Hey guys! Enjoy :)

Larry and Ahk waited for the ladies to come back out the room. Columbus has stormed off, having better things to do. It was now just Ahk and Larry.

"Why me, Larry?" Ahk spoke. Larry looked at him curiously, not quite knowing what he meant. "You could have brought Teddy to help. But you asked me to come."

"Well," Larry began, looking Ahk in the eyes as if he silently saw something, "something tells me you of all the exhibits know how she is feeling. You yourself were a 'newcomer' in a way. You may be able to provide a type of comfort that no one else here can."

"I shall do my best."

"How are you doing, Ahk? How've you been feeling?" Ahk raised his eyes to meet Larry's. He was genuinely wondering; genuinely concerned. So Ahk opened his mouth to speak, only to be cut off by Rebecca coming out.

"I think it's best to give her some space. She's been through enough today. Let's all come back tomorrow," as Rebecca spoke, Sacagawea also emerged, sad smile on her face.

Larry thought for a moment and said "alright. There's still several hours until dawn. Let's go back and finish the movie. Might even have time for the second one." As they started walking away, Ahk stayed back. Larry noticed and turned to him. "You're not coming?"

"No, I think- I think I will visit the planetarium. I may join you a bit later though."

"Alright, see you in a bit." And they were off. Ahk also started walking away. As he passed the slightly cranked open door of the mythology room, he heard a soft cry that made him stop dead in his tracks. This small little cry broke his heart. How could he just walk away? He waited; listened. The girl was crying, and they just left her. How can it be better to come back tomorrow when she needed help now? Ahk risked a quick glance into the room. There sat a tiny young woman, with long milk chocolate hair falling in thick, luxurious waves down her back and over her pale shoulders. She was wearing what he assumed were Rebecca's clothes; a pair of black sweatpants and some thick socks. Her stomach was exposed and she was wearing a top which was typical of what anyone would think mermaids wear. She looked like a frumpy little doll.

Ahk could have slapped himself. Here he was, standing and gawking at her while she cried. He's no better than any of the curious exhibits who wanted to jump on the opportunity to come see her. He pushed the door to the room open gently and it creaked. Immediately, the girl's head snapped up and if Ahk was not already dead, he would probably die here and now. Her eyes. Those beautiful eyes. They held him for a few moments, but these moments felt like centuries. The eyes were the color of the most beautiful ocean. He felt like he could drown in them, and he wouldn't mind.

He was snapped out of his trance as she retreated back, sliding on the floor until her back hit the wall. She jumped at the sudden wall contact and her instinct was to run. She got up, but her knees gave in immediately, and she tumbled, landing on her hip bone against the cold marble floor, crying out in pain. She must've been terrified, and it broke Ahk's heart all over again. God, what was this woman doing to him?! He has heard of the magic of mermaids. That they captivated men instantly. But he also heard that they could be evil and lure men to their deaths. But when he met those eyes... he did not seem to care.

"Please," she whispered, "do not hurt me."

Ahk tried to find his voice, "Never," he whispered back. He approached her and knelt in front of her. She tried retreating but the wall would not let her. "It is alright. Please do not fear me. I do not wish to harm you, I only wish to help. Will you allow me?"

The girl's head hung low. Tears flowing down her pale cheeks. But after a few moments, she nodded slowly.

"My name is Ahkmenrah. Fourth king of the fourth king. Ruler of the land of my fathers," he knew immediately as he began with all his titles that he should stop. He did not want to frighten the girl with all his formalities. She raised her eyelashes and looked at him. Those beautiful eyes full of curiosity and fear. Ahk reached out and placed a hand on her arm. "But my friends call me Ahk." She continued looking at him wordlessly. Ahk was wondering what she was thinking. "What is your name?"

"A- Amaryina," she said hesitantly. "But most call me Amara."

"What a beautiful name," he said gently with a soft smile. And then he tried it out himself, loving the way it sounded. "Amara." She gave a little shudder and it was immediately obvious she was cold. Ahk immediately began taking off his cloak. "Amara, put this around you. It will keep you warm." She was hugging her knees close to her and made no move. So Ahk managed to get the cloak between the cold wall and Amara's back, draping it over her shoulders. As he did, his hand brushed her hair. It felt like the most luxurious silk he's ever felt in his life.

"Thank you... Ahk. I- I am not used to being out of water. It feels cold." Amara would always have the feel of water surround her body. It was a comfort for her. And now, she was in a giant marble room, on the cold floor.

"You are a mermaid, then?"

"I guess you're wondering where my tail is,"

"Actually, I enjoy mythology and have read extensively about mermaids. When you are out of water, the tail becomes legs." Then Ahk had a look of sympathy wash over his features. "I have read that it could be quite painful. Are you alright?"

Amara was for one incredibly impressed by Ahk. He was not just some power-seeking idiot. He had taken the time to read about her species. He was smart, Amara could see that.

"It- it was the first time this happened. I have never been out of water. This was the first time and- and it was scarier. I was more concerned about where I am to worry about the pain."

"Would you not feel more comfortable sitting on the bench?" Ahk indicated to the bench across the room. Amara shifted uncomfortably.

"I-it's just that... that this is my first time having these," she waved to her legs, "and I haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet..."

She couldn't walk. He felt like an idiot for embarrassing her more. Of course, she couldn't walk. People don't just start walking. Not to mention, he saw her attempt just a few minutes ago. His brain felt like jelly ever since he walked into this room.

"Amara," he said gently, "if you'd like, I can teach you how to walk. But for right now, may I carry you to the bench? Will that be alright?"

"Please... do not trouble yourself. I am fine here."

"Amara," this time he moved closer to her, his voice as soft and comforting as he could make it. "You are of no trouble. Please, allow me to help you. Nothing would please me more. Let me carry you to the bench, and we shall talk more. About anything you want."

It took a few moments, but Amara wanted to know what was going on. She had a million questions, and Ahk seemed like he was someone she could talk to and so she finally nodded.

Carefully, Ahk slipped his arm between her knees, the other nudged her back from the wall. She hugged his cloak closer to her as he gently lifted her off the ground.

Ahk noted how small and light she felt in his arms. He could feel her body shaking, though this time he knew it was not from the cold. She was afraid. He knew that it was only a few minutes since they met but Ahk hated the thought of Amara fearing him. He vowed to Ra that come hell or high water, he would not allow any harm to come to this perfect creature in his arms. In fact, he wished that he could keep her in his arms a little longer than the short walk to the bench. He had not realized how much he needed to hold someone. The loneliness was something he has gotten so used to, only now that he had her in his arms, it felt so much more intense.

But he would not be selfish. Just because he was so captivated with her from the first moment, it did not mean that she returned these thoughts and feelings. He would not make her more uncomfortable or more scared than she was.

Setting her slowly down, supporting her while she sat down, he sat next to her. Gently smiling, he turned to her.

"So, Amara. I imagine you must have many questions. What would you like to know?

Thanks for reading everyone :) Hopefully I'll have time this week for another update. It may seem like I'm getting into the romantic stuff a bit fast, but it's more for the purpose of outlining Ahk's thoughts. I assure you, he is shy and unsure as well, and it will be a while before he makes any kind of move ;) I just like to think that he would be captivated by her from the moment he meets her, but only on the inside.