Hello everyone!

I did promise you wouldn't have to wait too long! This is part of the reason you have had a long wait, I didn't want to leave you on that cliff-hanger indefinitely so I wanted both chapters finished before I published them! Here is a much longer chapter, dealing with some of the fall out of the bombshell at the end of the last chapter.

Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed the last chapter and not given up on this story! I've got lots of exciting things to come, and I will certainly try to keep up with a monthly update after this posting.

Thank you again to everyone who's been reviewing and leaving their kind words of encouragement about everything that's been going on with me, you guys are wonderful and I really, really appreciate it.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, please let me know what you think! :)

Responses to non-accounted reviews

Guest- Thank you so much, I really hope so too

Guest (2) – Hurrah! I'm so pleased it updated at the right time for you! I promise I'll never abandon this story, there just might be a big delay sometimes but I'll do my best to update regularly! I'm so flattered you think this series is too good to spoil! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Wolfgirl- Thank you so much! There is DEFINITELY going to be more Teddy/Sac love in this chapter! I'm glad you liked the 'flat lady' part! Ahkmen hasn't seen TV yet…

19-1 Fair enough, I'm not always terribly clear on my explanations! I'm so glad you're still enjoying this story, there is a lot more to come! Tea is a saving grace in this museum, it's one of the nods that yours truly is a British writer! :P

NatM-fan

Of course I did! But at least it wasn't a long wait, that's a good thing right? :S I'm glad you think it would be too easy, there's definitely more to the tablet that meets the eye…Ahkmen does have a lot more to share and yes, this chapter is a much bigger focus on Larry's upset (and others) about this situation. Ahkmen is officially adorable and there might have been a few sparks here and there… Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

GUEST- I know! I'm sorry! But if it makes you feel better you didn't have to wait long! Yes, you're right there is something wrong with the tablet but nothing they can fix right now :/ Rebecca might get the chance you're right, and I'm glad you liked the title, thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Dangerous One- We'll see! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Thor Son of Odi- The creator has indeed returned! I hope this will bring peace to Stark Tower (what's left of it at least!)

TeddyxSac- You're right, Larry is a great uncle, Ahkmen does fully trust him now because Larry's earned that trust fairly and squarely. He does hang out with Lewis and Clark, you'll see more of it in future! Thanks again for reading and reviewing!

For everyone struggling for the link for the fan art in he last chapter;

41 . media . tumblr 9d1f4a70df65ff8eede98cb6c8941fc8 / tumblr _ nzpytiW5Ht1rrmsn1o3 _ 1280 . jpg

Just copy paste into your search bar and remove all the spaces! :)

An Age of Innocence

Larry sat in silence, allowing the enormity of what Rebecca was saying sink in. His brain refused, there had to be SOMETHING they could do!

"No! There has to be a way!"

"I've tried everything I can think of right now, gone through all the arrangements of the words. Right now the tablet reads, 'Grant life everlasting unto Ahkmenrah son of Merenkehre, descendent of Ra, let his nobility be attended at all times by those that surround him in restful repose.'"

That pulled Larry up short, "Wait, what? That's what it says?"

"Yes, did Ahkmenrah not tell you?"

"No, but then," he considered, "I didn't ask. So, that's why they all come to life? They're supposed to serve him?"

Rebecca nodded, "Basically, I think it works because they are models, they've never been alive, some pharaohs were buried with representations of servants called 'shabti' rather than the real thing and going by what Ahk's like I'm sure he would have been buried with models rather than people, I can't imagine him condemning hundreds of people to die to serve him in the afterlife."

"No, no Ahk wouldn't do that, not ever, but that means, all the museum, all those inanimate objects, they're technically his shabti since they're surrounding him? The fact everyone comes to life, it's all for him not just because of him?!" Larry dragged his hands through his hair haphazardly, "No wonder he didn't tell me!"

"Why?"

"Ahk's very touchy about being seen as 'above' people. He doesn't like being set apart, for him that has only brought pain and crappiness so he's always more than eager to be seen and counted as 'one of the group' if this got known then I bet he'd be scared that people would turn their backs on him."

"They wouldn't, surely!"

"No, I don't think they would, not now they know him but Ahk is pretty good at getting scared and then hiding the hell out of it."

"So where does this leave us?"

"Well, can you change the combination of words?

"Technically yes, but that would completely change the magic and its effect, there's no telling what would happen to everyone."

"But Ahk managed to get everyone back the museum that time everyone got out!"

"Yes, but Ahk is the controller of the tablet, he can make spells that will be obeyed, it's a variation on the existing theme, that they attend him, not 'serve.' They will listen to him with that setting if he ever really chose to, and he can command them to obey if he wanted to."

Larry sank back in his chair. "I, I didn't think, it never occurred to me he really had that kind of power."

"Why?" Rebecca was genuinely confused, "You saw it, same as I did."

Larry nearly exploded, "Because he's never used it since! Jeez! He could have bent the whole museum to his will, had Attila dance the cancan every time the whim took him. He could have punished EVERYONE for leaving him to suffer for 54 years! Oh my god. I think I need a—" He trailed off, choking on his sudden realisation.

"Larry, calm down. Look, you and I both know Ahk is a good man, that he really did his best for everyone. But right now that man is gone and we have to deal with what's left."

Larry looked up sharply, searching Rebecca's face for any hint of uncertainty, "You really think there's no other way?"

"I really do, I'll keep looking of course, but I can't incant a spell, even if I could get my ancient Egyptian perfect, it's beyond risky."

"Couldn't we get Ahkmen to say it?" tried the desperate night guard, "It is his after all, and he speaks the language."

"Larry, how good is the average five year old's vocabulary? Even a very bright child like Ahkmen isn't going to know the right words and it needs to be word perfect." She paused for emphasis, "Larry, we get a syllable wrong and it could end everything."

Larry knew she was right but he didn't have to like it, "So there's no way around this?"

"No. I really, really wish I could tell you different, but I just can't risk it, we could accidentally kill him, stop the magic entirely, we could end up blowing up the museum with an overload of conflicting magic! I just don't know what the consequences would be and I don't want to find out the hard way. I know you don't either."

"No," Larry was firm in this, the very idea of even accidentally hurting any of them made his stomach drop. "I can't, I can't risk him, any of them."

"So we're just going to have cope as we are."

"We?"

"I'm due some leave, plus I haven't see you or the others in the flesh for months. If I can't help the whole situation I can at least offer my help where I can."

There was a part of Larry's heart that leapt at the idea of Rebecca returning, not that she would look twice at him of course, he was just a night guard, she was not only a newly qualified Doctor of American History but she was also a bestselling author. But still, it would be great to see her. Even if they couldn't fix the current situation.

"Here? You're really going to come?" He couldn't keep the note of delight from his voice.

"Of course, I've missed you, all of you." She added quickly, "And I feel responsible that I can't fix this for you."

Larry softened his expression, "C'mon Rebecca, that's not fair, you did your best and you're going to keep looking aren't you?"

Rebecca's gaze hardened with determination, "You know I will, if I come across anything that might be useful I'll let you know. Larry, it really is going to be alright."

Larry deflated in front of her, "But he's just so tiny. I mean, sure he's a happy kid but he's so far from home, sometimes I listen to what he tells Teti—"

"Teti?" questioned Rebecca.

"His teddy bear, Martha knitted it for him after the whole 'sensory-immersion-makes-Ahkmen's-room-smell-like-his-parents-and-thus-made-him-horrifically-homesick mess."

"I remember you telling me, but I didn't know about, she cut herself off before continuing, "Martha really made him a cuddle toy?" Even after seeing Ahkmen in the flesh and hearing all the stories from Larry she couldn't quite imagine Ahkmenrah ever needing something like that.

"Yeah, well, she's basically adopted him as her grandson and well, given the magic, the night after she finished Teti, she came to life like everything else, Ahkmen loves her utterly, she's his silent little cuddle buddy and he tells her everything. Everything. I've not caught much yet but goddamn Rebecca, we need to make sure Ahkmenrah's brother never comes here."

"Why?"

"Because he was a grade A asshole, I mean Ahkmen's five right now, and Kahmunrah—"

"The Butcher of Giza."

"What? What now?"

"Kahmunrah the Vicious, that's the title he was given, he murdered thousands during his reign of terror."

Larry honestly wasn't surprised. "Well that explains a lot. He's already been traumatising Ahkmen, did you know he gave Ahkmen's pet cat up as an offering to Bast? The kid couldn't even argue, it was done before he could and then had to accept it as a great honour. I mean, come on! It was his pet cat!"

Rebecca looked horrified, "He would have been fourteen then I assume?"

"Kah was I guess."

She nodded as though everything was falling into place, "Well, just double that at 28 he had half of the royal court murdered for having loyalties to Ahkmenrah. Who was known as 'The Noble' by the way."

"Oh my god, please tell me he's never been found."

"No, I know he hasn't. He was deposed and dismembered and fed to the crocodiles of the Nile, he was never entombed so no one will ever excavate his burial. Ahkmenrah, I mean, Ahkmen is safe, he'll never have to deal with his brother again."

"Well that's something at least. God, Becca, he's just a little boy. He's—"

"Very well loved here," stated Rebecca with absolutely certainty.

"Well—"

Rebecca cut over him, "Larry, listen to me, the little boy that bounced in here is happy and healthy, he clearly is very comfortable here, he's suddenly gained a huge set of adults whom adore him and let him play, he obviously loves you and the fact that he's been adopted into Teddy and Sacagawea's family is doing him the world of good. Larry, you're all doing your best and by the looks of it, it is more than good enough. He's taken so well to living here, I know there's been ups and downs but that's the same with real children. You know that from raising Nicky, the most important thing is that Ahkmen feels secure here, safe with all of you. So you're all clearly doing a very good job."

"I, thanks, thanks Rebecca I needed to hear that."

"And I'll keep telling you. Honestly Larry, you can do this, you've been doing this, all of you, I know it's not the answer we wanted at all but still, it's not an impossible situation."

"Well, we're gonna have to make a few changes."

"Oh?"

"We've been pretty restrictive on a few things, didn't think it would matter if we only had him for a month but looks like we gotta change a few things."

"Like?"

"TV, we didn't really want to show him that if we only had him for a short while."

"But surely that would have helped keep him entertained?"

"Yeah, no, um, when we showed Ahkmenrah for the first time, like, actual grown-up Pharaoh of the Nile, ruler of a civilisation Ahkmenrah, he basically turned into a little kid on the spot, he was so excited, asked me stuff as fast Ahkmen does, whilst just about stopping himself from hopping up and down, seriously, I've seen Nicky act more mature!"

Rebecca laughed, "that must have been a sight!"

"Yeah, actually it was really nice, it was the first time, outside of the dance party where everyone was letting their hair down that I saw beneath the Pharaoh mask, not out of upset but that he was genuinely excited about something. He was beaming and talking and wanted to know everything about how it worked, seriously, I've seen Nicky more relaxed about things! And honestly, I've just not been prepared for round two, which will be higher pitched and twice as fast!"

"I'm sure you'll cope."

"Yeah, yeah I will."

"It will be alright."

"I know, it's just I feel guilty, on the one hand I really want him back but on the other it's nice to get more of a chance to make his second childhood a happy one."

"That's not a bad thing Larry, making the best of the situation."

"No, I know, but it's not fair on Nicky, he wants his big brother back, it's not fair on Sac and Teddy who've basically had a second son dumped on them."

"But you're all sharing the load as best you can, if they really had a problem with it they would have said, you know they would and there are plenty of other exhibits who want him around. Trust me Larry, from everything you've told me and I think you've told me most things everyone is as okay as they can be."

"Well, yeah, I suppose, the museum's bonded more since Ahkmen's been on the scene. He's just so affectionate, it's even made Octavius broody never mind the rest of the actual parents here."

Rebecca smiled at that mental image, "Well that's something, if he's helped bring you all closer then that's something I don't think anyone will begrudge. You're all doing okay, Attila's even learning English! I mean, Larry, it's okay. You guys can handle this, I know it's not the same but it's not the end of the world and I promise I will research the hell out of this to see if there is way we can fix it and bring our Pharaoh back. Actually." She paused frowning in sudden thought, "How on earth doesn't McPhee know about this yet?"

"Oh, that, um, well."

She knew that tone, "Larry, what did you do?"

"Well, ever since he had the padlocks added—"

Rebecca cut in, voicing her horror at that particular development, she couldn't imagine how horrendous it must have been for Ahkmenrah, Larry had told her how bad his claustrophobia was which was hardly surprising but to have that fear exposed wholesale must have been horrific. Larry was in pieces on the phone to her after that, feeling beyond guilty that it had happened at all despite him having no way of possibly knowing. "I can't believe he'd do that."

Larry shrugged unhappily, "Special sanction. He was really worried someone was messing with Ahkmenrah and that it wouldn't stop at just a plastic baby as a prank. I mean, you know him 'Becca, he really does care about all the exhibits, he just wanted what's best for them, Ahk's pretty prized after all."

"Yes I know but—"

"Yeah, it was horrible, not going to lie, Ahk was jittery for weeks after, he still hadn't got over it when this happened. And I think Teddy would be grey if it wasn't for the fact that he's wax."

"Jed and Octavius really did come to the rescue.

"Absolutely, those guys saved the day. And came up with a way round the locks.

"McPhee still hasn't re-checked?

"No, I mean, he trusts that they've been done, he checked the day they were done and he was satisfied, plus he checks all the CCTV footage to make sure no one's been messing with it, the magic fritz's them all out come sundown so he's not seen what they look like now."

"And this is what you're banking on?

"For the moment?" Larry dragged a hand through his already mussed hair, "Yeah."

"So what did you do?"

"Well," Larry looked everywhere but Rebecca.

"Larry—"

"I got a Halloween skeleton and wrapped him up in Ahk's bandages okay!" Garbled the night guard, "I put it in the sarcophagus every night after dawn so it doesn't disturb Ahkmen, he doesn't take up much room anyway and I cover him with a dark blanket and put the wrapped figure up and no one's the wiser if they happen to look in on him."

Rebecca was aghast, "Really?! That works?!"

"What else I am supposed to do?!"

"No, sorry, I didn't mean you, I mean yes, you're doing the best you can, I know that, I'll see if there's anything I can get made up for you that might be more convincing, wait, actually, doesn't the skeleton come to life?"

"Um, probably? Honestly I don't know, I know it doesn't come to life like Ahkmen since it's polystyrene and it's silent, it doesn't make any noise at all, like I've never heard it move. I just put it in a cupboard during the night."

There were a lot of things Rebecca could have said about ethical practice, about care for all animated creatures but the man she saw in front of her was one on the raggedy edge, Larry did his best for everyone, plus, there was little they could do for an animated skeleton.

"Fair enough." Was her final comment.

Larry let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you."

"So what are you going to do for the rest of the evening?"

"Tell Teddy and Sac." Answered Larry immediately. "They need to know and then we need to plan what to do next."

"That sounds good. Listen, I'll try and arrange some dates when I can come up and in the meantime I'll read up on everything I can to give us an idea of what to do about the tablet."

"Thanks Rebecca, really, thank you. You're keeping me sane right now."

"Larry, you really have got this. It's all going to be okay."

"Keep those fingers crossed for me."

"I will Larry, I promise."

"Thanks, look, I better go, got people to tell and—"

"I know, go, it's going to be alright Larry, Ahkmen couldn't be in better hands."

"Thanks 'Becca means a lot."

"Good, maybe it'll start to sink in. Now go, go be the night guard and I'll see you soon."

"Bye,"

"Bye Larry, take care."

"You too."

The call ended, the screen returning to the normal homepage.

Larry let out a deep sigh, burying his face in his hands for a long moment, trying to take stock of everything. Rebecca was right, it was true that Ahkmen was happy and healthy, Teddy and Sacagawea had adopted him entirely into their own family and the rest of the museum were very much honourary uncles and aunts. Ahkmen adored all the adults but was especially enamoured of his immediate museum family, Nicky and now, thankfully, Larry himself. Things really could be a lot worse. But.

Larry sighed again, trying to get himself under control.

He missed Ahk, Ahkmenrah. He missed the young man who had been slowly growing in confidence, showing more and more of his true nature, all of it and not just the regal mask his hid behind. He missed the laughter of his son and his adoptive son as they discovered something new or tried to practice their abysmal juggling skills. He missed Ahk's good sense whenever a crisis arose. He missed seeing him play soccer or playing with Jean Baptiste. The museum was definitely lacking without him but at least, in his place, his five year old self was doing his best to bring the museum closer together. Even if he didn't mean to.

Urgh. Stop it Daley, stop wallowing. Get up, be the Night Guard and deal with this. He told himself in his best 'Teddy' impression voice. Come on, get up and go tell them. Very, very reluctantly Larry got to his feet, straightened his tie and headed out of the office.

It took Teddy roughly half a second to tell that things had not gone well.

Larry looked grey for a start.

Teddy shored up his own personal reserves of strength, right, so he was going to have another child in his care for the foreseeable future, well, their foreseeable future. He and Sacagawea had already talked about this possibility. But still, he'd be lying if the news didn't send a pang through his admittedly waxen heart. He loved the little boy, of course he did but he did rather miss the adult he once was. Teddy missed his own sons dreadfully and getting to know Ahkmenrah, earning the privilege of becoming trusted, becoming a confidant and seeing the young man slowly appear from behind that pharaoh mask. Teddy, in his more privately arrogant moments hoped Ahkmenrah saw him as much as family as he did. Having both Jean-Baptiste and Ahk had done a lot to heal his bruised paternal heart. Oh well. No time for wallowing, he had a job to do!

"Lawrence!" Cried Teddy aloud, hailing the haggard looking night guard. "Come on my lad, back to the office, you look like you need something to fortify you."

"Teddy I—" Began Larry brokenly.

"I know Lawrence," smiled Teddy gently, "it's written all over your face my lad. Come on, let's head to the office."

"What about Sac?"

"She'll join us there, she heard you leave and found me first. Ahkmen is with Ragnar and Anna at the moment, along with half the civil war soldiers, they are all trying to one up each other on impressive gymnastic moves it seems."

"Right." Larry let that sink in. "Are the Vikings break-dancing? Because I don't think I can handle that right now."

"I have no idea what that means, they aren't destroying things if that is what is concerning you, Anna's keeping them in line, however, you do have at least half an hour before a certain princeling wants to show you how impressively he can launch himself down a corridor."

Larry breathed a sigh of relief, if Anna was in charge things couldn't go too far south, "I can live with that."

"Good good. Now come on my boy, onwards."

True to Teddy's word Sac was waiting for them, three glasses ready poured. Larry took one gratefully and sank into a chair.

"So."

"So." Larry nursed his drink, not making eye contact.

"I take it Rebecca wasn't able to help our little friend?"

The night guard took a hearty gulp of the amber liquor, "No, no she wasn't, she said there's nothing wrong with the tablet, nothing is out of place, it reads the same as it did before and only a word perfect spell in ancient Egyptian that we'd have to find or construct could even hope to undo it. And that, if we get it wrong by a syllable we risk destroying everything here trying to fix it."

"So," spoke Sac quietly, "there is no way we can get him back? Ahkmenrah is lost to us? Until he grows up?" Sac's eyes were large and dark, shimmering with unshed tears for a lost, beloved brother. Even if he grew once again she would no longer be his Ka-Sister but Moon Mother, which of course was an honour and she cherished that trust but she had lost so many people already. She wanted her spirit brother back.

"Well, I don't know," began Larry, trying to lighten the mood, "it might wear off, I mean, it might just still be dealing with magical aftershocks or something."

She fixed him with a firm stare, "Larry, I do not need the truth sweetening."

"But I do." Admitted the desolate man, "There's nothing I can do to fix this. We're stuck, he's stuck and it's not fair for anyone."

She bowed her head a moment, gathering her strength before facing the men once again, "Life isn't fair Larry. But we endure."

Larry dragged his hands through his hair again, "I don't want you guys to endure it though. You've endured enough. I'm supposed to look after you."

"Larry," began Sac, holding his miserable gaze with a steely glare as if daring him to contradict her, "I would have hoped by now you had realised we all look after each other."

"Yeah, I know but—"

"No buts, of course we want Ahkmenrah back, all of us want him back with us as he was but if it is out of our hands, if it is too dangerous to bring him back then we have to make the best of it. As we have been doing."

"But both of you guys have been dumped with an extra son—"

"Whom we love Lawrence, it can hardly have escaped your notice that we do not begrudge Ahkmen nor his presence here."

"No, I know that, I didn't mean—"

"I know what you meant, we have already discussed what we should do should this scenario occur."

"You have?"

"We have Larry," confirmed Sacagawea, "there was always going to be a chance that Rebecca, learned though she is, would not be able to help us. We have discussed our options and are agreed."

"Yeah?"

"Yes." they both answered at once, "Ahkmen shall be ours for as long as he remains, he seems happy with us as Moon Mother and Papa Bear, he loves Jean-Baptiste like his own little brother and he is happy Larry." Sac emphasised.

"I know it's not what we would have wanted Lawrence but we are certainly doing a good job, all of us in the museum are and I like to think that when Ahkmenrah rejoins us he might have some happier memories to accompany him."

"You're sure?" Larry had to be certain, he had to know he wasn't pressuring them into doing something they'd rather not.

"Absolutely." They conviction spoke volumes.

Larry grinned, "you know Ahkmen's pretty luck having you guys for stand-in parents."

"Thank you," Teddy paused a moment to share a smile with his beloved, they really did make a good team, "though we are all of us due our credit however, now there is no finite time for our custodianship there are somethings we should discuss."

"Yeah, quite a few I think, I mean, we've got bedtime down pretty well though he's not had a crash night I think we're going to have to show him TV and movies. I mean I know we tried to avoid it but, well, it's really going to help in the long run."

"I agree, and it will be useful to have something quieter we can sit with him and do of an evening once he gets used to it. We've weathered enough of his questions not for it to be as draining as it once was." Sac paused, clearly considering the merit of her next comment, "Also, something we've been wondering."

"Yes?"

"Ahkmen's been asking to go outside, he wants to see the moon, to ask it if he can go home. We didn't want to say yes without asking you first as you are guardian here but I think it is something that would be very much appreciated."

"It needn't be for long," Added Teddy, "and of course we would accompany him but Ahkmenrah frequented the roof often and I believe it gave him solace, Ahkmen might not have the same reverence but I think it would do him good to get a breath of fresh air."

Larry knew for a fact that Ahkmenrah loved the roof so it would make sense that Ahkmen would be just as taken however, "What do we tell him outside though?" asked the night guard, "I mean the whole Manhattan landscape, that's pretty damn far from ancient Egypt."

"I've been thinking about this," answered Sac immediately, "I thought we would tell him this is the realm of the gods, we are the chosen but the realm is huge an unknowable because the Gods are unknowable. Do you think that would suffice?"

"Yeah, I think that might just work Sac, there's enough awe in him for that to work plus, it gives us somewhere else to take him. We'll see how it goes, thanks guys for being so good about all this."

Teddy sighed, "For the last time Lawrence, we are family, he is not a burden to us, of course we'd like a few hours here and there of peace but we are not exactly short of offers of assistance."

"Yeah true, but still thanks. I suppose speaking of assistance we should go check on them?"

"Indeed, come on, we can witness their display and then take him up to the roof, it's a clear night, might as well make use of the opportunity."

"Bully!" Cheered Teddy, draining the last of his glass.

Larry followed suit, if this was how things were going to be he'd better get used to it.

As it was, things were decidedly undestroyed when they reached the gathering, Anna and Ragnar were on their knees holding hands along with most of the other Vikings, Dutch ladies and civil war guys making a long row of human and weird-faceless-puppet-creature hurdles (honestly, thought Larry, he really needed to give them a shorter name). Which other Vikings, Ladies and Civil War guys (minus the armour and weaponry of course and in the case of the ladies not caring who saw their magnificently stitched bloomers that had been made as one of the craft room projects) and one very happy princeling were back-flipping or cartwheeling over. It was quite a sight. Everyone was clearly having a fantastic time. JB was cradled in the arms of the confederate general whooping at all the antics.

They watched as the human hurdles lowered their arms when it was Ahkmen's turn, Larry was pretty impressed, he's seen grown Ahk fight and he'd seen Ahkmen leap about so he knew he could move but he wasn't expecting a five year old to be so precise. He wondered if grown Ahk could still back flip, or cartwheel for that matter as the child caught sight of them.

"MOON MOTHER! PAPA BEAR! LARRY GUARDIAN!" Hollared the tiny child, excited to see his primary carers and the guardian of the hall. "We've been doing flips! I showed everyone how to and then they tried! Everyone's really good!" He threw himself at Teddy, hugging his thighs hard, beaming up at his adoptive father in halls.

"I know, we saw you!"

"You did?!" The child looked shocked

"Yes, you did very well!" Smiled Sac, determined to encourage all good and happy behaviour.

"Very good my boy!" Teddy caught up the child in an exuberant hug, tossing him into the air before catching him once more and setting him down. The little boy shrieked with joy.

"He is a good teacher, very patient with us older ones." Smiled Anna, getting up from the floor and joining them. Ragnar followed, grinning at Teddy and Ahkmen's antics. The others continuing, having tremendous fun with their new game.

"You listened and practiced what I said, I didn't think grown-ups listened. Kah and my tutor Rotep said children are for listening and learning. Well, Rotep said that, Kah said I couldn't teach him anything because he'd already done it all because he's nine whole years older than me. But you can't know everything by then can you?"

The adults looked appalled, "No, you most certainly cannot know everything by then little moon," answered Sac immediately trying to keep the bite out of her voice. She picked up the little boy instinctively, sharing a quick look with Teddy which was rapidly becoming their 'Let's try and undo Kahmunrah's poisonous words' expression. Sac had the sinking feeling there was a lot more Ahkmen wasn't saying.

"I certainly don't know everything, nor does Papa Bear or Larry or anyone else here." The child's eyes went wide, he'd never considered that Adults didn't know everything. He'd always assumed that it was only when you got big you got all the answers. "You can't know everything little moon, not ever the important thing is you're always trying, you're always interested in learning more because there's so much to discover."

Ahkmen considered this a moment. "Will you help me?"

"Of course little moon. Of course we will."

"There's something you could discover now if you'd like to my boy?"

"What? Where! Yes please!"

"Come on! It's an adventure!"

Ahkmen trilled in delight, he loved going on adventures with Teddy, the 26th president making a point of it that every few days he and Ahkmen had some bonding time, partly to give Sac a rest and partly because it was a shameless excuse to build up more trust with Ahkmen and get to play like a big kid too.

"Excellent! Shall we bring moon mother?"

"Yes please! Ahkmen turned to Sac, would you like to come with us?"

"I would love to Ahkmen."

"Can Jumble come?"

"Of course he can, come on let's get him and we'll all go to together." Sac took Ahkmen's hand and headed over to relieve the general of his charge who saluted at all three of them. Once they were all assembled the group that Larry was mentally beginning to call 'Family Saca-Roosevelt' bid him over.

"Would you like to come with us Larry Guardian? We're going on an adventure!"

"If you'll want me to."

"Yes please!"

Anna spoke up quickly when the little boy turned to her and Ragnar, "we'll stay here and make sure everyone is okay down here, have fun everyone we'll see you later."

"Adventuring will make you big and strong little one." Smiled Ragnar.

Ahkmen trotted over to the pair of them, kissing both a good bye before waving to others as they carried on their gymnastic endeavour.

"I'm ready! Can we go?"

Teddy caught up the little boy's hand in answer, "Onwards!"

As they headed up to the roof, Larry fielded most of the questions pouring out Ahkmen's mouth about their adventure giving Teddy and Sac a moment to reflect on their choices.

They had indeed talked about the possibility of having a fourth member of their family for the duration. They were both worried, they both missed Ahkmenrah terribly and wanted him back but neither was willing to risk the magic for the rest of the museum.

They'd talked for a long time after bedtime as the month deadline crept closer.

"My dear, we need to talk about the possibility of us not having the outcome we desire when Larry speaks to Rebecca."

Sac looked shocked, "Rebecca is very learned, if anyone can repair the damage it's her."

"I know," pressed Teddy gently, hating to cause her any suffering but it was something they had to confront, "but we can't be certain."

"We need him back my bear, the magic cannot deny us! It's sustained us for so long, surely it is used to bringing back Ahkmenrah, he has returned for four thousand years by his reckoning, magic does not forget like that."

"I wish I had your faith."

Sac deflated at that, "it is not faith, it is hope, one that grows weaker with every passing night." Teddy looked like he was about to argue, "no, it is true, every night passes and I search, I hope, I pray for a sign that he is returning to us, a word, a look, but there's nothing. The magic that has caused this isn't fading."

"No, I fear you're right. The problem lies within the tablet itself, which is why I am worried that Rebecca, as capable as she is will not be able to help us, if there is something wrong with the construction of the tablet then there is nothing and no one who can help us. Why is why, my love, I want to talk about we do in that situation."

Sac's eyes flashed, "We keep him, there is nothing to discuss on there."

"Well, I believe there is."

"What? What is there to say?" snapped Sac, angry at the thought that there was a very real possibility that not only they would be forced to continue with this situation but that more bad news was apparently on the way, she couldn't stand the idea of the little boy going through anything worse than he already had done, "We agree to care for him that is all that matters."

"No my dear, Ahkmen is very important, don't get me wrong however, I am worried about you as well, and Jean-Baptiste."

"Me? And Jean-Baptiste? Why?"

Teddy stepped forward, gently taking Sac's hand, "I am worried that you're enduring without sharing. I know what Ahkmenrah meant to you. I am worried this is taking a toll on you and it is weighing too heavily on you."

Sac squeezed his hand. "Oh my bear." Was all she could manage. It never failed to amaze her that he cared so much, that he was so perceptive. It was like nothing she had experienced before with a partner. "I, I miss him," she admitted quietly, like that could stem the flow of misery, "he was mine, my spirit brother. I've lost so many and I just wanted, I dared to hope I could keep him like I have you, like I have my son, like William and Merriweather." She closed her eyes, bending her head sadly, "I, I was too greedy hoping I could keep you all, I know I should be grateful I have as many of you as I do, but, but I wanted us all to stay." Tears began to escape her, "I didn't want to lose anyone again. We have all lost enough." Teddy reached for her and she melted into his arms, crying brokenly against her love. "I will look after him, Ahkmen," she managed between sobs, "but I, I wish with all my heart it was not so, that I did not have to become a mother where a sister sufficed."

Teddy squeezed her quaking shoulders gently, "I wish I could take it all back, I wish I could have known to stop all of this from happening, I never want you to suffer my love."

Sac looked up into her love's face, "But you are also grieving my bear, the young man you had come to care for like a son has gone."

"That is true," he tightened his grip, taking solace in her warm presence, "that young man, for the moment is gone. But we have another son in his wake, I will content myself with that and hope that our Ahkmenrah will return to us sooner rather than later. I miss him terribly my dear, I do, but I cannot dwell, as much for my sake as everyone else's least not you, Jean-Baptiste—"

"But you cannot hold this all in, it's too much."

"I'm not, I'm telling you my dear." Teddy gave a watery smile, "I trust you more than anything, you already know my heart is breaking as much as yours." A tear escaped him, "but there is nothing I can do right now other than make the best of the situation, I must continue, move forwards and be the father Ahkmen needs, it is the best way for me, I may channel my grief into something productive."

Sacagawea hugged him tighter. "Then that is what we both must do, tears will help no one," and boy did Sac know it, "we shall carry on together."

"They may not help a situation, but they can help make you feel a little better."

"You make me feel more than a little better my bear, and the fact you do not curse my weakness."

"Weakness?! What weakness? I see before me one of the strongest women I have ever have the pleasure to meet and the honour of loving. Never for one moment believe that showing emotion makes you weak my love, it only shows your strength."

Sacagawea wrapped herself tighter about her bear before kissing him fiercely, pouring all of her love into him. Teddy returned the kiss with all the passion he had, he loved her with everything he possessed. He knew they would get through this together, that they would support each other enough to be parents to both their infant son and the child their dear friend had become.

They stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a long time.

It was Sacagawea who broke the silence, "my bear, if we are to parent him there are other things we must discuss."

"I agree, some things we need to change now we know we have him for longer."

She nodded before continuing, "I am worried about balancing time between the two boys, Jean-Baptiste is good and loving and peaceable most of the time but he still needs us as much as Ahkmen does, I'm worried I'll get caught up with his enthusiasm and overlook my baby. I'm worried I'll spend too much time with my baby and ignore Ahkmen, I've not had two children to call my own. How did you manage with your first family?"

Teddy was rather touched she asked him so sincerely, he knew it was burden she carried that many in the museum considered her to be a primary and knowledgeable parent. Of course she knew a great deal about younger ones, having been a large tribe and looked after many of the smaller children in her village before she was ripped from them but still, her only experience of motherhood directly was the baby she carried on her back through the north American wilderness. She was not above asking for help.

"Every family is different, I certainly don't think we are favouring one son over another my dear, both are very happy with us and are certain of their place in our affections. Jean-Baptiste and Ahkmen adore each other, Ahkmen loves that he can be a big brother and takes that very seriously, you've seen how he likes to sit and cuddle Jean-Baptiste before bedtime and sing him his lullaby," (Admittedly they usually had to finish off the song in English and catch both children who'd fallen asleep mid-song) "my boys were rarely that affectionate to each other, I am sure ours here are more than comfortable with themselves and us. Also, I believe Jean-Baptiste will soon manage to add 'Ahkmen' to his vocabulary."

"Yes, he was trying before the accident. I didn't want to tell Ahkmenrah, I wanted him to hear it for himself."

That surprised Teddy, "Did he never realise? That whole week with him and Jean-Baptiste calling out 'Ah!' whenever he saw him, he never made the connection?"

"No, we would have known if he did. He would have crowing from the roof of how clever his nephew was."

Teddy grinned at that, there was no denying it, Ahkmenrah was possibly the proudest uncle he had ever met and most assuredly everyone would have known within the hour if Jean-Baptiste had managed the name 'Ahk' in the presence of the Pharaoh.

"So in short my dear, I do not think we have to worry too much about spending time equally, I believe we are managing well enough at the moment and we will certainly make sure to that we continue to do so. What else do you think we should consider?" He could tell by the look in her eyes there was still something troubling her.

"I am worried that he will lose his culture with us."

"What?" Teddy was genuinely surprised.

"Ahkmen, his culture is so different to ours, to anyone else in the museum. If he is to stay with us, as he is now, to grow once more then we need to ensure we teach him the stories of his homeland. I cannot bear the idea of him becoming distant from it through no fault of his own."

Teddy nodded, "What do you suggest then my love? We can surely tell him stories at bedtime."

"Yes, that would be a good start, we will have to ask Larry for books on Ahkmen's culture, Nicky has studied it at school, remember when he interviewed Ahkmenrah for half the night?"

"Ah yes, because they kept having to stop as there were inconsistences with Nicky's understanding of things."

"If there was anything Ahk was fastidious about it was maintaining a correct representation of his home. Which is why it's so important we do this for his child self. There must be knowledge we can share, stories we can pass on."

"Young Nicholas would be a good start."

"You're right my bear, we can ask him to point us in the right direction and maybe, maybe he might be willing to tell some stories of his own to Ahkmen."

"Ahkmen would love that."

"We can hope then."

Teddy wrapped his arms about Sac again for good measure. "Are you sure you are ready for the responsibility?"

Sacagawea considered the Bear of her heart, he gave her such strength, he believed in her, loved her in her entirety, she never feared to show him her spirit, he listened to her, he cared for her and Jean-Baptiste. She was absolutely sure they would take this on together. "If we share it between us my bear I am ready for anything that may be asked of us."

Teddy beamed, sweeping Sacagawea up in a breathless kiss. He loved how well they worked together, it was such an honour to be able to help her in times of need and see always managed to ease and solve whatever was weighing heavily on him.

Oh yes, between them they could face this new challenge.

It took a while to reach to roof, bumping into several exhibits along the way, Ahkmen waving enthusiastically to the familiar trio of the Buddha, the Jade Lion and the Terracotta soldier. The child was fascinated by them and they responded to his usual hundreds of questions with gentle benevolence. Ahkmen, being the tactile child that he was had stroked, poked and snuggled up to all three of them, asking question after question, thankfully it turned out both the Buddha and the Terracotta Soldier were pretty good at charades to explain things to him, he'd even ridden on the lion's back once or twice.

Larry took advantage of the fact that Ahkmen possessed none of Ahkmenrah's claustrophobia and ushered them all into the lift. This was a new experience for Ahkmen who immediately burst into a torrent of queries.

"Where are we going? How can we move in a box? Is it magic? Is a design of the Gods? Where are we going?"

At the start of the lift, the gentle whoosh had Ahkmen yelping in surprise and JB cooing at the feeling, Sac had long since used the lift as a way to calm him if he got fractious as the baby loved the sensation the lift caused.

Ahkmen was not quite so sure, he moved closer to Teddy, taking his hand. "What's happening?"

"We're going up in an elevator, it's a special box, controlled by special weights that work like a scale, the weights go down and we move up."

"Oh." The child paused, still clinging to Teddy, "how does it know when to stop?"

It was a good question, the 26th president picked up the nervous little boy to hold him level with the control panel, Ahkmen clung to the solid, reassuring form of Pape Bear whilst he listened to the explanation, "here are the controls for the elevator, the numbers on here mean the different floors, floor one means where the desk, Rexy and Jed and Octavius live are, floor two is where your room is, floor three is—"

"Where the craft men and ladies work!"

"You've got it my boy!"

"What does 'R' mean?"

The lift dinged, stopping.

"You're about to find out! Come on my lad!"

The doors opened onto the roof, revealing a beautiful starry night, the moon full and round turning everything silver with its touch.

Ahkmen gasped, eyes wide and astonished. It was the quietest he'd been all evening. Even the adults were impressed at the sight, it was beautiful to behold.

Larry was suddenly reminded of the very first time he'd brought Ahkmenrah up to the roof, it hadn't been long after he'd discovered Ahkmenrah's need for sleep, he'd been building trust with the young Pharaoh, determined to try and help ease the young man into museum life.

Larry was just finishing one of his rounds of the second floor when he came across Ahk sat on one of the wide window sills, looking out towards the night sky. The moon was full, a crisp winter's night clear of clouds. The Pharaoh's fingers were pressed carefully against the glass as though trying to reach through. Larry could feel the waves of longing rolling off the young ruler.

"Hey Ahk," began the night guard.

Ahkmenrah startled, leaping up to face Larry, a blush creeping across his face making him look unquestionably like the teenager he was. "G-Guardian, I apologise, I did not see you there. Did you want something from me?"

Larry held his hands up placating, he hoped one day Ahk would finally become comfortable here, that he wouldn't have that moment of terror streak across his face whenever Larry approached him but as it was, he was just going to do his best to reinforce the idea that Ahk was safe here and entitled to his own liberty. "Hey, no bother here," he smiled warmly, "just wanted to see how my favourite pharaoh was doing."

Ahkmenrah looked puzzled, "I am the only Pharaoh here."

Larry couldn't help rolling his eyes, "Ahk, it's a term of endearment."

"Oh." He looked uncomfortable at having not picked up the apparently obvious friendliness. He used to be so good at this!

"Hey," Larry decided to rescue the situation, 'don't freak him out too soon Daley, poor kid's just getting his bearings back.' "it's okay," he continued aloud, "you got a lot of language and lexicon to catch up on, you'll get there. Anyway, what were you doing?"

"Oh, nothing of importance."

"Really? 'Cause to me it looked like you were trying to melt through the window." He was trying for levity, his go-to whenever he wasn't sure of a situation. Apparently this was a wrong move with Ahk.

Fear flashed through Ahk's eyes, "I wasn't trying to escape!" he explained quickly, how could he of been so stupid to let his guard down so badly?

"Whoa, whoa, calm down buddy, I know you weren't, I know, it's okay, it's just, you looked like you were missing something. I wondered if I could help?"

Ahk surveyed Larry cautiously, the night guard had been nothing but kind and considerate towards him, freeing him, not insisting on him re-bandaging every night, not tasering him into cooperation and allowing him to sleep in peace and freedom with no expectation of labour or thanks. He could trust him with this surely. He hoped.

He took a deep breath.

"I, I rather miss the night sky, I miss being outside. I am so far from home, five thousand of your modern miles if the map Nicky showed me is correct. I know my home is in ruins, that everyone I cared for there is either long gone into the afterlife or on display around the world but," he paused, trying to find the right words, "I, the stars, they only change slowly, there are some I knew that according to the astronomy book you leant me are still visible. And well," he paused again, fighting shame and defiance before the latter won out, "one of my Gods is watching over us tonight, Khonshu, lord of the Moon. I have not, I, have not honoured any of them for so long, I fear they have forgotten one of their children still remains." Ahk's voice began to waver on the last sentence.

It took all of Larry's self-control not to wrap his arms around the miserable young man there and then.

"I am sure they've not forgotten you, you're one hell of an individual Ahk, no one could forget you. Listen, um, what do you need to worship? I mean do you need herbs or fire or—"

"No, no Guardian but thank you, I could use them but I find it better to merely be in their presence, either in the form of a statue or they themselves."

"Oh, okay," Larry struggled for a moment, they didn't have any other Egyptian stuff other than Ahk's exhibit so what could he—inspiration hit. "Hey, um Ahk, would, would being outside work for you? You know, to pray? I mean it wouldn't be perfect and it'll be cold as hell but you would be closer to the moon at least and-"

He was cut off by a surge of Pharaoh. Ahk threw himself at Larry in a rare moment of undignified emotion, "Thank you! Thank you so much!" The young man seemed to remember himself, he let go of Larry, coughing awkwardly trying to recover his composure, "you, you would permit me?"

"Of course dude, it's my job, come on, follow me."

Larry made sure they took the stairs, not wanting to repeat the barely restrained panic attack Ahk had suffered when he'd unknowingly walked into the elevator during one of his first forays of freedom. Attila had heard the pounding on the door and prised it open, hauling out the terrified pharaoh. Ahk hadn't known what the lift was, in his panic of being locked in again he hadn't even seen the control panel. Ahk had thanked Attila profusely for his rescue, trying to save the last shreds of dignity.

He'd never gone near the travel machine again.

Larry led Ahk up the stairs to the roof, secretly resenting the apparent fitness of the young man as he bounded up the stairs happily. They got to the roof in record time, Larry fumbling with the keys to unlock the final door, taking a moment to savour the moment before opening the door to reveal the Manhattan skyscape.

The view was breathtaking, even Larry, born and raised in New York was impressed. The night was perfect, crisp and clear, the moonlight glowing so brightly it was almost like day, illuminating the roof and the city scape below in the minutest detail. It really did look like a deity surveying their domain.

Larry turned to say something but closed his mouth upon seeing Ahk's face.

The Pharaoh was enraptured, absolutely enthralled by the moonlight, the look of joy in his eyes was something Larry was going to keep in his heart for a very long time. If nothing else, he'd got this right.

Ahkmenrah stepped forwards as though he was in trance, utter reverence in every movement. Larry wasn't a religious man, only celebrating the core feast days of his parent's faith with them once a year out of duty to be a good son rather than any compelling reason of his own. But this? He hadn't realised till now how devout Ahk was, how much his faith meant to him.

The night guard very carefully began to move away, quietly, unobtrusively. This was a moment for Ahk and Ahk alone. A truly religious experience. Indeed, the young ruler seemed to have forgotten Larry existed, dropping to his knees, raising his arms in worship to the only God he could reach out to. Words of Egyptian, low and full respect began falling from his lips, head bent away from Khonshu's magnificence.

Larry bowed out of honour for the moment before silently withdrawing, feeling privileged to have witnessed such a scene.

He never locked the roof again.

Larry was dragged back to the present by the piping cry of "Khonshu!"

Ahkmen whooped in joy, leaping for the nearest raised vent cage, climbing on top to make himself taller, eyes turned up towards the sky, momentarily forgetting everything and everyone around him. He dropped to his knees, little arms outreaching.

"Khonsu lord of the moon, please hear my prayer. I know the gods picked me to live in their halls with all the others but I really want to go home now, I miss my mummy and daddy and even Kah very much! I've tried to be a good boy! Please! Please let me go home! Kah would be better! He's bigger and doesn't miss cuddles like I do!"

He waited at least thirty seconds.

No real reprieve seemed to be forthcoming.

Ahkmen sighed and willed back his tears.

"But," he continued reluctantly, "if, if I have to stay here and be chosen thank you for giving me Moon-Mother, she's the best of all your servants and Papa Bear her love. They're not my mummy and daddy but they're very nice and I love them nearly as much. And they have Jumble and I get to be his big brother while I'm here. I do really want to go home but thank you for giving me a moon family here." The little boy bowed low to finish his prayer.

The adults who'd been watching silently whilst the child talked to the moon in his native tongue all saw the signs, they had about four seconds before the little boy burst into tears when his prayer obviously wasn't answered.

"Hey Ahkmen, look at all these pretty lights!"

Larry was trying very, very hard to ignore the pang the sight of the child looking so defeated sent through his heart. It was a harsh reminder that the little boy was as unhappy as they were at him being forced to remain as he was. But. But at the end, his tone changed a little, he sounded, well, grateful. Larry wondered if he was thanking the moon for Teddy and Sac.

The child focused on the night guard, sad face turning puzzled turning to a look of joy as he looked over Larry's shoulder.

"Guardian! What is that? What are those? They don't look like torches! There are so many! How are there so many? What are they? What are they for?" Ahkmen leapt off the top of the vent, bounding past Larry and to the walled edge of the roof desperate to see more. Larry beat the others only by a hair's breadth to reach the child, all three adults terrified Ahkmen would climb the wall to see more. The night guard caught hold of the child's shoulders in a fatherly grip, Ahkmen was going nowhere suddenly.

He looked up happily, completely oblivious to the minor heart attack he'd caused all three adults, waiting expectantly for a detailed answer.

"Well," began Larry, "they're lights of the realm, we're on top of the hall of the Gods and these are lights show how big it is."

"Why? Are there people there? Like the outside peasants? Why aren't they inside with us?"

"Because little moon, they're not peasants, they're living to serve the purposes of the Gods."

"Why? Why are they out there and not in here with us?"

"Because my lad we've been chosen specially, we've been shown high favour."

"Oh." Ahkmen thought about this. "That's good." He decided, "But why do the Gods need so many lights?"

"Ahkmen, we cannot know the whole purpose of the Gods, they are unknowable, all we can do is know that we have found favour with them, we have pleased them and remaining the hall continues to please them."

"So I can't go home?"

"No, little moon. Your place is here now. With us, it is the will of the Gods."

"I can't see mummy and daddy again?" Tears began to well in the child's eyes. It broke all of their hearts to witness this.

"For the moment, no. We cannot change the will of the gods, as much as we want to."

Ahkmen swallowed very, very hard and rubbed his eyes before looking up at each of them with unrestrained determination.

All three of them witnessed the child transform before them. This was a glimpse of the core of Ahkmenrah, the reason he'd survived for so long with his sanity and integrity intact. He was willing himself to cope, willing himself to endure this trial.

He drew himself up to his full nearly three feet in height, addressing his audience including the watching moon, he had a duty, if he was bound by the will of the Gods then he would make them proud of their choice, he would make his mummy and daddy and even Kah proud even if they were a very long way away. It would be what they expected of him, he was a prince of Egypt, he was here to show how good Egypt was and he was going to show it was very good indeed.

"I, Ahkmenrah, son of Merenkhere Pharaoh of Egypt accept the will of the gods as prince of Egypt. I will make you proud of choosing me." He drooped his posture a little bit, eyes focusing on the adults alone. "If I have to stay here will you still be Moon Mother and Papa Bear? You're not my mummy and daddy and I miss them a lot but I have to be brave now. I love you like them. Can, can I be your little moon here?" He asked in such a fragile voice, eyes huge and puppy-like.

It occurred to them that he'd been rolling along with everything under the idea that this was all temporary as much as they had and now, having not been answered by his God it had all been brought sharply into focus for the little boy, he was stuck here and apparently the child had enough of a sense of decorum already that he realised he'd just sort of adopted Sac, Teddy and JB rather than had any more formal arrangement like he must have had in the palace with nurses and nannies.

He was actually asking for a place in their family.

Teddy and Sac didn't even need to look at each other, touching hands for the briefest of moments before sweeping up the child together, cuddling him in with Jean-Baptiste who licked the little boy enthusiastically.

"You're our little moon Ahkmen, for as long as you're here. We love you."

"Ah!" agreed Jean-Baptiste.

It might not be the choice any of them would have picked, Larry knew that Ahkmenrah was going to be missed by all of them more than the Pharaoh would probably believe but for the moment, right now seeing him as Ahkmen, wrapped up in the arms of family Saca-Roosevelt looking for all the world the picture of a contented unit. They could do this, they'd cope, it was going to be alright.

Someday they'd get their Pharaoh back.

Right now they had a little boy who thankfully, finally, knew he was safe, willing to let them make this a home from home and there was a whole museum willing to care for him till he returned to his former self.

"Guardian?"

"I'm here little buddy."

Ahkmen reached out one arm to Larry, drawing him into the circle.

There was going to be something they could do. Together.

So there we have it, Ahkmen is firmly fixed into the museum family and Teddy and Sac and Larry have all talked this through properly. This is the first part of a new story arc in this series, I hope to update monthly! Thank you so much for reading, please let me know what you think! :)