Chapter 7: The British Museum

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Rowena XXXI

2014 - London

It was an hour before sundown which Rowena decided to take the three to the museum.

Much of the British Museum was still full of staff and visitors, so it took Rowena some time for everyone to leave before the evening security came around. Hopefully, if they were quiet, and the Tablet was safely in the correct place: the museum wasn't going to fully come alive to alert the people in the security room.

Or so she assumed by how the Tablet's worked for the past decade.

Either way, Rowena was the Director of the museum - she had learnt to play around the rules in most of her lifespan. Maybe when she was still in her younger years she would follow the moral code that her parents and those around her drilled into her heart and mind. Though the world was not always good and evil. Taking advantage of her power was not the worse things she's done in her life.

Sometimes if she did focus well enough, Rowena could remember her father's voice.

"The world is a beautiful and dangerous place." He reached his hand into hers. "And you must accept change like a handkerchief."

Rowena was glad someone told her that. If no one did, she would have lived her entire life in hatred. Hatred for the childhood she was brought up. But with those simple words, she understood easily that Harold had tried to protect her from the world instead of hiding it from her.

Something she regretted doing to her own daughter.

Anyways, after they entered through the staff gates of the museum, she spotted a familiar figure heading out of the corridor from the changing rooms. Tilly Price was a member of the museum security, more importantly: the one that was in charge of the gates and the cameras.

Her blonde plaited hair was not hard to miss as she waved at her with a cheery attitude. "Hi, Dr Bates!" She greeted her. "Just about to start my shift."

"Hope it goes well." She kindly answered back. "Do remember to take a break between you and David."

The young security guard saluted before striding off to where she was set to work for the next several hours. Rowena could only wish that the young woman wouldn't notice what was happening inside the museum. She made sure of that by keeping the cameras glitching.

She had to thank Nick Daley for that idea.

Next to her, Larry pointed out. "Nice Nightguard."

Humming in agreement, she remembered the first time she met the young woman just two years ago. A vibrant girl, filled with passion that drew her and many others once she began working at the British Museum.

"She's a wonderful girl." Rowena smiled sincerely to them. "She's trying to save up some money to go back into education. Wanting to do Law - specifically at Imperial College."

"Wow...so, you know everyone then?" Larry asked her as they walked up the steps to the main halls of the museum.

She explained carefully, "I try my best as the head of the museum to know everyone. But since there are so many people going in and out I've only picked some names some time ago." 

The past four years that she hadn't been in the British Museum had allowed a fresh set of faces in several parts of the museum. In particular, the senior curators and the newly hired ones. Those that have worked through the museum for the past several years of her time had either moved out to pursue another career or had taken the senior position. In turn, spaces now appeared which then led to new doctorates helping out in their certain disciplines.

The main part of the museum was grand and exuberant, dwarfing her and the rest of the trio as they ventured through the high-ceiling corridors. The marble and stone made everything dark and cold. But for Rowena: it had given her a sense of homely-warmth.

The British Museum was a part of her, much like the one back in New York. She knew every nook and cranny of this place, even if there was an extension being planned to be built soon - she would know when and where each piece of the artefact was placed in these walls. She wouldn't call it her home, however. As much as she knew inside and out of this place - there were sensitive memories that coincide with this museum which she chose not to keep in her mind.

"Ah, here we go." 

They were now at the front entrance of the museum, having taken fifteen minutes to direct themselves from the staff entrance. She could see the large Ionic columns in the front, and the black gates further in the distance. As they faced the left corridor from the front entrance, they would be closer to the Egyptian wing well enough.

"I made sure Antonio had them take him to the Egyptian wing," Rowena informed them, checking her emails to clarify. "I said I'll be doing a free conservation talk with some groups in the morning before we take him down to the archives for a while until we can safely bring him back to New York."

Once they took the left corridor, past the gift shop, they then arrived at the first gallery of displays. A variety of trinkets and brass tokens - all from various parts of Greece and Italy. They then turned to the right - and that was when they entered the main halls of the British Museum.

"Woah..." Nick blew a breath and exclaimed, his voice echoing around the large hall. "So this place is bigger than the New York one right?"

The younger Daley turned to her and she looked over her shoulder and nodded.

"Just a bit," Rebecca commented. "They've got more valuable things, like the African wall of masks and the Greek section is actually filled with marble statues. A lot of things taken from the Empire and Mediterranean trips right?"

"So...basically a lot of stealing," Larry gave her a questioning look.

Rowena slowly answered, trying to form the appropriate words. "If you put it that way, yes. Most are now donated and are paid in the display." She seethed through her teeth. "But some certain...signigificant ones have been criticised to have been stolen from their original places."

"Why?" He questioned, hiding the frown on his lips. "Shouldn't you just give them back?"

"It's not so simple. If a country asks them back and we do return it, others may begin demanding their rights to the artefacts." Rowena explained to them briefly. "Politics is the backbone of history sometimes, and it's a pain in the ass. But without the artefacts, there won't be a collection. And no collection means no income."

That was another understatement of the century for Rowena, for whom lived and struggled through the dirty side of her career in playing politics with the men of the world. It was why there was a secret war between keeping Ahkmenrah and his parents safe in Britain for as long as she could, hoping they could stay together for longer.

But of course, promises were made and the young pharaoh was shipped off whilst the French and Egyptian governments demanded him back.

Rebecca clicked her fingers and said, "It's why it took America ages to pay Egypt back for taking Ahk's body to New York." She continued, "Since it was still in French occupation, it's been demanded back ever since."

"And I've been stopping it just in case some people have just discovered the Tablet's magic," Rowena grumbled, knowing well enough how many times the French Antiquities kept slipping about it in her board meetings. The tablet turning green was already an issue; if someone else got the tablet and didn't know the truth behind it - who knew what chaos would entail?

"Is that why they split them up?" Nick wondered. "Do you think?"

It took a few seconds to realise that Nick was referring to Ahkmenrah and his parents. 'Did someone in the expedition know the truth of the Tablet?' Rowena hummed as she pondered. "I'm not so sure, Nick." She revealed something which hadn't been discussed with anyone other than herself and Ahkmenrah.

She shuddered to think if they have been played for the past century.

"I wasn't in charge until twenty years ago. It was the British and American antiquities which told me to send them separately." She said. "We won't know for certain tonight. I will look through it after we deal with our foremost issue."

They took another five minutes to arrive at the Egyptian wing, winding through the large tall doors and corridors until they found familiar artefacts laid across the hall. Not as large as the Museum in Cairo, the Egyptian wing of the British Museum still one of the most valuable pieces and artefacts of Ancient Egypt. Many sarcophagi, statues and thrones were kept in glass cases. Golden walking sticks to sceptres and headdresses were displayed behind a protective wall, illuminated by LED lights.

Where the museum team placed Ahkmenrah's crate was in the front part of the wing, which allowed access for anyone to spectate or look about - according to what Rowena proposed to Antonio and the Egyptian Conservation team.

Once she saw the large wooden object in the middle of the empty area, Rowena checked her phone once more before tucking it away in her pocket and headed off to turn the lights on.

"Sun should be down in twenty seconds," Larry said aloud, checking his watch.

Nick and Larry decided to remove the top lid of the crate, stepping back in line to where she and Rebecca stood. In her, Rowena's heart was thumping fast - sucking in her breath once the twenty seconds were off.

She knew it was sunrise the moment she saw tiny specks of light glow from the cracks of the crate. The tablet glowed, and afterwards - the sound of creaking stone echoed into her ears.

Thousands of packing styrofoam scattered out into the air and landed on the marble floor. She clamped her lips, stopping herself from nervously chattering her teeth. But even so, she could feel her fingers twitch, urging to go forward first to greet him.

'Why are you nervous?' She asked herself. 'You've seen him six months ago, and heard him just a week ago.'

Another part of her then whispered to her: 'You're scared what he will say when he finds out. What you've been doing the past few years...'

'No.' Rowena protested. 'Why would I be afraid?'

'Because you're afraid of what his parents will say when they discover what you did to him.'

Suddenly, a figure rose from the crate facing their head away from her. Though the moment she saw the golden crown and attire, the heart beneath her breast raced. The figure climbed out of the crate; their jewellery rustling in his movements.

He groaned, stretching his arms out. "Oh thank Ra finally!" Adjusting his crown, he let out another yawn and added, "I thought I'd be stuck in this stuffy old sarcophagus forever-" Ahkmenrah then stopped his words once his eyes caught hers.

There was a moment which she felt a small breath leave her mouth. Nothing could come out of her lips, transfixed at seeing him once more.

'Why is he staring? Do I truly look different from the last time?' She asked herself.

His voice music to her ears when he spoke out. "Rowen..."

She couldn't help but grin, her heart skipping another beat. "Good evening, " Rowena said to him.

And with that, she yelped as she felt his arms lift her off the ground to spin her around. Her throat constricted, caught off guard by the way he twirled her around before placing her down gently. One thing was for sure: his golden-brown eyes never left hers.

They were slightly dulled by the dim lights of the hall, though they still glowed as much as they usually did. Trailing her hands up to his shoulders, she leaned into his body into an embrace. She inhaled, smelling the comfort of papyrus and palm trees which soothed the ache in her chest.

When she gazed up again, his hands cupped her face to study her. A finger caressed over her cheeks gently, leaning his head down to press his forehead against hers.

She could tell he hadn't change for the past six months, with the obvious reason due to the Tablet always regenerating him most nights. Though, Rowena did brush her eyes on several scars and bruises on his neck and cheek which quickly alarmed her. Where on earth did he get these? They didn't look like a week old, so she assumed it must have been from the night programme dinner.

She's going to have a word with him about that.

He whispered with a tone filled with love, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Rowena spoke softly, matching him with the same adoration in her voice.

Suddenly, she was pulled out of the embrace. Eyes wandering over her face - or more particularly her head - his eyes widened in shock.

"Your hair..." He questioned. "What did you do to your hair?"

Okay, that was not what she expected.

That was when she frowned, stepping back before snootily raising her eyebrow at him. Really, after six months: that was the first comment he said to her. Internally, she wanted to snort back. As much as she loved the man in front of her, he was still not used to the modern ways entirely. Hair was a sacred part of the Egyptian lifestyle, symbolising one's status and position in society. Much like her original generation, which had many exaggerative and elegant hairstyles to show wealth and status. Rowena could only be thankful for the idea of large updos fruit in hair had not succeeded in the 21st Century. 

Perhaps cutting her hair entirely was a bit too much for him, knowing well enough that he adored her hair and loved plaiting it most of the time. Rowena could only hope Ahkmenrah understood her choices.

Ahkmenrah then stuttered, "I...I mean it looks wonderful on you, mer ek."

Rolling her eyes, she gave him an amused look. "Admit it. You don't like it," Rowena said.

His eyes flashed in alarm, and he immediately responded, "No!" He stammered, "I think it looks beautiful on you, mer ek. Truly!"

'Stop teasing him, Clarke.' She told herself but she couldn't help it. Seeing the pharaoh easily untangle from a simple comment was a sight to behold.

She shook her head, repressing (and failing) a smile. In the end, Rowena chuckled whilst giving Ahkmenrah another reassuring hug. "I am just jesting, my love." She muttered under his chin.

"I really do miss you." He murmured next to her ear as he tucked his head over her shoulder.

"Terribly so, I admit!"

That voice caught her off guard.

Head spinning to where she heard the voice, Rowena's jaw slacked at discovering a figure standing inside the crate Ahkmenrah came from. She stepped out of Ahkmenrah's grasp, edging closer to the wax figure. She wasn't sure if she was imagining things or not. 

However, she heard both Rebecca and Larry gasping out loud - knowing now that this was an unexpected outcome.

"Teddy?" Rowena questioned, cracking up a smile of disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

The President of the United State of America was positioned at one end of the crate, just outside the stone sarcophagus - his stance poised and confident. Straightening his shoulders and twitching the ends of his moustache, Theodore Roosevelt clambered out of the crate and walked over to her.

He had not changed at all. His uniform - however - had changed; new badges and medals were adorning his coat and a new set of black boots on his feet. But with his face and body, her wax-statue friend was identical.

Teddy answered, "Well I couldn't leave Lawrence, Ahk and the tablet in danger!" He exclaimed, darting his eyes over to Larry, Rebecca and Nick and then to hers. "Our very survival is at stake!"

Once she approached him, She hugged the former president tightly, grinning up to him. "It's still so good to see you." Rowena kindly spoke. "It has been too long."

They moved away from their embrace, letting Rowen fall back to Ahkmenrah's side. Whilst she did so, Teddy brushed some styrofoam from his uniform - a genuine smile on his lips. "Never too long for us, my dear girl." He answered.

The mischievous smile never left Teddy's lips, quickly letting her face dart up to Ahkmenrah with a questionable expression. Luckily, it wasn't long to see a peeved look on her boyfriend's face.

"Well, the others felt, perhaps, we could use some help." Ahkmenrah tried to explain, biting his lip.

'Does he usually look sexy when he bites his lip-' Rowena mentally slapped herself. 'Stop, you're just being excessive!' Whilst her head was having a tug of war with her, she asked back: "You do realise I run this museum, amicus meus?"

He shushed her, sending her snorting at his remark. They both knew who was right, of course.

In the next second, more styrofoam exploded out of the crate. Now there was a large bulky man dressed in dark clothing and furs. Her eyes lit up to see the familiar Hun be with them. 

"Rowen." Attila the Hun bowed his head. "It is good to see you again, little hawk."

The mention of her nickname warmed her heart, bowing her head curtly before the leader. "And to you as well, Attila."

"Attila." Larry blurted out, staring at the three exhibits in front of them. "Right okay, I guess some muscle might be of use."

At the same moment, another figure rose out of the box.

Sacagawea's wandered to hers and she softly spoke, "Hello, Rowen."

After the Native American woman stepped out of the box with the help of Teddy, Rowena walked over to her and greeted her in a tight hug. "Sac! You came as well." She happily said.

A bright grin graced Sacagawea's lips, looking to her friend. "Well, I couldn't miss the opportunity, my friend." She commented, "You look beautiful as always."

Her cheeks were flushed and tight, probably from all the smiling, she's been doing. But she couldn't help it. Her friends have come to the UK and had the same excitement seeing her. Though nothing could match her heartache at seeing one of her dearest friends like Sacagawea. The Native American woman has always been like an older sister to her and would always take personal matters in her hands.

The past four years, despite being away most of the year, led her, Rebecca and Sacagawea to form a tight bond. Those four years spent teaching, researching and most of the time talking about their own stories of their childhood, gave each of them the trust they needed. Sacagawea was a woman that took care of her family and friends and treated people respectively. 

But Sacagawea was also open to revealing her doubts and worries - often about her relationship with the former president standing next to her. Even being calm, confident and collected: even a statue like her had the mind of the historical woman she once was. Rowena knew from a glance that she was missing something important for her: and that was a child. She forgot that the real Sacagawea had a child: Jean Baptiste.

Rowena had to remind herself (and probably Sacagawea) that they were just exhibits. But in truth - they were as much human (or animal) as anything else. Maybe the longer they stayed alive, the more they become who they once were before their death.

Hopefully, Rowena and Rebecca would grant the Native American's wish one day. Maybe after all of this Tablet thing going on.

Rowena pointed out, "You as well." She complimented, "I love the new beads and dress."

"Thank you. I must say Rebecca's team has been really kind to me to give me a new set." Sacagawea glanced at the New York Curator, who smiled brightly and nodded her head.

"That's a deceptively large box," Larry commented with a tone of disbelief. Rebecca let out a chuckle, before soothing him from getting any more annoyed. "Rowen, you sure this is fine?"

She answered, "As long as we stick together until we sort the Tablet out."

"Obviously, we came along too!"

Appearing in Attila's hand were two certain miniatures. The first miniature had been the Roman, who exclaimed in seeing her first. Next to him was his cowboy partner, clicking his boots against the palm of the Hun's hand.

Jedediah shouted, "You know you'd be lost without us Gigantor!"

Rowen beamed and cried, "Jed, Octavius!"

The mini cowboy shouted. "Gigantress! Oh, it's so good to see you!" He said, "It's been darn too long since you've been gone!"

Next to him, the Roman general nodded in agreement. "Indeed! Why Ahk has been moping ever since you left again back in January." He explained, "Always walking about and brooding. Why he can't even have the nerve to pick up the phone- Ow!" He let out a curse after getting hit by a packing peanut.

Ahkmenrah glared daggers up to the miniatures and said, "You continue talking and I will not hesitate to flick you back into the packing peanuts, Roman."

There was a large squeal, and she giggled, letting the capuchin crawl up her to perch on her shoulder. Her head leaned against Dexter, letting the small mammal kiss her cheek

"Well, six months hasn't changed you at all." She paused before changing the subject. "Could I see it?"

Picking up the Tablet from the sarcophagus, Ahkmenrah gently passed it into her hands. She brushed her fingers over the golden panels. It was visible in the eye, seeing the green-grey taint the gold with brittle rough specks. The corrosion appeared at the bottom first, before snaking upwards into the panels.

"What are you- oh for gods' sake! Bates! No!" She cried, running straight into him and pushing his body out of the way.

Then there was a flash of light and her world turned dark soon after.

"Joanna!"

She let out a gasp, coughing up as much air.

She couldn't feel anything at all. Even the cold.

"Joanna...Joanna..."

She got up, crawling over to his side. Desperate hands trying to grab his face. "Harry? Harry! It's okay, I've got you."

"How- you're alive." His eyes were wide open, looking at her as if he was seeing a ghost.

Rowena Clarke gulped. She had died again, and this time - it didn't feel as painful as before.

Slowly letting his body sling over hers, she began picking him up. "I can't explain here. We've got to go."

For her, there was a cold ill-feeling that surged up her fingertips, lacing into the golden pendant she wore around her neck. Rowena felt suffocating until she passed the Tablet to Larry and took a shuddered breath.

Glancing back up, Rowena questioned them of the Tablet. "Has the corrosion gotten worse?"

"No, it's been like this ever since." Ahkmenrah proclaimed, never leaving his eyes from the Tablet.

Rowena wondered out loud, "Has it affected any of you after the..." She trailed off, trying to form the correct words. "...the show?"

"Not anything drastic that it affects us entirely," Teddy answered, his tone plainly hiding the discomfort he wore.

"We're more tired somehow." Jedediah shrugged. "Sometimes we can remember. Sometimes we don't."

She stared at the rest of them, unsure of how to interpret the cowboy's statement. What did he mean 'remember'? We're they remembering their moments when they were still alive? Most of the exhibits knew their past lives, so surely they knew-

'Oh.' Rowena realised. 'They're remembering their deaths.' She knew only one person that remembered the feeling vividly, and that was the pharaoh beside her. So to hear the rest recalling and sensing their deaths made her chest tighten. 

More importantly, she never knew of her friend's certain life. Maybe a lifetime ago, he would have been an actual full-sized human. Where everyone would call him by the name of Jedediah. She wondered throughout her years with the exhibits if he ever had a family, a previous lover. How did his life come to an end? From the tone of his voice and the expression he wore - Rowena presumed it was nothing peaceful.

'No one should remember their death...'

Rowena hummed. "Well, one thing's for sure, I can sense it. Or the Wadjet more specifically. Like it's sick or something." She exhaled and then gestured with her hand. "Well, we better get going. Just down the hall, there is a section where we put most of the artefacts from your tomb here."

As the group began walking to the direction she told them, Rowena fell behind the group - with Ahkmenrah subtly falling to her side. Dexter had gone to crawl up to Nick's shoulder instead, playing with the young Daley. She continued staring forwards, letting her hands slowly intertwine with the pharaoh next to her.

He whispered down to her and admitted: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things-" Ahkmenrah was interrupted by her finger shutting his mouth.

Rowena stared at him in disbelief. What was he saying? 

Then she saw his clouded eyes and she partially understood. He was getting nervous - and worried.

Before he could speak, she then cut him off with her lips. 

Ahkmenrah closed his eyes and his shoulders relaxed.

When she pulled back, Rowena asked, "Better?"

He sheepishly smiled, nodding back. "Much so."

Rowena commented as they dragged their distance from the group. "Never knew you began brooding."

A struggled cough came from Ahkmenrah and he glared straight to where Jedediah and Octavius were. "I don't brood," He stated. "...I like to think deeply sometimes and tend to stare off in the distance."

Raising an eyebrow, she replied. "So, brooding then?"

"Rowen."

She cheekily smiled back and teased. "You know I love you really, amicus meus." 

Letting out a sigh, he stopped in his track and faced her. She worriedly glanced up, seeing the facade he wore begin to wear off. "I love you too, mer ek." Ahkmenrah confessed. "I'm am only nervous. It's been sixty-two years since I've seen them. For them, it's probably just been a night."

Rowena was then immediately sent to the thoughts she'd been trying not think about since this morning with Larry. Not only Ahkmenrah would be reunited with his parents; she would have to be there during the time. Are they going to hate her?

Even with her worries, she knew she had to think first about him and the Tablet. So, she tried her best to calm herself for him.

Careful with her words, she asked: "What happens to them if the Tablet isn't around?"

Ahkmenrah answered, "I never knew." He wondered. "But perhaps they are in the Duat, or another realm entirely. Death is a fickle thing when it comes with the Tablet which grants life. And I am not one entirely, to begin with."

"Ah right, your brother."

"Yes. Our people always pictured death as just another part of our life. We would go to the Fields of Auru and we would continue a life of peace with our family. But now... it's not so simple." With a melancholy tone, he spoke: "Death is as far to us as much as it's as close. It's there, but we will never be able to touch it."

His eyes lingered over to her chest, the golden coin never ridding of its glow. Subconsciously, Rowena felt her fingers trace over the Wadjet key, sensing a wave of comfort to be near it. But even then, there was trouble that never edged away. Like death, it was the key around her neck that stopped her from reaching her end.

It was why she couldn't tell him the truth. The things she had done the past four years under his nose. Their noses. 

The late nights. The alcohol stored in the back of her house. The hidden packet of cigarettes in her bag that she'd blended with her makeup bag. Rowena knew old habits die hard. It wasn't her fault; she blamed the 20th century introducing her to tobacco and smoking. That was the other benefits of being immortal, anything deadly for a human was nothing to her.

But then the smoking and the alcohol led to her mind locked in a cage. She would lay awake all night - recall the worse memories she'd forced into the darkest depth of her mind. Of course, nothing is gone forever.

Sometimes it would just be snippets of the war; Harry and Peggy. But then it would be things far older. Of her time during the 19th Century and Egypt. Rowena tried her best to ignore the dreams, and think of the present.

Perhaps Ahkmenrah was right. They could never touch death as long as they had the Tablet and the Wadjet key.

'Remember,' She told herself. 'His mind and heart are clouded from his parents. He is afraid. And his bitterness is his defence mechanism.'

She gulped.

'He needs you, Rowena.'

Without the Wadjet key, she would never be here. To stand in front of the man that was here before her. Who she knew was in the same situation before her. 

In her mind, there was always some optimism. Perhaps with her and Ahkmenrah, maybe she could finally live a happy life. A forever that would last an eternity.

"Immortality hasn't been so lonely lately though." Rowena finally spoke, swallowing the bile that rose to her throat. Her lips twitched, but the smile never formed. "Amicus meus, do not feel like you're alone. You have me and everyone here who came with you. They are here not because of the Tablet, but because of you. They want to help you."

Hand cupping his cheek, Ahkmenrah leaned his head into her palms. She stared up to him once more, watching his eyes flutter open. Never would she be bored by his captivating gaze.

Rowena continued, "I know, amicus meus." She spoke, "Maybe they will finally give you the answers you've been seeking for so long."

He hummed; murmuring. "Perhaps..." 

She gave him one last peck on the lips, before asking him. "Do you want me to be with you?"

"If that's alright with you," Ahkmenrah answered, a small hopeful smile on his lips.

Rowena smiled back, keeping her hand tightly in his. "I will be by your side at all times."

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Ahkmenrah XII

2014 - London

The nerves were bubbling in his stomach in each step he took towards the place his parents resided. 

His parents. Ahkmenrah hadn't seen them for almost sixty years. 

The last time he saw them was in Cambridge, and that was a hasty mess of tears and mixed emotions. He had been angry and distraught from being forced to part from them, after being together for over four millennia in a tomb. His parents shared the same experience and demanded the Guardian of Cambridge to change the British and American Museums' minds on taking him away.

Though the prospect of seeing something new on his own exhilarated him. He wanted to finally be away for once. To be his own person and not just the pharaoh's second son.

And then his dreams got crushed by the nightguards chaining him up all night.

'Stop thinking about the bad things,' He chided to himself. 'Think about the Tablet first. Think about your friends.'

His eyes immediately went to the figure walking beside him and his chest slightly relaxed.

'And think of her...' Ahkmenrah reminded. 'Rowen is nervous as much as you are.'

Their short slow walk through the Egyptian Exhibit of the British Museum was a comfort before the storm. He did not care for anyone watching him lace his fingers around hers, holding her hand as they strolled through. It had been months since they've seen each other, and every meeting it had led to them being more desperate to never part.

He could only hope the woman by his side thought of him at the same level. He had fallen hard in love with Joanna Bates before he even realised himself. However, when they met again, it was too easy to fall in love with Rowen Bates. The same woman but with two different names - two different lives.  And it was another three years that he could accept that he didn't see her as Joanna anymore, but Rowen.

Maybe one day, she would finally introduce herself as Rowena Clarke.

"So the museum is waking up for the first time, so I supposed it might be a bit confusing for some of the exhibits." Her voice cut him off his mind, talking out loud to his friends in front. "Especially with what we've got here. We don't tend to have a lot of wax figurines."

Ahkmenrah didn't need to argue back on the statement. Everything that he was seeing had to be genuine. With broken obelisks, statues and columns, they

Rebecca, despite being hidden by Attila in front, was the one who guided them down the corridor of Egyptian artefacts. 

"You've been here before?" Larry asked his fiancee, a little curious by the tone of his voice.

The curator nodded. "When I was in university. There was a trip to go here and I got to study your ancestry Ahk." She glanced over her shoulder, raising her eyebrows at him. "Well, the people ahead of your time. The Ptolemys."

His eyebrows furrowed, trying to recall the familiar name. Then he realised, before curling his tongue back and biting it down between his teeth. Ahkmenrah said, "Ah, they were a...an interesting group."

Rowen hid a laugh with a cough, and he nudged her arm to quieten her. But she snorted instead, elbowing him back whilst he grumbled back. Learning about the future of his kingdom was an interesting part of their time together...and most of the time it was not a good thing.

The Ptolemys were not even purely Egyptian descent, with the last pharaoh losing Kemet to the Romans. Not that he had anything against Octavius. But Ahkmenrah still felt offended after discovering his country being overtaken by foreigners. His last few years alive was spent fighting in the front lines in keeping Kemet from the Huns themselves.

But he had to remind himself. That was a long time ago, and he was very different from the young man he once was.

The topic didn't change as they continued heading in the right direction. Even the only Roman in the group piped in. "I didn't know Caesar that well...but he was a decent man." He made a disgusted noise. "Terrible taste in women."

Jedediah's concerned - and suspicious - voice interrogated. "And how would you know?"

"Well..." Octavius trailed off.

Whilst the two miniature bickered once more, Ahkmenrah couldn't help but smirk at the two. At least it was one way to get back at them for teasing him.

Rowen asked him, "Are the two like this?"

"And you believe they haven't changed?" He questioned back, huffing. "They're always like this."

They soon arrived at what seemed to be a large chamber. In the exhibit, Ahkmenrah felt familiar with the decoration and artefacts. In the middle were two sarcophagi, with the lids open.

'These walls...' He thought. 'They are from my tomb.' Ahkmenrah's eyes lingered too long tho at the wall straight on. 

Where a certain tablet could easily be slotted inside.

"These walls," He spoke under his breath. "I know these walls..."

Nick cut the silence and asked, "Um, should the lids be closed?"

The Guardian of Brooklyn muttered, "Must've gotten out already."

A figure then walked into the room. Not walked - glided. Nothing he had seen in many years, the figure entered the room like a graceful swan. Her dress trailing behind her and dark hair braided down both her shoulders. Her lips were stained red, with eyes lined with kohl and eyes that were similar in shape as his own.

"Ahkmen..." The woman breathed and stared up to him.

Right in front of him - was Shepseheret herself.

His breath hitched as he rasped, "Mother."

Tears in her eyes began to form, as she cried softly. "My son...Oh, you have returned!" Shepseheret whispered up to him. "I thought I lost you..."

He took her into his arm, cradling her head carefully. His heart could be beating so loudly but he didn't care. She was here. His mother was truly here once more.

He shook his head, muttering back. "Never, mama. You know I'll be with you." Ahkmenrah's tone changed, asking. "Where's Father..."

The timing could not have been any perfect, as his father strode into the exhibit. Careful and calculated steps, he marched over to them and stood on the platform beside Shepseheret.

Merenkahre stared at him dead in the eyes. Only speaking as he faced him. 

"My son."

He stiffly responded, placing his hand over his chest and bowing slightly. "Father..." He cleared his throat before he continued. "It's good to see you again."

His father hadn't changed in the past few decades. Still the same battle-hardened and apathetic man he has ever come to be related to. There was never a moment which his father could pull down his guard. And it didn't help that there was a lot of people in the room which his father didn't know. In Merenkahre's eyes, his friends were strangers. And as a king, he would treat them below his own status.

That may have been the only thing Ahkmenrah grew to dislike about his father. How he showed his love to his own son for four thousand years was stifling and limited. Ahkmenrah should have been more prepared for this. But with everything going on, he forgot how easily wary Merenkahre of Kemet was.

Thankfully, his mother stopped the awkward staring contest and openly said, "Perhaps you should introduce your companions."

'Thank Ra for my mother's thinking,' Ahkmenrah sighed internally.

"Of course, mother." He bowed his chin slightly, before lifting it and gesturing to the woman just behind him. "Joanna, though she now goes as Rowen Bates."

Ahkmenrah then stepped to the side and began introducing each person. "The Guardian of Brooklyn: Larry Daley and his son Nick Daley and Larry's betrothed: Rebecca Hutman." Each of them waved and bowed before he continued. "And my dear friends from the New York Museum: Theodore Roosevelt, Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, Jedediah, Octavius and Dexter."

Each of them greeted his parents with various bows and curt nods. Even their capuchin friend squealed and nodded his small head.

A small kind smile graced his face as he spoke, "My friends, this is my parents."

"I am Merenkahre, former Pharaoh of the Nine Kingdoms of Kemet." His father straightened his back, looking over them like his usual authoritarian-self.

Similar and yet more elegant, his mother introduced herself: "And I am Shepseheret, Queen Consort of the Nine Kingdoms of Kemet. The Glittering Jewel of the Nile."

Their English was perfect now, though perhaps it had been the magic of the Tablet once more. Even so, even in a different language: his parents still held the persona in which the title they carried had. Even as their son or not, he couldn't help but admire them.

Their clothes hadn't changed; with gold and jewel adorning her mother and the armour his father wore. The staff and the headdress were pure gold, letting him and the exhibits become blinded by its shine.

Rowen was the first to speak, easily slipping into ancient Egyptian. "It is good to see you once more, your Majesties." She smiled kindly, "I apologise that my Egyptian is rusty."

His mother shook her head, only to embrace Rowen. "My dear, you have not changed in many years." Cupping her cheeks, she studied Rowen's face. "Such beauty is still with you, dear guardian."

Ahkmenrah chided, "Mother." It didn't stop him from cracking a grin at her.

"Come now, my son." His mother retorted, pulling away and stepping back beside his father's side. "It has been too long since we've last seen you and the Guardian of Cambridge."

"And how long was that, if I may ask? Since you've seen us?" Merenkahre's voice clearly indicated towards Rowen.

However, Ahkmenrah could tell the moment his eyes glanced to his right the alarm in Rowen's face. Instead, he answered back. "Sixty-two years." Ahkmenrah held his hand up and continued, "But, before you go and blame her. You must realise that Joanna had no choice. Remember what she told us; what she told you. You cannot blame her for something she had no power to change."

Merenkahre inhaled sharply, "She still had the power to defy her higher positions."

His mother gaped back, "What are you saying, Meren? You must remember she's only a tutor at a school. She had no power other than to make sure Ahkmen was safe." Shepseheret raised her voice. "Now apologise for your absurd behaviour!"

"No, it's alright your majesty. I...you're right. What I did was wrong. What I'm probably doing now it worse." Rowen gazed her eyes down, before facing his father once more - now with a face built with many walls. 

Ahkmenrah could only trust what his love would say back.

"But we do what we must for duty, right?" She spoke, hinting something they all - but yet none knew about. "And we all know that entirely."

Merenkahre questioned back stoically. "You still hold the Wadjet key."

She nodded her head. "I do." She paused, "But it's not why we're here." Rowen tilted her head upwards, glancing her eyes over to Larry.

The Guardian of Cambridge slowly walked over to them, passing the Tablet into Ahkmenrah's hands. Immediately, he could sense the effect of the magic and the sickness that laid upon it.

Ahkmenrah stretched his arms, showing the artefact to them. "Father, the Tablet has been corroding." He asked. "Is there a way to solve this?"

There was a little bit of hope in his heart, that maybe now: Ahkmenrah will finally hear some truth. He watched his father study the Tablet, his eyes darting from one part to another whilst muttering in his native tongue. Broken phrases which only added more confusion.

Merenkahre finally glanced up back to him and revealed what he had found.

"...I cannot say." His father answered, never looking away from him.

He pried, "Can't or won't?"

His father stayed quiet, tightening his lips.

"Why?" He questioned, already knowing well what his reaction would be. "Is it because it's his and not mine?"

The moment he spoke about it vocally, he already knew what he had caused.

Merenkahre's eyes flashed in a warning. "Do not speak his name." He ordered.

'Control your emotions, Ahkmenrah.' He repeated in his head.

Taking a quick breather, he gritted his teeth and cooly responded. "I will speak about my brother anyhow." Ahkmenrah glared back. "All these four thousand years, you forbade me to never mention him and the time that we desperately need the Tablet - you refuse to tell the truth of why we should never mention Kahmunrah."

Merenkahre stated blandly. "You were too inexperienced. You were not ready."

He snorted, bitterly muttering, "I think we established it after I was murdered." 

"Meren, please-"

As his mother tried to stop his father, Shepseheret recoiled back - shutting her lips tight.

His father coldly answered, "You don't want to know the truth."

Ahkmenrah let out a disgusted noise. "You tell yourself that." He spoke with a controlled tone. "Every time I asked, you'd say the same thing."

His father stayed silent, not saying a word.

"The Tablet is affecting me and my friends and you're being selfish because you think I'm not ready? For Ra's sake, it's been over four-thousands years!" He questioned him, "Is this some way to protect me? From what? Our family? You? Because your father decided to deal with the Ennead to become immortal? Because that's rather selfish of him!"

"Ahkmen!" His mother gasped, her hands flying over to her mouth.

Rowen reached an arm to him as she called, "Ahk..."

The anger.

The lies.

The cage that he had bubbled all his anger in had broke.

"NO! I HAD ENOUGH OF THIS. " His voice suddenly raised. Roaring out loud, "This...coddling! This way you believe that's kept me under your wing for centuries. I'm not a child anymore!"

"You died years before. You didn't know what I experienced. How I felt years after you were gone."  Ahkmenrah scoffed, continuing to validate his argument. "I never got to see my brother ever since he left to Heliopolis! Next thing I knew, I had a crown shoved on my head the moment I arrived at Memphis. Problem after problem, they thought I was the one that could fix their problems." 

Merenkahre didn't speak, only staring at his son in silence.

"Then they came. Not mine nor my brothers, but your enemies." He waved his hand to Shepseheret, who only stared in shock. "I had to watch mother die in front of me, right before Khafre stabbed me!" 

There was a round of sharp gasps and noise when the mention of the pretender's name. Khafre was never forgotten in the minds of the exhibits. And definitely not him. Not when the man was the one that sent him to his death as well as his mother.

"And you think this is about our family? To protect what? Our family? My brother? The secrets of staying alive?" Ahkmenrah questioned, lowering his voice dangerously low. "You didn't do it so we could be together."

"No." Merenkahre admitted, "It was not."

"Well, I loath this! This...this whole cycle of constant resurrection and death. I hate having to die every night just so I can live again the evening after!" His hissed back, struggling to keep the tears at bay. "This was not the destiny I wished. It was the one you force me in...Because you didn't watch my brother's back!"

"Your brother wasn't the Guardian of the Tablet."

He froze.

"What." Ahkmenrah breathed.

The air suddenly grew stagnant.

"You were the Guardian." Merenkahre finally revealed. "You are Khonsu's Guardian."

____

A/N: And here is the big twist!

I'm really sorry that it's been a while since I've updated. Uni work is a pain in the arse, especially when you're doing a STEM subject and you're constantly having to do maths questions. 

Anyways, on with the story. We finally have Rowena and Ahkmenrah reunite as well as the exhibits. Yes, I completely scrapped the 3rd movie bit with them getting lost in the British Museum because it's wouldn't make sense when Rowena basically knows her way around the place. Don't worry, I will be adding our lovely Lancelot and dinosaur at some point.

I also did remove La (I'm sorryyy okay but he just wouldn't be able to progress the plot I made lol). because I already have so many characters and if he did join the exhibits I am going to have a mental breakdown having to write another extra character. So yeah.

Also, angry Ahkmenrah is not a vibe I was intending. I tried to make him seem slightly angsty and less teenager sense with cutting up the dialogue and not him screaming it. Hopefully, you got the gist of him being in the dark (hehe lol what a pun) of his entire family's secret for long.

Next chapter will be some explanations and some Larry/Rebecca conversation.

Hope you guys enjoyed and stay safe. <3

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Written: 22/10/2020

Edited: 22/10/2020