For the fact that I'm typing this while listening to Crash Course series and getting myself refreshed with research for many historical facts, I think I'm doing pretty well...
...maybe? (Scratch that. Maybe not. Same for whatever direction I'm going for this story... GAAHAHAHASDFSDSGHJ.)
Okay, so... more warnings about this than the usual: This is where some parts of the story will diverge from the original movie.
That, and yes, I know the Moai head mystery is solved because they used a method to make those statue heads stand up and stay there. Keep in mind the time of this story- this takes place in 2006 (I am still following the story in terms of the time... wise). The discovery was found out in 2012. ...yipes, a 6 year difference.
...that and I also realized I had JUST spelled Moai wrong.
Chapter 6: The Second Night (Larry's Attempt to Control the Chaos) Part 1
Larry was actually waiting for the museum to come to life this time as opposed to his first night.
(Let's just say many years of teaching several high school students have already prepared him for imcoming chaos and noises.)
And on cue, he smirks as he takes the controls of the motor car and allow it to approach him... along with an excited Rexy ten seconds later, chasing around the car that has the bone tied on top of it. Larry grins, immediately allowing the car to drive around the area of the main lobby.
"That's it," The teacher grins, "Thaaaat's it. Come on, Rexy, get the bone..."
Rexy lets out a loud roar of excitement as the car speeds up, the bone keeping its shape.
"Yes!" Larry makes a mental note to take the bone out before sunrise- he doesn't want to get on Nanny McPhee's bad side again (yes, he's really calling the curator Nanny McPhee from now on) before allowing the supposed 'smart' feature on the model car to be turned on, "All right- time to check on the other exhibits."
Obviously, the first thing he manages to do was to grab the wad of unchewed gum that's wrapped in the plastic bag before approaching the Moai head, who he knows is about to call out for him for gum.
"HEY DUM-DUM!"
"Heya," Larry grins, "So... got few questions before I give you something- who made you guys?"
"ME DON'T KNOWS WHO MADE ME."
...okay, so that's fine.
"Next one, what purpose were you guys made?"
"ME DON'T KNOW!"
...really?
"So..." The teacher is keeping his temper in tact while trying his best not to explode over the 'Dum-Dum' nickname, "You don't know how they got you and your cousins up there either, huh?"
(He'll find out six years later.)
"NOPE- DUM-DUM'S ASKING TOO MANY THINGS!"
Larry can feel his eye twitch, but he's trying to keep himself calm...
"Okay! Another thing- Do you know anything about the mummy on the second floor?"
"NOPE! WHERE'S MY GUM-GUM?"
Once again... really helpful (and once again, Larry's reminded that he can't do anything to the Moai head- no matter HOW MUCH THAT HEAD IRKED HIM since it's made out of stone. Thank you, Moai civilization).
"Here you go, one order of gum... gum," Larry grins (well, more like grits his teeth over the fact that he has to toss that damn thing in the stone mouth) before seeing the Easter Island Head chew on the large wad of unchewed gun (he took it out from the plastic bag beforehand).
"HMMMM ME LIKE GUM-GUM!" The Easter Island Head is still chewwing as Larry walks out from him, nodding.
"Yeah, keep chewwing on that, immovable stonehead. I wouldn't be surprised if the gum pops in your face," Larry mutters under his breath from earshot (it is true...) before going onto solve problem number two...
He manages to find Teddy, who was walking while trying to groom his horse. The president grins upon seeing the teacher, "Ah, Lawrence! Prepared yourself for tonight, hm?"
"Eh, yeah," Larry nods with a slight meek grin, "Though I think I've already taken care of the problem with Dexter."
"Ah, that little rascal," Teddy chuckles before gesturing Larry to walk with him- in which the teacher gladly joins him, "He's been the causes of some pranks in the museum, but eventually you'll grow on him."
"...you mean that he tried to steal my keys on the first night of my job?" Larry warily stares at the president, who can't help but laugh at that, "On the plus side, I was able to ask for help regarding how to fix that."
Teddy nods, mentally relieved that at least the teacher came prepared for other occasions, "And for the other exhibits?"
"Well-" The teacher pauses, "I've encountered some and honestly, they're pretty nice. I've met some of them last night too. The World War soldiers seem to be really friendly."
"Ah, good, good," Teddy gently pats his horse before mounting on it, as if he's beginning to ride it, "Anything else that's on your mind, Lawrence?"
That makes Larry pause in his steps before glancing at the president, "...yeah, I'm curious about something and I'm hoping to get your input."
"I'm listening."
"I actually want to ask if you know anything about Ahkmenrah." The teacher tentatively glances up at Teddy... before seeing the president stares back at him as if he was insane for even suggesting it.
"...you want to know more about the mummy of Ahkmenrah?" The president asks in slight alarm.
"Well-" Larry frowns, "-Yeah? I told you on the first night that I'm a history teacher."
"...yes, yes," Teddy can't help but force a smile, "I recall that."
The teacher's eyes narrows- a forced smile sometimes mean either the person is telling a very board lie (or statement)... or they're hiding something.
In this case, it's the latter- since this is one of the older exhibits in the museum.
"Teddy," Larry narrows his eyes, "What did Cecil tell you on the night the mummy came here?"
The president shifts in his seat before he lets out a terse sigh, "...To be frank, Lawrence, they really didn't know about the pharaoh on the first couple of nights. But those three guards have placed in the stone slab on the second night. When we asked, they didn't say anything. Yet."
"...before they mentioned about the supposed 'curse'?"
"That, my boy, was something some of the exhibits have heard and told me- as their theories." The president grimances, "I am not one for believing in rumors and prefer to find the truth (As he was when he was president, Larry notes to himself). But when I inquired the guards, they didn't say anything- this I found rather unusual... they didn't say anything more except the mummy just... frightens people. And that he was a dangerous person- we shouldn't let him out. At the time, I trusted them- they were the guards."
...so they were the ones who said that? But Ahkmenrah wasn't that dangerous when Larry met him!
"...huh," Larry then chews on his lip before frowning, "So, if I was to ask if you know anything about the Tablet itself, would you say anything?"
The president doesn't say anything for about a minute as the teacher patiently waits for one. Then finally he speaks, although his tone was a bit more pensive than anything.
"There is one thing that has been ticking in my mind since we all first came to life- the power of the Tablet." Teddy subconsiously places his hand on his chin as if he's thinking about something, "It came at the same time as the pharaoh- which makes me think the power comes from the pharaoh himself."
Though that's not that I've seen... Larry's mind can't help but go back to what his student has said to him earlier that day, but it's a plausible theory. The Ancient Egyptians have worshiped multiple deities in the past- having their power come from them or from the gods can't be that unusual.
...could it?
"I'm afraid that's it," Teddy lets out a heavy sigh as Larry slowly nods, "My sincere apologizes- I really can't help you on this one."
"So, aside that- Nothing else, huh?" The teacher can't help but wonder if this is some sort of joke- that mummy has been here since 1952. How could they not know a thing about the pharaoh himself!?
"Whoa hoa!" Larry manages to speed through the lions this time around (and not through the damn tree where he knows a certain capuchin is) before slamming the metal doors and locks it shut, "Not this time, fellas!"
The lions growl their displeasure to the night guard, who can't help but grin in relief before checking to see if anything was missing on his belt.
Nope- his maglite and keyloops are still there.
And on that note, he hears a slight displeasure howl from Dexter, who doesn't even look a single bit happy.
Larry, on the other hand, just smirks.
"Ha." He lifts up the sets of keys that are attached to the retractable keychain with a smirk, "I dare you, Dexter. I daaaaaare you."
All he got in turn was Dexter screeching in ire as Larry laughs in triumph, walking off towards the next exhibit to make sure things were in his control.
So far? So good...
He decides that maybe another group can help him- well, Teddy did give him something to go on: Cecil, Gus, and Reginald were the ones who told the museum exhibits that Ahkmenrah was a dangerous person.
...only that was the problem since it's based on their bias and not on what the exhibits were allowed to think.
That, and Teddy knows the Tablet bring everything to life (but that fact was already established since Day One of Larry's night guard work).
Hence his second group... and he's already gotten a spare sketchpad he's managed to grab from the nearest convenience store (the crappy kind- yes, he knows that the paper can tear too easily) along with several black markers since he can't find the keys at all. From that, he's tried every single one; that's after he exited the Egyptian room. Hell, even the janitor (who he's asked for help on this occasion) couldn't even unlock it with the set he has!
What kind of lock is THIS!?
Earlier, he asked James, who did say the exhibit did get opened just to replace some of the items in the satchel; he said it looked like one of the Tubular Keys.
From that, Larry just smacks his head when his student deadpans that only McPhee can unlock it thanks to idiotic thefts in the past from other guards in the daytime.
(Which reminds the teacher- how exactly did that work again and how did they get away with it? Robbing in the daytime is just- no way in hell is that even possible in front of ALL OF THE TOURISTS AND PEOPLE.)
He grins, seeing the three from the trapped exhibit perk up when Larry walks up to them.
He presents the sketchpad- since it's the only possible way he can communicate with them before the request he's asked for when he met up with McPhee before he began his shift (along with the British man saying , "Don't screw this one too, Daley!").
The first page reads: SO, APPARENTLY, SINCE THIS GLASS IS TOO THICK, THIS IS THE BEST WAY I CAN TALK TO YOU THREE FOR NOW.
Then he flips to the second page, I ALSO HAVE NEWS ABOUT IT.
Immediately, he flips to the third page with his prepared statement: OKAY, BAD NEWS. SO NO KEYS CAN FIT- THE CURATOR CAN OPEN IT.
He sees the two explorers look exasperated and throw their arms in defeat while Sacagawea looks slightly crest-fallen. But they look again when Larry taps to ger their attention before going for the next page, GOOD NEWS. I CAN ASK HIM TO MADE A DOOR TO THE SIDE SINCE...
Next page, ...HE'S BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE KEY AND LOCK FOR A WHILE WITH OTHER PEOPLE. SO YOU GUYS ARE GOOD.
That actually made the three exhibits perk up before sighing in relief- wait, was Clark mouthing 'Thank the LORD!' and being relieved?
Larry chuckles, glad to see one problem now solved, "At least you guys have a solution to your needs." Then he flips to an empty page before taking out his marker, opening it before writing out his next question in capital letters. He knows it earns the curiosity of all three of them- the talk is just beginning... well, more like the one sided lifting a sign up as you are trying to make conversation.
Larry sighs tersely (and hoping they have more information than Teddy gave him, that is), writing on the sketchpad before lifting it to the three, DO YOU THREE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE MUMMY?
"...what the?" Clark stares before scoffing. Lewis and Sacagawea stare at the sign as well, "That man must be joking- he must be ludicrous, trying to find more information about that cursed dead pharaoh."
"I don't think he is," Sacagawea sees Larry getting frustrated when she mouths the word 'No' to him. The two explorers look at the Shoshone woman in alarm before paling in realization, "...the one that's up on the Egyptian exhibit."
"Is- this man asking for a death sentence?" Lewis stands before tapping to get Larry's attention, who presents the explanation: I KNOW ABOUT THE STUPID RULE- MUFFLE THE MUMMY. BUT I DON'T THINK IT MAKES SENSE!
"Dear God. This man's serious." Lewis mutters, giving a quick glance to Clark, who is shocked.
Larry has written out another explanation, just a bit longer (and smaller since he's writing this in marker) IT'S JUST HE'S THE PHARAOH AND I NEED MORE INFO ABOUT IT AND WHY YOU ALL ARE FRIGHTENED OF HIM.
Next page- WHICH ISN'T POSSIBLE- HE'S NOT WALKING AROUND HERE!
Another flip- AND NOT TO MENTION I'M TRYING TO GET THE VERSION FROM ALL OF YOU.
Then with a beginning to get ire sigh- ALSO I DON'T WANT TO ASK THOSE THREE GUARDS SINCE THEY'RE THE ONES WHO SET THAT RULE.
"Wait, what?" The other explorer is surprised as he sees Lewis grab a pen (one of the men left it behind along with a small notepad) before Sacagawea takes out the notepad from her satchel, "What in the world are you... oh, this darned glass."
"Exactly," Lewis quickly writes out his response, "Which is why... I am hoping this-" He rips off a sheet to Sacagawea, who gently takes it, "-should suffice as an appropriate response."
"I hope he knows," The Shoshone woman frowns as she gently taps the glass for Larry's attention before placing the sheet at the glass so the night guard can read it, "He seems to already develop a suspicion about Cecil and his men."
"Oh-" Lewis blinks stopping his writing before groaning, "ARGH! Those blasted old coots! Thank you for remind me about them!"
"...though that's not what you're writing about, is it," Clark deadpans.
"No. And I am refusing to let you write it since your spelling is horrendous."
Sacagawea taps on the glass again before joining the second paper with the first. As the guard is slowly reading it, Lewis manages to finish with the third note before handing it over to the Shoshone- who takes it, shifts the two papers so it's still pressed on her right hand, before allowing the third paper to be placed alongside the two with her left.
In entirety, it reads:
'Unfortunately, us three (I - Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea), do not have a single fragment of memories regarding the mummy. But I can offer you this- at past times, there have been brave exhibits (that traveled from various locations as they were placed as temporary exhibits) who tried to ask the guards the same thing or ask about their actions when it came to be more valuable items. What happened to them in end was the guards forced them back into their exhibit rooms and they were forced to be silent. That is all I can say- you should also be wary of them.'
Larry lets out a silent groan.
Well, at least they gave him another hint: the guards don't want him to interfere on something.
On what, though?
At least when he checks on the other exhibits to see how they were, it's all okay with the more calmer ones.
He's able to chat up a bit with the Colonials, who agree to make sure and help control the other mammals (along with Dexter and the lions) with the help of the Samurais and Zulus (because obviously he's not trusting the Zulus with the British and elephants); some of the inventors with making sure the lights and glass don't break when looking after the birds (they actually agree with that- much to Larry's surprise since Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla agree to set aside their mutual differences while the Wright Brothers, Marie Curie, and Alexander Graham Bell agree to subdue those two (Larry's request) and make sure they don't kill each other).
He's asked the Revolutionary War and World War I exhibits to make sure the larger mammals and ocean creatures were fine. For the World War II exhibits, he's asked them for another favor (since they seem to be more prone to understanding chaotic events) and The Eskimos were tasked in keeping the more ferocious animals at bay while checking up on seeing if any animals have escaped.
...and then there was the Neanderthals.
Which Larry was more dreading than ever.
He barely exits to the main part of the first floor when he hears the loud murderous roar again.
"...dear god whyyyyyyy...?" Larry groans as soon as he sees Attila the Hun and his army see Larry before hearing the loud scream, "I'm really starting to get tired of this."
(He also knew about their extraordinary persistence- they did try to conquer Constantinople... and failed.)
But this time, he's barely made his way towards the other side of the stairs that lead up to the second floor when Attila barges in, glowering at him with another threat-
"Wait- I know," The teacher groans, "Obviously you want to rip me apart."
Attila glares at him, daring him to be cheeky again before grunting something. Larry wasn't sure what it is (it's Hunnic- a possible combo of Turkish, Mongolian, and God knows what else?), but he swears it's on the line of 'Try it again or else.'
That makes the teacher suddenly fear for his life.
"Um-" Larry is inching towards the exit as he fears about being ripped apart... again, "Before we begin the chase- again- whoa, WAIT Do you know anything about the mummy over-" He indicates to the general location of the exhibit, "-there?"
That stops the Hunnic leader and army as one of his solders indicate to that area (the Egyptian room) before gesturing to the teacher in a frightened- wait, hold up.
Did they all pale?
And-
-Attila the Hun looks scared!?
Larry stares at the barbarian leader in surprise before opening his mouth and asking if everything was okay-
-when the leader morphs into a menacing expression, shouting a threat at Larry before commanding his men to go after him.
"Okay, not the answer I was looking for...!" The night guard barely manages to escape the Huns (read: he actually sprinted away as the Huns were threatening his life with swords and weapons they drew out) while zooming through other exhibits, who gasp and move out of their way in alarm.
That is, before Teddy manages to interfere again with his horse, scaring the Huns (slightly) before Attila the Hun order the rest of them to back out.
"So, men," Teddy manages to shout, catching the Hun's attention, "Trying to make sure the new guard knows you're still threatening him? I will not tolerate another night of telling all of you what would happen if you so try that again- is that clear!"
Larry winces as he hears the president bark that last part. At least it made Attila aware of said threat as the leader nods before glaring at Larry, saying something to the night guard before stalking away, his soldiers in tow. By the time the army left around the corner, Larry heaves a sigh of relief, "Thanks again- I owe you."
"It's really of no problem- though you should deal with them," Teddy lets out a dreading sigh, "Those Huns are really more trouble than they are."
"...one of these days, I will, but Teddy," Larry wheezes, looking up at Teddy, "Why do they want to tear me apart?"
"It's in their blood," Teddy responds with a smirk, "Though it seems you need to bulk up more, Lawrence!"
"...thanks. Like I really needed to know that," The teacher deadpans (knowing that he really doesn't eat much aside treating Nick once in a while- and yes he knows he's skinny- can anyone blame a teacher for being too busy in his mind!?), slightly sagging before staring at the binoculars that Teddy has on his left hand, "...Hey, Teddy."
"Hm?"
"...what were you staring at?"
"Ah- nothing!" The president lets out a grin as he looks away and lifts up the binoculars again, "It's just observing the going abouts of the museum and seeing if everything if sound and-"
"You were checking out the Lewis and Clark room," Larry arches an eyebrow, knowing pretty well the president's direction was aimed at that specific area, "...is it because you're trying to help get them out too?"
"Hm?" The president isn't paying attention, which makes the teacher look at the normally boistrious president in slight confusion, "I'm sorry- I'm a bit occupied right now..." Then he lets out a frustrated sigh at himself, quietly muttering something about 'How do I talk to her...?', which doesn't go past Larry as he does a double-take at the president-
-did he just say her?
...which meant-
"...Oh man," Larry doesn't prevent a small grin from forming in his face, "You're checking her out, aren't you?"
Teddy freezes, but he sets down his binoculars to glance at the student, "...I don't understand what you are saying."
Larry can't help but let out a small giggle, earning Teddy's wary stare, "...you're staring at Sacagawea, right?" His theory was confirmed as he sees the president stiffen- before the older man lets out a sigh of slight defeat before giving a small meek smile at the teacher.
"I suppose you caught me," The president lets out an embarrassed chuckle, "...she is a beauty."
"Oh. ...well, if you can get past Lewis and Clark glaring at you just from staring at her," Larry grimaces, "I think I'd had that a few times."
"Ah, I already know," Teddy recalled his first attempt of trying to get the Shoshone's attention, "Those two are like her brothers- awfully protective of her. But then again, they have been trapped in there for quite a while." Then he pauses, "Have you tried any keys yet?"
So you've heard about my attempts before the Huns ran me out of the room? Larry grumbles in his mind, recalling that event, "...eh, only the curator has the keys- but he's planning to install in a door soon."
The president's face slightly brightens at the thought of finally meeting the woman he's been admiring from a distance before letting out a sad chuckle, "Though- it might not be the best for a while." That earns the teacher's attention, "How it feels just to have someone that's a bit far from your reach- and when you look at whom you seem as a beautiful or handsome woman and when you just have that courage to talk to her," Teddy then sighs, a thin line underneath his mustache, "...it just fades away. I suppose, as a man to another man, have you had that experience?"
Larry blinks as he can't help but realize it's something... familiar to him.
"No no no- I know how it... well, maybe not on your end, but I know how it feels when someone looks at you from a distance," Larry then pauses, recalling how much attention Erica had to get Larry to look at her, "Erica... well, she did a lot to get my attention."
This time the president smiles, hearing nostalgia come from the teacher, "It seems as if your acting skills didn't impress her."
"No- I was too busy in the books, studying up on whatever I can get my hands on in high school," Larry chuckles, "It got to the point where I skip out on my lunch just so I can go to the library and read until lunch ended. Erica noticed and then she began to accompany me- trying to get me to at least eat lunch before class began again so that I'd stay awake. In turn, I'd help her with studies and all... though that was back in high school."
"And where is this- Erica, was it? Is she still with you?" Teddy asks, leaning a bit forward as he sees Larry's expression shift from one of remembrance to one with slight bitterness.
"...she's my ex-wife," The teacher lets out a heavy sigh, "We're both still in contact- we're good friends. It's just... she's met someone that makes her happy." Teddy can hear some sadness in Larry's voice as the teacher looks farther away, "Don's a good man- he cares for her more than what I could give. More than what I can do for her, that is."
"Lawrence," That makes Larry look back up to the president, who gives him an encouraging smile, "You should find someone who makes you really happy. Especially for someone at your age."
"I know but chances of that are... slim," Larry lets out a small chuckle, "...thanks. And maybe- Teddy, maybe you should try talking to Sacagawea. It wouldn't hurt, you know?"
The president nods back before softly indicating to his horse to walk in another direction, "I shall be back to ask about your progress prior to sunrise- an hour or so. Will that be fine?"
"...yeah, but I think I can try it on my own." Larry then pauses, giving a smile to Teddy, "I think I'll try it myself for tonight."
"That's the spirit!" Teddy's grin widens, "I wish you the best of luck tonight!"
(He'll need it.)
Larry chuckles, glad to have some thoughts out of his head before turning around to the direction towards another part of the museum. Then his thoughts go back to... the Huns and their reaction to the mummy (like Teddy earlier along with the trio).
It is really odd-
-this really did solidify how much fear the Huns had just from hearing about 'the mummy' or 'the pharaoh'.
Which... really doesn't make sense to Larry.
At all.
Larry slowly approaches the Neanderthal exhibit before taking out an electronic device that has a spark in it...
...remind me why I am doing this again? The teacher mentally kicks himself for even thinking about this-
-this idea about bringing in fire to the cavemen. Even Porter knows whatever he's doing is dangerous... and pretty idiotic. But- well, for one, earlier, he has brought out a fire hydrant in case things do go horrendously wrong and has carefully hidden it so the cavemen don't mess around with it (nearby the exhibit, that it).
He grimaces as he sees the caveman approach him, hollering and making some enthusiastic grunts about fire and more fire and-
"Okay, okay!" Larry just wants this over with before moving on, "I got it- you guys want fire, right?"
He places the electronic spark in the pile of straw, wood, and other slow-burning objects that are sitting on top of a non-flammable stone before pressing on the small button that's on the item (He's sure it has to be rigged so it'll turn off at the right time (twenty seconds) after the fire is reaching at the exact temperature needed).
It instantly develops the fire, which actually didn't spark off the fire alarm (...it really didn't- how?) and it got the Neanderthals really excited as they hoot over their new source of light.
"Okay- look, this is just for a couple of minutes!" Larry calls out to the overly excited cavemen before he walks towards the direction of the miniature room, "Just a few minutes- and I'll be back!"
To see that hopefully, they'll be able to subdue that fire (knowing cavemen back then, they should... should being the keyword- be smart enough to douse the fire out with a bucket of water that he's placed next to their always used sticks.
Larry can't help but think giving fire to the caveman is such... such a terrible idea to the point where he's thinking something's bound to go wrong with it.
(...it's going to.)
When he gets to the diorama room, he can't help see a group of cowboys and Chinese workers setting up-
-fireworks?
I thought I took out all the weapons... ooooh wait, there's fireworks, dynamite... argghh gunpowder! I forgot about that! The teacher mentally smacks himself on the head before walking towards the Old West exhibit, his mood already souring as soon as he sees Jedediah commanding them, "Jed!"
Whatever intense thing the Western men were in the middle of stopped and froze as soon as they see Larry with his arms crossed, not looking happy. Jedediah, on the other hand, just grins as he sees the other man, "Heya Gigantor!"
"Gigan-" Larry sputters before frowning, "Okay, I'll ask about why you're calling me that later, but what the hell are you guys doing?"
"Eh, trying to make more room for the railroad tracks, ya know... Manifest Destiny." The leader of the cowboy nonchalantly replies as he gestures the men to continue, "So I'm thinkin' that we should do it by blowin' up this part of the area-"
"So you're trying to blow up a possible chunk of the Roman exhibit," Larry cross his arms, getting the idea that it had to do with their stupid rivalry, "...which is next to you guys." Then he glances over to the Roman exhibit, "And lemme guess- you want to do it at the moment they're busy doing something else."
"Yeah...?" The cowboy gives a sheepish grin before hearing a loud shout of ire, forcing the cowboy to turn around and see Octavius and his small legion of soldiers storming up to Larry, "Ah hell- why didya have to say it like that!?"
"Blowing up our exhibit, huh?" Octavius narrows his eyes, crossing his arms as he doesn't sound at all pleased, "So, you are willing to take it that far."
"Ha! As if you all can try anything!" Jedediah shouts back to his men, "We need more dynamite-"
"Oh ho ho ho no, you are not going to blow up that area," The teacher rolls his eyes, already feeling another headache coming on before stepping in front of the two, "Okay- how about we talk about this like civilized people? Then I can leave the room for the both of you to work things out-"
"As if those buffoons want to listen!" Octavius glares at Jedediah, the Romans rallying behind their leader.
"HA! Ya'll can take your damn togas out of here and let us get back to work!" Jedediah retorts back, causing the other Westerns to rally behind their leader, "And 'sides! We all have the damn room to duke this out-"
"Okay, no way in hell did I agree to that!" Larry stops their talk, "What the hell? I just said that I'm leaving you two guys to use the room for the entire night-"
"Which translates to us trying to finally settle the score," Octavius's eyes narrow, "It's about time too- let's let the blades to the talking."
"Ha!" Jedediah takes out his (pretty much useless) guns, "I'm gonna let my Smith and Wesson do my talkin'-"
The teacher groans... again before snapping his fingers in front of the two miniature leaders, who wince at the sharp noise.
"OW!"
"WHAT THE-"
"Quiet," Larry deadpans before glancing over at the other cowboys and Romans who were prepared for... any sort of combat before stiffening when seeing the teacher, "Okay, all of you. Unless you want to end up like the Mayans over there-" He gestures to the locked Mayan diorama, who were obviously displeased as there was a small rattling, "I suggest you all behave and at least get along-"
"Oh fucking hell no!" Jedediah groans, pointing to Octavius who shoots a withering glare at the teacher, "There's no way I'm gonna get along with Toga Boy over there!"
"My apologize," Octavius shouts back, "But there is no way we can get along with these buffoons!"
Instead of screaming in frustration, Larry just taps his foot, patiently waiting as he places his hands in his hip before calmly asking, "...okay. Are you guys done complaining about each other?"
(Had this been his students, that was the indicator that they should be wary of their teacher... and that he's pretty pissed off (like a mother- which really doesn't help the imagery a single bit) and that he'll be handing them out for something that'll potentially bomb their grades. But these are the miniatures who have been fighting each other for... what? More than several years? And they aren't his students.)
Some of the people who were more privy to realize why one should never anger a night guard, some of the cowboys and Romans glance nervously at each other, hoping their leaders will get an idea about what's going to happen.
...too bad their leaders were also known to be hotheads.
"No-"
"Good," Larry reaches over and grabs Jedediah by his vest, who begins yelping in fury along with Octavius' cape, who begins to shout and complain about the mistreatment of a general.
"WHAT THE HELL-"
"HOW DARE YOU-"
"Jedediah. Octavius." Larry's slightly angry voice instantly silences them, "I'm going to let you know something: You two nearly costed me my job this morning."
That stops the two (who Larry unceremoniously drops them on his hand and forces them to land with an 'oof!' before scrambling to get up) as they look at him in alarm.
Then they pale, recalling what Larry told them two nights ago-
"I am so going to kill you two when I come back! Especially you, Octavius- are you trying to make me lose my job on the first day!?"
"Oh hell," Jedediah squeaks before feeling dread as the Roman general gulps- "Um- Okay, Gigantor- I swear I can explain about that-"
"You gave him a nickname?" Octavius warily stares at the cowboy, but Jedediah ignores him.
"-Octavius snuck into my exhibit-"
"-Just to have a simple conversation, you imbecile!"
"An- Just what in blazing hells did you call ME!?"
"Hey, tiny people," Larry stops the two again, "I can remind you about the Mayan exhibit again if you two don't shut up." Then he deadpans to Jedediah, "I also took the liberty to take away the train in case something like come up- along with that your guns don't even work." And I actually made sure to hide your weapons. Along with yours, Octavius, so don't even think about fighting tonight!"
"But Gigan-"
"Jedediah, you stupid hothead." Larry glares at the cowboy, his patience really thinning, "There's a reason why I'm about to make sure you and the Old West exhibit remain LOCKED for the rest of the night. Do you want to push in that direction?"
The western pales, making a mental note to never- ever (in a million years) to anger the teacher. (He makes good on his word.)
To the Roman, Larry narrows his eyes, "For you- you and your Romans are more trouble than I thought so I'm about to do the same thing by locking you guys up-"
"Nope, my liege," Octavius quickly states, trying to prevent himself to get on the teacher's thinning patience line, "We will behave."
"...really," Larry is really not convinced, "Then I suggest you all prove it when I leave the room. Otherwise, I think I'll play babysitter and watch over this room all tonight- by the way, Jed, thanks for reminding me to take away the gunpowder and other stuff that can make an explosion. And the same for you, Octavius! I think I'll be taking it upon myself to do that every night if you two so dare try to continue-"
"Fiiiiiine- Fine! I'll... try and the others will... behave," Jedediah grumbles in ire, not happy about the fact that Larry was able to hide their array of weapons or anything that can pose harm to his rival, "But I'm not likin' this!"
"I don't enjoy the thought of a truce tonight, either, my liege," Octavius dryly mutters before heaving a groan, "...all right! Fine- no fighting. ...you've already taken away the most potential weapons from both of us."
The teacher heaves a heavy sigh of relief- well, before he shoots a glare at the respectful exhibits, whose response to that was a slight stiffening before sounds of reluctanct grumbling over a truce (for tonight) was inevitable.
Octavius lets out a sighs, shaking his head before muttering, "...though this is the first time someone has taken action from what we were about to do."
"...tch, it's stupid, havin' our guns and all taken away," Jedediah lets out a disgruntled tone before looking back up to Larry, "Though it was his idea."
"Hmn."
"...I can't believe," Larry mutters before feeling his headache coming up again, "I am going to deal with two little idiots before I check up on the mummy."
And then that's when he sees Octavius and Jedediah freeze, hearing Larry mutter the last two words, "...okay, what. That's the fourth time I see that reaction when I say that-"
"The fourth time?" The cowboy echoes, clearly in confusion.
The teacher stares, "First one was from Teddy. Second one was when I wrote it out to Sacagawea, Lewis, and Clark. Third one, and I'm not going to kid you, it was from Attila the freaking Hun. They all look pretty terrified- well, the Huns were about to kill me again when Attila said something. Not sure what it is." Then he blinks before hanging his head, knowing that this was the one thing all of the exhibits seem terrified about, "Okay. What's going on here? Whenever I mention something in regarding to that mummy in that Egyptian room, you all look like you don't want to meet him."
For once, there was (perhaps) the most uncomfortable silence as even the clattering of the dioramas slowly come into a halt, even the Mayans (surprisingly) look a bit terrified.
Then Octavius lets out a heavy grimace before sitting on Larry's hand, testily saying, "You really have no idea what those... guards- if they are to be worthy of being one- did or said about the mummy, do you, my liege?"
"By that," Larry frowns, a feeling telling him where this direction is heading, "You mean Cecil."
This time Jedediah tips his hat as he also makes himself sit on the teacher's hand, "Yeeeah. That's... the other issue. Those guards are plotting somethin'."
That, Larry notes, was something he has been dreading to hear ever since he's been hired at the museum.
"All right," The teacher props his elbow to make himself a bit more comfortable, "What do both you know?"
Octavius and Jedediah share a glance before the Roman general slowly states, "Those three- they've been locking us up for the past years we're been here. Initially I was here in this room- prior to Jedediah's appearance. Then the Mayans appeared and... as you can imagine, there was massive chaos before the guards resorted to locking us up first."
"And that Tablet-" Jedediah lets out a grimace, "-those guards have been yakkin' about it to no end- about how the power activates only at night and all."
Larry doesn't respond, but he frowns- Naomi has mentioned it ran on the power of the moon.
He makes a small note to ask Ahkmenrah about it.
"It's also worth noting," Octavius continues, narrowing his eyes, "That at one point last night, the guards did mention that if the pharaoh was let out, it will- how can I put it- ruin their plans."
"Their plans being whatever those old coots have been plottin' for a while- they did say last night that they're gonna begin it when you began your first day..." Jedediah frowns, glancing to Larry to see if he reacts.
The teacher just falls deathly silent as he turns a bit pale- in fact, he's deep in thought about something.
Octavius takes a small step to peer and see if the teacher is all right, "...my liege. Is something the matter?"
Larry looks up and for once, the two leaders look concerned.
"...nothing, just thinking," Larry mumbles as he looks away, whispering something to himself, which did catch both leaders' attention, but thanks to how low he's talking to himself and covering his mouth with his left hand, the two leaders can barely catch what Larry is saying.
"...Erm, earth to Gigantor...?" Jedediah peers to try and check if the man is okay, but all he can see is the man closing his eyes, still deep in thought. Then he warily stares at Octavius before muttering, "Um. Okay. How do we get his attention back?"
The Roman general, for once, looks just as lost, "...Um. Perhaps... something that can snap him out of it?"
The Western leader was about to say something when his hand brushes against a small knife- Maybe that'll catch his attention-
Then the teacher looks back at the two, his eyes open before Jedediah can even try anything. Octavius has caught what the cowboy was about to do, but he doesn't say a single word (Wait, he ain't cussing me out?).
"...Is there anything else?" Larry knows that the belief runs that Ahkmenrah... could possibly curse them if taken out and is responsible for the Tablet's magic (that was Teddy); the guards were more than hell-bent on keeping the pharaoh trapped while they were on duty for some reason and any other exhibit that dared to ask were silenced (that was from Sacagawea, Lewis, and Clark); the pharaoh is frightening (...the Huns' reactions); and now?
The last statements from Jedediah and Octavius had confirmed it for him.
Well, on the plus side, Larry grimaces, At least I might have some backup of evidence in case they deny anything.
'They' meaning...
"Well, that's... all we know," Octavius frowns, "My liege, is everything truly all right?"
"Yeah, yeah," He said it too quickly that makes both miniature people suspicious, "Just... yeah, thanks for those. And no, before you say anything, don't even dare trying to bring a war in this room." Larry threatens them, "I've already asked someone to make sure no wars are breaking out of here tonight." (By that, he's already asked the entire WWII exhibit to watch over the room- in fact, they've been waiting for Larry to finish).
"...oh freaking hell, are you serious." Jedediah groans, bowing his head as Octavius stares at the teacher in a baffled 'WTF' look, "Seriously Gigantor!? First you take away out weapons and now you have to have someone look over us!?"
"Yeah, it's to that point since the first night I have to put up with a train nearly giving me a migraine and then I got into trouble because you imprisoned Octavius." The teacher sighs, not in the mood for hearing the two men protesting as he places them on the base of the bench, "Besides, out of all people, I can't believe you two- two of the greatest leaders I've read about- would even try and judge someone you all can't see since he's been trapped there for a while. And by the way- don't call me Gigantor!"
Jedediah and Octavius stop protesting, now surprised to hear the teacher's admission about them as Larry stands up and now to their respectable dioramas-
"All right, Old West and Roman exhibits- keep your words or else-" He gestures to the Mayans, whom most of them were threatening the teacher by lifting their spears, in turn he glares back at them and says, "Forget it! I'm not going to risk being human sacrifice for all of you just for me to release you from being locked up!"
Then he walks off, nodding at the WWII soldiers and workers who then walk inside the diorama room, daring the miniatures to try and begin fighting each other.
The room fell into the unexpected silence (well, minus the Mayans' disgruntled complaints, that is) that it never had before. Well, not for long time- since Jedediah and Octavius were still speechless.
For once, Jedediah stares at Octavius in alarm before uttering, "...Am I hearing things? Did he just say we were... great leaders?"
"No," The shocked Roman glances back at the cowboy, "I don't think you're the only one."
"...did we also agree on something... for once tonight?"
"We... did," Octavius slowly murmurs before he lets out a sigh, eyeing the WWII exhibits, who were talking while keeping an eye on them, "I think it's for the best for a temporary truce. Only because-"
"Yeah, the damn soldiers Gigantor asked for," Jedediah mutters before sighing, "Tch! And taking away our weapons too- what's next? Taking away our clothing and shields?"
Octavius begins laughing at the thought before nodding to the cowboy, "Despite your thinking, Jedediah, I would say that he's right about one thing."
"...and what's that?" The cowboy blinks in slight confusion.
The Roman general smirks, "You are civilized- not just being buffoons, that is."
Jedediah lets out a small groan as he lowers his cowboy hat to cover his redding face, "I swear that's an insult - I'd appreciate that about the 'civilized'. Though tomorrow," His blush is fading a bit, but his ire expression is there, "I-It's war! Ya hear me, Octavius!?"
For once, he was caught off-guard by Octavius letting out another laugh- this time more with delight than with the usual sadistic tone.
"Why do you think I try and pass the time by challenging you most of the time?" Octavius smirks before walking to the slope of the bench and gestures for one of the WWII soldiers to get him from the high area, "Unlike the Mayans, you and your men seem like good people for my people to fight against. And you are a very worthy opponent."
That makes the cowboy stop in his step as he sees the Roman general jump to the outstretched hand of the soldier, who escorts him back to the Roman exhibit. Then Jedediah turns around, placing his cowboy hat down to cover the darkening blush over the 'worth opponent comment'.
If this was the Roman's way of complimenting him, Jedediah can't admit to it to anyone else. In fact-
-he was looking forward to talking more with the general on more... friendly terms.
Or better- after their war's done and over with.
TBC
For some... yeah, I'm going to stop chatting and let you all think on that last part for a minute.
Also, Clark does misspell mosquitoes as 'Musqutors.' (No joke. Also, Meriwether also does misspell a few things- though to be fair... this is back in the 1800's. Here's the link.)
Preview of next chapter:
"Just... one thing I want to know," Larry quietly asks-
Then suddenly he hears a loud scream, which forces Larry to stop his track of thought as panic immediately settles in.
"Shit." He curses to himself before quickly scrambling up, "I don't think that sounds good." Then he turns to the sarcophagus before wincing, "Sorry. I have to go- something's up and I don't think it's a good thing."
Ahkmenrah's eyes glance over at him in concern, "...please be careful."