Chapter 1: Four Years Later

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Rowena XXX

2014 - London

Three Weeks before the Hayden Planetarium Grand Opening

Sometimes she wished she could just die.

It was a horrible thought to believe in. Some would probably be horrified at her if she ever said aloud in front of a crowd.

Her adopted mother would have gone pale and collapse in shock if she ever heard her daughter say to someone that she wanted to drop dead and never be alive ever again. Her father would've given her a disapproving look, a look which sent her many times gazing down at her feet until she apologised for either insulting one of the boys around the estate or missing her lessons.

But to be over two hundred years old: it should seem reasonable to say it. Rowena Elizabeth Clarke had lived through countless lives, and throughout many historical events. Too many for her liking. Which made it a good excuse for her to not sleep well during the nights when the whole of the city was asleep and silent.

However, it hadn't been the case for Rowena four years ago.

It seemed so long ago that she used to live in one of the busiest cities in the world. Dared it matched London, New York City had its constant vibrancy from dusk to dawn. The tall skyscrapers and long avenues, brightly lit with adverts and posters. The yellow taxis and long traffic, where cyclists weaved through them alongside workers in slacks of suits. Pockets of green spaces like Central Park where it offered zoos, paths and an ice rink.

Both cities showed their beauty in the day. Though by night - everything seemed to bring a brighter picture for New York. The lights never dimmed, there were always people out and about and going on their business as if it was the day. What stood out more was the special building near Central Park - and that was the American Museum of Natural History.

When the sun went down and the evening began: the museum came to life. Quite literally. All the exhibits, wax statues, figurines and Easter Island heads and bones; they all came to life. The culprit would have to be a golden tablet, situated in the Egyptian wing of the museum. Protected now by a glass electrocuted case and many cameras about: it was an artefact worth more than its price. The magic of the Tablet was sacred and pure, but it didn't have to mean it was used for good entirely.

Rowena's first encounter of the tablet was almost a century ago, in the desert of Giza. Near the Sphynx, the tomb of Ahkmenrah and his parents was found - where they discovered him. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that she first witnessed the extent of the power it held.

A tablet that could bring people back from the dead and create life in ones it hadn't. Something so powerful like that could draw attention to all aspects of the world. May it be for good or for evil. For one thing, it gave Rowena the good aspect of life and the understanding of being immortal.

She met them. Her museum family - a group of exhibits that she grew to love and care for. She also met the nightguard, Larry Daley, and the docent Rebecca Hutman. Larry's son Nick; without him: Larry would never continue to work at the museum after the second night of his job.

Rowena also met him for the second time.

Ahkmenrah was an enigma that clung to her mind, heart and soul like no other. They had met in the oddest circumstances and grew their relationship with a struggle to understand each other (both in language and mannerism). Their discussions rarely left them accepting the other, almost having taking days to finally apologise and continue their tasks to learn the new world.

Her first impression of him was neither good nor bad. She saw the compassion and patience he held (to some extent; he did get flustered if ever got something wrong at first). But that was on the outside. It took years to finally saw the inner mind and heart the pharaoh possessed and saw a man that bore a weight that was never his, to begin with.

At first, she couldn't understand as to why he loathed being king. But the hidden contexts, the subtle gestures and quips he would talk about his reign began to form a story. Of a boy that grew up too quickly, and never had the chance to have a life of his own.

Rowena then realised how much they had in common. Both came from backgrounds of royalty and high class, forced to include themselves in a society where duty came first than any other. She realised then that her side of the story, she was able to live through her childhood untouched by the reality outside.

However, no matter the situation of consequence - he always held himself highly and always looked forwards. It was only the evening when they began dancing which she saw the true Ahkmenrah: allowing herself to conclude that he meant more to her than just a friend.

Then it all came crumbling down.

Forced to leave Cambridge, Ahkmenrah was shipped to New York as an agreement to the American Museum of Natural History. Their friendship, which blossomed only for just a few years - was taken and thrown into a pit of betrayal and hatred. He had hated her, even after she confessed to him that she was immortal. And Rowena would have to agree with Ahkmenrah. How would someone do something like this?

She had been called names, racial slurs and titles about her. But none of them hurt her as much as Ahkmenrah's.

It was why she would take another fifty years to have the guts to return. She buried her memories of her time with him and focused on her new life with her daughter: Peggy. Then her daughter had passed away.

Rowena wondered if it was a punishment for what she did to the Egyptian Pharoah or if it was fate either way. She hated to think of anything deeper like this. Rowena was never a religious person, ever more attentive to the enlightenment of science and logic. Though since her first death, Rowena had no choice but to believe in such things.

They met again, and now they were apart again. Perhaps the gods chose this side of fate for them, teasing them with short periods of love and closeness. Now, Rowena had access to better connections. The 21st century was a good time for them as she was able to call, text or chat through technology. They've kept in contact ever since her departure, always talking about what they've done that evening (or day for her matter) and discuss some new things they've discovered.

Larry was impressed that she and Ahkmenrah held a long-distance relationship this far.

She was quite proud to in her opinion, but it also came with bumpy obstacles throughout the four years. Arguments again about their past and their ideals of morals. Their opinions, so similar and yet so contrasting - forced them to realise how much their life different. A British 18th Century born woman and an Old Kingdom Egyptian man were an odd match. Their connection was tied in a dangerous string.

And that was the title of Heka Guardian.

They still weren't sure as to what the title entailed but it wasn't a topic Rowena would easily put aside to. She and the rest of her friends were at risk and it was her job along with Larry to keep them and the Tablet safe during the day.

That and plus their real-life jobs of working in their museums. As chairwoman to the British Museums, she had been working non-stop ever since she landed in Heathrow. Thrust once more into the world of business, history and politics - Rowena began to realise how much she missed New York.

That was how she began her morning that day: waking up and telling herself how much she missed her old Brownstone.

Her London townhouse was similar to it, painted white and black and smaller in size. Her housekeeper Yara also lived with her, a flat Rowena gave to her on the lower ground floor. Whereas her New York housekeeper was verging onto her fifties, Yara was around her thirties - currently working for her after moving to the UK as an asylum seeker.

Why Rowena chose Yara had been purely in kindness and sympathy. The woman had been moving from one hostel to another until she bumped into Rowena near Southall. Rowena, being the ever graceful walker, wasn't looking where she was walking and walked straight into the woman who was carrying bags of her shopping. All of Yara's food was thrown across the pavement and onto the road and the woman had shouted at her for a good five minutes until Rowena apologised.

Yara had the very right to be mad at her, and she admitted Rowena was not in the mood then (since Antonio decided to dump a bunch of work into her hands). To compensate, she took Yara to buy the same food and pay the amount - even buying extra things. Next thing she knew, they spent the whole afternoon talking about their life and their struggles. Both being women of colour and living alone. Rowena didn't mention about Ahkmenrah at that time: but it didn't matter.

From then: she asked Yara to work for her as a housekeeper, providing her with a flat to stay and cheap rent. The woman grew suspicious at first, but once Rowena revealed that it won't matter for her - Yara had burst into tears. She blessed her in her native tongue, and Rowena surprised her back by talking in Arabic.

Now it would seem Rowena had a new friend - who liked to wake her up in the mornings with a breakfast fit for a whole family. After that, it was preparing to head to work and taking the Tube.

The commute was something she didn't miss in both cities. She missed having a car and driving about. But London traffic confused her. The roads have changed during her life and Rowena was not challenging herself against a SatNav or Siri.

Rowena arrived at the side entrance of the British Museum and greeted the security guard at the gate. David waved her a good morning, waving his Nice biscuit as he buzzed her through. A lot of the staff walked about, sometimes greeting her a good morning. The younger curators were confident to speak with her, despite her position. Rowena was glad that her status hadn't affected it; she loved conversing with as many people as possible to make sure the environment was welcoming and comfortable.

Her office was the largest, marked by a large golden plaque that said her name 'R. Bates.' Unlocking the door with her keycard, she strode in and removed her bag onto the desk and checked her phone.

Some texts from both Richard and Larry - all to do with the museum dinner and show they were having this week. There was a text from her son-in-law: Stephen and a miss call from her granddaughter Hettie. Most of their texts weren't important to immediately think about, though it comforted her that she still had some connection to those. Rowena could only thank the inventors and people of this era.

Once she sat down and opened her computer, she began opening the letters placed on the box in the corner of her desk. A few minutes in, she heard a knock on her door. Her head looked up, too quickly to her liking as she felt a sharp jab in her head. Rowena cursed mentally before heading up to open the door.

Standing in front of her, Rowena glanced up to find amber eyes looking down. A sincere smile graced his lips, making the corner of her mouth lift up. Stepping aside, she gestured for him to enter.

Antonio Paladino appeared to be prepared for the day, with a fresh clean-shaven face and his usual immaculate attire that could outmatch any Vogue model. Rowena had to admit, from the simple navy suit he wore: her burgundy cardigan, white collared shirt and black trousers seemed too casual.

'A lovely way to cheer me up is to be downgraded,' She grumbled in her head and pulled up the chair near her sitting area. She asked him if he wanted some tea and he declines politely.

"Good morning," Antonio curtly nodded his head to her and settled on the opposite chair. "You seem rather tired. Did you go to sleep at all?" He asked, concern written in his features.

'No...and please do not get me started on sleep.' She exasperated to herself.

When the kettle finished boiling, she let the bag soak into the water and brought a small jug of milk onto the coffee table in front of her. Sitting down, Rowena looked at him.

There wasn't much point to lie to her friend. So she sighed, rubbing her temple with her thumb and index finger. Rowena straightened her back and leaned against the soft back of the chair as she then stirred her tea. "No." She admitted, "Just some...just haven't been sleeping well."

It was an understatement that she hadn't slept well. Most nights consisted of her reliving her entire life. Memories flooding left, right, front and centre as if she was sinking like the Titanic. She would wake panting, sweating profusely and her heart racing. She could only thank Yara's ability to sleep through her night actions, or else she would get a very sleep-deprived and grumpy housekeeper.

Antonio wondered, "And what about the therapist?" He suggested, "I'm sure she's given you something."

"She did." She replied, not wanting to elaborate any further. "Unfortunately it hasn't made any improvement."

He gave her an unimpressed look and pursed his lips. Rowena should be appreciating the concern her dear friend had on her. After all: he had taken her place for almost four years during her stay in New York. But now he returned as Director of the British Museum alone. The Italian man was much like Richard when it came to their job. They took care of the museum as much as anyone would for any home. They were both busy men.

So for Antonio to give his time to make sure she was alright, gave her more guilt than she was supposed to. He had been with her during her latest time in university and never had they lost contact. Their friendship already extended for her to be invited to his wedding ten years ago.

Rowena finally answered him. "It's fine, Antonio."

"Next thing you'll know, you decide to sleep in the next meeting." He quipped.

She returned the gesture with a raised brow.

"Also, Dr Campbell is coming in a few weeks. Had to wait for the new exhibit opening in New York." Antonio explained. "They're opening their brand new planetarium, alongside several exhibits predicting the history of astronomy and astrophysics."

Quickly understanding which museum he was implying, Rowena wanted to slap her forehead hard.

'You are an idiot, Bates.' She scolded herself. 'You forgot that the Hayden Planetarium's going to open and you're supposed to call them about it.'

"Oh right, I forgot." She said with a large huff. Shaking her head, she subconsciously tapped her fingers over her lap and bit her lip. "Sorry, I'm exhausted. All these things going on. With the plans for the winter rink this year at the Natural Museum and the Victoria and Albert museum wanting to showcase some things with the British Museum-"

Her chest tightened and her vision blurred.

There were too many things going on for her, that her life had become a ball of pressured gas ready to burst. But even all this mess, she would never admit to herself that she needed help - even if it's been years that she had tried to remove her stubborn streak.

A hand fell over hers and she glanced towards him.

Antonia softly spoke, "Amica. Breathe, as you always say."

With the sound of his smooth voice, Rowena composed herself and whispered, "Thank you." She joked, "You always seem to keep me cool despite all of this. I wonder how you been coped without me for four years."

"Oh believe me I didn't." Antonio retorted, shaking his head. "So many young conservationists asking me what to do with this and that."

She gave him an amused look. One thing somehow both he and Richard had in common was their complaining about the younger staff pestering them.

"And you do it so easily. Well particularly in the Romantic, Victorian and Egyptology departments. You've always been very good with them." He continued.

Rowena smiled and replied, "Well. History should be treated like family."

He hummed in agreement and his eyes widened slightly. "Oh, before I forget: Dr Atkins called." Antonio spoke, "She says thank you."

The mention of her name, she stopped herself from freezing in place. Salma hadn't acted at all for the past four years, despite her suspicions in her interest for the Tablet. Rowena could only hope it was the same situation as before and nothing to concern Ahkmenrah, Larry and her.

"Ah yes...yeah." She trailed and then returned to her subject. "I sent Hettie to dig up some stuff for our team. Dr Atkins' been in Cairo for a while to oversee it."

She took a sip of her drink, finishing the last bit in the cup.

Rowena airily spoke, "Unfortunately...there is some tension between those two."

"Understatement of the decade, amica." He commented, "You know how temperamental she is with people who're in her sites."

That she could not deny. Her granddaughter was a force to be reckoned with. A force that matched her mother's and dulled by her father's upbringing.

"Or so you say." Rowena grinned at him and teased, "It's why you hate to ask her for forensics."

He groaned back and rubbed his temples. "Do not remind me." 

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A/N: Okay! We are back to normal-sized chapters and to be honest, chapters are probably going to shorten as we get through. Or it might vary. I don't know. 

As of now, I'm predicting that half of these chapters are going to be action based considering there's going to be a lot of movie from place to place. There will be moments where we catch up on people's feelings but overall it's going to be fast paced shit.

So back to the chapter. I changed the timeline a bit to fit the plot. So in the Secret of the Tomb: the story is set during the winter months of the year (which kinda fits for the movie as it was released in December).

But here, I'm setting this at the early part of the year, around April and May which will then lead to June. 

In this chapter, we got to meet Rowena again! And man she misses her pharaoh and her exhibit fam a lot :,(. Don't worry, they will be together soon.

Next chapter: Larry and Leslie povs and Larry's going to take the next move on his relationship with Rebecca. :) As for Leslie, her timeline is going to be ahead of the present day. I will probably give a hint of this.

Hope you guys enjoyed and have a lovely day/evening/night!

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Written: 12/08/2020

Edited: 12/08/2020