Author's Note: I just want to say that there is a lot of Chickasaw culture in this chapter. I have no Chickasaw blood running through my veins, but I did research their culture in order to get all the facts straight. There is a cultural festival that the Chickasaw Nation puts on every year in Tishomingo, but I'm not totally sure about what exactly goes on. The story about creation is a real Chickasaw story and the Stomp dance and the Friendship dance are also real Chickasaw traditions. I tried my best to explain them the way they are supposed to be danced, but again this is all based on research. If anyone that is Native American or apart of the Chickasaw tribe is offended in any way or feels that I am not explaining things as well as I should be, please let me know! I will make revisions in order to make things more accurate. I really want to portray the Chickasaw culture in a realistic way but research can only get a person so far!
Thanks to everyone who reads this! It's been hard to write this chapter and I really appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism!
The hot summer wind blew through the crowded streets of Tishomingo. A black impala squealed to a stop next to a park where hundreds of people gathered around exchanging greetings and waiting in lines for food. A drumbeat sounded in the distance as the Winchester brothers stumbled into the mix tribal costumes and casual attire.
"Jesus, Sammy, what are we doing here?" Dean whined as feathers slapped him in the face.
"Let's just see if we can find Lee okay," Sam said, trying to sidestep from rambunctious kids playing around.
"Hello there! Welcome to the annual Chickasaw festival!" A perky voice chirped. The brothers glanced around trying to find the greeter, "Down here!" It chirped again.
In front of them stood an extremely short girl with giant teeth and a smile to match. Her dark hair was pulled into twin braids and decorated with various feathers and beads. With her head tilted back to look at them, Dean noted that she reminded him of a squirrel.
"You guys look lost," She stated, "My name is Ayashe, but you can call me Ashe! I'm one of the directors for this year's festival, so is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yeah, we're uh, actually looking for someone," Sam said slowly at her unmoving smile, "She's actually apart of this tribe-"
"Oh really!" Ashe cut in brightly, "What's her name? I know everyone in the tribe!" She looked on with eager and wide eyes, clutching her clipboard in anticipation.
"Her name's Lee," Dean replied. Ashe's smile crumpled as she went into deep thought.
"What kind of name is Lee? Isn't she a girl?" Ashe questioned.
Dean sighed, "Do I look like I'm the one that named her? Obviously you don't know everyone if you can't even remember our friend's name." Ashe flashed a frown in Dean's direction and puckered her lip in defiance.
"Well obviously you got mixed up with the names because I do know everyone!" She argued. A staring contest ensued between them when Sam spoke up.
"Her full name is Haleli, Haleli Colt," Ashe and Dean continued to throw daggers at each other, but Ashe suddenly pulled away.
"Why didn't you just say so! Of course I know Haleli!" Ashe said with another smile, "The one whose mother slept with that white man." She said with a tight grin before turning on her heels, "Follow me."
Sam and Dean shared an uneasy look as they followed the small girl with the clipboard. Her small stature made it difficult for them to keep her in sight and they lost her multiple times in the crowd.
"I recommend setting up to see the parade happening in 2 hours," Ashe said without looking back, "It's a real treat to see all the performers! They've been working so hard to put on a good show this year that it'd be a shame to not see it."
"Look we're just here to see our friend and eat," Dean said.
"Well you won't be missed." She responded icily.
"This chick has issues," Dean whispered to Sam.
"Just leave her alone," Sam rolled his eyes but Dean continued on.
"You think it's a Napoleon complex? Cause she's short?"
"I heard that!" She said with a musical tone and Dean shot a mocking expression to the back of her head. Sam ran a hand down his face at Dean's childish antics.
Ashe halted and pointed down a path where a circle of children sat around a woman in traditional attire, "There she is, and don't interrupt her." She ordered as she walked away.
"Don't interrupt her!" Dean repeated before walking down the path behind Sam.
Lee saw them as they neared her circle. Her hair was loose and tumbled down her shoulders over her deerskin poncho. Under, she wore a traditional deerskin dress with matching moccasins. She grinned at them before continuing with her story.
"-And then the water asked the great Ababinili if he could be the father to all of the people on earth like you and me, but the great Ababinili said no. But he gave the water a special job. He said to the water: 'What you can do is wash them clean, so that the children of earth can live long and healthy lives.'" She smiled and motioned her arms like the rush of water, "And the great Ababinili said to all of nature that they must guide us everyday, but to remember that we are his children. To this day, the Moon, Sun, Wind, Rainbow, Thunder, Fire and Water watch over us, and the great Ababinili watches over all the earth." Lee finished her line with a delicate bow and the children clapped begging for another.
"Tell us about the ghost of the white deer again!" A toddler pleaded.
Lee smiled as she crouched down to their eyelevel, "But I already told you that one you silly goose! Tell you what, this time tomorrow I'll be here and I can tell you all the stories again, okay?" The children nodded, "Alright now go on and enjoy arts and crafts time!"
As the last of the kids left with their parents, Lee walked over to the brothers, "Wow y'all actually came!" She drawled, "You boys having fun yet?"
"We actually just arrived," Sam smiled, "And it's kind of overwhelming with all that's going on."
Lee waved her hand, "Don't worry sweet pea I'll show you around. Let's go to the food tables because I can just about eat a while pot-bellied pig!"
"Crazy story!" Dean smirked, "You actually believe that?"
"How about you shut your trap about my tribe's stories tinker bell," She shot back, "You better not let any of the members hear you talk like that."
"Hey what's up with your tribe people anyways?" Dean asked, "The first person to greet us is chipmunk Sally and she practically sends laser eyes at me!"
"You did insult her," Sam reminded him.
"What, she can't connect Lee and Haleli?" Dean questioned.
Lee chuckled, "So I see y'all met Ayashe. I'd stay away from that one – she's got a few bales short of a haystack if you know what I mean."
"What's her problem with you anyway?" Sam asked, "She seemed a little uptight when we mentioned you."
"Let's just say her family line has been known to hold grudges against 'the white man'." Lee said with an icy voice.
"Is she giving you problems Lee," Dean's head swiveled around trying to look for the chipmunk midget.
"Oh don't worry yourself with my drama sweet pea," She tilted her head dismissively as they neared the food tables, "Now hush up before people hear you!"
The trio skidded to halt at the sight of the line as it seemed to stretch on for miles. Lee begrudgingly took her place in line and motion for the brothers to join her. "Might as well stay. It'll only get longer from now on."
Dean frowned as his stomach growled in protest, "You sure there's nothing you can do?" He pleaded.
Lee silenced him with a look that could melt iron and Sam snickered as Dean glued his eyes to the floor.
"You boys gonna stay for long?" Lee asked softly.
"Not sure," Sam answered, "Bobby says he has a job lined up for us nearby."
"But we can probably stay until tomorrow morning?" Dean looked at Sam, who nodded in reply. Lee game an almost unnoticeable smile as they continued to sort out the details of their next case.
"Haleli!" A deep voice boomed. All three of them turned around to see an older, big-boned man. He was Lee's height and had hair as dark as soil after a rainy day pulled into a pony tail.
"Harold!" Lee shrieked before throwing her arms around him, "It's been so long!"
"I know," He chuckled and patted her head, "You were much shorter the last time you were here.
Lee smiled at the ground, "I know, but things have been real busy back in Georgia. Especially since Daddy…" she trailed off and he gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze.
"It's understandable, just don't stay a stranger!" Harold turned and gave a curious look to Sam and Dean, "Who're your friends Haleli?"
Her eyes widened, "Oh that's right! Sam, Dean, this is Harold. He's basically the chief here in Ohio. And Harold, this is Sam and Dean. Our fathers were friends back in the day."
"It's an honor to meet you sir!" Sam held out his hand hesitantly, "I've been reading about your culture and you're legends are extremely fascinating!"
"The pleasure is mine," He said with twinkling eyes, "It's not everyday you meet someone so interested in the Chickasaw people."
Both Lee and Dean rolled their eyes as Sam continued to ask questions about their traditions. Lee whispered to Dean, "Wow what am I? Chopped liver? I could'a answered all of his questions!"
"Oh you know Sammy, he's a little oblivious," Dean nudged her with his elbow. Lee turned to stick out her tongue but froze when Harold said farewell.
"Wow he knows a lot," Sam said breathlessly. Lee smacked him on the head, earning her a howl of protest from Sam. "What was that for?"
"He's the chief you hog head?" Lee scolded, "Of course he knows a lot! Anyways, if y'all need a place to stay then I'm sure my auntie Tala wouldn't mind. It's within walking distance from here."
"Are you sure we won't be intruding?" Sam asked.
"Nonsense, she loves having company! Besides, it means not having to spend money on a motel room and having a home cooked meal!"
"Sold!" Dean cried as his stomach grumbled at the mention of hot, delicious food. "Does she have pie?"
"She makes the best pecan pie in the state!" Lee beamed, only to gasp and slap her forehead, "I am so stupid!"
"She finally admits it," Dean remarked, causing Sam to resist the urge to laugh.
"I mean that we could just go to my aunt's house for some food!" Lee fixed Dean a pointed look, "She's not really participating in the festival this year so we could just drop by for a bite."
"That sounds great," Sam said, "Beats waiting in this line-"
"Let's go then," Dean blurted and started to march of in determination.
"Uh, sweet pea," Lee said, "My aunt's house is the other way. How about you let me lead the way?" Dean stopped dead in his tracks. His shoulders visibly tensed as Sam rolled his eyes and snickered.
"Hurry up then!" He turned sharply, trying to look unfazed by his blunder. With a shake of her head, Lee took the lead away from the crowded barbeque area. As they walked, multiple people called out greetings to Lee: asking how she's been, how it's been so long since she's visited…
"Hey aren't you supposed to be visiting Marv right now?" One passerby asked her.
"Shit –" Lee cursed, "Thanks for reminding me Susan!" She swirled around to face the brothers, "Listen boys, I am so sorry I've been runnin' around everywhere but I really need to see someone! Just take a left in two blocks – my aunt lives in the green two-story house with an old and rusted ford pick-up."
"Who's Marv, your boyfriend?" Dean teased.
"No!" She frowned, "He's an old family friend. Now I gotta be at the parade at seven, but y'all don't have to go. Just promise me y'all will be there for the dance showcase at 8:30!" She rambled frantically as she already started to hurry in a different direction.
"Don't worry we will," Sam answered before Dean could utter any protest.
"So we're just going to show up at her aunt's house?" Dean asked rhetorically. "We don't even know her!"
"I guess…" Sam shrugged.
"Her pie better be worth it because this could be awkward." Dean huffed.
Two blocks down and to the left, they arrived at the house Lee described. Sam rang to doorbell and a few moments later, a shorter and older version of Lee opened the door. She placed a hand on her hip and gave Sam and Dean a once over with cocked eyebrows. The smell of sweet pastry dough baking wafted out the door. Sam glanced at Dean as he heard his stomach growl in response.
"Can I help you?" The woman asked in a smooth and deep, rich voice. It was a stark contrast to Lee melodious Southern drawl.
"We're looking for…Tala?" Sam answered tentatively, "We're friends of Lee. She said we could stay here for tonight..."
"Oh really!" The woman perked up with interest, "I'm her aunt, Tala. Come on in then." Tala stepped aside to make room in the doorway.
"Is that pie?" Dean sniffed the air with glazed eyes.
Tala chuckled, "Yes it is, how about I fix you two boys a slice?" She made her way down the hall into a cramps and bright sunny yellow kitchen. "Is Lee going to be joining us?" She asked after setting down fresh pecan pie.
"She said something about visiting a man named Marv and for us to meet her at the dance showcase," Sam answered while Dean stuffed his face.
"Jesus Christ this is good pie," Dean muttered with closed his eyes, spewing crumbs.
"I love the showcase," Tala smiled, "It really brings everyone together."
Light footsteps hurried down the stairs and a little girl, no higher than a doorknob, stood at the kitchen door. She had fair skin and peered intently with clear blue eyes, yet she had the same square jaw and thick hair as Lee's aunt. Tala motioned for the girl to come over.
"This is Betty," She said to the brothers, "Betty say hi, they're friends of cousin Leeli."
Betty's eyebrows creased together before she uttered a soft hello. Sam smiled and offered a little wave.
"Hey Betty, I'm Sam. And this is my brother Dean." Betty nodded thoughtfully.
"Cute kid," Dean smiled, "She yours?" He asked Tala.
Tala shook her head, "She's my granddaughter."
"My mommy and daddy went away," Betty climbed into Tala's lap and studied the tile floor. 'Car accident' Tala mouthed to the brothers.
Dean grimaced as he swallowed the chuck of pie he was chewing, "How old are you Betty?" He said clearing his throat.
"Six" She said holding up her fingers, instantly sitting up straighter, "It was two months ago! Leeli gave me tiger!" Betty turned to Tala, "Can I bring him down to show?" With a nod of approval, Betty hopped off and ran up the stairs.
"How long ago did it happen," Sam asked once she was out of earshot.
"A year ago," Tala said, "It's been a tough year for all of us."
"Poor kid," Dean looked at the stairs, "We know how she feels. Kids shouldn't grow up without their mom." Before anyone could continue, Betty reentered the kitchen with a stuffed tiger.
"This is Tony, like the cereal tiger." She stated, but then cupped her hands to her mouth and gave a wide-eyed whisper, "But he doesn't like cereal! He likes going to tea parties instead!"
"His secret is safe with us," Sam crossed his heart.
Betty continued on about her adventures with Tony and Dean could only smile. Tala watched her with soft eyes, catching glimpses of her own daughter in Betty as she talked. The tilt of her head and the way she flourished her hands… All she hoped was that Betty would grow up to be happy and live a normal life.
Dean noticed her expression and set down his fork, leaving the rest of his pie untouched. His heart ached for the little girl. She would smile and giggle but it never reached her eyes. Dean knew all too well the pain of losing someone and couldn't help but identify with Betty.
–-
A giant crowd was gathered around a bonfire as members of the tribe donning traditional clothing lined up for the closing dance. An orange glow reflected off every surface and the flames flickered in a steady rhythm, crackling every few moments. The sun had already set beneath the horizon, causing the stars to glisten above.
After meeting with Lee's aunt, Tala, she led Sam and Dean back to the festival grounds to see the tribal dance showcase. The rest of the night was filled with traditional dance and the constant squeeling from Betty every time she saw Lee participating in the dances.
Harold, the chief that the brothers had met earlier, walked to the center with a microphone, "Good evening everyone!" He boomed and the crowd responded the greeting. "I would like to thank everyone for coming out to see our tribe members dance. They are very dedicated to keeping alive our Chickasaw culture and we appreciate all of you who support it. This next dance is a long time traditional dance that we hope you enjoy– Ladies and gentlemen…the Stomp Dance!"
The crowd clapped politely as he left the main area. Moments later, the leader stepped out from the line of dancers. The others follow, forming a circle around the fire as the leader shook his turtle shells. Pulling his face up, he howled to the starry sky.
They noticed Lee standing with her arms raised and shells attached to her ankles, waiting for her cue. After a second shout from the leader, they all began to chant. Their shakers beat in unison as they began to move around the fire, still in formation.
Then the men burst out, allowing the women to twirl and spin and the men stomped around in. The crowd oohed and aahed at their athletic jumps and seemless movements. Even Dean watched intently. Beside him, Betty hopped in place when Lee passed by them while pivoting to the beat of the shells.
She flashed Betty a bright smile before gathering with the rest of the dancers around the fire. After a series of partner changes , they finished with a flourish of stomps before posing just how they had began.
The crowd cheered. They bowed, but before the crowd could finish their applause, they sprang back into motion and a drumbeat ensued. The dancers entered the crowd and pulled out unsuspecting participants.
"Our last dance is the friendship dance where everyone is to participate," Harold's voice rang over the crowd's nervous laughter and excitement, "It is a dance to create new friendship and lasting peace!"
Tala and Betty paired off and disappeared in the crowd. Mass chaos ensued as everyone around the brothers began to dance. Dean laughed as a young girl tugged at Sam's arms. Sam became flustered as he tried to refuse her offer.
"I–I'm not a dancer miss–" He tried to argue. With a small smile, the girl pulled him to the dance circle around the fire. After a look of horror, Sam finally gave in. Dean covered his mouth with his hand as his brother tried to match his partner's movements.
His laughter was short-lived when he noticed Lee flashed a smirk in his direction. Dean attempted to make a run for it before Lee caught up to him. He felt a familiar tight grip on his forearm stop him in his tracks.
"Not so fast sweet pea," Her heard her voice honey, "You gotta dance too."
"No, that's okay," Dean said. "I–No I shouldn't…" He gave her a half-cocked smiled in hopes of winning her over. Dean flinched as Lee pinched his arm. Before he knew it, they were right next to the burning flames of the bon fire.
Lee grabbed his hands and led him in the friendship dance. She laughed as his feet kept tangling up with each other when the beat began to quicken, "Stop trying to lead and follow me!" She shouted before pulling him into a twirl.
Dean relaxed as Lee led him in the dance. They danced for what seemed like a life time. Spinning, twirling, leaping in intricate patterns. Lee glided around the dance circle like a leaf in a river as she threw her head back in laughter. Dean more or less clomped around like a bear while trying to follow her moves.
"Spin me out!"
Obeying her orders, he held her hand as he spun her out. Dean pulled to bring her back, and just as their hands reconnected, the music stopped. Lee gave a toothy grin and clapped along with the crowd as her eyes shined in the firelight.
"I'll see you later sweet pea," Lee said as she grabbed his arm and tried to catch her breath, "I'll meet you at my aunt's house!"
In the blink of an eye, she was gone and Dean was left there breathless. "That was the most embarrassing thing I've ever done!" Sam shuddered as he walked up to Dean.
"More embarrassing than the time I stole your clothes in gym class?" Dean snickered, remembering a freshman Sam frantically running around in only a towel in an attempt to find his things. Sam fixed him with a pouted glare before turning away.
"Jerk."
"Bitch."