyanna added.

- Do not say that Aiyanna. Things always happen as they should be. We can't go against that Aiyanna, so Ataensic decided it. For my part. I have reviewed my position on this point. And if you think you right, if you do not doubt him. So he will come back NINO - 107

with his head up and he will explain his actions to the council.

Amarok stepped forward and exclaimed.

- But he will not come back.

Aiyanna stared at him and replied: - How are you sure Amarok, how do you know? Ah! I know now, it might be because you talked to the police and it's the reason why he was transferred to a military hospital.

Wakiza did not understand anything anymore.

- What! he is no longer at the Jonquière hospital?

- No Rake:ni... someone gave him out to the police.

- Hum! how do you know? said Wakiza.

- I went back Rake:ni. I... I had to talk to his soul in order to bring out the truth about this fake thief. The soul does not lie.... its vibrations are sincere. It would have been easy for me to have the answer to this stupid thief question. Amarok knew it, that's why he called the police. Right Amarok?

He did not answer. He stared into her eyes. Aiyanna did not lower them this time. Then he went out. Wakiza had his idea, but he said nothing. For him the problem was closed, the life will return to its heart, the wounds will heal again and then the time will make the rest.

Meanwhile, the uncle sent a letter to Nino's father to tell him the news and the thefts committed by his son. He also said he AWAKENING - 108

had been captured and will be tried soon. His father smiled when he read the letter. He knew that his son was capable of it.

He returned a letter saying: - Thank you for informing me about that, Alonso. I'm sorry for what he stole from you. Do not hesitate to testify against him during the judgement. He will have what he deserves. Signed your beloved brother.

In a military hospital in Kansas (US), Nino regained consciousness after ten days of coma. Leaning on his bed, he discerned two soldiers. Chief Sergeant William and the Corporal Abbott.

- Boy, we thought you lost you forever, but I must admit that you're stronger that you do seem, said the sergeant.

This made Corporal Abbott laugh. Nino scratched his head. The pain was still present.

- Where am I? - Oh! that's a big question. You're in a military hospital, buddy.

- What... what happened? Where... where is Aiyanna?

- Aiyanna! there is no Aiyanna here... only soldiers, nurses and doctors.

Nino tried to get up and shouted: - Aiyanna! Aiyanna!

NINO - 109

But the corporal stopped him. The chief added: - Stay lying down, Buddy, you really need it. Serious meetings are waiting for you.

- Meetings? But with who?

- Inspector Godefroy is on his way to ask you about the crime you've committed.

- Crime! what crime! I did not commit any offences!

- Hum! maybe you should never have woken up. You do not seem to know what it's waiting for you.

It made Corporal Abbott laugh heartily.

- It's a joke, right? Nino replied.

- Oh! Wait a minute, when I had the inspector Godefroy on the phone he wasn't in a good mood!

Well, here he comes. We will go to the lobby while he interrogates you. See you later, buddy.

The offcer was accompanied by the Lawyer Miss Turnills.

- Did he speak? The offcer asked to the soldier chief.

- No, he didn't. He... he says he has not committed any offences.

- Hum! Yes of course. It's the classic answer, ok thank you.

They sat down opposite to him. Nino just stared at them as he's waiting to know what's going to happened. The offcer engaged the conversation: - Hello Nino, I am inspector Godefroy and here is Lawyer Miss AWAKENING - 110

Turnills, in charge of your concern. She will represent you in your judgement.

- Judgement!

- Yes, I'm sorry but the facts shows that you are guilty of robbery.

- Guilty!

The two protagonists knew that Nino was playing very well.

Miss Turnills approached him and added: - Nino... Nino. You could reduce your journey if you told us where did you hide what you have stole from your uncle?

- To my uncle! Nino stood up abruptly the pain resumed again.

Ouch! I have... I have headache. Can you please call the nurse?

- Nino! we will help you but answer my question frst.

- I have nothing to say. I... I do not know what you're talking about. I did not steal anything... to nobody.

- That's not what your uncle says, said Miss Turnills.

- My uncle does not love me. Like my father. That's why. Please I have a headache.

- Ok, please, inspector, can you call the nurse?

- Yes, you betcha.

- Ok! Nino! you'll soon have a calming, now listen. Why would you think your uncle tells this kind of story? What purpose?

NINO - 111

- I do not know, it's ridiculous I never stole anything. It's a crazy story where is Aiyanna? she knows me, she knows that I'm not lying.

- I'm sorry, I do not know that person. But I will just wish to make you understand Nino that your uncle had no reason to lie so ..

- But... but what am I supposed to have stolen? I... I do not even know it's what about!

The nurse arrived and said: - Please. Do not tire him too much he is aware that for a few minutes, be brief. Hold on! take this. She gave Nino a sedative and the offcer continued: - Nino. You stole precious jewels and especially a pistol.

- Pistol!

- A 44 magnum, added the offcer.

- A what! but it's a joke? Nino lost his control and began to cry. I want to go home, it's a nightmare where I'm here?

The nurse asked to the offcer to let him rest.

- Please guys, come back tomorrow but for today that's enough.

- Ok Nino, you're smarter than we thought. We'll be here tomorrow, said the offcer.

- I'm not smart, I do not know what you're talking about, he sobbed.

AWAKENING - 112

- Please! Get out! insisted the nurse.

- Okay! okay! while walking towards the exit. See you tomorrow Nino, and think, the night is an asset. We just want to know the truth.

- It's the TRUTH! he exclaimed. It's the truth. He whispered while crying. The soldiers returned to the service when the offcer and the lawyer left.

- Buddy, said the chef. We stay in the lobby if you need something just call us.

- I do not need anything, I want to get out of here. I have NOTHING to do here, nothing, nothing, and he stretched sobbing.

Very tied, a few moments later, he fell asleep. His night was restless, memories of Aiyanna came to mind, his kisses, his fght with Amarok and his tomahawk shot, the horse, the river.

At seven in the morning the soldiers arrived.

- So Buddy! How are you feeling today? asked the chief.

Nino jumped when he regained consciousness of where he was.

- Huh! what! yes, he stammered.

- Well! the memory has come back to you, then?

- I never lost my memory.

- Okay! but your uncle has brought a complaint against you.

NINO - 113

Which means that if you do not resubstitute his objects you will go to a correctional home for teenagers... you're not major, are you?

- Nino is going to celebrate his eighteen years at the end of the year, and it's close, replied Miss Turnills when entering the room. If Nino is convicted it is the prison that awaits him.

Nino's face's deteriorated.

- You're much better to tell us where did you hide the pistol and jewels, replied Me Turnills.

- I do not know, I already told you. I do not know, do you understand? he shouted.

- Nino! Nino calm down! you will not have the choice during the trial. I could help you, but I need more information.

- I ran away from my uncle's house. I did not take anything with me except for a few fruits and slices of bread. Will you accuse me for that?

- I can't believe, he continues, replied the offcer.

- Very good Nino. You do not help us much. We will then see you at the trial in ten days. Here... here is my card. If you want to tell us something about what you know then please call me. I could help. Remember that Nino, argued Me Turnills.

- I... I have nothing to add... nothing.

- Ok Nino, it's your choice, let's go! said the offcer.

AWAKENING - 114

The week passed by, Nino didn't know what to do. 'I've never stole anything to my uncle, why I have to lie and say I've stole all his stuffs. Doesn't make sense', he thought. 'But on the other hand, I don't want to go in jail'.

At the end of the week Nino asked for a phone to the soldiers in order to contact Me Turnills. As soon as he received the phone he called her right away.

- Ok, Nino do you have something to tell us, asked the lawyer.

- Yes Madam. I... I remember.

- Do you remember where did you hide the objects?

- Yes I do, he murmured.

- Very good Nino, added the offcer. Where are they?

- I do not know exactly the name of the location... but I know how to go. It's towards the lake St Jean in Canada.

- Lake St Jean! in the Quebec region?

- Yes. With satisfaction, the lawyer and the offcer smiled.

- Right on, Nino, that's much better. We have exactly fve days left before the trial. So, we have time. I need the doctor's agreement and we will plan the trip. What do you think?

- Good Madam.

The handcuffs were removed from Nino on the plane. So Mr. NINO - 115

Turnills sat next to him, the soldiers on the seats just back and the offcer alone in the front. The plane took off from Kansas City Airport. A little later, Mr. Turnills initiated the conversation.

- Nino, you said that your father and your uncle do not like you a lot, do you?

- Yes, especially my father. My uncle must have received instructions.

- Do you have an idea why?

- I think he had surrealistic hopes.

- Oh! what for example?

- He wanted... without doubt that I am an international soccer player. A doctor or a architect.

- Nino! there is no harm in that.

- Well no! but I could not realize one of his wishes, despite myself. It's not a reason to ignore his child.

- Of course not. But why are you saying in spite of yourself? Did not you have a choice?

- Not really, no. I... I am asthmatic enough chronic. I have big pain sometimes unpredictable, so sport was not for me.

- Ok, I'm sorry to hear that. And the studies! was it better?

- Not really. As you have noticed I stutter a lot. And the mockery of my classmates did not allow me to concentrate.

- But it's cruel! and your teacher! didn't he say anything to stop that?

AWAKENING - 116

Nino smiled and added: - He's the one who triggered all this. That's why I locked myself on me.

- What! But... it's flthy, what is such a person's doing in teaching, without pedagogy or tolerance?

- That's what I thought me too.

- And your parents, did they intervene?

- They never knew. My father was too worried about his job and my mother had enough with us. I did not want to overload her with mockery and bad marks.

- Well, I'm sorry. It's past now, we must forget and turn the page.

How come that you are at your uncle's house?

- At the death of our mother, my father was no longer able to raise us, so he had a good idea to separate us, my sister in Italy and me in Canada.

- Why do you say a good idea?

- Sorry, I make sarcastic humour as my sister says.

The hostess announced the imminent landing on Montreal.

- I see. What happened to your uncle for you to go?

- For the same reason. My cousins were making fun of me and my uncle was giving me lots of housework to do. I could not stand it anymore. I ran away.

- Ok I see. But I still have an important question for you.

Nino knew deep inside him that a question about the theft was NINO - 117

going to come soon or later, during the trip.

- Why did you steal the jewels and a pistol?

Turnills looked Nino straight in the eye. Nino lowered his head but did not answer.

- Why Nino, tell me now?

The soldiers and the commissary watched from afar Nino, in order to hear his answer, and he replied: - To avenge myself for his bad attitude towards me.

A few minutes later.

- We arrived Nino. We have to handcuff you for the sake of security.

A few kilometres from Lake St Jean.

- So, Nino, what's the direction? Asked the offcer.

- We have to go to Alma.

- Alma, ok let's go.

- To the centre now.

- How do you know this place? Enquired Miss Turnills.

- At frst, my uncle was not too bad with me. He was taking us out. The car passed in front of a supermarket.

- Here. It's close to here. Can we stop for a minute in the bathroom, it's urgent, Nino asked.

- Ok, inspector, can you accompany him? Asked the lawyer.

- Yes, of course.

AWAKENING - 118

They reached the supermarket, handcuffed, and they went to the bathroom.

- Inspector, the toilets are downstairs, said Nino while showing him his handcuffed hands.

The offcer hesitated a few seconds.

- There are no issues down there, added Nino.

But the offcer was not convinced.

- I'll check frst.

He glanced quickly and he just saw a small barrier window in the wall but near the ceiling at the back of the room.

- I'll stay at the top of the stairs. I give you fve minutes, no more, he said while he's taking off the handcuffs.

- It's enough.

The last person exits the toilet, quickly Nino took the little chair close the sinks and placed it under the window that face to the backyard. Nino had once seen an elderly man passed a big box of food through this window. Indeed, one of the bars was just laid. He jumped to have more power and hit hard with the palm of his hand. The bar of the window has ceded. Now, he tried several times to pull himself through, but he missed a few inches. Now, he was starting to panic. The offcer was impatient watching his return, the fve minutes had already passed.

- It's time to come back, he said.

NINO - 119

- I'm almost done, one more minute please, he yelled in order to reassure the offcer.

Nino tried and tried again. Finally, his hands and head passed almost between the bars. He lacked a little strength to pull himself up completely. Exhausted, he remained suspended.

Grief invaded him again and he begged: - Please God help me. Please God help me! Come on! I... I do not want to go in prison... please.

He pulled hard on his elbows, but he could not through.

- Ok Nino, it's over, come back now.

Out of breath he could not answer. The offcer suspected something, he took the stairs and yelled.

- Nino! Nino!

Out of nowhere two hands outside the building grabbed Nino's wist. He could not see who was holding them, but he let himself be caught and fnally pulled him out hips. The offcer perceived Nino at the window, only his legs remained Inside, he jumped on the little he could and grabbed Nino's right foot.

- Ha! bastard, you were trying to run away from us, he said, while he is pulling him back to inside the toilet.

- Ha! he caught my foot! he caught my foot! I'm screwed up, Nino shouted in panic.

The person outside suggested to him: AWAKENING - 120

- Don't let yourself be impressed kid. You are almost all out.

Send him your other foot in his face and you'll be free. Nino executed and he hit the offcer right in the nose, which let go.

Only the Nino's shoe remained in the inspector's hand.

Frustrated, the offcer tossed his shoe outside through the bars.

Nino realized that his saviour was a homeless man.

- It's about not hanging out in the corner kid.

They fed to crossroads. The offcer, a handkerchief in his nose, joined the others in the car.

- He ran away from the back. Let's go quickly, you guys this way.

But Nino was no longer there.

- Where did he go this little bastard! he wondered.

- What happened to you inspector? asked Mr. Turnills.

- He kicked me in the nose by coming out of this little mouse hole. You see, here. Someone outside helped him. He had premeditated his evasion this ass hole.

- Oh my God! I began to believe in his innocence, said Turnills.

I felt a certain empathy I admit it. Like what, the natural is always coming back.

- We must alert the Canadian police, We... we have no choice.

- Ok inspector, I'll take care of it, said one of the soldiers.

- Thanks.

NINO - 121

- Do not stop kid, I'll help you.

- Thank you sir.

- George, call me Georges, and you?

- Nino.

They were approaching a sewer exit on the edge of a canal.

- Come here, Nino, go in there, in there.

Nino watched the tunnel which was getting into the darkness, and not very reassured, he replied: - Here! In there?

- Yes, here!

- No! I... I cannot.

- Don't be afraid kid, do you think you have the choice? Do you hear the sirens of police? What do you prefer?

Nino stared at him, who was not very old, but rather wrinkled by alcohol and cigarettes. He had a long beard pepper and salt all ruffed, acne holes in the cheeks and few teeth in front. His azure blue eyes were red on the extremities, due to the alcohol.

- So! What are you doing kid?

- Ok, Nino replied.

He took his courage and with suspicion, entered frst, George followed him.

It was getting darker and darker as they're getting all way down.

At the very end of the long tunnel, was a ladder that gave access AWAKENING - 122

to another basement.

- Get down! George told him.

Nino hesitated.

- Get down! trust me.

He took the ladder. It was really dark and cold. No light, some runoff nauseating water fowed down below. The further he went, the more he heard noise, agitation, as if people were talking. but Nino continued. Now his eyes got used to the darkness. At the bottom, it was a new tunnel of about one hundred and ffty feet long and twelve feet wide. Some makeshift candles served as lamps. This smell was unbearable, the water stagnated. Some rats fed to their passage. Nino's scared.

- Go ahead son, small creature doesn't eat big ones.

They crossed the tunnel and arrived at a kind of cave. They were not alone. Several homeless were there.

Meanwhile, Canadian police arrived at the spot. The offcer went to the sergeant's police car with his cotton in the nose.

- Hi inspector, I'm sorry what happened to you.

- Thanks sergeant. I'm fne now.

- Did you see the guy who helped him from outside? The sergeant asked.

- No, no, replied the inspector.

NINO - 123

- Do you have a track or information that you could collect during the trip?

- Not really.

- Ok, let's go to headquarters. I may have some tips that will help you.

- So Georges, what are you bringing us here, a little man? Elisa said, a old lady.

- Yeah, he was being chased by the police, George replied.

- Crap! what did you do badly, astie!

- Nothing, Madam.

- Hey sacrament! I'm Elisa.

- I'm being blamed for stealing a pistol and jewels when I lived at my uncle's home. But I do not know what they're talking about, they want to put me in jail.

- Tabarnak, it's no good! Someone gave you out, said Elisa.

- You have an accent, where do you come from, buddy? asked Franรงois about sixty, bald with a huge gray beard.

- I come from France, but I lived at my uncle's house in Saguenay, near Lake St Jean.

- What did he say, tabarnak. I can't understand, said Jim a man in the quarantine with big thick glasses.

- He says he comes from France ciboire. Open your ears! said Elisa.

AWAKENING - 124

- Wah! Really! you come from France? reiterated Jim. - Listen kid, said Georges. Do you want to stay with us? There is room over here, and no one will fnd you.

- It's very kind, thank you. But I would like to join my friends in Dolbeau-Mistassini.

- You see Georges? The young man already wants to leave us, said Francois.

- I... I know someone who has a car. He could do a lift for you, said George.

- Hey boy! Do you have a blonde waiting for you, up there? asked Hubert, a young man with long Blond hair.

- Stop question, give him a break Hubert, crisse, said Francois.

- Ben! tabarouette I'm just kidding, exclaimed Hubert.

- Hey George, who do you say has a car? asked Elisa.

- Arthur's son who is running after easy girls, he replied.

- Oh Boy! Astie! it's not a car... it's a wheel barrel, ah! ah! added Elisa.

Everyone laughed, except Nino who did not really understand this language.

- We don't care! it will do the job the same. Don't listen to them kid, we go back to the ground by an other side. Make sure to not being catch.

- Anyway, I did not understand anything, Nino replied.

Everyone laughed again.

NINO - 125

- Okay Nino next time someone gets you upset, you just reply, 'I don't care tabarnak', ok!

All laughed.

- Ok thank you, well... where are we going?

- We're going to Arthur's house. We are going to talk about his son, said Georges.

- Hey Hubert! are you going with them? asked Germaine, a young discoloured girl dishevelled, sipping a beer.

- Fine, whatever I'm going to stir up there! he replied.

- Come on, crisse! get out of here, George added.

- Ok see you Nino and good luck, said Eliza.

And to make sure he perfectly understand she added: - Come to visit us from time to time.

- Tabarouette, do you want him in trouble, toĂŠ? replied Hubert.

- Do not stick to me like a bitterness. Are you cabochon astie? said Eliza.

- Fine, We cannot have ears that slap you in the face over here, said Hubert.

- Fuck you man, she replied.

Everyone laughed hardly.

- Thank you Eliza, said Nino with a little smile.

- Welcome sweaty.

AWAKENING - 126

GUILTY - The look at the innocence of the soul that it refects, Ameline.

NINO - 127

They left the tunnel and went up a driveway that led to the other side of the shore. After few minutes at walking distance, George knocked on the door of Arthur's apartment, at the twelfth foor of a building.

- Hey! George! what are you doing here? Come on in, said Arthur who was a great slim face with a thin moustache and a laughing look.

- Thanks Art. Here he's Nino.

- Hi Nino. Come on in.

- Thank you.

- How is your son doing? George asked, just not to hang out.

- Willy! he's okay... always complicated with girls, You know! Ah! Ah!... so... you guys stay for having dinner?

- Well, we'd love to Art. - Ok Guys! sit down at the table I was making burgers and fries.

While eating.

- What can Willy do for you guys? Arthur asked.

- For me! nothing Art. It's for Nino. He would like to visit his friends in Dolbeau-Mistassini.

- Oh, I see! he needs a lift.

- Correct.

- Okay, let's see. Willy! Willy! exclaimed Arthur. Hum! he must be still in his bed. Then he stood up and shouted at the room's direction.

AWAKENING - 128

- WILLY! sacrament! you still have the pillow stamped in the face or what!

Upstairs the door of his room opened.

- What's up? Willy replied.

- Come down here, said his father.

Willy executed.

- Here! it's Nino, he needs a lift. Can you drop him to Dolbeau?

- When?

- It's urgent, said Arthur. Can you drive him after dinner?

- Actually Dad, I'm pretty busy.

- Yeah! Yeah! I don't freaking care, astie. ToĂŠ! you're pretty busy with pony girls. Crisse! let her cool down a little, and take a break. Okay!

- But... Dad! - She's fat enough, she can wait. You get that! in thirty minutes they will be ready, so don't piss me off and hang out, ok!

- Fine! replied Willy not very happy.

- That's it. Go take a shower, it sticks around you.

They fnished their dinner quietly, thanked Arthur, and headed for the car. Nino turned to George.

- Without your help, I would have been in serious trouble.

Thanks again.

George hugged him and replied: NINO - 129

- You're very welcome Kid. And I don't think you stole anything.

I hope that where you go, you will fnd the solution to your problems.

Then they went of to Dolbeau-Mistassini in an old Chevrolet Corsica seventy-nine, burgundy and quite rusty. The seats were pierced, due to the ashes of cigarettes. The windshield was extremely dirty, they barely could not see outside. This car was a hell of noise, its exhaust was melted at its very end.

At the headquarters, the American contingent met the chief, Captain Frank Nelson.

- Hang on! we must go back in history and see the information that we got, explained inspector Godefroy.

- That's right, said the Lawyer Miss Turnills. How did Nino get to the hospital?

- Well, yes, we were alerted by a First Nation guy, replied the inspector.

- Captain, how many First Nation camps are there in your constituency? Asked Me. Turnills.

- Wait a minute, I'm going to consult my agents, the captain picked up the phone and spoke with one of them.

- There are about ten camps, they tell me. Three to the north, fve to the south, three to the west and four to the east.

AWAKENING - 130

- Ok, we have to spray us and visit all the camps, said the inspector Godefroy.

- Do you have any agent available Captain? Asked Me Turnills.

- Yes, I can assign you four agents with four cars for your mission, they know the communities very well. Also we got the green light, by the Aboriginal police offcers, in order to act on their territory in accordance with the laws and provincial regulations.

- Okay, so there's no time to lose, said Miss Turnills.

After having visited some of them unsuccessfully, the offcer's contingent arrived at the camp of Dolbeau-Mistassini. They parked a few steps away, and headed to the frst teepee in front of the entrance, Nino's photo in his hand the offcer questioned the frst Amerindian they met.

- Hello, we would like to talk with your chief. In which tipi could we fnd him?

- Go straight to the south, its tipi is red and yellow you will recognize it.

- OK thanks a lot.

As they’re walking their way to the tent, the inspector telephoned to Me Turnills.

- Hello Me Turnills... some good news?

- Unfortunately nothing good so far, she replied. We are now NINO - 131

moving towards the camp of StadaconĂŠ. This is the last one in our sector, do you have any news from others?

- Yes, same thing. They did not fnd anything. We are also at the last camp of the sector, that the camp of Mistassini. We are about to discuss with the chief, I'll let you know Me Turnills, see you later.

- Ok sounds good inspector, see you later.

Wakiza and Aiyanna came out of the tepee when suddenly the police offcers surprised them. They looked at each other and then walked towards them. By far Amarok was watching.

- Hello, said Wakiza. What brings you over here gentleman?

- Hi, replied the inspector. You are the chief, right?

- Wakiza in person in front of you. How can I help you?

The inspector showed Nino's picture and said: - Him. We want to know if you know this guy?

Wakiza turned to Aiyanna who, in order to avoid showing any emotion she lowered to redo her shoelace. The offcer looked at her surprisingly but Wakiza went on immediately.

- No. We... we have never seen him. But... what did he do?

After a moment of refection watching Aiyanna who was slow to get back up, he added: - You do not read the newspapers? TV also talks about him in the news.

AWAKENING - 132

- Oh! we avoid these kinds of media they do not refect reality.

The killings, massacres, rapes and others bad news have always existed since the beginning of world. This did not never prevented humanity to deal with it. You know today, people needs discernment and awakening.

- Hum! I understand. Anyway. We have a good reason to believe that Nino Spina is a dangerous person. And ..

- Has he committed murder or crime? replied Wakiza without giving him time to fnish his sentence.

- No! not to our knowledge. But that could be. We are not sure.

That said, he is armed. We captured him and he slipped through our fngers at Alma.

- Why are you looking for this person here in our camp?

- A member of your community gave us his identity. But we didn't bother to write down his name, it's a mistake I admit it.

Today we are convinced that Nino will try to take over contact with you guys.

- For what purpose, according to you?

- There is an obvious reason. He holds a pistol. This could be for money, drugs or any revenge. We are here to prevent that.

Aiyanna fnally stands up. Wakiza looked as her and before she starts talking, Wakiza continued: - We can help you. Leave... leave us a picture of him if you wish.

NINO - 133

I will circulate it around our community member.

- Do you mean you do not know him? The inspector asked again.

Wakiza hesitated a few seconds.

- No... no we don't know him. But, we will investigate for you. Is that suits you? Wakiza was trying to end the discussion with a closed question.

- Yes! of course, replied the inspector as he gave Wakiza a reproduction of the Nino's picture. And added: - Thank you very much for your help, he said.

- Oh! No worries, you're very welcome, replied Wakiza.

Then they took the path to the direction of the tipi, but the inspector was not convinced.

- Wait!

Wakiza and Aiyanna stopped walking without looking back. The inspector approached to them.

- Miss.

Aiyanna did not move.

- Miss! Please.

Which she turned around.

- Do you know Nino Spina?

Wakiza approached to tell him.

- We already said to you ..

But the offcer interrupted him.

AWAKENING - 134

- Please, I'm talking to her.

He watched her again and.

- Have you heard my question Miss?

- Yes, she nodded.

- Then I ask you again and I expect a clear answer. Do you know Nino. Nino Spina?

The inspector looked Aiyanna straight in her eyes, Aiyanna was hypnotized, a few seconds goes by.

- Miss, I insist... do you know him?

A few tears began to fow down her cheeks. She could not answer that question. It was too intense, too much emotion deep down in her heart. Aiyanna turned around and ran off into her tipi, Wakiza called Aiyanna, but she didn't answer.

- I had felt it, he said with satisfaction.

Then he went off for two minutes to call Me Turnills.

- Hi, she replied.

- We're going to catch him. Join me at the camp of DolbeauMistassini.

- Ok, we're coming right now.

- I'm gonna call the other troops, added the inspector.

As he hung up the phone, he went back to Wakiza and said: - Now I'm sure you'll help us, won't you?

Wakiza looked at him and blinked his eyes as he approved.

NINO - 135

Nino in the car with Willy during the trip to the camp, Willy asked some question to Nino in order to know a little bit better him.

- You got a blonde waiting for you at Mistassini? Willy asked him.

- I don't know if she's waiting for me. With all the bad things that it has been said about me.

- Man! forget that! you waste your time, there are girls in all the streets, Go away from problems man. Listen man! life goes too fast astie! you just got her and get rid of her immediately. It's life man! You see, listen Buddy, I'm at my father's house, I don't work at all and I'm under the social. I just go ahead fnd some nice freaking girls for my day and that's it that's all.

- But I love her. She... she is my guardian angel, she has an incredible look that fascinates me. I love listen her when she talk to me.

- Hey man! Wake up they all talk. Listen, when she annoys me and she pissed me of I left with no warning and I go to fnd a date over and over again, man.

- I don't understand everything you say. But I could see her walking for hours without getting tired. Her love is the light in my heart. Her body smells like mimosa favour. Her skin has the sweetness of bread and her lips taste like honey.

- Tabarouette! Are you kidding me! You're driving me crazy AWAKENING - 136

man! Crisse! forget it!

After two-hour drive, they arrived at the Mistassini camp. Nino thanked Willy for his help and good times with him.

He was very nervous and excited to see Aiyanna again. He entered in the camp, everything seemed calm and peaceful, he said hello to those he knew and go quietly to Aiyanna's tipi when suddenly Kaya, who had a lot of affection for him, arises from nowhere.

- Nino! Please don't go over there, leave immediately!

- Hey! Kaya! I am... I am very happy to see you again.

- Get away! Nino you are in danger over here.

- But what's wrong Kaya, what's going on?

- The police are here. They are waiting for you to capture you.

- But... but how... how did they know?

- Amarok. Amarok denounced you when you were... unconscious at the hospital.

- What! But... denounced me for what?

- Leave! I beg you, go! you have no chance to see her again.

- I can't Kaya, I didn't do anything! everything is false! I... I must tell her the truth!

- I believe you Nino, said Kaya. But you won't have time to talk to her, they'll capture you right away... also she is not in her tent.

NINO - 137

- Ho! no! Where is she?

- Amarok is holding her. He... he knows about your coming.

Nino did not hesitate for a second, he went to the Amarok's tent.

- No! Kaya shouted. Save yourself Nino!

- No Kaya! she must know... even if I have to go to jail she must know the truth.

Amarok heard Kaya scream. Aiyanna was about to go out, as he intercepted her: - No! You stay here.

Nino was now very close to the tent, he opened the door to enter when suddenly Amarok jumped on him and they rocked.

Then Amarok took Nino by the collar and sent him an uppercut, he fell again. Aiyanna came out screaming.

- Amarok no!

Nino saw Aiyanna, her suffering face in front of him. It came to him a kind of power which he could push Amarok and knock him down, then he ran to Aiyanna he took her in his arms.

- Aiyanna! I love you, I love you, he cried. Don't believe what they say about me... I didn't do anything... nothing! you hear me!

She could fnally vibrate to the rhythm of his soul, which was purest than ever. How could he be a thief or a murderer? It didn't make sense.

AWAKENING - 138

- I know Nino, I... I always knew, she replied sobbing. I love you too Nino. But you must run away quickly!

Meanwhile Amarok stood up and lunged at him, tipping him over and getting ready to send a direct in his face when Wakiza arrived with the police.

- Amarok stop! right now!

Amarok hesitated a few seconds then lowered his fst. While the police seized Nino: - You were trapped for the love of a woman buddy, told the offcer Godefroy. You wanted revenge by killing the Indian, right?

They put him handcuffs. Aiyanna tried to hang on to him but some members of the community held her.

- No! I didn't do anything! Let me go! I'm not a thief, I'm not a criminal, it's not true! I'm not a thief, do you hear me! Let me go!

- Let him go! He's telling the true, Nino! Nino no! said Aiyanna.

Rake:ni! do something! They don't have to take him away.

Rake:ni!

But Wakiza didn't know who to believe, her daughter, or the police. Especially that he knew that he had no power over the judicial authority in accordance with the Aboriginal police.

They put Nino on the backseat of a vehicle of the authorities, NINO - 139

which he didn't stop shouting in a loop.

- Aiyanna I love you, Aiyanna! I'll come back, I'll come back for you. Aiyanna! Aiyanna!

Aiyanna heard those words that were a resonance of the soul, an open message that spoke through him. In his throat, Nino was never in this state. Without to be able to act and in the suffering she was crying while rolling herself on the ground in the hope to free herself from the members of the community who held her strongly. She could just release an arm she held out towards Nino as if she wanted to hang on to him. Inspector Godefroy and Me Turnills thanked Amarok for his help and the whole troop of police cars left. Nino and Aiyanna didn't leave each other eyes, crying, shouting, and farewells until the disappearance cars.

Nino Spina went to the court, he had just turned eighteen. He was convicted for theft of jewellery, theft of a pistol and premeditated crime of theft. Nevertheless, he benefted leniency with regard to intentional homicide for insuffcient evidence.

For some security reasons, no one knew where Nino was taken.

He was twelve months of jail.

AWAKENING - 140

CONTACT - The most important encounters have been prepared by souls even before the bodies do not see each other, Paulo Coelho.

NINO - 141

The frst days at Fort Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas (US), Nino was in pain and sadness. He didn't understand what was happening to him, why he was there, in this jail cell that he shared with a muscular Congolese named Balouka. He remembered his days spent with the one he loved the most in the world, Aiyanna. How these synchronicity brought him here in spite of himself, it was incredibly unfair.

The bell rang, it was the moment of the distribution of the meals. Today, as yesterday, as before yesterday, rice in the water with very hard beans and a whole apple dried. It had been two days since Nino didn't eat anything of what was happening.

Balouka, instead took his portion without asking his opinion, in order to avoid giving back the dish with food, in which case the portion would be reduced the next time. Balouka often sang or whistled Bob Marley Tree's song Little Birds.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing.

Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Nino was frightened by the presence of Balouka. Indeed, he was very imposing, more than six feet six with wide muscular AWAKENING - 142

shoulders. He also had a apparent scar on his left chick, from the mouth all way back to the earlobe. Then some tattoos, including a huge colourful cobra on each arm, which wound up the biceps and goes all the way to the contour of the shoulder and then fall back on the pecs. The head of the beast was there, with scary green eyes and a mouth wide open. Also the pics of the apparent teeth were blood red.

Balouka sat on his bed on the back against the wall, while he wiped his mouth with a sleeve cuff he said with a deep tone: - Hey man! You should eat a bit, cause in a short time you'll be good for rats... there're plenty over here waiting for you.

- I'm not hungry, Nino replied calmly.

When he had fnished his meal, Balouka threw the aluminium plates through the bars. The guard was not really happy and pointed out to him. But it was like that at every meal, and no one dared to tease him, except once, in the past, when he had an altercation with fve guards. He refused to obey and sent them to the hospital for injuries and fractures. Balouka had been immobilized by several sleeping arrows, then he received ffteen days of repentance in a seven square feet room in the darkest ambiance. There was also the case of Jack, a very dangerous killer with big muscles, who when Balouka arrived in prison fve years ago, wanted to impose his law on him. But NINO - 143

Balouka was a former commando and a bubbling disciple of capoeira and Jack could not get over him. They just received six days of repentance at that time. Since Balouka and Jack tried to get away from each other and everyone respected them, but few of his peers liked them, especially Jack. Then Balouka added: - Hey man! what did you do?

- Huh! Uh!... nothing, I did nothing.

Nino could barely understand Balouka who was chewing the words, probably due to the scar on his lips, he thought.

- Yeah! Yeah! Well, you did nothing bad! but you're here, right!

Just cause you did nothing. Ah! Ah! Ah! Well, cops getting smart. Ah! Ah! - It is true! I do not know why I'm here, Nino replied a little upset.

- Okay man! Cops knew that you're about to make a crime, so they caught you in advance of problem. Make sense man! Ah! stopped! you'll make me die of laugher man! okay! You wanna keep that secret!

The guard went past the jail cell with his cart of empty dishes.

- Hey Maton! Why this guy's here? asked Balouka.

The guard that Balouka called Maton appreciated him. They teased each other often and in time, a kind of friendship was established.

- He stole his uncle's pistol and jewels to kill a frst nation guy...

AWAKENING - 144

and more... he'd escaped the police and thus. So he's in a big trouble. He replied.

- You see man, that's it! You did nothing you said!

- No! no! I did not steal anything. It's a lie, I'm innocent.

- Well! You know here, everyone is innocent, it's the frst thing you have to learn man. How long your vacation is about?

- Sorry! Nino didn't understand.

- How many months have they gifted to you? sarcastically replied Balouka.

- Uh! twelve months.

- It's not too bad! It goes fast man, don't worry!

Nino didn't answer, he rather lie down and turned his face to the wall seems like he stopped hearing anything. Balouka continued: - Hey! Man! not to bother you, but tomorrow it's Friday and we're having a bite more to eat at the community center. If I was you, I'll go to grab a max. There're such nice cookies. And if you don't wanna 'em, just give to me, well! hey! what do you think man?

Nino remained silent. In the evening, the meal was given and Nino's still not eating at all. Balouka as usual fnishes all dish of him.

- Hey man! as I said, rats'll take care of you soon.

NINO - 145

The lights shut down at eight o'clock in the evening and in the morning at six o'clock a cold shower for everyone.

- Wake up over here! said the guardian as he opened the cell and as usual Balouka went out frst towards the shower with handcuffs and anklets. Then came the turn of Nino.

- Hey you! Stand up.

Nino didn't move.

- Stand up I said. It's my last warning.

After a few seconds the guard went closer to Nino. And with his teaser shook Nino severely enough. Nino got up with a big pain in the right shoulder and screamed. While the guards took him by the arm and accompanied him to the shower, Balouka went back and just watched him.

The shower was horribly cold, Nino was screaming but the guards didn't barely care. Shortly after returning to the cell: - Shower wakes you up man! said Balouka.

- Wake me up. To do what? Nino replied indolently.

- Yeah to do what, that's true... well to... to meditate! to read... to do some workout... you need it man! here it's not a place for weak fellow like you... You look like a bag of bones with a snake skin! it's not nice man!

- I did not ask to come here! then it's not important now. It will happen what it should happen to me.

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- Hey! man! You missed the point!

- Anyway I missed everything. What will it change?

- Hey! man! Hold on a second, don't go deeper that you already are. You've a foot in the grave man. Wake up and pinch yourself.

If you aren't guilty, the truth's gonna blow up one day.

- How! My uncle doesn't want to see me anymore. He thinks I stole his stuff. I have never even seen at home. How a miracle can happen. I'm going to die here. That's it!

- Basically! You're right. You're on our way man! I'm gonna tell you this! Do you wanna please all bastard who put you in jail?

- I don't have the choice.

- What! Of course bitch you've the choice, and you'll have to kick your ass man! If you give up, you're dead, man. You got it!

In a year you'll be free then if I was you, I'll begin to wrap my bag of bones with muscles, like that!

Balouka showed his biceps nearly one foot of diameter.

- And when you get out of here you'll see your uncle, you crush his face, you put his jewels in his mouth... and you put his pistol in his ass. That's it, that's all.

Nino didn't say anything for a few seconds, and then with his face turned to the wall, replied: - Yes... like that they will put me in jail again for making him swallow his jewels and stuff.

NINO - 147

- Ah! Ah! Ah! Ye! Oh! Wait a minute... I'd never thought that way. Maybe that's why I'm still here. I always act frst and think after. Ah! Ah! So his joke made Nino laugh, he didn't stop laughing and drawn Balouka in his delirium, the guard passing by, asked: - What makes you guys laugh so much here?

- Hey Maton if someone asks you. You didn't know ok.

And Nino laughed even more, the guard shrugged and continued on his way. Marvin a cell next to them heard them laugh and said: - And Babe it's a while that I didn't hear you laugh like that.

- Yeah Marv... it's a newbie here, who goes foolish and he drives me crazy man!

- Ah! Ah! good, good, keep laughing it's good to hear you guys.

Noon the alarm sounded, the guards opened the cells one by one with guns pointing to chained prisoners. All went to community center for Friday meal. It was the only meal of the week where all prisoners could sit with each other. The meal was not more delicious than the other days, except that they could serve themselves as they pleased. Balouka was among the frst to counter, putting in his pocket some apples and oranges for the afternoon. The guards behind the surveillance cameras saw him doing but no one was saying nothing. Nino was there, AWAKENING - 148

but a bit confused.

In the refectory there were long wooden tables with benches juxtaposed. Right here for security purposes there were no chairs, no glass bottles, no stainless steel knives and forks. Nino went to sit on a vacant bench. He was waiting quietly than the line-up decreases. He observed the prisoners here and there, as they passed him, they looked at him weirdly, which he didn't pay attention on that.

But unexpectedly Nino was kicked on his neck brutally and knocked him down. He bent in pain squatted on his knees. The guy kicked one more time on the right side of the lower abdomen, and says: - Hey! Bastard! Get out, here's my spot and you're better to remember. Next time I see your face here, I pulverized you. You got that?

Nino could barely breathe. He rolled himself on the ground and saw a big blond with a little ponytail and a long moustache. He was imposing. It was Jack, the killer. He got ffteen years. He had seven years left to do. Balouka who was willing to sit at his table, saw prisoners gathered in the distance. But they surrounded the spot. Balouka could barely not see which he approached and NINO - 149

noticed Nino on the ground squirming pain. He understood. He immediately approached Jack and punch him in the face. Jack fell on his meal tray, he got up and went to Balouka. While his friends were holding him in order to avoid excitement in the room, the guards arrived in same time.

- What the hell is happening over here? Said the guard.

- You didn't have to do that ass-hole, it's a newbie, he didn't know the rules, shouted Balouka to Jack.

- Fuck you! I'll break you fat man. You guys let me go, Jack ordered to his friends.

Balouka was in a guard position, Nino was watching the scene still laid on the foor, and one of the guards said: - What's wrong over here?

- He jostled me and he dropped my tray, Jack said.

- What! stupid! he has just hit the newbie for no reason, Balouka retorted.

- I don't wanna see this funking guy on my spot, Jack said.

- Ok stop! STOP! everyone goes in his spot. You will be summoned to the supervisor after the meal. For now clear the space.

Yielded the guard.

Balouka went to help Nino and while he's watching Jack, Balouka accompanied Nino to his table.

- I'm sorry man! I'd have tell you before. Here everyone has a AWAKENING - 150

spot and it's an offence to take it without his permission, you know!

Nino could not answer the pain was still strong.

- Besides you're unlucky, you didn't choose the best spot man!

It's Jack's asshole spot. A bullshit guy, be careful at him, ok?

Let's introduce my friends to you, man! Come, there's a spot for you over here.

Nino went much better but he still didn't speak. The table contained ten spots of nine were busy. Some of them were talking to each other, some were looking at their dish and others watched without saying anything. Balouka went around the table to present them, and also in order to get rid of any other spot problems next time.

- Hey guys! Look! Here is Nino a newbie and here it's his spot, ok!

Others nodded.

- So here, it's Jason he took three years for armed robbery.

Here's Jacek, a Polish who has taken ten years for rape and kidnapping, he's in trouble. Everyone by the way greeted Nino with a nod or just raising his hand.

- It's Tim, he's a kind of junk in his brain.

- Don't talking like that about me, Babe, Tim snapped.

- That's fne buddy, Balouka replied, slapping him behind the NINO - 151

head.

- But what did he do? Nino asked while continuing to introduce other guests.

- Oh, nothing bad, he whispered in Nino's ear. He just burned his father-in-law with a blowtorch. He took twelve years.

- But why?

- His father-in-law wanted him to leave the house to study medicine.

- What! for that?

- I'll told you then. There must be a mess in his brain.

Then Balouka continued.

- Here's Miro a Belgian. He took ten months to have shot his neighbour’s dog. He didn't stop barking. So Miro stopped him.

- Ten months for killing a dog! it's a lot! Nino said surprisingly.

- Hey Babe, you forgot something, Jason said. The elder woman!

- Which elder woman? Nino asked.

- Oh! Yeah, that's nothing. He... he just tried to give a... how should I say that... he tried to give... a good time to her... she's widow anyway. What she's complaining about... do you now what I mean?

Everyone at the table laughed, except Miro who was grumbling in his corner and Jason put him a slap on the head, just to shake him. Miro was rather skinny and not very tall but he retorted: AWAKENING - 152

- You Jason, don't touch me otherwise I'll blow your brain.

- Oh! Well no! I would have preferred to have a dog, Jason replied. That way you would have blow my ass. Ah! Ah! And everyone was laughing. Miro got up and sent his plate in Jason's face. Balouka immediately intervened and took Miro by the shoulder in order to calm him down.

- Do you wanna have an electric shock you guys? replied Balouka.

- He pissed me of this stupid guy, added Miro very angry.

- It's okay, shut up I tell you guys. It's fne now, understood.

At Balouka's table, he was the boss, the others obeyed. Then Balouka continued: - Here with his big moustache, it's called Mousse. We don't know his name and we don't care about it. He took six years to steal an armoured banknote carrier truck.

- Here's Henri a Quebecois, he took three years for insulting a member of the government in front of a whole assembly. And he hits some cup's in order to do some workout, he says as he's laughing.

- It's JosĂŠ a Chilean he took seven years for slaughtering his Boss who didn't paid him - And here's the great Master Tsu. Tsu Lao-Jendra he doesn't look well but he is very spiritual. By the way, if you wanna confess, go ahead. And besides, I don't remember why, he's NINO - 153

here, but he's been here since I was born or so. Tsu doesn't talk too much and then sometimes it's diffcult to understand.

And suddenly: - Hey! Tsu! what's wrong?

Tsu couldn't keep eating, he was shaken by Nino's presence.

Nobody understand what's happening.

- Hey! Master Tsu! Are you all right? reiterated Balouka.

Tsu was from Japan. He was indeed elderly, probably more than eighty years old. And besides, nobody really knew it.

But as soon as Nino sat down closely, Tsu couldn't stay and even stand up, he had to get out of the table without taking the time to fnish his meal.

- Tsu! talk to us, what's happening, astie! Henri said.

Tsu moved with diffculty he seemed to lose his strength, he looked at Nino with frightened eyes. He took his sweater and stepped over the bench to leave, but he couldn't raise his leg high enough and stumbled on Nino. Tsu's right shoulder was nearby of his face and now Nino changed his expression as well when he realized what he's seeing.

Finally Tsu passed his leg and left. Nino was holding his head and said: - It's incredible! I can't believe, it is... it's impossible... damn it!

AWAKENING - 154

Nobody understood what was going on, Balouka questioned him.

- Hey man! It looks like you knew Tsu, I'm wrong?

- No! no, I don't know him.

Nino was scratching his head and he doesn't know what to do.

- Well, you know him, he looked at you when he saw you? Said Mousse.

Nino murmured on himself.

- What the hell are you saying damn it? Jason asked.

- It's his tattoo, Nino replied, rubbing his eyes.

- His tattoo? Which tattoo? he has dozens of 'em, replied Henry.

- He... he has stripped skin, in the... horizontal direction. Like a cage... like the cage of a prison.

- Who! Tsu? Jason replied.

- No. His... his seahorse, Nino replied.

- Newbie doesn't look well, said Henri.

- Are you okay, boy? retorted Miro. It's a seahorse, and so what!

Have you a problem with these creature?

- No! no! but I have to talk to him. It's very important, I have to talk to him now.

Nino got up and headed for the hall. But the members of the table prevented him.

- You're right, replied Balouka. The man lost his mind. Probably the stupid Jack had knocked too hard on him.

NINO - 155

- Hey! don't move man, you can't leave without the permission of a guardian, otherwise you'll be electrocuted, said Tim. - But he is gone without saying anything, retorted Nino.

- Master Tsu has his rights. It's been centuries since it's here.

You understand man? Babe answered.

- But I must see him.

- Damn it! You need to wait until next Friday, said Henri.

- What! Oh! no! I must see him before.

- But wait a minute, what's going on, what can he do for you? he added.

- I don't know. But he has a message for me.

- I don't get it man! answered Balouka, scratching his head.

- I can't explain it to you now I have to talk with him frst.

- I can try talking to him, Moustache replied.

All stopped talking and waited for the rest.

- You! Jason said.

- Yeah, his cell is right next to my cell. I could slip him a word.

- Yes... yes, please! ask him if I can meet him... and.

- Wait a minute, do you think it's easy, said Henri.

- Babe I'll let you know as soon as I get news, ok! Moustache replied.

- Ok Mousse. Come on man, you're done eating.

Then Babe, as usual, walking towards the cell, sang.

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Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

The days goes by and no more signs from Master Tsu LaoJendra. He didn't come anymore at the community center on Friday. Balouka asked the guard: - Hey Maton, is Tsu fne? It's been a while I didn't see him.

- Yes, He's fne Babe, don't worry. He rather dwell in his room, you know, he's tired. He is like that. He is not young.

- Ok, thanks for the info Maton.

- You're welcome.

Then the guard went on shouting a little: - Come on guys, you hurry. Another ten minutes break and you go back to your four stars room.

- Balouka, I absolutely must see him, Nino insisted.

- Well, if he won't come today, you'll have to wait til next Friday.

- It's already three Fridays that he doesn't come to eat at the community center, said Nino a little upset, and suddenly he stammered more.

- Ok man! calm down. Let me ask Mousse again.

NINO - 157

Nino nodded. Balouka went to fnd Moustache and told him of his waiting.

- I tried Babe! believe me! I tried, but he doesn't answer me.

When I talk to him about the newbie, he is... he is like... scared.

Just to hear his name, it's weird, his attitude is strange.

- Yes really strange, ok Mousse, we'll do on my way. I have an idea, which he share his thoughts with him.

Everyone was heading towards his cell, Balouka and Nino were close to each other and as they walked down the aisle and they were getting closer to the cell of Moustache.

- It'll be your turn to play, Balouka said.

- What... what! it's up to me to play, Nino stammered.

- Well, you're gonna be lucky, man.

- My luck, but I don't get it Babe!

- Tonight or never ok?

- What... what do you mean by that, I ..

He didn't have time to fnish his sentence when suddenly Balouka resumed aloud: - Hey! stop that! You piss me off, get out of here or I'll punch you then.

He raised his arm as if he want to hit Nino. Maton approached quickly and said: - Hey! Babe! what is happening here?

AWAKENING - 158

- I'm tired of this bastard, he annoys me, I wanna sleep alone tonight.

Maton turned to Nino.

- What did you do to him, why he gets so angry with you?

- What! I don't get it, I... I don't know, Nino replied.

- Get out of here. Otherwise I'll crash your face you tonight ok, bastard! Balouka seemed very angry. I don't wanna see him in my cell Maton. Put him elsewhere.

- But Babe! I'm not allowed to do that. You know it well! Then there is no spot.

Balouka knew it very well and added: - Yes! there is a spot... with him.

Maton turned to the person who had just indicated.

- Moustache! But... there is Henri with him! it's two per cell no more, sorry Babe.

- Exchange, bring me Henry for the night. I'm gonna deal better with a Quebecois than this bastard.

- But I'm ok over here, replied Henry.

Moustache kicked him in the shin and continued: - You see you're not ok, old man.

- Aie! crisse! stop bothering me! Tabarnak.

Moustache gave him a wink to make him understand that he must leave.

- Go! change your spot or you'll make me crazy Tabarouette!

NINO - 159

continued moustache.

- Damned! I don't know what's going on tonight, but we'll stop that guys. It's not funny at all, the guard asked, who was starting to get angry.

- Take off that kid from me Maton! shouted Balouka.

- STOP! it's enough, he cut off, losing his control. Okay! Hey, you! come with me! you're going to cell ffty-seven for tonight.

Nino complied on entering the cell in which Henri and Moustache were. He turned his face to Balouka, who winked at him. Nino understood the strategy.

- Hey, you! Come here, you'll go to Babe's cell.

Henri wanted to speak, but Moustache answered immediately: - Do what you are told tabarouette! without asking any questions.

Henri, who still didn't understand the strategy, crossed Nino, they looked at each other for a moment then he went to Balouka's cell while Nino settled next to Moustache.

- Now I don't wanna hear anything. Otherwise I'll take sanctions, it's understood! reiterated the guardian.

- Yeah! it's ok boss we're going to shut up, Moustache replied.

Then Maton continued his surveillance. Henri wanted to talk to Babe, but he prevented him by putting his hand on his mouth AWAKENING - 160

and he calmly told him: - I'll explain, sleep in the newbie's bed. And tomorrow you'll understand. Henri didn't add anything, and lay down.

Moustache prepared his bed, like that Nino could lie there, it was closer to Tsu's cell than Henri's. Now only a wall separated them.

- All right, man, said Moustache. Master Tsu is right behind this wall. You can't see him, but he can hear you. So don't waste your time, tell him what you have to say quickly. But don't forget one thing. When you hear footsteps in the corridor, stop talking and pretend to sleep. Otherwise it will alert the guards supervisors and, they could understand the strategy ok?

- Ok, Nino replied.

He was tight-lipped and didn't really know how to start. He sat on the bed and thought. Then he turned to Mousse who motioned him to start without losing a minute. Nino nodded.

- Ok, he said to himself. For Aiyanna's love I have to try. Master!

Master! after a few seconds. Master Tsu! Master Tsu! Do you hear me?

He... he doesn't answer, he said, turning his face to Moustache.

He may be sleeping!

- Really! But where do you think you are, You think he's going to sing you a lullaby?

NINO - 161

Go ahead! Talk to him! do it as if you were talking to your therapist. Huh! Close your eyes, lie down! and tell him your stuff. Anyway, Tsu never sleeps. Okay! so go for it!

- Ok I ..

Suddenly, a footstep intensifed. The guards were doing their rounds. Nino and Moustache stretched out quickly, and covered themselves completely under the blanket.

One of the guards on the way looked inside the cell. Observed few seconds. Nino, his eyes wide open and his teeth clenched, but he didn't move. Finally the guards continued their surveillance.

- Go ahead! now! don't wait! said Moustache.

- Okay! I'm going, Nino whispered. Master Tsu. I know... I know you know. I know that you...

- Don't go around the bush, go straight! interrupted Moustache.

- Okay! Master Tsu, you... you have a seahorse with stripped skin in the horizontal direction like the cage of a prison. You... you are a shaman, aren't you?

Still no answer.

- Keep going, urged Moustache.

- It seems that you... that you can translate the messages of the soul. My soul. You can... can you tell me who I am or who I have AWAKENING - 162

been?

An Iroquois told me that, about the seahorse. She also told me... I have a special soul. What does that mean? She... she does not know how to translate messages of the soul, as a shaman would do.

Tsu was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling, and he was listening what Nino said, without saying anything.

- Also, I... I don't know what I'm doing here. I'm not a criminal, it is a mistake. So I don't know what to think. I have... I need to know... so many things.

Aiyanna, that's her name. I love this girl like crazy. That's the only reason that pushed me to talk to you. I... I'm pretty shy and I... I do not have a lot of conversation. In addition, as you can hear, I... I stutter a lot. It doesn't help, does it?

Amarok is an Indian. It's the elected of Aiyanna. But Aiyanna does not love him anymore. And he doesn't accept it. He is a warrior. He is very strong. I have... I am afraid of him. Even for Aiyanna's love, I can't face him. He would kill me in a few seconds. However, I refuse this situation. I don't accept this life.

I... I would like to be someone else.

Someone who does not fear anyone, fear adversity, or even the devil. I would like to be, a man. A real. And not a sheep. I would like to conquer the world, conquer Aiyanna, with the guts of a NINO - 163

man.

I haven't done anything good so far. In these circumstances, I don't think it'll happen. What is my mission on Earth if I do not serve anything?

By closing my eyes at night. I would like to fnd myself in the skin of another one in the morning. Courageous. Volunteer and Noble. What is the point of loving and being loved if it remains a story of the past? How good life could be like a sheep waiting for the end of the life, without being able to defend myself, to be myself. I can't run or speak correctly, neither fght nor defend the one I love. I'm not barely a good man, not up to it, not in my place.

A few tears of emotion ran down his cheeks.

- Only my mother understood me and accepted me as I am. She is no longer of this world to tell me and comfort me. So if my soul speaks to you, and you can hear its message, hear what it says. And, if you really have the power to change something. So please do! Help me. Please! Do it! Do not leave me in this bad senario. Since birth, I have not found any rest or exit.

Moustache listening to Nino, a certain expression of sadness appeared on his face. Tsu did not say anything. His eyes remained fxed on the ceiling. Then when Nino stopped talking Master Tsu fell asleep.

AWAKENING - 164

FUSION - The courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to defeat it, Nelson Mandela.

NINO - 165

The next morning, after the shower, Nino returned to his jail cell: - So! Babe asked.

Nino didn't answer, and he sat on his bed.

- Did you get that info? Babe asked again.

- He didn't answer me. He didn't even say a word.

- Hum! weird. Are you certain about that, 'bout shamans.

Seahorses and stuff! Isn’t like a legend?

- I don't know. Aiyanna told me that. But I want to believe on it.

- She probably read it in a book. Anyway! let the time go, and you'll be fne. If Tsu has something to do with this, then you'll know soon.

Weeks goes by, and still no Master Tsu on Fridays at the community center. His attitude was weird, but nobody knew, what was going on inside him.

One night in the jail cell: - Babe, why, well... what did you do wrong to be here?

Balouka thought for a moment and then developed: - Well, I did a kind of bullshit things in my life, and you know, I do love my country. So I was engaged in the National Army of Congo during the Cold War. I was an elite like they said about me. So I believed in it and I got involved. I was assigned to the regiment of Paratroopers Commandos. We're the frst troops at AWAKENING - 166

the front during the war in Angola. The authorities wanna get rid of communism supported by the Soviets. Ah! Yes! With compatriot's help and the grace of God, we've succeeded. But at what cost! The offcers were announcing good compensation if we did the cleaning work, clear everything in the clean manner they said. Most of us didn't even understand why we're gonna fght.

Angola's our neighbour, with the same tradition, same life and same issues. But we did it and we shouted a lot's innocent people with no mercy. It was the worst time in my freaking life.

It was not nice at all, man! And you know what! We've never took any compensation, any money from this war.

So... so I went myself to pick the money up at Kinshasa headquarters, that's it. They gave me a bunch of stupid reasons... like the military defcit, the costs of rebuilding cities and other expenses due this bullshit war and I didn't accepted their bad reasons. So I explained my point of view to 'em with my fst, and they sent me to jail for one year for rebellion issue.

But after a couple of weeks a military friend of mine helped me to escape. You know what! I had to leave my country which I've fought for her. Me, who I'd love her as you love a girl. I left all my friends, and most at all, my family which I've never seen 'em again then. Every day I'm thinking about 'em, man! I even don't know if they're still alive! The last time I saw 'em, they were NINO - 167

chasing mouses as cats do. There was nothing left to eat and put in your mouth, man.

- I'm so sorry Babe, I didn't ask you that in order to reminded you bad souvenirs.

- That's ok man. That's fne. So, I ran away to Cameroon, and I stayed there for a while. And I made a connection with a smuggler who helped me to reach France. I stayed a year, I made living by participating in ring fghts, it's what I do the best. Actually, I was payed cash, and right away! You know?

Nino nodded and added: - Was it perhaps less dangerous than the Congo?

- Hum! At some point yeah! So, I met Jiro, an Argentine manager. I became his best fghter. But we had to move to the US. There were more fghting there, and more money to make.

At the beginning, it was no too bad we travelled a lot. I tell you! we made a lots money, especially him. And one day, something went wrong.

- What do you mean! went wrong?

- Basically! Jiro asked me to lose a fght in purpose. He would have made a huge amount of money. It was against a rich man's son, a banker or something like that. He wanna to impress his family and friends. Oh! God! When I saw him, I've immediately noticed we hadn't been at the same kindergarten.

Nino burst out laughing.

AWAKENING - 168

- He arrived at the stadium with his Ferrari. Ah! Ah! You would have seen my face when I saw him. I didn't believe it. Who's this clown! I told Jiro. 'Don't worry!' he answers me. 'Your job it's to fall down and you must not stand up until the end of counter, you got that?'

- Hey man! I can't pretend.

- So! Nino asked.

- I scrapped his face at the frst round.

- Ah! Ah! it doesn't surprise me, Nino replied, applauding.

- Wait a minute! he stepped in the ring chewing gum as a cow's grazing a grass. And his stupid face did the rest. Ha! I couldn't resist. I sent him a punch on the side. He fell. So, he looked at his coach. He didn't understand what's going on! When he got up, he bend his head down and run toward me as a bull. Oh! Boy, never do that! I spun a knee in uppercut and he slumped like a ham crepe and, he never stand up any more. So they took him to the hospital and for me it was fnished, it was a mistake I knew. And Jiro was furious with me and we were angry badly.

So he fred me. Well! it was not so important to me, I could fnd something else to do.

But one night I was walking around my neighbourhood, and I don't know why... I went into a very narrow alley. I said to myself, just a few seconds before. 'Hey! Babe, don't go through NINO - 169

there, go around, it's longer, but it's safer.' I didn't listen myself, and when I reached the half way in the alley, two armed men, dagger in hand were in front of me... and guess what! who was one of 'em?

- The Ferrari guy? Nino said.

- Yeah! the Ferrarist! How do you know?

Nino smiled.

- Ok, I've turned back and I went to the other side. But there were two more penguins coming. Then oh! Boy, those guys didn't come to offer me a beer here, but to sing me a lullaby, the last one of my bitch of life. You know, I said to myself I have to move... and quickly. I didn't expect the four musketeers to surround me completely.

So I ran to the Ferrarist. He attacks me with the dagger but I could avoid him and I punched his colleague. He, he sticks me one on the side, and I avoid several times his blade, and I kicked him. The two others arrived quickly, one of two hit me with a really strong right and I fall, the other jumps on me I can get him but I didn't realize the Ferrarist who was pointing a blade at me on my face. I moved my head with the other idiot sicked on my back, but I didn't move enough, and he slices my mouth to the ear.

Nino grimaced.

- Yeah! It was not nice to see my face. I could get away and I run AWAKENING - 170

to another impasse.

They chase me at a distance, I could hide and go around. I was very angry. I take one from behind and I'm blowing him, both others come back to me. I send a trash can on one and while he is cleaning his face, I'm taking care of the other penguin. I pushed him with two uppercuts. Oh! man! And... the worst 's happened. Whoever had received the trash, jumped on me, with a knife on his hand. I protect myself by moving his colleague as a shield. And the blade went straight into his ribcage, he falls like a dead leaf, the time guy realized it, I hit him with my fst in his neck and he lost consciousness. I take the daggers and I move towards the Ferrarist, I'd to give back his change. So seeing that, his two colleagues stunned and the other in agony, he fed at full speed. I'm pursuing him but he had time to get in his car and leave.

- Oh! shoot! said Nino with compassion.

- Yeah! I walked home. No way to take a taxi. I was bleeding badly. I'm neat as I can and in the morning... I got caught.

- Caught! but how! Nino wondered.

- Well, that's when Jiro rang my doorbell, to apologize, he told me. And he said he had a golden contract for my next fght and he wanna discuss about it right away, and I didn't see the trap NINO - 171

and then I opened the door. Oh! my God! - What?

- He... he was accompanied by a bunch of cup's. They were fully armed and an other guy in a white blouse.

At the frst place, I could push 'em back and lock the door.

'Open the door! don't do any mistake and everything will be fne, they told me'. Oh! Boy, I ran to the window. I jumped down to the second foor of the neighbour's balcony and then I jumped down in the garden which was in the backyard. I could see looking my window a bench of cup's trying to shout me man, In this case you don't think too much, you just kick your ass to get out of here and I ran in the middle of the road, the adrenaline was high and I run as fast as could and I arrived at a crossroad.

A car was stopped at the traffc light, I open the door of the car.

A guy, with stupid face, putting on his wig and looking at himself in the mirror. When he saw me with my black skin and my white bandage on the mouth to the ear. Hum! I didn't even said a word, he freed his car as fast as he could without turning his face. Hey! yet he wasn't young by the way. That's mean, when you want... you can... huh!

Nino just laughed aloud.

- You know I had no choice. And the cup's tracked me in a car. I think I've never been so fast of my all life right in the centre of AWAKENING - 172

the city. But fate didn't wanna save me that way.

- What happened? Nino asked.

- Children...

- Oh no! You... you... Nino in agitation didn't know what to say.

- Yeah! They're coming out of school, full of children on the road and sidewalks... and I, I was arriving as a crazy with three or four excited cup's behind my butt, and...

- And! Nino was waiting with fright.

- I stopped the car, man, with both foot on the brake pedal. I fnished my race in a parked car. Hey man! You would have seen the face of the children a few inches of me. There's even one applauded me. No doubt he knew what I did. So, I no longer moved from the car. I've waiting the cups to come and get me.

- Whew! fnally I mean ..

- Yes... that's what I thought too. Stop, no more victims. I have to have a dozen accidents then it had to stop. They picked me like a fower, without resistance. They handcuffed me right away, I went to the court a month later and I was charged with homicide, assault, violence against others, hit and run and I don't know what... they added me some options.

- But it was not true!

- No! actually! yeah! all were true, except homicide. But, the ferrarist guy hired the best lawyers. Ah! they didn't spare me these crooks. I'd almost strangled one lawyer on the spot. I NINO - 173

could have taken twenty years. I was lucky. I took ten years of jail, four of which suspended. And if I'm fne, I'll be out in seven months. So I'm careful. And thanks to Tsu, I meditated a lot, to forget. Oh! man, the frst years, I'd say when I get out of here, I'll kill this Ferrarist bastard or I'll put him in the front of his hood, and with his car, I'll go right on a wall and I'll crush him like a watermelon. And the stupid Jiro, I'll have smothered him with the hair of this ass until the last one.

Nino was laughing as crazy.

- So, today I just think one thing, to do my life with calm and serenity. To have a girl and a baby. Yeah man! It's time to stop all the stupid things.

- Wah! Such a tormented life, said Nino.

- Hum! Yeah! confrmed Babe. But you don't know everything...

Suddenly, a guard opened the jail cell: - Hey! you guys! Nino Spina, and Babe. The old foolish Tsu wanna talk to you guys.

- Who! Master... Master Tsu? said Nino.

- Are you deaf or what? that's what I just said, come! follow me.

As they walked towards Tsu's cell the guardian added: - I don't know what he has, it looks like he's losing his mind. I AWAKENING - 174

don't want him to die in the jail cell, ok!

Nino could not believe it, he was excited to know that fnally Master Tsu wanted talk to him.

- You hear Babe he wants to talk to me. You hear? He whispered.

- I told you man.

- You got thirty minutes and not more, the guard said.

They entered Master Tsu's cell, only the three of them were there.

- Ok man! You have to listen and not ask questions. He could stop talking ok! He's very sensitive, kind of lunatic then mouth stitched, warned Babe who knew very well the Tsu's moods.

- Ok! Babe I will listen.

They were sat and waiting for Tsu to start talking. Nino stared at Tsu with emotion and he observed the Master attentively. He got up with diffculty, then he went to take his glass of water and he went back to sit down. Nino showed Babe that fve minutes seemed to have already passed.

- Hum! Hum! Master Tsu! the guard gave us thirty minutes and fve minutes're already over, Babe pointed out.

- Well enough will be. To be silent it's what I need, replied the Master.

Nino turned to Babe. He waved to him that he didn't understand the way of speak out. Babe told him, with his fnger NINO - 175

on the mouth, to say nothing.

- Bad... bad... I had to communicate... with the soul that is in you. Bad... because... darkness! Arrogant! Violent! But... how brave and courageous.

Tsu paused, time to sip his glass of water.

- It's now looking for the path, which leads to the light. Cries... cries the soul in the name of the mercy of the man. No idea passes through your spirit, no idea about who you are. Aren't you?

Nino did not answer.

- Do you know? Reiterated Tsu. Babe jostled Nino by nudging his back.

- Ouch! Uh! no, I... I don't know, said Nino. But ..

- Hush! Only reply the question. That's all, Babe snapped back with a smirk.

Tsu watched this young Nino, without arrogance or malice just in innocence, then he continued: - Dangerous, what your soul's asking me, very dangerous. No one can predict who... who will dominate between both spirits.

Nino whispered in Babe's ear.

- But who is he talking about?

- I don't know man, just listen, answered Babe.

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- However, I must submit me, yes I have to submit me, because the soul needs. Right now, your soul is vibrating at a very high level and I can not stop it. I'm shaking a lot if I'm too close to you because I cannot handle the vibrations.

- I'm sorry Tsu to interrupt you, said Babe.

Tsu frowned. It was a disrespectful reaction. Babe knew it well.

- We don't get it, what you're talking about the soul and vibration have no sense to us. I don't want you to waste the time telling us things we don't understand.

Tsu stared at him for a few seconds, then with manifest, understood his torment, and he went straight to the point.

- Miyamoto... Miyamoto Musashi.

- What... what... is that. It's about... a newbie? Stammered Babe while he's looking Nino.

- In front of me is... Miyamoto Musashi, said Tsu. - Huh! no Tsu... it's Nino, Babe said.

- No! truth I'm telling you... Miyamoto Musashi is... also this soul, retorted Tsu frmly.

- I'm beginning to understand, Nino whispered.

- What! I'm lost! I don't get it ...

- No! Please be quiet! Nino asked to Babe. Please Master keep going.

- Your soul calls... calls for reinforcement, do you understand?

NINO - 177

Tsu continued.

- Yes, I do understand Master. But... but who is Mamoto Muashi?

Asked Nino.

Tsu frowned again according of the mispronunciation of his name. Also, he hesitated to say what he knew then, Nino's soul pushed Tsu to speak out.

- Miyamoto Musashi. He was the greatest samurai of the ffteenth century. It was one Shihan of Ninjutsu, Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu. He was a very great Master, probably the most powerful, the most skilled at all time.

Gaped, Nino and Babe looked at each other.

- But why did his soul tell you that Tsu? Asked Balouka.

- Incarnate on earth is the soul. Experiences to live, and the path to fnd.

- And the path of Nino is not good? said Babe.

- The further away you are, the more signs your soul send to you.

- How can I know that, Master? Dare to ask Nino delicately.

- As I said, signs, intuitions, experiences to overcome send you the soul. If on your way pass different beings who give you the same information three times... then act you have to. If you don't hear them, successive warnings until the accident, even the physical death, the soul will trigger. Live in the wisdom of AWAKENING - 178

the soul, because immortal. But, to live its experiences, if you don't listen to it, in another physical body will reincarnate your soul. But because you are the last, the soul doesn't have a choice to guide you.

Tsu stopped a few seconds to fnish his glass of water.

- Also, by the law of the Universe, I cannot tell you what to do.

Find your path, and you have to keep going anyway. It is the law of free will.

- Master! but then why does the soul speak to you about Musashi?

- Miyamoto Musashi, Tsu repeated slowly. Because, at frst place, old is your soul.

- What! Master! You have just said that the soul is immortal, replied Nino confusedly.

- That's right, nineteen one hundred and ffty nine times on this earth reincarnated your soul, a lot, a lot of experience, but tired is the soul. One last mission to accomplish it must. The Divine has solicited it. So, as I said, the last you will be. But for the time being, in the sand is your path and, failed you're doing your mission.

- How's that Master? A mission! What kind of mission! And why I failed. I only have eighteen years. I... I don't understand! He said in a more annoyed tone.

- You man! you're in a mess path, Babe added ironically.

NINO - 179

Tsu continued.

- Brave you are, but too weak. To fulfl your mission, without help you will not be able. Failure after failure will be.

- Failure! Who can help me! And how? exclaimed Nino.

- No coincidence. Solicit this meeting with me your soul triggered it. To give a second chance to your mission with Miyamoto Musashi's help.

- To my mission! but what is this mission?

- Your mission will be revealed to you when you'll be ready.

However, there is risk.

- A risk!

- Fade away of who you are now, can happen.

- Fade away! what do you mean?

- Means, take full possession of your body Miyamoto Musashi will be able. So, if who you are, disappears, forget your mission will be, and possible death will follow.

- What! But Master! Miyamoto! Take my body! If I disappear!

Nino was scratching the head, too much information! Master I'm lost! He went on.

- Make a conscious and well thought out decision you must, because irreversible your decision will be. Also remember, if refuse is your choice. No fusion and no mission you won't take.

- No fusion! What fusion?

AWAKENING - 180

Tsu could not detail, time was pressing.

- Train yourself, you must, educate your mind, advised Tsu. - Train! For what? He replied with worried.

- Get out of your physical body... go out you have to, Tsu submitted.

- What... what! Babe and Nino looked at each other. I... I have to get out of my body. But, but how? He wondered with disconcerting.

- Listen. When you are asleep, wander the soul in the world of levitation.

- Huh! - Possible is to program. To ask for something before falling asleep and fnd the solution the soul will do. No obstacles with your consciousness. Do you understand?

- No obstacles!

- When you're sleeping no resistance your consciousness does.

Then, fnd the information your soul can, she knows. Like an old adage "do not make a decision on evening because the night brings counsel".

- That's why I've always been in trouble, I never expected in the morning, pretended Babe.

- To leave your body, be in conscience is necessary. Doubt bathed in your thoughts is a barrier. And that's where the diffculty dwells, do you understand? To train you have to free NINO - 181

your thoughts.

- Really! And... and after what will happen? Nino asked not really convinced.

- When you are trained then you will be able to go out, and the rest will follow. While liberate the body of your consciousness, in the levitation you will stay and the consciousness of Miyamoto Musashi will enter in your body. Your soul and I will work for it.

- What! And me then, I stay up there? Nino said scared.

- Stay up you cannot, until your physical death, connected to your body by a golden rope you are... then in it you will reincorporate... and fusion will be done, but...

Tsu hesitated a few seconds before continuing. Tsu knew that this information was rather intended for experienced people.

- As I told you earlier, if everything goes well, two subliminal consciences apart equal will there be in your body, if not, one will send the other in chaos. Then will reside only the strongest consciousness. But unfortunately only after the fusion you'll know.

- It's... it's not sure, it's gonna works, right? Nino was saying in the hope that Tsu reassured him.

- Faith and trust will be the jokers of this game without issue.

Also no doubt will be allowed.

- Actually I haven't too much choice, Nino said a little AWAKENING - 182

discouraged.

- You have the choice man! between electric seat or guillotine!

Hey! No joke man! You don't have to answer right now! You still dwell over here for seven or eight months, right?

- Right Babe, nothing hurry, replied Tsu. - You just have to accept Superman in you, that's it.

- Wah! I don't know what is my mission, so why my soul has so many things to do on this Earth, It's silly, said Nino.

- That's your path my fellow before you're getting a Zombie, replied Babe.

- Okay! But how should I proceed? Pursued Nino.

- Lie down and talk to your soul you will have to... free your body and your mind with conscience and calm. Then, to get out of your body, to your soul you will ask. For the rest, no power you have. This is where you will practice.

- How am I going to do that myself? He said, scratching his head.

- Practise every day from now, also to ask you I have to. When you were born, you had to die, hadn't you? Added Tsu. - Yes! Yes, it's true! But... how do you know that?

- Well, man! He gets the info online, right? Babe replied.

- Yes! You're right, I forgot, my soul tells him everything. But it's true, my father saved my life at the hospital right after delivery. I have often wondered why he did it. He completely ignored me NINO - 183

then. He even told me he did not want to have children.

- His part, made your father. Also, if he was different, not here you would be, but in a death path. On your past some infuence has your father, but none on your birth.

- But why did he save me? Nino retorted.

Tsu hesitated and then resumed.

- Explaining is not easy. At birth, not really agree was your soul with your mind. To be reborn in a different body it desired.

Because diffcult was to reach its last mission with this baby, too weak. That's why your frst day was presumed the last. But each soul belongs to a family of divine souls, which differently from the fate of this baby had decided.

- Why they have decided to keep me alive?

- Well, because pure as crystal is your spirit, it's devoid of vice and very high is its level of wisdom. That's what your soul needs most to achieve its mission. So, then your soul accepted and in time your father arrived. That's why, don't be angry with yourself, with your uncle and with your father. If your father's still alive I suggest you to contact him even your all family as soon as possible, because they didn't know that.

- I get it Master, I will do Master, I will.

- As I told you earlier, to meet me your soul desired it. I've explained to you how to be prepared for your mission. Now you AWAKENING - 184

know.

The guard opened Tsu's jail cell.

- Half an hour is over, get out of the cell!

- But I have other questions to ask Master Tsu and ..

- What, what are you saying?

- Be quiet! Shut up! Whispered Babe. Ok boss, let's go, he replied.

- I prefer that guys, no problem and everything will be fne, corrected the guard. Nino looked at Tsu with great emotion and gratitude, Tsu smiled as he closed the door of the cell in front of him. He turned around and went to lie in bed. All returning to their cell, Babe sang.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

- Then, I'd never heard him talking like that, it's incredible, said Babe.

- That's right then! But I am... I am Miyamoto Musashi, an unbeatable warrior.

- No! No! Wake up dude, come back to earth. You're Nino ok!

NINO - 185

don't forget it.

- I don't know what to do. If I accept and lose Nino, what is it going to happen to me? Actually, Nino I don't care. But, but how am I going to fnd Aiyanna if I lose my consciousness? Aiyanna, she is my only reason for being on this earth. What would my mission be then? I don't see any solution. How to know?

- Be in your path of life and... hey! wait a bit, what did you just said, resumed Babe.

- What! I... I don't know... what... what is my mission!

- No! No! before that.

- Before that! I said... I said I don't know how to fnd Aiyanna if I lose my consciousness.

- And? Babe was waiting for the rest.

- And... and what?

- Come on fellow. What is Aiyanna for you?

- Well! This is my only reason for being on this... earth... yes! I see what you mean. Why should I be on this earth otherwise, since my soul has granted me life? Yes! I understand you're right Babe. Bravo! You're awesome! My soul wants to transform me into warrior to recover Aiyanna from Amarok... it makes sense.

- Yes! Yes it makes sense... right!

- But you're rather smart that I though! Smiled Nino - Hum! Well, did you doubt it?

AWAKENING - 186

Then they're laughing. And fnally, everything was put in place in the head of Nino.

- Now you've to train like Tsu told you, so don't be lazy, said Babe.

- Oh yeah! Well, I have time, but I will try.

Week goes by, since Tsu returned at the community center on Friday, but Nino've changed spot around the table in order to avoid to much vibration to Tsu. And each Friday Tsu asked Nino for his progress. But nothing special was happening at the moment, some tingling on the skin here and there, and some wave sensations at some level of feet and legs. Tsu comforted him by saying, 'It's the frst step, so you should not give up, but rather trust yourself.'

In Quebec, in afternoon Alonso came home earlier than usual.

Parked his car and he noticed smoke coming out of the barn, he was also hearing noise. Kind of music and bursts of laughter that seemed to cover cries of pain. Something terrifying was happening in his barn, he thought. He went right away at home, take his gun and returned expressly to the barn.

Relentlessly, he opened the double wooden door and, in the blur of the smoke, there were Jean and Paul with a group of NINO - 187

fellow. They smoked weed and drank alcohol. The music was pretty loud, some girls were half naked. He was almost four in the afternoon and they were already quite drunk. In this mess, Alonso saw Paul, bottle of whiskey in his hand. Confused, he imagined the worst and he lost his control: - Crisse de Tabarnak, what's going on over here?

Surprised by his sudden intrusion, the panic quickly gained the members of the party. They stand up, some with their clothes under their arms, and they ran in all directions to get out of the barn by any manner. Alonso returned his rife and with the cross, he tried to hit some of them as they came out of the barn.

He missed all. Desperately, he ran after one of them which he could caught and fell backwards. Alonso was about to hit him, when suddenly, one of the members of the group screamed: - Fire! fre! while he's running away.

Alonso saw his barn start burning. He let go of the kid and ran quickly to the well fll a bucket of water that he threw on the fre. He repeated again and again several times, but he couldn't.

All the young people reached to escape except one, Jean who had probably drunk too much, and could not follow his brother.

Suddenly Alonso heard his son and, despite his anger he went to help him who unfortunately was already burned like a torch.

AWAKENING - 188

He was blocked between two beams in fame of which one of them was on him. He screamed with pain and, from the depths of his bowels, called his father.

- Dad! Dad! I'm burning! Please don't leave me alone! Dad help me!

By his cries the survival instinct brought Alonso the necessary energy to lift the beam that was blocking Jean. He found a jute bag he wrapped around his son to stop the fre. They came out of the barn in time, while some horses and cows still blocked by the fames followed, the building collapsed like a castle of matches.

Later, Alonso was in the waiting room at the Jonquière hospital.

Dr. Humbert approached him with sadness and compassion: - Alonso, said the doctor, who was a friend. John is... burned at eighty percent on the whole body. He will live, but his face is... bruised by the fames. He might not have the same expression.

Alonso cried without saying anything, the doctor continued: - His skin is withered and it will take some time before he can leave the hospital. But... there is something else more... serious.

Alonso got up to hear what the doctor was going to say.

- He will ... he will not able to... walk anymore. The beam cut off his spine. He... he will stay... paralysed for the rest of his life.

- Noooon! shouted Alonso, shaken. No! NINO - 189

He cried with sadness and anger. He put his hands on his eyes and sat down. Dr. Humbert stayed with him a while, but he was on demand in another room.

- I am... I am deeply sorry Alonso... really sorry. I... I'll come back to you shortly. I unfortunately have other emergencies in progress. If you allow me, I can call a nurse who will stay with you, and I can also assign you a psychologist who will help you for several weeks to face this tragic event. It's free of charge, until you're getting better.

But Alonso categorically refused. As the doctor was leaving Paul arrived. He sat next to his father. Alonso had not seen him yet.

He didn't know how to face his father about what's happened last day.

- For... forgive me father, stammered Paul. Alonso turned suddenly, when he saw his son he got up and went to him.

- What did you do tabarnak, what's wrong with you astie!

Shouted Alonso.

- Forgive me father, repeated Paul.

But Alonso did not hear anything, he lost his control. He took Paul by the collar of the shirt and slapped him while repeating the same sentence.

- What did you do to me?

And Paul was also repeating the same excuse sentence, he slapped his son endlessly until the staff members of the AWAKENING - 190

hospital intervened and hold Alonso who was massacring his son. Dr. Humbert returned immediately and exclaimed: - Alonso what are you doing? Are you getting crazy? Crisse... do you want to get two children paralysed? Are you aware of that?

- What! replied Paul, who was not aware of his brother's state of health. What... what did you say? How's Jean doing? Please Doctor? Tell me please!

Paul shook the doctor in order to tell him what was happening to Jean, The doctor looked at Alonso in order to have his agreement, which nodded with a sign of his head.

- Your brother is unrecognizable because he is burned at eighty percent on all body, but...

- No, no! But... but you just said 'paralysed', what do you mean Doctor? What! tell me, please! Paul implored, sobbing.

- A beam fell on his spine. He... he will not walk anymore.

- What! But... but it's not possible Doctor you're wrong! it's not possible JEAN! JEAN! No! Noooooonnnnnn! it's all my fault, JEAN! I wanna see him! I wanna see him right now! JEAN!

Paul was beating his head against the wall and he was bleeding at all his forehead. The guards and other members of the hospital intervened and they were able to hold Paul suffciently strong while a nurse gave him a sedative. In less than twelve NINO - 191

hours Spina family was decimated, which toppled into despair and the nightmare at the most deep level.

The days passed and Alonso did not leave John's bedroom.

Besides, he was not returned home since. That day, Paul was also present, and around noon the policeman, who had taken the deposition when Nino fed, arrived in the room.

- Mr Alonso Spina? Said the offcer.

- Yes, Alonso said sadly, recognizing him.

His facial features had become apparent and deeper due to fatigue and anxiety.

- We conducted an investigation and found clues. My teem have also cleaned the location of the fre.

- Thank you, it's very kind of you, replied Alonso.

- We try to contribute the best. So we can say that tobacco of cigarette was at the origin of the fre.

- Tabarnak! I thought too. Anyway! it does not matter anymore.

Thanks again, Mr. agent, Alonso added.

- No worries. Besides Mr Spina, we found some items that we would like to return to you. The policeman handed them to Alonso: - Here. Everything is in this metal box. I think that's yours, right?

Alonso opened the box and it was with pain and bitterness that AWAKENING - 192

he recognized what it was contained. He watched Paul fall asleep. Alonso could not held tears of regret and indignation.

He could not believe that his own children had lied to him since the beginning. Indeed, the box contained some of the stolen jewels, his father's watch and especially the Eagle 44 Magnum, plus, a few money that his children had exchanged with some jewels.

- That's it Mr Spina, I'm sorry but I think everything is clear now.

Alonso could not answer. This information was only a little more entrails to the very depths of himself. He was nauseated, he was not able to manage both that hurt, walking and waddling in the central alley. The policeman observed him. Then, after fve minutes, he returned to the room. His face seemed to clear a certain appeasement.

- Mr Spina, I remind you, that we have been incarcerated for almost fve months, an innocent. Alonso watched the offcer and nodded. It might be noble and proper to withdraw the complaint. What do you think?

- Thank you, Offcer, thank you for your help. I... I should never have opened this box. It pains me and revolts me, especially since my children are guilty.

- I understand you Mr. Spina. Don't be too hard on them, these NINO - 193

are just children. May peace, indulgence and forgiveness reign in your heart. It's what you need the most.

At the prison, Nino was practising every day, and a few weeks later, he was beginning to feel waves all over his body. The tingling went from head to ends of his toes. At time to time his body seemed to lighten up and he felt transport in the space of the room. One Friday morning, as he was coming back from shower and chatted with Babe, the prison's main supervisor accompanied by two guards appeared in front of him.

- Nino Spina! said the supervisor.

Nino had saw him only once before, on his frst day assignment in the prison. This man often brought bad news, but it was different.

- Yes, Mister supervisor, Nino replied.

- The charge against you has been withdrawn, you are free!

- What! Nino replied looking at Babe to see if it was a joke.

Babe did not understand either.

- The guards here will take care of you. We will give you your clothes and make you sign the necessary documents for your release. Signed papers, then you can go out. It does not happen often, but you're lucky guy, so hurry up.

The supervisor was returning back to his offce when Nino resumed.

AWAKENING - 194

- What! I'm free! But... but I... I can't leave now!

The supervisor stopped walking and face to Nino: - Pardon me.

- I can't... I cannot leave, Nino went on panic.

The guards were chocked to hear such nonsense.

- What do you mean? All prisoners wanna run away, they would kill us to get out of here. And you! Mr. Nino Spina! You wanna stay! Ah! Ah! Please stopped! You are going to make me cry.

All guards and other prisoners who heard Nino laughed.

Nobody understand the reason for his refusal, except Babe who react immediately.

- Mister supervisor, Nino does not know anyone, said Babe trying to help.

- It's not my problem, the law is the law, if there is no charge, there's no way to stay here, he must go out at the earliest.

- Ok Mr. supervisor, I get it, but Nino is very young, he needs more time. And I would like to give him some advice and discuss more with him. Would it be possible, with your humble generosity, to leave him this night here, it's Friday! He will be able to greet the friends he knows and tomorrow morning he will leave at the frst hour, Babe asked, trying to be courteous.

The supervisor did not understand, he frowned, shaking his head just to be sure to have heard well.

NINO - 195

- It's joke! he added.

- Hey! Mister the supervisor the law specifes that he has a maximum of twenty-four hours to get out of prison without violating this law, right?

- And then!

- And... and then tomorrow morning Nino will still be under the notice of the twenty-four hours, he ..

The supervisor interrupted Babe. He did not want any more explanation, it was too much.

- Stop! It's enough, I don't wanna hear such bullshit words anymore, that's enough. And he went back to his offce. Balouka thought it was a failure but the supervisor stopped on the way and turning to them added: - It's Ok! If he wanna stay in the hell one more night... but tomorrow morning at eight o'clock I don't wanna see his face in my premises, otherwise, it'll cost you an extra thirty days of jail!

- It's perfectly clear, Mr. Supervisor, tomorrow at eight o'clock he will already be far from here, said Balouka, smiling.

- It's better for you, and especially don't try to be clever with me, you know what's gonna happened to you, then.

- It's correct.

The supervisor looked Babe straight in the eye to detect any pettiness. But it was not so. Babe just watched him. The supervisor returned to his offce accompanied by the two AWAKENING - 196

guards. As soon as they were far enough.

- Just one night! But how am I going to do it? I can't even get out of my body, how am I going to do?

- Uh! You say, thank you Babe. I put thirty days of my life to get you one more night. Do you get that?

Nino realized what Babe had done for him. And it was huge.

- Thank you! thank you Babe. I... I'm sorry, you're still behind expectation, and me all that I see that's my problem, Nino replied.

- It's ok! We don't have time to cry. We must act, said Babe.

- But if I cannot merge, I'll stay forever Nino and I will not be able to see Aiyanna, it's...

- Stop plunging your foot into the grave and pull yourself out!

Go ahead! Fart once! You have your nostrils tense.

We have about twenty-two hours left. We'll go eat some food and we'll talk with Tsu about it. Then we'll see, ok!

At the community center.

- Hey Tsu! We have a serious problem, says Babe.

Tsu listened without saying anything.

- Nino's released. He'll leave the prison tomorrow morning before eight o'clock.

Tsu listened without saying anything.

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- He doesn't feel ready. It's too late right?

Always nothing.

- Oh! Boy! Master! Say something! What are we doing to do now! Babe asked with a little nervousness.

Tsu listened but remained unresponsive.

- Hello! Is there someone here? Tapping on Tsu's shoulder.

Which jumped as if he was waking up.

- Hey Tsu! You slept or what?

Tsu looked at Babe, then turned to Nino, both waiting for him to speak.

- Tonight it will be, Tsu replied.

- But Master! I'm not ready, Nino confrmed.

- Your soul can help. Believe in yourself, you have to. Have confdence in your soul. Since very a long time... it's waiting. So it will do its best. Make sure that your conscience won't be too disturbed. It will help you.

- Ok, but how... how should I proceed? He asked, a little distressed.

- First, tell your whole life to Babe you have to. If after the fusion, your body do not remember you. Tell you, who you are, where you come from and who are you looking for, Babe will be able to remind you back.

And then you can lie down and you will have to go out of your body, I'm sure you will be able to. I will know, because informed AWAKENING - 198

by your soul permanently I am. If you succeed then, you will observe your body, it will receive Miyamoto Musashi.

- Master, how will I notice?

- In the form of spectrum you will see... a little greenish entering your body. Then to return immediately you will have to... so like that his mind does not take too much power on yours, while out of the body you will be. Do you understand?

- Yes I... I understand... I understand.

- So go! No time to waste you have now.

- Master, we will probably never see each other again, how can I thank you?

- Don't worry. Always connected to your soul I'll be... I'll talk to it. Now go! and good luck in your new life. Also, You must meditate with yourself, with Nino! Because, after the fusion, no more the same you will be.

After this information Nino did not move, he was worried and thoughtful, but Babe was there to boost him.

- Ok man, go ahead. Thanks Tsu, we see you in a week.

- It's understood Babe, Tsu replied with a smile.

Then they returned to the cell and Nino spoke to Babe for over two hours to tell him all his life, all his desires, his wishes, his loves, his family and his uncle. Babe tried to store as much information as possible and keep them by keywords. He will be NINO - 199

able to recall after the fusion, and who was Nino before that if it was necessary. So Nino had to repeat himself, as long as possible, a magic word that would eventually allow him to activate his consciousness. A kind of hypnotic click. They chose "Aiyanna".

- Babe, I don't know... how to thank you, your contribution is huge. You are much more than a friend, a brother. You are my guardian angel. What will happen, I... I don't know I will never forget you, Babe... ever.

Balouka hugged him. His big biceps were rolling him and it could hardly see Nino's head, then he answered: - Everything is going well. We're gonna meet after the fusion, and I love you too little brother. Now don't say anything you'll make me cry.

Nino smiled.

- And you know what?

- Not what?

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Tears of emotion ran down Nino's cheeks, and Babe immediately stopped.

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- Okay! Okay! little brother I stop. Stay focused. I have to fnd a way to leave you alone while you're merging. This is crazy this fusion process. If I tell this to elder ones, they would say to me: - Babe! stop smoking the carpet. The only fusion you can see, it's happening in your brain. Ah! ah! Anyway I have to move.

Ok! I'll talk to you later man!

- Ok Babe! See you soon.

He had the idea to fll the toilet with paper in the cell to ask Maton to bring the plumbers. But these were not available because it was already late, so Babe asked to go to the communal toilet, it was urgent. He winked to Nino, then Maton had no choice to take him to the emergency toilet at the very end of the corridor.

The washroom contained two toilets separated by hinged doors.

Apparently a prisoner was in one of them. A guard was nearby waiting for him.

Balouka, his hands tied, entered the common part and while he pulled the door of the free toilet, the occupant of the other, came out. He opened the swing door such a strong manner and it struck Balouka's face, which blew from his nose. He turned his face and saw jack his enemy, Which he had the faculty of easily annoying Balouka. With a smiling face Jack said: NINO - 201

- Hey idiot, have you been at school in Africa? You have to get out of your pans Man! So I'll teach you something. The sign says: "watch out for swing doors" Ah! Ah! Balouka's immediately getting anger and lost his control, he took Jack by the collar and pushed him back into the toilet.

There is not much space to arm and punch or kick him, so they both took the collar at each other, a fght began. Babe put the chain of handcuffs around Jack's neck to strangle him.

Jack's head was almost in the toilet when the guards became aware of the fght and alerted the patrol in duties. Several of them arrived at the spot and separated, with a lot of diffculties, the two protagonists. The alternate supervisor arrived just a few minutes after, apparently very angry.

- We warned you both, that if you resume typing on you it was ten days of repentance.

- It's him! He put the door in the face, Mister supervisor, replied Balouka.

- No, he's a liar and an idiot. As usual he does not read the signs, Jack retorted.

But at this moment Balouka realized that he got a little too excited, so he said nothing more about, hoping to avoid the repentance.

- Take them to the dungeon, I don't wanna see them here anymore, ordered the supervisor.

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- Mr. supervisor you don't understand. I have to go back to my cell this evening. I must speak to Nino, he'll be released tomorrow.

- Silly Man, it's too late, you had to think about it before. One more word and you're going to stay ten more days. Take them now.

Balouka was struggling like a devil and tried to free himself from the guards, although he was chained. But they had their secret weapon in their hands and Balouka tried to run to his cell when suddenly he received in the neck an electric shock that nailed him on the ground. The guards seized him again and while he was holding him frmly.

- I warned you Balouka you will do twenty days instead of ten, inficted him the Supervisor very upset.

- I don't care, even thirty, but not tonight, tomorrow if you wanna but not now do you understand! Not now! Balouka was yelling and Jack was laughing.

The guards managed with diffculty to carry him to the dungeon, in the basement. There had neither window nor light, just a little night light and a few rats that circled him. Jack was not far, but they could not see each other.

It was seven in evening, Nino's face drawn and a little worried, NINO - 203

He lays down. Neither him nor other prisoners did know what had happened in the communal toilet.

Nino began his meditation session with a Yogi breath. Inhaling during six seconds, hold three seconds, then exhaling in order to evacuate tensions and other disturbing thoughts. When calm returned, he breathed normally and he had to imagine a celestial body in his physical body. With time he felt tingling throughout the body. From the head to toe, but for the moment he stagnated and it annoyed him.

However calm and trust were the key if he wanted a chance to succeed. So he started again the process from the beginning.

Inhaling six seconds and so on.

Two hours passed and nothing seemed to come to help him.

Around nine o'clock at night, Maton opened the cell and asked him: - Hey! Tell me!

Nino jumped and lost his semi-conscious state.

- Yes! What... what's going on Mr. Guardian? He asked.

- Is there anything important that you had to talk with Babe tonight?

- Babe! Uh! No... we have already discussed, I... I have nothing else to say.

- Ok... ok okay, closing the cell and he went away.

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Nino did not really understand what was going on, he was still a little dizzy and besides, time was pressing, he must hurry. So he reiterated the meditation part and breathing. But he was disturbed again when he heard a noise in the corridor, caused by laughing guardians. Nino did not really hear what they said to each other, he had to stay focused. That said, the guards were speaking about the incident that had just happened in the communal toilet between Babe and Jack.

It was now two o'clock in the morning, and his mind was still not calm. Too much facts and events came to torment him.

"No! no! I must not disturb my thoughts by such words. I must continue, continue" he reasoned.

And around three thirty in the morning he began to discern much more intense waves throughout his body. He felt turbulence, he seemed to lighten up more and more. He also felt an inner peace, an immense joy and a feeling of security invades him. It was the moment, the soul was forcing Nino's body.

Suddenly, he had the impression for a few seconds to go into an obscure tunnel. He got up and he walked to the door of the cell and he realized that he crossed it without resistance. Surprised, he palpated his body, but his hands crossed it. He turned NINO - 205

around he distinguished his physical body still at the same place, lying quietly in bed. Nino was sleeping, but Nino was not sleeping, his conscience was with him.

Later, he was walking down the aisle when he recognized Maton with another guard who was coming towards him. Nino was frightened and stepped back, but two more guards arrived on the opposite side.

"I'm dead", he said to himself.

But he was not, The guards crossed each other and passed their way. Nino was become invisible.

So, Nino went down the aisle and saw the sleeping prisoners.

He entered the Moss' cell who was snoring atrociously, then Marvin's one, who he saluted farewell. But suddenly, he realized he had to go to the Tsu's cell as soon as possible in order to warn him that he was fnally ready for the fusion. But Tsu seemed to be sleeping. This fact's going to seriously complicated his task. He tried to shake him, but his hand went through Tsu's shoulder. The clock was at fve o'clock.

"In an hour the guards will wake up the prisoners", he thought.

'And me, Nino who is sleeping, will recall his conscience when he's gong to wake up. And the Nino who is in the astral, will have no AWAKENING - 206

choice to return to his physical body, and it will be over, no more Miyamoto Musashi.

Nino had to wake up Tsu right now, but how! He did not really have ideas. He saw a book on the edge of his bed, with a pen serving as a page marker. The book was a little open and a little puff on the pen could make him fall on the foor and cause a noise. Nino blew on the pen, but neither this one nor the page of the book moved. He insisted, insisted, the page moved a little bit, but not enough to fip the pen. Glad to see that a breath was possible, so an idea miraculous came from heaven.

"A breath is possible", he thought. 'I just have to breath very very hard in... in his ear.'

So, he was desperately ventilating Tsu's ear, but he did not move. Nino tried again and again. Tsu seemed to react which he just turned to the other side and stayed asleep. fve hours and forty-fve minutes.

'Fifteen minutes left and everything will be done. Farewell Aiyanna, goodbye', he thought.

Nino blew, and whispered in the other ear, even tried to speak.

Nothing seemed to do an effect.

Suddenly, at fve and ffty two minutes, Tsu shook his head, then

NINO - 207

he put his hand on his ear, as if a mosquito had stung him. He jumped, he could now intercept the messages of Nino's soul.

Tsu could see the spectre of Nino in the room. He had the faculty to see the spirits who travelled in this same astral plane.

Five hours and ffty-fve minutes. Tsu knew what is going to happen in fve minutes, time was running out, Nino who was sleeping in his cell should not in any case wake up before the fusion. Tsu waved to the spectre of Nino indicated it do not move. Tsu lay down again and meditated. Then he said weird words: - Laaaaaaa PRRRRaaaa SSSSSSSaaaoooouuu.

While rolling the R's, he called the subliminal consciousness of Miyamoto Musashi in invoking his name several times. Nino was watching the time, it was fve o'clock and ffty-eight minutes.

'In two minutes the alarm's going to ring. Everyone will wake up and me too', he thought.

And Tsu repeated those same words.

- Laaaaaaa PRRRRaaaa SSSSSSSaaaoooouuu.

Three times, then nothing. Nino worried terribly, there were only a few seconds left, a minute at the most. Tsu opened his eyes turn immediately his face worried to Nino, they looked at each other for a moment when suddenly the alarm sounded, and the Nino's spectra, at the speed of light disappeared, and returned to his physical body.

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Later, Maton arrived at the Nino's cell, opened it and said: - Get out guy, then follow me.

It was seven ffteen in the morning. Nino was in the departure hall carrying his clothes. The documents signed, the supervisor handed him his identity papers. Nino scrutinized at them.

- My dear Nino Spina, you are free. You are a lucky guy, you leave before the others and more than that your uncle is waiting for you outside. I understand him. He wanna be forgiven for having sent you to the jail for nothing. Ah! Ah! I hope you've enjoyed your journey over here with us. The door is always open, you are very welcome to come back anytime in your cell.

For another journey, Ah! Ah! The supervisor smiled sarcastically, because of course he was provoking him. Nino was just listening, glancing indifferently at him. Nino was released from prison seven months after his incarceration.

NINO - 209

AWAKENING

- The gold of enlightenment is in the ground of our mind, but if we do not dig, it remains hidden, Kalou Rinpoche.

AWAKENING - 210

He went down the stairs to go outside, watching around him.

His uncle was waiting him at the bottom of the steps with his son Paul. When Nino arrived nearby, his Uncle took him in his arms and said: - Nino! I hope you will forgive me one day for having done wrong with you. I got very poorly behaved towards you and I am really sorry for it. I... I know, we cannot go in the past unfortunately and... we will have to live with that. But I promise to do my best and so you probably forget it as soon as possible.

Paul stepped toward Nino, and putting his hand on his shoulder, - I'm sorry cousin, really sorry for all bad thing I did to you.

But Nino just watched without saying anything.

- Ok Nino, let's go home, a hot meal is waiting for you and then a soft bed. As well, I bought you a clean and new clothes. You will stay with us as much as you want.

Nino relaxed a little, so he sat to the back of the car and they left. Babe, locked in the dungeons, thought of leaving Nino. He knew he would not know, if Nino had merged with Miyamoto Musashi, and if he could have kept his consciousness. And that he will never forgive himself.

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It was a long way to arrive at Alonso's house, and no word came out from Nino's mouth during the whole trip. While they were having dinner, the uncle told him everything that had really happened, and told him that John was fnally going home soon.

John's condition was improving, and his life was no longer in danger. Sitting on a wheelchair he still had a wrap around his face, the wounds were not yet completely healed. Nino still had no reaction. Noon, they are all at table. Alonso and Paul discussed and while helping John to eat, they watched Nino who still had not said a word since they met. Uncle decided to break this silence of cathedral: - Nino, can you tell us something? I have... I talked to your father last night and he was... he was very happy to hear that you were out of jail. I think he would like to talk with you, to see you again. He regrets so much, all he did to you. And you see, he's sorry to have neglected you during all these years. He knows you're a good guy, and he would like to tell you. What do you think?

Nino continued to eat. Paul did not understand his attitude and decided to do something.

- Hey! What the hell! Your uncle has talking with you! You can make an effort. We... we understand, that it was not easy... but you could talk a little bit, now.

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Nino just watched Paul, but continued his meal, which exacerbated him.

- Tabarnak! It'll too much astie!

He got up and walked over him. He took Nino by the arm, probably to make him react, and in no time the knife Nino held in his hand was now under Paul's throat. With panic the uncle stood up to calm him down. But Nino took a second knife in the other hand which he pointed towards his uncle. Then he looked at Paul aggressively and fnally he begins.

- What do you want from me? I don't know who you are all here.

Nino spoke without hesitation, without stuttering and even with a different tone. Besides, a certain serenity was emerging on him which he had never been in the past, Uncle and Paul looked at each other surprised from his answer, even John under his bandage was chocked. But the uncle still tried to calm the situation.

- Nino... stay, stay calm, I... I don't know what they did to you there, and I'm so sorry but ..

Nino interrupted his uncle.

- What are you talking about? Why did you take me here? And what is this story with my father. I don't have a father.

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- But Nino! replied the uncle.

Give me a break. It's clear! And he pushed the knife slightly into Paul's throat, which instantly made him bleed. The uncle wanted to advance to Nino, but quickly he pointed the two knives in his direction.

- Leave me alone, I have never asked you guys anything, he said while getting up of the table. With thundering eyes he threw both knives on the ground, which were planted into the wood of the foor. Then he took his jacket and went out of the house slamming the door.

The uncle sighed in relief, looking at his son Paul, who immediately took a towel to stop the bleeding.

- What's wrong with him? He has never talked that way. What do you think dad? Asked Paul.

But the uncle had no answer, he just sighed again. So he sat down and put his head in his hands. Nino's new attitude surpassed him.

The months passed and Nino did not return to his uncle's house. Besides nobody knew where he was.

Meanwhile, Balouka came out of the prison. He swore to fnd Nino no matter the cost. Indeed, he had to investigate now, especially since he did have only one track to start his research.

AWAKENING - 214

He thought Nino had probably leave the United States to return close to his beloved in the province of Quebec. What was a good analysis, but Babe did not have a penny to travel and he had frst to rebuild a fnancial health. He decided to go back into the ring, and to do so, he went to visit Bill, one of his former managers he used to work with. He was retired, for more than fve years, but Babe persuaded him to return to work for a reduction of bonus for each fght, and a two-year contract without interruption. Bill was not very exited by the idea, but the deal was attractive, and a contract was born.

At the beginning, Bade won a few small fghts here and there, and although he was quite older and not really sharpened, every little victory gave him more confdence and motivation.

Three years goes by and Balouka had almost regained his notoriety of yesteryear. He was now competing in high level competitions, which took place in the whole world. Bill took him several times to Russia, Morocco, Chili and even China against Ninjas. He won at every combat.

A tournament for the Belt World, "Mixed Martial Arts" or the (MMA), was planned in Brazil at SĂŁo Paulo, in the Corinthian Arena. It was a tournament that brought all the best fghters NINO - 215

from the world of different disciplines. Bill was invited to present his best warrior as principal competitor of Luiz, ffty seven fghts during the year, including ffty seven victories. Fifty were by knockout before the end of the three rounds. The unbeatable Brazilian was obviously the favourite.

There were formidable fghters. The disciplines represented were Kung-fu (China), Karate (Japan), Taekwondo (Korea), the full contact of Ninjas with its different varieties (Japan), Kickboxing K1 (US), Dambe (Niger), Ultimate Fighting (US), Big Japan Pro Wrestling (Japan), Thai Boxing (Thailand), Capoeira (Brazil) and fnally Vale Tudo (Brazil).

Basically, the real shots were allowed. The only areas that could be eliminate, depending on the severity of the spot, which were the spine and the private parts, even if they were provided a protective shell. Also the combatants should not, under any circumstances, put their fngers in any holes of their opponents.

- Welcome to Hell! said the commentator, at the opening ceremony.

One hundred and twenty eight fghters in total. The frst confrontations took place and Balouka faced and defeated some Kickboxing masters, other Ninjas and Dambe. Here is the list of the sixteen fnalists presented by the commentators.

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The frst series: Ibrahim (Niger / Dambe) vs Yamoto (Japan / Ninjutsu).

Freddy (US / Kickboxing) vs Luiz (Brazil / Vale Tudo).

Sergey (Ukraine / Full-Contact) vs Keanu (Mauritius / Jujitsu).

Fernando (Italy / Full-Contact) vs Kim (Korea / Taekwondo).

The second series: Joao (Brazil / Capoeira) vs Dan (Finland / Ultimate Fighting).

Lee (China / Kung-Fu) vs Siu (Macao / Thai Kickboxing).

Tanawat (Thailand / Thai Boxing) vs Raj (India / Karate).

Balouka (Congo / Capoeira) vs Koga (Japan / Big Japan Pro).

The delirious crowd was amassed in the tiny spaces which was still available. The SĂŁo Paulo Stadium could hold up to ffty thousand people, almost half had came to support their idol, Luiz. There were all kinds of people. Some with tattoos from head to toe, martial art veterans, hippies, many Asian fans and other hysterics and furious madmen. Some are even beat on the stairs or behind the scenes. The police contingent reinforced, they had a lot work to do. Meanwhile, the frst series had just fnish. Commentators quoted quarter-fnalists: Ibrahim (Niger) vs Luiz (Brazil).

Keanu (Mauritius) vs Kim (Korea).

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The second series was: Dan (Finland) vs Lee (China / Kung-fu).

Tanawat (Thailand) vs Balouka (Congo).

Balouka had quite easily got rid of Koga, but against Tanawat it was quite longer. The shots placed by Tanawat were very short and fast, he jumped in and out instantly and his small size gave him the advantage of getting around and ahead of Babe during the confrontation. Besides, he dropped Babe twice on the foor.

Punching him in the fanks, followed by a sweep. But Babe was a strong ethnic and a powerful right in the face, knocked out his opponent.

After his victory, Bade had to leave the ring quickly enough to clean up and heal his injury. Then Latinos were pretty satisfed.

Their leader had get rid of Freddy a formidable kick-boxer, before the end of the second round by knockout. From then Luiz was in the top list for the quarter-fnals, but although against Ibrahim, the fght was more competitive, Luiz defeated with a heel strike worn on the temple of his opponent, after a half-turn of the body and following a sketch Ibrahim's foot.

Which fell and was released on a stretcher, because Luiz named: "the Pit Bull" crushed each of his opponents with all his weight at the end of each fght. In order to stamp his victim with a

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physical signature.

- Keanu is a newcomer in the world of international fghting.

We don't know great thing about this Ninja. He passed the qualifcations pretty brilliant. But now, he must fght as his best as he can in order to pass the next round, said a commentator.

Anyway we wish him good luck.

Indeed, this Ninja had an unusual technique. He let come to him his opponent, and he just dodged the shots quickly and fexibly. Like a cat, he cavorted and leaped as he moved around his opponent. Then he decided to change technique by placing short, quick strokes to exhaustion, which, most of the time, he could not really touch Keanu. Then he felt the fatigue at through Kim's eyes, and he fnished him with a backhand of his right foot of unheard-of violence. That single setback sent Kim to the mat by nailing him to the ground until the end of the countdown of the arbitrator.

Finally the last fght of the series in which Dan beat easily Joao, had not the same luck and lost against Lee, following a violent hit on the bottom of his leg breaking. This fuelled the acclaim of the Asian cohort.

Commentators quoted the semi-fnalists: NINO - 219

Luiz (Brazil) vs Keanu (Mauritius).

Lee (China) vs Balouka (Congo).

The fghting was postponed at the next day. The time of the bets was fulfl, but even if Luiz was the favourite in his fef, some people, non Latino, were betting on Balouka. As a result, it prepared the crowd for an exciting fnal.

Luis vs Balouka?

Babe was going to his dressing room when suddenly he thought he had recognized an old fellow. He was approaching and indeed, it was the one with whom, all the problems arrived and took him to the prison. His famous former coach, Jiro.

'What's he doing here?', he wondered.

Jiro, who had already seen him in the ring, did not go away.

Babe went to him, little upset. He was going up as he got closer to him.

- Hey! What do you do here! I've some things to say to you, bastard.

He was about to give him a punch when suddenly he was kicked into the face from nowhere, which fell. He had a big surprise, when the saw Keanu that he kicked him..

'Shoot! Here is Jiro's fghter', he thought.

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- Hey you, I'll disfgure you before we fght, Ninja of crap. Take off your ballerina mask then I can see your stupid face, vociferated Babe.

Bill arrived quickly, as well as the media to obtain a possible scoop.

- Babe! No! you must respect the rules. No fght outside the ring, otherwise you'll be disqualifed, he ordered.

- Yeah, cause this freaking guy and .., Babe said in the same tone. Do you remember? It's him, this bastard! who sent me in jail. So I'll ship him to the sewers of hell, and right away.

- No, babe, I beg you! you promised to forgive him, and that, I remember! So you... you'll see that later, you see! We have to... we have to go to eat and rest ok? Tomorrow will be the day of your victory, so forget him and stay focused, retorted Bill.

Babe stopped, and turning to Jiro added: - See your clown. He'll be atomized by Luiz. But, if by bad luck he won. I'll take care of his face myself. His embroidery there, it's going to be mosaic. And you! Go quickly take your picture, even your mirror won't recognize you, asshole.

- Watch out Babe. I will not be surprised if he makes you eat the dust even before that you could not touch him. Ah! Ah! Bade wanted to push him, but Bill grabbed Babe vigorously.

- Don't get angry Babe, fght is tomorrow. Don't you see that he NINO - 221

provoked you in order to commit the error in front of the cameras, and then eliminate you before fght? Is that what you want? Answer? Is that what you want? So stay calm and come on, we're leaving over here, ok? Ordered Bill.

Babe looked right at Keanu's eyes, then pointed his punch to Jiro, he turned around and went into his box offce. The public who had followed the debates, increased their bet on Babe. In a certain way, he was convincing.

- Here are the semi-fnalists ready to fght, said the commentator.

Lee vs Balouka / Luiz vs Keanu.

The Brazilians had to wait a bit before seeing their lovely Luiz do the punching ball with Keanu.

Lee and Bade have already fought in the past and Babe won.

The fght began. Lee hit the frst by a big jump. His feet joined forward on the face of Babe, who fell back and, without being able to get up, Lee slapped him on the side, who mobilized Babe for a few seconds.

- What are you doing? wake up, damn it! You will be destroyed soon! Screamed Bill.

Babe sighed looking at his manager, suddenly a new kick came AWAKENING - 222

right on his face. He could still block his foot. But Lee was an expert on foot moving and while having one of them blocked, he took support on this one, and with the other, placed a heel on Babe's neck, forcing him to let go. Lee quickly turned on himself and cocked his released foot that went strong end up in Babe's abdomen. The public began to booed Balouka, since he could not put one shot from the beginning of the fght. Bill pulled his hair desperately. Keanu and Ruiz watched the fght from their lodge, and Jiro laughed loudly seeing how Lee was afficting him. Babe fnally got up but he took a sequence of hits right-left, he backed away. Then another series and while Lee again jumped both feet forward on Babe's chest, which passed through the ropes out of the ring. The referee counted one, two... Babe hesitated, wiped his face bleeding and while he was resting a few seconds.

- You're going to eat dust like Jiro said, so stop playing the dancer of cabaret and start to fght, Bill ordered. ... eleven, twelve, with diffculty he went back into the ring, ffteen.

The referee went to see him and he murmured: - I had the choice to eliminate you guy, because you came back after the last second. But I bet on you. You get that!

Babe understood what he meant. Here corruption was used widely, thousands dollars were in table. The public continued to NINO - 223

boo him as well as the fght in general. Lee darted and jumped again on Babe, who avoided him, nevertheless Lee fell to his feet and as he turned around, Babe made a jump forward and fnish his momentum by inficting a violent kick on the face of Lee who could not defect him. What threw him on the foor.

The exchanges were more equitable for a few minutes and now the public is rose like one man and proclaimed "Babe! Babe!"

Which encouraged him. By this, he jumped on Lee and gave him a wrench on his arm. While Lee had to bend so to free himself, Babe took the advantage by striking his knees on the face. Lee blew on all his face. Babe grabbed him by the neck, tipped him forward and fell back, atomized him with a direct punch in the torso, which had the effect of cutting the breathing of his opponent.

The referee counted Lee one, two... ten, eleven the public clamoured more and more Babe. Luiz and Keanu are still in the observation. Lee got up hard and tried a punch, but Babe dodged and replied immediately with a scissor jump at the nape of the neck. While they were on the foor, Babe got up quickly and jumped on Lee, still stretched, pushing his elbow into his chest, followed by a horizontal uppercut. The gesture surprised Lee. The hit was decisive and Lee did not stand up after the ffteen seconds of recovery. Babe, fair winner, went to Lee, still stunned on the ground, hugged him and saluted his courage AWAKENING - 224

and fghting spirit. The commentators declared Babe's victory.

Certainly, somewhat oppressive, especially for the gamblers ..

As the audience cheered, Luiz headed for the ring. He crossed Babe. They observed each other a few seconds, followed by Keanu, who was booed by the public. Some said as he passed through "You're going to die!" others "Luiz will crush you all!" or "The undertaker is waiting for you". But Keanu, hidden under his Ninja mask, did not even turn his head. He's looking strait, when he crossed Babe. They brushed their shoulders and stopped a few seconds. The look was intense, Babe approached Keanu. Quickly Managers ran and could immediately interpose.

Jiro smiles ironically to Bill's face.

Luiz was cheered by the public when he got into the ring and as he shook hands with his opponent the whistle sounded. Luiz without really letting go of Keanu, shot him a hit lat in the abdominal belt and the public applauded standing on the entertained. This ridiculous gesture did not resemble him, but the referee let it go. Keanu watched the public, eyes slightly narrowed. Then he moved into Ninja position. He staring into one direction without ever moving his head. His feet a little curved, his hands open on each side of his body, he was waiting for his opponent there, without moving. Luiz rushed at him NINO - 225

from a jump in front and threw himself with his foot direct right on the face, but Keanu without observing him moved and avoided the hit.

'Ho!', the audience rose again.

Luiz picked up an impulse, jumped high and started straight on Keanu's head. He quickly raised his foot vertically and touched Luiz in his private parts which fell to the ground crouching in pain. The referee sanctioned Keanu a warning for his dangerous gesture.

- Another misconduct of this kind will be the disqualifcation, reminded him the referee.

The public was also booing him, and then he returned to Ninja position. Luiz repeatedly tried to kick or punch him. But Keanu, while moving like a cat, avoided every shot. What angered so much little public and Pedro, Luiz's coach, who asked him to be more convincing.

Keanu who, so far, was contenting to avoid hit, changed some little tactics. He jostled Luiz with each one of his attacks without contrary he had the same success. Luiz weakened and Keanu dominated. He knew perfectly well, the moment it was necessary to strike the decisive hit. And, to the despair of the AWAKENING - 226

Brazilian public. He... left no chance to their idol. When suddenly he inficted a violent hit with his foot in the Luiz's chest. Luiz had no parry, and collapsed while clinging to Keikogi (Keanu's silk dress) which, by the same, tored at the level of the shoulders. Keanu immediately catapulted him, vertically, the fatal hit by a cleat heel on the side and a hit of fst on the neck.

Shocked, the referee did not count right away. Which annoyed relatively Jiro who made him an immediately notice, who reacted, but he counted slowly. Despite this, Luiz does not get up. The public was shocked, downcast and speechless.

Impossible to believe their eyes. Babe was shocked as well.

While the commentators spoke, with some loss of enthusiasm, about the incredible defeat of Luiz, Babe was now alerted by something else. While was showed Keanu on the giant screen, Balouka distinguished on the right shoulder of his Keikogi which has been torn apart, a tattooed of seahorse. A seahorse identical to Master Tsu.

Babe had completely lost his control. He decided to go to meet him. He went to his box offce, Bill could not stop him and followed.

- What are you going to do Babe? You are not allowed to go to NINO - 227

his dressing room or to touch him, said Bill in panic.

- Don't worry! I'm gonna ask him something, Balouka replied.

- Yes! That's what worry me, Bill said.

Keanu and Jiro arrived at the backstage entrance, booed now by the crowd who did not want to admit his victory. As Keanu walked to his dressing room, Babe joined him behind, which grabbed his arm to check closely his tattoo. Keanu turned his face suddenly, and quickly warned.

- Who are you Ninja? Babe demanded. Where do you come from? Do you know Tsu? Talk to me?

- Hey! Babe, don't do that if you don't wanna have any problems, replied expressly Jiro. Keanu watched him without saying anything, Babe could see, under his mask, his eyes narrowed, which suggested that he was smiling.

- Come on Babe, Bill said, shaking him. What the hell with you, why have you take him by his arms. Are you crazy or are you getting soon?

- It's... it's amazing, he's... he has the same tattoo than Tsu, you know I told you long time ago, commented Babe.

- What! who? Bill was not able to understand.

- Yeah, do you remember... Tsu? said Babe.

- Huh!... Tsu! who's that guy? Asked Bill.

AWAKENING - 228

- Yeah! Tsu in prison! Come on! Babe irritated.

- Uh! No! No! I have to admit, I don't remember, and you know what? I don't care about his tattoos. This is not the time to disperse, we must be prepared. This Ninja doesn't look, but he is tougher than I thought. We must change our strategy.

- Our strategy?

- Yes Babe, Bill said.

- What do you mean?

While walking towards their lodge.

- Have you noticed his tactics? He... he doesn't fght right away.

He just try to dodge the hits until his opponent is tired, exhausted. Have you noticed that Babe? Then he attacks with successive shots, fast, but effective... and, when he considers it opportune, he gives the parade by a violent technical gesture, leaving no chance to the opponent. Have you observed? Luiz could not do anything. I wonder who his is mentor.

Babe analyzed what Bill told him and approved it.

- Then, what do you want me to do? Babe asked.

- Well... like him.

- Like him? What do you mean by like him?

- Wait for him to attack frst.

- What! You... you're... saying, I'll stand in the ring without moving?

NINO - 229

- Absolutely.

- Oh Boy! But I can't, I have to crush him right away, I'm gonna destroy him... and give him as a cat pie to his freaking coach... and...

- Babe! Listen to me, damn it! Stop your bullshit attitude, please! This Keanu must be challenged in his own game. You must not get tired and you have to wait for him to come hustling you. Do you understand Babe? And as you're waiting during the fght you must try to destabilize him.

- Destabilize him! OK but how? If he doesn't move, and me neither, it'll be hypnosis in the Stadium. They all eat the seats and smoke the carpet. I'm not gonna wait fve minutes without moving man... that no! no! said Babe.

- Babe! Your muscles will not help you if you don't use your brain. Is Keanu muscular? No! so! Until now your muscles and your technique have brought you victories. But here you have to add an ingredient that others competitors didn't take into it.

- Yeah, what's your idea?

- Destabilization.

- Ok! You're the Boss. But what do you think it's destabilizing? I don't even see his freaky face. How do I know if he's biting the hook? Babe asked.

- I don't know Buddy... but you will know! You'll fnd out something. I know you are a lot of imagination, when your AWAKENING - 230

nerves don't take over you. So, improvise. But above all don't let him tire you.

The Final Keanu vs Balouka

It was the afternoon and the two fnalists were ready. The public took up the meaning of competition and all are claiming the name of Babe. While both fghters were observing, the referee whistled the beginning of the confrontation. Keanu set himself in ninja position as observer, and although the public thought that Babe was going to fght him right away, he didn't do it.

Babe circled the ring without touching him. As they watched each other, The audience was becoming impatient, and some groups were grumbling with discontent here and there.

Five minutes passed and no hit was given. Now the public was hooting loudly, projectiles and other plastic bottles were catapulted onto the ring. The referee, while picking up the trash, asked the two fghters to make an effort. Babe looked at his coach who told him from a distance.

- Destabilize him.

Babe nodded and he started to dance in front of him, Keanu did not move NINO - 231

- Hey Ninja! you know what?

Babe accentuated his ridiculous fgure by singing his favourite song and dancing Reggae.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

The audience did not understand what Babe was doing but he continued: Don't worry about a thing.

While approaching Keanu who still had not moved, he turned around and then suddenly: Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

With daring, Babe passed his hand very close to Keanu at the level of his face, as if to slap him and he took off his mask.

Keanu was actually destabilized by the strange behaviour of Babe which he threw the mask over the ropes and while skirting the ring, raised his arms in the air so that the public supported him, which once again claimed his name "Babe!

Babe!" then he faced to Keanu.

- Oh my God! It's you? Nino! that's impossible! I... I... it's been years I'm looking for you man! but how? Babe smiles at him, AWAKENING - 232

shedding tears of joy.

Bill frst thought that Babe was still trying to destabilize him by a different method, which made him smile. The public and the referee, they did not understand at all. Babe approached Keanu but he fanked him in the face.

- Stop Nino... that's me Babe... your jail cell friend... you must remember me, Babe! I thought I had lost you forever my friend and now I'm fghting you, I... I just can't believe it!

Babe approached again, and Keanu gave him two right backs plus a shot in the neck, Babe cashed but did not fght.

- Stop Babe! To destabilize him in this way. When I told you improvised, it's not to make you demolish, Bill shouted.

Jiro who had heard everything, realized that Babe knew him but he say nothing.

- Hey Bill! It's not Keanu... that's Nino, my friend... my prison buddy I was seeking since of years, Babe informed.

- What! Com... how... you... you don't improvise now ..? Asked Bill a little distraught.

- No! That's my friend! Babe repeated.

But Keanu without any reaction to what Babe was saying, did NINO - 233

him another little hit on the back of the knee which made him fall.

- Are you sure he's your friend? He does not seem to know you.

- Yes! I know... it's normal, said Babe.

- Normal! He's pounding you. But... but... it's normal... ok! if you know what you're doing so, Bill replied demoralized.

- He needs to wake up, he's in the veil of forgetfulness of who he really is, do you understand?

- No! Bill said.

But Keanu did not stop poking around the lap belt Babe, who kept talking to him.

- Nino wake up! It's me, Babe, Fort Leavenworth Penitentiary?

Keanu seemed to react a little to what Babe was saying while continuing his tactics.

- Nino! You remember Tsu... Master Tsu. Nino stopped for a second. Babe approached him, but Nino slipped another straight into him. The audience was booing very loud now and did not like how it was going at all.

Babe tried different words, although he seemed to react to some of them, they continued to beat. Babe was starting to get tired a little to see that nothing worked. He was trying again and again to fnd words to wake up the part of Nino's sleep, as Master Tsu had said.

AWAKENING - 234

Nevertheless, Keanu continued but this time Babe retaliated and the public began to fnally see a fght getting ready.

Suddenly: - Yes, the key word! I forgot that! I should remember! But... if... wait a bit... yes... I remember now, the key word is...

Keanu was going to hit Babe, who was also preparing to retaliate, and while he armed his fst, he pronounced the magic word.

- Aiyanna! Aiyanna! Aiyanna!

Keanu stopped instantly, but Babe who had already prepared the riposte had not immediately noticed that Nino stopped, and gave him a violent punch in the face. Nino fell back practically inanimate.

The audience applauded, the Ninja is fnally on the ground.

Jiro, Bill and the referee still did not understand anything. Babe rushed at Nino and shook him to make sure he was fne.

- Nino! Nino! Do you hear me? I... I'm sorry little brother. I didn't wanna hit you, shit! Wake up, damn it. While the referee counted ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen.

- Nino! Do you hear me? fourteen, ffteen, and the referee whistled the end of the fght.

NINO - 235

Without really understanding he raised Babe's right arm as a winner, but Babe asked him to let him go quickly, and returned to Nino who was starting to wake up. His eyes were still scrambled, but as the seconds passed Nino smiled: - Babe! he said. What are you doing here? What's going on?

A few tears of happiness ran down Babe's cheeks.

- Oh! my God! Nino!

And he hugs him. The cameras showed on TV Nino and Babe sobbing, and this scene was seen all over the world. Even at Fort Penitentiary Leavenworth where it could see the smile of Tsu and his friends at the community center including Marvin, Jason, Jacek, Tim, Moss, Jose and even Jack. Miro from his home in Belgium and Henri in Quebec he said to his wife: - Crisse de tabarnak! check me those two. It's incredible, can you see 'em, those bastards.

Babe and Nino went out together from the Stadium to the applause of the public who did not still understood, but approved the show in general.

Bill and Jiro looked at each other without saying anything while Babe approached them: - Jiro, I... I must fnally thank you. Thanks to you, I found my best friend. So you know what? I'm going to make you a present, Jiro was waiting for the rest, Babe looked at Jiro in the AWAKENING - 236

eyes and continued without moving his head: - Bill?

- Yes Babe.

- When you go get the cheque for the victory.

- Yeah!

- Give it to him, can you?

- But... but Babe! Are you crazy man! it's over a hundred thousand dollars!

And still without moving, eyes were riveted on Jiro, Babe put his arm around Nino's neck and added: - My friend Nino is worth a lot more.

A tear of emotion ran down Jiro's cheeks. Bill was more emotional than ever.

- You have a heart Babe. I always knew it, answered Jiro.

- No more word bastard otherwise I'll change my mind.

- What are you gonna do now? Bill asked, wiping his tears.

- Sorry Bill, but it's over for me fghting. I have something else to do.

- I... I don't blame you Babe. I'll miss you, you've been my best fghter in my all freaking life. I must say that you are a good man.

- Thanks Bill! for that, you too, you're a great coach.

- One more question Babe. I... I don't understand anything, what Nino did in you that changed you at this point.

NINO - 237

- Bill! Bill! Even if I explained it to you, you couldn't understand.

- Do you mean I'm an idiot?

- No Bill! You won't see the world, the people, your life, in the same way, and if you're happy like that, so ..

- So what Babe? Insisted Bill.

Babe and Nino turned around and started to leave. While walking and without return Babe added: - So don't change anything. And do you know what?

- No! what! Bill said again, waiting for an answer.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

In the taxi to the airport: - Nino! This tattoo on your arm is the same than Tsu. - Tsu! - Yes, Tsu... you remember him?

- Oh! Yes! Vaguely he comes back to me, Nino was talking without any stuttering.

- So do you remember his tattoo?

AWAKENING - 238

- Yes I do. It's true... it's the same as Tsu. - How did you get it?

- I... I don't remember. I have... I feel I have always had it.

- Well then! Do you have the power to speak to souls, as Tsu does?

- Ho! I... I don't know. I hear voices deep inside me. Like telepathy. I can focus on someone and catch his thoughts even before he can act.

- Oh cool! Now I know how you'd beaten Ruiz.

Babe smiled while wrapping his arm around Nino's neck and as they took the plane to Canada, Babe told him the best he could, who was Nino before the fusion.

At Montreal.

- So, Nino, what's happening with you?

- Everything is scrambled in my brain but, the more time goes by, and the more I remember. I remember having already been there.

- Good! Good! Let's have a coffee before continuing on our way to lake St Jean, Babe suggested.

They went to a bistro near the Dorval airport. They went to the counter and ordered a coffee. Then they discussed their life during these past four years or so.

NINO - 239

A man, sitting close to them, was listening the conversation.

- I wonder if Aiyanna will forgive me. I hope she is still... single and hope she didn't forget me. I remember telling her, that... I'll come back to you at the Mistassini camp.

- Don't worry, I'm sure she's waiting for you man, Babe replied.

- Excuse my curiosity gentlemen, do you mean the camp of the First Nation? Asked the guy.

- Uh! Yes... yes that's correct, do you know it? Nino asked.

- Uh! No! not this one. But I spent a good part of my life with Amerindians. Actually with the Blackfeet in Alberta.

- Ah! okay! Nino nodded.

- By the way, my name is Gust.

- Hi! I'm Nino and he's Babe.

After making the presentations, Babe proposed.

- Do you guy wanna join us! A coffee?

- Uh! No thanks, said Gust.

Man in his ffties, gray hair ruffed with a big moustache, quite fat and not very big, then he added: - I rather take a beer, a draft beer.

Babe and Nino looked at each other with a smile.

- Ok boy! Go for a draft beer.

The server brought the glass of beer, and immediately Gust took AWAKENING - 240

it in his hand and in a few seconds he had fnished it. Babe and Nino, amazed, watched their new guest.

- So, I was married to a First Nation girl for ffteen years. Xelina, and I can tell you they're reliable and sincere, Gust said.

- Ah! Yes, Nino answered. Interesting!

- Yes... yes, if you have always respected 'em. I guarantee you that you will fnd her. Lake St Jeans! It's the Iroquois isn't it?

- Right Buddy, replied Babe.

- So you know what! Xelina and I, it was the best time of my life, and...

Gust told his story and he asked for more beers and the hours goes by, after all, Nino and Babe were not really in a hurry, it was now six o'clock at night.

- Where is she now? Babe asked.

- She... she left me, said Gust.

- Oh! I'm sorry, Nino added.

- No! No! don't be sorry! She... she was very kind to me. A lot of patience and wisdom. But... I didn't do anything to keep her.

She wanted children and I always said 'OK! I'll think about it'.

But, I... I didn't understand. I... I didn't even pay attention to what she was saying to me, and... I was too stupid. I had in my hand, a rare pearl. And I... and... the alcohol made her leave.

She left me fve years ago. She couldn't stand living with a NINO - 241

drunkard. Here I am, nothing else. Tears of sadness ran down his cheeks.

- Still, she warned me many times... but you know... it was always the same words, I thought. But one day, I went home, stuffed like almost everyday. And the house... the house was empty. No more Xelina around. She had left me without leaving any message. It was at this freaky time, and only at this time, that I understood... all the emptiness that she flled me just by her presence. All the love, all the attention to me. I realized...

But it was too late.

- Oh Dear! Did you tried to fnd her, by going back to her camp? Babe asked.

- Oh! Yes! Of course I tried. But her family closed the door to me. I... I deserved it... I cannot blame 'em. She is married now with one of the camp. They have two children.

- Too Bad. Anyway guy! Sometimes we have to go through this, to become aware of our true happiness, tried to comfort Babe.

Because, you know, you can have a fortune, a good job and a lot of stuff. But in the end of the day, they become useless in the face of a lack of love.

- Yes... yes it's true.

- Ouaou! What's happen to you! You are so romantic, said Nino.

- Yes, sometimes I'm feeling this weak side on me that I need to AWAKENING - 242

express it.

Gust react after a while and added.

- Hey! guys! what do you do tonight! I have free places to enter the Mirabel park, do you guys wanna join me?

Babe and Nino looked at each other.

- Yeah! Why not, replied Babe.

At the park, they went to a few rides including the "Kite Flyer" and the "Paratrooper". They were having fun like crazy young people. They did an archery competition, Nino won. Shoot Rife, Babe won. With a knife, Nino won. While Gust, more drunk than ever followed them without really knowing where he was going. He was sticking his shoulders everywhere as he's walking, and unfortunately, he touched one of the four young guys they passed by. He was lighting up a marijuana stuff, by the shock, the cigarette fell and Gust walked on it, which angered the young man who, without hesitation for a second, punched Gust in the face, which he fell.

- Crisse de tabarnak! look at that guys, said the young man. He scratched my stuff, this asshole.

Gust got up with diffculty.

- I... I... am... so sorry.

- Hey! It looks like you're drunk my friend, aren't you?

Old man! I'm gonna help you. You're gonna see, you'll get NINO - 243

better right away.

And the same guy punched him in the stomach and sent him to his colleague who did the same thing. Gust was tossed from hand to hand until he came back to the frst young man who fnished him with an uppercut. Gust, with his nose bleeding, fell again. Others guys laughed loudly, alerting Babe and Nino who saw Gust on the ground far behind them. Babe rolled up his sleeves and ran to the guys, but Nino stopped him.

- Babe leave. I can handle that.

The guys heard what Nino just had said and one of them replied: - What? You saw how skinny you are. You're mad at me! I'm gonna spank you right now.

Which made the other guys laugh again, and he walked over Nino with the intention to do it, but he did not have time to arm, he took a heel strike on the face.

- Hey! Don't bullshit me, continued the young man.

Nino whirled and his foot hit the guy's chest violently. He fell from his weight on a table booth, just behind him narrowly avoiding a group of girls who were playing there. The board broke and all girls dispersed by the shock. The other guys wanted to intervene, but Nino faster than lightning, crouched in order to sweep and the other three fell. The frst to get up took AWAKENING - 244

a hit punch on the chest, then another kick in the face, and fell on his colleague who was still in the kiosk. The girls watched the scene, then other people came as well. Nino took the third guy by the arm jostled him in order to make him lose his balance, then the returned abruptly, and by centrifugal force returned to Nino, and placed him a violent punch in the abdomen. He fell to the ground. Nino completed the fght in sprawling on him the elbow in the coccyx. The fourth guy, seeing all his friends to the ground, panicked and fed quickly by creating a passage in the crowd.

- Look at him! that one, he's escaping, says Babe. Ah! Congratulations solidarity! And that is called man!

As guys got up, they ran away. Some people applauded Nino for his performance and his courage.

Nino rushed to Gust, which he's still sat on the ground but conscious.

- How are you feeling, Gust? Nino asked.

- Ouch! I have a little trouble breathing, but I think I'm fne, he replied with diffculty holding his stomach and wiping his bloody nose.

- Hey! Buddy! You didn't lost the power of fghting by recovered your consciousness! added Babe.

Then he turned back his face to the four girls who spoke in a NINO - 245

language he did not understand.

- (Girls, let's go, it's too violence over here, said one of them.)

- (No, said another, I know that guy, he's not violent.)

- (What, the one who just fought, you know him! How? She asked surprisingly.)

- (Oh, I'll explain later, it's a long story, I must speak to him, she said.)

- (Ok... well, go ahead, we're waiting for you here, I'm too scared, be careful).

- (Yes, don't worry, stay here, and give me fve minutes.)

Babe watched them and alerted Nino.

- Hey Nino! It looks like girls are talking about you, but I don't understand anything she says.

- Who? - Girls! behind me.

Nino stood up and watched the group. One of them approached him shyly and staring at him.

- Ni... Nino? She asked hesitantly.

- Yes! It's me! But... but who... who are you? Nino asked while trying to recognize the girl.

- How come! You don't recognize me?

He hesitated a few seconds and exclaimed: AWAKENING - 246

- Aiyanna! Which by the way excited, and took Babe in his joy.

- No!... no! I am not Aiyanna.

Babe sighed in despair for Nino.

- Oh! sorry, you're a native and I... I thought for a moment, Nino said a little embarrassed.

She smiles: - Kaya! I am Kaya! I... I taught you our language... a few years ago, do you remember?

- Kaya... Kaya! Yes it's coming back to me!... it's still blurry, but it's coming back to me... Kaya... yes I remember you now, Nino replied.

Babe smiles again in a sign of enchantment for Nino, as they hugged each other, Kaya continued: - It's really nice to see you Nino all these years. You... you're so different.

- Uh! Yes a bit.

- You don't stutter anymore, do you?

- Stuttered! I... I don't remember that.

- Are you kidding me?

Babe listened to the conversation and decided to intervene.

- Hello sweet girl, I'm Balouka Nino's friend, but my name is Babe, who had his eyes that lit up with the energy that Kaya released on him.

- Hi Babe, while smiling all over her face.

NINO - 247

- Nino... is not the.., Babe was really attracted by Kaya, especially he couldn't tell the Tsu's secret.

- Sorry? Reinforced Kaya to continue the discussion.

- I said, Nino is not the same as he was three or four years ago, he went on.

Kaya was a bit surprised to hear that.

- Yes! I... I can understand. But at this point, it's amazing, Kaya replied. Nino doesn't stutter anymore, it's ok. But to fght... this way. With a kind of audacity!

Kaya turned to Nino and continued: - What happened to you?

- Uh! Well, let's say that I met like... shaman... who transformed me.

- A shaman?

- Uh! Yes... yes that's it, added Babe to close the subject on Nino. As he tried to continue the conversation with Kaya to capture her attention, Nino interrupted him immediately.

- But Aiyanna!... where is Aiyanna? He asked expressly.

- She... she will be very, very surprised to know that I met you here, Kaya replied.

- Where is she... I want to see her? I want to talk to her. I have lots of things to say to her, Nino reiterated.

- This... might not possible Nino.

AWAKENING - 248

- Not possible... why?

- She... she is...

- Amarok? Remembered Nino.

- Uh! Yes... she... she is married now.

- Married!

- Yes... Wakiza, our chief obliged her.

- Oh yes! Wakiza! But... why?

- Wakiza is old. He only has Aiyanna... and... he doesn't really trust Amarok for succession. Not enough wisdom in his soul. So he submitted to Aiyanna his wishes. He wanted... a new generation before leaving... do you understand Nino?

- A new generation with... with... Amarok! But... wait a bit. Are... are you trying to say... that Aiyanna is...

- She should give birth to her... baby, in... in about a month.

It's... it's a strange coincidence, isn't it Nino?

- What! Oh no! Nino was terribly disappointed.

Babe sighed again as a sign of desolation for Nino.

- I'm... I'm so sorry Nino to tell you that. I would have wanted you to be... one of ours but so... Ataensic decided it.

- Ataensic, who's he? Babe asked.

- She's our Goddess of creation, Kaya corrected.

Nino was shocked by this news, Babe and Gust tried to comfort him. Then Nino turned to Kaya and, frmly, added: NINO - 249

- Fine! Ataensic decided it. Ok! But promise me something.

Kaya nodded.

- Promise me never to tell Aiyanna that we met.

Kaya thought for a few seconds and sobbed, - O... ok Nino, if... if that's your desire, I promise you.

They snagged again, and as Kaya prepared to join her girls group: - Hey! Kaya! said Babe. Is there a chance to meet you again... one day?

While wiping her cheeks, Kaya watched Babe with a small smile.

- Maybe so, she replied with her raven eyes shining brightly.

- Great! But... how to reach you? Asked Babe.

- Give... give me a phone number and... you'll see.

Babe hastened to give her his cell number.

- I now have to take care of Nino, the news has terribly affected him, he said.

- I know and I... I regret that this happens.

- Yeah! It's sad for him. So, see you soon Kaya? Re-asked Babe.

- See you soon... maybe, corrected Kaya.

And the girls left, Kaya turned towards Babe who did not leave her eyes.

- Go Nino! go!

- It's stupid, why did I do all this then? Said Nino.

AWAKENING - 250

- Yes, I know. But there must be a reason... and we will fnd out... I'm sure.

And they left on their side holding Gust under his arm.

- How are you doing? Babe asked.

- Better, said Gust.

- Good! But you know what?

- No! And Babe started to sing.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

NINO - 251

POWER OF LOVE

- Love is just a word until we meet someone who will give him a meaning, Author Unknown.

AWAKENING - 252

Kaya and her friends went back to Mistassini's camp after their weekend. A bit later during the day, Kaya went to visit Aiyanna, lying in her teepee, in order to take some baby's news. Amarok was there too.

- Hello! how's my big sister doing? Kaya asked kissing her on the forehead.

- The baby moves a lot but no alert.

- It's approaching big sister, soon he will see the light of day.

- Yes, I'm so existed to hold him soon in my arms. And what about you? How was your weekend in Montreal?

- Uh! Well... well, she replied.

- That's all! Tell me more then that. As you know I cannot go out a lot right now. Those days are sometimes longer than usual. So give me some distraction it will make me in better mood.

- Oh well! You know! It's games, rides, it was fun as usual.

Maybe a little less because you were not with us big sister.

- Yes it's true, I would have liked to come. Montreal Day is one of my favourites, I just love it. So! What else? Did you meet awesome men? The man of your dreams, or I don't know, someone else?

Kaya changed literally her face expression in a second and turned her back, but Aiyanna noticed it.

- What's going on, little sister? I'm fnding you very laconic. This is not usual.

NINO - 253

- Oh! Nothing! I'm just a little tired of the trip.

Amarok interrupted the conversation.

- I'm going to the barn. Kaya and Waban can help you if you need.

- You betcha Amarok. Go! Aiyanna replied.

As he went out, Aiyanna watched Kaya, when she realized it, she looked down.

- Oh you! you're hiding me something. You know you cannot lie to me, your soul has a very low frequency as I have never felt in you. Kaya could not hold out any longer, she sobbed with emotion as she took her head in her hands.

- What's going on little sister, you look worried about something? You know you can tell all your thoughts to me, Did you get some problems with boys who have bothered you?

- No! No! I... I... cannot... tell you.

- Why that little sister? Let your soul express. I... I feel it sad.

Free it from this burden... go! Courage!

- No! I... I really cannot. I... I promised him... no! Sorry! Forget what I just said. I... I am... sorry big sister... I...

Suddenly Aiyanna understood what Kaya's soul was trying to tell her. She stood up quickly, which triggered unexpected pain in the lower abdomen and could not staying up.

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- Aiyanna! Kaya shouted.

Aiyanna let the pain pass and continued: - It's... it's Nino. You... you saw Nino... right?

Kaya could not respond, too much emotion blocked her.

- Where... where is he? Asked Aiyanna expressly.

- I met him at the festival. I... I told him everything about you, Amarok and the baby, she murmured, crying.

- No! - Aiyanna! It's... it's too late now. A baby... your baby is about to be born from your bowels. It is the most beautiful gift of life.

- Nooonnn! Aiyanna begins to cry as well. No! - Aiyanna. I... I beg you, forget him now.

- Kaya, Kaya... how... how's he doing?

- Stop hurting yourself. I know you still love him. So stop asking me questions, she said frmly.

- Please Kaya, how can you? I... I think about him every single day and you know that. Since he was captured, I cannot forget his face in the police car... I just can't forget. Even when Amarok is... on me... do you understand Kaya. How can you leave me without information. I will never forget the moments spent with him... you must...

- He's different Aiyanna, that's it! Kaya interrupted.

- Different!

- It's no longer the... Nino you knew. It's not so much at the NINO - 255

physical level. A little more muscular certainly. He... he does not stutter anymore.

- Good! But still?

- He is much more, confdent. More daring. More mature too.

- I do not understand why you say he's different, Kaya?

- He... he fought at the festival against... four guys who were hitting a old man. Nino was helping him.

- No! the poor... he must have been hit violently and, he must be full of blue right? that why you...

- No Aiyanna... no!

- What do you mean by no?

- No! He... he put them to the ground... one by one... to the last one who ran away.

- Pardon, Nino put them to the ground?

- That's right. He's...

- He's!

- He's... as you always have... said. Special.

Aiyanna cried even more with each word that Kaya added.

- He hasn't lost the sweetness in his words nor the kindness in his eyes. But suddenly he can become very violent. As if he changed his identity... from personality. Do you understand Aiyanna?

- I cannot believe you Kaya. Are you trying to hide his wounds, in order to not affect me?

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- No Aiyanna, you know that I never lie to you. By the way, he told me he had met a kind of shaman which he would seem who helped to change Nino.

- Oh! goddess of creation! Oh! I... I now understand why he is... different. I understand...

Suddenly, Amarok opened the tent and found both sobbing: - What is happening here? Amarok asked.

While turning her head Aiyanna wiped her tears. Amarok approaching her, then he grabs her face to see.

- What's going on? He reiterated, changing his tone.

- I... I have sudden stomach pains that's all and... and it hurts me.

Amarok turned to Kaya and added: - And she... also has pain in her belly?

Kaya no longer supported the atmosphere under this tent and while she's wiping her tears, she runs away. Amarok did not hold her back.

- Look at me in the eyes. There is only one person who can put you in this state... except your father. She tried to avoid his gaze, but he forced her.

- The truth now! he summoned.

Aiyanna could not answer and suddenly the pain increased, she NINO - 257

screamed but Amarok thought it was a trick.

- Aiyanna stop right now, and answer me... otherwise, he said threatening.

In groaning pain Aiyanna bent over, and capsized. As he persisted, she lost the amniotic fuid. But Amarok insisted again and again until, Wakiza, hearing moans, ran and saw Aiyanna in pain. She was lying on the ground in a puddle of water and blood. He understood the urgency.

- Amarok! What are you doing? Call an ambulance quickly!

Don't you see it's time? Wakiza demanded panicked. Insensibly, and although he did not answer, he executed.

While Aiyanna was on a drip in the emergency department of the Jonquière hospital. Wakiza, Kaya, Waban and Amarok were waiting in the rest room. But Amarok did not care hardly of the situation. What mattered most was knowing what was said under the tent. He would have liked to question Kaya, but Wakiza was next to her. Suddenly Dr. Humbert presented himself to them.

- Doctor, how's Aiyanna doing? Wakiza asked.

The surgeon did not have a reassuring expression on his face.

- Aiyanna and the baby are... in a state... quite critical.

Wakiza looked down and prayed. The doctor added: - We will do our best to save them I promise you Wakiza.

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This news push Kaya down into tears. The intensity blocked her breathing, the doctor immediately called a nurse who administered a sedative. Amarok did not move when the doctor went on: - Why did you guys waited so much to call the ambulance?

- Doctor! We called it immediately as soon as she lost the water, replied Wakiza.

A few minutes later.

- Doctor! Dr. Humbert! Come quickly please, Aiyanna is moving! cried a nurse.

Two hours later the doctor returned to the group.

- They are saved. They are no longer in danger. Respecting however, a lot of rest. Wakiza jumped with joy and kissed Kaya as he was kissing his child.

- Thank you Doctor! Thank you.

Kaya was very glad to hear that news, but thinking of Nino her mind was disturbed.

"Too bad. Aiyanna will never be able to live with the one she loves", she thought.

A little later, she phoned Babe.

- Hello! Babe! it's Kaya.

- Hey! Kaya, how are you doing? Wait... a minute, I... I can't talk NINO - 259

to you right now... I'm fshing and... I have a big one at the end of my hook. Nino is with me and...

- So, as I understand the fsh is more important than what I have to tell you?

- Uh! No! No! Of course not! He stammered. Panicked Babe dropped his cane into the river which made Nino laugh.

- Are you making laugh about me? Kaya rekindled.

- Uh no! Not... not at all! I... I just lost my cane... it's in the river.

- Oh I see! It's probably because of me, she said with a smile.

- Uh! not at all... not so important... it was a little fsh.

- What! You just said earlier that it was a big one.

- Yes! Yes! That's! But... because by far I thought but actually closer it was... very small.

As Nino was laughing and Kaya smiled, Babe reacted quickly.

- Okay! Kaya! Uh! When are you coming to Montreal?

Tomorrow would be a good day. I would like... I would like to see you and spend some time with you, and...

- I'm sorry Babe, I... I can't come, she said interrupting.

- Yeah! Yeah! As you know... when we don't want, we always fnd excuses, right?

- It's not that Babe. I... I didn't forget you... no! But...

- So what! That too far? Don't you have enough money to put gas in the car? You're cold and bedridden? You probably wanna AWAKENING - 260

tell me that you already have a boyfriend? What else you're...

- Aiyanna has just given birth, she answered bluntly.

Babe was speechless for a moment. Then turned to Nino.

- What... what! But... but you said in... a month! he exclaimed.

Nino understood the subject of conversation and turned at once, Kaya added: - I know, but it's when...

- What?

- I... I could not keep my promise. I... I'm sorry. Aiyanna is... aware.

- About Nino? Babe repeated.

- Yes and... it triggered contractions. She is in the emergency room of the Jonquière's hospital - Oh shoot! I understand... the shock.

- Yes. I hope... I hope Nino will forgive me.

- Be certain, Babe said.

- Thanks Babe. I have to leave you now... Wakiza asks me... I'll call you back soon... I promise.

- Okay! Great. Take care of yourself Kaya.

- Okay!... Hey Babe! she added.

- Yes Kaya!

- You are... you are a nice boy after all and... I like you.

- Thank you Kaya I really appreciate... but you haven't seen all things about me yet.

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Kaya hung up with a smile.

Nino immediately asked Babe.

- What is happening?

- Nothing, all is well. Aiyanna has...

Suddenly a bald eagle brushed Nino's head without touching it.

- Hey! You saw that eagle. Ouaou! He must smell the little fsh that you just caught, says Babe with irony.

- It's not very small... jealous! But what did she say about Aiyanna?

The bald eagle brushed Nino's head again.

- But you're right. He must be hungry, Nino replied. Here, I'll throw this fsh on the shore, so he can take it away. So! what did Kaya say?

But the Eagle eagerly approached Nino again without looking after the fsh.

- Hey! He doesn't want the fsh, he wanna you man, Babe remarked.

- Yes... it's weird... this eagle reminds me...

Now, the Bald Eagle brushed Nino's head in a glut, suddenly Nino remembered: - Aiyanna! He exclaimed. Suddenly he got up from the boat and Babe swung into the river.

- What! exclaimed Babe without understanding. Oh! Crap it's AWAKENING - 262

cold! You did it on purpose. Right! Wait a bit, I'm not going to be the only one in the water.

- Aiyanna is in danger. This eagle I... I recognize him, It's Pika...

- Shoot! Replied Babe.

- Let's go quickly! He said panicking while paddling to the shore.

- Uh! What! Ok! Wait for me... I have to get my cane back. And the fsh then! They won't wait until we come back.

- Forget it Babe... and tell me what Kaya revealed to you?

- Really it's nothing important. Aiyanna has just given birth, replied Babe bluntly.

- What! But why you didn't tell me earlier, Nino went on.

- Well I tried to tell you, but you rather play with the freaky bird.

In the car: - Something is happening Babe. A soul is talking to me now. I cannot detect at who it belongs. But there is danger. Aiyanna needs me.

- Okay! so, let's go, Babe said.

On the way to Jonquière Hospital: - Babe can you speed up, the soul sends me a message of NINO - 263

imminent danger, even death.

- But, I'm already at more than one hundred and thirty kilometres per hour. You know the limitation, resumed Babe. Don't worry, we should get to the hospital in an hour.

- It's too long. I assure you, nothing will happen to us. Speed up please! Nino begged.

- Ok... Mr. Keanu... I hope you know what you're doing.

And Babe accelerated on the highway more than one hundred and seventy kilometres per hour, slaloming between cars.

At the hospital, Amarok, alone, was walking down the aisle of the seventh foor. Without stopping, he walked past Aiyanna's room, who was sleeping with a mask on her face and needles on her arms. He continued along the path to the nursery. In the evening, there were only nurses on duty, assisted by some helpers.

Amarok hid when he saw a midwife come out of the incubator room. When she was far away in the alley, then he went in and he scanned the names of the babies on each sign until he found Aiyanna's baby. His son was on a drip, but his heavenly blue eyes were open. Amarok stared at him a few seconds, and as he pulled out a knife from his pocket, the infant was staring at him as well. His dad approached his weapon closer to the baby's face, scanning his body with the blade and without hesitation, AWAKENING - 264

he cut the feed pipe.

The newborn didn't stop staring into his father's eyes during the entire operation. Amarok noticed this, with a little fake smile, but after a few seconds, he went away.

Babe and Nino ran to the reception.

- Aiyanna's room please, Babe asked expressly.

- Aiyanna? Ok, last name please? the receptionist asked.

- I don't know man, Aiyanna that's all.

- I need to know the n...

- Oh! Boy! How many Aiyanna have you in the centre?

- Well... only one... but the policy is the policy you have to tell me her last name...

- The ROOM! Shit! Punching his hand on the counter. And right now!

- It's... it's on seventh foor... but I... I don't remember the room and all visits are close at this time. Nino took the stairs directly, the receptionist tried to stop him but Babe gripped him by the collar of the shirt.

- You! listen well, because I won't repeat.

The receptionist, completely paralysed, nodded.

- Call rather the police, and the nurse on duty. It might get some trouble, soon, you get that? Fight!

The receptionist answered positively with a nod.

NINO - 265

- So! DO IT! ordered Babe.

He executed without saying anything.

Running in the alley, Nino tried to identify where the soul emitted its vibrations. The baby was starting to change colour pulling toward a fade blue. The pallor of lips and tongue was striking. The infant was tormented, the console displaying his cardiac pace, showed an increased acceleration of the heartbeat.

While that Amarok was now far from the nursery and was heading towards Aiyanna's room, Nino was searching room by room.

"The vibrations seemed more intense here", he thought.

The baby was now very agitated, his intermittent breathing announced a sign cardiopulmonary insuffciency.

The nurse, who had been called by the receptionist, was walking down the alley. When Suddenly, the baby in his arms, Nino screamed as he opened the swinging doors with his foot: - The baby! the baby is not well! the baby is not well!

The nurse and a midwife joined him and took the infant.

- Quick, said the nurse to the midwife. Call the doctor on duties.

It may not be too late. As they went to the emergency room, Nino relieved, whispered as Babe joined him.

- So, asked Babe.

- The baby... it's his soul calling me. Poor baby It's his soul, he...

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he was in agony. I don't know... what happened, then he realized. Oh! my God! Aiyanna, it was Aiyanna's baby! Let's go to fnd her!

- What... what! but how will you recognize her? Babe asked him.

- Her soul... her soul will guide me Babe... it's that way.

As they approached Aiyanna's room, Amarok came out. As soon as he recognized Nino, but Nino haven't. It was when they entered in this room that he realized.

- Aiyanna! he approached her and saw quickly that all needles were cut.

- Amarok! It was Amarok! he cried, looking at Babe. Which he understood and chased the native, who went down the stairs.

But when Amarok arrived on the main foor, he saw in the distance the policemen who were there, near exit doors. As he heard Babe come down the stairs at full speed, he hid behind the door of the hall at the second foor. Babe came to his level, and as he tried to cross the door giving access to the lower level, Amarok grabbed him from behind and gave him several stabs in the back until Babe gave way and collapsed.

Meanwhile the doctor and some members of the hospital department were taking Aiyanna to emergency. As Nino was about to follow them, he received a signal of danger by the soul NINO - 267

of Babe. Nino suddenly changed direction and went down stairs, taking him directly to Babe.

The police were present in each exit of the hospital. They disturbed considerably Amarok's plan. He changed his strategy and decided to go upstairs to escape through the roof. But Nino was calling Babe while he's going down the stairs. Amarok located him with ease and waited. Nino passed in front of him without seeing him, but saw Babe lying in a paddle of blood.

- Babe! Babe! he exclaimed.

He was not completely unconscious and he had the strength to alert Nino.

- Ni... behind you.

Nino had just enough time to turn around while shifting but the blade of the dagger Amarok slashed his shoulder several inches and then he tried again, but Nino faster dodged him several times. Amarok realized that Nino was not the same as he was before, who would not have been able to avoid his attacks.

- Why Amarok? Nino asked.

- Wah! Your journey in prison gave you a good skill. You gained agility, but you still don't understand the power.

- Which power do you think you own?

Amarok tried to reach Nino by the throat, which he dodged without rebelling.

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- You will not escape too long white skin.

- You did married Aiyanna only to be the heir, didn't you?

Amarok tried different techniques but Nino dodged them all.

Suddenly Wakiza entered through the emergency door and he was now close to Babe. He was surprised to see a blood-black man lying on the ground, watching him. Kaya who was following Wakiza caught sight of him, and before she spoke, Babe waved his mouth sewn. He got up with diffculty and went out into the hallway, but collapsed again. Kaya immediately alerted the hospital staff, who came quickly with a stretcher and took him to the emergency room, Kaya followed.

As Wakiza climbed the stairs without making any noise, the conversation between Nino and Amarok continued: - You knew that if it was a boy, Wakiza would have chosen him as an heir... and that's why you tried to kill your own child... shame on you!

Amarok got angry but anyway Nino was too fast for him.

- The power is unique and almighty, women must comply. What are they for. Does not a bull have several cows, a lion several lionesses? Who can challenge their superiority. Ah! Ah! you didn't understand that, white skin, the power is authority. It's freedom. It's respect.

As Amarok approached to him, Nino kicked him into the NINO - 269

abdominal belt, which made the native back against the wall.

- No! I don't understand that language, Nino answered. If you were the chief of the tribe, you have decimated your people long time ago, with your absurd methods and your vanity. You would you compare to a bull or a lion? Don't you have anything else to bring to life, to nature, to this world that surrounds you.

Cannot you be an example of wisdom, compassion, hospitality?

How can you be so blind and want to put end to your child's life?

- Your father would have done the same thing, wouldn't you? If he hadn't made the mistake to save his son without knowing it, Ah! Ah!

Nino approached Amarok who pointed his knife but Nino made him hover and fall down the stairs right next to Wakiza, which picked it up. Then with a kick slapped, which made Amarok bleed from the lips.

- Take that for your insolence. You talk about things you do not know. Listen, no matter what my father did, I love him as he is, with his mistake and his ignoring. But you Amarok, who do you love except yourself?

- You'll go to hell, said Amarok.

As during a fght in a ring, Nino began to place him a few shots in the abdomen and he continued: AWAKENING - 270

- I love Aiyanna as is she. Chief's daughter or beggar's daughter that doesn't matter. Only count our union that nourishes our love.

- You're so romantic, white skin, Amarok mocked.

- She is genuine, she is an eternal child in her heart. She does not react with her brain like you. She does not calculate. She does not analyze. She does not look tomorrow or yesterday like you. There is life in everything she does, everything she touches, every people with whom she speaks, she lives in the present and that, you are just incapable.

Downstairs Wakiza's listening what Nino was saying with attention. While the Dr. Humbert and two of his nurses were preparing to cross the corridor of the seventh foor they stopped as they watched the altercation between Amarok and Nino.

- You are devoid of love. You put the life of your own baby and Aiyanna in danger... miserable... you are devoid of common sense... you are arrogant and imbued... you have no compassion... no respect... you are selfsh and cynical... you cannot be the heir.

Nino voluntarily provoked Amarok, who fell into the trap and tried some thing. Indeed, Amarok shouted and darted with all his might on him, but Nino stooped and took Amarok by one NINO - 271

foot that he turned violently and losing balance went through above the ramp "HAAAAA!" and he was now down the foor near Wakiza. Amarok was injured, his left leg was broken, he was bleeding through his mouth. When sitting down he perceived Wakiza. Nino was about to go down but stopped when he noticed the chief.

Wakiza stared at him few seconds and said with his tight throat: - Why Amarok? All these lies, it's enough now... you did not want a baby... I always knew it... because you wanted... the glory... the power... the throne. You coveted it for long time and the idea of having a male child... would have cancelled you this privilege. What have you gained now, tell me?

Amarok looked down. Then Wakiza added: - Did I not raise you? without father or mother. Did I not give you a name, a shelter, an education and a lot of love? Have I not taught you to be a warrior worthy to walk by my side, and be an important part of our community with, at my right... my daughter, it wasn't an honour? No! Amarok you wanted...

Aiyanna for the power... and glory. You are hollow, your blood does not fow in your veins, they are infected by the power. So, I don't have the choice to ban you forever from our community.

Therefore... I take away all your titles and I cancel your AWAKENING - 272

marriage... you... you are free now! Stay away from Aiyanna and her baby.

They stared at each other and then Wakiza turned to go upstairs and join the doctor when suddenly Amarok stood up on his bloody leg and tried to jump on him from behind. Nino who was watching, alerted him.

- Wakiza!

Which he turned around and without hesitation stabbed him, piercing his heart. It was with the tight throat he made this gesture. Amarok glanced at Wakiza. Quickly Nino went down and asked him to go upstairs, which he did immediately. Nino stayed with Amarok, who was dying and bleeding.

Suddenly the captain of the Brigade followed by two policemen, arrived at the spot: - No one move, said Captain Monack. Young man you are arrested, he said.

Nino was the closest to Amarok so obviously the frst suspect.

- Agent Sullivan handcuff him. But Wakiza interrupted him.

- Wait!

As he was coming down to tell the whole truth about this altercation, the doctor who had seen everything from the corridor on the seventh foor, interrupted him as well.

- I'm a witness mister agents... nobody killed anyone, he said NINO - 273

joining the policemen. This man on the ground, had bad intentions and... it's when he perceived us on the foor that he fed by the stairs. He... he just stumbled and... fell on the blade.

This young man next to him was with me upstairs. He has just ran faster than me, that's all. You understand?

The policemen looked at each other for an instant, Nino watched the doctor, who added: - Give me, give me until tomorrow morning. I... I will go to the police station to do a statement about it. But tonight I'm on duty and I have a lots to do.

The brigade captain hesitated a moment before speaking. They remained silent to wait for the verdict. Then, in order to speed up the answer, the doctor added: - I really have to go... it's ok for tomorrow?

The captain stared at the doctor to detect any fake emotion but nothing visible seemed to emerge.

- Ok for the deposition, replied the captain. Anyway our forensic doctors will do an autopsy.

- Of course Captain. Thank you. Come both of you, time is short, suggested the doctor.

While walking in the central alley: - I have good and bad news, he said.

Nino and Wakiza were waiting for the rest.

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- The baby is better... he is under medical supervision but he will getting better...

- Aiyanna! exclaimed Nino.

- She... she's in a deep coma... the brain has not been powered enough while the pipes were cut. Some brain parts are obstructed. On the other hand, her body did not suffer any damage. I... I'm so sorry guys.

- Can we... can we see them Doctor, asked Wakiza very affected.

- Yes of course. Follow me.

While they were walking.

- I... I am indebted to you Doctor... you have just saved me...

- No, Wakiza, I'm the one who is in debt. We know each other for how long now? Twenty fve... thirty years? I have... I gave birth to many children in your community... and I had the privilege and the honour of giving birth to... your daughter Aiyanna. I could not save Tawana with deep regret that I will keep in me until my last breath. I know... I know... it was her choice... I'll never forget.

The doctor's eyes were red with tears.

- For me, it's nothing compared to you Wakiza! How could you keep faith all years? It was very diffcult to accept her decision.

How days and nights must have been long... before time erases habits... and the heart bruises itself heals. But this miracle of NINO - 275

God... was her last wishes... we had discussed before. Tawana had made her decision, if something went wrong. She wanted more than anything in the world... to give you a child, even if she lose her life. She told that before the intervention. I had accepted despite myself. I had to give birth to this child from her womb, while she was dying. What a noble woman! How can I forget. Wakiza could not hold back his tears.

- Today, this child who was saved twenty-two years ago, she's in the hands of mighty God. You have witnessed many miracles in your community. So... do not despair Wakiza. Pray... pray, send her all your love and let the Divine do his best.

The doctor showed them Aiyanna's and the baby's room. The eyes flled with tears, Wakiza looked at this baby without touching him. Nino walked around the bed on the opposite side. Then Wakiza sat down, looked at her daughter who seemed to sleep peacefully. He took her hand and in Mohawk he spoke to her: - (Wake up sweet girl, ask your conscience to let the sun go in your heart. Ataensic hear my message. I have never betrayed you or blasphemed you. I ask for your mercy... your forgiveness... welcome my weakness, and accept my choice despite the pain... hear my suffering... only you can resume life. So, in all my heart, I offer you my life, please take it, and let Aiyanna live hers. She AWAKENING - 276

is a child with a fragile heart... she has so much love to give. So much joy to share. I... I have nothing to do on this earth if you keep her with you. I... I have nothing else to ask Ataensic. Please listen my heart how aloud it cries... listen my soul how sad it is...

I beg you... free me and... close my wounds.)

With these words, Nino was flled with emotion and suddenly tears fowed down his cheeks. Then Nino's listening Wakiza's Iroquois incantations, in order to awaken the Awareness of Aiyanna. After a few hours, Wakiza was very tired, he could not stay longer. Kaya and Waban drove Wakiza to the camp, informing Nino that his friend Babe was out of danger and that he slept like a baby in the resuscitation room.

Nino stayed at Aiyanna's bedside the rest of the night. He spoke to her, spoke, but nothing changed. As he fell asleep, he suddenly received a message from Aiyanna's soul. This message said: 'Nino, speak to her heart without restraint, and allows her heart to express itself'.

He knelt down, leaning on Aiyanna's bed, bowing his head as if to pray. He took a few deep breaths and his heart opened much more than he could imagine. He began to whisper a song without ever having heard before. This tune was "In the light of love by Deva Premal & Miten with Manose".

NINO - 277

In the light of love, we are together.

In the light of love, we are at home.

In the light of love, we heal and sing.

May your will be done in the light of love.

After this frst verse, Aiyanna's eyes fickered.

In the light of love, our prayers are answered.

In the light of love, our hearts are one.

In the light of love, our pain disappears.

The child who is in us expresses himself in the light of love.

Now her breathing was calmly regulated, in appeasement. The fngers of her left hand opposite Nino moved.

In the light of love, the sun is in us.

In the light of love, blessed be this day.

In the light of love, time does not exist.

Unconditionally I love you, in the light of love.

Aiyanna slowly opened her eyes without really seeing clearly.

In the light of love, we heal together.

She is now aware of who was close to her.

May your will be done in the light of love.

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Then Nino fnished his song by adding: - I love her so much Ataensic... I love you Aiyanna... like crazy So be it... so be it... so be it.

Suddenly, Aiyanna's right hand, with lightness, rested on the head of Nino, which did not move. Instantly tears of relief fowed down his cheeks, thanking Ataensic for her Grace. Then he raised his head and here they are face to face sobbing, they tenderly embraced, kisses of emotion followed.

- Aiyanna, Nino said with a tight throat.

- Finally... you're here, she replied quieted.

- Yes Aiyanna! I... I promised you.

- I... missed you... terribly. I... I only saw you on the horizon and... here you are, she replied.

- Aiyanna... you raised me up, added Nino.

They embraced again.

- I'll never leave you again, he sobbed.

At the same moment someone entered, it was the Doctor.

- Oh! my God! It's... it's a miracle!... a miracle! he said, he ran in his offce and picking up the phone.

It was two o'clock in the morning.

- Hello! Kaya?

- Yes! doctor! What... what's going on? Kaya answered worriedly.

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- Tell... tell, the intensity of his emotion prevented him from continuing.

- Tell... what Doctor what? Which made her worrier.

- Tell Wakiza... the miracle, Ai... Aiyanna... is awake. Then he literally burst into tears. Kaya released the handset and ran quickly to the Wakiza tepee.

- Rake:ni! she said, shaking him. Rake:ni!

He opened his eyes, and seeing Kaya he suddenly got up. He could read in her eyes that information she was about to give him would be good.

- It's a miracle Rake:ni miracle, Kaya said with emotion.

Wakiza sobbing, looked at her then replied: - Yes... it's a miracle Kaya... thanks to the most beautiful gift that Ataensic gave us... it's the power of love... there's nothing more powerful than that.

Kaya kissed Rake:ni emotionally on his cheek and then he hugged her.

- Let's go my daughter, let's go see our lovers, said Wakiza.

At down Wakiza and Kaya arrived at the hospital.

Nino was sitting next to Aiyanna in the bed with the baby in his arms, and Babe was on the side sitting on a chair. Wakiza, very emotional, hugged Aiyanna, then Nino and took the baby in his AWAKENING - 280

arms, and rolled his eyes as if to thank Ataensic and declared: - My daughter, My love. Thank Goddess. Nino! You... you guys must forgive me. I... I doubted Aiyanna... of your feelings about him. While you, you never gave up believing it... even after his arrest. I did not want to hear anything because... because he's not like us... so stupidly I did not believe it. But Nino last night at the hospital, never... I would never have thought... having a day in front of me... a soul so pure in a white skin, compassionate and tolerant.

Again Wakiza sobbed.

- It is humbly Nino that I ask you to forgive me.

Nino was overthrown by this unexpected message from Wakiza, and he moved and replied: - Wakiza, one day you accepted me in your camp without prejudice or expectation. You gave me all your belongings, your culture, your language, your joys, your holy earth and... your daughter without never show me your anxieties, your fears and your concerns. You are brave, you speak always with the heart... moreover Aiyanna has inherited it.

Which made them smile.

- I... I don't have to forgive you... for wanting to protect your only daughter. I... I am rather proud and grateful that fate has brought me to you. Wakiza, I will serve you as I have wanted to NINO - 281

serve my father so much.

- Thanks Nino, but your father is still your father, and I think, you should go in France to visit him one day.

- I think so. He's always in my mind and my heart. A lot of think changed in me since I left him.

Then Babe broke the mood a bit to move on.

- Well that's fne all that... but this makes me cry in MAUDIT! then crisse of Tabarnak, and if we get out of here, instead?

And all began to laugh.

Late in the day they were outside ready to return to the camp, Wakiza came with a van in order to get everyone back. Babe had a bandage around his neck and over the entire rib cage which remained painful. Nino and Aiyanna were seating in the back with her baby in the arms. And Dr. Humbert saluted Wakiza with all his blessing.

Kaya was driving and as they were coming out of the city taking steep streets, the van was shaking a lot in the back, and Babe pointed out: - Hey! calm down... do you drive always like that?

- Yes! Why... am I going too fast Babe? Kaya replied.

- No it's not a question of speed... it's question of slow down in the curves.

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Wakiza replied with a laugh: - Kaya always drives like that... I may have had to drive.

- What does it mean Rake:ni! you do not usually complain.

- Yes, but Mr. Balouka's complaining about it, said Wakiza.

- Mr. Balouka will get used, retorted Kaya.

- Oh Boy! I can't believe it, exclaimed Babe. We merely know each other and there is already confict.

And all began to laugh.

- But no! Babe! Kaya said while looking at him in the mirror. I drive like that... I...

- Watch out! alerted Wakiza.

A woman with her child crossed the road in front of the van and Kaya braked so hard that Babe rocked and touched the ramp with his body and he was screaming in pain.

- Hum! I... I'm so sorry Babe really sorry! replied Kaya, chagrined. I believe that you are right Rake:ni, she went on.

Please replace me.

From the moment that Wakiza took the wheel, the driving was immediately more relaxed. Kaya passed in the back next to Babe.

- I'm sorry Babe, kissing him on the forehead. I... I did not listen to you. Actually, I... I'm a little, suborn you know!

- A little! said Wakiza, smiling.

- It's ok Kaya... don't change your personality... I like the way NINO - 283

you are, ok?

- Really! Are you serious? Usually people say I'm a plague! Did you hear that Rake:ni! It's the frst time a man tells me to stay as I am! she replied in a surprised manner.

Aiyanna and Wakiza laughed loudly.

- Hey! And you know what? Added Balouka.

- No! Babe what! Kaya continued.

- Nino! You! You know right!

- Right, Nino said.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Few weeks later. Preparations for the wedding ceremony were done. After analysis and gathering all symbolic objects, the tipi of the future married was built away from the village in order to enjoy their honeymoon without being disturbed. The celebration was held inside a large circle in which was suspended a giant dream catcher, with the aim of driving out evil spirits.

There were about ffty guests at the ceremony. Balouka and AWAKENING - 284

Kaya were the honorary witnesses. Wakiza, apparently very emotional, tried somehow not to show it.

They stood barefoot, facing the Shaman from a nearby village.

Aiyanna was wearing a long dress decorated with turquoise beads and fringes. Nino had a beige tunic with some feathers on the sides. The shaman recited some verses in Mohawk, and fnally he's setting some stuff for the harmonization of bodies.

He took a dagger in his right hand.

- Give the utmost importance to the tenderness, kindness and attention that your merit union. When the problems come to disturb the soul, remember that even if the unifed soul does not answer, it will always be present in you.

Aiyanna held out her left hand. The Shaman cut a small wound on her wrist. He did the same on Nino's right wrist.

- Kneel now. Join your wounds one on the other. There are two bodies but now, one blood fows in your veins. For eternity, you will not feel the loneliness, because each of you will reside in the body of the other. You will not feel more hunger, because each one of you will feed the other. You will not feel fear anymore because each one of you will protect the other. Go now to your secret place. May all your days be sacred and be bathed in love and joy.

They stood up and joined the crew.

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- I wish you all the happiness you deserve my daughter. With Nino I am confdent. He will take good care of you.

- Thank you Rake:ni I love you so much.

- Me too, my daughter, I love you. Nino, I have to admit, I've been hoping for a long time that Amarok was one day worthy of being my successor. But Ataensic sent you to us. It's a very precious gift she gave us. I also wish you all the happiness you deserve!

- Thank you Wakiza. There is nothing to be afraid of. I will take care of her until my last breath.

- Go now! Bring the horses! Wakiza shouted.

As was the tradition, two white horses had been prepared for the ceremony. They climbed up, and left, greeting the crowd in the most total emotion.

Kaya did not take her eyes off them.

- Oh! Lucky you guys! she said sniffng. I would like to live that one day.

Babe thought for a few seconds, then answered.

- Wait! don't move.

- Babe! What are you doing?

- I'll ask the priest if he can marry us.

- What! Are you serious?

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- No! I'm kidding - You bastard, Babe I hate you! Kaya shouted, tapping Babe on the shoulder, and the same stroke mobilized the attention of the guests.

- No, Kaya stop! It's true I wanna marry you. For real!

- Stop Babe, it's not funny!

- I'm serious!

- Why do you wanna marry me?

- I wanna live with you the rest of my life. And have lots of kids with different skin colours.

- Children! Do you think so? For the skin colour! With your black skin and my red skin. How will baby be?

- Well, I don't know! But at least we are sure for one thing.

- Ok! what!

- It will not be a white skin. Ah! ah! ah!

They burst out laughing without being able to stop.

Wakiza who was trying to understand what was happening approached them.

- Well Kaya! Two seconds ago you insulted him, and now you guys are laughing like silly people.

- Rake:ni, this man is crazy!

Wakiza stared at Kaya as he seemed to be upset.

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- Excuse us two seconds Balouka.

Wakiza took Kaya by the arm and moved a little further to talk to her without disturb the guests.

- Kaya! You always make the same mistakes with men. You treat them as objects and in the end they're running away. Our friend Balouka will not endure it so long.

- Listen to me Rake:ni.

- No way, this is not acceptable Kaya! Especially a day like this.

Why do you treat him as crazy guy?

- Rake:ni, listen to me! I treat him crazy, because he... because he wanna marry me!

- What! Really... but... it's beautiful! It's... this is the frst time that... someone ask you in marriage! Hum! You may be right, he does not know what he's saying.

- Rake:ni!

- Ok! ok! It's fabulous! Did you set a date?

- Yes! Rake:ni!

- Ouaou! Already! That's wonderful! Give me the date, so like that I can send all invitations to your guests.

- Oh Rake:ni! You don't have to.

- No! Why! Don't you want guests?

- It's not that Rake:ni! Cause we're getting married, right now!

- N... now! But... but the shaman is gone and... and some guests too! Then also tradition wants Babe to come and see me to ask AWAKENING - 288

for your hand.

- Oh! That! We will arrange it right away. You, call back the Shaman, please, do it? Thank you. Then she ran off.

- Ha! women! he complained.

About a hour later the shaman was back, somehow a little upset, but smiling. Babe went to meet Wakiza, as the Mohawk tradition wanted.

- Wakiza! I don't know how to do with manners. So I wanna marry Kaya. It's OK! Wakiza watched him for a few seconds, his indolence made him smile.

- I knew better attitude to ask the hand of the future bride to his father. But I accept.

- Really? Are you sure!

- To tell you the truth... it's the frst time I've been asked for Kaya's hand. I'm not going to refuse it. This chance will probably never happen again.

- That's right! Ok Kaya! Call the priest! he said as he's walking.

- The shaman Babe! The shaman!

- So what! In both cases, they give the holy word. Right!

- Yes, if you want, exclaimed Wakiza.

At the end of the ceremony.

- Go now to your secret place. May all your days be sacred and NINO - 289

be bathed in love and joy, the Shaman fnished saying.

- Waban! have white horses been prepared for our newlyweds? asked Wakiza.

- No! I asked Waban to do nothing! Babe answered.

- Sorry! Balouka, it's a tradition to ride on a white horse, the chief insisted.

- Wakiza, Horses aren't my dream, I have something better.

YAHTO! Babe yelled.

Yahto arrived on a Harley Davidson, which he laid at the feet of the newlyweds.

- That's... what the hell is this bike for? asked Wakiza.

- So what, he replaces horses! But the tradition is respected! It's white!

Kaya was laughing as well as all the guests. Wakiza did not reply.

- Well! Kaya, my daughter. I am very happy for you. It's... it's the best day of my life. Try to remain dignifed. He said, shedding tears of joy.

- Me too Rake:ni, it's the best day of my life. Don't worry, everything will happen well. I love you Rake:ni.

- Jump up Kaya. Asked Balouka.

She climbed behind Babe, she squeezed very hard.

- So Kaya, happy?

She just nodded a sign of her head.

- That's all? said Babe.

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- Oh Boy! I didn't wanna open my mouth, I'm afraid happiness will escape.

- Ah! ah! there is no risk, the priest just told us!

- Balouka! said Wakiza, it's a sham...

- I know, a shaman. I'm just kidding Wakiza. Oh! it's not boring over here but we have to go!

- Yes! go! go! Ordered Wakiza.

- Oh! I forgot something, said Babe.

- What else! Wakiza shouted.

And Babe turned on the radio of the bike, which was:

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

Don't worry about a thing Cause every little thing gonna be alright.

- Bye!

And they left like a rocket emitting a huge smoke. Trash was thrown on the face of Wakiza and Waban, which triggered a feeting cough. Wakiza watched them go off, wagging his head from left to right by sign of lamentation. Then held Waban by the shoulder.

- Do you saw that, Waban? A white motorcycle! Ha! man!

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Nowadays young people, I don't understand 'em any more. I think I'm probably too old now, it's over me.

Waban bursts out laughing.

- All these emotions made me thirsty. What do you think?

- Yes Wakiza, it's a good idea.

And they went back to the tipi. As they walked in the distance Wakiza said: - And this singer Balouka was listening to, who is he?

- Oh! I don't know. No doubt... a white skin.

And they started laugh at endlessly.

- END –

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DISTRIBUTION Main character: Nino Nino's mom: Filomena Spina Nino's dad: Giuseppe Spina Nino's sister: Camilla Spina Nino's grandma: Rosaria Nino's Canadian uncle and his children: Alonso – Paul – Jean Hospital staff in France: Doctor Aquilina – Doula - Nurse Scott – cleaning lad Primary school's teachers: Mr. Vago – Miss Ricci – Mr. Bernard Soccer coach and his team: Mr. Eugene, Sebastien, David and Alexandre

Hospital staff in Canada: Doctor Humbert – midwife – Nurse First Nation: Wakiza and Aiyanna Yiska – Kaya – Amarok – Yahto – Waban – Tawana – Awan Homeless: Jim – Eliza – Georges – François – Hubert – Germaine – Arthur - Willy Canadian cup's: Capitaine Frank Nelson – Sullivan agent – Capitaine Monack – Dujardin agent US cup's: Commissoner Godefroy and Lawyer Turnills US Military: Sergent chief William – Caporal Abbott NINO - 293

Pénitencier staff: Maton – Supervisor and suppléant Prisonners: Balouka – Miro – Tim – Jason – Jacek – Marvin – Moustache – José – Jack - Tsu Lao-Jendra Martial art's coaches: Jiro – Bill Montreal resident: Gust et son ex-amie Xelina Martial art's fghters: Luiz – Lee – Joao – Kim – Tanawat – Koga – Dan – Ibrahim – Raj – Siu – Fernando – Sergey – Freddy – Yamoto Others: Old ladie – Controler – Hotess – passager – truck guy

Music

Bob Marley Tree Little Birds Deva Premal & Miten with Manose In the light of love

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