Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Larry wanders down the stairs still half asleep and chugging his coffee, the biggest drawback of being a night owl was always when he had to get up for meetings with almost anyone else. Dr McPhee is waiting in his office along with an archivist from the Smithosian and someone from the preservation department at the British museum. 

“Well there he is, nice of you to join us Mr. Daley” Dr. McPhee says as soon as he sees Larry, “Mandy Sanders, Simon Bright this is our resident night guard Larry Daley” 

Larry covers a yawn and nods, “Sorry usually not up this early” 

“It’s eleven o'clock in morning” Simon comments. 

“Right early” Larry adds taking another sip of coffee. 

“Daley, wait…not like the Nick Daley that sent me notes on Buyak’s work?” Mandy asks, “You know I spent three years translating Buyak of Giza’s manuscripts and that kid sent me an entirely revised copy, years of my life…” 

“What can I say my son's talented” Larry says hiding a bit of a grin. 

“Right well getting on with it” Simon says, “The exhibits are ready for shipment and I can see you’ve already got the space ready. We can have them here by the end of this week. So if you want to start getting any promotional material together now’s the time” 

“...and then the gate just vanishes overnight!” Mandy laments 

“Mandy get it together, you’re the one that wanted this family back under one roof” Simon says sternly. 

“You’re right, you’re right, I’m sorry it’s just” Mandy takes a deep breath “I have been studying this royal family my entire carrier, seeing them all together it means so much” 

“I’m lost,” Larry says, “what exhibits are we getting?” 

Dr.McPhee rolls his eyes, “Keep up Mr. Daley we’re getting Merenkahre and Shepseheret, the third Pharaoh and his wife, the brother Pharaoh’s parents”   

Larry gulps swallowing a feeling of panic, “Oh…really as permanent exhibits or um on loan?” 

“Permanent” Simon says, “ Merenkahre and Shepseheret don’t have much of a draw by themselves anymore. Guests found out about the brothers being here and well Mandy started the push to reunite the family, and there’s some old contract saying Ahkmenrah has to stay here so you’re getting the parents, congrats” 

“Heh. thanks” Larry suddenly finds his coffee very cold and bitter.

Later, Larry was waiting for the sun to set.

“Larry? Is there something wrong?” Kahmunrah asked, noticing the concerned look on Larry’s face.

Best to tell them now, said Connor. Rip the band-aid off.

“Your parents are coming here,” Larry said.

“What?” Ahkmenrah asked in shock.

“When?” Kahmunrah asked, also in shock.

“This week,” Larry said.

Which will be fun, since both brothers agree that their parents were horrible at, well, being parents, Connor said. Seriously, from what I heard, they actually managed to make my parents look way better on comparison, and that’s saying a lot!

“This week,” Kahmunrah said. “Does the rest of the museum know?”

“Not yet,” Larry said. “I was going to call a meeting to announce it.”

“Does America know?” Ahkmenrah asked, since he and America became close friends ever since the nation decided to be Nick’s roommate while they're both in college. Thanks to recent events, America decided to take a break from the world stage in order to study becoming a doctor, using the secret that he is actually a whole lot smarter than what most of his fellow nations think to his advantage. “This concerns both him and one of his adoptive fathers, England.”

“I told him and Nick as soon as I found out,” Larry said. “Considering what Nick remembers about his past life and what you guys told America…they didn't exactly take it well.”

“Of course they wouldn't!” Kahmunrah said. “You remember what my father has done to you back during your previous life as Cassim!”

“Yeah, I remember,” Larry said, not looking forward to when Merenkahre and Shepseheret arrive. “Well, time to make the announcement.” Larry walked over to the PA system. “Everyone, come to the lobby! There's an announcement to make.”

“Does it involve the worst parents in the ancient world?” America asked, the first to arrive.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, it does,” Larry said.

“Great,” America said sarcastically. “If anyone needs me, I'll be studying for my exam, tomorrow.” 

“Sure” Larry sighs, “man…we do not have a lot of time to prep for this, there’s no outside chance your parents could have gotten better at all is there?” 

Kahmunrah grumbles, “With mother, maybe with father I highly doubt it” 

Ahkmenrah has his arms crossed and looks genuinely upset, “I don’t miss the yelling matches…”

“I will do my best to be civil at the very least” Kahmunrah assures his younger brother, “remember this is our home and our kingdom no one can take that from us” 

The rest of the residents file into the lobby and Kahmunrah nudges Larry’s shoulder, “Let Ahk and I tell them, they are our parents, and therefore our burden” Larry nods and steps aside to let the brothers take focus for the announcement. “Everyone, Larry has just informed me we are getting new additions to the egypt exhibit, my parents are being sent over from the British museum” 

There are a few murmurs of concern at the announcement, “I’m sure as difficult as this might be for you two I hope you and Ahkmenrah both know the rest of us will be here for you” Teddy says, “family is a delicate balancing act” 

“Hey Carter you’ll get to meet your grandparents” James says, “I guess that’s something kinda good right?” 

Carter looks unsure, “...I mean I guess are you gonna be ok Dad?” 

“I believe so” Kahmunrah nods, “I’ll manage…Carter you are under no obligation to recognize them as your grandparents they will have to earn those titles from you” 

“This isn’t gonna result in like….how else do I put it…a ‘regime change’ ?” Marty asks 

“No” Ahkmenrah conferms, “Nothing is going to change in how things work here. Larry will still be our protector, my brother and I will retain our positions” 

“We’ll just have to do our best to be welcoming” Doc Brown says, “surely we can find someway to all co-exist” 

“Yeah besides, you changed uncle Kah” Frankie says with a hopeful tone, “maybe we can help them be better, they’re your parents so they can be all bad” 

“We appreciate your optimism Frankie” Ahkmenrah says, “and everyone else's words of support, they should be here by the end of the week so we have a few days to prepare” 

“Well we better work on cleaning everything up” Jane comments “I’ll get the paint out of storage to touch up the dioramas, we can at least make a good first impression by making sure we all look our best” 

“That reminds me” James looks up at Rexy, “somebody needs a bath, you’re super dusty buddy” he gets a snort and giant T-Rex skeleton nudging him in return. 

“I’ll help out with getting everything dusted” Bethany says, “Sorry Mia looks like I gotta take a break for studying for that entrance exam into law school” 

“You have another year before you can even apply anyway” Mia says, “we’ll all pitch in with cleaning” 

As everyone began cleaning, Ahkmenrah looked at America, his nose deep in one of his medical school textbooks.

“Is everything alright?” Ahkmenrah asked. “You seem very angry.”

“Why would I be?” America asked sarcastically. “I just found out that my dad's most famous museum is sending over your totally horrible parents over here without him so much as telling me.”

“Perhaps because he doesn't know, himself,” Ahkmenrah said.

“Oh, he knows,” America said. “Everything that the British Museum does is always run by him, first.” The nation sighs in frustration. “My parents may be far from perfect, but at least they TRY to be better. At least my dad tries to bury the hatchet about my revolution after I did. At least my papa, France, always notices both me and my brother and can easily tell us both apart. At least…” America sighs. “But it doesn't make much difference, does it? Your and Kah's awful parents are coming here whether we like it or not. And we should try to get along with them, especially me. I'm supposed to be welcoming to people of all kinds, after all.”

“I suppose family is a sensitive issue to you, as well?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“It is,” America said. “I even literally fought a couple wars against my big bro Canada shortly after I gained my independence, and he’s the member of my family that I get along with best! As well as the only nation besides myself that knows that I'm nowhere near the idiot that everyone else thinks I am.”

“Does Canada know that you are now in university?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Yeah; he decided to come down here later to check on me. I can only hope that this place doesn't give him a heart attack,” America said. 

“He seems a rather rational sort from what you told me about him” Ahkmenrah says, “what are you working on now, do you need help studying for your exam” 

“I wouldn’t mind the company” America says with a bit of a grin. 

Carter nudges up next to Kahmunrah, “Dad…” 

“Hum, oh Carter “ Kahmunrah gently ruffles the teen’s hair, “you needen’t worry too much son…I have a feeling mother will take a liking to you. She’s always wanted grandchildren you know that’s why she kept trying to set me up with various women when I reached marriage age” 

“How’d she take it when you finally told her you’re not into women” Carter asks

“Ah…well.. “ Kahmunrah hesitates 

“Seriously?” Carter asks, “you never officially came out to your parents?” 

“I thought they would pick up on because of my relationship with Cassim” Kahmunrah says, “I never thought I would have to spell it out for them. Regardless of what they think my family is my family. Father will find something to grumble about and mother will adore you once she finds out you’re my son, she may pick and find fault with me but not with you” 

“I don’t get why they were so horrible to you” Carter says, “then again I don’t get why my parents signed me away…was my rebelion really all that bad? I mean I wasn’t nearly on the same level as uncle Ahk’s new friend.” 

Kahmunrah sighs, “It’s hard to say, I suppose I was just never what they expected in any regard. Ahk was always more popular with our people, considered smarter and more social so he was favored. I was better with the soldiers and military but never exactly seen as approachable. I’ll never know why I wasn’t enough for them but it doesn't matter any more” Kahmunrah gives Carter a hug and touches foreheads with him, “I hope I am enough for you” 

“You are dad” Carter says with a smile

Meanwhile, Larry and Connor talk.

You're anxious, Connor said.

“You would be, too, if the father-in-law who hated you in your past life is coming over to the museum you work at,” Larry said.

Fair, Connor said. But Kah and Ahk are in charge, now. Things will be fine!

“I sure hope so,” Larry said. He takes a deep breath to calm himself. “Worst he could do is threaten to kill me.”

Like Kah would ever let that happen, Connor said. Especially after what happened to us the last time we were at the Smithsonian.

“I know,” Larry said. “Well, we better help everyone clean up.”

Chapter Text

“So, your exam is about the human brain?” Ahkmenrah asked America.

“Yeah,” America said. “I can even name the parts of Larry’s brain that Connor replaced,” America said, pointing at the specific parts of the brain and explaining their purposes.

“How fascinating,” Ahkmenrah said. As America excitedly talked about the human brain and the body in general, Ahkmenrah noticed just how handsome the nation is. His honey blond hair, his sky blue eyes behind his glasses, his wide smile. Ahkmenrah can feel something whenever he looks at America, but he doesn’t know what that feeling is, only that it feels good. Nice, warm, and secure. Then, they heard a scream. Ahkmenrah and America rushed over to find Canada cowering in front of Rexy. 

“Whoah, Canada, calm down,” America said.

“Calm down? CALM DOWN?!?!?” Canada said. “I’m about to be eaten by a dinosaur, and you expect me to calm down?!?!?”

“Rexy is actually just a giant puppy,” America said. “Watch.” America picked up a bone and threw it for Rexy, the dinosaur rushing after it.

“America…” Canada said, panting, “what is going on here?”

“Here, let me explain,” America said, telling Canada everything about the museum.

“So, this happens EVERY night?” Canada asked.

“You should have seen how I reacted on my first night here,” America said with a nervous laugh, lightly scratching a surgical scar on his head.

“I thought-” Canada huffs still lightly shaken be everything and everyone, “hum…sorry I thought you were staying in the dorms at university” 

“Well yeah but not ALL the time” America says, “it’s nicer here, I like visiting it’s just the right amount of chaos to feel I donno homey I guess” 

“I guess you would say that with a former president staying here or an exhibit of one I guess?” Canada says, ‘this all seems like a lot but you look happy and really that’s all I care about” 

“I am happy here” America says, “Nick’s a good friend and I like his family they’re weird but they make it work” 

“Speaking of family” Canada starts, “have you heard from Dad or Papa lately?”

“I got a call from Papa, but not from Dad,” America said as he and Canada walked, Canada noticing the reflection of a Hispanic girl alongside his brother’s. She has shoulder-length hair and a dress with a blue embroidered skirt, with what seems to be her name on the waist: Mirabel. “I had to find out from Nick’s dad that this museum is actually getting a couple exhibits from the British Museum.”

“Oh?” Canada says, “that sounds exciting, you don’t seem thrilled about that…” he gives Mirabel a slight wave and a smile, “and how is she doing?” 

“Mirabel?” America looks over at the reflection, “she’s doing good, I guess as good as she could be. She likes it here it’s another one of the reasons I’m here so much” America grumbles, “as for the thing with the exhibits…well it’s Ahkmenrah’s parents” 

Canada perks up and then from context realizes maybe he shouldn't be happy about this, “I’m guessing there’s tension there” 

Ahkmenrah makes a defeated sound somewhere between a whimper and a short huff, “there is…my brother is very stressed about it, they weren't great to either of us but he bore the worst of it. Kahmunrah and father would fight all the time, their yelling matches would shake the palace walls and mother would always sit there and let it happen. I didn’t realize why they fought so much until I got older…” Ahkmenrah shakes his head, “I’m sorry I’m sure you don’t want to hear about our family drama” 

Canada chuckles, “it’s alright I’m sure you’ve  heard about ours” 

“Ugh” America rolls his eyes, “let’s not talk about that any more tonight,” 

“We can show you around Canada, properly introduce you to everyone” Ahkmenrah offers

“That sounds nice” Canada says with a nod, “I like your friend lil bro maybe some of his manners will rub off on you” 

“Ha ha” America grumbles, “I’m rethinking letting Rexy eat you” 

The rest of the night is spent with Ahkmenrah and America showing Canada around while he meets the rest of the museum’s residents. Ahkmenrah finds himself trying to catch America’s attention any chance he gets and even feels a slight flash of jealousy when the nation walks off for a moment to talk to Nick about something related to their school. Kahmunrah is walking with Larry while they do the nightly rounds and notices the reaction. 

“What?” Larry asks when he hears Kahmunrah chuckle a bit. 

“Ah nothing” Kahmunrah kisses Larry’s cheek, “do you need to sit down and rest you haven’t taken your break yet” 

“Kah I’m fine” Larry says “you’ve been worrying over me a lot lately…I’m more worried about you. And both of us are worrying now. You want to go out tomorrow night? It’s been a while since we’ve done that” 

“And who knows how much chaos we will have to reign in once my parents get here” Kahmunrah sighs, “but yes I think that would be lovely” 

“There’s a night market running for the next few weeks about a block away from here” Larry offers “I know you don’t need to eat but some street food and city lights, sounds like a good time” 

“Anywhere with you” Kahmunrah says with a slight purr to his voice. 

Close to sunrise, Kahmunrah catches his little brother alone and sneaks up next to him, “You’re in love” Kahmunrah teases him, “with Nick’s friend that young nation boy” 

Ahkmenrah blushes and tries to hide it , “W-what no” 

“Well at the very least you have a crush” Kahmunrah says, “admit it” 

“Fine,” Ahkmenrah said. “I am falling in love with America. But what if he does not feel the same for me?”

“With love, you'll have to take the chance,” Kahmunrah said. “When Larry was Cassim, he did not know how I felt about him, but he took the chance and confessed to me that night in the oasis, anyway.”

“I am not that brave,”Ahkmenrah said. “Not like America.”

“Let me suggest something to you, little brother,” Kahmunrah said. “Larry and I are going to a nearby night market tomorrow evening. Perhaps you and America will join us.”

“That sounds like a good suggestion,” Ahkmenrah said. “Thank you, Kahmunrah.”

“That's what brothers are for,” Kahmunrah said. “Now, come. The sun is about to rise.”

“Of course,” Ahkmenrah said, following his brother. The following night, Larry, Kahmunrah, Ahkmenrah, and America are at the night market.

“The funnel cake here smells great!” America said.

“What is funnel cake?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“It's this tasty treat,” America said. “Come on, I’ll show you!” He grabs Ahkmenrah’s hand and drags him over to one of the food stalls. 

“Stay where I can see you” Kahmunrah calls after them. 

“Scary how you’ve got the classic ‘dad voice’ down so perfectly” Larry teases him, “here, relax Kah” Larry hands him a frozen drink of some mixed fruit concoction, “they’ll be fine, they’re both old enough to take care of themselves. Let’s just enjoy a night where no one’s after us and nothing’s going wrong” Larry takes a sip from his own drink. 

“Don’t jinx it” Kahmunrah says and takes a large gulp from his drink. The night market is a buzz of activity with food stalls and vendors packed in the New York city block and tucked in alleyways lit up by string lights and hanging lanterns. Groups of rowdy twenty somethings make raucous noises partying and enjoying their alcohol, young lovers on dates walk hand in hand enamored with each other. The more society changes the more it stays the same, Kahmunrah smiles as he watches the night market with Larry, “this reminds me of the festivals when I was younger” 

“I thought you’d like this” Larry says. “I think we’re all gonna be ok Kah you know” 

“I believe that only because you say so” Kahmunrah says

America has been excitedly dragging Ahkmenrah around to the different stall explaining some of the different foods Ahkmenrah has never seen before. Most of it is all some version of deep fried or overly sweet food that if eaten all at once would definitely give him a stomach ache even if he’s not sure that’s still physically possible for him. Off near the end of a row of stalls a man dressed in all black is playing a fiddle for tips that are thrown into the case at his feet, the music is pleasant and the strings hum lightly as he plays. America fishes around in his pockets for a few dollars and drops them in the case as they walk by and the fiddle player nods in appreciation. 

“It was nice of your brother to invite us out to this” America says picking at his funnel cake as he and Ahkmenrah walk. “I know I needed a night out” 

“Have your herd anything about your exam grade yet?” Ahkmrnrah asks. 

“Not yet” America sighs “ it'll be a few days, thanks for the help studying by the way it's a shame you can't go to college, you're really smart” 

Ahkmrnrah laughs a little bit “I sort of did go to college, I spent some time in Cambrige, it was just me and the tablet so I was alone most nights. I spent those nights studying because there was little else to do” 

America stops mid bite and looks a little upset, “you were alone…for how long?” 

Ahkmunrah stops and thinks, “not that long about eight years, one of the graduate classes joked I had been there long enough to earn a degree so they gave me an honorary one in foreign languages.” 

“is that what you studdied?” America asks 

“Yes, language is an interesting subject of course I had to learn English first” Ahkmrnrah says “that's was hard it's so different from Egyptian. Arabic and the dialectics of Chinese I learned were much easier.” 

“Wait, wait how many languages do you speak?” America asks 

“Hum…” Ahkmrnrah counts on his fingers for a moment, “eight or nine” 

“Wow, I only speak two” America comments “and my French is not that good” 

“I can help you practice” Ahkmrnrah offers a little awkwardly, “ I never get to speak much French and it's such a beautiful language” 

“You know what I'd like that” America says “Papa would be happy hearing me speak more of his language and it would be an excuse to spend more time with you” 

“You ah…would want to spend more time with me?” Ahkmrnrah says blushing a bit.

America nods “sure, you're in interesting guy and kinda cute” 

“You…think I’m cute?” Ahkmenrah said bashfully.

“Yeah,” America said with a nod. “I was actually planning on asking you out…but…but maybe this can be our first date?”

“I’d like that,” Ahkmenrah said, holding America’s hand and smiling at America lovingly. Then they heard the sound of the shutter in Larry’s camera app.

“Sorry, Kah had a feeling, and he wanted me to take a picture,” Larry apologized.

“It’s fine, dude,” America said with a smile. “But to warn you Ahk, if we’re going to be a couple from here on out, you might want to beware of Canada.”

“Why?” Ahkmenrah said.

“Well, back in the 40s, I dated one of my fellow nations, Japan,” America said. “He was actually the only boyfriend I had before you.”

“What happened?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“World War 2 happened,” America said simply. “I don’t want to say anything more than that.

“That’s fine,” Ahkmenrah said. “However, I hope that I can prove to your brother that I am worthy to be your lover.”

“You will, don’t worry,” America said with a smile.

Chapter Text

Admit it, you took that picture because you thought Ahk and America looked cute, together, Connor said.

“Yeah, I did, but Kah really did want that picture,” Larry said as everyone walked back into the museum.

Still, my country getting together with an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Connor said. That’s something that I NEVER saw coming!

“I don’t think anyone would,” Larry said as Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah left to get changed.

“Pharaoh Ahkmenrah seems quite close with America,” Canada said, causing Larry and Connor to scream a bit.

“How long have you been here?” Larry asked.

“Long enough to have an idea on what might be going on between Ahkmenrah and America,” Canada said. “I don’t want my baby brother’s heart to be broken, again.”

“How dare you make accusations of my little brother” Kahmunrah growls 

Larry puts himself between the two, “ok guys let’s not jump to any conclusions. The protective older brother bit is charming and everything but dial it back just a bit” 

“All I ment is that I've seen him fall really hard before” Canada says, “for Japan” 

“Oh…I think I know where this is going…” Larry says quietly

“They just got together,” Kahmunrah says, “don’t go assuming they’re already doomed”

Canada huffs, “America’s sensitive ok, no one believes he is but heartbreak hit him really hard I just don’t want to see it again” 

Seriously Canada is being vaguely threatening Connor mutters, Larry why are our lives so weird now? 

“This from the guy attached to my brain” Larry says 

Ok fair, Connor adds

“Pearl Harbor was a giant mess” Canada explains

“And that’s where I thought this was going” Larry says, “Look Canada Ahk’s a good kid that’s not gonna happen here” 

“Good, it better not” Canada narrows his eyes “well best of luck with the whole in-laws moving in Mr. Daley, tell America if he needs a ride back to the university to call me” Canada waves as he’s walking off. 

Kahmunrah waits till Canada is out of earshot then turns to Larry, “I don’t like him” 

“I know Kah” Larry says and pats his arm, “but try?”

“Only for Ahkmenrah’s sake” Kahmunrah says, “it’s good to see him happy with someone” he takes Larry’s hand, “Like I am” 

Larry grins and shakes his head, “You go from growling to adorable so quick” 

“It’s a talent of mine” Kahmunrah says proudly. 

The night winds down and while there’s still an air of uncertainty, everyone seems a bit calmer. The next day at about noon a truck arrives in front of the museum, Frankie is woken up by the noise and slips out from his normal sleeping spot in the basement. Dr. McPhee is watching a crew move a large pair of crates, while the archivist Mandy directs some of the finer details. “Look at who’s up, our living exhibit” Dr. McPhee looks genuinely happy to see Frankie, “You know we really should get you somewhere better to stay than the basement” 

“What’s going on sir?” Frankie asks, still groggy, “That the third pharaoh and his wife?” 

“Yes, this is going to be big for the museum” Dr. McPhee says, “whole family together everybody loves a good reunion” 

“This isn’t going to be a GOOD reunion” Frankie mutters under his breath 

“Hum, what was that?” Dr. McPhee asks 

“Nothing sir” Frankie says and waves to Mandy as she walks by excitedly bouncing and chattering the whole way. Once everything is in place Frankie makes his way up to Larry and Nick’s apartment and knocks on Larry’s bedroom door. 

“W-what?” Larry grunts and sits up hearing the noise. 

“Larry it’s me” Frankie nudges his door open, “Your in-laws are here” 

Larry groans burying his face back in his pillow, “thank you Frankie” he says a little muffled. 

“I’m gonna make some breakfast..lunch…lunch-fast it’s early I donno food” Frankie says, “You want food?”

“Sure” Larry sits up and rubs his forehead, “ok Larry you can do this it’s just your in laws, your accent egyptian in laws that hated you in a past life. Maybe they won’t recognize me…maybe it’ll be ok” Larry gets up and starts looking through his phone for late night radio therapists, just in case. 

“You want me to help run interference?” Frankie asks as they both eat bacon and eggs Frankie’s made. 

“No buddy, you don’t need to be in that” Larry sighs, “It’s a good thing Nick’s in school right now, I’d rather he not deal with whatever might happen tonight. Be on standby to yank Carter out of harm's way and Ahk…you’re taking this whole thing really well.” 

“My family’s functional” Frankie says and takes a bite of eggs, “well it is now that Roberta’s in jail and I don’t have to be around her anymore. The family I’ve got here works.” 

It’s about half an hour before the museum is due to close when Larry makes his way down stairs, his guard uniform freshly ironed and washed. Frankie has made the same effort with his rough rider uniform, the calvary get up suits the composite boy rather well and it’s become his signature look. Mandy is still finishing up setting the last display pieces in the exhibit, “Oh Mr Daley! Come see this!” she sees Frankie walk up behind him, “oh the living exhibit is with you, great you guys can both see” she gestures around the Egypt exhibit now home to four sarcophagi “years of work all together” 

“I have a name” Frankie grumbles narrowing his eyes. 

“Yeah sure is something” Larry says. 

“I can’t wait till tomorrow I’ve got a speech prepared for the grand reveal” Mandy bounces, “keep an eye on them for me..oh” she stop seeing Larry’s necklace as she passes and points at it, “The hunter’s charm?” 

“Hum?” Larry looks down, “oh yeah my husband gave me this when we started dating” 

“Well he must be quite the romantic” Mandy comments, “Good night gentlemen” she turns and bows to the assorted sarcophagi “good night your highnesses” and she turns to leave. 

Frankie huffs, “I have a name she knows I have a name, I told her my name when we went to the smithsonian,” he turns to head toward Teddy waiting for him to ‘wake up’ all the while muttering, “I’m a Roosevelt dam it I deserve better…” 

America walked up silently. “So, I heard that your in-laws are here,” America said.

“Yeah, they are,” Larry said, fiddling with his necklace. “I’m feeling very nervous.”

“Can’t blame you; I am, too. I mean, if your father-in-law exiled you in your past life for dating Kahmunrah, I can’t imagine he’d be thrilled to find out I’m now dating his favorite son, Ahkmenrah,” America said.

“Speaking of which, I guess you’re here to see Ahk?” Larry asked. America nodded and took a paper out of his bag.

“I wanted to show him that I passed my exam,” America said, unusually quiet. The tablet then glowed. “Well, whether we like it or not, we’re gonna deal with an angry Pharaoh.”

“Who are y-” Merenkahre began when Kahmunrah answered the very question he was about to ask.

“Larry!” Kahmunrah said, rushing up to Larry and kissing him.

“America!” Ahkmenrah said, hugging America upon seeing him. “Is that your exam?”

“Yeah! I passed!” America said. “Thanks for your help!”

“I barely helped at all,” Ahkmenrah said, rolling his eyes fondly. “You’re more than smart enough to pass any test or exam your medical school throws your way.”

“If only my fellow nations other than Canada think so,” America said, rolling his eyes in a not-so-fond way. “They always find something about me to complain about!”

“The fact that my son is with you is already more than enough to complain about,” Merenkahre said darkly.

“So, you’re Ahk and Kah’s dad,” America said. “Well, let me introduce myself: I’m the United States of America, the very country you’re in, right now. And right now, I don’t really like you either.”

“Also, Father,” Ahkmenrah added, “Kahmunrah and I are the rulers if this kingdom, not you. So I have no desire to hear you criticize me or Kahmunrah on who we love. Understood?”

“...You…” Merenkahre said darkly, glaring at Larry. “You are the hunter that I banished, and yet I see you with Kahmunrah once again? It looks like banishment is not enough; I must put you to death!”

“No, Father!” Kahmunrah said, glaring at Merenkahre. “Did you not hear a word of what America and Ahkmenrah had said? Ahkmenrah and I are in charge here, not you. That means you cannot put Larry to death!” America looked at a mirror. Mirabel looked as though she was glaring at Merenkahre, her face appearing as though she has something she wants to say to Merenkahre.

I can’t believe that so-called king would treat his sons like that! America heard Mirabel say. If he could hear me, right now, I’d have a LOT to say!

“You can talk through me,” America quietly said to Mirabel.

“I have something to say”  Mirabel’s voice rings out from America “Your  sons are never going to be good enough for you are they? No matter how hard either of them try, none of us would ever be good enough for you no matter how hard any of us tries…Kahmunrah’s never going to be strong enough, Ahkmenrah’s never going to be perfect enough. Your oldest son turned against you because you only saw the worst in him-” 

“- Did everything for my family” Merenkahre interjects “ every decision I ever made was for them” 

“Was it?” Mirabel asks, “I’ve only known your sons for a few months, and it’s clear that they love their family here” Mirabel gestures around using America’s hands, “and these people love them, you’re the one that doesn’t care” 

Merenkahre looks enraged “How dare you, you insolent-” 

“Enough” Shepseheret walks forward and touches her husband’s shoulder, “we haven’t seen our sons in centuries and the first thing you do is start a fight? We don’t even know what their lives are like now, and look” she points at the brothers standing together their respective partners each by their sides, “They’re ruling together just as we’ve always wanted for them” 

“Don’t bother mother” Kahmunrah grumbles, “I’m far past needing his approval and it’s a little late for you to start trying” 

“Don’t talk to your mother that way” Merenkahre growls 

“Don’t tell me what to do old man” Kahmunrah barks back. 

“I see you’re still not capable of showing any respect” Merenkahe snaps 

Mirabel gives Larry a tired look through America, “It’s like he didn’t even hear me” 

“He might have but this is a long standing fight and old wounds take a long time to heal” Larry says with a sigh. Kahmunrah and his father continue to argue, the argument slips into Egyptian and gets even louder when they’re yelling in their native tongue. Ahkmenrah begs them to stop yelling, getting more and more upset, Kahmunrah gets more animated as the argument goes on and his hands go up and move in wild sweeping motions as he speaks. 

Shepseheret catches his left hand and stops him, “You got married?” she asks seeing the dark metal ring on his finger, “Meren…our oldest son is married and we missed it” 

“You married the hunter didn’t you?” Merenkahe grumbles, “a commoner-” 

“Oh enough already” Shepseheret rolls her eyes, “as if rank matters any more, and it’s not like we’ll be getting grandchildren now anyway” 

“Um well, actually you technically have two grandsons now” Larry pipes up

Shepseheret looks up at Kahmunrah, “Grandsons,  really?” 

“Yes mother I adopted a boy and” Kahmunrah’s free hand slips into Larry’s, “since we are married, I also have claim to Larry’s son as part of my family” 

Merenkahre glared. “Then they will-”

“Don't you dare say it!” Shepseheret interrupted. “You already damaged your relationship with our eldest; do you want to destroy it completely?”

“Father destroyed his relationship with me a long time ago, Mother,” Kahmunrah said. “And you both are under my and Ahkmenrah's reign, not the other way around. And as such, if you so much as harm my husband and sons, you will be charged for the crime. Is that understood?”

“....Fine, your precious hunter and the sons you adopted will live,” Merenkahre said, before saying so quietly, no one can hear him, “for now.”

I didn't know that what unwind inside America’s head did was even possible! Connor said.

“Yeah, neither did I,” Larry said. “Why? Is there something you want to say?”

I have a lot of things to say to a lot of people, Connor said. Right now, I just want to tell Merenkahre what I think of him.

“None of it good, I bet,” Larry said. “That guy already made it clear that he wants me dead. Don't make it worse.”

I'm not THAT stupid! Connor said. I just really hate the guy.

“Well, he didn't exactly make a good first impression,” Larry said, watching Ahkmenrah help America practice his French.

Those two seem to be getting closer each night, Connor observed.

“Yeah, they are,” Larry agreed. “You think that there might be wedding bells for them in the future?”

They just started dating! Connor pointed out.

“I know, I just kidding. Kind of,” Larry said, smiling. “In all seriousness, though, they actually make a good couple.” Larry smiled as he went about his rounds.

Chapter Text

“So, what is this Pearl Harbor?” Kahmunrah asked Larry after he calmed down from his argument with Merenkahre.

“It was a naval base in Hawaii,” Larry explained. “It got attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941. Japan thought it would keep America out of World War 2, but it had the opposite effect by drawing him into it,” Larry explained.

“I feel as though I should be learning more of your nation’s history now that it’s my home as well” Kahmunrah says, “I live among some of the figures from it after all” 

“You’ve got time” Larry says, “not all of it’s pretty, in fact most of American history is very messy and complicated” 

“As is every history” Kahmunrah says and stretches a bit, “what a mess, I am sorry you had to see that argument…even if that one was mild by our standards” 

“That was mild?” Larry chuckles nervously, “I hate to see what it looks like when you guys really get into it” 

“It is terrible” Kahmunrah says, “there was one fight we had that was so bad father’s medjay had to separate us, I mean physically I was picked up and dragged to my room and still screaming at him” 

“What did you two fight about?” Larry asks 

“Pfft” Kahmunrah waves the comment off, “everything, but mostly our military. I didn’t like the way he was treating the soldiers, he didn’t like the way I was training the new recruits, I thought he was spending too much time and money on festivals, he thought I was too focused on security and stopping the bandit raids on the neighboring villages. I wanted our people to feel safe and be able to defend themselves if needed. He was afraid that guard troops made from the commoners in the villages would inspire revolution or some such nonsense. I wanted loyalty from my soldiers, he wanted control.” 

“You managed to raise an army really quickly at the Smithsonian” Larry says, “both times” 

“Rallying troops behind a cause is easy, maintaining an army that’s hard” Kahmunrah explains “I also wanted to allow some of our people to be able to study the arcane practices, father thought that would be too dangerous he wanted to keep that knowledge to only our family” 

“He might have a point with that last part” Larry says 

“I don’t see the harm” Kahmunrah states, “Dr. Brown is clearly versed in some school of arcane magic based on his writings on those boards he scrawls on and he’s responsible with it” 

Hey, the Medjay he keeps mentioning Connor says Those are like secret service or personal guards for pharaohs right? How come Kah and Ahk don’t have those? 

“Good point Connor…” Larry turns to Kahmunrah, “Connor was just asking me something why don’t you and Ahk have any medjay?” 

“What do you mean?” Kahmunrah looks confused, “we have you, though I suppose we should name more guards, especially since I’ve stolen my brother’s best medjay for myself” Kahmunrah teases pulling Larry close to him and going in for a deep kiss and gently nuzzling when he pulls away, “You are my guard, no one will take you from me” 

Larry gently rubs the spot behind Kahmunrah’s jaw, “That’s right Kah I’m not going anywhere”

Hey, we should ask America and Mirabel how she was able to control him like that when she confronted Kah and Ahk's dad, Connor said.

“That's another good point,” Larry agreed. “I didn't know that that was something that you could potentially do.”

“Do what?” Kahmunrah asks

“That thing where the unwind in America’s head was able to speak through him” Larry says, “I want to figure out how Connor and I can do that. That way I don’t have to repeat everything for Connor especially when he has something important to say. He really wants to tell off your dad” 

Kahmunrah chuckles, “what’s the phrase I’ve herd Jane use before, “get in line’, telling that old man off is something a lot of people want to do. Your mere existence angers him it might be best to not push that, but I do appreciate your support Connor” 

Larry finishes up his normal rounds checking on the exhibits and the building in general, while he lets Kahmunrah go off to check on Carter and the other teens. Larry finds Ahkmenrah and America leaning on the desk in the main lobby still in their French lessons, ‘‘hey guys hope I’m not interrupting” Larry says casually strolling up. 

“No we’re just practicing”  America says, “my pronunciation still sucks” 

“It’s getting better” Ahkmenrah says bumping his shoulder, “you just need more practice” 

“Well it’s quiet so everything must be going ok with your parents” Larry looks around to make sure no one’s sneaking up on him. 

“Teddy and Sacagawea insisted on speaking to them” Ahlmenrah says and looks a little despondent, “I am sorry about the fight and father in general. I didn’t think he would recognize you right away or react so aggressively” 

“It’s fine Ahk, to be fair I’m sure the move was just a big change for them” Larry says, “maybe after a few days when things settle we’ll be able to talk it all out” 

“Frankie’s optimism is rubbing off on you” Ahkmenrah says, “I don’t know father’s very stubborn” 

“Well we can work around it” Larry says, “Hey America I wanted to ask you about something, the unwind girl in your head…Mirabel right?” 

“Yeah that’s her…what about her?” America asks 

“She spoke through you even looked like she was moving your body” Larry says, “how did you two manage that?” 

America shrugs, “It’s not hard to do but it’s hard to explain, it involves a lot of trust. I just sort of mentally lean back and let Mirabel take over…kinda like…letting someone drive from the passenger seat if that makes any sense” 

In that case, wanna let me try? Connor asked.

“Knock yourself out,” Larry said.

“Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3,” Connor said through Larry.

“Connor Lassiter?” America asked.

“Yeah, I'm the unwind In Larry’s head,” Connor said. “PC shipped out my parts as soon and as far apart as possible to prevent me from being rewound, again. As you can see, the part of me Larry got wound up here in New York.”

“Still, the fact that you're here,” America said, shaking his head. “How long have you been here?”

“Two years, now,” Connor said. “But neither Larry and I knew that I could do what Mirabel did until you two came along.”

“Glad we could help, in that case,” America said.

“Good,” Connor said. “By the way, I have a question: Did you try to stop unwinding from being legalized a second time?”

“As hard as I could, and the tragic fact is that it STILL wasn't hard enough!” America said. “And it didn't help that it made other countries re-legalize unwinding, too. I was just the only one who banned it for good.”

“You're the only country that's banned unwinding, now?” Connor asked.

“Sad but true,” America said. “The fight is over in my land, yes, but everyone else’s? The fight is still very much an uphill battle.”

“That stinks!” Connor said.

“Tell me about it,” America said, rolling his eyes.

“Well, I'm handing control back to Larry,” Connor informed.

“Is that the only question you wanted to ask me?” America asked.

“That’s really I got for now” Connor says, “and I don’t wanna overstep my control, Larry and I didn’t get along at first so we’ve been kinda agreeing on certain boundaries so we don’t hurt each other again” 

“You guys didn’t get along, I find that hard to believe” America comments 

“I was scared when I first woke up attached to him” Connor chuckles, “I’m kinda a jerk sometimes so I lashed out at Larry, and I forced him into some bad situations…I still feel bad about the Starkey thing” 

“You can’t be blamed for that, although you should have seen how Kah handled Starkey” Ahkmenrah says, “he was rather reserved and understanding and then he punched him” 

“Oh man Kah punched Starkey!” Connor laughs, “Good! Starkey had it coming I wish I could have seen that” 

The four AWOL teens along with Frankie are gathered in the hall of miniatures. James and Frankie are in a mock fight with prop weapons while Octavius instructs James on proper form and technique for fighting with a sword and large shield. Jane is working on touching up a few buildings in the western diorama while Bethany and Carter are watching the combat lessons. 

Kahmunrah stops in the doorway before going into the hall and looks over at Jedidah almost asking for permission. Jedidah narrows his eyes after seeing Kahmunrah from across the room and nods, the silent asking before entering what would be considered the cowboy’s home is a weird form of respect Kahmunrah is trying to show. He and Jed are slowly getting along. 

James keeps getting out sped by Frankie and dropping his guard, “No James your shield needs to stay up” Octavius instructs. 

“But he’s quicker than me I feel like I can barely move with this thing” James complains

“General may I?” Kahmunrah asks, he gets a nod from Octavius “James you are going about this the wrong way, do not react to your adversary, analyze them and exploit their weakness. Play to your own strength, you have a larger frame use your size to intimidate and force movement” 

“Force movement” James repositions himself and hefts his shield back up, “ok I can do that” 

“Frankie, don’t stop moving” Kahmunrah instructs him the steps away to let the two boys resume training. “Good to see you all are getting some exercise and letting out energy” 

“We’re kinda just hunkering down” Bethany admits, “You and your dad can yell…” 

“”You heard that all the way down here did you?” Kahmunrah asks 

“Exhibits in Australia herd you guys” Jedidah responds 

“Seriously” Jane says half leaning into the western diorama working on painting a roof, while wolf Tyler sits by her elbows and sniffs at a bottle of paint, “we don’t have to call him grandad or anything right? Cause I won’t” 

“No none of you are required to call him anything” Kahmunrah assures them, “do try and be polite, don’t try too hard but try” 

“We will,” Bethany said.

“Good,” Kahmunrah said. “I just wanted to check on you all.”

“The children are fine,” Octavius said.

“Yeah, we were just waiting for the argument to stop,” Carter said. “Is it safe to come out, now?”

“For the time being,” Kahmunrah said.

“Good,” Carter said. “I've been wanting language lessons from uncle Ahk, too.”

“Since when are you interested in learning new languages?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Since uncle Ahk started teaching Mr. America French!” Carter said.

“Technically, I can speak French, just not as well as my papa and brother,” America said, walking up.

“Good evening, America,” Kahmunrah said. “I would like to thank you and Mirabel for standing up for myself and Larry.”

“You're welcome, but it was Mirabel that deserves the most credit,” America said.

Mirabel scoffed and said, Hey, you deserve the credit, too, by telling Merenkahre who's boss, here.

“Yeah, but you're the one who REALLY confronted him on how much he messed up with Kah and Ahk,” America said. Then they heard a scream.

“PLEASE DON'T EAT ME!!!!” The voice that screamed yelled out.

Why does that voice sound so familiar? Mirabel asked as America rushed out to the source of the scream.

Chapter Text

America rushed over to find a Hispanic man in a green poncho cowering in front of Rexy.

Is that tio Bruno? Mirabel asked.

“You know this dude?” America asked Mirabel.

Kinda. He disappeared when I was 5. What is he doing here, now? Mirabel asked.

“Either way, it looks like he's scared of Rexy,” America said.

Larry lets out a sharp whistle as he comes jogging up “Rexy down” the massive T-Rex skeleton swings around and looks at the night guard with a snort, “go on good dino”  Larry says and throws a makeshift rope toy for Rexy to chase, “Sorry about the really big guard dog” Larry reaches a hand down to help the man up, “we usually don’t get visitors this late, gotta ask who you are and what you’re doing here” 

The man takes Larry’s hand and pulls himself up, “Bruno Madrigal, I’m uh looking for my niece” Bruno flinches and hides behind Larry “is that a lion?” 

“ Those are my husband’s, Kah come get your pets before I hunt them” Larry yells out. 

Kahmunrah lets out a whistle and the trio of lions pad up to him and Carter, “Come on why don’t we introduce you to mother hum? She loves cats” 

“This was not part of my vision…” Bruno mumbles still in shock. 

“I’m sorry your what?” Larry asks, “you said you were looking for your niece right? What’s her name?” 

“Mirabel,” Bruno slinks out from behind Larry but checks sound nervously certain something else terrifying is going to jump out at any second. “I haven’t seen her since she was very little but I had a vision that led me here…” 

“Um…America do you want to tell him?” Larry asks 

“I’ll do it” America sighs, “Bruno I have some bad news about your niece and maybe some good news” 

Bruno sees the scar on America’s head, “oh no…don’t tell me, she’s not…” 

America nods solemnly, “yeah, sorry this is how you found out” 

“How?” Buro looks distressed, “my sister would never allow this at least I didn’t think she would” 

Abuela made my parents sign my unwind order, Mirabel explained to America.

“Why?” America asked.

Because I was too ordinary for my extraordinary family, Mirabel said, showing America memories of the Madrigals to help him see what she means.

“You can hear Mirabel in you head, Senor Estados Unidos?” Bruno asked.

“Call me America, but yes,” America said. “That's part of the good news. The magic tablet that brings everything in this museum to life every night also affects unwound parts, including the piece of Mirabel's brain I got after I had an accident on my motorcycle.”

“Can I…can I speak to her?” Bruno asked.

America nods. “...Hi, tio Bruno,” Mirabel's voice nervously said from America's body.

“So, it's true? Because of this tablet Senor Estados Unidos mentioned, you're able to be, well, yourself again every night?”

“Yeah,” Mirabel said. “Normally, I'm just along for the ride, but America can give me control every once in a while.”

“Mirabel, I am so, SO sorry I couldn't save you!” Bruno said. “If I had a vision of what would happen to you-"

“It's fine, tio Bruno,” Mirabel said. “But, out of curiosity, what's the vision that brought you here?”

Before Bruno could answer, a small voice whispered, “So, we couldn't save you in time.” A small boy in yellow walked up.

“Antonio,” Mirabel knelt down to look at her younger cousin.

“Tio Bruno and I wanted to save you,” Antonio said. “I'm sorry we couldn't.”

“It’s not your fault, at least you tried” Mirabel pats Antonio, “thank you for coming to see me here” 

“Wait, you said you had a vision?” Larry asks Burno, “Like you can see the future or something?” 

“Sort of” Burno runs a hand over the back of his own neck, “they’re not always very clear, the one that led me here was of the front of this museum and Mirabel on the front stairs while a pair of falcons fight overhead over something shattered” 

“Ok, that’s very specific and at the same time not” Larry says. 

“The falcons had eyes like that” Bruno points at the eye of horus charm on Larry’s necklace. 

Oh…ok he had a vision about Kah and his dad fighting Connor chuckles or maybe he just heard them

“Yeah we’re dealing with our own family drama here” Larry says, “looks like that’s what you saw, Mirabel tried to help” 

“She would” Antonio smiles up at her, “my cousin is the best…was”

“Still is…I’m still kinda here” Mirabel says 

“You guys take your time, I’m sure you’ve got a lot to talk about” Larry says, “don’t wander too far around here there’s a few exhibits that get a little rowdy” 

Larry passes by the hall of animals and sees Kahmunrah and Carter talking with Shepseheret while she fawns over the pet lions. Everything seems to be calm and going well, Kahmunrah has a somewhat blank expression but there’s no yelling and Carter seems relatively happy, maybe there’s hope for one parent. Kahmunrah saw Larry and nodded at his direction as Larry finished his rounds. When he came back to where Mirabel, Bruno, and Antonio were talking, there was a woman there. She is wearing a dress with a red skirt, and her dress had what looked like soundwaves all over it.

“Oh, Senor Daley!” Mirabel said. “I want you to meet my cousin Dolores.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Senor Daley,” Dolores said in a quiet voice. “You don’t have to explain everything to me. Ever since most of my family came to New York, I've been hearing what goes on here every night.”

“Dolores's gift is that she has super hearing,” Mirabel explained.

“So…everyone in your family has these abilities?” Larry asked.

“Except for me,” Mirabel said sadly. “That's why I got unwound.”

So, Mirabel got unwound because she's the only ordinary person in her extraordinary family? Connor asked angrily.

“Ow, Connor, calm down!” Larry said. “You're giving me a headache, here!”

Sorry, Connor said, calming down.

“Oh, Senor Daley also has an unwind in his head,” Mirabel explained.

“Also, you should beware of your father-in-law, Senor Daley,” Dolores said. “He's planning to kill you.”

“And you literally heard that?” Larry asked.

“Like I said; I hear everything that goes on around here every night,” Dolores said.

“Well, I should put my guard up,” Larry said.

“And see if you can get your husband to get you some bodyguards,” Bruno said.

“No, I can handle it, myself,” Larry said. “I don’t want Kahmunrah to be even more worried about me.”

“But do you really think you can handle it all, yourself?” Mirabel asked.

“I'm pretty sure I can,” Larry said with a reassuring smile.

Chapter Text

The next day, America is sitting in one of his classes. Normally, he'd be paying attention and taking notes, but today, his mind is elsewhere. As soon as class was over, he took out his phone to text Nick.

America-Hey, did your dad seem alright at all, last night?

Nick-He looked worried about something, but wouldn't tell anyone what. Why?

America-Because

And America stared at his phone's screen, trying to figure out what to type, next. “Because some lady with supersonic hearing told him that his father-in-law wants to kill him?”

“Hey, America!” America, startled, looked up to see Canada walking up to him.

“Canada?” America asked. “Why are you here?”

“To give you a ride to the museum,” Canada said.

“Thanks,” America said, not saying that he has a feeling that the reason why Canada wants to go to the museum is to grill/intimidate Ahkmenrah about dating him until they're both in Canada's car. “You know, it's bad enough that Dad and Papa are being strangely protective of me ever since I accidentally let it slip that I'm dating, again. You don't need to go into protective big brother mode.”

“And how do I know that Ahkmenrah won't break your heart like Japan did?” Canada asked.

“Because I know him longer than you do,” America said. “I think I'm starting to really fall for him.”

“And that’s what is making me so worried,” Canada said. “This isn’t the first time you're falling hard for someone.”

“Canada, when will you, Dad, and Papa stop treating me like I don't know what I'm doing? You know how smart I really am!” America said.

“With most things, yes,” Canada said. “With romance, you are easily the most naive person I know.”

“You don’t need to give me a ride if this is the way you’re going to be” America says, starting to walk away. 

“Oh come on” Canada grumbles, “really now? You’re going to do this?” he jogs oup by his younger sibling to catch up

“Yes, I’ll get a ride with Nick, I’ll call a cab, I’ll walk at this point” America snaps, “why won’t you let me make my own mistakes, why can’t you trust me?” he stops right in front of Canada, “why can’t any of you trust me?” 

“Because you’re too emotional about these things” Canada explains, “it’s your best and worst quality, you get so wrapped up in the moment you forget about everything else. Ahkmenrah is from a different time than you he’s got a different perspective on everything and now his family being back together could add even more pressure for him to meet certain expectations” 

“Date someone more respectable than me, you mean?” America scoffs, “I know, he’s technically older and all but literally from a different world but he’s sweet and smart and doesn't judge me. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find someone like that?” America crosses his arms, “I know there’s always that outside chance he could hurt me but if he does, the time that we had together will be worth the pain.” 

Canada goes to pat America’s shoulder but the younger brother pulls away, “I can still give you a ride if you want” 

“No, just leave me alone for tonight” America huffs, “and don’t give Ahk or Kah a hard time right now either, just stay away from the museum for a few days” 

“Ok” Canada says backing off, “ok if that’s how you feel…you know I only worry like this because-” 

“I know” America cuts him off, “I know you’re my big brother and you love me…I love you too but right now…” 

“Space, I get it you need space” Canada says, “call me if you need anything” 

At the museum a small celebration is just wrapping up, Mandy is at the center of a discussion with Dr. McPhee and several other researchers and historians all of them excited about the upgraded exhibit. Mandy had just given what her fellow historians are praising as an inspired speech about her efforts to reunite what she calls, ‘Egypt's first royal family’. Larry and Frankie are near the back of the crowd, “boy I wonder if she’d be this excited if she knew how dysfunctional they are” Larry comments

Frankie snorts”She’d probably be happy to hear them yell in ancient Egyptian call it a cultural exchange or something” 

Larry chuckles, “yeah, all that yelling didn’t get you did it? Or the others, I know family tension can’t bring up any good memories” 

“I’m fine” Frankie says, “it sucks seeing uncle Kah stressed but I know everything’s gonna work out eventually” 

“Glad you can convince yourself of that wish I could” Larry says, “How do you stay this upbeat, after everything you’ve been through?” 

Frankie shrugs, “When you start with nothing things can only get better, I mean I didn’t even have a name before I came here”     

The guests leave and with a short time before sunset Nick and America walk in just as Larry starts to lock up for the night, “Hey guys, how’s school going” Larry asks casually. 

“It’s a nightmare” Nick says, “I’m caught up on everything but man I did not think it was gonna be this much work, I’m just happy we’ve got a short break, how are ‘grandma and grandpa’ settling in” 

“Well Merenkahre still hates me” Larry says with a nervous grin, “Shepseheret is coming around…maybe it’s a little too early to tell”

“So, good news and bad news,” America said.

“Pretty much,” Larry said.

“So, did you catch the other new exhibit?” Nick asked.

“What new exhibits?” America asked.

“We got a few new exhibits, recently,” Larry said. “There's a Star Wars themed one, including the characters who helped back at the Smithsonian, plus the entire Jedi Council and Padme Amidala.” Larry showed Nick and America the new exhibit. “Plus, we got this new exhibit of famous doctors, something you’ll be really interested in, America.”

“Like Jonas Salk?” America asked.

“Among others,” Larry said.

“I still owe Dr. Salk for creating the first ever polio vaccine,” America said. “He was a real lifesaver-literally!”

“I know,” Larry said. “And Joseph Murray, the first ever doctor to perform an organ transplant.”

“Interesting,” Nick said.

“And that’s just two of the doctors in that exhibit,” Larry said.

“I can't wait to meet them, either way,” America said, the sun setting at the same time that Antonio, Dolores, and Bruno came with Julieta and Pepa.

Oh boy, Connor comments More of Mirabel’s family…hey can we not be here when they all start talking, I don’t wanna…it’s a bit much for me all this family stuff going on

“Sure Connor…” Larry says with a bit of concern, “Hey America you gonna be ok with Mirabel’s family if I go check on the others?” 

“Hum? Sure I’ll be ok” America gives Larry and Nick a thumbs up, “I got this” 

“I’ll go check on the new guys” Nick offers, “you wanna let Kah and Ahk know we’ve got new exhibits” 

“Yeah, Frankie should be getting the AWOLs from the basement, I’ll meet back up with you guys later” Larry takes a few steps toward the Egypt exhibit and on que the yelling starts, he shakes his head and starts to feel a little bad for poor Dolores, how bad is yelling if you can hear whispers from just about anywhere. 

“You are not to go anywhere near him!” Kahmunrah growls out to his father. 

“Don’t act as though you have authority” Merenkahre snaps, “you were never meant to have the throne in the first place!” 

Ahkmenrah gives Larry a desperate and defeated look as soon as he walks up, “Ra’s mercy this is going to be every night now isn’t it? I don’t have the energy for this” 

“Why was I never good enough for you?!” Kahmunrah roars, “I did everything you wanted, I was your perfect general and prince!” 

“You were too soft on the soldiers” Merenkahre grumbles, “and you were nowhere near a perfect prince” 

Kahmunrah stomps his foot and makes a threatening fist “I am so sick of you-” 

“HEY!” Larry puts himself between the arguing father and son, “enough, you’re upsetting everyone and the night just started. Merenkahre please, I need Kah and Ahk so they can meet the new exhibits we just got in” 

“Don’t speak to me without permission hunter” Merekahre says with disgust, “don’t act as though you’re my equal” 

“Don’t speak to my husband that way!” Kahmunrah snaps pointing at his father. 

“Nope nope come on we’re walking away” Larry  shoves Kahmunrah away, “Don’t escalate, don’t engage we’ve got Jedis and Doctors to meet let’s go”  

Kahmunrah quietly fumes as Ahkmenrah and Larry lead him away, “I hate him so much” he grumbles. 

“I know Kah” Larry reaches over to rub the spot right behind Kahmunrah’s jaw, “why do you let him get under your skin like that, you don’t need his approval any more just let him gripe and complain” 

“He’s going to have to realize eventually that we’re in charge here” Ahkmenrah says, “Please brother that terrible side of you comes out when you and father fight and it scares me” 

“I’m sorry Ahk” Kahmunrah sighs and leans into Larry’s hand, “and to you as well love…I’ll make more of an effort to not let him rattle me so much” 

All the arguing was giving me a headache Connor says, and I was trying to avoid family drama tonight, well guess that’s just how it’s going right now 

“Yeah…come on the new exhibits need to get the rundown of how things operate here” Larry leads the brothers to the new exhibit areas.

Meanwhile, Mirabel, through America, was talking with her family, catching up with everything. Juliete apologized to Mirabel over and over agaon for signing her unwind order, to which Mirabel forgave her. Suddenly, Dolores froze, after she heard something.

“Something wrong, Dolores?” Mirabel asked, concerned.

“Senor Daley is in danger,” Dolores said, looking concerned. “His father-in-law is going to kill him. He’s got a dagger!”

“We-we have to save him!” Mirabel said. 

“Good thing that you’re in the head of the Estados Unidos,” Pepa said. “You can borrow his strength.”

“America usually is the one who uses his own strength,” Mirabel said. “But we still have to save Senor Daley, either way!” And with that, the Madrigals rushed to save Larry’s life.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka and Anakin are actually happy to see Kahmunrah when he arrives with his brother, introductions are made all around and Ahkmenrah explains the tablet’s magic as the assorted Jedi all listen and nod attentively. Padme tries to discretely get closer tp Anakin and no one but Larry and Connor seem to notice. 

Kinda nice they get to be together here Connor says, let’s not tell them about any of the movies, I don’t want to ruin this  

“Yeah we’ll keep spoilers to ourselves” Larry leans on a wall nearby and looks across the hall to see a few of the doctors in the medical history exhibit already making themselves at home. Dr. Salk and Dr. Murray are happily chatting while another physician Larry doesn’t recognize watches awkwardly and quietly. The third man looks younger than Salk and Murry and he is in full color while the older doctors are greyscale. 

Who’s that guy? Connor asks, he must be a more modern doctor feel like I’ve seen him before  

“I donno, but it’s nice we’ve got doctors here in case anyone gets hurt” Larry says, “would have been nice for them to be here back when Frankie got sick, it’s a good thing it was just a cold” 

“Senor Daley!” Maribel yells running toward him ”Move!”

Ancient instincts kick in Larry dodges something coming towards him from behind before he even registeres who or what it is. Merekahre  is surprisingly fast and goes for another swing with the dagger before someone gets in between him and his target. Kahmunrah bites down a yell of pain when the dagger sinks into his shoulder and he glares at his shocked father. 

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Kahmunrah roars and grabs at his own shoulder, he tries to remove the dagger and yelps in pain. 

“Oh my God Kah!” Larry half holds him up, “I almost didn’t see him” 

Maribel still running at full speed rams into Merekahre and knocks him down using America’s strength to hold him down. Ahkmenrah in a panic enlists the help of Obi-Wan and Anakin to keep his father from getting back up and attacking again. 

Kahmunrah leans against Larry and holds the wall with his other hand, “I’m going to seal him in his sarcophagus and throw him in the river” he grumbles through gritted teeth. 

The trio of doctors that had been watching rush over to help. “Here let us help” the youngest of the three doctors says, “sit down and hold still I can get that out” the doctors are calm while they work to remove the knife and clean the wound, Larry is a little shocked to see Kah is bleeding. Along with the blood is a small trickle of some yellowish tan substance. The youngest doctor shows Dr, Salk, “is this what I think it is?” 

“That looks like venom” Dr. Salk conferms, “we need to get him somewhere he can lay down. Good work Byrd” 

“You’re Doctor Byrd? You came up with composite theory” Larry asks, still staying by Kahmunrah’s side. 

“Yes and we can talk about my work as soon as we get him stable” Dr. Byrd gets on Kahmunrah’s other side, “come on we’ve gotta flush the stab wound” 

The doctors work hard to treat Kahmunrah while Ahkmenrah worked to find the antivenom.

“Is it possible to try this man for attempted murder?” Anakin asked, still holding Merenkahre down with Obi-Wan.

“According to this museum's constitution, it is,” Mia said as soon as she walked up.

“This museum has a constitution?” America asked, regaining control.

“Yes,” Mia said. “This museum is, at night, a kingdom, and like most kingdoms, it needs a constitution.”

“You actually made a constitution for this museum?” Larry asked.

“Well, I mainly worked on it by myself, with input from Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah,” Mia explained.

“Okay,” Anakin said. “What does this museum's constitution say?”

“Generally, that Merenkahre will receive a harsher punishment than he otherwise would if he tried to kill anyone else, if convicted, since any attack on the museum's monarchs or their families is to be considered high treason,” Mia explained.

“So, what's the punishment for that?” America asked.

“Banishment to long term storage” Mia says, “it could be worse there is a death penalty it’s ultimately up to the brother pharaohs”  

Obi-Wan looks a little concerned, “that is harsh…what are we doing with him right now?” 

“Take him to the basement, lock him in the loading dock cage” Mai says, “Ahk and Kah will have to decide what to do with him later, keep an eye on him for us” 

Kahmunrah tries to stay still for the doctors working on him Murray and Byrd are doing most of the work on the wound while Salk is mixing an anti venom with Ahkmenrah’s help. Larry holds Kahmunrah’s head in his lap and tires to comfort him he’s already removed they heavy blue crown Kahmunrah normally wears, “It’s gonna be ok Kah” 

Murray let’s Dr. Byrd sew up the wound it only takes a few stitches, “you were lucky it was just a straight stab and you didn’t get caught in a slash” Dr, Byrd comments, “this could have been so much worse, I’m going to let this breathe for a few minutes then I’ll wrap it up for you” Dr. Byrd pats Kahmurah’s arm and walks away to get the wrapping and gauze needed. 

“Thank you doctor” Kahmunrah groans and reaches up for Larry but winces in pain when he tries to move his shoulder. 

“Don’t move” Larry scolds him and leans down to give Kahmunrah a kiss on the forehead, “just stay still Kah, you’re ok” 

“Connor was right” Kahmunrah grumbles, “I do need more medjay, my own father tried to kill you” 

“Why did you step in the way?” Larry asks

“You really need to ask that, do you have any idea what i would do if anything happened to you” Kahmunrah says 

Larry touches his forehead to Kahmunrah’s “I know I know, you’ll burn the world and lose your mind and go right back to your old ways” 

Ahkmrnrah still a little shaken walks over with the tiny vial of antivenom unsure of which doctor to give it to. Byrd takes it and grabs a syringe along with the gauze and wrap. “You know I don't quite understand all of what's just happened, but you acted rather quickly I'm impressed” Dr Byrd says.

“Thank you, you three were quick to help my brother” Ahkmrnrah says. 

“We're doctors it what we're supposed to do” Dr Byrd says, and kneels down to administer the anti venom “ you'll feel a small pinch just relax. There we go not so bad right. There's still some venom in your system, you’re going to feel weak and sick until it passes and you might get a fever just rest and ride it out you’ll be fine” Dr Byrd carefully wraps Kahmunrah’s shoulder, “when you’re ready I’ll help you up, is there a bed or a couch nearby? I don’t imagine this floor is comfortable” 

“My apartment is just upstairs” Larry says, “Kah you think you can manage a short walk?” 

“Of course Cassim I’ll be alright if I stay near you” Kahmunrah mumbles

“Brother…” Ahkmenrah says worriedly 

“Ok come on Kah let’s get you in a bed” Larry lifts him up with Dr Byrd’s help, “America can you look after Ahk for me?” 

“Sure, you want me to tell Nick where you are too?” America asks

“Yeah thanks” Larry starts to guide Kahmunrah to the apartment with Dr. Byrd’s help. 

“Huh we’re in a museum” Dr. Byrd says with a bit of delighted surprise, “how about that” 

“Yes, we are,” America said, taking a sample of the venom.

“Mr. America? You're here, too?” Dr. Murray asked.

“Yeah, but it's usually to hang out, America said, sealing the venom sample to test at his university's lab.

“Why are you taking a sample of that venom?” Dr. Byrd asked.

“To test it out at my university's lab,” America explained.

“University?” Dr. Salk asked.

“Yeah; I'm studying to be a doctor, like you guys. Problem is, I don't know what to specialize in, yet,” America said.

“Do you have any specific interests in medicine?” Dr. Salk asked. America thought.

“I was considering surgery or cardiology,” America said. “Family practice is also on the table.”

“So, you can't decide on one of those three,” Dr. Byrd said.

“Exactly,” America said with a sigh. “How did you guys decide on your specializations?” 

“It was a calling well that’s what nearly every doctor says” Dr. Salk says “I saw and epidemic literally paralyzing our nation and knew there had to be a way to stop it” 

“World war 2 was a horror for what it did to those poor men I worked on in Valley forge” Dr. Murray says “I wanted to find some way to help them heal the human body is amazing and frustrating at the same time it took so long to figure out how to make grafting and transplants possible but it saved so many lives” 

Dr. Byrd chuckles, “To be honest I don’t know why I’m here, I’m just a heart surgeon with a theory” he shrugs, “But if composite theory ever gets anywhere, it could end unwinding at least I hope it could. I built on Dr. Murray’s work and the work of a few other surgeons” 

America looks over at Dr. Byrd, “You know about unwinding?” 

“Well sure” Dr Byrd says, “I hate it, hate the idea of it, that's why I wanted to come up with something that would mean we wouldn’t need it. See my composite theory says that you could build a new organ or patch an existing one with tissue samples from live donors, not too different from blood donation well it’s a little more intense but imagine getting a few layers of healthy heart tissue from a few donors to save someone’s failing heart instead of needing the whole organ. My girlfriend seems to think it’s a good theory she keeps telling me that if I sign up with the group she’s working with I’ll get funding to test the theory but I don’t know I’m afraid my theory could be misused” 

“Your girlfriend is pushing you to sign on with a group…” America hesitantly asks, “What’s your girlfriend’s name?” 

“Roberta” Dr. Byrd says, “why do you know her?” 

“She works for Proactive Citizenry,” America explained. “She used your theory to create what are called composite beings.”

“So, my theory was misused, after all,” Dr. Byrd said.

“On the bright side, the composite beings that were made are very nice, for the most part. Even if they aren't considered as such, they're just as much people as everyone else. Take Frankie. Sure, hus status as a composite being makes him as much of an exhibit as you in the eyes of the law, but we consider him to be family, here.”

“Do you think you can take me to meet Frankie?” Dr. Byrd asked.

“Of course!” America said, leading Dr. Byrd to Frankie.

In Larry’s apartment, he gently laid Kahmunrah on his bed. “I'll get you some water,” Larry said, only for Kahmunrah to grab his wrist.

“Stay. Please,” Kahmunrah said.

“Kah, you need something to manage your fever. It's making you delusional,” Larry said.

“I'm fine,” Kahmunrah said. “Really.”

“The doctors say that you need to rest while the venom runs its course,” Larry said. “Which might take a few days. On the meantime, we need to control your fever.” Larry kisses Kahmunrah's forehead. “Which, might I add, is pretty high, from what I can feel. No wonder you're delusional!”

“My mental state is fine,” Kahmunrah said.

“Good to see you’re just as stubborn sick as you are healthy,” Larry said, shaking his head. “I should make you something to eat while I'm at it. I'll be right back.” At that, Larry left to get Kahmunrah some water and food.

Chapter Text

Kahmunrah stared at the bedroom ceiling. He hated being sick. While his fever had gone down just enough to be lucid most of the time, he still has his fever dreams. When he woke up the previous night, he genuinely believed that he was in his family's palace until the delusion faded.

“Got you some soup,” Larry said, handing Kahmunrah a bowl.

“Thank you, Larry,” Kahmunrah said, taking the spoon and eating a bite of the soup.

“No problem. I used to make Nick this soup whenever he got sick,” Larry said.

“Well, it is absolutely delicious,” Kahmunrah said, eating another spoonful.

“How are you feeling?” Larry asked.

“Better, but not by much,” Kahmunrah said. “I still have some delusions from my fever from time to time.”

“I know,” Larry said. “You kept calling me Cassim off and on. Granted, that was my name in my past life, but it feels so weird to hear you call me that, now.” 

“It’s hard to separate old memories from newer ones right now” Kahmunrah sways a bit, “how is everyone else” 

“Fine, worried about you but doing ok” Larry feels Kahmunrah’s forehead, “Still really high…You should lay back down after you’re done eating I’m gonna get one of the doctors to come look at you” 

“Is my brother alright?” Kahmunrah asks, “I can’t imagine what all this is doing to him” 

“He’s managing, your mother is helping” Larry says adjusting some of the pillows, “she is pissed at your dad she chewed him out as soon as she heard about what he did” 

Kahmunrah lets out a chuckle, “look at that mother cares and all I had to do was get badly wounded” 

“I think she’s always cared about you Kah, she just hasn’t been able to show it” Larry takes the empty bowl as soon as Kahmunrah finishes off the soup, “you’re dad is kinda overbearing” 

“Only kind of you’re being generous” Kahmunrah leans over to steal a kiss before Larry walks off, “lay down with me?” 

“I will in a minute I promise” Larry says, “just let me get some water for you and a cold cloth for your fever” 

Hey Larry, are you doing ok? Connor asks once Larry gets up from the bedside to walk to the apartment’s small kitchen. 

“No…” Larry leans on the sink, “This is the second time someone’s tried to hurt me and Kah suffered for it. I’m just worried about him” he says quietly so Kahmunrah can’t hear him, “his own dad did this to him” 

I know that’s the messed up part Connor sighs, It's a good thing his family didn’t start in the modern age, I think Kah would have ended up like me. My parents never liked me either, in a few ways Kah and I are a lot alike. I had a younger brother who everyone liked better, I was labeled the problem child early on, maybe I’m a little bit better at controlling my anger.  

Larry thinks about the idea of Kah being born in the same age as Connor, maybe he would have been a rebel too but would he have been the unlikely leader with a tragic fate like Connor or the misguided revolutionary like Starkey.  Larry comes back to the bedroom with a bowl of cool water and washcloth and a bottle of water tucked under one arm, Kah’s already drifting off to a light sleep. Larry sits on the edge of the bed and gently wipes the damp washcloth across Kahmunrah’s forehead and gets a content sigh in return. “That helping?” Larry asks. 

“Yes” Kahmunrah mumbles, “are you still going to lay down with me?” 

“I just want to get your fever down a little” Larry says. There’s a light knock at the apartment door, “I’ll be right back ok” Larry leaves the cool washcloth on Kahmunrah’s forehead. A worried looking Carter and Ahkmenrah were waiting at the door with Dr. Byrd. 

“How’s dad doing?” Carter asks, “Can we come see him?” 

“He’s still weak” Larry says, “still feverish but he was sitting up and talking for a bit” 

“Hum, I figured he might still be under the venom’s effect” Dr Byrd says, “do you mind if I take a look at him, I better check that wound too the last thing we need is for that to get infected too” 

“I was going to come get you to look at him” Larry steps aside and lets the three up, “Ahk how are you holding up?”

“I’m…alright” Ahkmanrah says, “I’m managing, just feeling a little helpless” 

Larry leans on the kitchen table, “I think we’re all feeling some of that right now” 

Dr Byrd checks the bandage and stitches. Carter kneels by the bed and worriedly whispers to Kahmunrah, “Dad..” 

“I’m alright boy, everything’s alright” Kahmunrah tries to reassure Carter

“Well not yet it’s not but you’re getting there” Dr Byrd says, “you can spend some time with him but he will need some rest” Dr Byrd heads over to Larry and Ahkmenrah in the kitchen, “well there’s no sign of infection and the stab wound is healing up well we just have to wait for the venom to flush out of his system. He’ll be a little wobbly for a day or so after that” 

“He’s going to be ok?” Ahkmenrah asks 

Dr Bryd nods, “oh yeah he’ll be fine just try to control the fever. Sometimes the best thing for healing is time” 

“So, we just wait for Kahmunrah to recover?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Exactly,” Dr. Byrd said. “I'll be over to check on him tomorrow night.” And at that, Dr. Byrd left. Larry lied next to Kahmunrah.

“Are you sure you'll be okay?” Carter asked.

“Of course,” Kahmunrah said with a reassuring smile. “Now, go have some fun, tonight. Don't spend your evening worrying about me.”

“I can't help it,” Carter said.

“You can come with me, tonight,” Ahkmenrah asked. “Although it's more business than pleasure. I was going to ask the Jedi for some medjay for Kahmunrah and Larry.”

“Okay,” Carter said with a nod, coming along with his uncle.

“I am very grateful that you were returned to me,” Kahmunrah said to Larry. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“You were just the kind person you were when I first met you as Cassim,” Larry said. “And that’s who I always want you to be.”

“I never want you to change, either,” Kahmunrah said. He kissed Larry, smiling as he fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Ahkmenrah was talking with the Jedi.

“Considering the previous night's events, reasonable, your request is,” Yoda said.

“Indeed,” Ahkmenrah said.

“Master Kenobi, Knight Skywalker, and Padawan Tano will be the guards you requested for your brother and his husband,” Mace Windu said.

“Thank you,” Ahkmenrah said. “That gives me some peace of mind.”

America, meanwhile, was on the phone with China after explaining the situation and sending him the results of the tests run on the venom sample America took.

“Since you're the only nation I know who might have actually KNOWN Ancient Egypt, you might know what this venom is,” America concluded his explanation.

“It’s Asp venom specifically from the Egyptian cobra” China says, “not surprising since you said it was used in a fight between two royals. It’s a rather nasty venom deadly in the right doses,it can cause paralysis. I remember even Ancient Egypt had a healthy respect for the animal this venom came from that’s why they were made symbols of power” 

“Symbolism aside, what’s the biggest thing to look out for any lasting side effects?” America asks 

“It can cause heart complications” China explains, “just  look out for that, the man that you say was hit with this venom should take it slow for a while and have a doctor watch him closely. I heard a rumor or two about you…are you going to medical school now?” 

“Yes, Where did you hear that?” America asks

“Your Dad won’t stop talking about it” China says, “he brags about you all the time ‘my son America this’ ‘my son America that’, good for you education is a wonderful endeavor I wish more young nations would take it seriously. And what is this I hear about you dating?” 

“Thanks for the help China, I gotta go” America hangs up quickly before any more questions can be asked, “why is everyone so invested in my love life?” 

Shepseheret sees the young nation and walks over to him, “There you are, America…have you seen Ahkmenrah? I wanted to check on both my boys” 

“He went to go see his brother and then he said something about, Medjay?” America answers, “I don’t know what those are…” 

“Personal guards” Shepseheret explains, “I should have put a stop to this before…they always fought but never like this. Kah has always been the strong and independent one, Mere piled responsibilities on him and he took it all in stride. How did I not see how bad things were becoming between them?” 

“At least you just showed me that you care a whole lot more than your husband does,” America said. “Did you know Merenkahre apparently dipped his dagger in asp venom when he stabbed Kahmunrah?”

“Merenkahre told me when I spoke with him,” Shepseheret said. “To think, he wants Kahmunrah’s husband dead that badly?”

“That husband has a name, you know,” America said. “It's Larry.”

“So that is that hunter's name in his current life?” Shepseheret asked. “I did not even learn it until now.”

“At least you can TRY to make things up to your sons,” America said. “Show them you actually care.”

“You are right,” Shepseheret said. “Thank you, America.”

“It's no problem,” America said. “Glad I can help fix another family's drama.”

“So, your family has problems of their own?” Shepseheret said.

“Literally fought wars against two of them, all three butting into my love life-a bit more extreme than the problems you have with your family, but for nations like me, it's pretty normal,” America explained.

“I see,” Shepseheret said. “Perhaps I should try to talk to Kahmunrah once he recovers.”

“Sure, but make sure he actually WANTS to talk, first,” America said.

Chapter Text

“It's slow, but you're starting to recover nicely,” Dr. Byrd said to Kahmunrah while examining him the following night.

“That's good to hear,” Kahmunrah said. “I think my fever is starting to cool down.”

“I can tell,” Dr. Byrd said. “Your husband tells me you still have the occasional delusion from your fever.”

“I can’t remember all of them” Kahmunrah sits up and instantly feels dizzy

Dr Byrd catches him, “whoa take it easy you’re still very weak, pushing yourself will just make your recovery longer” 

“I’m fine” Kahmunrah objects, “how dare you call me weak, physician, don't you know who I am?” 

“I know you’re my patient” Dr Byrd says, “and I know you’re in a fragile state and nearly everyone is worried about you and nothing but those things matter. You can’t pull rank on me I’m a doctor I’d tell your gods off if given the chance” 

“Yes I’m sure Osiris and Anubis would fear you” Kahmunrah says rolling his eyes, his vision swims a bit and he leans on Dr Byrd, “perhaps I should lay back down…” 

“Uh huh maybe you should” Dr Byrd helps him ease back down onto the bed, “are you feeling up to  having visitors? Your brother and you mother want to see you” 

“My mother?” Kahmunrah sounds shocked, “I-I don’t know if I’m ready to speak to her” 

“Ok so just your brother then” Dr Byrd says and starts to get up, 

“Wait- wait…” Kahmunrah stops him, “I’ll see her as well, send them both in please” 

Dr Byrd nods and leaves the bedroom, “well he’s awake and lucid for now, doesn’t seem to be in any pain just weak and tired” he chuckles “though he is insisting he’s fine and gave me a bit of attitude when I told him to slow down” 

“That’s Kah” Ahkmenrah says shaking his head, “thank you Doctor” 

“No problem” Dr Byrd says, “you can both go see him, just try and keep him calm and keep the visit brief if he starts hullicateing or acting strange call me in I’ll stay nearby”  he steps aside for the pair. 

Shepseheret sits on the edge of the bed, “Kah…I am…I am so sorry” 

“For what mother?” Kahmunrah asks with a huff, “you didn’t stab me” 

“For letting this get so bad, for letting everything get so bad” Shepseheret says in a bit of desperation, “I let your father ruin both of you and I should have stepped in to put a stop to it. I was disappointed when you chose your hunter over any of the arranged marriages we had lined up for you but I never wanted him dead.” 

“You’re forgiven mother” Kahmmunrah says with a sigh, “father is- Ahkmenrah what’s the phrase I’m looking for?” 

“A bit much” Ahkmenrah says, “that would be the most polite way to put it” 

“Yes, that he is…where is he now?” Kahmunrah asks 

“In the basement, under lock down” Ahkmenrah says, “in the security cage, I’ve enlisted the help of some of the Jedi to keep a guard on him…and speaking of guard you now have three Medjay, two of them are accompanying Larry on his rounds tonight. Obi-Wan is posted just downstairs” 

“Good, now we just need to find you a proper guard” Kahmunrah yawns and tries to shake some of weariness out, “and don’t argue with me on this” 

Ahkmenrah chuckles, “well I suppose since you stole my last guard I will need a replacement” 

“That’s right the night guard is mine and don’t you forget that” Kahmunrah says with all the confidence he can muster. 

“Mother Kah stole my medjay” Ahkmenrah mock whines. 

“Don’t whine to mother you child!” Kahmunrah grumbles, “Mother he’s picking on me and I’m sick” 

Shepseheret puts a hand on each of her sons, “Boys…” 

“I know, I know,” Ahkmenrah says with a smile.

“We'll get along,” Kahmunrah said, also with a smile.

“Good,” Shepseheret said, smiling.

Meanwhile, one of the exhibits guarding Merenkahre, a redheaded Scottish princess with wild hair and a bow and arrow set, decides to confront Merenkahre about how he raised Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah.

“You, you’re a piece of work you are” The redheaded princess says. 

“Am I to assume you have something to say about my sons?” Merenkahre gets up from the lone crate in his temporary ‘cell’ “everyone in this place has an opinion, who are you anyway”  

“Merida, and you’re gunna listen to what I have ta say” The princess growls out

“I can barely understand you…and in any event why does everyone seem to think they have any authority over me” Merenkahre growls, “I am the pharaoh, everyone should be listening to me” 

“No yur sons are in charge” Merida fires back, “and given Ahk the throne was yur idea ya never bothered to ask if it’s he wanted, has always been about what you wanted hasn’t it.” she paces back and forth during the argument “all ways telln em what to do what not to do and tryin ta make em, like you” she points her bow at him. “But they’re not gunna be like you and that’s the best thing about them. I only known them for a few days and already I see what you are” 

“Oh and what am I?” Merenkahre asks now agitated and angry, “you’re a child what do you know” 

Merida growls, “Yur a beast!” 

“Am I-” Merenkahre grumbles and grabs at the chainlink of his cell he’s about to say something else when a voice he’s heard thousands of years ago cuts in. 

“Ok that’s enough yelling” Larry says walking down with his jedi guards on either side, “Merida haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘don’t poke the bear’?” 

“Jus had ta get it off my chest” Merida mumbles. 

“What do you want hunter?” Merenkahre crosses his arms, “here to gloat that you’ve escaped my first attempt on your life”

“No” Larry says, “I wanted to let you know that Kah is going to pull through” there’s no reaction from Merenkahre when Larry says this, “Re-really you get news your oldest son is going to be alright and you don’t- ok here’s some news that you might care about then, you’re going to be judged in a few days. Not a full trail no one is going to defend you and you’ve admitted to everything but as soon as Kah is up to it he and Ahk are going to decide your fate” 

“My fate, what exactly might that be?” Merenkahre asks

Larry chuckles a bit, “oh you’ll find this funny cause I do…banishment to long term storage or if it’s possible back to England” 

Merenkahre looks over at Larry “Banishment you must think this is some kind of justice”

“Aye that’s what its called when monsters get what’s commin ta em” Merida chimes in. 

“Down Merida” Larry says “I got this” 

“You marry into power and then you act like you’re someone that matters” Merenkahre growls, “you still a poor village hunter” 

“Yep he’s way too far gone…listen I was willing to try” Larry sighs, “you’re at the mercy of your sons, and Merida for the rest of the night” Larry turns to the redhead, “all yours” 

“This seems like some form of physiological torture” Anakin comments as he and Ashoka walk away with Larry. 

“After what I’ve been through worrying about Kah” Larry starts, “it’s fair play” 

You’re being better than me Connor says hey Lar…do me a favor look up something on your phone real quick

“Why what am I looking up” Larry takes out his phone. 

Just a thing I was thinking about, look up Merlin Pendragon wanted poster Connor says, just trust me 

Larry does as Connor asks and brings up a link to an article posted by the juvenile authority in conjunction with the FBI, “ok it’s a wanted poster for some guy on a vintage motorcycle, dam this is a long list of charges” Larry comments. 

Look at the guy’s face Connor says, Look familiar?

Larry zooms in on the man’s face, his hair is bleach blonde, one eye is brown while the other is green and there’s a small scar under his left eye but his face looks an awful lot like a doctor Larry has seen before, “he kinda looks like Dr Byrd” 

“He looks exactly like Dr Byrd” Ashoka comments looking over Larry’s shoulder, “they could be related maybe?” 

Merlin Pendragon was, probably still is, working with the ADR Connor says He was trying to help a bunch of the kids in the graveyard he hid AWOLs in motorcycle gangs, I think he is Dr Byrd. 

“I donno Connor Dr Byrd as a rebel” Larry holds the phone up comparing the photo on the wanted poster to the man now walking toward him, “I don’t see it, I mean his nose is the same but that’s about it” 

“Evening Mr Daley” Dr Byrd waves, “your husband’s doing well, his mother’s looking after him.” 

“That’s great, thanks Dr Byrd” Larry looks down at his phone, “hey weird question do you know this guy?” Larry shows him the wanted poster, “I mean he kinda looks like you”

Dr Byrd shakes his head, “Nope can’t say he looks familiar..woha 5 counts of theft of government property, multiple counts of aiding and facilitating the escape of AWOL unwinds, theft of personal watercraft, assault with deadly weapon, illegal use of state park property, dumping in a state park, falsifying medical records, carrying across state lines without a valid permit, multiple attacks with intent to harm officers of juvenile authority, destruction of police property, disrupting the peace, speeding on state roads, speeding on county roads, speeding on city roads, harboring AWOLs, transporting minors without parental consent, conspiring with radical groups, failure to appear in court, failure to file taxes, failure to pay taxes,operating aircraft without a license, practicing medicine while unlicensed…that’s a long list of charges I hope this guy isn’t still on the loose” 

“I don’t know” Anakin comments, “I’d like to meet this guy he sounds like fun” 

“Connor was convinced this is you” Larry says, “I don’t see it and I don’t see you doing any of this stuff” 

Dr Byrd shrugs, “I do have one of those faces, I used to have a bike, not one quite as nice as this one. I don’t ride anymore. Anyway” he pats Larry’s shoulder “I’ll be around if you need me” 

Larry heads back up to the apartment leaving Anakin and Ashoka to catch up with Obi-Wan. Ahkmenrah is making tea in the kitchen and Larry can hear soft singing coming from the bedroom. “Is your mom in there, singing to Kah?” Larry asks 

“Yes,” Ahkmenrah said. “She always sings to us both whenever we are ill. It was one of the few ways she showed us that she cares. Larry walks inside to see Shepseheret singing to Kahmunrah.

“Larry,” Kahmunrah said, smiling warmly.

“Hi,” Larry said, kissing Kahmunrah on the cheek. “I just wanted to check on you.”

“He is well,” Shepseheret said, smiling gently. “Well, as well as he could be, given the circumstances.”

“He has been hallucinating,” Ahkmenrah said, walking in with the tea. “Thankfully, though, not as much as before.”

“How have you been?” Kahmunrah said.

“Alright, for the most part,” Larry said.

“You spoke to my father, I presume?” Kahmunrah asked. 

“Just to let him know that you and Ahk will decide his fate once you’re well enough,” Larry told Kahmunrah.

“I should be calm enough to think rationally by then,” Kahmunrah said. “Because right now, I want to kill him for what he tried to do to you.”

“I’ll pretend that’s the fever talking,” Larry said with a smile. He took Kahmunrah’s hand. “But I’m glad that you’re doing better than before.”

“But it will still be a long time before I recover,” Kahmunrah pointed out.

“I know,” Larry said, touching Kahmunrah’s forehead. “Your fever is still high.”

“I know,” Kahmunrah said with a sigh. “Please stay with me?”

“Of course,” Larry said. “We can watch a movie.”

“I’d like that,” Kahmunrah said.

Chapter Text

The following night, Dr. Byrd decided to help America with his medical school education by enlisting his help with examining Kahmunrah.

“Well, his fever’s down,” America told Dr. Byrd. “But it’s only by a couple degrees, so I’m pretty sure Kah’s brain is cooking inside his skull.”

“We’ve been working hard to keep Kahmunrah’s fever down,” Larry said, putting a damp washcloth on Kahmunrah’s forehead.

“I admit, some patients heal slower than others,” Dr. Byrd said.

“And that’s what worries me,” Ahkmenrah said. “When Kahmunrah and I first lived, illness took our lives.”

“And both were caused by a high fever,” Kahmunrah added.

“Unfortunately, illness was a cause of high mortality rates in ancient times,” Dr. Byrd said.

“Out of curiosity, do you remember any other symptoms of the illnesses that took your lives?” America asked both brothers. “It might help Dr. Byrd and I at least theorize on what illnesses killed you two.”

Kahmunrah groans, “It’s hard to remember much, I do recall not being able to keep any food down and not being able to breathe” 

“ Any coughing or chest pain?” Dr Bryd asks, “what about sores?” 

“No sores” Kahmunrah sits up with some effort, “there were some severely ill that were covered in sores they were kept in their own settlement sometimes the priests would go to help them. We were never allowed there mother said it was too dangerous” 

“Ok not leprosy” America says, “but the coughing and chest pains?” 

Ahkmenrah nods, “and throwing up blood…I stopped eating..I don’t like thinking about this” 

“I know and I’m sorry you two have to relive this but if we’re going to be taking care of you knowing some of your medical history is important” Dr Bryd says, then turns to America, “ok what are you thinking, remember there are a lot of questions not just about the symptoms you could ask to get important information”  

America looks like he’s thinking, “coughing, chest pains, fever, loss of appetite…that fits a lot of illnesses” 

“Yes they do” Dr Bryd prompts, “start asking questions go on…” 

“Are we some sort of test for him?” Kahmunrah grumbles 

“What was the air flow like in the palace?” America asks, “did the people working in the palace get sick a lot?”

Ahkmenrah thinks for a moment, “The air was often stale and some of the older servants would get sick a lot” 

“Ahk was sick a great deal when he was little” Kahmunrah comments, “he ducked and dodged Osiris’ grasp for the first four years of his life. I spent a lot more time outside in the gardens when I was young. I didn't get sick quite as much as my brother.”

“So what’s that sound like to you” Dr Bryd looks over at America, “Bad air flow in conjunction with all those symptoms” 

“Tuberculosis?” America asks, looking at Dr Bryd, “bacteria based maybe”

“Very good”Dr Bryd says  

“So, it was tuberculosis that got you guys the first time around,” Larry said.

“In theory,” Dr. Byrd said. “Unfortunately, there might be no way to test that theory, now.”

“Well, how long can tuberculosis last after death?” Larry asked.

“36 days,” America said.

“Exactly,” Dr. Byrd said with a nod. “And obviously, a LOT of time has passed since then.”

“So, your theory will always remain as precisely that: a theory?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Dr. Byrd said. “While it was out of curiosity and to get an idea of your medical history, this was also to test Mr. America on what he learned in medical school, so far. And he passed with flying colors.”

“Normally, the next step would be to test the patient after hearing the symptoms, but we obviously can't do that with you two for multiple reasons,” America said. “So, let's focus on treating Kahmunrah’s current illness.”

Meanwhile, Doc Brown was doing some eqations while Marty was playing his guitar. “So, did you hear who's coming here, soon?” Doc asked.

“Yeah, my dad,” Marty said. He looked sad. “We both thought I would outlive him, not the other way around.”

“He was devastated by the news of your death,” Doc said. “We all were.”

“I heard that you died a few months after I did from a heart attack,” Marty said.

“That I did” Doc Brown confirms, “don’t like thinking about that…you don’t think all the exhibits based on historical figures remember their deaths do you?” 

“I donno” Marty adjusts the strings on his guitar, “seems like a morbid thing to ask about” 

Frankie walks by the pair looking nervously over his shoulder. 

“Frankie! Hey bud you doing ok?” Marty asks

“Ye-yeah” Frankie scrunches in on himself a bit, “I’m just kinda…avoiding the doctors. Everyone else is hanging out in the Star Wars exhibit and I- I just can’t. It’s right across from the medical exhibit and Dr. Murray, Dr Folk and Dr Bryd are all really nice but…one of them took out some bottle of something and the smell made me-” Frankie holds his hands out like he wants to say something but can’t, “ Can I just stay here with you guys tonight? I don’t know how to explain this to Teddy” 

“You’re welcome here any time my boy” Doc Brown says, “I can’t promise we’ll always be good company…”

“Ah come on, this is a good excuse to get off the slightly morbid topic we were just on” Marty says, “hey Frankie you can sing right, we can practice together it’ll get our minds off things” 

“Yeah” Frankie lets out a shaky sigh, “that sounds good” 

With Jedediah and Octavius, they were having dinner.

“I still can't believe that there was an attempted murder in thus here museum, let alone the fact that Gigantor was the target,” Jedediah said.

“Or that Kahmunrah risked his life to protect Larry,” Octavius said. “It is fortunate that both are still alive.”

“Kahmunrah sure is a changed man, I can give him that much,” Jedediah said, eating another bite of his meal. “But good news is, I hear he's gonna be okay.”

“Thank heavens for that,” Octavius said.

Meanwhile, Merenkahre was plotting. He will become the king of this museum and put that wretched hunter to death. But how? He thought and thought. He only has until Kahmunrah recovers, and while that recovery seems to be very slow, it is still happening bit by bit. But perhaps he can sway some of the exhibits over to his side. But who? Unfortunately, there weren't many candidates.

“Here is your food,” the same guard as the previous night, that damned princess Merida, said.

“Thank you,” Merenkahre said simply, eating his meal. Then he sees an elderly woman in a red dress. “Hello? Who are you?”

“Alma Madrigal,” the woman said. “I am looking for my family. I seem to be losing control over them.”

“Perhaps we can help each other,” Merenkahre said. “I have lost control over my son's. If you help me regain control over them, I can help you regain control of your family.”

“Your highness, I agree to your terms,” Alma said.

Merenkahre nods, “Good, it’s about time someone said that. We have limited time and will need to work in the shadows…I know where to start.” 

“Where would that be?” Alma asks 

“Your family seems to be looking toward my sons for aid” Merenkahre, “seeds of distrust grow quickly if we convince them an alliance is dangerous for either side-” 

“-they will have no choice but to turn back to us for guidance” Alma finishes, “I see, if they only realized the sacrifices and hard work we’ve both put in” 

“Don't worry they will” Merenkahre says, “you start on your work I’ll get to mine” 

“Wonderful,” Alma said as she left. Merenkahre smiled to himself. Yes…he’ll be rid of that hunter once and for all.

“How are you feeling?” Larry asked Kahmunrah as soon as he walked in the bedroom.

“A tad better,” Kahmunrah replied. “I think I’m starting to recover nicely.”

“That’s good to hear,” Larry said as he kissed Kahmunrah on the forehead. “The rest of Mirabel’s family is here.”

“Is that so?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Yeah, but I have a bad feeling about Mirabel’s grandmother,” Larry said. “She doesn’t seem to even regret making Mirabel’s parents sign her unwind order at all.”

“Then she must not be a very good matriarch,” Kahmunrah said. “I should have a talk with her when I recover.”

“Yeah, that would be best,” Larry said, getting into bed with Kahmunrah. “But I still have my suspicions about her.”

“What’s the worst that can happen?” Kahmunrah asked, cuddling Larry.

Chapter Text

“Mr. America! There you are!” Mandy said the following day. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you! We were running tests on the Egyptian royal family’s medical history with new forensic technology!”

“And?” America asked.

“It turns out that Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah died from the same disease: tuberculosis!” Mandy said.

“Really? That new tech was able to figure that out?” America asked, hiding his surprise that he was exactly right on how Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah died. “How did it do that? Did it pinpoint the exact time that they died?”

“Not an exact time” Mandy says “but through some old MRI scans that were taken back when Ahkmenrah was at Cambrige and recent tests on Kahmunrah when he was at the Smithsonian.” She flips through a file that had been tucked under her arm, “I ran quite a few tests on the brothers when they were at the Smithsonian a few months ago. The living exhibit that came with them-”

“Frankie” America corrects her “his name is Frankie” 

“Oh right right” Mandy says “I forgot he has a name…well he was very protective of the royal siblings, he stayed with me during each test and scan. And he would not let anyone near the tablet after the second night we had all the New York exhibits” she hands the file over, “but you can take a look for yourself, they both have scarring on their lungs consistent with TB. Kahmunrah looks like he has more signs of old injuries but better muscle mass. I imagine in life he was quite athletic, there are a few things that are concerning” Mandy points to one of the scans. 

A full body scan of Kahmunrah shows a large scar right over where his heart should be. “Isn't this a normal scar from the mummification process?” America asks 

“Not this one” Mandy says “ tuberculosis is painful even in the modern day, in an age without painkillers and antibiotics…” Mandy shivers “I think Kahmunrah was mercy killed…” 

“He was the last of the family to die” America says “he would have been alone while he was sick and suffering…” America closes the file and tucks it under his arm. “Thank you for all this” 

“You're welcome,” Mandy says with a grin “they're such an interesting family, it's wonderful to have them all together. It's still a shame I never found the hunter Cassim's remains how nice would it have been for him to be reunited with this sun prince” 

“You're really into that book” America comments

“I spent years translating it. You should read the sun prince and the hunter it's a beautifully tragic love story” Mandy says with a dreamy sigh “a simple hunter raising his son alone and then he saves a prince and it's love at first sight, I remember one of the lines from Buyak's writings 'my father compared him to the sun the light in all this life, giving and warm our banishment broke him. My father would cry in the night when he thought I couldn't hear and beg the gods the give him back his sun’ absolutely heartbreaking” 

“Well they're together in some afterlife now” America says with a knowing smile. 

That night Kahmunrah is attempting to get out of bed still dressed in just a loincloth and manages a few wobbly steps from the bedroom to the kitchen. “Whoa!” Larry catches him “Kah you are not supposed to be walking yet” 

Kahmunrah sits at the table “I'm fine “ he protests “help me get dressed i am accompying you on your rounds tonight” 

“Um no you're not” Larry says firmly

“Did you just tell me 'no’ “ Kahmunrah looks a little angry “how dare-” 

“Yeah, yeah, you're pharaoh” Larry points at him “I'm your husband and I said get back in bed” 

“ I'm fine” Kahmunrah growls 

“Ok then” Larry sits across the table from Kahmunrah and puts his arm on the table, “arm wrestle me then. If you win then I'll believe you're strong enough to be up and walking around, deal?” 

“Fine” Kahmunrah sits his own arm and grips Larry's hand. 

Larry nods “ok 1..2..3” Larry instantly pins Kahmunrah's arm. “Look at that…get back in bed”

“...Fine,” Kahmunrah grumbled. “But you had better come in with me after your rounds.”

“Of course,” Larry said with a smile. America walked into the room.

“Oh, America,” Kahmunrah said. “Are you here to check on me?”

“That,” America said, “and to talk with you about something.”

“What about?” Kahmunrah said.

“Well, some new testing methods confirmed that you and Ahk did have tuberculosis at the end of your lives,” America said. “While Ahk’s did, in fact, kill him, I’m not so convinced with you.”

“What do you mean?” Larry asked, looking at America and Kahmunrah.

“Did you ever wonder where that scar on Kah’s chest came from?” America asked, pointing at the aforementioned scar.

“Actually, I did wonder,” Larry said. “I just thought it was too personal to ask.”

“As you yourself have said earlier, Larry, you are my husband,” Kahmunrah said. “And we have known and loved each other in both of your lifetimes. There is nothing too personal for you to ask about me.”

“Well, in that case, how did you get that scar on your chest,” Larry asked. “Did someone assasinate you?”

“Not assassinate,” Kahmunrah said. “Mercy kill.”

“That expert from the Smithsonian thought as much,” America said.

Kahmunrah scratches at the old scar, “I haven’t thought about this for a long time…I fell ill last and I hid the illness for a long time but there was a point where the pain was so great I couldn’t hide it any more. I was alone, my most loyal soldier Amon was the only company I had. The priests knew I was dying and could do nothing to save me, I was alone and in pain. I asked Amon to help me one last time and being the loyal soldier he was…” Kahmunrah points to his scar, “He did it…that poor soul was my last friend and I repaid his undying loyalty with such a burden. At least I can do better for him now.”

“What do you mean by that?” Larry asks, “wait he’s been reincarnated too” 

“Yes and I have my suspicions on who he is now” Kahmunrah says,”but I don’t want to tell him, I don’t want to make him remember his old life he’s already been through so much” 

“You won’t even tell me…Kah this won’t leave this room” Larry assures him 

“It’s Franklin,” Kahmunrah says, “do not tell anyone. Especially him”    

“...Frankie?” Larry asked. “He was the soldier who mercy killed you?”

“...Yes, he was,” Kahmunrah said. “And you should not tell him, the last thing I need is for my death to be on his conscience.”

“We won’t,” Larry said. “I promise.”

“Same,” America said.

“...Does it count as a broken promise if I wasn’t even aware it was being made?” a nervous voice asked. Everyone looked at Ahkmenrah, standing nervously at the kitchen entrance.

“...Ahkmenrah,” Kahmunrah said, sounding like he’s trying to hold back his temper. “...what did you do?”

“...I might have given Frankie his memories of his past life back after he asked me too,” Ahkmenrah said guiltily. “I didn’t even know that you already knew, let alone the fact that you didn’t want Frankie to know. I’m sorry.”

“Well, ‘sorry’ cannot undo what you have done, can it?” Kahmunrah said. “Hasn’t the poor boy suffered already without your interference?”

“He has,” Ahkmenrah acknowledged. “But I didn’t know who he was until after the fact.”

“Does he remember mercy killing me?” Kahmunrah asked. Ahkmenrah then found himself staring at the floor in silence. “He does, doesn’t he?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Yes,” Ahkmenrah said, still looking at the floor. “He has been in Larry’s office ever since then.”

“Is there any way to undo the process?” America asked.

“No,” Ahkmenrah replied. “Once one regains memories of their past life, they can never forget them, again.”

“Which is why I am very angry at you, right now,” Kahmunrah said. “Do you have any idea of the mental damage you have caused Frankie?”

“That is the worst part: I don’t,” Ahkmenrah said. “I know that I cannot undo the damage even if I apologize a thousand times, but I will try to make it right.”

“You better,” Kahmunrah said weakly.

“I guess that argument took a lot out of you,” America said. “I was planning on examining you, anyway, once Dr. Byrd gets here.”

“Why do you need Dr. Byrd’s supervision to examine me?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Because I’m still a student,” America said. “Meaning that I’m still learning the ins and outs of being a doctor.”

Show America the wanted poster Connor says

“No Connor, you’re crazy there’s no way that biker is Dr Byrd” Larry objects 

I’m telling you it’s him, Connor insists I’ll prove it ask Dr. Bryd if he remembers how he died if he can’t then he’s still alive right? Historic exhibits should be able to remember their entire lives but if he can’t that means something 

“One giant revelation at a time” Larry says and turns when he hears a knock at the door, “oh hey Dr Bryd we were just talking about you” 

“Good things I hope?” Dr Bryd follows Larry up the stairs, “how’s our most stubborn royal patient?” 

Kahmunrah grunts and rubs his temple, “headache…” 

“And you’re out of bed” Dr Bryd jams his hands in his pockets, “who said you were allowed out of bed?” 

Kahmunrah sighs and grabs Dr Bryd’s hand when he offers it to help him stand and leans on the doctor as he’s led back into the bedroom. “Ok let’s take a look” Dr Bryd starts after helping Kahmunrah back in bed, “America you take the lead here”

“The fever is the thing we’ve been monitoring the most…” America starts examining a tried and mildly grumpy Kahmunrah with Dr Bryd’s guidance. The fever has finally broken and Kahmurah’s stab wound is still free of infection. “Just looks like general weakness and fatigue,” America says. 

“Hum..aren’t you forgetting something?” Dr Bryd asks, “you asked about the lasting effects of the venom didn’t you…” 

“A possible heart condition” America thinks for a minute, “wait would you still have a heart? Isn’t that removed as part of mummification…keep forgetting that’s what you really are” 

“My sacred organs are restored to my body by the tablet’s magic” Kahmunrah grumbles, “I still have my heart” 

“Then you better check that” Dr Bryd takes the stethoscope looped around his neck and hands it to America. The exam wraps up with no bad news, but America makes notes as instructed and Dr Bryd praises his work, “Good, now we know what to follow up on tomorrow night. Kahmunrah you need to stay in bed tonight and get rest” 

“Yes physician” Kahmunrah sighs and relaxes back into the pillows with a tired groan. 

America adds his notes to the file Mandy gave him and walks back to the kitchen with Dr Byrd, “He’s doing well” America says, “feaver’s finally gone now it’s just fighting the exhaustion, so more bed rest…his heart sounds normal but we should still keep an eye on it” 

“One more thing” Dr Bryd adds, “when he starts walking around again I recommend a cane for the first few days” 

“That’s going to go over well” Ahkmenrah says “I can just imagine ‘I don’t need a cane this will make me look weak’ “ 

“I can hear you mocking me!” Kahmunrah yells from the bedroom 

Larry chuckles, “I’m way ahead of you” He pulls a dark metal cane from a bag hanging on the back of his chair. The cane is mostly black with gold accents on the bottom and a gold jackal head at the top, “I saw this in a pawn shop and remembered you said Kah would be wobbly for a bit after he recovers” 

Ask him Connor mently pokes Larry

Dr Bryd and America start going over the contents of the file Mandy had handed over. Larry shakes his head there’s no way this calm and reserved man in the rebel with a mile long list of charges but Connor won’t leave it alone. “Hey Dr Byrd, how much of your life do you remember?” Larry asks 

“Hum? Well I remember my childhood, growing up in Baltimore my first girlfriend in highschool…summers with my grandfather in Myrtle beach, then collage meeting Roberta and working in Hopkins” he scowls a bit, “you know I’ve been on antidepressants since I was seventeen but I haven’t needed them since I’ve been here” he shrugs, “anyway that’s all I remember, I guess the ‘real’ version of me must still be alive? Is that how this works?” 

“Pretty much,” Ahkmenrah said with a shrug.

“Then is there anything I’m missing?” Dr. Byrd asked.

“Let me explain,” Connor said, taking over.

Chapter Text

“Franklin, are you alright, in there?” Teddy called out from his side of Larry’s office door.

“No,” Frankie said. “I just found out that I killed Uncle Kah in my past life.”

“From what I heard, it was because he asked you to,” Sacagawea said.

“It doesn’t matter the reason,” Frankie said. “I’m still the person who killed Uncle Kah.”

“Perhaps I should speak with him,” an additional voice said. Everyone turned around to notice Kahmunrah, holding onto a cane with Larry by his side, once again wearing his tunic and crown.

“Perhaps you are the only person Frankie will listen to,” Sacagawea said, moving out of the way with Teddy so that Kahmunrah can talk to the composite boy.

“Frankie, it’s me, Kahmunrah,” Kahmunrah said after gently knocking on the door.

The only response is a quiet whimper and the soft click of the door unlocking. Kahmunrah nudges the door open a crack and sees Frankie sitting with his legs pulled up to his chest, back against the wall and tucked in a corner. 

“May I come in?” Kahmunrah asks softly. Frankie just nods and whimpers again. Kahmunrah reaches down and pats the top of Frankie’s head, “my most loyal soldier, my sweet Amon. I am so sorry” 

Frankie has a hitch in his breath and stands up to throw his arms around Kahmunrah in a tight hug, and starts to cry. 

Kahmunrah wraps the composite boy in a hug and lets him cry until he’s out of breath and coughs. “Alright, alright now” Kahmunrah steps back and starts to help wipe some of the tears out of Frankie’s eyes, “Come on, where’s my fearless general? Bring me back the young man that helped command an army to stop a threat to our new home nation, the one who sat on a giant’s shoulder and convinced a world leader to consider the humanity in every teenager that’s been tossed aside” Kahmunrah nudges Frankie’s chin up, “where’s the young Roosevelt?” 

Frankie sniffles, “Why does every past memory hurt?” he starts to tear up again, “I started having dreams and thought it would lead to something good and now…this just hurts, just like my memories from this life..the ones that aren’t really mine. Why does my past hurt?” 

Kahmunrah pulls Frankie in for another hug and lets Frankie tuck his head under his chin. “The past is often painful, but you are stronger than that pain.” Kahmunrah leans down and touches his forehead with Frankie’s “do you know what this means? There are no doubts that you have a soul, and no one can question if you are human” 

“Can’t be reincarnated without a soul” Frankie says softly 

“Exactly” Kahmunrah says, “Do you remember riding out with the army after you had taught your horse to dance, you spun that creature around and started singing” 

Frankie chuckles and rubs one of his eyes with the heel of his hand, “and the rest of the soldiers started singing with me, it was the first time I saw you smile” 

“You always tried to lift the spirts of everyone around you” Kahmunrah says, “you were, you still are the most fearless, and loyal warrior I’ve ever known.I am sorry I repaid that loyalty with such a heavy burden you were all I had left” Kahmunrah helps Frankie finish clear away his tears, “you spared me a great deal of pain, you sent me back to my Cassim and my brother.” 

“You’re not mad uncle Kah?” Frankie asks

“No my dear boy I am not” Kahmunrah shakes his head, “not at you, I’m a little mad at Ahkmenrah” he sighs, “but that will pass” he nudges Frankie toward Teddy and Sacagawea, “go your family is worried about you” 

Frankie cuddles up to Sacagawea and hugs her, “I’m tired…” Frankie says. 

Sacagawea hugs him, “we’ll go find you a quiet spot to take a nap, I know some stories and songs from when I was little that you might like” 

Teddy pats Frankie’s shoulder and turns to smile and nod at Larry and Kahmunrah as they walk off. 

“Wow Kah” Larry says, “seeing you be that caring…it’s nice to know there was someone for you in the…well” 

“You can say it, in the end” Kahmunrah says leaning on his cane

“I know,” Larry said with a sigh. “I just know how personal and sensitive memories about death are,” Larry said. “I remember when I died as Cassim. I told Buyak that in a perfect world, he would also be my son by blood, and that you would always be here with me.”

“Perhaps that is why the gods decided you should be reborn,” Kahmunrah theorized. “To give you that perfect world that you had longed for at your first death.”

“Maybe,” Larry said, rubbing the spot behind Kahmunrah’s jaw. “At least we’re finally together, again.”

“Exactly,” Kahmunrah said. “So, let us enjoy every moment we have together.

Meanwhile, America fell asleep while he was studying. He didn’t mean to. He bought a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop on the way to the museum. But it was when he fell asleep when the strange dreams began, again. In one dream, he introduced himself to Ahkmenrah, saying (and then proving) that he is the strongest soldier in all of his troops. Ahkmenrah looked at him, impressed, with another emotion in his face that America can’t quite name. In another dream, America confessed to Ahkmenrah that he is falling in love with him, to which Ahkmenrah told him that their relationship must be kept secret. When America asked Ahkmenrah why, the pharaoh said that he didn’t want to talk about it, only that it was an incident that broke his brother’s heart. America honored his request. It was the final dream before he woke up that was the most tragic. He heard from his fellow soldiers that Ahkmenrah had fallen ill. When he asked how Ahkmenrah is feeling, he felt his heart break in half when one soldier told him that Ahkmenrah had died from his illness. When he opened his eyes, America went looking for Ahkmenrah.

“Hey, Ahk? I have a question,” America said.

“Of course, America,” Ahkmenrah said. “What do you need to ask?”

“Did you date anyone before me?” America asked.

“Wh-where is this question coming from?” Ahkmenrah asks nervously

“I was open with you about my past realtionship” America says “I just wanna know” 

“There was someone, a young soldier named Tamos” Ahkmenrah says quietly, “we were not together long” 

“Is this something you're ok talking about” America asks “I don't want to push too much” 

“No it's fine, I kept my relationship with Tamos hidden” Ahkmenrah says “I was afraid my advisors would find out and he would be sent away like-” 

“Cassim…You were afraid of having your heart broken like your brother” America says, “say his name again” 

“Tamos” Ahkmenrah repeated, with his voice America feels a familiar comfort in the name, one of the sweetest sounds he’s ever heard. There are flashes of some far off memory of the young pharaoh saying that name with a smile only he has seen. 

“How do you know if someone has had a past life?” America asks.

Ahkmenrah thinks for a moment, “With Larry the first indication was the dreams he had that were not from Connor…have you..” he hesitates, “do not give me false hope…” 

“I don't know what the dreams I had mean…but if they do mean something” America takes Ahkmenrah's hands, “we deserve that chance” Ahkmenrah nods, leading America to the tablet, their hands still connected, only letting go to perform the ritual. When America regained consciousness a while later, he remembers everything about his past life as Tamos.

Okay…that is a lot of new memories I need to sort out, Mirabel said.

“More like old memories,” America corrected, rubbing his head.

“How do you feel?” Ahkmenrah asked, kneeling beside America and looking at him in concern.

“Like I hit myself with my own sword all over again,” America said with a groan.

“It worked!” Ahkmenrah said with a wide grin. “You were really Tamos!”

“Yeah, I was,” America said, rubbing his head.

I'll uh…keep myself busy sorting these old-new memories out, Mirabel informed America.

“Thanks,” America said.

“I still cannot believe that you hit yourself with your own sword the first time around!” Ahkmenrah said.

“Well, it was my own fault for being stupid while showing off,” America said, before looking a combination of serious and sad. “I got that note you had that servant of yours give me after you died,” America said. “It was right after I heard the news, in fact.”

“I was afraid that you wouldn't,” Ahkmenrah said. “I knew that I really would die, back then, and I wanted to give you some final words of comfort until we can see each other again in the afterlife.” Ahkmenrah sighed. “I was right. As soon as that servant left with the note, I breathed my last.”

“I wish I could have been with you” America pulls Ahkmenrah close, “it broke me to think about you being alone” 

Awww Miarbel comments oh ignore me, just enjoying the cute memories and what’s going on now, you two are adorable by the way 

“Ahkmenrah I have a few choice words for you-” Kahmunrah growls and stops when he sees his little brother cuddled close to America, “-feh never mind…” he turns and starts off in another direction, “Mother, I have something to tell you” 

Larry along with Anakin and Ashoka trail after him. “How is he faster with a cane?” Larry asks, “Kah wait up!” 

Shepseheret, is with the four AWOL teens watching some news broadcast. “Oh Kahmunrah you’re walking around, that’s wonderful dear” 

“Mother I’ve been meaning to tell you something…” Kahmunrah, “I’m not interested in women and I never was, I’m…Carter what’s the word for it now?” 

“Gay, Dad” Carter says leaning back, “and you’re coming out now?” 

“Better late than never” James comments, not looking away from the TV. 

“I know dear” Shepseheret says and pats Kahmunrah’s cheek 

“Wait, why did you still try to set me up with all those women then?” Kahmunrah asks

“They were arranged marriages” Shepseheret explains, “it was all to make political alliances and so you could produce an heir” she sighs, “well hardly matters now, and I do like the little family you’ve managed to build here” 

“Holy cow guys look” Bethany smacks Carter to get his attention. 

“Ow” Carter swats her hand away, “I’m watching stop hitting me”

The news footage shows footage of a group of bikers leading New York police on a high speed chase after an attack on one of the last harvest camps open in the city. Governor king comes on screen and instantly everyone boos and throws popcorn or chips whatever snacks they were eating, “-the reward for anyone of the Pendragon gang is now raised to thirty thousand and triple that for their leader Merlin, they are not revolutionaries these people are a criminal menace intent on destroying everything no better than the roving gangs of feral teens.” 

“Your old dad sucks” Jane says to Carter

“I know,” Carter said.

The next day, America was met by Mandy, again.

“Ms. Sanders,” America said. “I guess you found some more stuff on the Egyptian royal family?”

“I did,” Mandy said with an excited nod. “I found a collection of letters between Ahkmenrah and his lover, a soldier named Tamos!”

“Oh, really?” America said.

“Yes!” Mandy said. “And the last letter Ahkmenrah sent to Tamos are believed to be his final written words. I spent weeks translating every single letter. Oh, they're so romantic!”

“Yeah, I bet they are,” America said, hiding the fact that he remembers those letters from his previous life as Tamos. 

“‘Oh, how my heart flies like Horus's wings whenever I hear from you,’ that is one of my favorite lines from Ahkmenrah’s earlier letters to Tamos. But the last letter is the most tragic,” Mandy said.

“What did it say?” America asked, hiding the fact that he already knows what that letter said, his previous life practically memorizing it after reading it countless times.

“Oh are you sure?” Mandy goes over the scan of the last letter “ wait here it is, ‘I fear this is my last letter to you, what I wouldn’t give to have one more stolen night and one more kiss. You have made my heart lighter, a bright guiding star in my endless night. The field of reeds will be no paradise without you, it’s where I’ll be waiting for you’ it’s so sad.” she sighs, “what it would be like to talk to them…the heartbreaking stories. I could write another book with all these letters but it somehow feels wrong”  

“Yeah…” America looks a little sad. “If you find anything else could you let me know?” 

“Oh of course” Mandy says, “I've been working toward finding the family's old palace so far the only leads are that it's in Memphis.”

“There's a Memphis in Egypt?” America asks

“It's the old capital” Mandy explains, “I just need to come up with plan to send to the bord so I can get the funding for the expedition, maybe if I go though the letters and Buyak's writings again i'll find something” 

“Good luck with that,” America said with a smile. As Mandy left, America sighed, feeling the pain of Ahkmenrah’s death all over, again.

“At least he comes back to life every night,” America said to himself as he left for class.

Chapter Text

Frankie has spent most of the morning trying and failing at sleep, if it’s not the dreams from the many unwinds he’s made of it’s Amon’s memories. Why did he ask for Ahkmenrah’s help again? He gets up to pace again and tries not to make too much noise so he won’t wake Carter and James. He tries to focus on memories that are truly his but he’s only got four years worth and only a little under two years worth are any good. He replays the conversation with his name sake, meeting Marty, convincing Odysseus to help, Amelia standing side by side, being perched on Liniclon’s shoulder. Protecting the brother pharaohs and the tablet while they were being tested and looked over at the Smithsonian. 

Idle thoughts drift through, what’s he going to do once unwinding is truly over? James, Jane, Bethany and Carter have all said they’re staying but they could get jobs and apartments nearby, they’ll be legally adults soon, in another year give or take a few months. They’ll be legally human, what will he be? Frankie grabs his hat and jacket of his cavalry uniform and his museum staff badge with his name and the title ‘living exhibit’ and heads up stairs. If he can’t sleep he’ll walk around and get some exercise, maybe talk to Dr. McPhee if he’s there. Is it too early to wake up Larry and Nick? 

The museum has a small crowd of guests milling around, they all avoid eye contact with him and pretend he’s not even there. A few little kids stare but look away quickly when he waves. “The 3000 year old mummies and people made of plastic and wax look me in the eye” Frankie mutters under his breath, “I’m human dammit!” he grumbles through gritted teeth. 

“Well you’re up early” Dr. McPhee comments, “Basement too drafty today?” he leans in, “or are the others down there snoring too loudly?” 

Frankie hesitates, “uh…” 

“Oh come on, I’m not completely stupid” Dr. McPhee says, “I know there’s been other teens hiding down there with you, just haven’t said anything because they haven’t caused any harm, plus the museum’s cleaned every night I know you’re not doing that by yourself, I won’t say anything” he taps the side of his nose, “mum’s the word” 

“Thank you Dr. McPhee” Frankie says and looks out at the people who won’t even acknowledge his existence with a pained expression, “I couldn't sleep too much on my mind” 

“Yes, you do strike me as a ‘still waters run deep’ sort” Dr. McPhee says, watching the expression on Frankie’s face. “You know when Larry told me about you and I had to figure out just how to explain you to…well everyone, the board the Smithonian I thought about that day you were here with Roberta setting up the PC 'exhibit’ you kept hiding your face and barely spoke” Dr. McPhee looks out at the museum crowd, “I notice you speak better now and you don’t hide your face and you know I don’t think you should hide” he turns to Frankie, “You know sometimes the best way to accepted is to be right in everyone’s face about who you are” 

“Wouldn’t that be kinda annoying?” Frankie says 

“Maybe, but you’ll be seen if people can’t look away” Dr. McPhee sighs, “it’s a hard thing to be honest and open but it’s freeing” 

Frankie lets out a thoughtful, ‘hum’ and mutters something under his breath, “Hey Dr. McPhee, how would you feel about live performances in the museum?” 

“What did you have in mind?” Dr. McPhee leads Frankie to his office.

“I was thinking that I can sing for the guests,” Frankie said. “But that's not all.”

“Oh?” Dr. McPhee said.

“We may have to talk to Larry, Nick, and America, but what if we set up an interactive exhibit on the Egyptian royal family’s lives every night?” Frankie asked. “I can be a part of it, too. Guests can ask questions, we'd get to be in costume, and everything.”

“As long as Mr. America and the Daleys agree, I'm all for it,” Dr. McPhee said. “Any roles in mind?”

Frankie hands Dr. McPhee a list. “I can be Kahmunrah’s most loyal soldier, Amon,” Frankie explained. “Mr. America can be Ahkmenrah's secret lover, Tamos. Larry can be Kahmunrah's lover Cassim, and Nick can be Cassim's son, Buyak.”

“That DOES seem to be a rather interesting idea,” Dr. McPhee said. “And according to old paintings, you four look exactly like your respective characters.”

“We do?” Frankie asked.

“It's all Ms. Sander's hard work,” Dr. McPhee said. “She found paintings on the Pharaoh brothers’ tombs that have been confirmed to be the four people you just mentioned.” Dr. McPhee showed Frankie pictures of the aforementioned paintings.

“You're right,” Frankie said. “They look like Egyptian versions of myself, the Daleys, and Mr. America.” 

“We would need to get costumes made” Dr McPhee says. 

“I know someone that can do that”  Frankie says, “can I have copies of these pictures? I can get you a materials list” 

“ Of course, you know I've been wondering when Mr. Daley would reopen the night program” Dr. McPhee says, “any ideas you've got I'm open to” 

“I have a few…” Frankie says “let me talk to some people tonight” 

The sunsets and Kahmunrah struggles a bit with getting the lid off this sarcophagus. “Do you need-” Ahkmenrah starts to ask.

“I can do it myself!” Kahmunrah snaps a little bit muffled. 

Shepseheret sighs and walks over to help, “you're still not back to full strength Kah let your brother help you” 

“I don't need help” Kahmunrah half pouts and leans on his cane as he stands up, “but thank you mother” 

“Oh stop being so stubborn” Shepseheret scolds.

“Ha ha, you got in trouble” Ahkmenrah quietly teases. 

Kahmunrah grumbles, “I'll give you trouble” and flicks the back of his little brother's neck.

“Boys!” Shepseheret snaps

“Our illustous Monarchs” Larry says with a chuckle and greats Kahmunrah with a light kiss, “how are you feeling?” 

“A little bit weaker than I'd like” Kahmunrah confessess.

“But at least you're getting better,” Larry said.

“Thankfully,” Kahmunrah said as they walked into the lobby, where Larry is suddenly accosted by Bethany and Jane.

“Larry! There you are!” Bethany said.

“We need to take your measurements for your costume,” Jane added.

“Measurements? Costume? Just what exactly is going on, here?” Larry asked.

“It's all my idea, Larry,” Frankie said, wearing his Egyptian guard uniform instead of his Rough Rider uniform. “Basically, I proposed to Dr. McPhee to turn the Egyptian exhibit into an interactive one at night, where you, Mr. America, Nick, and I pretend to be our past lives.”

“You came up with this?” Larry asked.

“Yes, he did,” Bethany said. “Now hold still. Jane, did you get that reference picture?”

“Sure did,” Jane said, showing Bethany the reference picture as the redhead took Larry’s measurements.

“Do we have enough fabric for everyone?” Jane asked.

“I triple checked; we do,” Bethany said.

“Then we can get started right away,” Jane said.

“Wait, wait, you're going to make me look like my past life? Exactly?” Larry asked.

“Only the outfit,” Jane said.

“So, what? I’m going to pretend to be my past life as part of an interactive exhibit?” Larry asked. 

“Yeah it's great right?” Frankie asks “it would be the start of reopening the night program. Ms Sanders is generateing a lot of buzz about the royal family. You could show off a little bit of your old hunting skills, Mr America and I could do a show of a mock combat, and I've got ideas for some of the other exhibits too. I just have to talk to everyone see what they're comfortable with” 

“Well it worked out ok last time we tried something like this” Larry says “just had to put it all in hold after my accident” 

“And it'll only be there nights a week till midnight” Frankie looks over to Ahkmenrah and Kahmunrah for thier approveal, “what do you think?” 

Ahkmenrah looks over at his brother, “there is a bit of risk involved in the idea but if we take proper percoutions, I don't see the harm” 

“Yes, alright then” Kahmunrah nods “after all we should share the glory of our little kingdom the rest of the world is missing out” 

“ So I did good?” Frankie asks with a smile 

“Yes you've done well Frankie” Kahmunrah gives him a pat on the shoulder, “I suppose this means we will finally get to officially meet the woman that's been researching our family” 

“Oh Ms Sanders can only come if she remembers my name” Frankie says. “Not 'the composite boy’ or 'the living exhibit’ I'll be fine if she calls me Amon, just …” he huffs “I'm a person I want to be seen a one or at least be seen it all”  

“Bud…” Larry starts, “is that what prompted all this?” 

“Yeah, selfish I know” Frankie mutters.

“No it's not” Ahkmenrah says “it's a very human thing to want, quiet reasonable too” 

“I keep forgetting you're composite” Bethany says helping Frankie fix a bit of his layered armored collar “ are you gonna be ok wearing this you can't hide your face everyone will see you patch work skin” 

“That's the idea” Frankie nods.

“Hey what if we make Carter a prince's outfit?” Jane says, “he technically is one” 

Bethany and Jane excitedly discuss the outfits they have to start on and walk off to find Nick. 

“You know this means we have to deal with father soon” Ahkmenrah says pulling Kahmunrah aside, “I know you'd rather wait till you're at full strength” 

“No you're right” Kahmunrah grumbles “best taken care of now” 

Ahkmenrah nods as he and Kahmunrah leave.

“So, in the meantime, how about we do a schedule on the interactive exhibit?” Frankie asked.

“Are you sure it's a good time to talk about this?” Larry asked.

“Might as well,” Frankie said. “After all, it's decided that Uncle Kah and Uncle Ahk should take care of their dad.”

“I still have to take care of my rounds,” Larry said, “but we can talk about this, after.

“Sounds good,” Frankie said as Larry left.

Chapter Text

The following week was the first night of the Egyptian interactive exhibit. The Pharaoh brothers go first, telling the guests of the culture, myths, beliefs,of ancient Egypt as well as the history of their family. Next comes Nick as Buyak, telling the guests of his writings. Then come Frankie as Amon and America as Tamos, giving a mock battle demonstration. And last, but not least, is Larry as Cassim, demonstrating and explaining how the ancient Egyptians hunted.

“So, did you and Ahk decide what to do with your dad?” Larry asked. He and everyone else was getting ready for the interactive exhibit.

“Ahkmenrah and I agreed to banish him to long-term storage, at least until he genuinely changes for the better, which I highly doubt he will,” Kahmunrah replied.

“Never say never, as they say,” Larry said, finishing putting on his costume.

“Hum” Kahmunrah half grumbles and helps Larry finish getting ready, “I don’t share your optimism” 

“You changed” Larry kisses the underside of Kahmunrah’s jaw. 

“I had a good reason to” Kahmunrah coos and nuzzles Larry’s cheek,”You look stunning by the way” 

“Kah, you said that last time we did this” Larry chuckles, “I still look pale and like I need to lose a few pounds but thank you” 

The museum guests start to filter in and Mandy is among this group, Frankie leading her in. “She remembered my name” Frankie gestures to the brother pharaohs, “she’s allowed to talk to you guys. Ms Sanders meet Ahkmenrah and Kahmunrah the fourth and fifth Pharaohs of Egypt, Shepseheret is around somewhere…” 

“Oh my god” Mandy gasps and tries to contain her excitement, “I’m sorry I know you’re just actors but this looks so real and accurate…” 

“Actors” Ahkmenrah chuckles, “is that what you were told?” 

“Of course you couldn’t possibly be anything else” Mandy says, “oh but you have done your research, except for the cane but that is a nice touch” 

“Frankie entertain our guests” Kahmunrah waves him off, “Ms Sanders you misunderstand exactly what you’ve stumbled into” 

Ahkmenrah guides her over to the tablet and the brothers start on the standard explanation of what happens every night. Mandy of course doesn’t believe any of it “Listen you too are dead riggers for the brothers based on all the paintings and writings and the amount of details you know is impressive but there’s no way…” 

Kahmunrah pulls down part of the top of his tunic to reveal the scar over his heart, “will this convince you? Or maybe my brother’s scars on his back from when he fell off his horse” 

“You promised not to bring that up” Ahkmenrah says

“Oh it happened when you were twelve” Kahmunrah teases, “besides you were fine afterward you only broke one rib” 

“This is why…” Mandy looks back at the tablet, then to the brothers, “this is why Frankie was so protective over the tablet he wouldn’t even let me touch it…I have so many questions” 

“Ask away,” Ahkmenrah said. “We still have quite a bit before the interactive exhibit starts. As Mandy bombards the brothers with questions, America walks up to Larry.

“She's taking the revelation well,” America said.

“Just wait until she finds out Tamos has been reborn as her country,” Larry said. “She'll be over the moon.”

“Like she will be once she finds out you're Cassim's reincarnation?” America asked.

“Pretty much,” Larry said with a shrug. “Ready to get the show on the road?”

“Sure am,” America said.

“Good, because the interactive exhibit starts in five minutes,” an additional voice said. Both America and Larry turn to see Dr. McPhee.

“So, uh…how much of that conversation did you listen to?” Larry asked nervously.

“Enough to know what really goes on here at night,” Dr. McPhee said. “I understand why you didn't tell me, considering how unbelievable it is, but it DOES explain a lot.”

The crowd of guests all marvel at the performace of the interactive exhibit, tucked in the back of crowd is an older woman in a red dress. Mirabel notices, Ablela? What is she doing here? There's a small spike of anger. 

America flinches “Mirabel…what's wrong, oh…your grandma great…we don't have to go talk to her do we?” 

No Mirabel says in fact I really don't want to talk to her…just be careful around her.

“This is quite a show” Alma comments to Shepseheret. “There is a unique magic to this place” 

“Yes I suppose so” Shepseheret says, “this is not the kingdom or future I had in mind for my boys…” she looks up and sees Larry by Kahmunrah's side and America by Ahkmenrah, “but they are happy” 

“And very popular leaders” Alma comments, “then again when things are going well it's easy to be a popular leader, hopefully neither of them will be forced to make a hard choice” 

“I have faith they will find their way even if that happens” Shepseheret says, “Ahkmenrah has always been level headed and fair” 

“That's the younger brother?” Alma asks, “I see he's the one connected to the magic here. Seems like a nice boy, I do hope nothing happens to the magic here. I had a home like this once.” Alma looks a bit sad. 

“Had? Oh I'm sorry” Shepseheret says.

“I have accepted the loss of my Casita” Alma says, “it's the rest of my family that concerns me. My son was sure he could find another source of magic to save our old home, but I never wanted to take from another family” Alma puts her hands on her chest “being a family matriarch is so hard to keep everything and everyone together is a great deal of work and tough calls the things I've had to do to keep my children and grandchildren safe and the world safe from them” 

“Safe from them?” Shepseheret asks. 

Alma nods “yes I'm afraid thier gifts can also make them wildly unpredictable, you understand what that's like to have to reel in a family member?” 

“Yes I do” Shepseheret nods and discretely looks toward Kahmunrah. 

“Well you have a lovely family” Alma smiles “never take your home or it's magic for granted” 

“I will not,” Shepseheret said. “I have learned to treasure both of my sons for who they are.”

“Good,” Alma said before leaving.

About time she left, Mirabel said, noticing Alma leave.

“You still resent her for getting you unwound?” America asked, watching Larry prepare his demonstration.

Yeah, I do, Mirabel said with a shaky sigh.

“I don't blame you,” America said. “At least the rest of your family came, and you're on better terms with them.”

Even Isabela, Mirabel said, watching Larry demonstrate the different methods he used for different prey.

“Yeah, even her,” America said, smiling as Ahkmenrah sat down next to him.

“I'd consider tonight a success,” Ahkmenrah said.

“So would I,” America said. “What did you and Kahmunrah decide to do with your dad?”

“Banishment to long-term storage, until he learns the error of his ways,” Kahmunrah said with a sigh. “I had hoped things would turn out better than they had.”

“Maybe they will,” America said. “You never know, right?”

“True,” Ahkmenrah said. Then he put his hand over America's. “You know, I had a feeling we'd see each other again after my death. Though this is a tad different than what I expected.”

“Life-or, in your case, afterlife-rarely turns out as planned,” America said, smiling at Ahkmenrah. “But I'm willing to try with you.”

“I'd like that,” Ahkmenrah said as he kissed America.

Chapter Text

Merlin was exhausted, he had spent days leading the city and juvenile police on a false chase. The unwinds broken out of the camp were long gone, carried south by his own kids or north by a biker gang he had connections with. Tired and lost among the New York city streets he turns down a dark alley and cuts the engine on his motorcycle hoping the dark foggy night will finally hide him. Cop cars blow past his hiding spot and the sirens blare into the distance. 

“Thank God” Merlin breathes out and nearly falls off his bike. He tucks the motorcycle behind an old dumpster and starts to look for somewhere to lay low. He sees a museum holding some night event, large crowds are easy to blend into. Merlin blends into the crowd and slips off to one of the public bathrooms to hide in a stall and clean up what he can. The exhaustion of the past few days and blood loss from injuries catches up with him and Merlin shuts one of the stalls and falls asleep sitting down. 

“I'm telling you I heard something” Carter insists, “someone just fell asleep in here” 

“Ok Carter I've got it” Larry says walking into the bathroom he checks the stalls and is about to bang on the door of the last one when the door flies open. Larry is face to face with furious biker ready to lunge in am attack but stumbles and falls with a hard thud on to the tile floor. 

“Dad!” Nick runs in “are you-” he looks down “that's the biker that's been in the news” 

Merlin! Larry you gotta help him Connor says he's one of the few adults left in the ADR after the Admerial died

“He looks really rough” Larry comments, “...ok, Nick, Carter we gotta get him to the medical exhibit. Carter are all the guests gone?” 

“Yhea we're clear” Carter nods 

“Ok, let's see if Connors theory was right” Larry hefts the passed out biker up and Nick gets in this other side.

“My God,” Dr. Byrd said as soon as he saw Merlin's face.

“You know him?” Larry asked.

“In a sense, he's me!” Dr. Byrd said. “But…how did he get all the way here?”

“I don't know; Carter and I found him in one of the restroom stalls,” Larry explained.

“He looks injured,” Dr. Byrd said. “I'll treat him right away.”

“Good,” Connor said before handing control back to Larry.

“How is this Merlin guy so important to you?” Larry asked.

Long story, Coonnor said. Let’s just say that I really owe him one.

“Larry? What’s this I hear about an injured man in the museum?” Kahmunrah asked, rushing forward to Larry. “Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” Larry said. “But Dr. Byrd is helping the man as we speak. Connor seems to know him.”

“And you’re sure that he needs our help?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Completely sure,” Larry confirmed. “Do you want to see him?”

“Of course,” Kahmunrah said. “If Connor sees him as an ally, then we shall see him as one as well.” Larry led Kahmunrah to where Dr. Byrd was treating Merlin.

“He’s me,” Dr. Byrd said, amazed and shocked. “Or at least, the real me. How did he get here?”

“That’s what I would like to know, as well,” Ahkmenrah said.

“When he recovers, we shall ask him as many questions as we need,” Kahmunrah said.

“You don’t have to,” Connor said, taking over, again. “I can answer any questions you guys have about Merlin that I know the answers to.”

“Let’s start with how you know him?” Ahkmenrah said.

“I was unwound more than once” Connor starts, “I was nabbed by parts pirates and auctioned off, a man named Admiral Dunfee got all my parts and he contacted a doctor to put me back together” he gestures over to Merlin, “This guy, he and his kids put me back together. When the ADR started falling apart after Admiral Dunfee died Merl took over running what was left he’s been fighting unwinding longer than I have” 

“So he is on the same side as you and your friends,” Ahkmenrah says. 

“Then why were you unwound a second time?” Kahmunrah asks “ wasn’t this man protecting you?” 

“He was…but he was also protecting a ton of other kids” Connor looks over at Dr. Byrd working on stripping of Merlin’s protective riding gear including a leather jacket with a large patch on the back. The patch is a large round table with a  silver star and a sword in the center and wording that reads ‘knights of the round’. “I got nabbed by PC during their campaign to restart unwinding and refused to give up any information on the knights or my friends. Merl is the only reason there’s still a fight left to fight, he’s the only reason Risa stayed safe. But PC knew he was still out there and that’s why my parts got scattered as far as possible so he couldn’t work the same miracle twice”

“You didn’t expect to be in New York, why is he here” Kahmunrah asks, “I can assume he’s far from the family he’s meant to protect” 

“He is” Connor says with a worried tone, “I don’t know why he’s here we’ll have to ask him” 

“I don't know if we should take it as a compliment or an insult that the gods seem to keep sending us people in need of refuge” Ahkmenrah says, “but this man isn’t dangerous?” 

“No not to us” Connor says “Sorry all your efforts for me didn’t amount to much Merl…” 

“If they weren’t right next to each other I’d never believe that this Merlin and Dr Byrd were the same man” Kahmunrah says, “has anything like this ever happened before?” 

Ahkmenrah shakes his head, “No this is a first I don’t think any exhibit here has ever met their real world counterpart” he looks over at Dr Byrd, “are you feeling alright?” 

“Yeah” Dr Byrd says cleaning and bandaging Merlin’s various cuts and injuries, “It’s a little surreal looking at another version of yourself and I’m sure we’re going to have a lot to talk about later. I wanted to end unwinding…I guess I kept pushing for that and took the necessary and extreme route…I wonder what drove me to that” 

“Merl told me the story, he worked in the harvest camps and just couldn’t take it anymore” Connor explains, “he staged a breakout and stole five kids in the process two girls and three boys. They’re his sons and daughters now they’re all named after knights from the legends of king Arthur” 

“The camps?” Dr Bryd asks upset, “I ended up in the camps? No I’m a reconstructive heart surgeon why…” 

“ Why rebuild what you can just replace” Connor says solemnly. “A lot of good doctors ended up in the camps” 

Merlin groans in his sleep, “Connor?” 

“Yeah it’s me Merl, go back to sleep you’re ok” Connor chuckles, “I’ve got you ok you’re safe” 

Merlin groans again and drops off into a deep sleep with a very quiet “Ok kid” 

“And that is why you’re here, now?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Yeah, exactly,” Connor said. “But, in a way, I’m glad I’m here. I got to meet you all, after all.”

“And we’re glad we met you, too,” Frankie said.

“Is Merlin going to be okay?” Sacagawea asked.

“He’ll be fine,” Dr. Byrd said. “He just needs rest. Which is why we should break the news about Connor to him as gently as possible.”

“He doesn’t know that I’m unwound for good?”  Connor asked.

“There’s a chance that he doesn’t,” Dr. Byrd said. “Again, we should break the news to him gently.”

“If he sees the scar on my head…” Larry said, taking over, again.

“He’ll probably freak,” James said. “Maybe even have a heart attack.”

“Or maybe try to kill Lawrence, in the worst case scenario,” Teddy said.

“If he does-” Kahmunrah starts.

“No one is killing anyone,” Larry said. “We’ll just have to explain to him about the tablet in addition to what happened to Connor.”

“Very well, but if he hurts you, Larry, this Merlin will have to face the consequences,” Kahmunrah said.

“But where are we gonna put him?” Jane asked.

“We can put him in my apartment,” Larry said.

“Larry, I admire your big heart, but must you open our home to a potentially dangerous man like him?” Kahmunrah asked.

“If he’s going to get any better, yes,” Larry said.

“...Very well, then,” Kahmunrah said.

“I’ll go get the guest bedroom set up,” Nick said, walking up to the apartment.

“And you’re sure that this Merlin won’t mean you any harm?” Ahkmenrah asked Larry.

“That’s the thing: I’m not,” Larry said, “but we should help him anyway.”

“If you think that is best,” Ahkmenrah said with a sigh.

A while later, Merlin wakes up in a strange bed. “Where am I?” he asked.

“You’re in the guest bedroom in my apartment,” a middle-aged man in a night guard uniform said. His nametag says that his name is Larry Daley.

“...What happened?” Merlin said. “Why did I dream about the exhibits here being alive?”

“Because it’s not a dream,” Larry said. “This museum actually comes to life every night.”

“Where’s Connor?” Merlin asked. “I heard him here, too.”

“...Let’s just say he’s up here,” Larry said, tapping his finger on the surgical scar on his head.

“...No…” Merlin said, feeling devastated. “Then, how-”

“The tablet that brings this museum to life also affects unwound parts, too,” Larry explained. “It causes Connor to regain awareness every night, and take over from time to time.”

“Then let me speak to him,” Merlin said. “Please.”

“Ok, Connor you ready?” Larry asks then nods and lets Connor take control. 

“Hey Merl…”  Connor says, offering a slight grin.

“I don’t…” Merlin puts his face in his hands, “this is nuts…but you sound just like him” 

“You remember when you first put me back together?” Connor asks, “I wanted to start walking like right away you helped me stand and I took a few steps forward and then started to fall, I said  ‘I got this, no I don’t London Bridge’’ “ 

“Only Connor would know that” Merlin pulls his hands away from his face then put one hand over his eyes, “oh god kid…” he starts to sob, “I was too late” 

Connor looks torn on what he should do next and reaches a hand out to touch Merlin’s shoulder, “Merl you did everything you could” 

Merlin just continues to cry and apologize to Connor over and over again. Larry can only watch as Connor tries to reassure Merlin and finally just pulls him into a hug and lets the poor man cry himself out, “I- I can’t I don’t…” Merlin stutters, “just can I have a minute?” 

“Sure Merl” Connor gets up “There’s a kitchen just out here, come out when you’re ready” he leaves the door open and walks to the kitchen table, then lets Larry take back control. 

“Well?” Kahmunrah asks looking up once he sees Larry, “how did you take it?” He insisted on waiting in the apartment with Larry. 

“Kah I think I just told him one of his sons is dead…” Larry sits down and slumps in the chair next to him, “he’s in there crying he needs a minute, I think I need a minute” Larry sighs out, “I don’t think he’s going to hurt me so you can relax” 

“I need to hear him say that to be sure” Kahmunrah says, “we didn’t think my father would try to hurt you…” 

“This is different” Larry says

“I know that’s what scares me” Kahmanrah says, “Pain and loss can motivate someone to extreme measures, and we only know the past version of this man we have no idea what he’s like now. I would do anything to save my son wouldn’t you?” 

“Relax” A tired voice comes from behind them as Merlin slowly walks from the guestroom, “I’m not going to hurt anyone, I’ve broken a lot of laws but my Hipacratic oath never…I feel awful” 

“You look terrible” Kahmunrah says matter of factly, “we have a few questions-” 

“Kah” Larry snaps, “be nice give this guy a break” 

“I am being nice” Kahmunrah growls, “why am I constantly herring ‘Kah be nice’ . Does everyone think I’m not capable of being pleasant? This man invaded our home he’s dangerous I think I have every right to question him” 

It’s fair, Connor says quietly, besides hurting you would mean hurting me…Merl won’t do that . 

“I’ll answer whatever you want” Merlin says weakly, “just one thing…are you taking good care of Connor?” 

“We’re doing our best to” Larry says, “I am sorry I know this isn’t how you wanted to find him” 

I’m ok Merl really I am Connor says, please don’t beat yourself up  

“He doesn’t want you to beat yourself up over this” Larry says, “maybe you should lay back down, I can bring you some water and something to eat” 

“Doesn’t your bodyguard here want to grill me?” Merlin asks pointing at Kahmunrah. 

“I’m his husband” Kahmunrah says looking over the tired Merlin, “and I suppose as long as I know you’re not going to harm anyone the questions can wait…you do look ill” 

“I’m exhausted” Merlin stumbles a bit and catches himself grabbing the door frame, “My kids I gotta call them” 

“No you need to go lay down” Larry says and is about  to get up when he sees Kahmunrah tense up. “Kah why don’t you help him, it’ll be pay back for all the times Dr Byrd yelled at you to get back in bed” 

Kahmunrah helps Merlin back to the bed and the poor tried man falls asleep almost the minute his head hits the pillow. Larry comes in with a plate of food and some water and sets it on the bedside table, “guess this has been a rough night for him” Larry comments, “You heard him Kah he’s not going to hurt me” 

“Good he had better not” Kahmunrah says then his expression softens, “Connor are you alright?”

Connor hesitates, It’s hard to see Merl like this, but yeah I’m ok thanks Kah. 

“He says it’s been rough on him seeing Merlin like this but he’s ok” Larry answers. “Lets just give him a day to rest I think we’re gonna be ok” 

“Yes, we will,” Kahmunrah said as he embraces Larry. “At least our new visitor won’t harm us,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s a good thing,” Larry said as Kahmunrah kissed him.

“So, what do you think will happen, now?” Kahmunrah asked as soon as they broke apart.

“I don’t know,” Larry said. “Right now, I just hope nothing bad happens.”

Chapter Text

Merlin was watching the interactive Egyptian exhibit in disguise. Thankfully, his injuries were minor and he was able to be up and about again in no time.

“So, are there any questions before we move on to the next part of the exhibit?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Did you really remove dead people’s organs?” one child asked.

“Yes, we did,” Kahmunrah said.

“But why?” the kid asked. “They’re dead; it’s not like their organs would help anyone else like unwound organs can.”

“They’re not really meant to be given to anyone else at that point” Ahkmenrah explains, “and it was very important for hearts to be removed so they could be weighed in the afterlife to judge where the soul would go. If your heart weighed less than the feather of truth it meant you lived a good life with a light heart and you could go to the field of reeds” 

“What if it weighed more?” another child asks, “hearts are bigger than feathers and feathers weigh almost nothing” 

“This is a special feather” Kahmunrah adds, “most hearts don’t weigh more, you would have had to do some very bad things for your heart to be too heavy” 

The gathered children seemed satisfied with the answer even if Kahmunrah did kind of dodged the question a bit. The rest of the exhibit performance goes about the same as it has the previous nights, Merlin watches from a relatively out of the way spot and seems particularly interested when America and Frankie show off combat skills for the crowd. The guest filter out after the event is over and Larry catches Merlin, “Hey how are you doing? You look better than last night” 

“I got some sleep and a little bit of food” Merlin says, “thank you for that….what are you wearing?” 

“Oh it’s my part in the exhibit” Larry says, “I’m a hunter, you didn’t pay attention to everything did you?” 

“Not really my mind was wandering” Merlin confesses, and looks over at the scar on Larry’s head, “thank you for helping me and for telling me about Connor, not knowing was killing me” he sighs, “not that this is better but…at least I know” 

“I’m sorry it’s not better news” Larry apologies, “but I can say Connor has a good home here” 

“I can see that” Merlin says, “this is a nice place and the fact that no one's turned me in yet tells me you guys are good people. Or you really don’t like governor King” Merlin snorts, “I know I don’t can you believe that guy is trying to run for president since Wolf announced he’s not going for reelection. That’s one of the reasons I’m out here I’m trying to dig up dirt on the guy to torpedo his campaign” 

“Governor King is running for President?” Larry asked.

“Yeah, with Proactive Citizenry backing him,” Merlin confirmed. “And he plans to introduce a new amendment to not only legalize unwinding permanently, but to literally destroy everything to do with organ printing. The printers themselves, the blueprints-everything!” Merlin said.

“That's horrible!” Connor said, his anger making him take over.

“He's already done it here in New York,” Merlin said. “But if he wins, it'll be nationwide!”

“Then we have to stop him!” America said, joining the conversation. “I don't want a President like that!”

“No good person does,” Merlin said.

“Well, did you find anything?” Larry asked after taking back control.

“Sadly, no,” Merlin said. “Governor King is very good at covering his tracks.”

“I can attest to that,” Carter said quietly, joining the conversation after watching the interactive exhibit. “He always makes sure to find and destroy any dirt on him.”

“So, what are we gonna do?” America asked.

“I don't know,” Merlin said. “There's this teen in Retroville, Texas, named Jimmy Neutron that tried reinventing the organ printer, but he was killed before he could. I heard unconfirmed rumors that PC was behind his death.”

“Maybe we can ask him when he gets here,” Larry suggested.

“What do you mean?” Merlin asked.

“There's this new exhibit on talented youth that's about to be unveiled here, and Jimmy is one of them,” America explained.

“You’ll have to ask him for me” Merlin says, “it’s not really safe for all of you if I stay here” 

“We’re hiding four AWOLs and a composite person” Larry says, “a biker with a mile long list of criminal charges would fit right in” 

“You’re not exactly hiding the composite kid” Merlin points out, “it’s nice to see one of Cam’s siblings so confident and comfortable with who he is. Cam is another reason I’m out here I’m trying to help him and his sibling get somewhere safe, those poor kids deserve a chance at their own lives like the one you’ve got here, what’s his name?” 

“Fankie, it’s short for Franklin we named him after Franklin Roosevelt” Larry explains, “I know he’s not what you had in mind for composite theory’s use…” 

“No scientific Idea ever belongs to the person that presents it to the world” Merlin says, “he seems happy that's the best I can hope for. Now there’s just forty three others like him that need the same opportunity” 

“It’s still so weird to have you and Dr Byrd here at the same time” America says, “do we call you just Merlin or Dr Pendragon” 

“Dr Byrd?” Merlin looks confused “wait that’s the name of the doctor that fixed me up, the old version of me” Merlin looks a little angry, “the coward and the murderer” he mumbles under his breath “...no you went over this in therapy…sorry I’m sitting on a lot of self hatred. I don’t want to talk to him directly but can you tell him thank you for patching me up and just Merlin is fine” he huffs, “god these past few days…hey Larry you mind if I barrow your phone, I gotta call my kids before my oldest daughter Artthur freaks out and calls out a nationwide manhunt for me”

“Sure the lad line upstairs is pretty secure” Larry offers, “and seriously you stay here as long as you need” 

“You’re really kind to offer that but I shouldn’t” Merlin says, “you’ve got a good home here and I don’t want to risk your family, having a lot to be grateful for means having a lot to lose”

“Are you sure?” Larry asked.

“Very,” Merlin said as he left.

The following week, the talented youth exhibit opened, and Larry waits until the sun sets to greet the new exhibits.

“...How am I here?” Jimmy asked. “I remember being shot in the head, but now I'm here?”

“You're an exhibit in the Museum of Natural History,” Larry explained before explaining the rules and what happens at night.

“But…but this is scientifically impossible!” Jimmy said.

“And yet, it is happening around you,” Kahmunrah said to Jimmy, a sympathetic look on his face.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Jimmy asked.

“Because your plaque says that you died when you were only 17,” Kahmunrah explained.

“I don't even know what happened,” Jimmy said. “One minute, I was eating lunch with my friends Carl and Sheen, the next, I felt a bullet enter my head.”

“And you didn’t see anything?” Larry asked.

“I saw someone as my vision went dark,” Jimmy said. “But I couldn’t tell you who…” he shakes his head, “I was so close too my first prototype was almost ready” 

“I know it might be hard but is there anything else you can remember?” Larry asks, “any details?” 

Jimmy looks like he’s deep in thought, “I can’t I’m sorry, I’m sure something will come to me later…I do remember something about a red bird? I don’t know if that helps any” 

Merl knows about a few different groups associated with the ADR and PC maybe we can send him a message and ask if he knows anything about a symbol with a red bird Connor suggests. 

“It’s a start” Larry says, “oh hey you and Doc Brown might get along do you want to meet him?” 

“Doc Brown?” Jimmy asks, “As in Doctor Emmet Brown? He’s here!? Could you introduce us? That would be amazing!”  

“I sometimes wonder something”Kahmunrah comments as he sees Larry lead the boy away. 

“What’s that brother?” Ahkmenrah asks

“Do you think this place is an extension of the duat somehow and we have become its caretakers as a form of service to the rest of the world” Kahmunrah asks, “we get so many lost and troubled souls fighting some battle we can barely help in” 

“Any form of help is still help” Ahkmenrah says, “we do have our own rewards here as well, you have Cassim again I have Tamos…”

“Yes about Tamos” Kahmunrah says with a slight grin, “when were you going to tell me you had a lover?” 

“I was hiding him from everyone” Ahkmenrah says, “I couldn’t tell you, besides you were away with your army I had no idea when you were coming back or where you were” 

Kahmunrah looks a little upset at the comment, “I suppose I was away a lot….I- I never apologized to you for that” 

Ahkmenrah waves it off, “It’s fine, it’s fine now-” 

“No it’s not” Kahmunrah cuts him off, “I left you alone for a long time, I’m sorry I should have been with you and I pushed you away instead” 

“You’ve been making up for it” Ahkmenrah smiles, “It’s alright…things are better now. Even if we are caretakers of lost souls here it's better” 

“Right…so those letters Mandy mentioned” Kahmunrah teases, “really little brother love letters what kind of things did you write? Have you told mother about this? Maybe I should ask Mandy to share them the next time she’s here”

Ahkmenrah blushes, “Don’t you dare” 

“Of course I won’t,” Kahmunrah said. “The words between you and Tomas are private.”

“Thank you,” Ahkmenrah said with a grateful smile. “Now, I think we should see how Jimmy is adjusting, don’t you think?”

“Well, I suppose that it is our duty as caretakers,” Kahmunrah said as he and Ahkmenrah left to look for Jimmy and Larry.

Chapter Text

“You did all that when you were 11 years old?” Doc Brown asked, impressed.

“Yeah, always causing problems that I had to invent my way out of,” Jimmy said. “Right before my death, I was trying to reinvent the organ printer invented by Dr. Janson Rheinschild, but I was killed before I could complete the prototype.”

“Very noble of you,” Doc said. “But what inspired you?”

“One of my classmates getting unwound,” Jimmy said. “He wasn’t a close friend, but he still didn’t deserve to be unwound.”

“I see,” Doc said. “How close were you?”

“I just finished the blueprints. If I managed to fully complete it, it would have used any living cell sample to make replacement parts according to the recipient’s unique genetic code.” 

“That's close” Doc Brown says “it's a shame we don't have the parts for your to build a working prototype” 

“I could at least recreate the blueprints” Jimmy says. “I might be able even improve on them with some help” 

“Hum, I could help with the technical aspects” Doc Brown offers “ for the genetic compinets , Murray, Volk and Byrd would be better suited” 

“You have a great deal of talent all under one roof here” Jimmy says rather impressed, “I still don't understand how the tablet thing is scientifically possible but it's doing something” Jimmy looks up at Doc Brown “have you had a chance to study it?” 

“Not extensively but I did have the opportunity to work with it once” Doc Brown diggs into the file cabinet “ I have my notes somewhere…where did I put the blasted things” 

“Here let me help” Jimmy starts helping Doc Brown look for his stray notes, in true genius fashion nothing is properly organized. 

“What are you two looking for?” Kahmunrah asks “what's wrong with your arcane writings?” 

“They're not called that anymore Kah” Ahkmenrah says. “These are equations, it's complicated math used to explain ideas on large and small scales” 

“Well it's wrong” Kahmunrah grabs a marker and corrects one of the equations  then keeps going.

“No wait-” Jimmy stops and looks up at the white board “you…that's right how do you know basic quantum mechanics?” 

“ Quantum? Is that what you call time magics?” Kahmunrah asks, “even Ahk knows this arcane practice” 

“I studied just as much as you did” Ahkmenrah says. 

“Then how come I’m better at it than you?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Because you had more practice,” Ahkmenrah said. “Plus our tutor said that you have a more natural talent at it than I do.”

“Wait a minute, I remember reading an article once by Mandy Sanders where they estimate your IQs, and the experts at the Smithsonian theorized that Kahmunrah is actually the more intelligent of the two brothers, only he chose to focus that intelligence more on military pursuits than anything else,” Jimmy said. “I didn’t know that you had an interest in science, too.”

“If that is what you call it in this day and age, then yes,” Kahmunrah said. “I am also knowledgeable about the arcane. It’s just that I don’t do it much in this day and age.”

“Why not?” Jimmy asked. “There isn’t much of a military for you to command, anymore.”

“True, but I DO have a family to care for,” Kahmunrah said. “Although, I have been considering making a second sun scarab so that Cam may visit Frankie more often.”

“Cam? As in Camus Comprix?” Jimmy asked.

“The very same,” Doc confirmed with a nod. “Aha! Found my notes.” Doc put his notes on the table in front of Jimmy with a flourish.

Jimmy starts going over the notes, “time dilation…who made this tablet?” 

“Our father, he taught both of us the basics of the arcane” Ahkmenrah explains, “Kah  has trouble using the tablet without my help ah you see…” 

“No go on tell them why” Kahmunrah grumbles. 

“Father cursed him” Ahkmenrah says with a sigh, “he didn't want Kah using the tablet for his own gains” 

“ I build one interplanetary gate and father gets all up in arms about it” Kahmunrah grumbles. “He cursed me, he banishes my boyfriend then he stabbed me when he tried to kill my husband” 

“Family is a touchy subject” Doc Brown whispers Jimmy nods and just let's out a 'uh-hu’ 

Marty is in his exhibit with Frankie and the four AWOL teens. “ It's too bad we don't have a drum set,” James comments, “we could start a band” 

“Do you even know how to play the drums?” Bethany asks. 

“Kinda,” James says with a shrug. 

Frankie is leaning on and amp while Marty's tuneing his guitar, “Marty you ok you've been kinda quiet?” 

“Hum oh I good just a lot on my mind” Marty says, “been awhile since I've seen any of my family just kinda miss the kids” 

“They're all the way in California right?” Frankie asks. “We could still send them and e-mail or something” 

“Only to Marty Jr. and Marlene, since they’re the only people in my family who know about what the tablet does,” Marty said. “We can see if the laptop’s free.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Carter said as they walk to the lobby. Marty, noticing that the laptop is available, wrote an email to his children.

“Marty, what’re you-oh,” Jedediah said, noticing what Marty was doing. “Oh, ya miss your kids, huh?”

“I do,” Marty said. “I know that my dad will be over here soon, but I still miss my wife and kids, you know?”

“We understand completely,” Octavius said. “Just take as much time as you need.”

“Thank you,” Marty said. “I’m just wrapping things up, anyway.”

“What’s your wife’s name, anyway?” Jedediah asked out of curiosity.

“...Jennifer,” Marty said.

“Well, why don’t ya bring her over here?” Jedediah asked.

“One, she won’t believe me,” Marty pointed out. “Two, she’s all the way in California.”

“I suppose that would make things much more difficult” Octavius comments, “it’s a shame there isn’t some way to send her a message to at least come visit” 

“What about the ad thing?” Jedediah says, “Carter what’s that advertising thing Larry was goin on about the the other day?”

“The e-mail marketing campaign?” Carter asks, “We could just send her an ad from the museum’s e-mail but there’s no guarantee that’ll do anything. The ad is really only about the egypt exhibit, Frankie weren't you supposed to be working on other interactive exhibits ideas?” 

“Yeah” Frankie leans on the desk, “it’s just a lot to coordinate and uncle Ahk is working on designing the ads we don’t have anything new yet” 

“It’s worth a shot” Marty says, “...I don’t know how she’d feel about seeing me it might be kinda rough” 

“Let her make that decision” Octavius says, “you can take some comfort in knowing you tried” 

Marty hands the laptop to Frankie, “here, I know it’ll be a long shot but could you…” 

“Sure” Frankie smiles, “we’ll figure something out for you Marty don’t worry” 

Larry is up in his apartment, it was hard to get a hold of Merlin but he finally got him on the phone, “So talked to Jimmy he can’t remember much about the assassin just something about a ‘red bird’ Connor doesn’t know anything about them and I’ve never heard of a group with that name of symbol” 

“Hum” Merlin sounds like he’s thinking, “Red bird, there’s the Red Hawks they’re a biker club out of Arizona, don’t think it’s them” 

“Jimmy’s from Texas if that helps narrow it down” Larry says 

Someone else’s voice is heard in the background on Merlin’s end, “hu? Oh I’ll ask,” Merlin tells the other person, “Ah with PC it does not narrow it down much” he pulls away from the phone, “Cam…red birds mean anything to you? Hu…blood wings ok that’s overly edgy” 

“Cam’s there with you?” Larry asks

“Yeah” Merlin says “we’re working on moving some of his siblings back to my home in North Carolina oh he wants to know how Frankie’s doing” 

“He’s doing really well” Larry says, “so who are the blood wings?” 

“They’re, hang on I’m putting you on speaker” Merlin says, “Ok Cam go for it” 

“Larry hey…so PC had to employ a bunch of parts pirates for a while and most of them were based overseas.” Cam starts to explain, “But the blood wings are all American and they started as parts pirates rounding up AWOLs illegally but after sometime they turned out to be really good assassins the center of the group is these three brothers. Roberta wanted me to send some of my siblings to be trained by them.” 

“Wow…well where are they now?” Larry asks

“I don’t know” Cam confesses, “we’ll add that to our list of things to look out for. But we do have good news” 

“I might have something on Governor King” Merlin says “it’s gonna require me to sneak into an office and kinda steal something” 

“Merlin that’s not really a great idea” Larry starts to warn him

“It’ll be fine” Merlin waves the comment off, “you know some lawyers right? Cam stop giving me that look it’ll be fine. Listen I’ll call you back later we gotta get going bye Larry. Bye Connor” 

“You’re a mad man” Connor says briefly taking over “Bye, stay out of trouble” 

“Hah, never” Merlin says before he hangs up. 

Connor lets Larry take back control, he’s insane but he’s great. 

“Remember when you asked me what you would have been like as an adult” Larry chuckles, “I think I know exactly how you would have turned out of meeting Merlin” 

Aw, Larry thank you Connor says with a touch of pride

“That was not really a compliment buddy” Larry says with a laugh

I'll take it as one, anyway, Connor said.

“Dad, did you ever find out who killed Jimmy?” Nick asked, walking up.

“Some people called the Red Wings,” Larry said. “I don't know much more than that.”

“Well, is there anyone doing research?” Nick asked.

“Merlin and Cam are,” Larry said.

“So, what are we going to tell Jimmy?” Nick asked.

“What little we do know,” Larry said, heading downstairs.

Chapter Text

“Ah, good evening, gentlemen,” Jimmy greeted Larry and Nick the following night. “How are you this evening?”

“Have you ever heard of the Red Wings?” Larry asked.

“Yes; they’re parts pirates that also work as assassins for Proactive Citizenry,” Jimmy said. “Why? Do you think they’re the ones who assassinated me?”

“That’s our theory, yes,” Nick said.

“Ate lest Merlin and Cam seem to thank so” Larry adds. “I guess you were seen a a big threat” 

“I don't understand why Proactive Citizenry is so dead set on getting rid of these printers” Jimmy says, “shouldn't any scientific afvancement be celebrated?” 

“It should be” Dr Byrd says walking up, “but PC is not at all what they should be, so they take whatever advancements they can use to maintain power” he sighs “ some things never change…Doc Brown tells me you might need my help?” 

“Yes with recreateing the printer blueprints” Jimmy says

“Just the blueprints?” Nick asks “weren't you really close to a working printer?” 

“Well yes but it's not like we have the part d for that here” Jimmy says, “and I don't think you would be able to get the parts” 

Merl might Connor says

“Merlin is also involved in a lot of other things Connor we can have him push his luck” Larry says

Hayden could have some outlets too Connor adds and one of Merls sons Lance he knows how to find stuff…we should try asking Hayden 

“Jimmy get me a list of parts” Larry says “I make no promises but I'll find some way to scrounge up something” Jimmy nods and writes down a list of the parts he needs.

“Okay…that's a lot, but it's still doable,” Larry said. “I’ll just forward this list to a group of people and they'll get the parts delivered.”

“Thanks for that,” Jimmy said. “I'll just work on improving the blueprints in the meantime. Usually, I have Goddard to help me, but he isn't here, right now.”

“Who's Goddard?” Nick asked.

“Goddard is the dog that Jimmy built himself,” Doc explained. “Myself, I prefer my animal companions to be of flesh and blood, but I do admire Jimmy’s natural talents.”

“You literally built your own pet?” Larry asked Jimmy.

“Yep,” Jimmy said, not looking up from his blueprints. “And Goddard can do so much more than what a regular dog can do. Basically, if you can name it, the Goddard can do it.”

“Is there any way to bring Goddard back to you?” Larry asked.

“In theory,” Jimmy said, “but that would require explaining the impossible.”

“Maybe if we say that he'll be a part of your exhibit,” Larry hypothesized.

“That will work as well,” Jimmy said. “Either way, I'll be happy to have my dog back.”

“Then we'll get your dog back for you,” Larry said with a grin.

The following month, a box from Retroville came to the Museum of Natural History.

“Naturally, Mr. and Mrs. Neutron were reluctant to part with their son's mechanical pet, seeing that it's all they had left of him,” Dr. McPhee explained, “but all we had to do was explain that it's to help keep Jimmy’s legacy alive.” As soon as the box was opened, out walked a robotic dog, who looked at Larry and Dr. McPhee in confusion.

“Welcome to the Museum of Natural History, boy,” Larry gently told Goddard. “Let's bring you to your exhibit.” Goddard followed Larry to Jimmy’s exhibit, where the robotic dog sensed something strange about the mannequin of Jimmy.

“Let's just say that something very special happens at sunset,” Larry explained to Goddard upon seeing his expression. That evening, the sun sets, and the museum comes to life.

Goddard barks excitedly and bounds around Jimmy. “Goddard!” Jimmy leans down to hug the metal dog only to be pounced and have Goddard practically pin him to the floor with an excessive amount of licks. “Come on boy down, down” Jimmy says through laughs and pushing Goddard off. “Ok boy come on let’s go introduce you to some of our new friends” Boy and dog bound off with an excitement Larry hasn’t seen in anyone in a long time. 

“Strange little creature” Kahmunrah comments walking up next to Larry, “but the boy is happy” Kahmunrah is tossing and catching a small gold colored object in his hand. “I suppose this means you’ll be working on getting more of those parts?” 

“It’s slow going” Larry says, “Is that what I think it is you’ve got another sun scrab?” 

Kahmunrah grins clearly proud of himself, “I had just enough gold from some of my old jewelry, of course with Ahkmenrah helping made it was easier, I might even make another” he shows Larry the gold ear cuff with a tiny scarab beetle carved out of a blue stone, “I forgot how much I enjoy making these arcane objects” 

“Doc and Jimmy told me that you know some stuff about the higher sciences” Larry says a little impressed, “did I marry a mad genius without realizing?”

“Genius may be a little excessive” Kahmunrah puffs up a bit enjoying the compliment, “even if it is accurate” he holds the sun scarab up examining it clearly proud of his work, “It feels so good to make something for the longest time all I was ever expected to do was destroy. Ahk was always labeled as the smart one out of the two of us because he was better at speaking and talented in all the arts, poetry, music…he never had to try hard to connect with anyone. Mother and Father praised him endlessly, my soldiers were the only ones that recognized my efforts…well and you” Kahmunrah give Larry a quick kiss on the cheek. 

“You’ve got that rough exterior that’s hard to get past for some people” Larry says, “you’re worth the extra effort” it’s fun to see Kahmunrah almost giddy over his accomplishment, seeing him this happy over anything really. 

“If I had the right materials” Kahmunrah starts to mutter a bit to himself, “yes I could…make that. Larry is there any scrap leather in storage? I could make something to protect the children, don’t know if it would work that well but practice never hurt…” 

“Sure I think we’ve got some” Larry says, “Hey Kah one thing…what did you make that first sun scab for?” 

Kahmunrah sighs, “It was intended for me, I knew what the tablet would do and I didn’t want to be under its effects at first…that’s when I thought I would be in the same tomb as the rest of my family, when I thought that at the very least Ahk and I would stay together. Father had left instructions with the head priest to bury me separately, I didn’t find out to thousands of years later” 

“You just didn’t want to be with them?” Larry asks, “even if it meant staying….well”

“A bit petty of me perhaps but yes” Kahmunrah admits, “you forget I was alone after you were banished, save for Amon…that was back when my heart was heavy with rage and pain” Kahmunrah smiles, “I’m in a better place now”

“Yes, you are,” Larry said, a loving smile on his face. “With me,” Larry then gave Kahmunrah a quick kiss.

Meanwhile, Jimmy was introducing Goddard to his fellow museum residents.

“So.ya literally BUILT yer own dog?” Jedediah asked.

“Yes, I did,” Jimmy said. “And Goddard has been my most loyal companion ever since then.” Goddard then sniffed curiously at wolf Tyler, Jedediah, and Octavius.

“I have to admit, that is quite an achievement, especially since you built Goddard while you were so young,” Octavius said.

“Thank you,” Jimmy said, smiling a bit at the praise.

“So, why did ya feel like building a pet, anyway?” Jedediah asked.   

“My parents wouldn't let me make a robotic clone of myself” Jimmy says “I need someone to help me with my inventions so Goddard” 

“ Your folks wouldn't let you what?” Jedediah asks looking thoroughly confused “hey girls new family rule” Jedediah yells over his shoulder toward Jane and Bethany. 

“Relax Pop” Bethany says, “i don't think any of us would even try that” 

“I'm not even sure I know what that's means” Octavius says “but he is a impressive creature” 

Wolf Tyler barks at Goddard and Goddard mimics the back exactly. Wolf Tyler bounces and wags his tail excitedly then bounds side to side and Goddard does the same. Two canines of wildly different sizes and makes become instant friends playing and barking like puppies.  

It's a rare relatively quiet night, Ahkmrnrah takes the opportunity to sneak a few moments alone with America. “Remind you of old times?” Ahkmenrah asks America quietly cuddling up to him.

“You know we don't have to sneak around and hide being together” America kisses Ahkmenrah's cheek.

“I know,” Ahkmenrah said, “but where would the thrill be?”

“Good point,” America said, kissing Ahkmenrah on the cheek. “So, I hear that Jimmy is trying to reinvent the organ printer, again.

“He is,” Ahkmenrah confirmed. “He just needs the parts.”

“He's already got the blueprints taken care of?” America asked.

“Almost;” Ahkmenrah said. “But Jimmy wrote a list of parts that he needs in order to complete the organ printer.”

“And who's gonna get them?” America asked.

“Hayden and Cam, I believe,” Ahkmenrah said. “It will be nice to see them, especially since it's been a while.”

“And what about Cam's state of being?” America asked.

“Kahmunrah has made another sun scarab for Cam to use while he's here,” Ahkmenrah said.

“That's good,” America said. “I'm pretty sure Frankie will be happy to see Cam, again.”

“Indeed,” Ahkmenrah said. “Now, come with me. I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” America asked. “But my birthday isn't until a couple months from now!”

“I know; I can still give you a gift just because,” Ahkmenrah said, briefly kissing America before gently dragging him along.

Chapter Text

Ahkmenrah hands America something wrapped in bundled up scrap of cloth, “I never got the chance to give you anything before” he says, “I always wanted to” 

America unwraps the bundle, to reveal a polished silver colored cuff bracelet with intricately etched images of lotus flowers below a night sky with a crescent moon. “This is…beautiful. Did you make this?” he asks sliding the cuff on his wrist.

Ahkmenrah nods, “Kah helped me form the metal but yes I did the etching myself” he reaches for America’s hand and his fingers run over the delicate lines carved into the metal, “the lotus is a symbol of creation and rebirth, they rise out of the mud near the nile every morning always returning with the sun” 

“The same way you come back to me every night” America leans in for a kiss and gets a happy little sigh from Ahkmenrah along with the long lingering kiss. “It’s a nice night out, you wanna sneak up to the roof and watch the city and the stars?” 

“We really shouldn’t…” Ahkmenrah starts 

“Ah come on” America says with a playful wink, “nothing’s going on tonight you can let your guard down just this once, besides I’ll be with you” 

“That sounds familiar” Ahkmenrah comments, “I feel like you’ve used that line on me before” 

The pair of young lovers sneak off unknown to anyone else. In the lower parts of the museum deep in the basement Kahmunrah goes to check on long term storage’s lone occupant. Obi-Wan trails behind Kahmunrah, insistent that the older pharaoh take at least one guard with him. “Are you sure you need to speak with him, I don’t think your father’s changed much and he always seems to upset you” 

“I don’t want to talk to him…but I may need his help” Kahmunrah unlocks the door to the dusty storage room to see his father sitting in the back of the tiny room, engrossed in a book from the stack of reading material he’s been given, “Father’ 

Merenkahre looks up and then turns back to his book, “well look who’s come to see me, I suppose you want me to stand up and bow” 

“I’d rather you rot” Kahmunrah growls a bit, “but I’ll settle for you being civil for a few minutes if you can manage” 

“I will if you will” Merenkahre looks up and shuts the book in his hands with a snap, “what do you want?” 

“There are plans to build a machine that could end the barbaric practice of unwinding” Kahmunrah explains, “but the parts needed are hard to come by” 

“Yes I imagine such a machine would be complex” Merenkahre comments, “and from what I’ve read this unwinding was a necessary evil I fail to see why I should help you end it” 

Kahmunrah bistles, “What…you can’t be serious you agree with such a terrible practice?” 

“If it had been around in our time” Merenkahre starts, “it would have solved one of my biggest problems” he glares at Kahmunrah, “You would have been out of my way and actually useful” 

“Actually useful?” Kahmunrah snaps, “I expanded your kingdom, I carved rivers of blood through the sand- for you! I became a monster for the glory of our kingdom and you took everything only to force the crown on Ahkmenrah-” 

Merenkahre scoffs “Your brother was better suited-”

“Easier to manipulate you mean” Kahmunrah grumbles. Obi-Wan coughs and looks over at Kahmunrah in an attempt to remind him why they’re there.  “I am not here to argue with you, I am here to ask for your help” Kahmunrah says with a sigh, “I’ve been able to use the metal crafting arcane skills you’re taught me but I’m losing too much raw materials in the process, I need you to help me figure out what I’m doing wrong” 

“You are most likely rushing the process, that’s what you always did when you were younger” Merenkahre says, “well I don’t have much else to do while you have me imprisoned. Bring something for us to work on tomorrow night at the very least I can tell you what you’re doing wrong” 

“You are very skilled at that” Kahmunrah huffs out, “fine tomorrow night” 

Meanwhile, Jimmy had started on the organ printer prototype with the parts he already has, Goddard displaying the blueprints in 3D fashion to better help Jimmy.

“So, what is this organ printer thingy supposed to do?” Jedediah asked.

“Essentially, it's going to make unwinding unnecessary,” Jimmy said.

“Ah; that is why Proactive Citizenry is trying so hard to make such technology gone for good,” Octavius said.

“Unfortunately, that is to my understanding,” Jimmy said, picking up a screwdriver.

“Anyway, how is it supposed to work?” Octavius asked.

“It's supposed to print out new parts and organs using the recipient’s unique genetic code,” Jimmy explained, using the blueprint to show what he means.

“That's mighty impressive, even though I can't understand half of what you're talkin’ about,” Jedediah said.

“Don't worry,” Jimmy said. “I have a bad habit of talking above everyone's heads.”

“So, are ya gonna test that thing out after you finish it?” Jedediah asked.

“Naturally,” Jimmy said. “However, since my body is now made of wax, there aren't any living cells for me to use, so I may need to ask Larry, Nick, Ahkmenrah, or Kahmunrah to volunteer.”

“And how much longer will it take you to complete your project?” Octavius asked.

“Depending on how quickly the other parts get here, I estimate that it will be a couple weeks to a month,” Jimmy hypothesized.

“That long?” Jedediah asked.

“Like I said, I need the necessary parts,” Jimmy said. “The good news is that I seem to be getting those parts relatively quickly.”

“Larry is very good at getting necessary things” Octavius says, “I’ve often wondered how he come across some things but he has always managed to provide for us” 

“Speaking of gigantor” Jedidah says as Larry walks by

“Stop calling me that” Larry grumbles, “We’ve had this talk Jed…I just got a message from Merlin and Cam they’ve managed to get more of the parts you’re looking for Jimmy. Cam’s going to bring them by tomorrow night” 

“That’s fantastic” Jimmy says with a grin, “this means I’ll get to meet  the original composite person, I’ve herd Camus Comprex is supposed to be a genius. I wonder if I could get his insight on the printer. The move minds we have on this the better” 

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to help” Larry says

Genius is going a little far for Cam Connor comments, but at least he’s helping 

“We would like to meet Frankie’s older brother” Octavius says, “the first time he was here we didn’t get to see much of him” 

“Well Kah made another sun scarab so Cam’s brain won’t short out this time” Larry says. 

The next day Cam makes his way to the museum with a sealed box tucked under one arm. It’s still midday when he walks in and finds Frankie eagerly waiting in Larry’s office for him. “Cam!” Frankie hugs his older brother. 

“Frankie?” Cam blinks and barely recognizes his younger sibling, “you look so different from the last time I saw you” he sets the box down on the desk, “you look good” he smiles and looks at the staff badge, “living exhibit hu? And you leaned into the name you were given you’re really going with the last name Roosevelt” 

“Why not” Frabkie says, “oh I have something for you, uncle Kah made this so you can stay after sunset” Frankie takes the sun scarab from his pocket and hands it to Cam

“Uncle Kah?” Cam slips the sun scarab on his ear, “I can’t stay the whole night I just need to make sure Larry gets these parts he needs” 

“But I want you to meet everyone” Frankie says with mild disappointment, “I’ve haven’t really seen you in so long we have so much to catch up on. I have to tell you about what happened at the Smithoian and my past life and all the work I’ve been doing here” 

“Past life?!” Cam asks “Now you're telling me that reincarnation is real?”

“Yes, it is,” Frankie said. “Larry, in his past life, was Uncle Kah's first love, Cassim. Mr. America, in his past life, was Uncle Ahk's first love, Tamos. “Nick, in his past life, was Buyak of Giza. And I, in my past life, was Uncle Kah's closest guard, Amon.”

“And you remember all that?” Cam asked.

“With the help of the tablet, yeah,” Frankie confirmed. “But it started with some weird dreams, though.”

“So, reincarnation is real,” Cam said. “And the fact that you were reborn proves that you do, in fact, have a soul-that you're human!”

“Same goes with you,” Frankie said with a grin.

“Now I know that I made the right decision to bring you here,” Cam said. “You're much happier here than I've ever seen you.”

“You can stay here, too, if you want,” Frankie said. “I've been missing you.”

“I missed you, too,” Cam said. “But I can't stay here. I'd be putting everyone at risk.”

“It'll be fine,” Frankie said. “Promise.”

“...If it'll make you happy, I'll give living here a try,” Cam said. “And besides, there are a few people here that I'd like to meet.”

“That's the spirit!” An additional voice said, revealing the owner to be Teddy. Cam checked his watch.

“Wow, the sun has set, already,” Cam observed, also noticing the second sun scarab on his ear.

“Let's bring you to Jimmy,” Frankie said. “He wants to meet you, too.”

“Jimmy? As in Jimmy Neutron?” Cam asked.

“You've heard of him, too?” Frankie asked.

“He's one of the best-and the youngest-scientific minds in Texas,” Cam said.

“Well he’s been diligently working on that printer you’ve bringing parts for” Teddy says, “it’s coming along nicely, we’ve all been excited to see you Camus” 

“Just Cam is fine Mr Roosavelt” Cam says  

“And you can just call me Teddy my dear boy” Teddy smiles, “you are family after all, are you just joining us for tonight?” 

“I might stay a few nights if you can find space for me” Cam says and sees Frankie excitedly nod, “Merlin’s gone back to his home for a bit to rally his own troops and get some of my siblings settled in more permanent living arrangements” Cam rubs the back of his head, “I could use somewhere safe to rest for a few days…” 

“Are you ok Cam?” Frankie asks with a bit of concern

“I’m doing great actually, Merlin removed something for me” Cam points to a scar on the back of his neck, “my compliance chip is gone…I’m a free man.” 

“So you can go wherever you want?” Frankie asks 

“I can  but I’m the only one out of all our siblings that’s legally human” Cam says, “although Governor King is fighting that” 

“You won’t find any support for Governor King here” Teddy says, “he’s very unpopular with everyone in the museum, Kahmunrah has a special hatred for him. And I can’t believe the policies he’s trying to implement nowadays with no class and no bravery.” 

“They don’t make political leaders like they used to” Cam chuckles, “that’s for sure” 

“Here we are,” Frankie said, gesturing to Jimmy, hard at work.

Cam cleared his throat. “I got you some more of the parts you need,” Cam said. Jimmy looked up, his mouth opening and closing like a fish in shock.

“You're Camus Comprix!” Jimmy finally managed to get out.

“Yes, I sm,” Cam said. “I heard that you wanted to meet me?”

“I do,” Jimmy said. “Such a marvel of science!”

“I'm just a person…granted, I'm made from other people, but still,” Cam said, then looked at the organ printer. “So, this is the organ printer you're reinventing?”

“Yes, it is,” Jimmy confirmed. “It doesn’t look like much right now, but once completed, it will revolutionize the world of organ transplants!” As Jimmy excitedly explains how the organ printer will work, Kahmunrah walked up next to Frankie.

“Jimmy seems happy,” Kahmunrah observed.

“I think it's the most excited he's ever been,” Frankie said.

“How much longer until this organ printer us ready to be demonstrated?” Kahmunrah asked.

“With the parts Jimmy just got? Just a few days left,” Frankie said. “Then, he'll use some living cells to test it out.”

“I look forward to that day,” Kahmunrah said. “If possible, I would like to volunteer.”

“Are you sure?” Larry asked, joining the conversation.

“Yes, I am sure,” Kahmunrah said. “Jimmy only requires human cells to test his machine, correct? Well, everything about my body comes back to life every night, so it should be satisfactory enough.”

“And I guess you did your research?” Larry asked.

“Of course,” Kahmunrah replied. “Ever since I heard about Jimmy’s attempts to resume his work.” Larry held Kahmunrah’s hand.

“Well, let's hope this works,” Larry said with a hopeful grin.

Chapter Text

“I am pleased to announce that the organ printer is now complete,” Jimmy said with a wide grin, one night. “Are there any volunteers?”

“I would like to volunteer some of my own cells,” Kahmunrah said, stepping forward.

“Very well, then,” Jimmy said. “Please open your mouth.” Kahmunrah complied as Jimmy took a swab and used it to take samples of Kahmunrah’s cells and put it in the printer.”

“Is that my DNA?” Kahmunrah asked, pointing to the DNA strand now on the screen.

“Yes, it is,” Jimmy confirmed. “The machine is already making notes on and marking various aspects of your genetic code.”

“And what could you print with this?” Kahmunrah asks, “you could reproduce any part of my body with this?”

“In theory” Jimmy makes a few adjustments, “more complex parts would take more time, and I don’t think I could recreate a brain well not the whole thing anyway” 

“How long would it take something simple?” Larry asks. 

“Depends on the size” Jimmy says, “a patch of skin, an hour or so, this is the first version of this machine, it would have to go through extensive testing and be refined over time to be perfect” 

“But it is better than unwinding” Kahmunrah says, “And that’s the point of all this” 

“So if this works what do we do now?” Larry asks, “I mean working printer that’s great but now it needs to get out into the world” 

Give the power to the masses Connor says, Dr Rothchild never published his work and Jimmy never got the blueprints out either, put the blueprints up on the internet. 

“Jimmy how open are you to posting these blueprints somewhere where the whole world can see them?” Larry asks

“I-I suppose that is the point of all this” Jimmy says watching the printer work, “but I would feel better with a scientist or doctor presenting to the world” he sighs “it’s a shame It means I won’t get the credit for this but it’s like Dr Byrd says no scientific advancement really belongs to the person that develops it” 

“Speaking of Dr Byrd….I think we know a doctor that could present the printer to the world on your behalf” Larry says, “he’s a little crazy” 

“Merlin?” Kahmunrah asks, “Governor King has painted a target on him, is that wise?” 

“Maybe not but realistically who else can we trust?” Larry asks

The printer finishes its work an hour later, it’s only a patch of skin but it’s a stable patch that holds together and looks and acts just like any other bit of Kahmunrah’s skin. “It worked…it works!” Jimmy exclaims. 

“It does!” America said with a wide grin. “Jimmy, you're a genius!”

“Tell me something I don't know,” Jimmy said with a smile of his own.

“Everyone, everyone, an announcement!” Dr. McPhee said, walking in, causing Jimmy to hurriedly cover his organs printer with a nearby cloth.

“Dr. McPhee?” Larry asked. “You're never here this late, even after you found out that the museum comes to life every night,” Larry said, surprised.

“I know, but I have an announcement,” Dr. McPhee said. “Since the students of Retroville High School's history class will be coming up here for a lock-in tomorrow along with Hill Valley High School's, the next showing of the interactive Egyptian exhibit will be moved to tomorrow evening.”

“Did you say Retroville High School is one of the schools involved?” Jimmy asked.

“Yes, Mr. Neutron,” Dr. McPhee said. “That means you'll get to see some of your former classmates again; congratulations.”

“And you mentioned Hill Valley High, too,” Marty said. “Is this a muti-school thing?”

“As a matter of fact, it is,” Dr. McPhee said. “It's part of a national history program for most schools across the country.”

“So there might be more students coming here?” Ahkmenrah asked.

“Potentially,” Dr. McPhee said.

“Then we have to get ready, then,” Teddy said. “Everyone, you will be divided into groups to prepare for the arrival of our student guests.”

“That sounds like a rather good idea,” Dr. McPhee said. “We should get started.”

The following night, the students from the various schools participating in the history program arrive.

“So, Dad and Doc are both on exhibit here, now,” Marty Junior said, looking around.

“Oh, Marty McFly Sr. is here?” Libby Folfax from Retroville High asked. “I gotta see his exhibit! His music is some of my favorite old school jams!”

Frankie chuckles at the comment, “He’ll be flattered to hear you say that” he looks over to Marty Jr and Marlene, “did I see you guys at the Smithsonian last year?” 

“Hey yeah!” Marlene says, “you’re that composite person that was helping dad!” Marlene thinks for a minute, “Doc said your name was…Frankie right?” 

“That’s right” Frankie nods, and looks around, “you wanna go see them?” 

“Dad and Doc?” Marty Jr asks and then looks back to his sister, “yeah can we?” 

Frankie sneaks the twins away from the rest of the group and leads them back to Mary’s exhibit, “wait here” he whispers and casually strolls to Marty’s exhibit. “Hey Marty” 

“Oh hey Frankie…so all the students are here now right?” Marty asks, adjusting the guitar on his back, “are they here…” 

“Hum? Who would you mean?” Frankie asks playing dumb

Marty smacks his shoulder, “come on man you know exactly who I mean” 

Frankie steps aside and reveals the twins standing behind him, “You mean these two” 

“Dad…” Marty Jr hesitantly walks toward Marty. 

Marlene rushes Marty and hugs him, Junior joins in and the twins almost try to borrow into thier dad's sides. 

Doc Brown looks on from his own exhibit, “look at that…” he smiles “this is a long time coming” 

“Come'er Doc” Marty waves him over “you get in on this” Marty pulls Doc Brown into the family hug. 

Frankie looks immensely proud of himself and leaves the family to reunite and catch up. 

“Amon, where did you wander off to?” Kahmunrah asks as soon as Frankie turns the corner, “I need your help with these children there is a mob of them and they are asking so many questions” 

“I'll be right there,” Frankie said as he left to help Kahmunrah.

Meanwhile, Jimmy was watching the interactive exhibit from afar. In the Retroville High crowd, there were faces he recognized: Carl, Sheen, Cindy, Libby. As they asked their questions and got their answers, Jimmy watched. He wanted to be in that group, to hang out with his friends, to be a living high school student, again. But sadly, it was not to be. Goddard whined next to Jimmy.

“You miss them, too, huh Goddard?” Jimmy asked. Goddard nodded. “Come on, let's make some improvements on the organ printer.” Goddard loyally followed Jimmy back to his makeshift lab.

“Any further questions?” Ahkmenrah asked. After everyone confirmed that they didn't, they moved on to the combat demonstration. After that was over, Larry walked out for his hunting demonstration.

“Hello, everyone,” Larry greeted. “My name is Cassim, and I'll show you how we hunted back in ancient Egypt.”

“Did you always dress that atrociously?” A girl asked.

“These clothes were actually necessary, believe it or not,” Larry said. “Especially for an archer like me, freedom of movement and loose fitting clothes were important in a harsh desert climate” he holds up one arm showing off the tanned leather armguards, “and these protect my arm from the fletching on the arrows as well as animal bites and claws” Larry take the long bow from his back, “who wants to see me land a shot?” 

“You’re gonna shoot something?” one of the boys asks 

“Oh I wanna see this” a girl comments. 

Larry gives a signal and Dexter smacks the backside of a gazelle to send it bounding out across the hall from the Egypt exhibit. Larry draws his bow and fires an arrow with a rubber suction cup end that sticks to the gazelle when it hits. The gazelle dramatically falls over with a squeal and flops on the floor playing dead. The gathered teens look at least mildly impressed a few of the boys mutter out ‘cool’ 

“Everybody give Glenn a hand he’s such a good sport” Larry says as the gazelle pops back up and does a small shiver and shake before walking back to the hall of animals suction cup arrow still stuck on his back until Dexter pulls it off. Glen gets his much deserved applause. 

“Beautiful shot as always” Kahmunrah comes up behind Larry as the students are led away to another exhibit. “I do enjoy watching you with that bow” Kahmunrah sneaks a light kiss, “maybe you can keep this outfit on after everyone’s left?” 

“Kah” Larry chuckles and leans back to rub under his jaw, “shouldn’t you be answering questions with Ahk” 

Kahmunrah huffs, “there are too many of them these teenagers are relentless” 

“I thought you liked kids” Larry says, “You love the teens that live with us” 

“That’s different, they are my charges and part of our kingdom” Kahmunrah shivers a bit, “these ones are a little terrifying and there are so many” 

“Uh huh, getting a little overwhelmed?” Larry rubs the spot behind Kahmunrah’s jaw, “well you’re doing great hang in there” 

“I will try,” Kahmunrah said, enjoying Larry’s touch.

“Good,” Larry smiled. “Now, let's keep educating those kids.”

The following day, the group of students left. When the tablet’s magic glowed, everyone went about their nightly business.

“Sure, I'll help unveil that organ printer Jimmy reinvented,” Merlin said when Larry called him.

“Thanks,” Larry said. “Jimmy really wants to get that organ printer out there.”

“I do, too,” Merlin said. “It'll be hard, but I still think I can do it.”

“Good luck,” Larry said before hanging up.

“Did it go well?” Kahmunrah asked.

“Merlin agreed,” Larry said. “He's going to present the organ printer to the world.”

“That is certainly a relief to hear,” Kahmunrah said with a smile. “The sooner the better.”

“Agreed,” Larry said, smiling as he gave Kahmunrah a quick kiss. “Come on, let's check on everyone.”

Chapter Text

Merlin walked into the museum the following evening.

“So, where is this organ printer?” Merlin asked.

“Right this way,” Jimmy said, a bit of pride in his voice. Jimmy uncovered the organ printer and used some living cells from Kahmunrah he got beforehand to demonstrate. As the machine noted and marked various aspects of Kahmunrah's genetic code such as ethnicity, intelligence, how prone he is to illness, etcetera, the printer then worked on printing out a piece of skin.

“This Is incredible,” Merlin said, amazed.

“Thank you,” Jimmy said, his chest puffed out a bit in pride. “I'm even working on improvements, already.”

“It’ll be hard, but I'm confident that I can introduce this technological marvel to the world,” Merlin said.

“Thank you,” Jimmy said.

“I'll even mention that it's built from your original blueprints,” Merlin said. “Not only is it true, but you still deserve some credit.” Merlin looks over the printer and shakes his head a bit, “It’s such a shame I don’t understand why the world spares an old man like me and you someone that has years of scientific advancement offer the world is cut short” 

“There’s not much we can do about that” Jimmy says somberly, “as long as this printer makes it out into the world, how are you going to do it?” 

“Well I’ve been working with a hospital in North Carolina,” Merlin explains, “I’m good friends with an influential family out of Charlotte NC, the Gants. Have you heard of them?” 

“I think so they’re the North Carolina governor’s family right?” Jimmy asks, “Lacey Gant, she shut the camps down in her state the first time unwinding was overturned” 

“I’m best friends with her cousin a woman named Betty and Lacey’s mother Rose owns and is head of the board of directors for Charlotte general” Merlin says, “I can get the printer in the hospital and in front of a bunch of doctors along with Lacey and Rose backing us” 

“That’s perfect” Jimmy says beaming, “so we just need to get you and the printer out of New York and back to your home state” 

“I can help with that” Cam offers, “I know all the roads where there might be check points and if need be I can run a distraction” 

“Cam,” Merlin starts, “I can’t ask you-” 

“You aren’t I’m offering” Cam pats Merlin’s shoulder, “you helped me so much already” 

Merlin chuckles, “ah it’s what I do kid” he looks at the readout on the printer’s screen, “where did you get this genetic sample again?” Merlin asks

“From Kahmunrah he’s been very supportive of this whole endeavor” Jimmy says

“You’re printing using genetic material from a reanimated mummy” Merlin laughs and shakes his head “If I wasn’t looking at ot right now I wouldn’t believe it, also his IQ is this high? Are both the pharaohs this smart?” 

“How high is- 180?” Cam asks shocked, “a museum exhibit is a genius?” 

“Man was born in the wrong age” Merlin says

“I’ll say,” Jimmy agreed. “If given the chance, he would have been one of the brightest minds of his age.”

“Well, it’s all a bunch of what ifs, now,” Kahmunrah said. “Nowadays, I use my intellect on the arcane and researching the modern sciences.”

“That’s how you were aware of DNA and cells already, despite them both being scientific discoveries made thousands of years after your death,” Jimmy observed.

“Precisely,” Kahmunrah said. “I am especially interested in the world within our bodies in this day and age, though.”

“I guess I might have had an influence in that,” Jimmy said, looking at the organ printer.

“Among other things,” Kahmunrah said. “When will you deliver the organ printer?” Kahunrah asked Merlin.

“Tomorrow,” Merlin said. “The sooner, the better.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Cam said, grinning. “I want this to be revealed to the world ASAP.”

The following day, Merlin and Cam packed up the organ printer and left.

“Here’s hoping that everything will go well,” Larry said.

“It will,” Nick said. “Everything has turned out well for us, so far.”

“Well, mostly,” Larry said, getting ready for when the sun sets.

“So, I hear one of the new guys here reinvented the organ printer,” CyFi said as soon as he walked in.

“Hey, CyFi, long time no see,” Larry said. “Yeah, Jimmy reinvented the organ printer. It’s going to be unveiled in North Carolina.”

“Jimmy? As in Jimmy Neutron?’ CyFi asked. “Man, that guy is a genius with a capital G!”

“Yeah, he’s very smart,” Larry said as the sun sets.

“Good evening, Lawrence and Connor,” Teddy greets. “Oh, good evening to you, too, CyFi. I did not know you were coming.”

“Just felt like popping in,” CyFi said. “I haven’t seen any of y’all in a while, so I figured why not?” CyFi pauses. “Yeah, Ty, I get it, you missed this place, too.”

We should get Risa, Lev, and Hayden here, too, Connor said. Make this a real party.

“Sure, sounds fun,” Larry said as Kahmunrah walked up.

“Good evening, love,” Kahunrah said, kissing Larry. “I didn’t know we were expecting company,” he added, noticing CyFi.

“Just popping in for a visit,” CyFi said. “I haven’t seen you guys in a good long while, so I figured why not?”

“Where have you been, I can assume the lot of you have been busy” Kahmunrah asks keeping one arm around Larry 

“Sure have” CyFi says with a grin, “been workin with the knights you met the crazy old wizard right? and few other folks around the nation unwinding is all but over well cept here” 

“Oh yeah Governor King…I don’t get him” Nick says, “but he’s still got backing from what’s left of proactive citizenry” 

“Not for long” CyFi says with a wink and holds up small thumb drive, “he slipped up this one time…one of his secretaries gave up a bunch of info and you wanna talk about dirt, we got dirt now.Skimming money out of state and city funds, affairs heck we found the unwind orders for his own kid” CyFi says, “Hayden’s gonna do a special broadcast what would make it even better is if we can find someone that can back all this up” 

“I could” Carter says walking up, “if Hayden wants me to I could back up everything anything to catch that monster in his own lies” 

“Carter…you don’t need to” Kahmunrah says 

“I do, you faced your father” Carter nods, “I need to face mine, tell Hayden I’ll do it. I’ll do the broadcast with him and tell everyone about my old dad” Carter says.

“Aces” CyFi grins and tosses the thumb drive to Carter, “you keep this safe, I’m gonna call Hayden we’re gonna get this party started” 

Hey Larry, when Risa gets here I need to talk to her Connor says quietly 

Larry nods and whispers to Connor, “Ok, whatever you need” 

Bethany and Jane get wind of someone mentioning a party and instantly start setting something up in celebration of Connor’s old friends coming to visit. Levi, Hayden and Risa are welcomed as soon as they walk in. 

“Hey, guys,” Connor said, taking over.

“Connor?” Risa asked. “You can take over Larrys’s body, now?”

“Only when he lets me,” Connor said. “Look, I missed you guys, especially you, Risa.”

“We missed you, too,” Risa said with a small smile.

“You won’t believe the amazing news here,” Connor said.

“The exhibit of Jimmy Neutron reinventing the organ printer? Merlin’s told us, already,” Levi said with a grin. “That’s like, the most amazing thing he’s ever invented.”

“Well, I try,” Jimmy said, joining the conversation with a small smile.

“Thanks for the help, Jim,” Hayden said with a smile. “Sure, Merlin’s taking the majority of the credit, but he did give you your due by saying that the printer was built from your blueprints.” As Levi, Hayden, and Jimmy talk, Risa, Connor, and Larry are left alone.

“I should have known that being unwound wouldn’t stop you from fighting,” Risa said with a small smile.

“That’s true,” Connor said. “If anything, it just made me need a bit of extra help.”

“So, what’s gonna happen, now?” Risa asked.

“I guess let Larry live the happy life he deserves,” Connor said. “He’s agreed to let you and the others come by here whenever you want, but at this point, I feel like I need to pay him back for his own efforts in the fight.”

“Yeah, that does sound fair, especially after everything Larry did,” Risa agreed.

“He’s been through a lot,” Connor said. “Let him take a rest. Be a night guard in this extraordinary museum.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mirabel agreed, walking America’s body over.

“I guess you’re the unwind in Mr. America’s head?” Risa asked.

“Yeah; the name’s Mirabel Madrigal,” Mirabel said.

“Your name sounds familiar,” Risa said. “I think…I think I read in some old files that I ended up with your spine.”

“And I’m glad to see that you’re taking good care of it,” Mirabel said with a small smile.

“Granted, I was pretty much blackmailed into getting it,” Risa said, “but I’m glad to know that you’re not mad at me about it.”

“Well, we can’t exactly help our situations,” Mirabel said, “so why not make the best of them?”

“Exactly,” Connor agreed. “Make the most of what we got.”

“Wise words if I’ve ever heard them,” Kahmunrah said as he walked up. “Why won’t you ladies and gentlemen join the party? Tonight is the night for celebrating!”

Connor grabs Risa’s wrist before she walks off “Risa wait…there’s something…” He waits for everyone else to walk out of earshot and only Kahmunrah is hanging back now, he seems to understand Connor wants a minute alone with Risa and nods then turns his back. 

“Connor, what’s wrong?” Risa asks 

“I’m not…I’ll never be whole again” Connor says, “and I’m ok with that but…I don’t want to…you shouldn’t…” 

Risa goes in for a hug and puts her forehead up to Larry’s, “I know Connor…I’m not ready to move on to anyone else and I’ll always love you, Maybe one day I’ll meet someone but I’m not worried about that now.” she pulls back and smiles a little sadly, “who knows maybe we’ll get another chance, reincarnation is a thing right?”

“Right” Connor nods, “I’ll always love you Risa”