Chapter 16: The Council of Seshat

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Rowena XXXVII

2014 - London

There was an unease that made something crawl over her skin when she watched Larry struggle to roll up to the exit.

Somewhere deep in her mind, a lock had clicked into place sealing a vivid sensation that almost found her breathless. The pulsing of her blood, almost ringing like bells in her ears. The sound of the silence deafening that all she could hear were the steps that could amplify into explosions.

And for a moment she was looking at her.

Peggy.

Her eyes darted to the side, her mind almost playing at her. His face was right at the back of the room until she blinked away and continued to focus on where Larry had left along with Rebecca running in tow.

Like how she had once run the moment her daughter told her those very words.

Suddenly she was pulled back, letting go of what had been the breath she held. Her hands clenched at her sides as her anger rose gradually, letting her gaze peer towards the goddess. Perhaps it wasn't ideal to glare at one, or think badly at the very thing the goddess brought upon. Or even herself, but Rowena tried to be subtle. To let Larry connect the dots and not feel like he had been shot again at some stupid revelation. And now it wasn't stupid. None of it really was.

She commented to the goddess, "You didn't have to be blunt."

All eyes went to her the moment Seshat stared back. The goddess didn't respond for a moment, trying to calculate maybe what she had said.

Seshat coolly justified, "He already realised it the moment Nephthys told him." Her face finally contorted to a sort of concern. "And now I am afraid he isn't ready to take his place."

At that moment she felt someone shift beside her. Nick had stalked off silently, dropping his bag along with his dad's before he exited the Reading Room.

Her eyes went to Sacagawea, whose face looked back with worry. God, they had forgotten about Nick and his own reaction to Larry's...death. The young man must be filled with, well: with everything. Worry, anger, confusion. Rowena would understand what that young boy would have to go through, especially being a Daley and all.

She could feel the taste of acid growing in her mouth, she swallowed before she inhaled deeply and returned her gaze towards Antonio and Seshat.

"...Look, I understand that our position as...protector to these things is vital. But what do you seek in awakening us?" Rowena questioned.

Her gaze went to Antonio who had tried to look solemn. But he was easily failing by how he was looking directly at her and Ahkmenrah.

"Isn't it obvious?" The pharaoh next to her stated blandly,  "War. You want war."

The tension was almost tugging at her ends as she froze.

Not that word. 

"No."

Seshat hardened her look at them and responded, "War is far from what we want."

"But we can't get around it, can we?" Ahkmenrah pried on, "You wish for the prophecy to happen, and for that: a war is a likely possibility."

Rowena's breath began to grow shallow once more.

"There will be a meeting this evening on the fate of you all. Antonio Paladino may guide you to somewhere you may talk freely." Seshat informed, to which her museum friend and colleague cleared his throat and gestured for them to follow him.

As soon as she rose her eyes back at Seshat, she could tell that the goddess was looking straight into her. With eyes that were perhaps too knowing that only Ahkmenrah's hand could make her blink. Her jaw tightened, desperate to let the anger and pain dissipate but it was still growing.

War.

Her entire life had been war. She had seen wars. Conflicts grow and die. Governments and monarchies boom and fall.

She pushed her way through the others, striding up to the man she had known to have been her friend and tugging his arm. Antonio turned to her, concern written in his eyes before she hissed at him.

"You can't be serious? A War? And how large is this Order?" Rowena demanded, feeling eyes diverting to her and possibly one of the exhibits to begin pulling her away before she tried anything. Well, anything with her hands - or fists - that's what.

Antonio answered, "Bigger than what you can comprehend, Amica." His tone softened as something of an apology left him, "And that's why I am sorry this has come to this, and why your friend had to leave. I sent an entail that I heard from one of our spies, they knew where Daley was and wanted to take him as bait. We sent one of our top spies to take them here and luckily they escaped."

Her mind went to everything. If they had spied it meant this was much bigger. Thousands of years worth of entail and espionage and manipulation. No one would know who they were because they blended into life itself. Not some mafia or underground network. They had embedded themselves into society like their enemy. 

Rowena let go of his hand, muttering an apology for such rudeness before Antonio shook his head. He told her that he expected it, that he was much like that at the beginning. That it took him a while to understand what this group was and how important they were for humanity on its own.

"And what do you call yourselves? Your posse?" Jedediah's voice rang from behind her and she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

There was a spark in her friend's eyes as he replied, "We are The Golden Lotus, and our responsibility is to protect the world against the Order. And make sure you and innocent people are safe."

"Even exhibits?" Rowena asked.

Antonio smiled slightly and answered, "I believe that is the guardian's duty."

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Antonio showed them to what seemed to be a lounge of a sort. The walls were still lined with books and artefacts but open enough to have sofas and some tables. 

Whilst Teddy and Sacagawea had lingered to sit on the sofa, Atilla kept Dexter occupied by playing with one of his daggers. Jedediah and Octavius on the other hand were still too excited by their 'size' and continued to touch and experience certain objects and things around them. As for Leslie, she had come to finally talk to Teddy, probably since he was the most notable face between all of them.

She felt bad for leaving them, excusing herself to go to the bathroom until she got out and strode down the windowless corridor. There she found some secluded area, glad that nobody else was around and sat on the stone bench on the side. Rowena plopped down as she had just gone on a run, her entire body tingling and numb as she rubbed her upper arms with her hands and pulled her jacket tighter. 

'Gods, you're pathetic Clarke.' She thought to herself. 'Can't even handle being in a room with your friends without being embarrassed at crying.'

When she looked up, she thought she saw Harry's face.

When she blinked, she saw Ahkmenrah staring down at her with concern.

Inhaling, she straightened her posture back up and wryly smiled - patting the space on her left. Ahkmenrah followed suit, bringing himself close until he wrapped his arm over her shoulders. Her heart finally soothed at his touch, gently rubbing her arm before she found her head resting upon his shoulder.

Ahkmenrah tilted his head, pressing his lip atop her head. She let out a shuddered breath.

There was a moment of quiet between them.

She quietly began, "So this is...big."

"Yes, bigger than what we imagined it to be," He murmured in return.

Rowena's gaze turned to her hands, which were now tangled upon clinging to her clothes. Her fingers grazed over her left hand, the place she had a ring once. And now in her pocket was another more line of jewels she was given. But this one was much more than just a simple token or gift to her.

It was her promise to the man who now sat beside her.

And yet she was seeing moments of another man in her mind. Harry, who told her to move on. Who was watching her from beyond his grave.

Another dead man walking was the night guard she had hired. The one she had come to know as a friend, and perhaps a brother in her entire life. She wanted to choke up and sob at it all. Larry Daley was supposed to grow old and live his life. With his own family and the family, he made with the museum.

Now the gods decided he was destined to be like them.

"Do you think Larry's alright?" She looked up to her lover, searching for his eyes. "He needs us now, Ahk."

'I need you, Ahk.' She wanted to echo. 

And yet his loving gaze almost looked transparent, and she did all she could to ignore the thumping feeling. The dread as his words entered her ears, "I do not think he does." Ahkmenrah answered, "I cannot even accept my own."

Rowena gulped. 

She hated what he had said. But there was nothing wrong with it all.

However, she couldn't let them all waste away in their own misery. Somebody needed to be strong. There had to be someone who pulled them back up. And she already went through it all, two centuries' worth of questioning her immortality and worth. 

With her hand now on his other, she tangled her fingers with his and whispered, "We need each other. Larry needs us so he doesn't feel alone."

Ahkmenrah didn't respond, his look being blank as they both silently fell once more into silence. She didn't push, either way, unsure of herself if she had the right to even argue in return. Somehow, this opportunity to know the truth was not something they expected.

And now: Rowena wasn't certain herself if she should have agreed to all of this.

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Larry XXXIII

Some people found him struggling to roll down the corridor and immediately took them to what seemed to be the infirmary. One of the people dressed in white, naming themselves Dr Silvestor, ushered him through and already strapped him onto a machine. Another two nurses arrived, beginning to move around the rather modern and hygienic room before checking on his vitals.

Surprisingly, his healing rate was faster than anyone they noted...which made Larry even more fuelled with emotions.

At the wrong moment, the person he least expected to burst through the double doors, her eyes panning across the rows of beds until she caught his gaze.

He quickly turned away, more focused on the nurse who was placing the needle into his arm. The morphine soon kicked in, and he felt his body relax and his mind numb. Though, not too soon as he found a shadow overloom him and the weight at the end of the bed increased.

"Larry, Larry listen to me," Rebecca quietly called to him.

As he felt the hand touch his free arm, he yanked it away and grumbled, "Stop." Larry croakily echoed, "Stop pitying me."

Rebecca answered, "I'm not pitying you, honey. Why should I-"

"Because you know. I lied to you." Larry flicked his eyes to hers. Even seeing her face; it stung his heart as he confessed every bit out from his chest. "I lied to you for months, those dreams. I can talk to previous guardians and their past lives. You would have thought me crazy. And then I realised now, what she said..."

He could sense his breathing quicken. His body wracking, wanting to feel the stinging in his eyes turn to tears. But it was soon halted by the moment her hands cupping his own. 

"Lawrence Daley." Rebecca called out to him in a murmur, his heart lurching at every word she spoke: "I will love you until the day I die."

He whispered, "How?" Larry's voice trembled, "How can you...when I will watch you grow old whilst I stay like this?"

He could already vividly imagine it. Marrying the woman he loved with his son at his side, watching her grow wrinkly and grey. His son would surpass him in appearance and age, with his own partner and perhaps children. And like Rowena, they would never experience taking him anywhere by the time they were too old for him. Because nobody would believe he was his grandfather or even the father of Nick. Or Rebecca Daley's husband. 

Larry would become a memory for them. Like Rowen Bates was to her daughter and now to her granddaughter. A ghost of the past that will always linger. 

Would he choose to change his name? Be like Rowen and forget what he was before? Or would he choose a path like Ahk and suffer to know his name?

"Because I live in the present even when my love is for the past. And I know how tough it is. But I love you too much to let you go." Rebecca clung to his hand, eyes growing watery as her voice grew hoarse, "Guardian or not, Immortal or mortal. It is you I chose and it is you I will stay."

"Even if I can't age?" Larry swallowed, fear growing at the silence.

Her hand rose to carress his cheek, wiping what seemed to be a tear upon his skin. 

Rebecca muttered close to him, "Even if I am wrinkly and old and can't even get up to get some water." 

Her eyes drew to his once more, worry addressed in the form of her lips. 

"But now, I'm just more afraid for you. I don't want you to push yourself away from them. You need someone to watch your back."

Reality became to seep into him once more, reminding him now who else shared what he had.

"I have you," He said desperately.

A sad smile rested on her lips as she answered, "Larry. I won't be here forever if this...if this is real." Rebecca implored, "I...you need Rowena and Ahk to help you. They understand what's it like."

He didn't need to argue back that she was right. He shouldn't dwell on it when those two had to go through the same thing on their own. Rowena had lived through an entire life surviving the world whereas Ahkmenrah was sheltered and never got to see the world and its good and bad sides.

Contrasting lives and yet they all fell into one thing they were burdened for. He should be laughing at himself for this. The situation he was shoved into. Years ago he would have just been a guy about to get evicted.

And now here he was in some secret headquarters of a secret organisation wanting to keep this world safe from another evil god and his cult.

With a ragged exhale, Larry told him, "Okay, I'll go talk to them." He then heard the doors shut and noticed another face enter his periphery. But this one made his throat constrict. All Larry could say was, "Nick."

His son hovered far from the end of the bed, his eyes wandering anywhere but his face. Nick asked, "Dad, um. Are you okay?"

"Yeah...I um." Larry began before he sighed and redid himself. He said, "I'm really sorry Nicky. I should have told you."

With his son's face tightening, he knew what Nick was feeling right now. Conflict just like a Daley, Nick was trying to hide his anger with tiredness.

He plainly replied, "I know." Nick quickly changed the subject and told them both, "They want us in the reading room now." He muttered another thing, something he didn't follow on before Nick turned and exited the infirmary.

Something in Larry's chest, his heart probably - stung.

Rebecca's voice echoed into his ear, "Larry, he'll get around it. It's hard enough for him after what happened."

He could feel his tears continuing to fall as he murmured, "It's like eight years ago again." When he turned to Rebecca for a quick glance, she could only soothe him by rubbing the back of his hand.

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

They were escorted back into the Reading Room again, taking their time as Rebecca pushed him on the wheelchair, still with a drip rolling beside him once they entered the doors. 

When they did enter, he was not expecting the entire hall to literally be filled with dozens of people. Faces of all backgrounds, wearing an array of different clothes. They all looked and sounded to be from all over the world, talking to one another as they headed to their seats. 

Larry could already feel his heart racing as more heads began to look his way, whispering his name.

But not his name, his title.

Gulping, he looked behind to where his fiancee was, who smiled slightly to assure him that she was still with him - squeezing his shoulder before they continued.

"We'd like the Heka Guardians to be in the inner circle. Other audiences should go to the viewing deck," A man who wore a mix of modern and slightly ceremonial robes appeared before him. His neutral expression bored through his mind contrasted by the bright gold and royal blue robes over their business suits.

But despite the pressure of the silence, Larry gritted his teeth and expressed heavily, "Rebecca and Nick are with me."

The man shook his head, glancing towards the centre of the room to eye the other people who were wearing similar robes before he returned to him and spoke: "I'm sorry, Guardian, but it is under the orders of the Council. A request."

Well, this was going great. He internally sighed before he eyed up at his son and Rebecca.

Rebecca gave him a reassuring smile, placing her hand on his shoulder as she murmured down, "We'll be fine, Larry."

He smiled faintly to them, giving the signal to his son that he would be fine despite Nick's discouraged look. Larry's heart sank when he could sense his son's gaze flickering away, gulping back the pain lodged in his throat and clearing it by returning his look back at the man in robes.

With a free hand, he gestured to him, "Alright, lead me there."

They took him down the centre of the room, stopping a couple of rows from the centre until the man pushed his wheelchair to a set of separated seats. It appeared to be that the seatings were cut into sections, like sort of booths at a baseball or football game. He noticed then from glancing at the centre that it had changed.

The large table remained at the centre, but with now several seats placed equally around the outer rim of the centre. At the head seemed to be where Seshat would sit, because compared to the other seats - this one seemed fancier with its golden engravings. The rest all had velvet cushions matching the rest of the Reading Room.

And compared to the last time, the place was lit up a little dimmer, with only the centre brightened. Larry couldn't tell if the place was more like a theatre or perhaps a concert, either way, it appeared so regal and too fine for his taste.

He thanked the robed man and told him he could probably roll himself towards a space. 

Larry momentarily hesitated once he saw the two faces he had yet spoken to. To be fair, he wasn't too sure how to 

"You look much better," Rowen looked at him, her voice filled with comfort that he couldn't help but remember again the first time he heard it. The mirthful tone spoke crisp and yet soft at the same time.

But this time he kind of understood once more who was behind the eighteen-year-old face, and he shrugged it off and replied, "They gave me some really potent stuff. Might be magic; not sure." Larry made a shrewd expression, "Smelt disgusting."

Sitting beside Rowen, the equally young-looking pharaoh gave a concerned look. He leaned across, reaching to press a hand upon his lower arm.

Ahkmenrah gazed towards him as he uttered, "Larry, remember. You aren't alone. Please acknowledge this."

His eyes glanced between the couple. The genuine love and concern for him...

Larry could sense his lips twitching to form a slight smile, "Thank you, Ahk." He continued, clearing his throat. "I talked to them...I just need to adjust with it, that's all."

"And we'll be with you." Rowen expressed, determination digging into her words as she also added, "At most, at least one of us is going through this with some guidance. And I will not let anyone else suffer something which Ahk and I had to go through."

Those words lingered, maybe not as much as he expected but he merely nodded and settled on his wheelchair and sighed internally. Even when he didn't need to say it back, deep down he was thankful for it. The silent support. Because of the reality of it all: he might be having to live forever with Rowen and Ahkmenrah from now on.

Unless this situation changes it all.

More people began to settle into their seats, realising now that those with the blue and gold robes appeared to be guards fixated upon the outer edges of the hall. They stood between the exits whilst other people in robes coloured in gold and green sat in the seats just in front of them. He wasn't sure what it all meant but the colour might have considered ranking perhaps.

Because right on time, six people entered the doors from where Seshat once entered hours ago. They didn't wear any robes but they all appeared to wear a sort of sash upon their clothes. The colours of white and gold are upon them. If Larry peered any closer, he spotted what seemed to be a golden pin in the shape of a lotus flower on the right side of their chests.

Seshat entered the room last, her appearance different from the previous. Instead, she wore a formal dress, simple but rich in a vibrant colour green. She wore a wide gold necklace around her neck with a mix of blue and white stones.

Everyone rose to their feet at that moment and Larry stayed in his wheelchair. He noticed then thankfully from the outer seats with widened eyes of the others.

The rest of the Exhibits were sitting beside Rebecca and Nick, thankfully catching Teddy's gaze with a knowing look before everyone else sat down. Though at Sacagawea's side, he immediately noticed the unmistakenly red hair, with Leslie Carter remaining placid as she was split from Rebecca.

All but Seshat and the six on the centre floor sat down. With a curt nod from the goddess, the six people sat beforehand. 

Seshat looked around her and began out loud.

"Welcome all. I understand it has been a very stressful day, with the Ennead's enchantment to draw the realms together to some extent, but we know as of now is that the prophecy has been revived."

A few murmurs began around the room but it remained quite silent.

"Many of you have probably not heard of it, and only those several that have heard of the myths of the Guardians would know that they are truly here and have been finally chosen. The Guardians are a vital ally to our cause, and also the key to preventing the resurface of Set." Seshat explained, now turning her gaze to one of the people around her as she asked, "Master Ghimire, what is your report in Asia?"

Larry wasn't sure what he was expecting in this meeting. Though by the looks of things, people didn't seem to be too riled up or shocked by it all. Everyone must have known a lot of the background of it all and prepared for it. Some remained focused whilst others were leaning to their neighbours and asking questions.

At that time the person in one of the white sashes rose. A man with jet dark hair tied back in a simple ponytail looked toward Seshat's face before beginning his response. 

It was something about another person or title called The Hyena facing issues regarding control of Asian countries. About infiltrating corrupted government bodies and finally having spies eliminated.

Another person joined in, talking about how they have managed to stop China's department of defence from going ahead of taking major action with the dispute in the North West region of China, Tibet and Hong Kong.

Larry's mind began to seep into the reality of all. 

When they said they were everywhere, they really meant everywhere. From the highest controlling powers to the lowest paying roles. Ministers, generals, royalists and leaders to teachers, scientists, and doctors. Even teenagers through social media and clubs. All of them were interwoven in some networks across the globe.

And all under his nose.

Their noses.

From the corner of his eye, he could tell that Rowen was angered and worried, her eyes hardening as they continued to talk about women being forced to use all means to get information for Set's Order. About how the Golden Lotus discovered a woman being blackmailed with a tape being released to the public if she didn't seduce and bed a popular president elector.

He was horrified that the Golden Lotus discovered the Order preventing aid on the West coast of Africa, where there was currently a Malaria outbreak and those dying of drought and forcing them to rely on their needs.

This wasn't order at all.

This was chaos.

"The Scarab and Jackal have been against one another for almost half a century, with the new Jackal returning to North America as of three years ago. It is said that they are building something," Someone named Eduard Lang - one of the white sashes - informed them all.

Everyone became silent.

"The Scarab and the Jackal?" Larry whispered, mostly to himself.

But thankfully, Rowen leaned to his side and murmured - her gaze still looking across to the centre of the room, "From what I suspect...they are names of the heads of the Order. Perhaps subleaders to keep control."

"Interesting titles," Larry hummed back, slightly raising his eyebrows. 

But darkly, he didn't like the fact that it could be a possibility. What did that mean compared to the Golden Lotus then? Were they larger than them or equal to it? And from what he perceived, those who stood in the centre along with Seshat all seemed to be sort of sub-leaders of the group as well.

Ahkmenrah continued on, telling them quietly, "Each of them means something." He pursed his lips and muttered, "I do not know their symbolism nowadays, but they hold certain powers, especially when named into one."

All of them focused back on the meeting when Seshat questioned out loud to them, "And what of the Scarab, they are in charge of Europe's hold?"

A woman rose as well, clearing her throat as she spoke aloud, "That is the thing, my lady. The Scarab has been branching out dangerously in the Mediterranean, gaining more allies off the coast of Egypt and Greece and Libya." Her accent was heavy, something of a mix of Italian and French. "We've had some of our posts in Greece and Italy to gain entail but sources say they have been negotiating with governors."

Another man asked about it, but to his surprise, it was not one of the white sashes but a man on the ring of seats behind them. "What does the Scarab want exactly? They have already conquered Egypt as it is in the last century, why seek to choose Europe?"

'Scarab...' Larry thought.

It then hit him like a brick. 

Or maybe a bullet like the one that went into him.

They were the notes which Cecil showed to him. 

They were titles of the leaders controlling parts of the world.

Larry mentally hit himself, annoyed at himself that he should have taken the bag from Rebecca. Snuffed in the secret compartment where he put most of his miscellaneous stuff was the folded sheet of paper. It might not be any help for the Golden Lotus, but it confirms to not only him but Rowen and Ahkmenrah that they were telling the truth.

And if he had to guess enough, the man he had met and killed Cecil Fredricks was the same one who was controlling America right now.

The same woman - now knowing her name as Simone Benedetti - who began talking about the Scarab answered them, "Because of the European Union and NATO. Using that will give an upper hand. If they can lure a puppet into the high councillor amongst most of the countries-"

"But Master Imhotep is already part of the UN?" Another person rose, several seats behind.

"Yes, but Master Imhotep is installed in Egypt as we speak to prevent any more danger to the political instability of what Egypt has of now," Another of the white sashes, now named Charles Sutherland, informed them. His Australian accent was strong as he adjusted his stance.

Whoever this Imhotep man was, it would seem from Larry's view that he was quite known and important within them all. Even the people at the centre were focused, a look of respect as his name was called out.

Eduard Lang gave a stern and knowing look towards the Goddess of Knowledge as he insinuated, "My Lady, we have played the long game for centuries. We must act now-"

"And what? Let thousands die because of a war?" Benedetti snapped with a question. He could tell the doubt and worry on her face, clearly not wanting anything rash or violent. "We cannot let this happen, especially when the world is watching."

However, the other man protested - sharing the same narrowed gaze. "The Order must be shattered."

Thankfully the tension was pulled back when another member of the six intervened. 

Another woman was named Alanna Palmeiro. Her dark skin complimented her azure suit, a shade that matched the deep blue waters. In a way, it reflected her calm interception. "It already has been." The woman looked at all of them, stating: "The past few decades it has been in decline"

A feeling of hope - a tiny bit of it - sort of filled Larry's head. Maybe the Golden Lotus has done their job well then, though why were they so stressed? Was it the Order's own fault then? Why were they in decline? Is that why they were acting so open now? Maybe they were desperate now, and that was why they had Garret Trench steal it so publicly.

"Well, it isn't enough," Lang refused to bow down, wanting to win his argument as half of the room seemed to murmur and nod in agreement. "The Jackal and the Scarab are the last remaining powerful holders along with the Lion himself. "

His eyes slightly averted a little around, already seeing people converse...and argue as well.

Then the noise rose, and he could tell that Seshat was trying to ease the room, waiting patiently despite her troubled face.

That was when Larry decided to intervene himself, to which he wasn't sure why he did. Maye it was the magic medicine? Who knows?

"Who's the Lion?"

The room quietened and immediately he felt all eyes look at him. 

He could imagine every friend within this room either facepalming or gaping at him in surprise. What else were they expecting? How was he going to know what the heck was going on if he didn't know any of these people? The Scarab, The Jackal, The Lion? They all were just titles that meant barely anything to him and they expect him to know just because he was some guardian?

It was to his surprise that the calm and composed woman responded to him instead, looking directly at him. "The Lion is the head of the Order and the oldest standing member of the high ranking order. He manipulates Egypt and he runs all connections across the globe. The Saqqara Historical Agency is the company which he poses in, a company that connects with Egyptian Antiquities to the UN and Historial Museums," Palmeiro finished explaining, whilst Larry sent a silent thank you to her.

Though quickly afterwards, Larry furrowed his brows. "Why a museum? Why not a political position or a president."

Benedetti was next to answer his question, "Because The Lion seeks the Artefacts. He has been doing so since the time he joined the Cult of Set. He has a high position in the department of antiquities so he is able to dictate what is put-"

"-And what is shown to the world. He literally re-writes history to his own liking," Turning to his side, it was Rowen who finished her answer - her face too tense.

He didn't realise that down at her side: her hands were clenched into fists. Larry knew exactly then how she and maybe Rebecca felt. Just as Ahkmenrah also did though his anger was more silent as he stared blankly in front of him. To have your history rewritten was possibly the worse thing to ever exist. And to people like Ahkmenrah, it must feel painful that everyone that might know him would consider him as someone else.

Not just that: it was the whole premise of history itself. How would they know now what's real and not real now if things like this occur? How long would it take to find the truth?

"Yes, Guardian," Seshat stared up at them. Her voice showed slightly sympathy as she added, "In a way, he plays the long game. Like how he removed your family, Guardian. He tried to remove you too, Rowena Clarke."

Rowen asked firmly, "How?"

"Through the means of Howard Carter's discovery. You were never mentioned, thus it took longer for us to find you. Your help in deciphering The Rosetta Stone to the rest of the world was shielded and remains to be so," When those words left Seshat's lips, Larry gulped back a breath. Once he glanced over to Rowen, he already saw the fire in her eyes. Anger? Definitely. But there was a pain as well in them.

A sharp inhale left Rowen's lips, her shoulders adjusting before she said, "So he erases our importance to history. And to the rest of the world. Why?"

"Because without your presence, our cause will never have stayed. We thank Lady Seshat as well as the founder of the Golden Lotus for keeping the belief of the Guardians. You will change the course of this long war," That was when Larry's focus turned back to Ghimire, who had been silent for the majority of the meeting. He wondered if he knew about this, maybe that was why he seemed so collected.

Seshat looked at Ghimire before confirming, "The Order wants the Heka Guardians to find the Eternal City and bring the Tablet with it."

Wait, wait, wait.

Did she just say them?

Sutherland loudly spoke, "I suggest we destroy it then." Followed by the room agreeing, Larry jumped in surprise as the other half began to protest.

The noise level was rising as one of them spoke up louder than the rest.

"No, destroying could be catastrophic! It is the key to the gate!" 

"Then we destroy the city itself, let it be buried in the sand along with the artefacts!"

"And what about the mortal realm? We will be vulnerable with this risk!"

Blinking quickly, Larry felt a stinging pain rupturing from his head. No doubt he would definitely have a migraine after this meeting. But even then, all he could sense was the immense panic and worry rising. People arguing with those behind or in front of them, only to spot the Exhibits eyeing them from across the room in confusion and concern.

He took a deep breath and shuddered. How long will this take? How long was this going to go when the world outside was practically in danger now? When he looked at his side, all he could see is Rowen staring directly at the six people in the inner circle, her hand holding tightly in Ahkmrenrah's.

Ahkmenrah on the other hand was frowning, his eyes constantly moving between the members, the Exhibits and Rowen before he leaned over to whisper something in Rowen's ear. Whatever it was, Larry noticed how Rowen almost looked as if she was refraining to hold her mouth - thinning her lips before she sent a darting gaze back across the room.

Towards Antonio Paladino.

He creased his brows and frowned. Were they talking about Rowen's friend again? Perhaps it was what happened after he stormed out of the Reading Room.

All of a sudden, a powerful voice echoed around them - almost hearing it within his mind.

"Silence!"

All eyes turned to the Goddess, her eyes now glowing slightly as she held her hand up. It was immediate the moment everyone stopped, sitting down in their seat as they all paid attention to the Goddess of Knowledge. 

With a deep inhale, Seshat proclaimed to them: "We have no choice but to do one thing: but to permanently trap Set himself."

"What, but-"

"That's impossible!"

"He is a god, my lady!"

He was impressed that Seshat had immense impatience. Well, for an immortal it must be a key thing to do. Even then, he always assumed that gods like her would have a shorter fuse than most - especially to those who were mortal. 

Instead, Seshat held a demeanour of composure, despite the underlining threats within her tone. "And I am a goddess and yet I walk among you. There is courage and will in mortals that I believe could stop Set. The city itself guards the gate. But the Tablet is the key to the gate. That gate is what connects the mortal realm to the void."

That was when Larry Daley should have kept his mouth shut.

"We destroy the gate, to trap him." He could feel all of their eyes turn to him as his voice echoed about. Pausing, Larry looked slightly in Rebecca's way - seeing his fiancee's proud expression as he continued: "The gate's the opening. But the city itself is its own final barrier between where he's trapped. If we destroy the gate, it simply cuts the cord but doesn't entirely cut every cord between earth and the immortal world, right?"

Nex to him, he could sense both Ahkmenrah's and Rowen's eyes at him. Maybe wondering why he just spoke aloud.

Even then: he wanted to ask himself the same question. Maybe it was because he was just fed up, fed up with all of this arguing and debating. He wanted answers. He wanted a solution.

Glad that the Goddess herself answered him with a solemn tone: "Yes, that is correct, Lawrence Daley." 

"Then just go. You said this Eternal City is hidden, so surely someone should have known," He responded, hearing several murmurs. He ignored how his cheeks were growing hot, all whilst trying to remain placid despite how nervous he now was.

Sutherland answered him, "Even the Lady of Knowledge knows not of the location as the purpose was for it to forever be hidden. All who live there never left. The city was a means to protect from anyone coming in and anyone coming out."

"You want us to find the city. "

Larry turned to Ahkmenrah, who was the one who answered.

The six with the white sashes looked at one another before it was Ghimire who responded with a slight nod. "If that is what it takes, it is what we think is the right course."

"And we'll be stopping a war if we do go right?" Rowen questioned.

"Any means in stopping Set from entering fully into this realm shall stop any means of war. However, the chances are narrow. As much as I am loath to speak of it, a potential war could erupt as soon as you enter Egypt," Seshat's grim tone made his chest tighten.

The fact that a goddess knew that whatever they had to do would risk so many lives spoke louder than anything else that was said. They were going to have to go out there. Egypt. An unknown place which Larry knew barely about other than the fact that Ahkmenrah used to live there and Rowen spent most of her time researching there.

But a hidden city? How were they supposed to find this place if even they don't know it?

And war?

Just saying the word in his head made a sour taste on his tongue.

The final person of the six members, Thabisa Mensah, finally spoke. She was a petite lady, with dark skin and her hair braided back in a tight bun. In contrast to Palmerio, her suit was merely grey but adorn with silver and gold outlines. 

"But my lady...we cannot afford a war." Mensah worriedly spoke, "If this extends to the public eye...this could potentially risk the Golden Lotus. We would be considered an external activist group."

Seshat looked at her and hummed, "That is why this must be a mission of secrecy." She eyed them all, continuing: "None must know, only those within these walls and those who are an extent in their stations. And we do this by only offering a small group to proceed with this mission. Only then that we may be able to destroy the source of the danger as quietly as possible."

"All three Guardians?" Lang raised a brow, adding, "This will be a massive risk, my lady. Surely only one or two of them should go alongside those who are well known of the dangers."

To his surprise, it was Rowen who answered back plainly, "I lived in Egypt and know it from the back of my hand, sir." Her hand gestured to her side, "And Ahkmenrah knows Ancient Egypt and Modern Egypt."

Seshat hummed and nodded, an approving glance at them before he realised that her dark gaze went to him.

"And what of you, Lawrence Daley," Her tone grew light as she spoke to him directly, "You possess a unique gift that may be an asset."

He took a gulp. Firstly he wasn't sure what she meant by a unique gift? Was it the fact that he could dream into the past? What if that was just a one-time thing though?

Surely...

"If I don't go, what happens?" He questioned, his hands flexing as he tried to hide his nerves.

Attentively, Seshat responded: "The future is not clear, but you are important in this. Going or not...you will play a role in the turning of this dark time." She honestly said, "It is your choice now to follow on or not."

Well to him: it sounded as if he had no choice. 

Larry inhaled, "Look. I was just told hours ago that I can't die or age anymore. The dead are living again. The end of the world might actually come." He continued, "...But I realised again that there are people out there. In here as well...people with families. Loved Ones. Children...and we all want to see them grow up to a bright future. I know that because I want that as well."

When Larry paused, he panned around the room. He spectated the faces amongst him, catching Nick's black face from far away. 

His chest clenched.

He might not be able to grow up with his kid...

...But that doesn't mean he doesn't want a future for him.

After a shuddering breath, Larry answered: "And maybe I might not have that anymore, doesn't mean I don't want to see others have it." The determination now filled him as he firmly spoke, "So yeah, I'm in if you have me. My lady."

As murmurs of agreement mixed with applause rose, Larry couldn't help but bite his lip. He looked at both Rowen and Ahkmenrah, the two eyeing him with a mix of pride and love. These two would always be with him no matter what, even now when he knew that they would be at his side no matter what.

Just as Rebecca said as well to him.

"Hey! Not without us!" 

Running down the aisle, Larry's jaw slackened as he spotted not only Jedediah; but Octavius as well. With Dexter tailing them with an approving noise, the cowboy exclaimed loudly, "If Gigantor and Gigantress with Ahkky boy right there are going on some suicide mission, we ain't allowing that 'less we hop in!"

Larry refrained from the annoyance rising, but his amusement overrode as he shook his head. How could he not be surprised at these two at such an opportunity?

"So am I," Octavius spoke with a slight pause. "If you allow us, we will follow you to the end."

He crossed a glance back at Rowen and Ahkmernah, with one sharing a look of thankfulness whilst the other were obviously smiling at the corner of their lips. Even the people in the Reading Room were probably sharing questions, wondering as well if what they were seeing was real.

"Of course not without us," Steeping from behind the two, both Sacagawea and Teddy stood side by side as Teddy loudly said, "My boys, my dear girl. You thought we are not there without you?"

Larry breathed in, "Guys..."

Even Attila joined, silently nodding as he had Dexter at his shoulders by the time everyone was not only looking at them but him, Rowen and Ahkmernah.

"I do believe we have our protectors now," It was Ghimire who spoke - almost hearing a slight fondness in his voice as he asked, "Do you approve, Lady Seshat?"

"Yes." Seshat smiled, nodding as she gestured out to them. "Protectors of the Guardians, you are allowed to accompany the Heka Guardians to find the Eternal City and destroy the gate. You have the blessing of the Ennead."

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A/N: Well...what a return.

But I am back! Welcome back to Mors Vincit Omnia where I had to actually go through so many of my notes to just remember where I left off. But not to worry, I am back and having a sort of break between fandoms. :)

This chapter was pretty much inspired by all of those council-styled scenes. I heavily based mine on LotR: The Council of Elrond because that's the one I'm most familiar with. A lot of symbolism, from the sort of pyramidal ordering of the groups of the Reading Room to the colours and robes everybody wore.

You can tell from what happened that the relationship between Rowen and Ahk is fluctuating now and this is going to be crucial in the future. Yeah, it's not fun but it's something I had in mind when I was planning these parts. As much as they try and support one another, they all have issues so much larger and straining their relationship. And considering it affects their relationship - it's pretty important.

Rebecca and Larry's conversation is on a happier note though. Sadly for Nick and Larry though, which really hits off with the theme of watching your children grow up quite badly because now their father and son relationship is going to be more different than before.

The next chapter is the interlude. I'm going to explain my plans for this and why I chose to split this story into three and not into two.

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Written: 04/05/2022

Edited: 04/05/2022