Let's try this again, shall we?

Sorry for bombarding you all with notifications about this story uploading, but I've had multiple issues with it disappearing after about half an hour. Hopefully this time will be a bit better.


So at long last, I've gotten around to starting this story! I've been meaning to for a while, but life and other stories got in the way.

I hope you enjoy this first chapter. Let me know what you think!


Chapter 1: A Grand Reopening

Humming along to the music playing from her computer, the young woman sitting in the room brushed her long black hair so it sat neatly past her shoulders. When she turned to her mirror, dark brown eyes looked back out at her, highlighted by make-up, and her brow furrowed slightly.

"I hate this...so heavy," Beth complained as she pushed her hair from her face. A loud knock on the door stopped her fussing, and she got off the bed and made her way through the apartment to answer the door. She opened it to reveal another woman, whose red hair had been curled and fell around her shoulders to frame her face.

"I hate you," Marie declared.

"Hello to you too," Beth chuckled, moving to let her friend in.

"It's just not fair!" Marie complained as she walked into the apartment. "You just don't age! You don't look any older than you did when you worked with me! We're the same age!" she whined. Beth laughed as she followed her through.

"It's called good genes," she told the annoyed young woman, who huffed. "You look amazing by the way," Beth patted her shoulder, and Marie huffed again, subconsciously patting down the figure-hugging blue dress that she was wearing.

"Thanks. Are you sure you can't come with me tonight? My dad is going to be especially stuffy," she rolled her eyes, sitting on the bed as Beth finished her makeup.

"As tempting as that sounds," she smiled in amusement. "I'm still working. Just because I'm dressed up doesn't mean I don't have to do my job," Beth explained, and butterflies awoke in her stomach at the thought. With the performance Larry had come up with for the exhibits to put on, Beth had her own part to play.

Within the last month Beth's powers had grown even more. Initially able to control the elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Wind, she'd suddenly developed the ability to control Lightning, Ice, Mist, and once, when she had been in a particularly playful mood, teasing the Miniatures, she'd even created Snow.

It baffled her, as she'd never figured out why she had powers to begin with. Even Safiya, her previous life, had never figured it out. She'd just been born with the power, and so far, she'd never found anyone else with any sort of ability. The only thing close to magic that she'd seen was the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, which was responsible for bringing the exhibits in the Museum of Natural History to life.

"Well," Marie stopped sulking, and her voice interrupted Beth's thoughts. She glanced around at her best friend, who was grinning deviously. "I know one person who'll enjoy how good you look tonight," she winked, and Beth rolled her eyes.

"For the last time, I have no idea what you're talking about," she turned back to the mirror, refusing to look at Marie. The woman sitting on the bed giggled.

"Oh please, you and the Hot Pharaoh clearly have something going on," she said, and Beth tried her best to fight her blush, failing miserably. She supposed she should be used to Marie's teasing by now, but apparently not. "You make it so obvious when girls flirt with him," Marie teased. Beth scowled at the mention of the group of giggling girls who had taken a very deep interest in Ahkmenrah. Much to her relief, Atilla had scared them off.

"Do you have to call him that?" she grumbled, and a victorious smirk lit up Marie's face even more.

"Well you refuse to let me near him, and you won't tell me his name, so I just have to work with what I'm given," Marie shrugged. Beth sighed. It really didn't help that she was an awful liar. Marie would not believe that she wasn't dating the 'actor' in the museum. What she didn't realise was that he wasn't an actor, but the real Ahkmenrah who came to life at night, and Beth was the reincarnation of the entertainer of his father's court who had fallen in love with him.

It made things very difficult to deal with.

Rubbing her temples as a throbbing pain cut through her head, Beth let out a small sigh. "What's with you? Headache?" Marie noticed the action, her smile fading.

"Just a little one, it's been bugging me since yesterday," Beth admitted. "I'll take some aspirin, be fine," she dismissed it as she saw Marie's worried expression. Ever since she'd been hospitalised a few years ago after being kidnapped, Marie had been very protective over her. Thankfully she never knew about Beth's adventure in Washington at the Smithsonian, when she'd come face-to-face with Safiya's killer, the one responsible for having Beth kidnapped.

"Just don't push it, okay?" Marie asked her softly, and Beth turned to smile at her.

"Of course I won't. It's just a headache. Don't worry," she soothed, before her smile turned devious. "You'll get worry lines," Marie's blue eyes widened in alarm, and she darted over to the mirror. Beth laughed at her vanity, and walked out of the room to grab aspirin.

"You're not funny!" she heard Marie call from the bedroom, and grinned even wider.


"I just don't get why you haven't told your dad yet," Beth shook her head as she and Marie walked towards the Museum of Natural History.

"Are you kidding?" Marie shot her a baffled look. "I didn't tell my dad that I was becoming a teacher until I was already halfway through my first term studying," she shook her head, remembering how it had gone. "He never approved of me dating Ray, you think he's going to approve of this?" she held up her hand, and the diamond ring on her left hand sparkled in the artificial light of the street lights.

"Fair point," Beth agreed. "But surely he'd understand that you love each other, right?" she tilted her head, and Marie sighed.

"He's still trying to set me up with Julian," she huffed, and Beth raised an eyebrow.

"That stuffy guy on the board who's like ten years older than you?" she asked, remembering the man from one of the few times she'd encountered members of the board. Of course, she'd been completely ignored, simply a night guard and Co-Head in the Night Program Larry had created.

"Yup," Marie sighed, popping the P.

"Ouch," Beth patted her shoulder sympathetically.

"And my dad's super old fashioned, if he finds out that Ray didn't ask for his blessing..." Marie trailed off, looking down at the ring on her finger. Beth watched her for a moment, her memories triggering something in the back of her mind.


"That is why, I have decided for you to marry my son, Kahmunrah," Safiya went numb at the declaration coming from the mouth of the Pharaoh. For a moment, she forgot how to move, how to breath; it was a small favour that she was kneeling, or else she'd not have been able to remain on her feet. She didn't dare look to either of the Princes, but something told her that Kahmunrah had his smug smirk on his face.

"If that is your wish, my lord..." Safiya took a quiet breath to will her voice to remain steady. "I would be honoured," she didn't look up, but she heard the clap of Merenkahre's hands as he beamed with joy. A sick feeling settled in her stomach, and she didn't hear what he said next. She simply nodded, and when she was dismissed, she made a beeline for her chambers.

"Saf?" she heard the voice of her friend, Nenet, call after her, but she didn't stop until she was in the small chambers granted to her when she had come to be the entertainer.

Throwing herself on her bed, Safiya pulled her sheet over her head, and hugged her pillow close. She took deep, loud breaths, as the sick feeling in her stomach remained and tears burned at her eyes. Furiously clamping her eyes shut to hold them back, Safiya buried her face in the pillow as her chest hurt.

Marrying Kahmunrah.

The words of the Pharaoh echoed in her head, and Safiya's stomach clenched tightly at the thought. She couldn't deny the King of Egypt his wish. No matter how kind he was to her, no matter how much he already treated her well above her station, Merenkahre's word was law and if she was to marry his eldest son, then it would happen.

Marry Kahmunrah.

The tears finally squeezed their way free, and Safiya let out a choked sob, burying her face in the pillow to hide her cries as the pain in her chest grew. She cried loudly and freely, not caring if anyone heard her. She was the only one who used this particular chamber anyway.

She didn't want to marry Kahmunrah.

Her chest hurt so badly as she continued to sob. She wished she'd never run into the Pharaoh that day in that small village, which had only been two years ago, but felt like so much longer. She wished she'd never used her powers and been brought to the palace to serve as an entertainer for the court. If she hadn't, then she wouldn't be in this predicament.

Marrying the brother of the one she truly loved more than anyone and anything.

The thought brought on a fresh wave of tears and Safiya continued to cry, until she finally passed out from exhaustion.


"It's not up to your dad," Beth said suddenly, making Marie blink in surprise and look up at her. "What matters is you and Ray love each other, right?" she looked down at Marie, who was staring at her.

"Well...yeah..." she agreed slowly.

"Then who cares what your dad thinks?" Beth asked her, making her stop. "Don't let someone stand in the way of your heart Marie. If Ray's who you love and you want to be with, then be with him," she said firmly. After a moment of silence between the two, Beth seemed to realise her outburst and went red. "I mean...it's not like your dad has to marry him," she muttered, looking away. Marie blinked rapidly, before starting to laugh.

"You're so weird Beth, you know that?" she smiled, tilting her head slightly. Beth's blushing grew as she adamantly refused to meet her gaze. "You're right," Marie nodded firmly. "I love Ray and if he's crazy enough to love me, then we'll be together. It's not my dad's decision," she decided. "Thanks Beth," she smiled, and Beth shrugged.

"Nothing like two young woman taking fate into their own hands," the two jumped and looked around quickly. Going on the defensive, Beth's eyes turned amber, before they saw an old man sweeping the pathway nearby, cleaning up the litter scattered around. "I'm sorry if I frightened you, I just couldn't help myself," he chuckled, looking up. His pale blue eyes and his grey hair shone in the moonlight.

"Damn right we're taking fate into our own hands," Marie told him, smiling once her heart-rate calmed. Beth relaxed, her eyes turning brown again. It still surprised her how naturally she was able to call her powers to her now.

"Good to hear," the man smiled at her, before his eerie eyes turned to Beth as if studying her. She frowned, recognising him from somewhere. She just couldn't place it. "Be careful out there...it seems as if tonight could be quite...eventful," he mused, turning away.

"What do you mean?" Beth couldn't help but call after him, and he paused, looking around.

"The grand reopening of the Planetarium is tonight, am I right? Or are you lovely ladies dressed to the nines for something else?" he asked, and when she didn't answer, he turned away with a chuckle. "Goodnight," he called back, walking away before Beth could ask anything else.

"Huh. Weird. Come on, we gotta get to the museum. My dad'll kill me if I'm late, and Ray's going to be there too, I don't want him killing him too," Marie nudged Beth, whose eyes were still on the old man.

"Oh, right, yeah," Beth turned and they began walking again. "Better make sure he doesn't kill Ray before he finds out you're getting married," she laughed, and Marie giggled, still giddy at the thought.


A cool wind blew past, and Beth closed her eyes as it ruffled her hair. A shiver ran down her spine, and she pulled her coat closer around her. Something told her that it wouldn't be long before it snowed.

"I hope I said the right thing to Marie back there..." she murmured, looking up at the stars shining above. The memory of Safiya's reaction to having to marry Kahmunrah was still fresh in her mind, and the sickness that she'd felt then had come to her stomach now. The idea of marrying the tyrant was the stuff of nightmares, and there'd been a very short time that it had been a risk to Beth, but thankfully for her Larry was there to help her out. Again.

Beth let out the breath she hadn't been aware she'd been holding. She supposed she should go inside and help Larry prepare for the performance of the night. With so much happening, it was too much for only him to handle, even with Sacagawea helping out. Marie had left once they'd arrived, going to meet Ray and join her parents. Beth didn't envy her in the slightest.

"Good evening," she jumped at the pleasant voice that seemed to come from nowhere. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she found a young man with a pair of thick glasses perched on his nose and curly hair smiling at her.

"Oh...it's okay, I seem to be very jumpy today," Beth smiled back at the man, whose easy smile relaxed her.

"It seems to be one of those nights. I suppose with everything happening here, everyone is pretty excited," the young man commented, pushing his glasses back up as they slid down his nose. "Are you here for the festivities too?" he asked her.

"I work here, I'm the night guard," Beth told him.

"Wow, that sounds fun," the young man's eyes gleamed at the idea. "So much can be learned from a place like this, and at night...I imagine it is even more interesting," Beth arched an eyebrow at his words. "Since you do not have to ensure people are abiding by the rules," he clarified.

"Oh, right," Beth chuckled, wondering why she was so on edge. It wasn't as if the stranger knew anything about the museum coming to life. "Are you here for the reopening? The entrance is over that way," Beth gestured, and he glanced around.

"I see," the young man nodded. "Thank you. I hope you enjoy your night," he told her, walking away.

"You too!" Beth called, still smiling at the brief interaction with the odd young man. He seemed very interested in the museum, which Beth always liked to hear. The exhibits of the museum were her family, and she was very proud of them, loving when someone enjoyed their visit. Especially with the night program.

Taking a look up at the stars again, Beth smiled. "I suppose I should go inside now," she decided, turning and walking up the steps.

Pushing the door open, the black haired young woman was greeted by the exhibits rushing around.

"Miss. Agriosa!" she smiled as Teddy trotted over on the brown horse Texas. "May I say, you're looking magnificent tonight my dear," the blue eyed wax model of the President smiled down at her kindly. Beth blushed at his words.

"Thanks Teddy. You don't think it's too much?" she asked, looking down at the orange dress she wore.

"Not at all!" he exclaimed. "It is the perfect attire for the magnificence that is to take place tonight," he told her.

"Thanks," she repeated, her blush growing. "How's everything going here?" she asked, looking around.

"Apart from a minor issue with the Miniatures, all is well," he told her. Beth sighed. Of course.

"What happened this time?" she asked.

"Oh, the usual. Jedidiah and Miss. Claudia in an altercation, with Octavius doing his best to try and break it up," Teddy shrugged. "It is all resolved now, Lawrence stepped in and resolved the issue," Beth sighed, shaking her head. She wondered sometimes if it had been a good idea to bring Claudia from the Smithsonian, when she frequently ended up fighting with the leader of the cowboys. Their stubborn natures, along with his reckless attitude and need to always jump head-first into situations, and her calm-headed and rational way of thinking always led to them clashing. And Octavius always found himself stuck in the middle.

"So everything's okay now?" Beth asked, and he nodded. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want things going south before it had even started. "I'll go check in with Larry. Have you seen him?" she asked.

"I believe he went to speak with Ahkmenrah," Teddy explained, and smiled slightly. "We also have a new addition to the Neanderthal display," he told her, and Beth's smile returned.

"You met him then?" she asked, her giggle escaping. "I saw him this morning before leaving. Doctor McPhee is a bit stiff, but now and again..." the two laughed quietly, before Beth suddenly swayed, her vision swimming as her headache pulsed.

"Miss. Agriosa?" Teddy climbed down from Texas to steady her. "Are you alright?" he asked, keeping a hold of her shoulder.

"Ye...yeah, sorry about that," she murmured as her vision calmed. "Just a little dizzy for a moment, probably because of this headache," Beth complained. "I'll call my doctor in the morning," she said when she saw his concerned look.

"Perhaps you should sit out-"

"No way, I want to help," Beth told him quickly, knowing what he was suggesting.

"Miss. Agriosa, if it will be detrimental to your health, I'm sure-"

"It'll be fine Teddy, honesty," Beth insisted with a smile. "I'll get a good sleep in once tonight is over, I'm sure I'll be fine. It's probably just nerves and the stress of these powers being weird," she told him.

"If you're sure..." Teddy frowned at her, concern obvious.

"I'm sure. I better go find Larry. Thanks Teddy," Beth smiled at him, touching him arm briefly before turning and heading off to find her colleague, as Teddy watched her with a look of worry still on his face.


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