National Treasure II: Mason's Journey –

Declaimer: I do not own National Treasure or any of the characters. That right belongs to the Disney Corporation.

Author's Note: Welcome to the beginning of my National Treasure Fanfiction. I fell in love with this movie the very first time that I saw it and wanted to learn some of the real history they used in it to play out the ingenious clues and history used to create this legend. I did some history and in my searching I found some information I could use to create a sequel. Again, this story has nothing to do with Disney but with my own findings. If anything stated is incorrect or drawn out in any way it was intentional and overlooked. Thank you for considering reading my Fanfiction and I fully support your reviews 

Chapter One – The Interview

"This just in, we've received news that just 5 months ago the Declaration of Independence was stolen from the National Archives. The FBI purposely kept this information from the public for security reasons; however we have the full top secret report to you coming to you live from the National Archives in Washington D.C. where we talk to Dr. Abigail Chase about the story." Shannon Willis said into the television camera to the receiving end of the broadcast.

Suddenly the camera shifts to the steps of the Archives building where a reporter is standing next to Dr. Chase, "Hi, my name's Christine Berkley and I'm here with Dr. Abigail Chase who is going to tell us the story of this recent disturbing news involving the Declaration of Independence," she turns to Abigail, "So, Dr. Chase what is the real story behind this incident that is sweeping the nation through rumors?"

Abigail, a little nervous behind the camera nods as the reporter puts the microphone in front of her, "Well, first of all I should cover why the Declaration was stolen in the first place. Some people believed there was a treasure map on the back. However, anyone who has actually examined it would throw out this possibility immediately, but I personally witnessed the map discovery with the man responsible for stealing the document, Benjamin Franklin Gates. Now, I know you are probably thinking, 'you had something to do with the disappearance of the Declaration of Independence?' My answer would be that I didn't know the reason this man wanted it so badly. In his defense, he was protecting it from a man named Ian Howe who was his partner in treasure hunting and who intended to steal it himself and probably would have destroyed it afterwards. The government has forgiven Gates for his reckless act mainly because of his good intentions and help in putting Ian behind bars. Now, the map on the back led us to the location of an ancient treasure which is currently being distributed throughout every museum around the world, including the museums in Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt. I also might add that the finding of the treasure has gone to the entire Gates family with the assistance of Riley Poole. I'm very pleased to say that because of the delay of the Cairo museum's opening of the exhibit, tomorrow morning Gates, Poole, and I will be attending the opening of the exhibit in Cairo."

"Thank you for that remarkable story Dr. Chase." Christine turns back to the camera and repositions the microphone in front of her, "We'll bring more of the story to you tonight when we talk with Agent Peter Sadusky, the man in charge of bringing justice in this incredible treasure hunt, back to you in the studio Shannon."

"That was really good; you should get a career in the movies." Ben said, coming out from behind the camera man.

"I hope you're joking, I would have more courage at a History Conference in front of 2,000 men than 200,000,000 people watching on live television." Abigail replies, hurriedly walking out of the limelight.

"No really, you've got talent." Ben sarcastically shot back putting an arm around Abigail as she exited the camera's view.

As they walked in the direction of Ben's car they watched as the camera crew packed up their station news van and exited the parking lot of the building.

"Well, I guess we have to get packed and ready for our long journey to the land of the pharaohs." Abigail said, striding over to the car door, waiting for Ben to unlock it.

"At least we'll be able to share our findings with the world." He replied, finally clicking the button to open the vehicle.

"Are you excited about going and returning to your new job at the University of Washington D.C?" Abigail chimed in, entering the car.

As Ben got in, he thought about the question, it was one of his dreams to teach American History for a living after his first dream to find the Treasure of the Free Masons, "I guess you could say I'm intrigued by this opportunity to share my knowledge with the world." He said, starting the car and back out of the parking lot.

They made their way back to their new estate located on the outskirts of Washington D.C. into the beloved countryside only to find that Riley was waiting at their house peeking in through the windows of the old historic brick manor.

"Riley, are you packed?" Ben called out from inside the car.

Riley turned around suddenly, startled by the surprise and nearly falling down the white wooden steps leading up to the front door, "I am, I'm staying at your house tonight right?"

Abigail quickly glanced at Ben as she got out of the car, "Since when did we make that arrangement?" she asked, allowing Ben to catch up with her before she went up to the door.

Ben bit his lip and playfully put his arm around her waist, "I thought it would be easier to have him already here when the private jet picks us up in the backyard."

Abigail stopped in her tracks right on top of the welcome mat at the foot of the elaborately decorated entrance, "If I didn't know any better I would think you were hiding something from me."

Riley and Ben both smirked and turned to each other, "What makes you think that?" Ben said to Riley. Riley gulped holding his breath, trying not to make it seem to obvious.

Once inside Abigail still wanted to know what was going on, "What are you hiding?" she asked confronting Ben, "please?" she added, plastering a puppy dog plea on her face.

Ben leaned down a bit to match Abigail's height and kissed her forehead gently, "What's a secret if I tell it to you?"

Riley nodded, already knowing Ben's plan, "He's got really good reasons for keeping it a secret, in fact they are beneficial reasons."

Later that night everyone ate the fabulous dinner Abigail prepared in the beautifully American colony style dining room.

"How early we got to get up?" Riley asked yawning and patting his full stomach.

"4 o'clock tomorrow morning so please don't lag behind." Ben said directly back to his pal.

"Oh yeah, say it precisely to me….as if she wont take long." He replied pointing at Abigail.

During the rest of their dinner Abigail and Riley exchanged evil glances to each other from across the table.

After going to bed Abigail and Ben kissed each other goodnight while Riley slept in one of the guest rooms.