Whilst the others were upstairs watching the sunrise, Larry and Rebecca went downstairs to set up the air mattresses with sheets and blankets.
Once they were set up, the exhibits returned.
"How was it?" Larry asked.
Ahk smiled as he wiped the tears out of his eyes. "I never thought the sun could look so beautiful." He said.
"I'm glad you guys enjoyed it."
"What's this, Larry?" Octavius asked motioning his hand to the beds.
"I thought we'd all like to get a little rest before we celebrated Christmas." Larry said, stifling a yawn.
Nicky sighed as he collapsed onto a twin bed and immediately fell alseep.
Rebecca chuckled as she placed a blanket over him.
Sac smiled as she pulled Teddy to a double bed and the two fell upon it. Teddy laughed as Sac tucked herself into his side and closed her eyes.
Jed and Oct made themselves comfortable on the two beds Larry had made on the desk whilst Ahk took a bed beside Nicky with Attila on the other side. The Hun sighed happily as he pulled the blanket to his chin.
Larry laughed as he took a seat on the bed he and Rebecca were to share and sighed as he lay down.
NATM
"Teddy!"
The President groaned as he placed his arms over his eyes as Nicky jumped on the bed where he and Sac slept.
"Teddy! Wake up!"
Teddy attempted to hide a smile before Nicky launched himself onto the President's middle, making the President winced as he sat up. It
"Merry Christmas, Santa!" Nicky cried grabbing him into a hug.
Teddy laughed, remembering he was still wearing the suit, minus the beard, as he ruffled the boy's hair.
"What time is it?" Rebecca asked.
"Almost twelve thirty." Nicky replied.
"We slept in later then anticipated." Sac said as she sat up.
Ahk smiled as he looked to the tree. "Look, there appear to be packages under the tree." He said as he got up.
Larry yawned as he stretched. "Packages? Really?"
"Yeah, lookie here!" Jed cried as he made his way down the desk and to the tree.
Indeed there were packages wrapped in bright colored paper, with a bow atop each. The tree was shining brighter this chilly morning and everyone noticed as the star atop it shined.
Larry frowned as he walked over to investigate. "They're, they're for us!"
"What?"
"Yeah, look, they all have names, Teddy, Sac, Jed, everyone!"
"Well, don't stand there gawking, let's see!" Jed cried.
Larry smiled as he gave the first gift to Attila. The Hun tore open the gift to find a new sword and a box of magic tricks. He excitedly ran the sword through his fingers and immediately began trying out his magical gift.
The next gift was Octaviaus' in which he received a new General's sword and Jed got a new horse, his size of course, a beautiful paint. And then they both received a new remote control hot wheels truck.
Sacajawea got a new animal skin dress and that wasn't all.
"Teddy, you got me a gift?" She asked as she held the small present in her hands. "How?"
Teddy smiled as he glanced at Rebecca. "I have my connections." He said.
The Shoshone woman gasped in delight as she opened the gift and discovered a beautiful diamond necklace. "How did you ever afford this?" She asked.
"I had some rare coins in my pockets that I gave to Rebecca so that she could buy this." Teddy explained. Sac smiled as she pulled him into a kiss.
Larry smiled as he handed a gift to Nicky who ripped through the paper. "No way! A new skateboard!" He cried. "And a WII! With the new Mario game!"
Ahk smiled as he was given his present. His eyes widened. In the box he found a stuffed Hedwig and the complete set of Harry Potter books.
Teddy received a new rifle, one from his time as President.
And Larry received the latest new flashlight and new iPad, while Rebecca got a new computer for her future books.
NATM
After a delicious breakfast provided by Sac and Rebecca, the gang sat back and relaxed.
Attila and Nicky played the WII while Jed and Oct raced around in their new truck.
Sac and Rebecca were happily chatting about Rebecca's new book while Larry was playing on his iPad.
Teddy and Ahk were outside, trying out Teddy's new weapon with the President showing Ahk how to shoot.
The sun shown down upon the snow, making it seem as if it were made of diamonds.
"Haha, well done, lad. We'll make a fine marksman of you yet!" Teddy said as they started back in the museum.
"Thank you, Teddy." Ahk said smiling.
Suddenly, they saw Jed and Oct come tearing into the snow, driving their new car.
They laughed as they heard Jed hollering whilst Oct sat, trying to to hold in his breakfast.
"Best. Christmas. Ever!!!" Jed cried as they sped off.
"I believe that those two are enjoying their gift." Teddy said as they walked back into the museum.
They were nearly to the lobby when they heard a screech over head and looked up to see a snowy white owl flying. It screeched again as it dove, nearly catching the tops of the President and Pharaoh's heads.
"What was that?!" Ahk cried.
Teddy yelped as they ducked once more. Then the President realized something.
"Ahkmenrah, didn't you receive a stuffed owl for Christmas...?"
Ahk frowned at the President's words gasping. "You don't think-"
Screech!
"No, lad, I know!" Teddy said.
The owl circled a few moments before coming to land on the black chair that sat at the front desk. Ahk and Teddy approached cautiously to the large bird. Her yellow eyes seemed to be watching their every move. Pale black spots were sprinkled on her feathers.
Ahk took a deep breath as he put out his hand carefully. "H-Hedwig?" He asked.
The bird tilted her head, screeching curiously.
Ahk smiled. "Hello, Hedwig." He said, softly.
The bird seemingly bowed it's head before flying to gracefully on Ahk's arm. The Pharaoh let out a shuddering breath. In his younger days, he was trained with falcons, but this was different. Nervously he brought his finger up and stroked her feathers.
Teddy chuckled. "Well, lad, looks like you have made a friend." Hedwig looked to Teddy before gliding over to land on his hat. Teddy stiffened and Ahk chuckled. Rarely did he see the President so nervous.
Hedwig bent and affectionately nipped Teddy's ears and screeched quietly before flying back to Ahk.
NATM
Sac and Rebecca were cleaning up the kitchen when Teddy and Ahk walked.
"We were wondering-" Sac stopped short as her eyes widened at the giant owl sitting atop Ahk's arm.
"Teddy...what is this?" Sac asked.
"Ahk, you know you have an owl...right?" Rebecca said.
"It is Hedwig! She came to life!" Ahk cried.
"Wow." Rebecca said. "I guess... that makes sense... still that is amazing."
Hedwig must of understood because she puffed out her chest in pride.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Ahk said.
"She is indeed." Sac said.
"Hey, guys, what's-" Larry stopped as he walked in. "Whoa, Ahk, buddy what, what's this?" He asked.
"It is Hedwig!" Ahk said.
"Yeah, I can see that." Larry said as he reached up to pet her, but she nipped his finger. Not enough to draw blood, though, just a pinch. Larry yelped as he shook his finger.
Teddy chuckled before Larry shot him a look and he cleared his throat. "Ah, well, the bird might just have a bad judge of character." He said.
"I don't know, seems spot on to me." Rebecca smirked making Larry pout.
"Hey, that owl's got an Ahk on its leg!" Jed cried as he and Oct rode in.
"A fine looking animal, Ahk." Octavius said.
Ahk beamed.
NATM
"My dear, you look beautiful in this light." Teddy said as he and Sac walked through Central Park.
The Shoshone blushed. "It's so lovely here. Especially in the day time. I never thought I'd see the sun again."
"We have Rebecca and Larry to thank for that." Teddy said.
"I didn't think I was possible. Now here we are, enjoying this beautiful sunshine." She looped her arm through his. "Together."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the two walked through the park, the snow fell softly, but neither felt the cold whilst they were dressed in warm coats and in each other's company.
They were just turning around to head to the museum when Sac realized something.
"Teddy, how do you suppose those gifts appeared under the tree? It was obvious that had Larry had no idea what they were and I spoke with Rebecca and she didn't know either."
Teddy frowned as he stopped to think. "I'm not sure, my dear."
"Was it you?"
Teddy laughed. "I was dressed as Santa, but sadly I am not him. I am in as much as the dark as anyone."
"It must have been one of those Christmas miracles." Sac said.
Teddy smiled. "Could be."
"But how is that possible?" Sac asked, always a woman of logic.
"You know, sometimes you don't need all the answers." Teddy smirked.
The day went by peacefully, after lunch Ahk showed Hedwig around the museum while Larry and Rebecca prepared the turkey for the night. The day was a success.
Jed, when he wasn't ripping through the snow, was brushing and talking softly to his new paint. Oct was practicing with his new sword and Attila was mastering his magic kit. He couldn't wait to show his men. Ahk sat and read his books while Hedwig slept beside him. Larry and Rebecca were watching a movie on her computer and Teddy was teaching Sac how to handle a rifle. The Shoshone proved a remarkable shot.
Finally, the evening was near. Larry was making sure everything was in place for the waking exhibits.
Teddy was walking the halls, making sure things were secure. He soon found Ahk sitting by the window, Hedwig upon his shoulder, looking out at the setting sun.
"All right, lad?"
Ahk took a deep breath. "I'm scared that this is the last time we shall see the sun." He said. "When I was a boy, I loved watching the sun rise, but now, it is the very thing I dread." He frowned as he turned to Teddy, the sadness and fear on his eyes as clear as the stars that would arrive.
Teddy was silent before smiling. "Remember what I said about the candy cane, the stripes are temporary. You will see the sun again, I promise, lad. That tablet of yours is filled with surprises."
Ahk smiled as he stood with the President and walked to the hall towards the staircase. Downstairs, they saw Attila showing Nicky some tricks he learned.
Jed was teaching Octavius how to ride his horse and Larry and Rebecca were sharing a kiss under the Mistletoe.
Teddy noticed Sacajawea reading at the desk and waved. She blew him a kiss and Teddy smiled.
"Remember, lad, this place, though it does not compare to the outside, is filled with magic and love. It's people here used to fight every single night. Now look." Teddy said gesturing down at their friends. "They're a family. And family mean no one gets left behind. That includes you. We'll always be there for you. Don't forget that, lad."
"That quote you got from Lilo and Stitch." Ahk pointed out.
"I borrowed it."
Ahk laughed as the President ruffled his hair.
"Merry Christmas, lad."
"Merry Christmas, Teddy."