Shaman - the Awakening

by Vr McCoy

  After speaking to Steve my mood had dropped a notch. He was optimistic, but still depressed. I called Dianna for some comfort, and we spoke for about an hour. I informed her of our progress. She could tell that I was a bit melancholy after hearing about the team's limited involvement in the case. Gracie deserved better, she deserved the best people handling this. She was one of our own, and a friend.

  “Are you going to be alright” Dianna inquired?

  “Sure; it's not me that I'm concerned about,” I replied.

  “I know. I hate it as well, but we do have an army out there investigating this now,” she replied.

  “Yeah, but are they good enough?” I replied.

  “Hey, I have to go. The AD is here for the morning briefing. I'll call you later and keep you updated,” she said and hung up the phone.

  After the phone call with Dianna I took a long hot shower. It was funny because now I could feel Gracie while I was awake. I could feel her distress deep down inside. My newly acquired abilities placed me in even closer contact with her emotions while I was conscious. At first I was just experiencing them subconsciously while in the dreamscape. I never even noticed it until Dianna witnessed me talking in my sleep and wrote it down. I wondered if she could feel me consciously as well.

  After showering I sat down in my bathrobe in the dark and contemplated all that I needed to do to save her. I would have to risk imprisonment, because I never doubted for a second that the A.D. would carry out his threat. He hated me and my methods vehemently. He was old school and was opposed to everything I stood for. I infuriated him even more when I wouldn't play ball with him. I had often seen his scowling disapproval and heard the rage in his voice. That was one of the good things about being a consultant on contract; I didn't have to play by all their rules. I only had to adhere to just enough to remain employed, and since I was good at what I did and valuable, I could even bend the few rules I was expected to follow.

  The A.D. had considered it a pleasure to disband our group. He was a power freaks who would shoot himself before giving in to compromise. He was the type who got in his own way and couldn't get pass his prejudices.

  I couldn't get to sleep thinking about Gracie. Nina was probably out for the count by now. We had been up all night. I ordered some breakfast and listened to some Coltrane on my iPhone. It was raining outside, so I opened the curtains. I hadn't even noticed how dark it was in the room until I opened them. So much was true about what Asku said about me; my affinity for the dark. I loved rainy days in particular. I don't know how that fit into the Spirit Guide equation, but I had always felt a sense of calmness and comfort during the rain. I enjoyed the cleansing effect that it had, same with the snow. Things appeared to slow down during the rain. There were fewer people outside, and I enjoyed that also.

  I ate my breakfast and enjoyed a cup of coffee while looking out the window at the beauty of the rain and nature. North Carolina is a beautiful state, especially in the mountains. This place was special. I was thankful Nina had brought me here, but soon I had to leave. I had to go back to New Mexico and catch a killer. I was even more confident now that I could catch him with my new arsenal of abilities.

  Nina knocked at the door around noon. She had been asleep for about five hours. When I opened the door to let her in, she immediately noticed the lighting in the suite. “Wow, someone opened the curtains for a change. It only took a rainy day to do it, but it's still dark in here,” she stated, turning on the interior lights.

  “Did you enjoy your rest?” I asked her. “No. not really. I kept tossing and turning. You didn't get any sleep either, did you?” she inquired.

  “No. I've got too many things on my mind,” I replied.

  “I know, but you need to rest before you fall over,” she said.

  I changed the subject. The case, not my personal state, needed to be our focus now. “I informed Steve of our progress, but he had some bad news. He told me he was called backed to Washington since he was suspended and taken off the case. He left on the ViCAP jet at 1000 this morning. Dianna, Max and Amber are remaining in New Mexico to assist the A.D., but they've been taken out of the field and assigned as Special Assistants to the A.D. He wants to keep them close. He needs to cover his deficiencies with them by his side to make any necessary corrections. That just leaves me to find Gracie. The A.D. is too anal and closed-minded to find her with his methods,” I stated.

  “What do you mean only you, mister? What about me?” she inquired.

  “I figured your superiors would need you back by now,” I replied.

  “No. as far as they are concerned, I'm still on the case. My bureau is a little more flexible than the FBI. I'm on a very long leash. Besides; you guys aren't the only ones who are doing good things out there. I've got carte blanche with my cases,” she said.

  “I know. You came highly recommended by the A.D. He gave us a background on your accomplishments,” I stated.

  “Well, that's not saying much coming from him, now is it,” she replied as we both laughed.

  “Well, the first thing we have to do is research the Southwestern Indians with Kivas in New Mexico, unless you already know the information,” I stated.

  “No, it differs per tribe and sect in the Southwest. Our people the Tsalagi, are mountain people. We don't have Kivas,” she said.

  “Tsalagi means Cherokee,” I responded.

  “Yes, but our original name is Aniyawiya,” she replied, then paused for a few seconds and asked, “Why haven't you ever attempted to get back in touch with your Tsalagi heritage?”

  “It's complicated,” I replied.

  “I can keep up,” she responded as if to say she wasn't giving up on this particular conversation that easily.

  “It's like I told your uncle. My people were excluded from the Dawes Rolls. It felt like they didn't want to have anything to do with me, so I felt the same way about them. I am a half-breed in every sense of the word, Nina, and I really don't know where I belong,” I replied.

  “You're confused, Chris, but know this: not everyone agreed with the Dawes Rolls Act. My tribe didn't agree with it. The gifts you possess have been passed down through your Cherokee heritage. Your bloodline is strong in Tsalagi, so put your mind at ease and consider yourself family. It doesn't matter what percentage of Tsalagi you are with us.” Then she held her hand to my face to caress it.

  “Thank you, Nina,” I replied as we buried the subject and went back to the case.

  “I have access to the database of the Bureau of Indian Affairs library. It's the best library in the country on Indian Affairs, history and heritage. We can use my laptop, but first I need to get you out of this doom and gloom, Count Dracula. It's raining outside, but that doesn't mean we need to be down about it,” she stated.

  “But I enjoy the rain,” I responded.

  “Good; then you'll love this place. We're going to find this psycho, so get dressed,” she commanded.

  Nina took me to a cabin in the mountains. It was located in a secluded area, high in the mountains, surrounded by the forest. The building had high ceilings and an enormous glass skylight that allowed us to view the rain flooding the glass, like a waterfall. It felt like being on top of the world as we looked out over the tree tops below.

  “Whose place is this?” I inquired.

  “It's mine. This is where I stay when I'm in town,” she replied.

  “Why didn't we just come here instead of the hotel,” I asked?

  “I didn't want you to get any false ideas of why we were here or distract you in any way. Most people feel more comfortable when they are on neutral ground,” she replied.

  “This place is gorgeous,” I said in amazement.

  “Before you get any bright ideas; it didn't cost as much as you might expect. The land was already ours and it's cheap to build cabins out here. Also, my family is old fashioned; as soon as I told them I was in town with a friend, they wanted to know the details. If we had stayed here I would never have heard the e
nd of it. Make yourself at home while I get some firewood from storage. There's Wi-Fi installed, so we can just stay here in the living area near the fireplace. The lighting is better in here,” she said.

  Judging by the architecture of this place, Nina was the exact opposite of me when it came to lighting. There was light coming in from everywhere in the cabin. At least we did share a love for the outdoors, but I could never stay in a place like this. It was obvious her astrological guide was the sun, whereas mine was the moon. That's why she constantly wanted the curtains opened and attempted to illuminate whatever area she was in. Asku really enlightened me about some fundamental things that I would normally have missed. They are minute things, but lent great knowledge into someone's psyche. This would assist me in catching this killer as well.

  We settled down with a bottle of wine in front of a crackling fire and went to work. It was peaceful here, with no distractions. Nina was on her best behavior. She knew when to get serious and this was that time. She displayed the seriousness I saw back in New Mexico. I think she just liked teasing me because of what happened in the shared dreamscape with Dianna. Now that she was concentrating Nina was a very intelligent, focused, career-driven and accomplished agent. We conducted research with our laptops until sundown. I hadn't thought I would still be in Cherokee for another day, but there I was.

  “I'm hungry, what about you?” Nina inquired.

  “I could go for something,” I replied.

  “Alright; I'm not much of a cook, but my father keeps food in the cabinets and fridge for me. Let me see what I have.” She returned in a couple of minutes. “I have some venison tenderloins I can fix with some rice and vegetables,” she said.

  “Sounds great. Do you need some help?” I asked.

  “No. You continue with the research. I'll get started in the kitchen and be with you in a little while.”

  After prepping the food and placing the tenderloins in the oven, Nina returned with some cheese, marmalade and crackers to hold us until the dinner was ready. We continue with our research, and discovered everything we needed. The Bureau of Indian Affairs' library was very extensive.

  We ate dinner by the fireplace a few hours later. It was dark outside now, and time seemed to escape us while researching. Nina didn't give herself enough credit.

  “Dinner was marvelous, Nina. Thank you very much, you're an excellent cook.”

  “I'm glad somebody think so,” she responded and laughed. “So, how do we proceed from here, Mr. FBI?”

  “Please don't start calling me that. You've progressed from calling Mister to Count Dracula to Mr. FBI. Whatever you call me, just don't call me that.”

  “Why not?” she asked, smiling.

  “It reminds me of the A.D,” I replied.

  Her smile faded. “I'm sorry. I definitely will drop that one. You're nothing like him. If it makes you feel any better, the names were all given affectionately.”

  “No, it doesn't, but I'll live with it,” I retorted.

  “You know, your uncle gave me a Tsalagi name,” I said to Nina.

  “Wow, I don't know what you've done to him, but he really does like you. For him to give you a Tsalagi name means he has accepted you into our clan. It is a high and noble honor,” she stated.

  “Thank you, and I am honored,” I replied.

  “What is your Tsalagi name” she inquired?

  “Cheveyo.”

  “Welcome to my family, Spirit Warrior,” she replied.

  “He also gave me this crystal,” I said, showing her the stone I was wearing around my neck.

  “It's our family crystal. Christian, now you belong to the great and noble clan of the Aniyawiya Tribe; wear it with pride.” she said. Then she showed me her own.

  “I didn't see the crystal before while we were in our dreams,” I commented.

  “No; it can't be seen then. This is your anchor. It makes itself known when you need it, such as when you're in trouble and need to find your way home. It has its own magic which isn't rooted in the spirit realms. This is the magic, or energy, from Mother Earth. Every realm has its own powers. My uncle will teach you this later, and explain it better,” she said.

  After dinner we continued conversing about the heritage of the Tsalagi until it was quite late. We agreed to spend the night at the cabin. I informed her that I needed to dreamscape alone tonight, and that I wanted to visit Dianna alone. Nina didn't put up a fight, as she had a lot to absorb. It was apparent that her family had accepted me fully into their clan, but to what extent? I think they still had ideas of her and me being together, but my heart was somewhere else. I called Dianna after assisting Nina with the cleaning. I assured Dianna that Gracie was still alive and that I was leaving in the morning for New Mexico.

  I was fresh and invigorated the next morning. I slept like I never had before. This place was good for me; my home State. Nina and her family were good to me as well. I wished we had met under different circumstance. I could see myself being happy with her.

  “Shi-yo,” I greeted Nina with a big smile when I saw her.

  “Shi-yo, Christian. You're a fast learner. You've picked up all of this without a problem, including the language,” she responded.

  “Thank you, but I had some excellent teachers.”

  She smiled.” Do you want some breakfast before we leave?”

  “Sure; I could eat a horse.”

  “We no longer eat those, but I do have rabbit, deer, goat and the occasional road kill possum,” she replied. We both laughed and sat down to a nice bacon and eggs breakfast with coffee, juice and toast. Nina had risen before me and already had the food prepared.

  “I scheduled our flights out this morning. The earliest we can leave is at noon. That gives us plenty of time to prepare,” Nina said.

  “Nina, I don't know where to begin thanking or repaying you and your family for all you've done for me.”

  “You don't have to. You are a part of my family now. This is what family does for each other, but the main objective here was to help Gracie. Hopefully by assisting you, we can catch this psychopath.”

  “Thanks again,” I replied.

  Before departing we stopped by the Earth Healer's Shop and said good bye to Asku and Kele. I promised Asku that I would return and meet the rest of the family, namely Nina's parents. Then he warned me that I would become lost during my journey, so I should always wear the crystal.

  I had spent three days which seemed like an eternity in Cherokee, NC. It felt like I had been caught in a time warp in this serene place, or like I just completed R&R at a spa retreat. Now it was time to get back to the hustle and bustle of the bureaucratic society that we both called home and work. I wasn't looking forward to the complications ahead of me with the A.D., but if I stayed out of his way and channeled my progress through Dianna, I could remain out of jail.

  The connecting flight out of Atlanta, Georgia was crowded. Hartsfield International is one of the busiest airports in the Southeast. The plane was packed on the way back to Albuquerque. We sat next to an elderly woman, Mrs. Julia Jerrells, in the three center seats. She was a retiree living in New Mexico and was returning from visiting her son and family in Atlanta, which was the stop over from Asheville, N.C. to Albuquerque. She thought Nina and I was married and made a nice couple. Nina corrected her, but Mrs. Jerrells was persistent and continued her quest in pairing us.

  “Marriage is a wonderful thing. I was married for 40 years until my Josh passed away. Don't wait too long, young man. You make such a gorgeous couple. I can see the connection between you.”

  We smiled, attempting not to laugh, because she was a sweet elderly lady and a grandmother. She continued to talk about the serial killer and how afraid she and her neighbors were. She didn't have anything to worry about though. The serial killer only abducted young women in their twenties. The partial media attention had most residents in the vicinity of Albuquerque on edge.

  I received a text from Steve while in flight: Chris; I've been rei
nstated on the case. C u in New Mexico and explain the details. Don't go 2 HQ till we speak.

  When we landed at the ABQ International Sunport we assisted Mrs. Jerrells with retrieving her luggage and noticed that there was no one at the airport to meet her. We inquired if she needed a ride. We were on a schedule to catch a killer, but we felt like it was our duty to be sure she arrived home safely

  Mrs. Jerrells carefully accepted our offer after examining my face. Our conversation had been very pleasant, but her scrutiny of my face was to confirm my intentions. She was reading it like a map. I guess seniors have seen it all. She probably would make a good profiler with all her knowledge and wisdom. She agreed to wait until Nina rented a vehicle on the GSA Card, then we drove her home. She lived in Los Lunas, a couple of miles south of Albuquerque off Highway 25. Steve texted me again while we were driving Ms. Jerrells home.

  Steve: Im in abq r u here?

  Chris: Yes, but had 2 driv 2 Los Lunas.

  Steve: Let me no wen Ur bck n abq 2 meet.

  Chris: ok.

  Most people love to text these days like Steve, but I prefer the good old fashioned phone call where you can have a conversation with the person.

  “Thank you both so very much for helping an old lady in need. Can I give you something or get you anything for your troubles? I'm in the house alone nowadays and wouldn't be ungrateful for some company.” This was her way of asking if we would check out the house for her, which we did.

  Once inside, inspecting the house for intruders; Mrs. Jerrells asked if we would sit with her for a little while. We didn't have the heart to say no. We sat down and drank some tea and watched Jeopardy on the television. It had been a long time since I'd actually sat down and watched T.V. The Tournament of Champions was on with Alex Tribeck. I always wondered if he already knew the answers to the questions – or is it questions to the answers –since contestants have to state the answers in the form of a question. Does the host have to look at the answers on the cards or what? He appeared to be very intelligent.