A/N After becoming a fan of the movie, Osmosis Jones, I made an OC: a pet hyena for Thrax, named Almira. I decided to introduce her by telling her life story. Her picture can be found in my DeviantART gallery; I go as DarkraixCresselia there.

I own only Almira and any other characters you won't recognize. The ones you DO recognize from OJ are owned by Warner Brothers.

RavageThyCorpse: I take it the Internet's not acting stupid anymore? XD Glad you liked the last chapter :) Hope you like this one as well.

Once we got home, we found the place was empty. Thrax took me to a hill to just sit and talk; on Thrax's part, of course. I laid down on my front next to Thrax, who sat with one knee bent up and the other leg stretched out. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke up, "Preemer told me everything he did to you."

I perked my ears up, then lowered them with a sigh. Thrax petted my head and ruffled my bangs. "At least he's not right now. What do you think wouldn't happened if I hadn't been there to save you? Or volunteered to help heal you?"

I already knew what would have happened: there would be a ninety-percent chance I wouldn't be here. I leaned my head against Thrax's bent knee and wagged my tail. He chuckled and patted my shoulder. As he did, I took notice of his chain, wrapped around his wrist. It was long and circular, like a necklace, and was dotted with a few sparkling purple orbs; about ten, perhaps.

Thrax saw me looking at it and said, "You know what this is?" He stretched the chain out. I sniffed at it and shook my head. "My most prized possession: my hypothalamus chain." He squeezed an area, causing one of the sparkling purple orbs to nearly pop out. "This little booger is a hypothalamus bead, straight from the hypothalamus gland."

I stared at the bead, then cocked my head. Why would Thrax want a hypothalamus bead?

As if sensing my silent question, Thrax continued, "I collect these, doin' my work. See, when I enter a body, first thing I do is cause a sore throat. Then I recruit some germs to do my dirty work, and cause a stuffy nose. People think it's nothin' but a common cold, so they don't do nothin' 'bout it. I go to a local bar or club or whatever, and tell everyone my plan. While the brain cells are distracted, I snatch the hypothalamus bead," He snatched thin air in his fist to emphasize his point. "And then, while the body is heatin' up to 108, I get the hell out before I burn up with it!"

I laughed along with him. I don't know why the last line was so amusing; maybe it was how he said it. "I've been tryin' to set a record for myself." Thrax continued. "Get myself into the medical books. But I'm takin' it slow; decreasing my deadline as I go." He chuckled at his rhyme. "You were lucky I was able to take some time off." He tapped my nose with his burner claw, making me giggle. "Yeah, none of the other viruses'll be able to compare to me. Like Ebola; Ebola is a case of dandruff compared to me!" He yelled.

I barked and growled, but not towards him; I didn't know Ebola personally, but I supported Thrax's statement that he was tougher than the rivaling virus. He chuckled and patted my head. "Y'know, you're alright."

I wagged my tail and smiled. Then I nudged the hypothalamus chain and raised one eyebrow questioningly. "The hypothalamus gland, which has a chamber holdin' all the beads, is in one of the top floors in the brain." Thrax explained. "Heavily guarded by brain cells and scientists alike. I destroy the chamber, and pluck these little babies out. Then I escape, and make my way to the next body. I'm also able to glide with my coat." He showed me pockets in the bottom where he slipped his feet in to spread the bottom taut. "I stretch out the rest with my hands, and glide with the wind."

I tried to imagine Thrax gliding with his coat, but couldn't quite do it. I climbed onto his lap, earning a couple grunts from him. "Geez, Mira. You must've been gainin' weight; I don't remember you bein' this heavy." Nonetheless, he stroked me from the back of my neck, down my back, and started all over again; similar to a villain stroking his cat. I liked this. I smiled and wagged my tail. Then I rolled onto my back, smiling up to him. Rolling his eyes, he began scratching my stomach. Boy, did that feel good! I kicked my leg as my tail wagged harder.

Even though Mr. Preemer was my true owner, I considered Thrax my master. After all, he healed me, tamed me-somewhat-and treated me like anyone should treat a pet animal. I wanted it to stay like that; nothing could possibly spoil our friendship.

Boy, was I wrong!

A/N Short, I know, but just call it a bit of "bonding time" between our favorite virus and hyena.

I also wanted Thrax to explain some of his work to Almira. Forgive me if I got any info wrong, I'm only human, and humans make mistakes.

In unrelated news, I made myself a hypothalamus chain :D I had it since Dec 11th, which was when I finished it. It took a few days to make. I actually knitted it. I love it :D I'm wearing it as a necklace as we speak. I might post a pic of it around my wrist on DA sometime.

So what does Almira mean by "Boy, was I wrong!"? You'll find out soon enough ;)