Octavius slowly walked out the large, marble palace doors. Outside, people stood, booing and hissing. They held tomatoes and stones, and pelted him every way he turned. They truly did believe Nero. His people, his own, loyal people, had deserted him.
As he walked, silent tears fell down his cheeks. He didn't even try to block the fruits and the stones and whatever else the people threw at him. What use was it, anyways. But it wasn't just the thought of being banished that saddened his heart. It was the thought that his best friend, his ally, was now dead at that barbarian emperor's feet.
He stared straight ahead at the distant horizon, which was really nothing more than the bench. Where would he go now? He had no home, no allies, nothing.
"This isn't fair. This just isn't fair." A voice whispered from nearby.
Octavius glanced to his left, and saw a mother and her two children weeping. As he looked closer, he saw that many were. Women wiped away their tears, children bawled, and even a few men's eyes were watering up. They shared in their leader's mourning. Sometimes, a guard would pass by, and the people crying would begin cheering, or try to hide their faces.
As Octavius approached the edge of his exhibit, he turned to look one last time upon his once grand city. A few people hid a wave of farewell, and a few people cried. A few people even gave him the Roman sign for good luck. Silently, Octavius walked away, into a world of desolation.
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Not too long after, he found himself at the entrance to the Hall of African Mammals. He remembered the promise he'd made to Jedediah a few days earlier.
"Man. I'd love 'ta go explorin' sometime." Jedediah had said.
"Yes. It would be rather nice, would it not be?" Octavius had replied.
"Hey Octavius. You wanna explore the animal hall?"
"Which one?"
"The one with the lions."
"Jedediah, are you sure that is a good idea? I mean, would you rather stay and explore something less dangerous?"
"C'mon Octavius! It won't hurt nothin'!"
"I do not know..."
"Please?"
"Alright. When shall we go?"
"How 'bout in mid-June?"
"Hmm...deal. I shall be there, then."
And now I keep my promise. Octavius thought to himself. Only, it is a promise kept late.
Octavius sighed, and scanned the massive bushes for a place to rest. He'd been walking for hours. He was exhausted, and could barely take another step. He heard the animals. He heard snakes hiss, lions roar, and monkeys chatter. It frightened him, for it was not home. But despite his fear, he lay down in a small patch of grass underneath a bush. Unfortunately, he'd laid near an air vent, which made his temporary shelter cold. He was tired, and weak with hunger. But he would have to wait. He needed to rest.
He needed, to think.
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End of chapter seven. I really hope you like it so far. Reviews would be appreciated, so I know I'm doing okay.
