Just wanted to let you know thereal13thfirewolf has a new account called DemiBoyDoesStuff and there is a new story called Far From Home. It's a little different but if you like the previous work then you're sure to like this. Go check it out and leave a review.

Final chapter. Hope you've enjoyed it.

I do not own.

"Can you play that?" Circe asked curiously looking at the accordion.

"What? No, of course not." Re said vehemently.

"How do you know?" Noah asked.

"What do you mean, how do I know? I'd think I'd remember." Rex scoffed. But when everyone gave him odd looks, he backtracked. "Okay, I might not remember every little thing but I can certainly remember if I can play the…" He trailed off as he picked up the world's lamest instrument and his fingers automatically flew across the keys in what sounded like a tune. Rex's mouth flew open.

"Muscle memory." Caesar interjected. "Your brain may not recall the lessons you took but they are ingrained in your hands… like breathing or riding a bike."

"I'm not sure what one has to do with another, but it is cool." Claire admitted.

Noah gaped at her. "You think an accordion is cool?"

"Well, playing any instrument is cool. But an accordion is unique. Every one wants to play the guitar or drums…" Claire elaborated.

"I can play the triangle." Annie added.

"But it takes guts to learn something… unusual." Claire finished.

"I play the Zeusaphone." Caesar noted.

"What's that?" Noah asked.

"Basically, it's a plasma speaker modified to produce sounds." Caesar answered.

"That's great. How come I've never seen you do play one?" Beverly asked.

"Oh, because my Zeusaphone, exploded and took out half my original lab. Mami and Papi banned it from the house." Caesar said matter-of-factly.

Everyone looked briefly at Caesar before turning back to Rex.

"Play something." Federico urged.

"I don't know." Rex hesitated.

"I bet you'll sound awesome." Claire baited him.

"Oh, well, of course, let me see." Rex slipped his arm through the strap. He placed his fingers over the keys and pulled the box. It made an awful noise. Rex winced, but then adjusted the instrument. Taking a deep breath, he started playing. To everyone's surprise he did a respectful rendition of "Jingle Bells."

"That wasn't half bad." Annie said.

"It wasn't half good either." Noah muttered.

Claire lightly slapped him.

Abuela walked in.

"I thought I heard the accordion. I haven't heard that sound in years." She smiled at Rex. "I see you've already eaten."

There was a chorus of yes's around the table.

"Would you do an old lady the honor of playing some music?" Abuela asked.

"Um sure." Rex stood a second and thought. The next thing they knew he began playing a rather fast paced tune. Annie started clapping in rhythm first. Federico joined her as did Claire. One by one everyone around the table started clapping in time. When Rex finished, a burst of applause came from the doorway. Startled he turned around. The people in the compound had awakened to Rex's music. Someone pulled out a guitar. Soon there was an impromptu concert in the room complete with dancing and food.

"I guess the accordion isn't so lame." Rex said.

0o0

It was finally time to leave. Circe and Beverly were packing their bags.

"Wow, I didn't think we had so much stuff." Beverly complained as she tried to close her suitcase.

"It's all the presents and knick knacks we're bringing back." Circe answered trying to fit her own things into her luggage.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in. Door's open." Beverly called out.

To their surprise it was Abuela.

"Buenos días." Beverly quickly greeted her. Circe joined in the greeting.

"Buenos días." Abuela said jovially. " I will miss you when you leave."

"We'll miss you too, Abuela." Beverly went to give her a hug. Circe hesitated. She was not much of a demonstrative person. She stiffly went over.

Abuela held up her hand. "Not necessary, mi querida." She smiled. "I know that is not who you are but I know you have a good heart." Circe blushed at the unsolicited praise.

Abuela looked at both girls with a broad smile.

"Both of you have a good heart. And both of you are welcomed in our family. I am so happy mis hijos have found people who are good for them." She gave a light pat on Circe's surprised face. To Beverly she gave another warm hug. Turning to leave, she glanced back briefly. "This now is also your home. Come anytime with the boys or without." She closed the door.

"Wow," Beverly said after some silence. "I guess she likes us."

Circe shrugged. "I guess she does."

Rex and Caesar were also packing when Abuela walked in.

"Por favor, hijos, no sean idiotas y pierdan el tesoro que han encontrado." Abuela pleaded before walking out.

"Huh, I guess she likes them." Rex commented.

"Yes." Caesar said with what sounded like relief.

0o0

The boys carried the luggage into Caesar's Research Pod. Everyone was saying their good-byes. Federico especially was leaving behind some very good friends. Annie waited patiently as he exchanged words with all his family and friends. They waved at her from a distance making sure not to get too close. Annie waved back cheerfully.

Abuela came out with two heavy sacks. She pressed them into Rex's hand.

"A snack on the way back." She smiled.

"That's a snack?" Noah whispered to Claire. "That's enough food for a platoon."

Claire shushed him.

"Gracias Abuela." Rex accepted before hugging the diminutive woman. "See you Spring break!"

"Spring Break?" Circe raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, uh, I just assumed…" Rex realized he hadn't included Circe in planning. But one side of Circe's mouth quirked up.

"I guess Mexico is lovely that time of year." She said.

Rex sighed with relief. He gave her a one arm hug.

Abuela looked on approvingly.

Everyone said their final farewells. The friends entered the Research Pod. As the ship took off, the group waved from the window until they could see them no more.

Por favor, hijos, no sean idiotas y pierdan el tesoro que han encontrado.= Please, boys, do not be idiots and lose the treasure you have found.

Happy Holidays!

God Bless.