In Ahkmenrah's tomb, three people sat, conversing between them possible way to rid themselves of the pests that tormented the smaller exhibits of the museum. Ahkmenrah stood pacing, looking over the hieroglyphics on his tablet. He was curious to hear the story about the invasion, but also devastated to learn about the death of their miniature cowboy friend. Still, he felt the fire of hatred burn towards the Romans who had caused this problem.
"So, the question is, how do we get rid of them?" Larry asked, holding Octavius. He was quite now, but very sullen, and had a miserable look on his face.
"Well, my tablet can take away life." Ahkmenrah said grimly, frowning. "I've never done it, because it pains me to accept that this tablet has a deadly side."
Teddy glanced down at Octavius, and spoke. "I don't think our dear Roman friend wants anymore death." He said softly. "Is there another way?"
Ahkmenrah sighed. "There is one. We can take their life force, so that they will never have lived. They won't even feel it."
"Are you sure it will work?" Larry asked, looking up finally.
"I believe so. But I suggest we don't take Octavius along."
Larry nodded, understanding what the Egyptian meant. He stood, and stretched.
"I'm going to take him to Sacagawea. I'm sure she won't mind watching him for a while,"
"I'm sure she won't," Teddy said, standing as well. "I'll accompany Ahkmenrah to the Roman Diorama."
"Alright." Larry replied, walking out of the room.
He walked briskly down the hall, wanting to get back to the others. He finally found Sacagawea in the peaceful North American Wilderness room, and stepped through the opening in the glass. Surprisingly, Louis and Clark weren't there. But Larry didn't worry. They were probably out conversing with the other exhibits. It was good, since the young Native American woman finally had a little peace and quite.
"Hey, Sacagawea," Larry said, knocking lightly on the glass.
She looked up, pausing her sewing. "Can I help you?" She asked, smiling at the night guard.
"Yeah. Um, things happened that Teddy'll explain later. Can you watch Octavius for me?"
Sacagawea glanced at the tiny man, and nodded. "Of course."
"Thanks. Bye."
Sacagawea gently scooped up the tiny Roman, holding him carefully. She noticed he was silently crying, and frowned.
"Is something wrong?" She asked, her eyes warm and comforting.
Octavius nodded slowly. "I...I lost something." He whispered, bowing is head.
Sacagawea nodded. "What is lost?"
When Octavius didn't reply, she sighed slightly, and set him down. As she returned to her sewing, an old story she had been told as a child came to mind.
"Have you heard the story of Chenoa and Chimalis?" she asked, glancing down.
"No." Octavius replied, looking slightly interested.
Sacagawea put down her needle, and sat with her legs crossed on the ground. She picked up Octavius and gently set him on her knee. She closed her eyes, and began to recite this long passed down story.
"Long ago, there lived two birds. Chenoa and Chimalis. They were close friends, and did everything together. But they were different. Chenoa was a dove, peaceful and reserved, while Chimalis was a bluebird, loud and careless. One day, while Chenoa was out searching for food, when he heard a tale from Nascha, the wise owl that lived in the hollow, that Mosi, the dark furred hunting cat was on the prowl. As quick as he could, he went to warn his friend Chimalis. When he found him, Chimalis was flying about, loudly speaking to himself. Hurriedly, Chenoa flew over to him, warning him to keep quite and listen. But, Chimalis, loud and stubborn as he was, being a bluebird, refused to head Chenoa's warning. Then, a few nights later, Chenoa was awoken from his slumber by the alarming screech of a bluebird in danger. Worried that it might be Chimalis, Chenoa quickly began searching for him. Finally, he found him, but it was too late. All that remained, were a few bright, blue feathers."
Sacagawea paused, realizing that the little Roman was frightened, and quickly spoke again.
"But, the story does not end there. A few years later, Chenoa was flying down an empty beach, when he came across a small hut, the home of Inola, the black fox. Inola was a wise fox, but also dark. She was a friend of Mosi, and possessed a very magical power. She could grant any wish you could possibly imagine. Chenoa knew this. But he also knew how dangerous it was. Inola normally did not use her magic for free. She normally required a payment for her powers. But with the memory of Chimalis fresh in his mind, Chenoa decided to take that risk."
"What happened next?" Octavius asked curiously.
"Well, Chenola pecked at Inola's door, and waited for her to come out. When she finally did, Chenola noticed a bright blue feather pricked up behind her ear. He realized with anger and sorrow that it was one of Chimalis' feathers. Bravely, he entered the small hut, and faced the black fox. He explained what had happened, and told her that he wanted to make a wish. Inola smiled a toothy grin, and picked up a golden sea shell in her mouth. She told Chenola that if he whispered his wish into the shell, it would come true. But, he had to pay. Normally, Inola asked for a pretty object, or some herbs, or just a simple mouse to satisfy her hunger. But today, she was impatient, and her stomach would not stop growling. She told Chenoa that the cost of his wish, would be his life, so that she could eat. Chenoa was frightened, but knew what he must do. He agreed."
"What?" Octavius asked, wide-eyed with shock. "Why did he do that?"
"Hush now and you will see. Chenoa landed, and began to whisper Chimalis' name into the shell. He heard it repeated back, and knew his work was done. He heard Inola sneaking up behind, and felt himself being pinned to the ground as she pounced. Suddenly, Inola stopped. Her ears pricked, and she listened intently. Chenoa listened too, and heard the voice of Chimalis in the room. He saw Chimalis suddenly appear, and was happy to see him alive. Seeing his friend in danger, Chimalis began to chirp and chatter in Inola's ear, angering the old fox. She whirled around, snapping her jaws, but Chimalis was too fast for her, and he and Chenoa flew away, back to their home. After that, Chimalis promised to listen better, and Chenoa promised to always be there for Chimalis, no matter what the cost."
Sacagawea smiled down at Octavius, who was asleep, and went back to sewing. But what she didn't know, was that he was awake. Waiting.
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I hope you like this chapter. I found it soothing after the previous ones. Anyways, the names used for the animals are actual names given to ten by Native Americans. This story, however, is not real, but after reading some I got a feel for how to create one. I hope you've enjoyed the story thus far.
