“Enough, Lawrence,” said Teddy. Sacajawea had him rolled over onto his side.
Larry looked over at his stiffening friend. “I can save him!”
“There’s nothing you can do,” Teddy said with a weak smile. “He’s gone.”
CHAPTER 11
Larry sat on the roof, slowly stroking Dexter’s fur. He lightly brushed a fresh snowflake from the monkey’s still face. He couldn’t believe the little troublemaker was gone. Larry had failed him. He had failed all his friends.
Larry gazed at his dying friends. Although Teddy’s eyes were still trained on him, it was clear that the former president could no longer move. Sacajawea was nearly frozen as well, her skin glossy and artificial. Attila still slumped in a heap, while Ahkmenrah was thin, withered, and cracked. It looked as if a strong gust could blow his body to dust.
Larry caught Nick’s pleading eyes. Tears streamed down the boy’s cheeks as he glanced down at his pocket. Octavius stiffly held his sword high, reverting back to his lead form. Jedediah was not far behind.
“It’s been a heck of a ride, Gigantor.” Jed struggled to get the words out.
Larry stood and turned to Lancelot. To Larry’s surprise, the knight had tears in his eyes, too. He pointed down at Dexter. “You truly cared for that chimpanzee, didn’t you?”
Larry’s lip trembled. “He’s a capuchin. He was my friend.”
Lancelot smiled. “I understand now. The monkey was the quest.” He pulled the tablet from his pouch. “A more noble quest than mine. It was never about the tablet. It was about them.” He handed it to Larry. “Forgive me. It is I who have been the fool.”
“Thank you,” said Larry.
He turned the tablet over in his hands. The once golden Tablet of Ahkmenrah was now dull, green, and corroded. His fingers ran over the askew tile. The corrosion made it difficult to turn at first. But with a little effort, Larry clicked it back into place. He examined it in the moonlight. Nothing happened. It was too late. The tablet was powerless.
Tears filled Larry’s eyes, blurring his vision. As he wiped them away, he noticed that the tablet didn’t seem as dull anymore. In fact, the green stain began fading away. Larry shut his eyes as the tablet flashed a brilliant golden light.
Attila gasped as he sat upright. Teddy jolted up and began moving again. Sacajawea took in a deep breath, finally able to open her mouth. The cracks in Ahkmenrah’s face faded and a wide smile stretched across his face. Larry and Nick laughed as both Jedediah and Octavius took in deep breaths.
There was a loud screech at Larry’s feet. He looked down just in time to see Dexter leaping up at him. Larry caught the grinning monkey in his arms.
“Welcome back, Dex!” said Larry.
Everyone was back. Nick, Attilla, and Ahkmenrah were laughing. Teddy and Sacajawea hugged, and Jedediah and Octavius were jumping for joy in Nick’s pocket. Dexter leaped out of Larry’s arms to join the others.
Larry smiled and his eyes filled with tears once more. But this time, they were tears of joy. He had done it. He had saved them all. He ran over to hug his friends. To hug his son.
When Larry finally let go, he turned back to see Lancelot standing by the edge of the roof. His back was to them as he gazed out at the city. As Larry approached him, he saw the knight pull the silk scarf from his gauntlet. He ran a finger over the embroidered image of Camelot.
“It was just so beautiful in my head,” said the knight. “I wanted it to last forever.”
“I get it, man,” said Larry. “Believe me.” Larry turned back to gaze at his friends. At his son.
Lancelot closed his eyes and held the scarf to his face once more. He inhaled deeply. With a light smile, he raised the silken cloth high into the air. He released the scarf and it fluttered away in a swirl of snowflakes. It floated up into the moonlit sky until it disappeared into darkness.
After a moment of contemplation, the knight held up his sword to check himself in its reflecting surface. He used his other hand to mush his melted nose back into shape. When he was finished, he sheathed his sword and turned to face Larry and the others. He stood tall, his nose perfect once more.
“How do I look?” asked the knight.
Larry smiled. “You look like Lancelot.”
When Larry and the others returned to the museum, they headed straight for the Egyptian wing. Upon entering the familiar tomb, Ahkmenrah’s mother and father rushed over to embrace their son.
After their joyous reunion, Merenkahre strode over to Larry and put a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for bringing my son home safely,” said the older pharaoh. “You can’t possibly know the worry that was in my heart.”
Larry looked over at Nick and smiled. “I think I have a vague idea.”
Merenkahre followed Larry’s gaze. “It’s a strange thing to see your boy become a man.”
Larry sighed. “Yeah. One minute they’re riding a dinosaur in Central Park, the next minute they’re DJ-ing in Ibiza.”
Ahkmenrah’s father nodded with a blank stare, clearly not understanding what Larry had just said. Then a wide grin spread across Merenkahre’s face. “You have served my family well. We will build a great tomb and bury you with many riches.” His eyes widened. “I will personally see to it that your organs are removed and placed in separate jewel-encrusted jars.”
Larry cringed. “Thank you?”
Merenkahre patted Larry on the shoulder and rejoined his family.
“Lawrence, if we might have a word,” said Teddy. The group moved in close. Teddy glanced at the others. “We have been talking and ...”
“And Ahkmenrah’s place is here with his family,” Octavius finished. He and Jed stood on the floor next to the others. “The young pharaoh must remain here.”
Larry nodded. It made perfect sense. After all, Ahkmenrah’s parents had not seen their son for thousands of years. Who was he to break up such a happy reunion? His mind began to race with different ways that he and Dr. McPhee could make that happen.
Teddy gave a sympathetic smile. “The tablet should stay here as well, lad.”
Larry’s eyes widened. He didn’t see that one coming. “But ...” he began.
“The tablet belongs to them,” Sacajawea interrupted.
“This is where it belongs, Gigantor,” agreed Jed. “Where it has always belonged.”
Larry looked at Ahkmenrah and his family. They truly seemed happy. The young pharaoh caught his eye and strode over to join Larry and the others.
Larry turned back to the group. “Then ... you guys are going to have to stay here, too,” he said. “That’s the only way.”
Ahkmenrah nodded. “You would be most welcome.”
“You’re very kind,” said Sacajweah. “But we belong in New York.”
Attila nodded in agreement.
Larry couldn’t believe his ears. “But ... you won’t be ... alive anymore.”
“We never expected to be alive once,” Teddy explained. He smiled at Sacajawea. “I’ve had sixty good years, Lawrence.”
“Yeah, Gigantor,” agreed Jed. “We’re museum exhibits. Kids come to look at us, maybe learn a little somethin’— that’s as alive as I need to be.”
“But I’m supposed to take care of you guys,” said Larry.
Teddy put a hand on Larry’s shoulder. “And you have.” He nodded. “It’s okay, Lawrence. We’re ready.”
Larry gave a weak smile. “I’m not.”
“Let us go.” Teddy nodded. “It’s time.”
Larry’s gaze moved over their faces. He couldn’t believe this was the end. He caught Nick’s eye and then realized that everything he loved most in life was right there in that room. He didn’t know how he could let them go—all of them. However, deep down in his heart, he realized what his friends had already come to know. He knew it was the right thing to do. Finally, Larry nodded in agreement.
“Well, that settles it,” said Teddy. He reached out and shook Ahkmenrah’s hand. “King, it has been an honor and a pleasu
re.”
“The pleasure has been mine, Mr. President,” said the young pharaoh. He turned to Larry. “Thank you for everything, Larry, Guardian of Brooklyn.”
Larry smiled. “You’re right. It has a good ring to it.”
Larry looked down at the tablet. He ran his fingers over the ancient symbols one last time. The tablet had not only brought his friends to life but it had changed Larry’s life forever. It truly was magical. He handed it to Ahkmenrah.
“Goodbye, my friends,” said Ahkmenrah.
“Dad, if we leave now, we can catch a flight,” Nick suggested. “We could get home with everyone still alive before the sun comes up.”
Larry put an arm around Nick’s shoulder. “Good idea.”
Larry led the way for the last time as they exited the Egyptian wing. Once outside, he spotted Lancelot waiting for them. The knight stood beside the now docile Triceratops skeleton. The fossilized creature wagged its tail as Lancelot scratched the side of its skull.
“Whoa,” said Nick. “How did you do that?”
Lancelot smiled. “It’s amazing what you can get done with some liver snaps and the business end of a broadsword.”
“Someone once told me a true knight protects and cares for those in need,” Larry said as he marched forward. “Can I count on you?”
Lancelot smiled and gave a small bow. “It shall be an honor.”
They said their goodbyes to the knight and made their way back to the freight room. While Nick helped the others repack themselves into the large crate, Larry stepped outside to retrieve Laaa. Once outside, he saw that the guard shack door was wide open. The caveman was nowhere to be found.
“Unbelievable,” Larry said as he broke into a run.
He reached the open door and looked inside. He couldn’t believe what he saw. Tilly sat on a stool with Laaa sitting on the ground in front of her. The caveman had his back to her as he chowed down on packing peanuts. Tilly was talking a mile a minute as she braided the Neanderthal’s shaggy hair.
“With Tarquin it’s all a pose,” she said. “He’s a good guy, but he’s so busy trying to be a gangsta. With the chains ... and the grill ... and the sidey-ways hat that makes him look like a small child. He never really listened.” She stroked one of Laaa’s matted locks. “Not like you. You really listen ... with your heart.”
Larry closed his gaping mouth and shook his head. “Uh, hi. Sorry to interrupt. Laaa, the guys are waiting for us.”
Laaa rose to leave but Tilly took his hand. “Stay. We could make a life together. Away from judgment and labels. Please.”
Laaa gave her a smile and gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hairy hand.
Tilly’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ll never forget you.” She took his hand and gently kissed it. Laaa stepped out of the booth, letting his hand slowly slip from her grasp.
Larry had to close his gaping mouth again. He began to follow Laaa but then stopped. He turned back to the booth and peeked his head in. Tilly looked heartbroken.
“Hey, listen,” said Larry. “I know that you hate your job ... and tonight was kind of weird.” Larry glanced around and leaned closer. “But tomorrow night ...” He grinned. “Best job ever.”
CHAPTER 12
Nick had been right. Because of the time difference, the New York group had flown back to the United States all through the night. By the time they had reached the museum, there was just under an hour left before sunrise. Everyone had made it back just fine—everyone except Ahkmenrah and the tablet.
While Larry’s friends returned to their various displays, he went downstairs and cleaned out his locker. He stuffed all of his belongings into a duffle bag. Then, as he pulled out a pair of old sneakers, he spotted some tattered pages on the bottom of the locker. He pulled out the papers and smiled. It was his original instructions from when he first started. One of the previous night guards, Cecil, had given them to him when Larry first took the job. The pages had been taped and stapled back together from his first few misadventures in the museum. The writing was faded but he could still make out the first thing on the list. Throw the bone. Larry smiled and placed the pages back into the locker. He shut the door.
Larry swung by the Egyptian wing. He wanted to check it out one last time. No doubt it would be remodeled since the star attraction would no longer be there. As Larry entered the main gallery, he was surprised to see Dexter sitting on the railing. The little monkey stared up at the empty space where the golden Tablet of Ahkmenrah had been on display.
“It’s weird not having it here,” said Larry.
The monkey chirped in agreement. He looked up at Larry with sad eyes.
Larry checked his watch. “Well, almost dawn, buddy. You’d better get back over to Africa.”
Dexter lowered his head. He began to climb down but Larry stopped him.
“Listen, when you almost ... you know, up on that roof,” said Larry. “I just want you to know it gave me a new perspective. I know we’ve always had our whole weird dynamic, but I just want to say ... I appreciate you.”
Dexter grinned up at Larry. Then the monkey reared back, ready to deliver a monster of a slap.
Larry leaned forward. “It’s okay. One last slap.”
Instead of striking, Dexter reached up and pulled Larry’s head down. The mischievous capuchin, the troublemaker of the museum, the stealer of key rings ... gave Larry a quick kiss on the lips. Dexter hopped down and scampered out of the gallery.
Larry frowned. “I just wish I’d taught you how to brush.”
The next stop was the Hun exhibit. When Attila spotted Larry, he struggled to keep it together. The warrior’s lip quivered and his eyes filled with tears.
Larry nodded. “It’s okay, Attila. Let it out.”
The Hun warlord blubbered as tears streaked his cheeks. He threw his arms around Larry and sobbed into the night guard’s shoulder.
Larry patted him on the back. “I’m going to miss you, too, big fella.” Attila cried louder and squeezed Larry tighter. “Okay ... ow!” Larry grunted. “You’re actually hurting me a little.”
Attila reluctantly let go and took a step back. He looked Larry in the eye. “Larry Daley kaska,” he said. Then he pointed to his heart. “Attila zoscar.”
Larry still didn’t speak Hun but he knew exactly what the warlord meant. “Attila kaska,” Larry replied. He pointed to his own heart. “Larry Daley zoscar.” He’d keep Attila in his heart, too.
At the Neanderthal exhibit, Larry found Laaa milling around in front of his frozen companions. Laaa’s face lit when he saw Larry approach.
“Laaa ... I feel like we’ve been through a lot, emotionally, in just one night.” Larry tussled the caveman’s shaggy hair. “It’s ... genuinely hard to know what to say.”
Laaa rubbed his hands together nervously and looked down. He seemed to study the floor for a bit. Then he looked up and his primitive eyes met Larry’s. “Dada?”
Larry rolled his eyes. “Sure,” he said. “Dada. Sort of.”
Laaa gave a wide grin showing off his stained, crooked teeth. Then his smile slowly morphed to a mournful expression. “Staaaaay?”
Larry sighed. “I can’t, buddy.”
Laaa gave an accepting nod. Then he reached into his loincloth and pulled out one final packing peanut. He offered it to Larry. The night guard reluctantly accepted the foam nugget. Laaa looked at him, expecting Larry to eat it.
Larry held it up. “I’m going to save this for later.”
From the Neanderthal display, Larry swung by the diorama room. He found Jedediah and Octavius standing on the edge of their display case. All around them, various miniature historical scenes were frozen in place.
“I thank you, in advance, for deleting my photos off the front-desk computer,” said Octavius. “I wouldn’t want them to fall into enemy hands.”
“I’ll take care of it,” said Larry. He shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m never going to see you guys again.”
“
Nonsense.” Octavius waved away the notion. “You know right where to find us.”
“Each and every day, Gigantor,” Jed added. “Except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’ll be here.”
“You know what I’m going to remember most about you two?” asked Larry.
“What’s that?” asked Jedediah.
Larry grinned. “How big you guys are.”
Both miniatures stood straighter and puffed out their chests.
“We are big.” Octavius agreed. “Compared to a flea ... or a bacterium.”
The tiny cowboy took off his hat and slapped it against the Roman’s armored chest. “He means we’re big in spirit,” said Jed.
“Yes, I understand that,” agreed Octavius. “I’m just saying both are true.”
Larry turned to leave.
“Hey, Gigantor,” Jed called out. “Would you do one last thing for us?”
Larry turned back and leaned close. “Anything.”
“Get us down from here,” said Jed. “It’s way too high for little guys like us.”
Larry carefully placed each one of the figurines back into their displays. Once again, Octavius commanded a legion of frozen centurions. Jedediah was back atop his horse overseeing the construction of a railroad line. Larry gave them one last wave before exiting the diorama gallery.
When Larry entered the main hall, he spotted a tender moment between Teddy and Sacajawea. They held each other close, gazing into each other’s eyes. Teddy leaned close and whispered something into her ear. Sacajawea smiled, then whispered something into Teddy’s ear. Then they held each other close and kissed.
Larry glanced around, trying to give the couple their privacy. When he turned back, Sacajawea was walking away. She spotted Larry and gave him a grateful smile. She raised one hand in farewell and Larry returned the gesture.
Teddy strolled over to Larry, glancing back to watch Sacajawea leave. “Whoever would have thought?” asked Teddy. “I’m wax. She’s polyurethane. But somehow it worked.”
Larry stared at the former president. It was difficult to put his feelings into words. “So ... this is it, huh?”
“I suppose so,” replied Teddy. “It’s time for your next adventure.” The former president flashed his trademark wide grin. “And I know young Nick is going to do great things.”
Night at the Museum Page 10