During the search, Drakkar finds himself face to face with one of the criminals, but thank to his training he manages to disarm him with few kicks. They fight in a violent close combat. Drakkar throws several punches, blocks many kicks, dodges some hits, and finally knocks him down hitting him brutally in the stomach, at the sides of the knees and on his neck. The criminal falls on the ground and he immobilizes his arms behind the back before to handcuffs him, he pulls him up and gives him in custody to the two men with him.
«Do we got them all?» asks a voice on her earphone.
«No. Three to go.» replies Drakkar.
«Go get them, Scorpion!» affirms the voice, calling him by his code name.
Drakkar recalls his team and organizes the capture of the remaining three. His men nod and move in precise directions, knowing how to act. Suddenly he hears continue gunfire and one of the men behind him falls wounded on the floor. The others run for cover, Drakkar shoots back and goes to help him to get up bringing him in a safe place. He checks his thigh and see that, fortunately, he has just a flesh wound.
«It's ok, Leon, it's nothing, don't worry. I got deeper wounds when I fall from my bike.»
The young man nods, feeling better. Drakkar entrusts him to his men and orders to take him out. He continues to advance with the others, alert and focused like always. But...
No one can say how or when it really happened, but suddenly Drakkar is lying motionless on the ground. The roars of small bombs echoed in the whole building followed by a unreal silence. Drakkar opens his eyes finding himself on the cold floor, hearing the sound of his own breathing and his heartbeat in his ears. A weak heartbeat.
«Scorpion!»
«Romain!»
Those voices seem distant, but he can see blurry figures bending over him; he understand they are talking loud, but all he can hear is just a whisper.
«Take him away!»
He realizes that a warm liquid is wetting his left shoulder. He looks down and sees a long trail of blood as some men drag him away. They bring him into a cold, dark room. Four men are around him while two more are guarding the door. One of the four men points a flashlight at his face and he closes his eyes trying to speak, but no sound comes out. They take off his helmet and balaclava.
«Commander! Commander! Please, hang in there! You'll be fine.»
No, he won't, he feels it. He mumbles something and one of the men bends over his mouth to understand what he's saying.
Drakkar closes his eyes as he hears the voices growing faint.
«What did he say?» asks one.
«“Take care of Nathan and of the revolutionaries. And tell Sibylle that I love her”.»
Drakkar smiles: good, he understood every word.
With his eyes closed he sees the smiling face of Sibylle now, he can hear her sweet voice, her lovely laugh. He can even smell her delicious scent. Some tears escape from his eyelashes.
“I'll miss you, my petite leveret.”
And then it's the darkness. The most cold, deep, scary darkness he ever felt.
~
Almost three weeks later Drakkar receives discharge from the hospital. He has been in critical conditions for the first three days of coma, but his astonishing willpower has been crucial to make him react brilliantly. The doctors have even already removed the stitches from the shoulder. His left shoulder, in fact, has been badly wounded and now he got a big scar.
Nathan is next to him. He has always been with him the past weeks. He took care of the house, of the dogs, but mostly he was in the hospital taking care of him. He thoroughly disinfected the wounds three times a day; and the first days — when Drakkar could barely walk — he helped him to go to the bathroom. Their relationship has become stronger. Nathan feels more useful and has learned to know and respect the fragile side of Drakkar; and Drakkar feels a deeper affection toward that boy who cannot shut up for a minute, but whom takes care of him like no one.
It really seems that they are brothers now.
Tarasque enters the room going to greet Drakkar with a hug. He was frightened to lose him when he learned what had happened. He and Saphir had not slept or eaten for the three days and three nights of his coma. Tarasque is incredibly happy to see his best friend fully recovered now. They talk, joke, and Tarasque gives him an appointment for that evening at Drakkar's home, like always. The truth is that Tarasque is not worried about Drakkar's life now, but he knows that his friend is sad and the reason is Sibylle. Saphir reported that Sibylle and her husband have resumed dating, deciding to do so on a confidential basis without using the Club, at least for the first weeks.
Tarasque never mentioned Nymphe any more, not to upset his friend, but Drakkar knows that the relationship between the two is deeper now and he repeatedly told Tarasque to talk freely about Nymphe, because he is genuinely happy for them.
Nathan and Tarasque watch Drakkar's colossal naked body while he begins to get dresses. He moves smoothly, for being someone who has undergone several operations.
«You really are a bloody werewolf.» grumbles Tarasque, impressed.
Drakkar smiles, buttoning his pants.
«You kept my bike in the garage, Nathan?»
«Yes, of course. But you cannot drive it in your condition.»
«What condition?» asks Drakkar pulling his green army shirt down his powerful chest.
Tarasque and Nathan exchange glances and shake their heads.
«You need to rest, my friend.» says Tarasque.
«I've rested enough. Now I have to go and talk to a person. It's important.»
~
Guillaume is in his huge mechanical workshop directing the work of maintenance of a truck, when the roar of a motorcycle approaching catches the attentions of all the people there. The black sport motorbike of Drakkar enters slowly in the garage. The man parks in a corner, turns off the engine and dismounts elegantly, placing the helmet on the seat and going calmly to Guillaume. The mechanic gives guidelines on how to proceed to a couple of twin brothers, and walks to meet his friend wiping his hands with a rag.
«Romain, what a nice surprise! I haven't seen you for a while.»
Drakkar smiles, but his eyes don't. That's strange.
«Yeah, I've been... busy. I came to talk to you, Guillaume.»
The man nods and guides him to another room, a large bright room that serves as a small warehouse where they keep the pieces of inoperative vehicles.
Drakkar goes to lean against a metal platform, and Guillaume stands in front of him waiting to hear what he has to say.
«How is your daughter, Guillaume?»
«Oh! That stupid girl!» says the man in a growl. «I still cannot believe it, but she is back together with her ex-husband! Gah! She says that he is a different person now, that he cares of her, that he realized he still loves her and now intends to stay with her and treats her as she deserves.»
«Well, that sounds good. Aren't you happy?»
«Bof, forgive me, but I just don't believe him, mon copain. The problem is that Sibylle believes that everyone is as good as her. I've always struggled to make her understand that not all people are honest; I tried to teach her that even bad guys can act nicely, but they stay bad. Just like the good people can do bad things sometimes, but down in their heart they are still good. The difference is that when the bad guys behave well is only for their personal gain, and when the good guys behave bad it is because they are exasperated. But she really wants to believe him, and he — to show her that he really is a better person now — invited her best friends to dinner at his place. He also came here to meet me, to apologize for his behavior, for have forbidden Sibylle to see me.»
«And did you forgive him?»
«Hell no! I told him I didn't believe him and he became nervous, so we ended up in a fistfight! That man hurt my daughter, Romain! He treated her badly for years! He told her so many bad things that I feel sick just thinking of it! How can I forgive him?! I know I may sound too—»
«N
o, I understand perfectly, Guillaume. It's much more easier to forgive those who hurt us than those who hurt those we love.»
«Exactly. I don't believe in his redemption. Don't misunderstand me, I think he really likes Sisi, but I just don't believe in his pure love. That man doesn't know that feeling. I think he is driven by a less pure feeling, he just wants something very specific. I don't even think is his fault, it's probably in his nature. He's like the scorpion which stings the frog that helps it to cross the pond.»
Romain chuckles and shakes his head.
«Don't offend the scorpions, Guillaume, they are magnificent animals. Is one of the more ancient animals on this planet, and sometimes they form real families taking care of each other. In addition it's my sign. So, no, don't compare him to a scorpion, that man is just what he seems: an intelligent and evolved human being whom coldly calculates what he needs, and then he does anything it takes to get it.»
«I've seen him, Romain, he is the first who thinks to be changed. If I hadn't the experience I have I would have believed him too, but unfortunately I know well those like him—» says Guillaume looking away.
He looks lost in old, painful memories and Drakkar purses his lips, leaving him the time he needs to regain his firmness.
«But what did you want to tell me, Romain? You're not here to talk about Sibylle.»
Drakkar smiles.
«Yes, I am.»
«Oh?»
«I just wanted to know if she was okay, if she was happy, that's all.»
«I think she is convincing herself, now that she got what she wanted. But her mother and Amelie always told her it is not getting what you want that you are happy, it is doing what you love that you'll be. But why are you interested in her, Romain? You don't even know her.»
«On the contrary, I know her well, Guillaume.»
«Oh! You knew he that night at the Art Gallery?»
«No, I had known her before.»
Guillaume frowns.
«Then why did you pretend not to know she was my daughter at the Gallery?»
«Because it was true, I didn't know she was your daughter.»
«And when you'd known her then?»
Drakkar doesn't answer and Guillaume looks grim.
«What's going on, Romain?»
«I'm sorry, Guillaume.» says Drakkar standing up. «I just came to know how Sibylle was doing. See you later.»
He moves but the grip of Guillaume's hand stops him.
«Back where you were!»
Drakkar obeys calmly. The mechanic point a big and greasy finger at him.
«I don't like when people hide things to me, especially if they are about my daughter! Is that clear?!»
Drakkar nods.
«You won't go anywhere until you tell me everything! Do you understand?»
Drakkar smiles.
«Yes, sir.»
Guillaume looks askance at him and gets one step closer.
«Do you think I'm joking?»
Drakkar doesn't bat an eyelid.
«No.»
«Good, because if you try to move from your place without telling me all I need to know, I'll beat you up!»
Drakkar stares back at him.
«Are you trying to intimidate me, Guillaume?»
«Hell yeah! You are taller and bigger than me so I must rely on my authority to intimidate you! Is it working?»
Drakkar grimaces.
«Nope. I don't fear anyone, sorry. But I will respect you like you were my father, I promise.»
Guillaume flares his nostrils.
«You hate your father.»
«True. Then I'll respect you like you were my grandfather.»
«That's better. So, Romain, I'm listening.»
Drakkar takes his lower lip between his teeth and takes a deep breath.
«Guillaume, I am Drakkar.»
The mechanic looks at him in silence for a while.
«Drakkar? The Drakkar my daughter adores? The Drakkar that managed to kick Claude out of her mind for a while? The Drakkar that gave her “unforgettable dreamy moments”? That Drakkar?»
«That Drakkar, yes. And I'm in love with your daughter.»
Guillaume lowers his head, exhaling loudly. When he looks back at him he has pale lips and half closed eyes.
«And tell me, my son, what the hell are you doing here?! Why you are not with her? Why is Claude with her, hmmm? Why?!»
«Because I respected her choi—»
«Bullshit!» he screams angry. «Women's choices must be messed up not respected! We are talking about a woman that believes in a man just because she has an idea of him in her mind that doesn't reflect the reality. Contrary to what is believed women use their head much more than their heart! Actually they use it too much, damn it! It's us, the men, those who use the heart more; it's the men who make the choices dictated by their feelings. A man falls in love with a woman just like she is, without planning any changes; accepting her in that way, not worrying about the future. Women, instead, think about something all day, all night; they keep thinking about it for days, for months, for years! They imagine all the possible scenarios, they study them, they imagine the situations as if it were a movie, a movie of which they are directors, forgetting that life isn't a movie. They image things happening in their head, hoping to reach the final they have in mind; and they promptly enter into bad crisis when it doesn't happen how they imaged. “Oh, but why things turned out differently from how I imaged? Everything went smoothly in my mind.” Damn, your mind is not the real world, it is not real life, is YOUR world, your imaginary life!» Guillaume grabs Drakkar by his leather jacket, hissing nervously: «Now you'll go to Sibylle to tell her you love her, you understand? I want you to shock her life, I want you to—»
«She knows that I love her, Guillaume.»
«Did you tell her?»
«No, but—»
«You don't understand a shit, Romain! If you don't tell a woman that you love her hundreds of times a day, if you don't yell it in her face, if you don't whisper it to her ear before to sleep, she won't understand that you love her! They have the memory of a hamster regarding the words “I love you”! You have to repeat it to her all the time! You must tell her looking into her eyes, with slow and sincere voice!»
Guillaume lets him go and tries to regain control. Then points at the door.
«Get out. Come back with Sibylle or never come back at all.»
«Guillaume, you cannot force someone to love you.»
«Well, it seems Claude he is succeeding very well in doing so! Go and do it!»
Drakkar walks to the door.
«Romain?» calls Guillaume.
Drakkar turns to look at him and the mechanic smiles slyly.
«I am a father-in-law who punches easily. You have been warned.»
Drakkar smiles back.
«I am a man who punches to knock down. You have been warned.»
- Epilogue
“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls it a butterfly.”
— Lao Tzu
~
That evening, Guillaume and Alma arrive in a fine restaurant with crystal chandeliers, wrought-iron candelabras, lace and satin tablecloths, crystal goblets, violinists playing in a elegant corner and beautiful paintings on the walls.
A waiter dressed distinctly accompanies them to the table they booked. Guillaume pulls out Alma's chair and guides it as she sits, and the woman sits thanking him with a smile. Once they are sitting facing each other they giggle softly, excited as teenagers. They decided to tell about their relationship to all their friends and family. They are in love, they are happy. What could be more beautiful?
«Madame et monsieur, my name is Antoine and I will cover the service at your table for this evening. For wines soon will come our maître sommelier to advise you, based on your dishes choice.»
Alma looks at Guillaume and smiles.
«Indeed we need an advice about the wine, since we must celebrate a
special occasion.»
Guillaume frowns, while the waiter nods politely.
«Very well, madame, I immediately tell the maître sommelier.»
He leaves and Guillaume is still looking at Alma, waiting for an explanation.
«“Special occasion”, like what?»
The woman smiles softly, staring into his eyes.
«Like a baby on the way.»
Guillaume jumps on the chair, under the reproaching eyes of the other diners. His eyes are filled with tears.
«Alma— I—I'm too old to be a father.»
«Well, it seems that Mother Nature does not agree with you since she allowed you to got me pregnant. And it also seems that your child does not agree too since she chose you as her father.»
They hold each other hands and laugh softly with dreaming eyes.
Here is what could be more beautiful.
~
At the same time at the cemetery of Montmartre, Nora is sitting on Aurore's grave playing the cello while all around the cats stare at her. Some of them are on the highest tombs, some others in front of her, some others lying on the graves nearby.
The girl looks up at the full Moon and smiles, feeling at peace, as every time she plays among the graves for his feline friends. That evening is a evening dedicated to love, so she is playing the most romantic songs she knows. That's strange, is not like her, but that night she feels inspired.
~
In that moment, Virginie is demonstrating in the streets of Paris with banners, shouting and whistling against sexism and homophobia. There are hundreds of people who march together to defend their rights. Virginie is marching arm-to-arm with her drag queen friends, advancing shouting words of love and singing her heart out. She had other plans for the evening, but when her two friends have told her about the event she didn't think twice to join them. Maybe it wouldn't have helped, maybe things wouldn't changed, but they have to show their frustration. The aggression against a gay couple few days before upset the whole community. Besides, they're French. They are the descendants of that ancestry which has always asserted its rights, up to the extreme, without fearing anyone or anything. Certainly they don't want a revolution, they don't seek conflict, they don't ask for anyone's head, they just want respect and understanding.
The Black Onyx Pact Page 34