Chapters After having managed to escape from the palace, Seshat wandered by the citadel, trying to find a place to wait for the perfect opportunity to get out of Coltypt and finally be completely free of Seti.
However, the security tightened as soon as the next day. When Seti proclaimed to every people of Coltypt about his ascension to power, all citizens of the lower class were enslaved and forced to work in the construction of buildings, monuments and temples, or working intensively in plantations to produce food that would go mostly to the upper classes. A tight surveillance was placed in the immediate vicinity of the kingdom to stop anypony from running away, mainly Seshat, whose presence in Coltypt was known by Seti.
Unable to leave the kingdom, Seshat had no choice but to wander the streets, hiding in dark corners to not be recognized by the soldiers who patrolled the city. She lived the next few days trying to survive. But it was not easy, since she could barely find food for herself, as much to the foal in her womb that depended on her to handle the remaining months before to be born.
It passed a week since Seti took over Coltypt, a week since she lost her husband and her foal’s father, a week since she began living in the shadows of the kingdom. She walked through the streets of the area where the lower class of the kingdom lived, hiding her face with the hood of her cloak when she saw a scene that caught her attention.
An earth mare was going home with an earth filly who was supposed to be her daughter and that seemed to be three-is-old. The mare had brilliant cerise coat with three seeds as Cutie Mark, mint mane and dark grayish lime green eyes. The filly, who couldn't be more than four years, had the same coat and eyes that his mother, but had a light cobalt bluish gray mane. The mare was carrying a basket on her back that contained food, that barely was enough for the two of them. The filly was walking beside her mother, carrying a rag doll.
"Mommy, why don't we have more food?" the filly asked. "Normally, we have more."
"I know, but, Isis, now Pharaoh requires a larger portion of the food that we grow" the mare replied.
"Why?" Isis asked. "I thought the Pharaoh was good."
"Now we have a new pharaoh, my dear, and he is not as generous as..." Isis’ mom started, looking around to see if anypony was listening. “As Pharaoh Nefertem."
Upon hearing the name of her late husband, Seshat realized that they were loyal subjects of Nefertem. She knew that the lower class admired and loved Nefertem, as he struggled to improve their lives, something that got a lot of work. However, it seemed that Seti was destroying this hard work in a few days.
When Isis and her mother passed by Seshat, the little filly dropped her doll in front of the former queen’s hooves who hastened to take the doll and to extend it to Isis.
"Here you go, my dear."
“Thank you” she thanked her, getting the doll.
"That's very kind of you" Isis’ mother said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome" Seshat said, turning to Isis's mother, smiling, revealing her face accidentally.
Seeing her, Isis' mother held her breath and said:
“Queen Seshat..."
"Please don't say my name" Seshat asked. "Someone can hear."
"I don't believe it's you" Isis’ mother said. "But what are you doing here, Your Highness?"
"I'm hiding from my brother-in-law" Seshat said. "Right now, there's nopony he wanted to get more than me... and my son."
She took her hull to her womb.
"The news about your pregnancy spread quickly since Pharaoh Nefertem announced it, but a lot of the Coltypt inhabitants think you were dead along with the Pharaoh" Isis’ mother said.
"Fortunately, I managed to escape thanks to a great friend" Seshat said. "Since then I've been trying to get out of Coltypt, but Seti tightened the security too much."
"Mom, do you know her?" Isis asked.
"Yes, honey, this is Queen Seshat, Pharaoh Nefertem’s wife" her mother said.
Upon hearing that, the filly was aghast when she heard that.
"A queen?" she repeated.
"Yes, but it's best not to say to anypony" her mother said, turning then to Seshat. "My name's Nut, Your Highness, and this is my daughter, Isis."
"Please, you can call me Seshat" she said. "After all, I am no longer queen."
"For us, the people of Coltypt, you will always be our queen" Nut said. "Your husband has improved our lives. It's a shame that we have to see his brother destroying everything he has built."
"Yes..." Seshat said sadly.
There was a silence and then Seshat felt a wave of weakness and pain in her womb that gave a groan.
"Your Highness, are you okay?" Nut asked.
"Yes, it's just that I don’t have eaten this week" Seshat said.
"Come with us" Nut said. "We can help you. You can stay with us."
"No, I just can’t..." Seshat started. "You can get in trouble with Seti."
"What the Pharaoh doesn't know, he can’t feel" Nut said. "Besides, you're pregnant. You've to think on your foal."
Although Seshat not wanting to get Nut and her family in trouble, she knew she had to think about her foal, so she accepted Nut’s offer.
Nut and Isis took her to their house, which stood near the limits of Coltypt, not far from the river. It was two-storey house which was fairly simple, but cozy. Upon entering, Isis accompanied Seshat to a chair, while Nut put the food they had brought in the kitchen.
"Are you okay, your Highness?" Isis asked.
"Yes, my dear, I am" Seshat replied.
"Is it true you have a foal inside your womb?" Isis asked. "How did he get there?"
Seshat giggled before Isis’ innocent ignorance. She replied:
"This is something that you will learn when you're older."
"Isis, don’t disturb the queen" Nut said, while approaching, bringing a dish with some vegetables. "She needs her rest. Why don't you go play?"
"Yes, mommy" she replied, pulling away.
Seshat observed her going to a bed that there was there to play with her doll. Their house had just a just Division on each floor, where on the ground floor there was a corner to the kitchen and two beds against the wall and on the top floor there was an extra bed. The former queen turned to Nut and asked her, while eating some vegetables that she had given her:
"Does anypony else lives Here?"
"Yes, my adopted son" Nut said. "Two years ago, shortly after my husband passed away, I found him wandering. He was only three years and told me he didn't know where his family was, so I took him in."
"It must be hard to raise two kids alone" Seshat commented, seeing how hard was Nut’s life.
"Yes, but it's worth it" Nut said.
"I hope he doesn't mind if I stay here" Seshat said.
"Don't worry" Nut said. "Seth can seem a little too serious, but deep down he is kind and generous."
And it seemed that Nut was right. When Seth arrived, Seshat was surprised because he was not a pony. He looked like a jackal, but he wasn't (and that was good because jackals were known for their malice and for being followers of the Lord of Chaos). He was a sha, who was a creature resembling a jackal but with a rigid and forked tail with erect and narrower ears, rectangular at the base, and a long snout with a slight downslope. He had a dark grayish gamboge fur and dark amaranthish gray eyes. In spite of his not very nice greeting, it seemed like he didn't care that Seshat stayed.
Thus, Seshat found a place where she could hide from Seti.
In the palace of Coltypt, Seti was sitting on the throne, with Tuya by her side. A guard came in and Seti asked:
"Any sign of my sister-in-law?"
"No, sir" the guard said. "We looked for her everywhere, but there is no sign of her."
"You are incompetent" Seti said. "How hard can it be to find a pregnant earth mare? She should probably be wandering around hungry, desperate for food. I think something like that is not difficult to notice."
But the guard remained quiet, fearing that, if he said the wrong words, Seti would punish him dearly. But the Pharaoh sighed and said:
"Get out of my way and continue the search."
The guard waved, made a bow and rushed to get out of there. After the guard got out, Tuya, who wanted her husband to come back to what he was before, told him:
"Seti, my dear, don't you think it's better to quit this ridiculous quest? Leave Seshat alone. She will not cause you any inconvenience."
"She's not the one I'm worried about" Seti replied. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing her out of my kingdom. But she carries in her womb the only obstacle between me and the full control over Coltypt."
"I'm sure Seshat will think first on the security of her foal" Tuya said, putting her hull on her husband’s shoulder. "She will not want to risk his or her life just to reclaim the throne."
"My dear Tuya, you're too kind" Seti said, putting his hull over hers. "But that makes your judgment be clouded. Maybe that child does not represent a danger to me for now, but, in the future, I’m sure he will try to get back the title of pharaoh that belonged to Nefertem and I'm sure he will have the support of the people. I can't let that happen."
"But, Seti..." Tuya started.
"Please, my love, don't worry about it" Seti said. "This is something that concerns me. Go see our son. I'm sure he misses his mother."
Tuya wanted to continue trying to dissuade her husband to stop the atrocity he was planning to do, but she realized that would not do any good. He was too consumed by the Lord of Chaos’ darkness. Then she came out of the throne room.
After his wife got out, Seti rose up from the throne and headed out to the large windows of the throne room, contemplating his kingdom. He said:
"I'm going to find you, Seshat. You can be sure of that. I'm going to make sure that this foal of yours isn't born. And even if it is born, I will make sure it does not live to adulthood."
The River That Leads to Freedom
Months have passed since Seti killed his older brother and became the new pharaoh of Colypt. Since that happened, the kingdom where once light and hope were radiated was steeped in the bitterness and despair of the people that was enslaved by Seti.
Although the medium and high classes lived their lives normally, but feeling the heavy atmosphere that now lived in Coltypt, the lower class suffered, while being forced to work all day under the blazing sun to construct the ideal kingdom Seti had in mind.
The stallions, being stronger and more resistant, were forced to work in construction, building temples and monuments to honor Seti and even the Lord of Chaos. They barely had time to rest or to eat and the guards who supervised the work, whenever they saw a slave who wasn't working, either due to fatigue or something else, don't hesitate to resort to the whip to force them to go beyond their limits to finish the job. Even the slaves who were stronger than the guards didn’t dare to do anything, fearing the repercussions their actions could do, for them and for their colleagues. Even the older stallions didn’t escape the servitude.
On the other hand, women and children were forced to work in the field. Although the effort was not as demanding as stallions’, the fatigue was also quickly accumulated due to the scorching sun. Besides, in the end, they only had the right to a small portion of all the food that was done.
Seshat, determined to help her hosts, also decided to work, despite the risks. But, using her cloak and avoiding looking directly to the guards that were watching, she managed to keep the description. Another advantage was that the cloak could hide her belly which was now unnoticed without it. Soon the time of the birth arrived.
In Nut’s home, Seshat was lying on the bed of the upper floor, about to give birth. The pain she felt was excruciating, as the contractions became more and more intense and constant. Nut was the midwife and comforted her as much as she could.
"Come on, Your Highness, you're almost there. Just one more effort."
"I can't!" she exclaimed.
"Of course you can" Nut said. "You just have to hold it."
Isis and Seth were on the ground floor, sitting next to each other on of one of the beds, with the filly playing with her doll.
"Why is Queen Seshat yelling so much?" Isis asked to Seth.
"It's because the baby is almost out of her" he replied. "I think that must hurt a lot."
"If it hurts that much, so I don't want to have babies" Isis said.
That's when Seshat’s cries stopped and, in their turn, there was a baby cry. When their heard that, the two infants rose up from the bed and went up to the floor above. They then saw Nut holding in her hooves a little foal.
"Congratulations, Your Highness" she said to Seshat. "It’s a colt."
That made a smile appear on Seshat’s tired face. Finally her son was born. She just wanted Nefertem were there to see him.
After Nut have washed the colt and then wrapped with a cloak, she handed him to Sehsat that finally got to see her son. He was an unicorn and had the same coat as his father, a bright red mane and, when he opened his eyes, she saw that they were like hers.
"He's beautiful" Seshat said, with tears of happiness in her eyes.
Isis and Seth approached and saw the baby.
"He's lovely!" Isis exclaimed.
"I guess you could say that" Seth said.
The baby, repairing Seth’s long snout, led his hull to it and, when he touched it, Seth protested:
"Hey, let go of my nose!"
That made everyone laugh.
In Discordia, the Lord of Chaos was sitting on his throne, with his head rested on his hand, when he suddenly felt something troublesome. He knew what it was: a new light was born. But it was not any light, it was a bright light that could only have one origin: Nefertem’s foal. Finally, he was born and, although the Lord of Order used his magic to hide the infant from him, the Lord of Chaos knew he was in Coltypt and he knew how he should proceed to get rid of that problem.
In Coltypt palace, Seti watched his kingdom in the throne room when the Lord of Chaos appeared behind him and said:
"The foal was born. It’s a colt."
"Given that I couldn't find Seshat, it is obvious that this would happen" Seti said. "What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to get rid of him" the Lord of Chaos said. "He is the only one that can take the power from you, Seti."
"But I don't even know where he is" Seti said.
"But you know he's in Coltypt and that he is a colt" the Lord of Chaos said. "Why walk back and forth trying to find him, when you can play it safely and, at the same time, breaking the spirit of those who still dare to dream about the return of the light to Coltypt? I think you know what I mean."
The darkness in Seti’s eyes shone, while he urged to make the decision that the Lord of Chaos wanted him to take.
"Yes, I know."
And the Lord of Chaos gave a laugh of pleasure.
In Nut’s house, all were contemplating the baby when suddenly the door opened and a young stallion, who should be almost twenty years, entered. He was a little short for his age, but had a strong constitution. He had moderate spring green coat with a shield with a feather as Cutie Mark, grayish blue mane and ceruleanish gray eyes. He was wearing the armour that belonged to the palace guard.
"Nut, where are you?!" he asked, in a hurry.
"Up here, Bes" she said.
Bes then climbed the stairs to the top floor quickly and then he noticed the foal that had just been born.
"Oh, it looks like we've got somepony new around here" he said, remembering then the reason that brought him there. "Come on, Bes, focus! I have tragic news to give you. The Pharaoh ordered all the guards to search every house and take every baby colts we can find."
"What?!" Nut asked. "But why would he do that?"
Seshat didn't need much to know what her brother-in-law was up to.
"Seti knows that my son was born" he said.
"But how?" Nut asked. "How could he..."
"It doesn't matter now" Bes said. "When I got to know his orders, I rushed to come and tell you, but we don't have much time."
Suddenly, screams began to hear from the outside.
"They've already started" Bes said. "Hustle up fleeing. I'll try to see what I can do to slow them down."
"I'm coming with you, Bes" Nut said, turning then to Seshat. "Please take my kids with you to a safe place."
"Don't worry, Nut" Seshat said, standing up with her son safe in one of her forelegs and putting her cloak and hood. "I take care of them."
"Mommy..." Isis said, going to hug her mom. "I'm scared."
"I know, Isis, but you will be safe with Seshat and Seth" Nut said.
"Come on" Bes said to Nut.
She waved and, after giving a kiss on Isis and Seth’s foreheads, she followed Bes out of the house.
"Come" Seshat said.
They also went down, intending to use the back door there was for emergencies. Before they leave, Seshat realized that she couldn't let his son be caught, no matter the cost. She had to think about his safety, even if it meant that she would have to say goodbye to him. She looked around and noticed a basket with a cover.
"Seth, get that basket, please" she said. "I have a plan."
Seth did so and, after that, the four left the house. They advanced discreetly and quickly, hiding when they saw a guard. Seshat hid her colt under the cloak. Fortunately, they were able to travel in safety by the citadel and then they reached the reeds that grew on the edge of the great river of Coltypt. They went through them in direction of the river. Once there, Seth landed the basket and asked:
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to send my child to a safe place" Seshat said, revealing her son. "It's only a matter of time before Seti to find me. And if he does, he'll also find my son. So I have to send him to a place where he can grow without being persecuted."
"You're going to leave your baby?" Isis asked.
"No, honey, I'm just going to give him the opportunity to live free" Seshat replied. "Don't worry, the river will take care of him and will take him to a good place."
Having said this, she prepared to put his son in the basket. Feeling her mother put him down, the baby started crying, wanting Seshat’s heat and touch. She then, to calm him down, began to sing a lullaby. Hearing it, the baby felt safer and stopped crying, and then he fall asleep. Seshat just hoped that her son would remember the only lullaby she sang to him.
With her child sleeping, Seshat gave him one last kiss on the forehead and covered the basket. After that, she picked it up and went into the river. She landed the basket in the river and then dropped it. The basket began to be carried away by the current of the river, towards, so Seshat expected, a place where Seti couldn't reach him. A tear fell on Seshat’s face.
Watching the basket through the mirror in his throne room was the Lord of Order who said:
"Nice try, brother, but, like I said, the truth and the reason are on my side" the Lord of Order said. "And I'm going to hide this light at the last place you’ll think in searching."
Isis, unable to contain her concern for the baby, started following the basket, watching it through the reeds. Everything was going well until, all of a sudden, crocodiles and hippos began to emerge, shaking the water immeasurably. Isis was distressed to see that. The basket was also going in the direction of boats that were unaware of its passing. The filly tried to enter the river to pick up the basket, but it was too far away.
It was then that the basket, going through all these obstacles, followed the current up to the part of the river that bathed the palace. Slowly, but right, the basket approached the entrance to the Palace, making ibis that were swimming there to take flight. There, Tuya was in the River, holding in her forelegs her two-year-old colt, Khonsu, with two maids on the edge.
He tried to catch a lotus flower floating nearby and, seeing this, his mother used her magic to get it and handed it to his son who held it with his hooves. It was then Tuya noticed the basket that arrived at her edge. She then landed her son out of the river, putting him in the one of the maids’ care and then she turned to the basket.
Isis, who quietly got there, saw that Tuya was about to open the basket, to her great fear. The Queen took the cover of the basket and, despite having been taken by surprise, a smile appeared on her face. She saw a beautiful baby colt who had just awaken from his slumber, smiling at her as soon as he saw her.
Isis was relieved to see that the baby was well and was accepted by Tuya who took him with affection. She barely waited for go tell Seshat her son had found freedom. Then quietly she drifted away.
Queen Tuya climbed the stairs out of the river, carrying the baby, unaware that that was the colt her husband wanted to kill to ensure his position on the throne. The maids had been shocked with the Queen’s discovery, but they bowed when they saw her looking at them. She then advanced to the palace. Khonsu, who also wanted his mother to take him, he began to follow her. Seeing her son, she told him, as he watched the sweet smile of the baby colt:
"Come, Khonsu. We'll show Pharaoh your new baby brother... Amun."
In the throne room of the Lord of order, he viewed with great satisfaction Nefertem and Seshat’s son being accepted by Tuya. How Seti has never seen his nephew, he wouldn't recognize him, even though he had some similarities with his parents. Now, he just had to find a way to fool his brother, what it wasn't going to be hard, knowing him as he knew.
It was then that the mirror image was obscured with darkness and the image of his brother appeared, saying:
"Hello, brother."
"What do you want?" the Lord of Order asked. "Can't you see I'm busy?"
"I just wanted to know if you have been attentive to the recent events" the Lord of Chaos said, using his provocative tone.
"You're talking about the massacre that you compelled Seti to do against the baby colts, right?" the Lord of Order asked.
"Ah, I wanted to give you this news in first-hand" the Lord of Chaos said. "But it doesn't matter. It seems that now Coltypt is all mine."
"Don't tell me" the Lord of Order said, using his calm and disinterested tone.
Hearing him talking like that, the Lord of Chaos became apprehensive. He knew his brother well enough to know when he was up to something.
"I know that tone" the Lord of Chaos said. "You did something, didn't you?"
"If you know the answer, why do you ask?" the Lord of Order asked.
The Lord of Chaos looked at his brother and then said:
"Don't tell me you... You saved that kid? You took him from Coltypt?"
But the Lord of Order did not respond, but he look at his brother with a top look, like the one he used to do to make fun of him.
"You did it, didn't you?" the Lord of Chaos said. "You must have sent one of your lackeys to do your dirty work."
"You think so?" the Lord of Order asked.
"I can't believe" the Lord of Chaos said. "I was months waiting for that foal to be born to get rid of him and, at the same time, sink Seti further in darkness and now you spoil my happiness."
There was a pause and then the Lord of Chaos said:
"It's okay, because it will take years until that foal is able to retrieve the crown and I can assure you that, when that time comes, he won’t stand a chance."
And, having said that, the image disappeared.
The Lord of Order giggled and then said:
"Brother, you're so easy to fool. And that is why, in the end, I always win."
The Deathly Desert Flower
Twenty years have passed. Twenty years have passed since Amun’s birth and his mother Seshat have sent him river down to find freedom, only to be found and adopted by Queen Tuya, his aunt.
During this time, the young Amun was raised as a prince, son of the Pharaoh, even though he was unaware of his true identity. Tuya loved both her biological son and her adoptive son equally, because for her, the two were truly her children.
Seshat, who had been informed by Isis about what had happened to Amun, was relieved and at the same time worried because she didn’t know what would happen if Seti discovered that the baby he and his queen had adopted was the nephew he wanted to kill to secure his throne. The heartbreak of seeing her child to be raised by another mare, even that mare was Tuya, made Seshat be immensely ill, eventually perishing, to the great sorrow of Nut, Seth, Isis and other friends who Seshat had met during her time between the slaves.
Amun and Khonsu, who had grown to think they were real brothers, became best friends, doing everything together, including trying to get their Cutie Marks (Khonsu’s was a shield and a spear and Amun’s was a sword and a plume crossed). While Khonsu tried to remain serious, because he would inherit the throne and become the next pharaoh, he let himself be carried away by Amun’s lively and playful attitude. The younger prince was always creating trouble and dragging his older with him. Seti, because of the fate that awaited Khonsu, was more stern with him than Amun, an example being a situation that broke the camel.
The two princes, although they got along, liked to compete against each other, especially in large chariot races, chariots that guards used to pull. During one of these races, they took it too far and ended up destroying a temple that was being built in honor of the Lord of Chaos. The occurrence was betrayed by Pharaoh’s two high priests, Hotep (a short and portly unicorn stallion) and Huy (a tall and slender unicorn stallion), who ran the worship to the Lord of Chaos practiced in Coltypt. Seti before his sons, in the throne room where Tuya and the high priests were also present, started to scold them.
“Why does the Lord of Chaos torment me with this such reckless, destructive blasphemous sons?” Seti asked, backs to his sons, holding his hekat scepter.
“Father, hear what I say…” Khonsu started.
“Be still!” Seti ordered, turning to his sons. “Pharaoh speaks. I seek to build an empire and your only thought is to amuse yourselves by tearing it down. Have I taught you nothing?”
“You must not be so hard on yourself, Your Majesty” Hotep said, making a bow to Seti, while he and Huy started to move away. “You’re an excellent teacher.”
“It’s not your fault your sons learned nothing” Huy said, passing by the two princes.
“Well, they learned blastphemy” Hotep said.
“True” Huy agreed, while they headed to the exit.
“Father, the fault is mine” Amun admited. “I goaded Khonsu on and so I am responsible.”
“Responsible ” Seti repeated, approaching his sons and turning to Khonsu. “And do you know the meaning of that word, Khonsu?”
“I understand, father” Khonsu answered.
“And do you understand the task for which your birth has destined you?” Seti asked, turning to the great windows and then addressing to the throne again. “The ancient traditions? When I pass into the next world, then you will be the Morning and Evening Star.”
“One damaged temple does not destroy centuries of tradition” Khonsu dared to say.
Then his father turned to him, exclaiming and pointing the scepter to him:
“But one weak link can break the chain of a mighty dinasty!”
That made Khonsu startle and become afected by his father’s words. Tuya approached her husband and put a hoof on his shoulder, what made the Pharaoh become more calm and then he sighed and said to Khonsu, turning his back:
“You have my leave to go.”
“Father…” Khonsu started, but he was stopped by his mother to made a gesture with her hoof to made her older son from continuing with what he would say.
Feeling his father’s disappointment, Khonsu simply abandoned the throne room. Seeing his brother going out completely angry, Amun felt himself guilty and tried to resolve the situation. He turned to Seti and said, giving one step ahead:
“Father, you know it was really my fault. Must you be so hard on him?”
Seti turned to him and said:
“Amun, you will never have to carry a burden like the crown I will pass to Khonsu. He must not allow himself to be led astray. Not even by you, my son.”
He put a hoof on Amun’s shoulder for a moment and then Amun said:
“All he cares about is… is your approaval. I know he will live up to your expectations. He only needs the opportunity.”
“Maybe, maybe so” Seti agreed. “Go now, I shall see you both tonight.”
Amun made a bow with his head and then he headed to exit of the throne room, while Tuya went to her husband’s edge.
In a hall, Amun found his older brother in his favourite spot, where he used to go when he needed to think: the lap of a great statue. The younger prince approached, using his magic to sew what seemed to be a cloth pouch, while whistling a song he used to dream about, not knowing it was the song her birth mother sang to him before sending him river down. Amun learned against the statue, while continuing to sew, and said:
“Well, that went well.”
“Just go away” Khonsu said.
“Could’ve been worse” Amun, referring to their father’s scold.
“The wink link in the chain” Khonsu said. “That’s what he called me.”
Amun saw that he needed to say another thing to cheer Khonsu up, so he said:
“Well, you are rather pathetic.”
“Irresponsible, ignorant of the tradictions…” Khonsu enumerated. “He practically accused me of bringing down the dinasty!”
“Yeah, I can see it know” Amun joked, while giving some passes. “There go the pyramids!”
And he laughed, while addressing to the table with a large bowl nearly, while Khonsu teleported himself to down, following then his brother, saying:
“You can laugh about it.”
“Statues cracking and toppling over, the river drying up; singlehoofedly, you will manage to bring the greatest kingdom of this world to ruin” Amun joked, while filling the bag he just sewed with red wine, and then used his magic to take it to the balcony.
“Tell me this, Amun, tell me this” Khonsu said, going to his brother’s edge, who looked down of the balcony. “Why is it that every time you start something, I’m the one who ends in trouble?”
But Amun didn’t say anything, as he just dropped the pouch, while taking cover. It heard a splash and then some moans. Khonsu looked and saw that Amun had dropped the pouch with wine over Hotep and Huy, who looked up to see who dared to drop wine over them and they saw Khonsu, thinking then it was him.
“Khonsu, you’re in trouble, young man!” Hotep exclaimed.
“Khonsu, get down here!” Huy demanded. “I think you owe us an apology!”
While the two high priests continued to protest over what happened to them, Khonsu tried to find his young brother and then saw him holding the bowl with wine to him.
“You might as well” Amun said.
That made a smile appear in Khonsu’s face who sighed and then took the bow with his magic and then he also dropped the wine in the bowl over the two high priests who protested even louder. After that, Amun said, while he and his brother walked by the balcony, with the younger putting his foreleg over the older’s shoulders:
“Hey, I figured out. You know what your problem is, Khonsu?”
“What?”
“You care to much.”
“And your problem is that you don’t care at all” Khonsu replied, releasing himself from Amun and then misaligning his mane.
“Well, in that case, I suppose that you care a lot more than I do that we’re… late for the banquet, for exemple” Amun said, arranging his mane, while Khonsu continued to walk.
That made Khonsu stop and drop his smile. He had forgot about the banquet where Seti would proclaim him as crown prince. If he appeared late to the banquet, his father would be even more disappointed.
Then the two princes started to address to the banquet, using a shortcut to get there and to appear as quietly as possible. Khonsu, who had afraid of his father’s reaction, was trying to get back, only to be stopped by his brother who started to push him along the way.
“I’m done for!” Khonsu exclaimed. “Father will kill me!”
“Don’t worry, nopony will even notice us coming in” Amun said, while they arrived to the curtains that led to the Great Hall.
When they crossed them, they faced with a great crown, cheering their arrival. The queen and the Pharaoh were nearby, as they were at the great platform of the room, separated of the rest by stairs. Seeing all those ponies, Khonsu asked to Amun between his teeth:
“Nopony will even notice?”
That made Amun give a nervous laugh. Then their mother approached said, while giving both a great hug:
“Ah, the young princes!”
She then addressed to Khonsu:
“Khonsu, you were just named prince regent. You are now responsible for overseeing all the temples.”
That made a smile appear in Khonsu’s faces and her mother then told him:
“I suggest you get over there and thank your father.”
She push him ahead and he went to his father, while his mother and brother applauded. Tuya then said to Amun:
“Apparently, Amun, someone thought he just needed the opportunity.”
Amun realized that Seti had heard him and that Tuya had some hoof on that. Then, to make things better to his brother, Amun addressed to the Pharaoh, who was congratulating Khonsu, and told him:
“My lord Pharaoh, I propose that the high priests offer a tribute to their new regent.”
“An excellent idea” Seti said, turning then to Hotep and Huy, who had cleaned their coats and cloaks from the wine and were eating some fruits. “Hotep! Huy!”
Interrupting their eating, Hotep had a great idea and said to Huy:
“Huy, the Berberian girl.”
“That’s a good idea” Huy agreed.
“Go get her” Hotep said.
And Huy moved away, while Hotep turned to the royal family and said, while the two princes sat at the stairs:
“By the power of Chaos! We present for your delectation and delight an exotic apparition stolen from a faraway land.”
Using his magic, he summoned smoke that engulfed him and then he came out, while a great folding screen appeared and then fell, only to reveal Huy holding a rope that was holding the front hooves of a young earth mare, who shouldn’t be older than Amun and was sitting on a camel. She was very beautiful, having a brilliant tangelo coat with three blue stars as Cutie Mark, a brilliant amaranth mane and brilliant fuchsia eyes. The crown released some gasp when she appeared. The two brothers were very impressed with her, mainly Amun.
“We offer you this delicate desert flower” Hotep said to Khonsu, taking the rope from Huy and then pulling it, making the young mare get out by force from the camel, something that cause some laughs at the guests in the room.
The mare was tossed and she found herself in front of the princes. Khonsu got up with a smile and approached her, saying:
“Let us inspect this… desert flower.”
He put his hoof under her chin, but she then tried to bite him, what made Khonsu take off the hoof without his smile, retreating to his brother’s edge, who had also gotten up, saying then:
“Looks like a desert cobra.”
Amun laugh and then said:
“Not much of a snake charmer, are you?”
Then Khonsu had an idea to repay Amun from the prank over the high priests. He put himself behind his younger brother and told him:
“And that’s why I am giving her to you.”
And he push him to the mare’s edge, with Amun caught by surprise. The younger prince said:
“No, no, no, that’s generous, but…”
“I won’t be given to anypony” the mare said, looking to Amun. “Specially an arrogant, pampered palace brat!”
Those words made everypony around to gasp, as she had just insulted one of the princes of Coltypt. Khonsu incited his brother:
“Are you going to let her talk to you like that?”
That hit in Amun’s pride hard and then he addressed to the mare:
“You will show the proper respect for a prince of Coltypt.”
“But I’m showing you all the respect you deserve” the mare answered. “None!”
And then she was able to make Hotep drop the rope, releasing her, for everypony’s shock. A guard tried to intervene, but Amun told him:
“No, wait!”
He then launched himself to the ground and grabbed the rope with his hooves, holding it with his magic so that the mare couldn’t release herself again and said to her:
“Be still!”
“Untie this rope!” the mare demanded. “I demand you to set me free!”
“Be still!” Amun continued to say, always holding the rope.
“Let go!” the mare exclaimed.
Then Amun noticed the small pool behind her and, by the force she was using, he managed to conceive a way to make her be still.
“As you wish” he said with a slight smile.
He dropped the rope and the mare, due the force she was using, was tossed to the pool, where she fell, by everypony’s amusement. Amun got up, also laughing a little, but then he turned to his parents. Although Seti seemed indifferent, Amun noticed that Tuya seemed disappointed, something that made the young prince become a little sad, as, between his parents, her mother was the one whose respect and pride Amun most wanted. Khonsu approached Amun, laughing, what prompted Amun to give a wry smile, and then the older prince turned to the servant who was taking the mare from the pool and said to him:
“You there! Have her dried off and sent her to Prince Amun’s chambers.”
Khonsu then take Amun back to edge of the stairs and said to his father:
“If it pleases you, father, my first act as regent is to appoint Amun as royal chief architect!”
And Khonsu, while saying this words, took a bracelet he had and then put it on Amun’s right foreleg, raising it after that, making the crown applaud. Amun then collected his foreleg back and watched the bracelet with pride.
But then his look was to the Berberian mare who was being taking off the room by the servant. She also looked at him, but with a scornful look. That look was able to let Amun repented for what he did to her.
The Truth Comes in Dreams
After the banquet, Amun came back to his quarters, where he knew where the Berberian mare awaited him. He was afraid of her reaction after he humiliated her the way he did.
Upon entering, he saw a silhouette through the curtains of his four-poster bed he thought belonging to the mare. He approached, wondering what would he tell her, and then cleared the voice and said to himself:
"Right."
Decided, he opened the curtain and, much to his surprise, he found the servant who should have brought the mare to his chambers completely bound and gagged. The young prince looked around and saw a rope made of sheets with one end tied to the pillar on the edge of the balcony. Amun went there and saw the mare trying to get out of the palace with her camel.
Using the rope that she did, Amun came down too. He saw that she was about to reach the exit, but then the prince saw two guards moving forward in the direction of the exit. Most likely they would find the mare and arrest her. Then, on impulse, Amun called:
"Guards!"
That made the mare stop walking, adopting a more alert state and saw it was Amun who had spoken. The guards turned and said, standing at attention, while Amun approached:
"Prince Amun."
Amun tried to find something to say, when he saw the mare. She remained motionless, as she watched what Amun would do. It was then that he told to the guards:
"There's a stallion tied up in my room."
Upon hearing that, the mare was surprised to not have been denounced.
"Well, look into it" Amun ordered.
"Right away, sire" the guards replied, going in direction of Amun's room.
Amun then turned to see the mare again, but she had already left with her camel. He ran to the exit and, there, he saw her disappear in a corner towards the citadel. He followed her up to the periphery of the kingdom, where the lower class lived. Amun then, hiding, saw the mare getting water from a well that belonged to a mare and a sha, Isis and Seth.
"Please, I need water. I have a long journey ahead of me. "
Isis threw water in the bucket to a pitcher, while Seth was holding the rope. After the pitcher was full, Isis said:
"May the Lord of Order protect you. "
"Thank you" the mare replied, taking the pitcher.
She mounted the camel and after she urged him, the camel started running. Amun advanced and saw her moving away towards the desert. He watched her walk away with a smile, because he'd never seen a mare more beautiful than her.
Suddenly, a sound of something breaking was heard and he saw that a pitcher had broken and its contents had been poured on his hooves.
“I’m sorry” Isis said, while taking the pieces of the broken pitcher. “I’m so sorry, I…”
She then looked at Amun who was shaking the water from his hooves and she dropped the pieces again and came back to say, while she was going to take the pieces again, giving up then and looking to Amun:
“Oh, please, forgive me. I… I didn’t expect to see… you… here, of all places, at-at-at our door.”
It was then that she showed a certain enthusiasm and she exclaimed:
“At last!”
“At last?” Amun repeated, confused.
She went to her adoptive brother, who was still holding the rope of the well, and told him:
“Didn’t I tell you, Seth? I knew he would return when he was ready.”
But Seth didn’t share the same enthusiasm as Isis and told her:
“Isis, do you want us flogged?”
But she ignored him and said, advancing to Amun:
“I knew you cared for our freedom.”
“Isis…” Seth whispered.
“Freedom?” Amun repeated. “Why would I care about that?”
“Because you’re…”Isis started. “Well, because you’re Pharaoh Nefertem’s son.”
“Who?” Amun asked. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I’m the son of Pharaoh Seti and think there was a pharaoh with that name.”
Isis seemed surprised for hearing that and she asked:
“They never told you?” Isis asked. “I know that the Pharaoh decreted nopony could tell the truth, but…”
“Who never told me?” Amun asked.
Isis, whose smile was gone on her face, said:
“But you’re here. You must know.”
She tried to touch him in one of his forelegs, but he pulled it back, saying in a warning tone:
“Be careful, slave!”
Seth then pulled Isis back and said to Amun:
“Oh, my good prince. She’s… She’s exhausted from the day’s work. Not that it was too much. We quite enjoyed it. But she’s confused knows not to whom she speaks.”
He said the last sentence in a warning tone to his adoptive sister, but she said, releasing herself from him:
“I know to whom I speak, Seth.”
Isis turned to Amun and said to him:
“I know who you are. You’re not Seti’s son.”
“Isis!” Seth said.
“What did you said?” Amun asked, incredibly affected by her declaration.
Seth put himself in front of Isis and said to Amun:
“Your Highness, pay her no heed.”
He turned to his adoptive sister and told her:
“Come, Isis. May I discuss something with you?”
“No, Seth, no” Isis answered, while Seth tried to take her away, but always resisting and addressing to Amun. “Please, Amun, you must believe!”
“That’s enough” Seth said firmly, while continuing to try to take her sister away.
“You were born to Queen Seshat in our house!” Isis exclaimed.
“Stop it” Seth said.
But Isis released herself and said to Amun, approaching him:
“You’re our savior.”
With the pride that he was taught to have being hurt that way, Amun said in an arrogant air:
“Now you go too far. You shall be punished.”
It was then that Seth put himself between them and kneel, begging:
“No! Please, Your Highness. She’s ill. She’s very ill. We beg for your forgiveness.”
He stood up and try to take Isis away with more strength, saying:
“Please, Isis, let us go.”
But Isis just continued to say, while struggling against Seth:
“Your mother risked herself to set you adrift in a basket to save your life!”
“Save my life?” Amun asked. “From who?”
“Ask the stallion that you call father ” Isis replied.
Listening her talking about Seti that way made Amun say:
“How dare you?”
“The Lord of Order saved you to be our deliverer” Isis said, releasing herself from Seth at the door of their house.
“Enough of this” Amun said, approaching.
“And you are, Amun. You are our deliverer”
“I said enough!” Amun exclaimed, grabbing one of Isis’ hooves and making her drop on her knees and then dropping it. “You will regret this night.”
And having said that, Amun started to move away to return to the palace. However, Isis, who didn’t want to give up, still on her knees, composed herself and start to sing. It was the same lullaby that Seshat sang to Amun when she delivered him to the river.
Listening her sing that lullaby, Amun stopped as he started to remembered that song. She turn to Isis and then a distant memory came to her mind. It was a voice, a voice of a mare, singing that same song. And that voice seemed to bring peace and tranquility, like a mother. With that, confusion took over his mind and the smile on Isis’ face after finishing the song was to much for him and Amun, unable to control his hooves, started to run away.
Amun run so fast and blindly that he ended colliding with an elder stallion. When Amun looked to him, he saw the fear and the terror on his eyes. It seemed he feared that Amun would do something to him because of what happened. But Amun, still affected by what Isis told him and that lullaby, just stood up and continued to run.
He then arrived to the palace. Arriving there, Amun leaned against one of the pillars in the entrance hall, feeling the cold alabaster stone. He then advanced to the inside and went to his room, looking at everything he had and then to the engravings he had, representing all his life with his family. He didn’t want to believe that the father, the mother and the brother he knew for his entire life were not his true family, however, there was some little voice inside his head that was saying the opposite. It was like a feeling.
With his head so full of thoughts due to everything that happened, Amun just leaned against a nearly wall and let himself sit on the floor, starting to give himself up to the sleep.
The Lord of Order observed Amun through one of his mirrors, sitting on his throne. He said:
"Finally Amun is ready to know the truth. And he will know his true origins. For this, I'll use one perfect method, using a realm which I control."
And, having said this, he opened his hand and a star seed with a moderate cobalt blue light appeared. It was the star seed that controlled the moon, the night and dreams.
"With this, I will finally be able to make Amun start to mature."
And the star seed began to shine.
Amun’s mind was taken to a dream. When he found himself, he was in an engraving. He looked and saw a stallion he recognized as Seti, but without his headdress crown. He then pointed his hoof and soldiers began advancing. These soldiers began fighting with other soldiers and beating them. A pharaoh entered the battle, but he was also defeated and brought to Seti who stabbed him and took his crown. That image shocked Amun, who saw how supposedly his adoptive father became Pharaoh.
After that, something caught his attention. He saw a mare running away, hidden, going to the citadel and met with a mare that had with her a filly and a young sha that were Isis and Seth. And so, from the Mare, appeared a baby that Amun saw that it was a lot like him. Was that colt really him?
Then he turned and faced a large image of Seti on his throne and with his crown and scepter. Seti then looked to the army that was behind him and pointed to the front. The soldiers began marching. Seeing the army coming towards him, Amun began to flee, putting himself behind some reeds. The soldiers passed by him, continuing his path.
The young prince saw them going through pillars with engravings and heading to the lower class part of the citadel. The mares that were represented there began to panic, while the soldiers abruptly started to raid their homes to get the baby colts who were there, some even tearing them from their mothers’ forelegs.
In the confusion, Amun saw the mare who had escaped the palace with Isis and Seth, with the latter carrying a basket. In one of her forelegs, the mare had her colt. The four then started running away from the scene with the soldiers. Amun tried to stop them, because of the danger in which they were, but it seemed like they didn't hear him. He saw them running, hiding from soldiers who were passing around. Amun followed them. They entered in the reeds, with Amun behind them. They reached the river and Amun, upon his arrival, saw the mare putting the colt in the basket and send it downriver, getting to see the sadness in it. That image made Amun understand the veracity of Isis’ words and a tear appeared in his eye.
But he didn't have time to think about it, because the soldiers began getting close. Amun went to escape, but ended up falling on some cliff, along with the colts that soldiers kidnapped, falling to the great river that was underneath, where crocodiles were waiting for their preys.
Amun woke up suddenly from this nightmare. He passed the hoof by his face and then he remembered the dream. He had planted in his mind a question he had to take. Using his horn to give him some light, Amun headed to the deeper zone of the palace and began inspecting all the engravings were there. He continued searching until, finally, to his great shock, he found what he was looking for.
He was faced with the same images he had seen in his dream: Seti killing Nefertem, taking the throne, and ordering to his soldiers to kidnap the colts of the citadel and launch them in the river. Not wanting to believe, Amun got down on his knees, while a wave of sadness and tremendous disappointment got over him. It was then that a hoof landed on his head and Seti’s voice said:
"My brother refused to take our kingdom to glory. If he had continued, the more likely it would be our Kingdom fall with any enemy attack. I had to make sure that didn't happen. But he had a lot of loyalists and I couldn't let them uprising against me."
Amun turned to Seti and told him:
“Father, please tell me you didn’t do this.”
“Amun, sometimes, for a greater good, sacrifices must be made.”
Amun rose up, passed his hoof by one of the baby colts represented, and asked, not wanting to believe that his father would do something like that to his subjects:
“Sacrifices?”
“Oh my son” Seti said, embracing Amun. “They were only slaves.”
Hearing that, Amun had the confirmation of what it was told and shown to him about Seti. Horrified, he separated himself from his adoptive father and run away.
Without knowing where to go, Amun went to same place where he was found by Tuya. He sit there until the sun started to raise up. He didn’t stop thinking about everything that happened.
“Amun…” a voice called.
It was Queen Tuya, who started to approach Amun.
“Is this were you found me?” he asked her.
“Amun, please, try to understand” Tuya asked.
“So… everything I thought, everything that was told to me, everything I am, is a lie.”
“No” Tuya said, kneeling over her adoptive son. “You’re our son, and we love you.”
Amun still didn’t know if his adoptive parents knew who he was and asked:
“Do you know who am I really?”
“You are probably the son of one of our subjects, who decided to save you from all that terror” Tuya replied.
“But I know who I am” Amun said.
“What do you mean?” Tuya asked.
“My father was the same Pharaoh that your husband killed and my mother risked everything to save me” Amun told.
Tuya was stunned when she heard that and said:
"So you are..."
"Mother, please tell me everything what happened with those colts was not because of me."
Tuya tried to say something, but was not able to tell you the truth, but Amun was able to perceive.
"So, it's true. The father who raised me wants me dead."
"That's not true" Tuya said. "Your father wanted the descendant of his brother wasn't a danger to him, but that's because the Lord of Chaos manipulated him."
"The Lord of Chaos?" Amun asked.
There was a pause and then Tuya told:
"When Seti became Pharaoh, he has made the Lord of Order to be seen as an enemy and that the Lord of Chaos was worshipped. The influence the Lord of Chaos has over ponies can make even the most generous stallion turn into something unrecognizable. But there is something I don't doubt, Amun. The love your father and I have for you is genuine. Although he does not know your true identity, he considers you his son. Please, don't hate him for things that are now in the past. Try to see him through the light that he still have and you will see that I'm right."
Despite everything he discovered, Amun was unable to put aside the love he felt for his adoptive parents. Maybe his mother was right. Maybe he should try to see things differently and maybe he could see what Tuya was trying to explain. He then embraced Tuya.
The Lord of Order saw this scene and said:
"My dear Tuya, I think that your attempt to try to keep the whole family together is quite noble. However, I'm not going to let my brother to stay in control of something that is rightfully mine. Amun will accept his fate and will stick to it, even if it takes years."
Although Amun have decided to remain in the palace, even after having discovered the truth about Seti, he started seeing with other eyes everything around him, more precisely the slaves. When he was ignorant about his origins and his adoptive father’s achievements, slaves only existed to serve him and his family, but now he realized their suffering and that was starting to affect him.
Shortly thereafter, Amun decided to go visit the temple which had been destroyed because of him and Khonsu. His adoptive brother was already there, playing his role as Prince Regent with enough seriousness, since he wanted to show his father that he was not the weakest link in the chain.
Khonsu, wearing a headdress, was a tent where under it was the table with the plans, along with Hotep, Huy and some serves who were shaking two fans. He said:
“Last night, the Lord of Chaos granted me a vision. I’m not merely going to restore this temple, I will make it more grand, more splendid than any other one in Coltypt.”
Amun, arriving to the construction, began to head to the tent, but, along the way, he could see the slaves working, some pulling stones for the construction and others loading sandbags. He could see, to his great horror, the slaves being whipped, just because they weren't pushing hard enough. He could also see the tired air the slaves had, and some were also elderly. He saw a poor slave down on his knees from exhaustion from carrying a huge bag of sand, a guard approached and whipped him, creating a rip in the bag that made the sand go out. In addition, he could see the pain in their eyes, in addition the cold and distant look that some slaves made to him.
In the distance, a nearly forty-years-old Bes could see him while carrying a bag of sand. Bes seemed to have gained weight more than when he was younger, but he kept a robust air, although his mane was starting to grate and a small beard covered his face. Shortly after the massacre of the colts, he was stripped from his position as guard and turned into a slave after he tried to help a comrade, but that did not seem to have affected his cheerful personality. He then turned to one of his colleagues, a young minotaur with dark malachite greenish gray fur, sea greenish gray horns and black eyes, that was pulling alone one of the stones for the construction, and said to him:
"Hey, look, Apis, it’s Prince Amun. I remember like it was yesterday the day he was born. He was an adorable colt. And now he's a grown and strong stallion like his father."
"If you don't want to take the whip, Bes, I suggest you to keep on working" Apis said, while pulling.
"I know, but just think about it" Bes said, following Apis. "Can you imagine what will happen when he takes the throne and becomes pharaoh like his father was?"
"What I think is that we should not hold ourselves to futures that may not get real" Apis said. "Don't be like Isis, Bes."
"You know, Apis, you and Seth should learn to be more optimistic" Bes said.
Upon arriving near the tent, Amun couldn't stop noticing the horrible conditions that the slaves had. It was then that Khonsu noticed him and went to his edge, saying, while he was starting to take him to the tent:
“Amun! Look. Fate has turned our little misadventure into a great opportunity. Father will be so pleased.”
Then something caught his attention. It was happening in one of the elevated plataforms. An old slave was having trouble picking up a basket and a guard was scolding him and forcing him to work, saying:
“Get up, old mule! Put your back into it! Faster!”
Nearby, it was Seth, who was sticking with a chisel, and Isis, who had with her a pitcher with water. She, seeing the scene that was happening, motioned to Seth, but he just continued to work, although he seemed slightly disturbed. Fortunately, the old slave was able to pick up the basket and, with a sigh of sorrow, Amun went with Khonsu to the tent, while the last said:
“This is just the beginning. A gateway will open to an entire new city of white limestone, more dazzling than the sun. And here, a statue of the Lord of Chaos.”
A sound of a whip made Amun turn suddenly and he saw the same slave, who had dropped the basket again, being whipped by the guard. Isis, not being able to hold herself anymore, began to say:
“Stop it!”
She tried to help the old slave, but Seth prevented her and Isis exclaimed:
“Somepony’s got to stop this!”
“There’s nothing we can do” Seth replied.
And the old slave continued to be whipped, while he let out screams of pain. The screams were such that Amun couldn't take it anymore and started running there, climbing the mound of sand saying:
“Stop it. Stop. Stop it! Leave that pony alone!”
Listening to Amun, Khonsu turned and saw his brother heading to the pony that was being whipped.
“Amun!” he called.
Amun got there quickly, and when the guard was about to whip again the old slave, he prevented him from doing it, but the strength of the speed with which he came made Amun, inadvertently, push the guard and he fell of great height, falling with great impact on the ground down there. A group of slaves there on the edge joined around the guard’s dead body, but another guard started going through them, saying:
“Out of my way. Out of my way. Move!”
After passing by the slaves, he saw his dead colleague and, given this, he looked up to ask:
“Who did this?”
And some began to exclaim and pointing to Amun. He was still stunned and paralyzed with what he had just done. He had just killed a pony. He turned and saw the other slaves near there also shocked by what happened, having retreated. Among them there were Isis and Seth who shared the same shocked air the others had. It was then that he was dominated by the survival instinct and Amun began to run. When passing by the slaves there, Isis called him, putting her hooves on his shoulders:
“Amun!”
He turned to her, but he couldn't face her look, even if in that look there was concern. He went down hill, stumbling momentarily in his hooves. Reaching the base, he was intercepted by Khonsu who turned him to him and asked him:
“Amun! Amun, what’s going on?”
But he just broke free of Khonsu and kept running.
“Amun!” Khonsu called.
Amun went on the run, coming out of the temple. He ran so much that eventually he arrived to the kingdom entry. It was then that a blast of magic appeared and Khonsu appeared in front of Amun.
“Amun!” he called.
“Let me go” Amun said, passing by him.
“No, wait!”
“You saw what happened” Amun said, continuing waking though the gate of the kingdom. “I just killed a pony.”
“We can take care of that” Khonsu replied, following him. “I will make it so it never happened.”
“Nothing you can say can change what I’ve done” Amun said, advancing.
“I am Coltypt, the morning and the evening star” Khonsu continued to say, putting himself in front of Amun and walking backward. “If I say day is night, it will be written, and you will be what I say you are.”
He then tried to stop Amun, putting his hooves over his shoulders, saying:
“And I say you’re innocent.”
“What you say does not matter!” Amun exclaimed, taking Khonsu’s hooves off him. “You don’t understand. I can’t stay here any longer.”
He passed by Khonsu, continuing to get out of Coltypt, but the last insisted and called, trying to put one of his hooves on Amun’s shoulder:
“Amun…”
“No!” he replied, shaking his hoof away and turning to Khonsu, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. “All I’ve ever known to be true is a lie. I’m not who you think I am.”
“What are you taking about?” Khonsu asked, not understanding.
Amun then looked at him and answered:
“Go ask the stallion I once called father and that Lord of Chaos of yours.”
And, having said that, Amun started to move away from Coltypt.
“Amun” Khonsu asked.
Amun turned to him and Khonsu asked:
“Please.”
Although Amun, due to the bond he had with his adoptive brother, wanted to stay, he knew he couldn’t. Coltypt was not the place he wanted to stay any more, even if he was the rightful heir.
“Goodbye, brother” Amun said.
And so, Amun started running, moving away from Coltypt fast.
“Amun!” Khonsu exclaimed, even if his calls wouldn’t make Amun turn back. “Amun!”
And Amun run, going to the desert.
The Lord of Order observed Amun through one of his mirrors in his throne room.
"I know this is painful for you, Amun, but you will see that now that you’re free from the bonds that allowed you to survive in childhood, everything will run as I planned and everything will be as it should be."
"So this is what you were hiding from me" a voice said.
And his brother appeared in the reflection of the Lord of Order’s mirror.
"What do you want, brother?" the Lord of Order asked.
"I just came here to congratulate you for cheating on me so nicely" the Lord of Chaos replied. "You made me think that he wasn't in Coltypt when, in fact, he was right under my nose."
"Actually, it wasn't that hard" the Lord of Order said.
"It is a pity that now your plan has gone down the drain" the Lord of Chaos said.
"That's what you think" the Lord of Order replied.
"Do you really think he will be able to reclaim the throne?" the Lord of Chaos asked. "Throughout his life, he didn't care about the slaves who waited by his ascension. Many even have lost faith. Besides, who will follow a murderer?"
"It was an accident" the Lord of Order replied. "And that's a fact."
"But it is also a fact that he killed a pony."
"And he's deeply apologetic for that. That act doesn't count in the same way as a deliberate murder."
The Lord of Chaos gave a laugh and said:
"Looks like you're not going to give up that plan of yours centered in Amun. Okay, let's see if you will be successful, brother."
And, having said that, the Lord of Chaos disappeared.
"My brother, you underestimate too much those who serve me" the Lord of Order said. "Everything that Amun needs now is to mature and I'm sure over the next few years, it’s what will happen."
And he made the image of Amun appear, seeing him venturing into the desert.
The young prince, having escaped from Coltypt, began to wander in the desert. For hours, he faced the burning sands, the sandstone cliffs and the harsh winds, without even stopping. After two whole days wandering, Amun was barely being able to keep himself standing.
That's when he stumbled on a rock and fell. He then realized the reason to feel so heavy, because he still had the royal ornaments on him. Feeling repulsed by everything those ornaments made him remember, Amun ripped each one of them from him, but when it came to the bracelet Khonsu had given to him on the night of his nomination as Prince Regent, he hesitated. After all, it was more than an ornament, it was a gift from his brother, so he let it stay.
Suddenly, the wind began to blow harder. Amun lifted his head and saw a huge sandstorm approaching. Although the instinct was telling him to flee and seek shelter, Amun ignored it and got caught by it.
Amun, having been caught by the sandstorm, was buried almost completely. The only thing it could see was some of his mane, which made him look like a piece of scarlet herb.
It was then it was heard footsteps and a camel began to drive by. After having passed by Amun’s mane, the camel turned and, mistaking his mane by herb, approached his snout, sniffed and bit, pulling. That made Amun’s head got out under sand while he moaned in pain by the camel being pulling his mane. When pulling the mane, the camel pulled out some of it, chewed it and, having not enjoyed, it just spit against Amun, where some hairs were in the spit, moving away from him.
Amun looked at the camel moving away and then noticed that, among its saddlebags, there was a bag that was filled with water. As he has not drunk since he left Coltypt, Amun broke free of the sand and called, while trying to reach the camel:
“Hey, wait.”
He managed to reach the camel and clung to the water bag, saying:
“Please.”
But the camel continued walking. Amun remained attached to the bag of water, and was dragged through the sand. After some time, the camel reached a place surrounded by sheep. The young fugitive prince was about to pass out from dehydration when he hit his head on something hard, making him drop the camel’s bag.
When Amun lifted his head and focused his vision, he saw that he was in front of a small pool made of stone where the sheep were drinking water. Parched, Amun couldn't resist and started drinking the water, taking his face directly to it.
It was then that he heard cries of help. He stood up and saw two stallions, where one was taking water from a well, while the other was dealing with three fillies. It seemed that they were crooks and they were stealing water from the fillies.
Amun realized he had to help them and tried to think of a way to deal with those thieves. After all, they were two and Amun, although being an unicorn and having magic, was too weak after crossing the desert. Then he noticed two camels nearby. They should belong to the thieves. And an idea appeared in Amun’s mind, and so he got up and went to get the camels.
The two bad guys just push the three fillies to take their water, when Amun called them:
“Hey, you.”
They turned and saw Amun holding the reins of their camels, asking them:
“Aren’t these your camels?”
Realizing what Amun was planning to do, fear appeared in their faces. And then Amun incited the camels and they started to run away, passing by the bandits who tried to get them back, starting to follow them. After this, the three fillies looked to Amun and him then felt a sudden weakness that made him leaned against the well. But he leaned on some loose stones and Amun fell in the well.
The three fillies then started to pull the rope of the well in order to get Amun out of there. It was then that the same mare that Amun helped to escape. She asked to the fillies with a smile:
“What are you girls doing?”
“We’re trying to get the funny stallion out of the well” the littlest of the fillies answered.
“Trying to get the funny stallion out of the well?” the mare repeated, still smiling, approaching the well. “Well, that’s one I’ve never heard before.”
But then Amun gave a moan that echoed through the well. Hearing that, the mare startled and then, after recover from the scare, she said:
“Oh, my. Uh, don’t worry down there! We’ll get you out. Hold on!”
And she helped her sisters pulling the rope of the well. They then started to raise Amun, who was grabbing the rope. When he arrived to the top of the well and his look and the mare’s crossed, the two became surprised for seeing each other.
“You…” the mare said to him.
Amun didn’t know what to say, but the mare, although she remembered that Amun saved her, she also remembered what he did to her at the banquet of Khonsu’s nomination as Prince Regent. To take revenge, the mare just dropped the rope and, as her sisters had also dropped before, Amun fell again in the well. Then, with a smile, the mare just walk away. The oldest of the fillies turned to her younger sisters and told them:
“That’s why daddy says Hathor will never get married.”
Eventually, Amun was taken off the well and take to the village of Hathor and her sisters. That village located in Berberia had tents and was constituted essentially by earth ponies. In one tent, Amun was washed by some mares, much to his embarrassment. Hathor and her sisters watched, amused, at the entrance of the tent. Then a voice of a stallion was heard coming from the outside saying:
“Let me through. Let me through. I want to see him.”
The four sisters moved away from the entrance, getting in, and an earth stallion entered. He was tall and robust with the same coat and eyes as Hathor and grizzly mane and long beard. He entered with a very joyful air, saying to Amun, while the mares who washed him got out:
“Ah, you are most welcome!”
He then gave a great hug to Amun, who felt almost suffocating. Hathor and her sisters were occupied laughing. The stallion let Amun go, saying:
“You should not be a stranger in this land. You have been sent as a blessing. Tonight, you shall be my honored guest.”
He gave a slap on Amun’s back and then got out, laughing. Amun was speechless before the stallion’s joyful attitude. Hathor then approach, jiggling and told to Amun:
“My father, Keb, high priest of the Lord of Order in Berberia.”
Amun stayed a little stunned by Keb’s joyful personality.
Later that night, everypony in the encampment was reunited in the center of it. There was a fire pit and everypony was around it. Amun got out of the tent and looked around. Then, Hathor’s youngest sister called his attention and told him:
“Sit with me.”
“Uh, all right” Amun answered.
And he sit beside her and Hathor. Seeing a basket of fruits in his front, Amon used his magic to pick one, but when he was ready to start eat it, Hathor’s middle sister told him:
“Psst. Not yet.”
“Oh, sorry” Amun said, putting the fruit back to the basket.
Then, Keb advanced and started saying to everypony:
“My children, let us give thanks to the Lord of Order for this bountiful food.”
He fondled the mane of a young colt and then advanced to Amun, saying:
“And let us also give thanks for the presence of this brave, young stallion whom we honor here tonight.”
And the ponies there started to applaud. Humbly, Amun said:
“Please, sir, I wish you wouldn’t. I’ve done nothing in my life worth honoring.”
Hathor was a little surprised for him to say that. Keb, sensing he was having trouble about all the good things he did, said:
“First, you recued Hathor from Coltypt, then you defended my younger daughters. You think that is nothing? It seems you do not know what is worthy of honor. In Coltypt, where the Lord of Chaos now rules, it was said to you that it is only worthy of honor when you do some greatness. But the Lord of Order admires small good deeds when they are done from the heart.”
“Even when I have done such terrible things?” Amun asked, thinking about the man he killed that was the reason to run away from Coltypt.
“Another thing that makes the Lord of Order different from his evil brother is that he forgives, when the one who seeks forgiveness he’s really penitent.”
Amun though about what Keb had just said and then a smile appeared on his face.
“Thank you” he thanked.
Keb made a nod and then said, addressing to everypony:
“And now, let’s start this celebration! It’s time to eat this gift from our lord and thank him with songs and dances.”
And so that celebration started. While some ponies started eating, others started dancing and singing around the fire pit. Amun watched amazed all the joy and happiness that they showed. Back in Coltypt, they made tribute to the Lord of Chaos by building temples and statues of him, but now that he thought about it, that only served to increase the slavery.
But the tributes the ponies of Berberia gave to the Lord of Order were simple, they were moments of joy that, although only lasted for a night, gave a lot of good memories and invigorated the spirit.
Although he was asked to go dance by Hathor’s youngest sister, he declined, claiming he didn’t know how to dance. He preferred to watch them dancing, as a way to learn how to be like them.
Some years have passed since Amun ran away from Coltypt and reached Berberia. During that time, Amun’s life changed radically, and his way of thinking too.
He began to help the ponies of Berberia in everything he could, as raising new tents. Although Amun was a Unicorn and had magic, something that could be very useful to the other ponies, he'd rather not use it, because he wanted to know how it was like to be a common pony, something that was really satisfied.
Amun also began to value things that, as a prince, he had never valued, like water, as it was valuable for those who lived in the desert. Furthermore, he learned that a shepherd could have a more important role than any king, since the sheep depended on who is guiding and taking care of them. They were essential for the ponies of Berberia, since they gave them the wool they could use to create clothes for the cold nights in the desert and even gave them some milk to drink.
The young unicorn, in order to help those who helped him, became pastor, helping Hathor taking care of the sheep, getting a staff for that. At first, Amun had some difficulty in his new job, but soon he managed to get the sheeps’ trust, since he protected them from danger, fed them and helped in births.
But what really satisfied Amun was the friendships that he had created. In addition to Keb and his family, he also made friends with other inhabitants, mainly a griffon, who, like him, was hosted by Keb’s tribe after crossing the desert. His name was Montu and was a griffin with a brownish head and wing feathers, yellow-brown fur, yellowish claws and dark grayish mulberry eyes. But his relationship with Hathor was the one which flourished more.
Despite the friction that they had in Coltypt, the two eventually got into an understanding and have become great friends. However, this friendship became quite strong and was taken to another level. The two eventually fall in love and eventually ended up getting married. It was at this time that Amun finally saw how his life had changed for the better.
Getting away from Coltypt was the best decision he had taken, because he felt that the emptiness he felt since he found out the truth about his origins was gradually being filled. Little he knew that all this was about to change.
One morning, Amun awoke to go herding the sheeps. After getting prepared, he looked to Hathor, who was sleeping peacefully. He passed his hoof by her face and then gave her a kiss, saying then:
"I love you."
Picking up on his staff, Amun opened his tent and contemplated the beautiful sight of the rising sun, while its rays painted everything with gold. He breathed deeply, feeling the sweet aroma of fresh air and advanced. He led the sheep to the pasture and watched them while they fed themselves. It was then he noticed that one of them had strayed, starting to climb a rocky mount that was there. Sighing, Amun followed it. That sheep was always causing trouble, as it always tried to stray from the herd. He followed it until he saw it entering in a cave.
“It’s too early for this” Amun grumbled.
He entered in the cave, using his staff to get balance. When he prepared to follow the way the sheep took, he noticed something. It was like a blue light. It was warm and attractive. Although Amun knew he had to get the sheep, he couldn’t resist and so he followed the light. He followed a path that led down in the cave.
When he got there, he saw from where the light was coming from and he got astonished. It was coming from a bush which was burning with a blue fire. However, what was amazing was that the bush wasn’t being consumed by the fire. Curious, Amun extended his staff and let the top touch the fire. He saw the fire burning the staff and, when he retreated the top, Amun saw that it was not burned.
With his curiosity growing even more, Amun dared to extend his own hoof and he touched the fire. He could feel the heat of the fire, but he couldn’t feel his hoof burning. Amun retreated the hoof, looking it amazed. How could that possibly be happening. It was then that he heard a voice saying:
“Amun…”
The young unicorn looked around, but he didn’t saw anypony. But the voice continued saying:
“Amun… Amun…. Amun…”
Keeping an alert state and his staff ready for any possible attack, Amun answered:
“Here I am.”
“Make a bow before the fire, Amun, because the fire that you’re seeing is sacred” the voice said.
It was then that Amun realized the voice was coming from the burning bush. He asked:
“Who are you?”
“I am that I am” the voice answered.
“I don’t understand” Amun said, confused.
“I’m the lord of everything that exist in all Creation” the voice answered. “The one that keeps everything in balance, in order. The one that your father, Nefertem, and your mother, Seshat, served.”
Hearing that, Amun became paralyzed. He was talking with the Lord of Order, the one that created everything and that his parents, his true parents, served and honored. Acting in an impulse, Amun kneel on his kness and made a bow, dropping his staff. Then, he raised up and asked:
“What do you want from me?”
“I have seen the oppression of the ponies who are loyal to me in Coltypt and I have heard their cry” the Lord of Order said. “Their suffering.”
And then the cries of the slaves in Coltypt started echoed in Amun’s head, as he remembered that.
“And so I decided that is time to deliver them out of slavery and return their land, the kingdom I created, to its former glory. My brother has his control of Coltypt for too long. And so, unto Pharaoh, I shall send… you.”
When the Lord of Order said that, Amun became shocked and asked:
“Me? But… Who am I to lead these ponies? They’ll never believe me. They won’t even listen.”
“You are the rightful Pharaoh of Coltypt” the Lord of Order said. “They know that and they will listen you. But don’t worry. I shall teach you what to say.”
And Amun heard his own voice saying in his head: Set my people free!
“But I was their enemy. I maybe be the son of the pharaoh they loved, but I was raised by the stallion who slaughtered their children because of me. You’ve… You’ve chosen the wrong messenger. How can I even speak to these people?”
Suddenly, the fire was intensified as well as the light that obfuscated Amun who protected his eyes and the Lord of Order spoke, with his words rumbling like thunders, that made Amun take cover on the ground:
“WHO MADE THE PONY’S MOUTH?! WHO MADE THE DEAF, THE MUTE, THE SEEING OR THE BLIND? DID NOT I?! NOW GO! ”
And the fire normalized, but Amun was still on the ground, still afraid of the mighty voice he just heard. Then the blue fire started to wrap him up like arms and raised him delicately, while the Lord of Order said in a tender voice:
“Oh, Amun, I shall be with you when you go to the King of Coltypt. But Pharaoh will not listen. His heart will continue to be hardened and will not give up his power over Coltypt. He is too attached to it and so he ignores his own nature. So I will stretch out my hand and smite Coltypt with all my wonders.”
And the fire raised and marveled Amun with its beauty.
“They will see who really rules the land” the Lord of Order continued to say. “They will see that what I gave, I can take back. Pharaoh will feel the suffering of his people and will be obliged to give up the throne. Now, Amun, take the staff in your hoof. With it, you shall do my wonders.”
And the fire put Amun down and started to retreat, while the Lord of Order said:
“I shall be with you, Amun.”
And the fire disappeared. Amun was still astonish by what he just experimented. He couldn’t believe that the Lord of Order had just spoken to him. He then looked to his staff. That staff was imbued with the power of the Lord of Order and he had to use it to take Coltypt back. That was his mission, his right, his obligation as the true ruler of Coltypt. He took the staff and, with its help, Amun raised up. He looked to the bush that stopped burning. It was untouched, as it had never been on fire.
After finding the sheep that strayed from the flock, Amun got out of the cave. His meeting with the Lord of Order was still keeping his mind occupied. Then excited took over him and, without thinking, he returned to his tend, finding Hathor already awake, and, full of joy, he started to tell her all about his meeting with the Lord of Order. After he had told, Hathor, a little perturbed by what her husband told her, sat down and then said:
“But, Amun, you are just one pony.”
Amun, understanding his wife’s worries, sat beside her, put is hoof on her face and said:
“Hathor, please.”
Trying to find a way to explain the situation to her, Amun saw her family outside, happy, and then said:
“Look at your family. They are free. They have a future. They have hopes and dreams… and the promise of a life with dignity. That is what I want to my people. And that is why I must do the task that the Lord of Order has given me. Not only because of them or because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s my duty as the son of Nefertem.”
She then looked at him and smiled and then hugged him, saying then:
“I’m coming with you.”
So, they began preparing to return to Coltypt. Preparing a camel with supplies, Amun and Hathor were surprised when Montu said he was going with them.
"Monthu, you don't have to come with us" Amun said, while Monthu was checking if he had everything in his saddlebags.
"Don't talk nonsense, my friend" he said. "After all we've been through, do you really think I'm going to let you face Pharaoh alone?"
"I'm going too, remember?" Hathor said.
"Yes, I know, but a little extra help never hurt anypony" Monthu said.
Amun and Hathor exchanged a look and then they smiled and the former told to the griffon:
"It will be an honor to have your company."
"Perfect" he said. "Then let's go."
And then, after saying goodbye to Keb and all the others in the camp, Amun, Hathor and Monthu started to go to Coltypt, with the two ponies on the camel and the griffon flying by their side.
The Lord of Order was seeing everything through his mirror, sitting on his throne.
"The plan is already in motion" he said. "I'm glad that I resorted to that burning bush to communicate with Amun, or I could draw my brother’s attention. Now, it won't be long until I have Coltypt back under my control and influence."
With his mission to reclaim what was taken from his father and to liberate the oppressed ponies from slavery, Amun, having been sent by the Lord of Order, was heading back to Coltypt. He was going with his wife, Hathor, and his friend Monthu.
While crossing the desert, Amun couldn't stop thinking about how his people of the lower class, those who worked as slaves. His mental questions were answered when they reached Coltypt. Amun, along with Hathor and Montu, was quite impressed with how Coltypt had prospered, growing bigger and more sumptuous. However, all that had been achieved thanks to slave labor.
When passing by the slaves, they were able to see how they, even greatly exhausted and on the verge of succumbing to exhaustion, were trying to push and lift huge rocks and bags full of sand. Another change had occurred in the slave labor. When Amun was still living in Coltypt, children were spared of the hard labor, helping women on plantations or in other tasks, but now colts that were already old enough also worked in construction. Even when they fell exhausted on the floor, overseers made them get up to continue the work. Even the elderly didn’t escape.
Such a vision, though not affecting Amun as affected him before, couldn't pass by him unnoticed. But he would do everything to put an end to all that. Slavery had already enough reign. It was time to stop it.
"By the Lord of Order!" Monthu exclaimed, observing everything, while flying next to Amun and Hathor. "I never thought things were like this."
"It's even worse than the last time I was here" Hathor said.
"That is why we need to go ahead with the will of the Lord of Order" Amun said. "It's time for slavery in Coltypt to end once and for all."
Hathor and Monthu waved.
They then arrived to the palace, entering and being guided by guards to the Great Hall. When the guards opened the gates to them, they came in. It seemed there was some party, because there was a lot of ponies, all upper-class or upper-middle class, and even music and dancers. As they passed, ponies began to notice them, especially Amun, as they recognized him as the prince who fled after killing an overseer.
Then, at the top of the stairs in the back of the room, sitting in the big chair, was Khonsu, who had on his head the headdress crown which previously belonged to his father and, before him, to Amun’s father, Nefertem. On his right side, there were Hotep and Huy and, on his left side, was the one who should be his wife, who was a very pretty mare. Sitting at the top of the stairs, there was a colt, who couldn't have been more than seven, who should be Khonsu’s son. He was an unicorn and had the same coat and eyes as his father, but he had his mother's mane.
Noticing Amun’s presence, Khonsu raised the hoof and the music stopped. He couldn't believe that he was seeing his dear adoptive brother.
“Khonsu?” Amun asked, not wanting to believe who was the pharaoh.
Khonsu raised up, asking:
“Amun? Is it really?”
And he started getting down the stairs and adressing to Amun. Hotep e Huy, also astonished by Amun’s return, followed the pharaoh. Khonsu get to the edge of Amun with a great smile on his face and then he hugged him, exclaiming:
“Amun!”
“Khonsu!” Amun exclaimed, also happy to see him.
“Where have you been?!” Khonsu asked, while hugging him so hard. “I took you dead.”
Khonsu stopped the hug and Amun said, astonished:
“Look at you! Pharaoh.”
“Well, look at you” Khonsu said, noticing Amun’s scruffy air and staff. “What on earth are you like that?”
Amun dropped a laugh and then said, hugging Khonsu:
“Khonsu, it’s so good to see you.”
“Excuse, Your Majesty” Hotep said to Khonsu, making him and Amun to stop their hug. “We are compelled to remind you this stallion committed a serious crime against the Lord of Chaos.”
“We are loathe to bring it up, mind you” Huy continued.
“The law clearly states the punishment for such a crime…” Hotep started.
“Death!” Huy finished, increasing a little bit his voice.
“We hesitate to say it” Hotep said.
“Be still” Khonsu ordered to the two priests. “Pharaoh speaks.”
He then started to say, addressing to everypony who was in that room:
“I am the morning and the evening star.”
“Khonsu…” Amun said, knowing that he had to do what he came to do.
But Khonsu made a gesture to him to stop talking and he proceeded:
“It shall be as I say. I pardon forever all crimes of which he stands acused and will have it know that he is our brother Amun, the Prince of Coltypt.”
And he finished putting his hooves on Amun’s shoulder, leaving the priests openmouthed and the crowd starting talking among themselves. What Khonsu just did only turned things harder to Amun. However, he couldn’t go back, so, filling himself with courage, Amun said:
“Khonsu, in my heart, you are my brother, but things cannot be as they were.”
“I see no reason why not” Khonsu answered.
“You don’t know who I really am” Amun said. “You don’t who my parents were. I’m the son of the Pharaoh Nefertem, the older brother of your father Seti.”
That made everypony who were in that room completely astonished, except for Hathor and Montu who already knew.
“What?” Khonsu asked, taking his hoof off Amun’s shoulder.
“And the Lord of Order came to me” Amun continued. “He commands that you stand down from the title of pharaoh and give it to the rightful heir so people of Coltypt can be freed from the influence of his evil brother.”
“The Lord of Order?” Khonsu asked, stretching again a smile. “The brother of the Lord of Chaos, the lord of the pharaoh whose way of ruling would bring Coltypt to ruin? He commands me?”
Knowing that Khonsu would not believe in his word without a proof, Amun lifted his staff and said:
“Behold… the power of Order.”
And he put the lowest end of the staff on the ground and dropped it. The staff stayed vertical for a while, but then it shook and, before everypony’s eyes, the staff turned into a snake, which hissed to Khonsu, while expanding its torax. Everypony, including Hathor and Montu, stayed in a mix of astonish and fear, as turning some unanimated object into a living being was something that few had done. Furthermore, they saw that Amun didn’t access to his magic. Even Hotep and Huy were a little impressed. Khonsu retained his smile and then said:
“Well… impressive. Very well, Amun. I’ll play along. Hotep. Huy. Give this snake charmer our answer.”
And he retreated to his chair, while Hotep and Huy advanced with a mischievous smile. Using, their magic, their summoned also two staffs and, after waving them on the air, they crossed to each other, creating a flash of light that obfuscated everypony present for a few seconds and, when the light disappeared, in place of the staffs there were two snakes that the priests launched to the ground to face Amun’s snake.
Everypony, except Hathor and Montu, became very excited by what their priests had just done, but it was when something happened that took their excitement. Hotep and Huy’s snakes stared and hissed to Amun’s, which also stared and hissed to them.
It was then that one of the priests’ snake approached Amun’s and then the latter attacked the former, starting to devour it, something that caused some exclamations and screams. After that, the other snake also approached Amun’s, but it was also devoured by it. The two priests were shocked, seeing their snakes being devoured like preys by Amun’s snake. Khonsu, on other hand, had a smile. He seemed to had enjoyed what just happened.
“Very impressive” he said to Amun, while he approached his snake. “I have to say it was very… amusing.”
The snake approached its owner and Amun took it and raised it and the snake turned into a staff again. Khonsu raised up from his chair an approached Amun, saying to him:
“What if we go talk to a quieter place?”
Amun turned to Hathor and Montu who nodded to him. He then agreed with Khonsu. The two then went to the throne room. While entering and the doors closed behind them, Khonsu said, while addressing to the throne and taking off the headdress crown:
“All right, Amun. I know you. What’s this really about?”
Amun thought about the words he would use with harming his friendship with Khonsu. He then repaired the great windows, where it could see the slaves working nearby. He approached them and asked:
“Khonsu, look. What do you see?”
Khonsu also approached and, although seeing the same thing as Amun, his look didn’t have the sorrow and sympathy Amun’s had. He answered:
“A greater Coltypt than that of my father.”
“That is not what I see.”
Khonsu chuckled and then said, sitting on the throne and putting the headdress crown on one of its arms:
“Amun, I cannot change what you see. I have to maintain the ancient traditions. I bear the weight of my father’s crown.”
“Crown that didn’t belonged to him to begin with” Amun replied. “Your father stole it from mine to gain the throne.”
“What my father told me was that yours didn’t want to bring Coltypt to prosperity” Khonsu said. “But don’t worry, I don’t think you inherited his bad blood.”
And he laughed of his own joke. Amun didn’t laugh and asked:
“Do you still not understand what Seti was?”
“He was a great leader” Khonsu answered.
“His hooves bore the blood of my father and thousands of children” Amun replied, hoping that would open Khonsu’s eyes. “He killed them only to secure his power.”
“Those children were only slaves” he answered.
“My people” Amun corrected him. “Our people. And I can no longer hide in the desert while they suffer… at your hooves.”
Hearing Amun talking that, Khonsu could see the certain in his eyes. He was really serious about what he just said and that made sorrow appear in his face, while saying:
“So… you have returned… only to free them. And for that… you have to… take the crown for me.”
Amun used his magic to took the bracelet Khonsu once gave to him and then place it on the other arm of the throne.
“I’m sorry” Amun said. “But I will not force you. That is not the way of the Lord of Order. He wants you to acknowledge him as your lord and to do the right thing.”
Khonsu took the bracelet with his magic and looked at it, recording the moment he gave it to Amun, when they were true brothers.
“I had hoped… that…”
And he closed his eyes to think in what to do. It was then that Amun could sense it. It was something cold and terrifying. Then, for a moment, he saw it. It was a wave of darkness, surrounding Khonsu. It should be the influence of the Lord of Chaos. That couldn’t be good.
Then Khonsu opened his eyes, with no sign of sorrow on it, but pride and anger. He raised up, used his magic to put the headdress crown on his head and said:
“I do not know this Lord and I will never acknowledge him over the Lord of Chaos.”
He advanced and, when passing for Amun, said to him:
“Neither will I give the crown to you.”
He passed by him, shocking his shoulder against his with strength, and addressed to the doors of the throne room, with Amun turning to him and saying:
“Khonsu, please, you must listen…”
The Pharaoh then turned to him and exclaimed:
“I will not be the weak link!”
Hearing him telling that, Amun realized that the words that Seti told to Khonsu when they were young still affected him and it was making him be like that. Khonsu advanced to the doors and, once he opened them, told to Amun:
“Tell your slaves as of today… their workload doubled, tanks to your Lord of Order. Or is it thanks… to you?”
And the doors closed behind him.
The Lord of Chaos observed the scene through one of his mirrors, sitting on his throne, and said:
"It seems that the young prince decided to return. And it seems that my dear brother did a great job with him. However, I have Khonsu under my total influence, as happened with his father before him. Nothing and nopony, not even Amun, will change that. Coltypt will continue to be mine."
And he laughed.
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The Tenth Plague - The Death of the First Born
The Lord of Order was sitting on his throne, as he watched Coltypt plunged into darkness. After observing, he said:
"It's been three days since the plague of darkness has reached Coltypt. I believe that’s enough."
And he passed his hand over the mirror and then the fire and the light came back to Coltypt, although the sky kept dark, as they were in the middle of the night.
"However, I have the impression that Khonsu will continue to be stubborn" the Lord of Order continued. "If that happens, then I have no choice. I will be launching the final plague. With this plague, it is certain that he will bow before me."
The Lord of Order snapped his fingers and an explosion of light appeared nearby. From this light, appeared a pale yellow star seed. From this star seed, a voice was heard, a voice that only the Lord of Order understood.
"Hello, my dear, I'm glad you came so promptly" the Lord of Order said to the star seed. "I have a job for you."
The voice was heard again and the Lord of Order replied:
"There is no need for you to take a form. I want this job to be fast and stealthy. But don't worry, I'm sure you will find the work interesting, worthy of the General of Death."
In Coltypt, Amun watched Coltypt at the roof of the house of Isis and Seth (that was where he, Hathor and Montu were after they were invited by Isis). He could see that the light had already returned to the kingdom. It seemed that the Lord of Order had decided that plague had lasted long enough.
However, despite feeling relieved by the Coltyptians who had been plunged into darkness for three days, he couldn't help feeling afraid for what would follow if Khonsu continued to not obey the will of the Lord of Order, since each plague that appeared was worse than the previous one.
"Amun…" a voice said.
"Lord of Order" he said.
There was a burst of light and Amun finally got to see the Lord of Order.
"I don't believe..." he said. "Finally I can see you."
"On our first meeting, I couldn't let my brother knowing what I was up to and, here in Coltypt, my influence was not very great" the Lord of Order explained. "But with the plagues, the ponies of Coltypt began to turn again to me, instead of my brother."
"My lord, I suppose that your appearance has to do with another new plague, correct?" Amun asked.
"Yes, and, this time, it will be a definitive one" he replied. "A plague that, once launched, cannot be reversed, because it will cause permanent damage. With this plague, Khonsu will break."
"But what plague is it?" Amun asked.
"If Pharaoh continue to refuse me, then, in my name, the General of Death will come to Coltypt and wander through all Coltypt. All firstborn sons will die and so their mothers and their fathers will feel the pain I felt upon seeing my sons and daughters being slaughtered."
Upon hearing that, Amun said:
"But, my lord, that means..."
"Don't worry, Amun" the Lord of Order said. "You will be spared, since you don't have parents to suffer by your death. However, I understand that your concern is with those who serve me. To those, I have a solution."
After hearing everything the Lord of Order had to say, Amun came down from the roof and down to the ground floor of the house of Isis and Seth. Seth was lying on his bed, apparently resting, but keeping his attention to what was around him, while Isis and Montu were in a corner, chatting happily. Those two had become good friends, however Amun could feel that there was something more between them. The young prince took his staff and began to approach the door and Hathor, seeing ready to go, approached him and asked:
"Where are you going, dear?"
"The Lord of Order talked to me again" he said. "He wants me to go talk with Khonsu again."
"You think it's this time he gives in?" Hathor asked.
"I don't know, I honestly don't know" Amun said. "But I hope so. If he doesn't, the Lord of Order will send a new plague and this will be worse than all the others he has sent."
"My goodness..." Hathor said. " Worse than the others? What can be worse?"
But Amun did not respond. He just gave her a kiss and said:
"I will be right back. If you don't mind, I want you to reunite everypony in the center of the village."
"Okay" she replied. "Good luck."
And so Amun came out.
He went to the palace, using his horn to have light. He found no guards at the entrances. It seemed that the fear of the plagues had scared or affected everypony in such a way that they no longer did their jobs. He entered, observing the pillars and the walls he missed. However, contrary to what he remembered, the palace was damaged in several places due to the plagues, mainly the rain of fire. He advanced to reach the place where he knew he'd find Khonsu: the statue where he took refuge whenever I had some arguing with his father. In fact, Khonsu was sitting on statue, with his face hidden in the shadows.
“Khonsu?” Amun called, approaching. “Khonsu.”
“Oh, let me guess” Khonsu said, while drinking a cup of wine. “You want me to… obey the Lord of Order.”
“I hoped I would find you here” Amun said.
“Get out!” Khonsu exclaimed, not even looking to Amun, while throwing away the cup he had.
“Khonsu, we must bring this to an end” Amun said.
But the Pharaoh didn’t say anything and still didn’t look to Amun. He then gave a pace ahead and said:
“Khonsu, please, talk to me. We could always talk here.”
But he still didn’t say nothing. Amun sighed. He could just say what the Lord of Order said to him, but he needed to convince Khonsu to give up before it was too late and, for that, he needed to make him talk. So he said, while looking around:
“This place. So many memories. I remember the time you switched the heads of the animal statues of the temple of the Lord of Chaos.”
Realizing he wouldn’t say anything, Amun prepared to go away, but then Khonsu finally said, putting his face out of the darkness:
“If I recall correctly, you were there switching heads right along with me.”
“No, it was you” Amun said. “I didn’t do that.”
“Oh, yes, you did” Khonsu insisted, getting down. “You put the hippo on the crocodile, and the crocodile…”
“On the falcon” Amun remembered.
“Yes!” Khonsu exclaimed starting to move away. “The priest thought it was a horrible omen and fasted for two months. Father was furious. You were always getting me into trouble.”
He walked for a while, with Amun following him, and then Khonsu stopped and said, with his angry voice switched by a calmer one, turning to Amun:
“But then… you were always there to… get me out of trouble again.
Amun gave a little smile, remembering what Khonsu said. And then Pharaoh put his hoof on Amun’s shoulder and asked:
“Why can’t things be the way they were before?”
“Father?” a voice called.
They turned and saw Khonsu’s son, in front of the wall that had the image of Seti ordering the deaths of the babies in Coltypt in order to kill his nephew. He was using his magic to have some light, and he said to his father:
“It’s so dark. I’m frightned.”
Khonsu approached his son and told him:
“Don’t worry, my son. The darkness went away. It’s all right now.”
The two shared a hug and then Khonsu’s son saw Amun and asked to his father:
“Why is he here? Isn’t that the pony who did all this?”
It was hard for Amun to hear Khonsu’s son saying that, even if he was just a tool in the Lord of Order’s hands. Khonsu then got up, turned to the wall. Amun could sense it, the darkness of the Lord of Chaos trying to persuade him to do his bidding. Then, Khonsu turned, with a cold look, saying:
“Yes. But one must wonder why.”
“Because no kingdom should be made on the backs of slaves” Amun said. “Khonsu, your stubbornness is bringing this misery upon Coltypt. It could cease if only you would obey the Lord of Order.”
“I will not be dictated to” Khonsu replied bluntly. “I will not be threatened. I am the morning and the evening star. I am Pharaoh, the one and only.”
“Something else is coming” Amun said, hoping the warning of the tenth plague could get to him. “Something much worse than anything before. Please, let go of your contempt for life, before it destroys everything you hold dear. Think of your son!”
The way Amun talked, made Khonsu’s son get close to his father who said:
“I do. You and your slaves have been nothing but trouble.”
Khonsu turned to the image of his father on the wall and continued, looking then to Amun:
“My father had the right idea how to deal with your people.”
“Khonsu…” Amun said, sensing the darkness around him becoming even stronger.
“And I think it’s time I finished the job” Khonsu said, extending his hoof in direction of Amun, in the same way Seti was ponting.
“Khonsu!” Amun exclaimed.
“And there shall be a great cry in all of Coltypt such as never has been of ever will be again!” Khonsu proclaimed.
The way he talked he seemed exactly his father, the same stallion who took the throne from his older brother, killing him in cold blood, and ordered the death of many baby colts just to kill the nephew who threated his power and to break the slaves’ spirit. He even scared his own son.
Realizing nothing would made Khonsu to change his mind, Amun, with great sorrow, said to him:
“Khonsu, you bring this upon yourself.”
And then, he turned his backs and walked away.
Amun returned to the village of the slaves and in the center, they were all reunited, waiting for his arrival. When he got there, Bes said:
“Amun, what is Pharaoh’s answer? He has to obey the Lord of Order now.”
“A prideful stubborn like him?” Apis asked. “I don’t think so.”
“Apis is right” Amun asked. “He said no.”
That didn’t please the ponies and Seth said:
“He did it again.”
“Don’t you think you should give up with the plagues?” Apis asked. “We will never say yes.”
“Don’t worry, Apis” Amun said. “The Lord of Order will continue to do this until Khonsu breaks.”
Isis, noticing Amun’s air, asked:
“What’s wrong?”
Amun didn’t answer right away, as he was still affected by his talk with Khonsu. Hathor could see this and looked worried to her husband.
“Soon, there will be a final plague” Amun announced. “And this plague will cause damage in Coltypt that cannot be reversed, unlike the other ones.”
“And what is it?” Montu asked. “By your look, it must be very serious.”
“The General of Death is come” Amun said. “Every first born son will die.”
Hearing this, every mother hugged their precious sons, while the crowd started to talk at loud.
“But not us, right?” Bes asked. “He would never punish the ones who are loyal to him.”
“The General is coming for us all” Amun said.
That caused a tumult even bigger than the one before.
“What about you, Amun?” Seth asked. “You’re a first born, just like Pharaoh.”
“This plague was made to cause suffering to the fathers and the mothers” Amun said. “My parents are dead, as well as Khonsu’s.”
“Why would the Lord of Order punish us?” Bes asked.
“He won’t!” Seth exclaimed, making everypony shut up and listen him. “He had always protected us from the other plagues. He must have a way for us to protect ourselves. Let Amun finish what the Lord of Order said to him.”
Everypony remained in silence. Amun was surprised for seeing Seth backing him up, but was happy to see he was starting to have faith, just like his adoptive sister, who smiled to him.
“We can be spared from the Lord of Order’s vengeance, but only if we do exactly what he says to us.”
When the sun raised, everypony started to do preparations to the next night. Following the Lord of Order’s instructions, they started to mark their houses with their blood on the lintel and posts of the door. He had said the General of Death would pass over them if their houses were marked. Ponies from out of the village, hearing about the coming of the General of Death, also started to mark their own houses. However, most of the ponies were still loyal to Pharaoh and didn’t mark their houses.
The night fell and there was nopony in the streets, as they were advised to not get out. For a while, the silence ruled. But it was then that a pale yellow light appear on the sky and, from that light, smoke with the same color appeared, moving quietly. It then got down and started to run all the streets quickly, dividing itself to cover more ground in less time. When it found a marked house and saw the blood, it just went away. But when he found a house which was not marked, it got in and took the life of the first born who lived in there, making them give their final breath. He did this with every unmarked house.
When it had finished with the houses, the smoke connect itself again, taking with it the lives of the first born it found, and then it headed to the palace, where it would take the life of the last first born whose house was not marked. A last breath was heard and the smoke started to ascend the sky and disappeared.
After some time, the cries of the parents who found their children dead started to be heard. It was a cry that was never heard before. Khonsu was right in his words, however, those cries were not coming from the slaves and the followers of the Lord of Order, but from his followers, the ones who followed the Lord of Chaos through him and had trusted him. But he was also crying, as his own son had died.
Khonsu, using his magic, transported his son, who was covered by a sheet, to an altar at the temple of the Lord of Chaos. Amun approached, while he saw Khonsu putting his son on the altar and covering his face with the sheet. He kept the head down, while suffering for his lost. Feeling sorry for his adoptive brother, Amun approached and tried to put his hoof on his shoulder, but Khonsu just put Amun’s hoof away of his shoulder and told him:
“Leave me!”
And Amun retreated some paces, leaving Khonsu mourning his son. He then sensed the darkness of the Lord of Chaos appearing again to Khonsu. The darkness took form and the Lord of Chaos appeared, saying then to Khonsu:
“What are you waiting for? Amun is responsible for the death of your son. Kill him. Kill him now! Let your rage come out.”
Although Khonsu really wanted to make Amun pay for the death of his son, he couldn’t do it. The love he still had for him stopped him from doing it.
“Why are you staying there?!” the Lord of Chaos asked. “Do as I say!”
Taking enough of him, Khonsu told him:
“No! Go away! Get out of my head!”
“What?!” the Lord of Chaos asked. “You dare to rebel against me?! After everything I gave you?!”
“You had given me nothing but pain!” Khonsu replied. “Because of you, I lost what was dearest to me. Go away!”
And then light came from Khonsu that sent the Lord of Chaos away. Sensing the darkness going away, Amun realized that Khonsu had fought against it and he was proud of him, even if for that he had to lose a son. Then Khonsu took the crown headdress from his head and threw it to Amun’s hooves, saying without looking at him:
“The crown is yours, as well as the kingdom. I don’t care anymore for any of this.”
“Khonsu…” Amun started.
“Leave me with my son!” Khonsu exclaimed.
Sighing, Amun took the headdress crown with his magic and got out of temple. Once he got out, he continued to hear the cry of the Coltyptians who had lost their children that night. Hearing that, Amun’s heard was filled with a great sorrow. He dropped the staff and the crown and learned against a wall, while starting crying. He had fulfilled the mission the Lord of Order had given to him, but the price for that was too high. Hathor, who had come with him, saw his husband crying and went to him and hugged him, trying to comfort him.
And so, Coltypt had witnessed its saddest moment, right before the beginning of a new era, now freed from the influence of the Lord of Chaos.
The Beginning of a New Era
And so, with Khonsu’s abdication in favour of Amun, the son of Nefertem, the rightful heir to the throne of Coltypt, the latter became the new Pharaoh. After having giving the throne and having lost his beloved son to the tenth plague of the Lord of order, Khonsu, along with his wife, left Coltypt for a self-exile, for Amun’s great friendship, who saw a friendship of a lifetime disappearing before his eyes.
Most of the ponies of Coltypt were immensely happy with the appointment of the new pharaoh, mainly the ponies of the low class, because they would have a better life, without slavery. But of course there were those who were unhappy with the change of regime, they were those who belonged to the upper class because they had accommodated to the privileges assigned to them during Seti and Khonsu’s reign, but there was nothing they could do to change the situation, or those who have lost their children in the tenth plague.
Sitting on the throne, Amun was officially crowned and nominated Pharaoh. Everypony in the throne room (which included Hathor, Montu, Isis, Seth, Bes and Apis), bowed before him and exclaimed:
"All hail Pharaoh Amun!"
Amun then get up of the throne and approached his wife. He extended his hoof to her and she accepted. Amun took her to the edge of the throne and said:
"Hathor, when I fell in love with you and we married, I never thought I would come back to Coltypt to become what I should have been. But now that I am that, it's time to bring the mare I love to my side. I want you to rule Coltypt with me as my queen and the great love of my life."
Those beautiful words from Amun made a smile appear on Hathor’s face as they also made tears appear in her eyes. The speech also delighted those who heard it. Then a servant came, carrying a pillow where there was a beautiful queen crown. Amun picked it up and, using his magic, said:
"And so I coronate you Queen of Coltypt."
And Amun put the Crown on Hathor’s head and the crowd applauded them. After this, the new rulers of Coltypt headed to the balcony to be claimed by their subjects. As soon as they appeared, the ponies began to applaud and acclaim. But Amun knew there was who wasn't too pleased with the fact that he was now Pharaoh, but he knew how he could mitigate things.
"Thank you, my people, for coming to acclaim me and my wife. But there are a few words that I would like to tell you. First, I would like to thank those who supported me and who followed me, even in the face of a powerful opponent like my cousin. Second, I wanted to give my sorrow to the families that suffered from the plagues, especially those who have lost their children in the last one. I want you to know that I didn't want any of that to happen. However, the will of the Lord of Order would be fulfilled, whether it was through me or not. But to prove that what I say is true, I'm going to do this."
He invoked his staff, showing it to the crowd. When they saw it, some ponies were afraid, however, what Amun was going to do with the staff was not something scary. Using his magic, Amun broke the staff in five pieces and then he said:
"This staff is too powerful to be in the hooves of somepony wearing a crown. In addition to that, its purpose has been fulfilled. In order to ensure that my staff do not fall in the wrong hooves, I will hide each of the pieces so that they never again can be gathered and used for nefarious purposes. I hope that, with this, I can conquer some of your confidence."
The ponies stayed silent, having been quite surprised by the attitude of their pharaoh of breaking the staff. Amun then continued:
"Finally, I just want to say that I hope to be a good ruler and that I can rule Coltypt so it can have a glorious and bright future."
With these last words, the ponies responded with a huge ovation. Even those who weren’t previously supported began to acclaim Amun, albeit lighter. After this, Amun and Hathor returned inside, going to their friends.
"It seems that now you have a lot of fans, buddy" Montu said.
"I still can't believe Coltypt is back to what it was before" Isis said. "It's like a dream."
"If it is, then we are having the same dream, my dear" Bes said.
"Even though my faith was not as strong as some, I have to admit that it's good to be finally free" Apis said.
"What will be your first decree, Your Highness?" Seth asked to Amun.
"For starters, address to me as you always did" he said. "We're my friends, after all. And my first decree, in addition to abolishing the slave labor, is to create a council to help me rule Coltypt. It's time to share power that once was absolute."
Everyone seemed surprised by that decree.
"Are you sure?" Hathor asked.
"Yes, I'll continue to be the only one to have the last word, but I wish to have all the help I can get," Amun said. "So, I'd like to ask you three, Seth, Isis and Bes, if you want to help me."
The three couldn't believe what they heard.
"Do you want us to be part of the council?" Isis asked.
"Of course" Amun said. "Isis, your kindness and courage are what makes you fit for the task. Bes, your optimism and joy are essential to maintaining the moral, also your experience will be quite important. And Seth, your calm and nerves of steel will allow us to get out of future complications. Of course, the choice is yours, but I'd be honored if you consider."
The three exchanged a look and then Bes said, in her cheerful tone:
"But of course, my boy, you can count on me."
"And me, too" Isis said, with a smile. "I will do my best to not disappoint you."
"I also accepted the invitation" Seth said. "Although I do not deserve it, after all my scepticism regarding our freedom."
"If I had gone for what you and others passaed through, Seth, I would also question the opportunity of having a better life” Amun said.
He then turned to Apis and said:
"Apis, I've heard that before you came to Coltypt, you were a strong warrior in your old land."
"That is in the past" he said. "After having spent many years as a slave, I don't know if I am worthy of being considered a warrior."
"Of course you are" Amun said. "The years have not change the knowledge or the experience. That's why I want you to be my general and to train my soldiers."
The minotaur was amazed with the invitation. He said:
"I don't know what to say ..."
"Just say you accept" Amun said. "Believe me, there is no pony... or rather, a minotaur who is up to the task as much as you."
There was a pause and then Apis said:
"I accept with all the honor, Pharaoh."
Amun gave him a nod and then turned to Monthu and said.
"Monthu, you've been a great friend when I lived in Berberia and, as I know you and I know you don't like sitting around talking about boring things, I want you to be my first-counselor."
"And to think that not too long ago you were just a shepherd" Montu said. "Now, you're a pharaoh and you're asking me to be your first-counselor."
"So, do you accept?" Amun asked.
"Of course" Monthu said. "It would be an honor."
"Great" Amun said. "Looks like I got help for this important task I now have in my hooves."
"And you can believe that all of us will go to help in any way we can" Hathor said.
"I know you will" Amun said.
And the couple exchanged a kiss.
"Well, that's romantic" a voice said.
They turned and saw the Lord of Order sitting on Amun’s throne.
"Can I talk now?" he asked.
"Lord of Order" Amun said, rushing to make a bow. "What an honor."
Listening Amun saying that, his friends also knelt before the one that controlled the whole Creation. After they got up, Amun asked:
"But what brings you here?"
"I came to celebrate, of course" the Lord of Order answered, rising up. "After all, Coltypt came back to me."
"In spite of the damage" Amun said.
"A kingdom can be reconstructed" the Lord of Order replied. "Which reminds me that I didn’t bring a gift for the new Pharaoh and his Queen."
"You don’t have to, my lord" Amun said, humbly.
"But I insist" he said. "And I even know what I'm going to give you. Since we're at the beginning of a new era for Coltypt, I believe that it is appropriate to create a new image for the kingdom."
And, having said this, he raised his spear and then slammed it down hard. An intense white light appeared and overshadowed everything and everypony in the entire Kingdom. When it disappeared, they saw that the environment had changed. In the throne room, there was no longer the large windows, and now the room was closed and the back of the throne had now the seal of Coltypt.
"But what just happened" Montu asked.
"This is my gift" the Lord of Order. "A total remodeling of the palace ... and not only that. Watch."
And the Lord of Order made the image of the palace seen from the outside appear. Everypony were amazed when they saw that the pyramid was now made of gold. The citadel had also been modified. The buildings have been restored and transformed to be more sublime. Delimiting the kingdom by half, there was a canal, where the pure water of the great river flowed, stopping only at the palace. Also there were pyramids (smaller than the palace and not made of gold) whose top floated. The plants also grow smoothly for the citadel, which made it even more beautiful than it already was.
"By my beak and feathers!" Monthu exclaimed.
"It's beautiful!" Isis said.
"Wow, I'm speechless!" Bes exclaimed.
Even Apis and Seth were dazzled by such beauty, but, due to their personalities, they didn't say anything.
"Thank you, my lord" Amun thanked to the Lord of Order, bowing his head to him. "It was a wonderful gift."
"It’s true" Hathor said. "Coltypt is even more beautiful than before."
"I'm just making my Creation even prettier than it already was" the Lord of Order said. "And I have more gifts."
"More?" Amun asked.
The Lord of Order made a hand gesture and, over the heads of Amun, Hathor, Montu, Isis, Seth, Apis and Bes appeared the closed flowers that contained their star seeds. They opened and revealed their respective star seeds. With a new gesture, the Lord of Order made these star seeds shine even more intensely, and, in the case of Amun’s, it won the color of his magical aura, and, after that, they returned to their respective flowers which disappeared.
"But what is this?" Isis asked. "I feel weird."
"I feel my body was filled with energy" Seth said.
"I turned your respective lights eternal" the Lord of Order said. "Now, you have a longevity equal to that of my Generals’, namely, forever."
"That means ... that we are immortal?" Apis asked.
"Not necessarily" the Lord of Order said. "Unlike my generals, you still can die. Of course the light of Amun’s star seed adopted a new color to symbolize his connection to his Kingdom."
"I... I'm not sure I'm worthy of such tribute" Amun said.
"None of us know" Hathor said, while the others nodded, agreeing.
"Of course we are worthy" the Lord of Order answered. "You are now a team. It’s your responsibility to take care of this kingdom. And I want you to do it for as long as possible. Anyway, for now, this is the only inhabited paradise in the Pony World. And you get to know that your lights will be transmitted to your offspring so they can follow your hoofsteps, or hoofsteps, when your job is done."
"And when will that be?" Amun asked.
"You will know" the Lord of Order replied. "I mean, I will know and I will tell you."
There was a pause and then the Lord of Order commented:
"If my accounts are correct, your little council consists of four members."
"Yes, my lord" Amum said. "Do you have any objection to my choices?"
"Not at all" the Lord of Order replied. "I just think it only needs one more member. And, if you don't mind, I'd like to choose, or better, to create this fifth member."
He snapped his fingers and a piece of stone of the size of a pony appeared. With a gesture, the Lord of Order sculptured the stone until it had the form of a unicorn mare. Then, in his hand, it appeared a star seed that had an intense white light, just like the others had (except Amun’s, of course).
Everypony was anxious, while they watched the Lord of Order creating a life personally. He released the star seed towards the statue and, when it deployed on top of the head, a star seed flower appeared and opened, making the star seed putting itself in it. Once it was positioned, the flower closed and disappeared. Suddenly, the statue became a real mare.
She had a moderate orange coat with a feather over a scale as Cutie Mark, moderate raspberry and moderate red mane and cornflower bluish gray eyes. She, so she got life, knelt before the Lord of Order, saying:
"I'm here to serve you, my master."
"Your name is Maat and you will be the Supreme Judge of Coltypt and one of the members of the Coltypt Council. Besides me, the only pony to be above you will be the Pharaoh of Coltypt."
Recognizing Amun as Pharaoh, Maat made him a bow and said:
"I'm at your service, Pharaoh."
"Thank you very much, Maat" Amun said. "Let me introduce you to the other members of the council besides me: Isis, Bes and Seth."
Maat bowed respectfully her head to them, who returned the gesture.
"This is my wife, Hathor, and this is my first-adviser, Montu" Amun introduced.
Maat also saluted them in a respectful way.
"Maat, despite having her own personality, was programmed by me to make neutral and fair decisions, which makes her a perfect judge and a perfect replacement for the case of the Pharaoh not be able to rule the kingdom" the Lord of Order explained. "That way, we ensure that the power does not fall into the possession of another follower of my brother."
"I understand, Lord of Order" Amun said. "You don't want to lose Coltypt once again to the Lord of Chaos."
"Coltypt is my main source of light in the Pony World, not counting with the original star seed" the Lord of Order said. "So we have to protect Coltypt at all costs. Which reminds me that, now that I've taken care of the management, it's time to take care of defense."
He snapped his fingers and, after a small explosion of light, seven golden bracelets with three blue round stones on the front appeared. After this, the Lord of Order turned to Apis and told him:
"Apis, take one of the bracelets and put it on."
So Apis did what the Lord of Order told him to do. He took one of the bracelets and put it on.
"Now, say: Power of Coltypt " the Lord of Order said.
"Power of Coltypt!" Apis exclaimed.
The stones of the bracelet sparkled with a white light and Apis’ whole body turned golden. All were surprised by what happened.
"This... This is amazing!" Apis exclaimed. "I feel a lot of energy inside of me."
"These bracelets are loaded with the power of light" the Lord of Order explained. "Like the staff, they have part of my power, but in its purest form. Those who use them, will have this golden power at their disposal, and, at the same time, they earn the same longevity as you. Apis, being the general of the Pharaoh, it is your duty to deliver these bracelets for those who are worthy of their power."
And then an ark appeared and the bracelets were placed inside. The ark was later delivered to Apis who got it. He then said to the Lord of Order, bowing respectfully his head:
"I will do my best, my lord."
"And to ensure that my brother didn't try to conquer Coltypt by force, I will create a warrior who will be the champion of the Pharaoh" the Lord of Order said.
He extended his hand and, after an explosion of light, appeared what seemed to be a pony in a suit of armor. It seemed to be an earth pony completely covered by a Golden Armor, with a mask and headdress of golden metal. Throughout his armor, mainly in the chest, there were golden spheres and, in the middle of the chest, there was a symbol that looked like a three-pointed star. In one of the forelegs there was a bracelet just like the others the Lord of Order delivered to Apis, but this one looked diferente, having four spheres instead of three, with the one that was in the front bigger than the others.
"This is Shu” the Lord of Order said. "A being created from what some locals of an outside world call technology."
"Technology?" Amun asked.
"I used the same type of technology to recreate Coltypt" the Lord of Order explained. "I also had the initiative to update your library with all information about it. But Shu is different from any kind of technology. He is an automaton being and, despite not being actually alive, he has a vast artificial intelligence and is programmed to serve the Pharaoh. Watch."
He snapped his fingers and the gaps in Shu’s armore, as well as his eyes, shone with a golden light and he got up, much to the amazement of everypony. He then advanced towards Amun and then made him a bow, saying:
"I'm at your service, my Pharaoh."
"Thank you, Shu" a little disconcerted Amun thanked. "You can get up."
Shu did so.
"I hope with all this, Amun, you’ll be able to continue your father’s legacy" the Lord of Order said. "That you have a prosperous reign and that you become worthy of your title and your father's son."
And, having said that, the Lord of Order disappeared.
"I also hope so" Amun said, talking just to himself.
Author's Note
This concludes the first part of The Tale of Coltypt . I hope you enjoyed it and that you're ready for the second part.
Years passed since Coltypt finally got rid of the control of the Lord of Chaos to be now under the influence of the Lord of Order through the legitimate pharaoh: Amun. Amun then ruled with wisdom and kindness with the help of his wife and queen, Hathor, his first councelor, Montu, his general, Apis, and the members of his Council: Isis, Seth, Bes and Maat. Shu also kept the peace in the kingdom, protecting it from all and any threats, along with Apis and his army.
Following the Lord of Order’s instructions, Apis began trying to choose the warriors who were worthy of the golden bracelets and their power. In order to find these worthy warriors, he built a labyrinth that, in addition to serve as a training center on the outside of the center of the labyrinth, it served, on the inside, to test the capabilities of those who wanted to obtain the Golden Power. However, nopony was able to achieve such a feat. At least until Montu decided to risk and be able to stand the test of Apis’ Labyrinth, deserving so one of the six remaining golden bracelets.
Coltypt was not only growing in politics or military power, but also in number. Soon, Amun and Hathor had their children: two twin colts that were also the two princes of Coltypt. The oldest was called Anubis and was an earth pony who had a luminous vivid tangelo coat, just like his grandmother Seshat, Seti’s mane, Hathor’s eyes and coatless strong tangelo hooves. The younger was called Kefer and he was a unicorn that was much like his father, having his coat, but on a slightly different tone, and his eyes, but a brilliant scarlet mane and coatless dark gamboge hooves. The Pharaoh and his Queen couldn't be happier.
But they were not the only younglings to come into the world created by the Lord of Order. Isis and Montu, having finally give in into their love, got married and had a son whom they called Horus. He, being half Griffin, inherited enough of the inheritance given by his father, including the head of a bird of prey and the claws, but, due to his pony heritage, Horus was born without wings and with coatless dark vermilion hind hooves and a light cobalt bluish gray pony tail. His coat was moderate vermilion, the feathers of his head were grayish gamboge and her eyes were the same as those of his father. Despite being a hybrid, Horus was treated with immense love by his parents and respected as an equal by everypony else.
However, even with Coltypt living in peace and security, a shadow was watching them, waiting for the right moment to attack.
The Lord of Chaos looked at Coltypt through one of his mirrors, angry and disgusted to see so much happiness and light in a kingdom that for more than three decades was his. He turned to someponies who were before him and said to them, in his angry and intimidating voice:
"It is unbelievable that you, two of my most powerful servants in the Pony World, are unable to create even a scratch in the walls of Coltypt or blow a portion of its army!"
He was talking to Pandora and Rothbart, who were keeling before him, although full of fear, their lord and master.
"So, do you have something to say for yourselves before I give you the punishment you deserve?" the Lord of Chaos asked, creating a flame in your hand.
"Please, my Lord, have mercy!" Pandora pleaded.
"It's not our fault that we can't invade Coltypt" Rothbart said.
"Yes, it is the fault of those goldend fools and that stupid robot" Pandora said. "If it weren't for them, you'd have Coltypt under your domain."
"So the excuse that you decided to come up with to justify your failure is that the enemy is much stronger?" the Lord of Chaos said, increasing the intensity of the flame and getting ready to launch it.
Pandora and Rothbart trembled a lot, fearing being hit, but it was then that the Lord of Chaos gave up the attack, making the dark flame disappear, and then said:
"Maybe you're right."
Listening that, Pandora and Rothbart breathed a sigh of relief. The Lord of Chaos continued:
"Amun has an arsenal of weapons that my brother gave him. But among all those weapons, Shu is undoubtedly the most powerful one. If he was taken off the board, even for a few moments, we could have a chance to at least make them pay for the humiliation that I spent with those ten plagues."
The Lord of Chaos thought for a few moments and then said:
"I know what to do! Pandora, Rothbart, I want you to attack Coltypt once again. But this time, our opponents are going to have a big surprise. But be aware of one thing. When I get rid of the main obstacle, I don't want to hear excuses, do you understand?"
"Yes, sir" the two said at the same time.
And, having said that, the two went through the mirror that showed Coltypt.
In Coltypt, in the Palace, it was happening another meeting of the Council of Coltypt. The room where these meetings took place was round a room with a circle in the centre where there were five chairs, where each of the members of the Councils would sit. At the center of this circle on the floor, was Coltypt seal.
Through its members, it could see how time had passed. Everyone wore robes of linen, although they had their specific adornments: Amun, being the Pharaoh, had the headdress crown, whose central jewel glowed with the light, and a fake beard; Seth had a normal headdress, a fake beard and a golden staff; Isis had golden necklace and earrings, with a golden mantle that seemed like bird wings, besides that she also was holding a staff; Maat, beyond her golden necklace and staff, had a diadem that, on each side, had what seemed to be upright wings and, finally, Bes had lost what was left of his mane, though he still kept his beard, wearing a cap to cover his bald head. They were all looking very distinguished.
Amun was watching some papyri and then said:
"So it looks like everything is treated in relation to the issues that we had to take care of today."
"Finally!" said Bes, yawning. "I was getting tired of sitting on this Chair."
Isis gave a giggle and Seth rebuked:
"You should act with seriousness to your position as a member of the Council, Bes."
"Seth, you should learn to relax more" he replied. "After all, it's not all work."
The door opened and Hathor entered, accompanied by Anubis, Kefer and Horus.
"Look who stopped by to do a visit" she said.
And so the younglings entered running, with Anubis and Kefer going in the direction of their father and Horus in direction of his mother.
"Daddy!" the twins exclaimed, while Amun took them with their magic and sat them at his side.
"And how are my two big boys?" Amun asked.
"We’re okay, dad" Anubis replied.
"Yes, we've been playing a lot with mommy" Kefer said.
"I hope you haven't given too much work to the Queen, my son" Isis said to Horus, who also sat at her side.
"No, mommy, I acted very well" Horus replied.
"You don't have to worry about, Isis" Hathor said, getting to the circle of the Council. "He was like an angel. I just hope not being disturbing the meeting."
"No, we already finished" Amun said, while misaligned the mane of his children. "And believe me, the sight of these little ones was all we needed now."
"How could we not need?" Bes asked, standing up and heading to the little ones. "They are adorable! Hey, who want to see Uncle Bes doing the silliest face of all?"
"Yeah!" the infants exclaimed, descending from Amun and Isis’ chairs and going to sit on the floor.
Bes then began making several faces that the three younglings found immensely funny. Seth, in his turn, took a paw to the forehead, while shaking in a disapproval way his head. So Maat turned to Amun and told him:
"With your permission, Pharaoh, I'd like to go to my pyramid to deal with matters of Justice."
"Of course, Maat" Amun said. "You can go."
Maat made him a bow, but when she started to address to the exit, the doors opened and Montu (who had an headdress and some talon metal gloves) appeared saying:
"Pharaoh, we're on attack!"
"On attack?" Amun repeated, standing up.
"Yes, the Sentinel said Pandora and Rothbart are approaching the Kingdom with an army of dark ponies."
"It seems that the Lord of Chaos won't give up until Coltypt returns to be under his control again" Amun said.
"We should send our army immediately" Isis said.
"As well as Shu" Seth said. "If we're lucky, maybe this time we get rid of those two."
Amun agreed and said to Hathor:
"Hathor, take the children and stay with them until this is all over or at least make sure they’re secured."
"Yes, of course" she said, turning to the infants. "Come on, boys."
The twins gave a farewell hug to their father and Horus to his mother, and then they began heading to the exit with Hathor. Passing by Montu, Horus said to his father:
"You're going to give those bad guys what they deserve, aren't you, daddy?"
"Of course" he replied. "And then I’ll come back and tell you how it went."
And Horus gave a big hug to her father and then left with Hathor, Kefer and Anubis.
"Montu, go call Apis" Amun said. "He's at the labyrinth training some new soldiers. Use everything you have to use, but prevent Pandora and Rothbart to penetrate into our walls."
"Yes, Pharaoh" Montu said, making a bow.
He prepared to leave, but then Isis stood up and called him:
"Montu!"
He stopped and turned to his wife who told him:
"Be careful."
"Don't worry, Isis" he said. "Everything will be fine."
And he left.
Seth approached his adoptive sister and told him:
"Don't worry, Isis. Montu is a good warrior. He knows what to do."
"I know that, but Pandora and Rothbart are powerful and quite tricky" Isis said. "It worries me what they can do."
In Apis’ Labyrinth, whose training zone was at the center where the entrance to the interior of the labyrinth where the test to those who wanted to get one of the golden bracelets took place was, the general oversaw the training of the aspiring soldiers of Coltypt, holding his staff that served as a weapon as well as a support.
"Listen to me very well. If you want to be proud warriors of Coltypt, you will have to make a much greater effort than the one you're showing. The Lord of Chaos won't have mercy and, if you are not skillful and hardworking enough, you won't last five seconds on the battlefield against his followers."
Apis was known for being a very demanding and hard general, who wanted that his soldiers were in the most excellent way. This way of his to manage the army of Coltypt, in addition to his strategic capability, was one of the factors that allowed Amun’s kingdom to be able to keep the villains of the Lord of Chaos outside of its walls.
It was then that Montu approached the labyrinth flying and landed right in front of Apis.
"Montu, what’s wrong?" the minotaur asked.
"Trouble, Apis" he replied. "And have Pandora and Rothbart’s hoofprints everywhere."
"I see" he said. "So it seems that today we will fight seriously."
Hearing this, the aspiring soldiers were quite excited, maybe by thinking that they would finally to prove their worth. But this happiness was undone when Apis told them:
"Why are you so happy? You will not enter in this battle! You are still very green to face enemies like these ones! If you want to be useful, secure the kingdom and make sure nothing happens to the inhabitants."
"Yes, sir" they all answered while they got out of the labyrinth in order to comply Apis’ orders.
"Let's teach a lesson to those idiots" Apis said.
"That's what I wanted to hear" Montu said.
Leading an army of dark ponies in direction of Coltypt were Pandora and Rothbart. They walked with a smile on their face, confident they would finally defeat Amun’s army thanks to their master’s plan. They came to Coltypt and, in front of the walls that protected the kingdom, were Apis, Montu and their army, ready to fight.
"Look at who they are" Rothbart said. "The bull and the bird."
"We're surprised that you have returned after your disastrous defeat" Apis said.
"Don't tell us that you wanted to come back for more" Montu said.
"You will see that this time will be different" Pandora said.
"That's what you always say" Montu said. "By the way, Pandora, shouldn't you be playing with dolls? Why don't you leave fighting to the grown-ups?"
"I'm going to show you how a grown-up fights" Pandora said. "Dark ponies, attack!"
Following her order, the dark ponies began to attack the army of Coltypt.
"Go!" Apis exclaimed to the ponies of the army.
They also began to run and were quick to meet the dark ponies and a fight started between them.
"It seems that it's our turn, my friend" Montu said.
"If you ask me, I'm glad these fights happen, because then we can use the power that the Lord of Order gave us" Apis said.
And so the two said:
"Power of Coltypt."
And the Golden Power gave them the golden color and, as soon as this happened, Montu took off at full speed. Seeing Montu taking off, Rothbart said:
"I take care of the bird face" Rothbart said. "You take care of the minotaur."
"Don't forget that you also have a bird face when you turn" Pandora scoffed.
"Funny" Rothbart said ironically. "You should entertain our master. So could it be that he wasn't so grumpy."
And so Rothbart started to shine with a dark aura and his body started to change. When it was over, he had turned into his monster half pony, half owl form. He then took off, moving in the direction of Montu.
After this, Apis tried focus on Pandora, but when he realized, she was right in front of him.
"Hello" she greeted him.
And she charged her horn and threw a beam that hit Apis and pushed him back. He hit against the wall of the kingdom, but he rose up and said to Pandora:
"That was a low blow, Pandora. Attack of the Minotaur."
And he started running in the direction of Pandora, trying to invest against her with his horns.
In the air, Montu and Rothbart fought a fierce aerial battle. Both were trying to attack the other with scratches, pecking and investing. Despite the Golden Power had enhanced his speed, strength and agility, Montu was having trouble dealing with Rothbart’s size that was a bit bigger than he.
It was then that Rothbart kicked Montu with his hooves and tried to attack him with one of his claws, but before he could do it, eight golden balls loaded with golden energy hit him and threw him with force against the ground. They all looked and saw Shu landing on the battlefield. He turned to the followers of the Lord of Chaos and told them:
"Go away, villains. This place is not for scum like you."
Pandora teleported herself to where Rothbart had fallen. The dark wizard stood up, still in his altered form, and a smile appeared on his face and Pandora’s.
"I'm glad you decided to join us, Shu” Pandora said.
"We have a surprise for you" Rothbart said.
Montu landed next to Apis and told to the two villains:
"You better run. You know what happens when you mess with the most powerful weapon of Coltypt."
"We don't have the slightest intention of mess with him" Rothbart said.
"This is because it's our master who will take care of him" Pandora added.
And both looked to the sky and the others followed their example. Those who served the Lord of Order were shocked when they saw that the sun was being eclipsed.
"What the..." Montu explained.
"What's happening?" Apis asked.
The sun being eclipsed was noted by all Coltypt. Its inhabitants were attending this, astounded. Amun, seeing what was happening, said:
"This can't be good."
On the battlefield, all soldiers of the army of Coltypt observed that eclipse happening. When the sun was completely hidden, Shu let himself fall on his knees, saying:
"But... What is this?!"
"Shu, what's wrong?" Apis asked.
"I don't know" said Shu. "I feel my energy disappearing. I feel..."
But he didn’t finish, because the golden glow that came from the inside disappeared and Shu lay still.
Author's Note
This is the beginning of the second part of this story.
Those who belonged to the army of Coltypt became speechless, seeing what happened to Shu, the mechanical warrior who should be invincible.
"I don't believe..." Apis said.
"Shu, what happened?!" Monthu asked.
"We say what happened" Rothbart said. "It was the Lord of Chaos who caused this."
"Your robot feeds off of the energy of the order there are around, focusing it and channeling it" Pandora explained. "That's why it's so powerful."
"But if that energy is disturbed by an opposing force, as the energy of chaos, then he becomes useless" Rothbart said.
The Coltypt army was stunned to see that Pandora and Rothbart had cancelled their most powerful weapon. Seeing his demoralized soldiers, Apis told them:
"Don't be like that!" he exclaimed. "I'm sure Shu’s current state lasts only during this eclipse. As soon as it passes, he will be activated."
"Don't forget that we can still fight them" Montu continued. "We've done it many times. We just have to hold on until Shu regain his energy."
"Yeah!" the soldiers exclaimed, gaining their motivation back.
And they continued to fight bravely against the dark ponies.
"They may be fools, but they're right" Pandora said. "The eclipse won't last forever. The Lord of Order controls this area. He will repair what our master did."
"So we just have to enjoy the time we have to cause some serious damage" Rothbart said.
And, having said this, he took off and flew in Montu’s direction, asking:
"Ready for round two?"
Montu took flight to avoid Rothbart’s the attack and the two resumed their aerial combat.
Apis saw them to back off, but then he noticed a new attack from Pandora coming. He turned to it and, spinning his staff to form a kind of shield, he managed to stop it, as he was dragged a few inches.
"Don't get distracted from the fight, Apis" Pandora said, carrying her horn with magic. "Didn't they teach you that in the minotaur school?"
"Of course they taught, Pandora, but do you want to know what more they taught?" Apis asked. "This! Sun and Moon!"
And he pointed his staff to Pandora, releasing a beam of pure light. Seeing it, Pandora had to act quickly and she created an energy shield with her magic in time to defend herself from the attack and, like her attack did to Apis, pushed her, but a few hooves. After the attack, Pandora undid the shield and exclaimed:
"Are you crazy?! Aren't you ashamed to use an attack like that against a filly?!"
"What's the matter, Pandora?" Apis asked. "You don't have the will to fight against the grown-ups?"
That angered Pandora that launched a new attack.
The fight between Rothbart and Monthu was still quite close. None of the two wanted to give no advantage to the other.
"You know, what I think, Rothbart?" Montu asked as he turned to avoid the attacks of his opponent. "You should stick to your nature and stay on earth as the earth pony you are. Wings of Power."
And Montu’s golden wings became sharp and he tried to attack Rothbart with them. He managed to avoid them, stepping back a little, and then said:
"You say that I should stick to my nature, but you are the one who has a son who is a freak hybrid."
Hearing him speaking like that about his dear son, Montu’s anger grew exponentially, such that he couldn't think of anything else besides making Rothbart pay for what he had said. But that was a fatal mistake. With that, his movements become increasingly predictable and less coordinated and so Rothbart started to swerve easily, smiling before Montu’s anger.
Then, during a blow from Montu, Rothbart caught his attack and lift one of his claws and, making it even sharper with dark magic, stabbed it in Montu’s chest, at the place of the heart, making through the golden armor that the Golden Power in his golden bracelet gave him, making him give a huge groan of pain. Hearing him, Apis turned and saw what was happening.
"NO, MONTU! " Apis shouted.
Wanting to do something to help his friend, Apis pointed his staff to Pandora and said:
"Shot of the Labyrinth."
From his staff, he launched a wave of energy that reached Pandora. When she was hit, she felt herself so confused that lost balance. Without Pandora not getting in the way and putting his staff aside, he took his bow and then three arrows whose tips started to burn. He pointed them to Rothbart and fired. Repairing the arrows, Rothbart managed to swerve, dropping Monthu that fell to the ground, but, to his great surprise, they changed their direction and returned to go against him.
"What?!" he asked.
And the arrows shot him on the wings and that made Rothbart lose balance in the air and fall with a big impact. Hitting the ground, he was dwarfed by his dark aura and returned to his pony form.
"Damn minotaur..." he said.
Once he hit Rothbart, Apis turned his attention to look to Montu, exclaiming:
"Monthu, talk to me! Say something!"
Pandora, when recovered from the confusion, took advantage of this distraction to use her magic to bring Apis down and, after he fell, she put herself on top of him, carrying her horn.
"It seems today those who have the Golden Power will die."
And she prepared to deal the final attack, but suddenly the sun appeared with the end of the eclipse the Lord of Chaos created. Seeing this, Pandora began to get worried.
"Oh no..." she said.
She turned to Shu and saw him coming around, standing up and saying:
“Shu is back and full of energy."
Pandora contorted her face in anger and said to Apis:
"You're really lucky."
And she teleported herself to the edge of Rothbart, who tried to stand up, and said:
"We're leaving. We can't win this battle now that Shu is back."
"I agree" Rothbart said.
And, being covered by black smoke for a few moments, the two disappeared and the dark ponies were next. Seeing the enemy retreating, the soldiers of the Coltypt army began to celebrate, but Apis didn't have time for that. He stood up and advanced to where Montu was. Realizing what was happening, the ponies have fallen silent. Once Apis got there, he looked at the wound caused by Rothbart. It seemed to be quite deep and the blood kept getting out.
"Wake up, Montu!" Apis exclaimed. "Come on, wake up!"
The griffon then opened his eyes slowly and said, seeing the general:
"Apis..."
"Don't talk" Apis said. "Save your strength."
Monthu giggled nervously and weakly and then said:
"We both know that I no longer have salvation."
"Don't say that" Apis said. "Think about Isis and your son. This will keep you alive until you are treated."
"Rothbart has reached the heart, Apis" Montu said. "There's nothing we can do."
"There has to be" Apis said.
He then turned to Shu and said:
"Shu, you gotta do something or he dies!"
"I'm sorry, but my energy can only be used to fight" he said. "I can't cure."
"Damn..." Apis said, trying to find some way to save Montu.
"It's okay, Apis" Montu said. "If I have to die, at least I know I died... protecting those I love. Just promise me one thing, Apis. Promise me that you will make my son a warrior who I... I can be proud of."
Despite still wanting to continue trying to find a way to save Montu, Apis was unable to refuse attend to his request.
"I promise" he promised.
A faint smile appeared on Montu’s face.
"Thank you... Apis. Say to Isis and Horus... I love them."
And, having said this, he died. The Golden Power that covered his body disappeared as soon as the last piece of Montu’s life abandoned his body.
In the Council of Coltypt room, all waited for results. Hathor also was there, having left a maid to take care of the kids. Amun went in, asking:
"Did you noticed the eclipse that happened earlier?" Amun asked, while approaching.
"Even if we hadn't seen it, I'm sure we'd sense it" Maat said, while Amun sat on his chair. "The negative energy released was incredible."
"Yeah, he even gave me the creeps" Bes said.
"But what was that?" Hathor asked.
"For sure it's the work of the Lord of Chaos" Seth said. "Probably he used the little influence that he still has here to create that eclipse."
"And I bet it's not with good intentions" Isis said, getting even more worried. "And Apis and Montu who never arrive. Just when this is happening is that the battle is being delayed."
It was then that the door of the room opened and Apis and Shu entered. They entered in the circle of the Council, they knelt down in front of Amun and Shu said:
"Pharaoh, we have news from the battlefield."
"Very well" he said. "Speek."
"Let be General Apis the one to communicate everything, Your Highness" Shu said.
Despite knowing that Shu was a machine, Apis knew he had given him the word as he would know better how to communicate the death of Montu.
"We came out victorious in the battle, Your Highness, all thanks to Shu. He managed to scare the villains of the Lord of Chaos."
"I'm glad to hear that" Amun said, looking satisfied.
"However, this victory cost us a lot" Apis said.
"What do you mean, Apis?" Seth asked.
"What I mean is that Rothbart managed to cause some damage" Apis said.
He then approached of Isis, which had become even more nervous, and said to her:
"I’m sorry, Isis…"
And he showed her Montu’s bracelet. Seeing it, Isis was petrified, as the shock of knowing that her husband had died was immense. But she wasn't the only one to be affected by the news. Amun also couldn't believe that his best friend had died.
"Montu's dead?" Seth asked, also surprised. "But he was a great warrior, the only one to have been able to pass the test of your labyrinth and deserve a golden bracelet. How did this happen?"
"That eclipse the Lord of Chaos created prevented Shu from battling" Apis revealed.
"But how is that possible if Shu is the most powerful weapon that the Lord of Order sent to us?" Bes asked.
"That eclipse prevented me to absorb the positive energy that was around me and this led to my deactivation" Shu explained.
"It seems that the Lord of Chaos managed to find out what makes our champion walk" Maat said. "However, I think we can all relax. I don't think he's going to try something like this again, now that we know his little trick."
"After Shu have been disabled, the battle became more intense, with the enemy trying to end the battle before the end of the eclipse. That's when Rothbart killed Montu. And I just was also about to be killed by Pandora. Fortunately for me, the eclipse ended and Shu came back to life, making those bastards get away."
Amun and Isis remained silent, not looking or even listening. The shock of knowing about the lost of Monthu was quite large.
"But I'm sure we will be able to do justice to his death and, in the meantime, I'm going to do what Montu certainly would want me to do as a general" Apis continued. "I will keep the bracelet until somepony else shows to be worthy as he was."
It was then that Amun got up and headed to the exit.
"Pharaoh?" Apis asked. "Is something wrong?"
But he didn't say anything and just walked out. Hathor, worried about her husband, followed him.
"It seems that Isis is not the only one suffering with what happened" Bes noted.
"After all, Pharaoh and Montu were best friends," Maat said.
"Actually, I think this is what the Lord of chaos wanted" Seth said.
"What do you mean by that, Seth?" Bes asked.
"It's because of the Pharaoh that the Lord of Chaos no longer controls Coltypt" Seth said. "So he wanted to cause him pain in retaliation."
The Lord of Chaos observed the scene through one of his mirrors, sitting on his throne, and said:
"It seems that Seth could see my intentions. Impressive."
Pandora and Rothbart also were there. The former asked:
"So you're not angry that we have not been able to invade Coltypt?"
"The reason for this invasion was to make Amun suffer for the great humiliation that he put me through before my brother" the Lord of Chaos said. "Despite not having gone as I expected, I dare say that we were successful, otherwise you wouldn't be breathing in front of me."
That made the two followers to swallow dry. The Lord of Chaos continued:
"Montu’s death caused a great impact in Amun. In the same way that I lost Coltypt, he lost his best friend. The difference, is that I can still recover what I lost. But Amun will never see his little friend as long as he lives. And that gives me a great pleasure. Good job, Rothbart. And you too, Pandora. Despite you didn’t kill Apis, I was impressed by your ability to manage the battlefield.
"Thank you, my lord" the two thanked at the same time, making a bow.
Hathor followed her husband to the throne room. Upon entering, she saw him supporting over one of the pillars.
"Amun…" Hathor said, approaching. "Are you all right?"
"It's my fault" he said. "Everything that happened... it's my fault."
"What are you talking about, my love?" Hathor asked, putting its hoof over Amun’s shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. It was the Lord of Chaos’."
"I should have known that he would not be quiet after I have taken Coltypt from him" Amun said. "I knew he would do anything to get back at me. And now he took my best friend."
"Amun..." Hathor started.
"Don't you understand, Hathor?!" Amun exclaimed, with tears in his eyes. "He won't give up until he takes from me everything I love! Today was Montu, but in the future it could be you, or Anubis, or Kefer. As Pharaoh, it is my duty to prevent things like this from happening."
''I understand what you're feeling, Amun" Hathor said. "I understand the pain you feel. He was also my friend."
There was a pause and then Hathor remembered something that could help Amun to overcome his pain.
"You know, I remember the day when Montu came into our lives" she said. "Like you, he was wandering in the desert. You found him and you gave him what to drink, even though he was a stranger and not a pony. He was so grateful that he decided to reward you in any way he could. And he did it anything. He stayed with us and helped us in everything he could. He even came with us free Coltypt. Montu did everything for us. He even gave up his own life to save, not only Coltypt, but all the effort and determination that you put in the recovery of this kingdom, Amun. So, I don't think he deserves that his memory is tainted with sadness and regret. Don't you think?"
Amun heard his wife’s words carefully and realized where she was getting at. She was right. Despite everything that's happened, Amun couldn't let himself going down. He had to keep his head up and honor Montu. A smile appeared on his face and he said to Hathor:
"Thank you, Hathor."
And the two exchanged a hug.
On a balcony of the castle, Isis was talking with Seth.
"I don't know what I'm going to tell Horus about his father" Isis said.
"I don't think you have much choice, dear sister" Seth said. "You'll have to tell him the truth. That his father died to save this kingdom."
"He's just a child, Seth" Isis said.
"And that’s the reason I’m saying this" Seth said. "The sooner he deals with the death of his father, the better. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about."
"Isis, Seth is right" a voice said and Apis appeared. "That boy deserves to know the whole truth. It's the only way for him to grow and overcome all the pain."
"Apis..." Isis said.
"I have to tell you one thing, Isis" Apis said. "Before he died, Montu expressed his desire to have his son trained by me so one day he could become a warrior who he could be proud of. I know that, after what happened, you have your reservations about this subject, but..."
Isis raised the hoof and he stopped talking. She said:
"Don't worry, Apis. I understand your need to fulfil the wishes of my husband and I am in full agreement. After all, the Lord of Chaos will always be an enemy in our lives and we must teach future warriors. Besides, I don't want my son to end up like his father, so I want him to be very well trained and you, Apis, are suitable for this task."
"I see you got more wise during these years, dear sister" Seth said. "That is a great choice."
"Pharaoh also agreed to let his sons also start training” Apis said. "We only hope that they become as much or more admirable than their parents."
After several days, the funeral ceremony of Montu began, after the mummification process. His body covered in bandages were placed in a sarcophagus where his face, wings and claws were represented. Horus watched with sadness the sarcophagus of his father being put in a place apart in the great Coltypt temple, where the image of the Lord of Chaos had been replaced by the image of the Lord of Order. His prince friends, Anubis and Kefer, also were there, accompanying their parents.
When everypony started to leave the Montu’s tomb room, Amun also prepared to leave, but, before that, he turned to the coffin and said:
"Goodbye, my friend. I hope we shall meet again one day. Until that date, you can rest assured. We will take good care of your son and Isis."
And, having said that, he left the room to let his best friend rest in peace.
Years passed since Montu lost his life fighting Rothbart. After this, the lives of those who loved and admired the griffon warrior normalized.
The kingdom of Coltypt, over the years, developed further, with their technology getting more refined and prosperity growing increasingly. But the kingdom was not the only thing that grew.
The children who inhabited the castle grew to become strong and healthy young adults. Kefer, Anubis and Horus should not be more than nineteen years now. The only physical difference that they had in addition to the passage of time were their Cutie Marks. Kefer had a crossed hekat sceptre and sword and Anubis had a crossed nekhakha and sword. Both Cutie Marks represented the great potential that the twins had to lead and one day to become pharaohs. Horus, who had the same size as a grown stallion due to his pony heritage, also had a Cutie Mark that was the Eye of Horus Egyptian symbol.
The three grew up as best friends. They began training with Apis to be warriors at the same time, which allowed them to train together and, when necessary, battle as a cohesive team. However, the development of their personalities created some disruption in the inseparable trio. Horus and Kefer remained best friends, as both were quite similar in terms of personality with their respective father, being the reason why their friendship was very close. They had a common goal: to become Golden Warriors.
However, Anubis began moving away a little from them two, training alone and intensely, desiring to be the better fighter. He also started to become too much confident of his own capabilities, in addition to being convinced that he would be who would succeed Amun when it was time for one of his children to succeed as a new pharaoh for being the older, despite knowing that, as he and Kefer were twins, fit only to his father to decide.
During a training section, Kefer trained the use of his sword using magic, waving it in the air. However, Horus was training with his talons, which had the metal gloves that belonged to his father, using a training dummy.
"Do you think we're really ready for the test, Kefer?" Horus asked. "After all, we are talking about Apis’ labyrinth."
"We already were there, remember, Horus?" Kefer asked, while he handled the sword.
"Yeah, but we were only in the first levels and we were just kids" Horus reminded. "At that time, Apis took easy on us."
"Oh, so fight giant scorpions is taking easy" Kefer said in his joke tone.
"You can make fun all you want, Kefer, but don't forget that many tried to get the bracelets and almost all failed" Horus said, making a blow so hard with his talons that he ended up beheading the training dummy. "Only a warrior was capable of such a feat."
Horus’ voice became heavier and Kefer realized why. Montu, his father, was the only warrior to get a golden bracelet through the challenge of Apis’ labyrinth. The young prince could feel the longing that his friend had for his father.
"Are you okay, Horus?" Kefer asked.
"Yes, it's just..." he replied, looking at one of his metal gloves. "I wish he was here to see me as I'm getting stronger and becoming the warrior that he wanted me to become."
Kefer approached his friend and told him, putting a hoof on his shoulder:
"I'm sure he would be proud."
"Thank you, Kefer" Horus thanked. "I think he'd be proud."
"What sentimental" a voice said.
They turned and saw Anubis approaching. He had on his back a sheath that had a sword similar to Kefer’s.
"I didn't know warriors could give in so easily to emotions" Anubis said.
"There's nothing wrong with that, brother" Kefer said. "After all, emotions are what makes us ponies."
"Yes, and, in Horus’ case, half-pony" Anubis replied.
That made Horus look angry to Anubis, but seeing his friend's reaction, Kefer told him:
"Don't listen to him, Horus. You know how Anubis is. He likes to tease."
Horus calmed down and Anubis said, while he took his sword:
"You two are still convinced that you can pass the test of the labyrinth?"
"Why not?" Kefer asked. "Do you think we can't?"
"Who cares about my opinion?" Anubis asked, while he began to strike the sword on a training dummy. "If you are determined to try, who am I to stop you?"
"And don't you want to join us?" Kefer asked.
"Why?" Anubis asked, continuing to train. "I know what my fate is and it is not venturing in a maze full of dangers just to get some fancy bracelets. I have my eyes on something bigger."
"And what's that?" Horus asked.
Anubis stopped striking, turned to Horus and Kefer and replied:
"Become pharaoh, of course."
"The decision is not up to you, Anubis" Horus asked. "It's up to your father. Don't forget that both you and Kefer can be elected."
"Personally, I don't care if I become Pharaoh or not, Horus" Kefer said. "As long as I can contribute to the protection of our kingdom, nothing else matters."
"But if you wanted to, little brother, I don't know how you could overcome me" Anubis said. "After all, I'm older and a lot better than you in combat."
"If I were you, Anubis, I wouldn't be bragging so much" a voice said.
They turned and saw Apis appearing.
"The confidence of a warrior can be an advantage as a disadvantage for him or her" Apis continued.
"I know, Apis, but you can't deny that I overcame my brother most of the times that we faced each other" Anubis said.
"The strength of a warrior is not measured only in physical strength, Anubis" Apis said. "I thought I had taught it to you. Maybe you learned more about it, if you follow Kefer and Horus’ example. After all, they are about to face the last level of my maze to win the golden bracelets."
"I'm sorry, but I prefer to continue my training" Anubis said. "I don't need a bracelet to make me stronger."
"The golden bracelets should not be used for personal purposes, Anubis" Apis said.
"It's true, Anubis" Kefer said, putting his sword in the sheath that, like his brother’s, was on his back. "Their power should only be used to defend Coltypt from the Lord of Chaos and his followers."
"Exactly, Kefer" Apis said. "I'm glad that at least one of you has paid attention to my lessons."
"Teacher's pet" Anubis grumbled to his brother.
"In my case, in addition to protect Coltypt, I want to also honor my father’s memory" Horus said.
"And I'm sure he would be proud of you, Horus" Apis said. "And I believe that you and Kefer are prepared."
"That's why we were waiting for, Apis" Kefer said.
"Although I’m still not quite sure if I'm ready, I want to risk" Horus said.
"If that's what you want, then be it" Apis said.
Apis advanced to the entrance of the inside of the labyrinth and slammed his staff on the ground and a portal appeared. Then turned to Kefer and Horus and said:
"You can go. If you want to quit, just yell."
"That's not going to happen, Apis" Kefer secured.
And he and Horus advanced to the portal and crossed-in and, as soon as they did, the portal closed and, after crossing the portal, Kefer and Horus found themselves deep in the labyrinth. There were plenty of corridors that crossed each other.
"Very well, we have to find a way out of the labyrinth" Kefer said, using his magic to draw his sword. "We have to be careful with the creatures that Apis has here."
"Not to mention the traps" Horus said. "If the ones in the upper levels were fairly well hidden, so here they are still more concealed."
"That is why we have to be careful where we step" Kefer said.
But after he said that, Kefer stepped an activation device that made appear on the walls slots from where arrows were fired. Reacting quickly, Kefer used his sword to defend himself, while Horus used his speed and talons to deflect or defend himself from the arrows. When they stopped, Horus asked cynically to Kefer:
"What was that you said?"
"Not to commit the error that I just did" he replied.
The two friends continued to advance through the maze, taking the corridor they thought that could drive them out. After walking for a while, taking care not to activate any trap, Kefer put his hoof in front of Horus to make him stop and said:
"Wait."
"What is it?" Horus asked.
Kefer looked around and asked:
"I think we've been here at least three times."
"You mean we've been walking around?" Horus asked. "I think it's no wonder. At this level of the labyrinth, all the corridors look the same. I can't tell which ones we already passed."
"I think that was one of the main reasons why many have failed this test" Kefer said.
Horus looked at his talons and, having an idea, said:
"But I think we won't have that problem."
He advanced to one of the corridors and, using his talon, marked the arcade.
"Good idea, Horus" Kefer said. "That way, we will not get lost."
"I think my father had the same idea and that's probably how he managed to escape from the labyrinth" Horus said.
"It's better not to waste time" Kefer said. "The sooner we get out of here, the better."
And the two continued to advance in the labyrinth, with Horus marking all the corridors they went to ensure that they didn’t get lost. It was then that they started to hear something.
"Did you hear that?" Horus asked to Kefer.
"Yes, and I think it's a very familiar sound, don't you think?" Kefer asked.
Hearing the sound coming up from behind, they turned and saw its origin. They were facing a deadly scorpion, similar to what they used to fight in the upper levels of the labyrinth, but this one was larger and more threatening, with a large stinger on the tip of the tail.
"I have a question for you, Kefer" Horus said. "Have you ever fought a scorpion like this one?"
"No, I didn’t" Kefer replied, while he and Horus kept a safe distance from the scorpion.
"So what do you think we should do?"
"I don't know, maybe..."
He then saw the scorpion lifting the tail to attack and Kefer exclaimed:
"Run!"
The Scorpion attacked with its Stinger, but Kefer and Horus made a big jump back to avoid it and then began to pull away as fast as they could. But it was then that a second scorpion appeared in front of them. They were trapped. The two friends placed themselves back to back to face the two scorpions.
"It seems that this will not be an easy task" Horus said.
"I didn't expect anything less from Apis" Kefer said.
Horus’s scorpion shook its tail to attack, but Horus jumped up and, using his talons, tried to penetrate the scorpion’s hard shell, but without success. The scorpion then shook its tail, hitting Horus and throwing him against the wall. Upon realizing what had happened, Kefer called:
"Horus!"
He wanted to help his best friend, but he had bigger problems to deal with. His scorpion progressed to him, preparing to subdue him. Using his sword, Kefer managed to stop it, starting a battle of strength. It seemed that the young prince would not withstand the force of the scorpion, but seeing the other moving to Horus and preparing to use its stinger, Kefer rallied to launch a magic beam from his horn against his scorpion, throwing it against a wall, leaving it unconscious.
He then advanced to Horus and, when he saw the scorpion downing the stinger, he placed himself between it and Horus. Using his sword, he tried to stop the sting. Despite having been able to stop it, he failed to prevent it from penetrating a little on his shoulder, what made him moan a little of pain. Horus, recovering his senses, saw what was happening and said:
"Kefer..."
"Hurry, Horus, get out of here!" Kefer exclaimed, who was using all of his forces to hold the scorpion.
For a moment, Horus pondered obey Kefer, but then he remembered what his father would do in a situation like that. He wasn't going to let his best friend sacrifice himself for him, not when he could still help him. He then noticed at the bottom of the scorpion and remembered that that part was less armored than the rest of the body, so he got up and told Kefer:
"You know I can't do that, my friend. At least, not without you."
And, using his talons, he attacked the lower part of the scorpion who groaned in pain, falling back. After this, Horus advanced to it and gave it a kick with his hind hooves that threw him hard against the wall, leaving it out of combat.
"Impressive, Horus" Kefer said. "You took advantage of your griffon and pony characteristics."
Suddenly, Kefer felt quite weak and fell on his hooves. Horus approached and asked:
"Kefer, are you okay?"
"Yes, I am..." he replied, starting to get up. "I just felt a light-headed."
Horus noticed his wound and realized:
"It must be the poison of the scorpion. You need medical help and quick. But for that, we need to get out of here."
Horus and Kefer continued to walk with the former supporting the latter. It was then they saw what should be the exit.
"Finally, the exit" Horus said.
"Looks like we made it" Kefer said.
"And all because of you" Horus said. "You saved me back there."
"And you did the same for me, so we're even" Kefer said.
The two advanced to the exit and got out from where they had entered. Seeing them getting out, Apis exclaimed:
"What a great surprise! I never thought you could made at the first try. Even Montu needed to repeat the challenge twice before he could overcome it."
He then noticed Kefer’s wound and asked:
"What happened with Prince Kefer?"
"It was one of your scorpions” Horus replied. "We need to get him to Osiris as soon as possible."
"Of course" Apis said, turning then to Anubis who was training nearby. "Prince Anubis, what if you helped to take your brother to Osiris’ lab."
Stopping his training, Anubis sighed and said, while he kept his sword:
"If I have to..."
And relieving the load Kefer was to Horus, Anubis helped his brother to go to Osiris’ lab, followed by Horus and Apis.
Osiris was a unicorn stallion who was seemingly middle-age with a deep gamboge coat with a flame wrapped by a snake as Cutie Mark, bald but with a grey tail and dark grayish emerald green eyes. He wore a tall cap and a long fake beard. He was a servant of the Lord of Order that had been order by him after Montu’s death to act as a doctor and scientist in the kingdom.
When he received Kefer in his lab, he made him sit on the stretcher that was there and began to administrate the antidote for the poison. Once he did that, he began to involve Kefer’s wound with a bandage, saying:
"You're very lucky that the stinger didn’t penetrate more on your body, or the effects of the poison would be worse" Osiris said to Kefer.
"Don't worry, Osiris, I tolerated well the poison" Kefer said.
"I just don't get warriors" Osiris said. "They're always playing with their own life.”
So he ended up connecting the bandage, Hathor and Amun entered.
"Oh, my son!" Hathor exclaimed, running to Kefer and hugging him. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, mom, but can you let me go?" Kefer asked, feeling his wound hurting.
"Sorry, dear" Hathor said, dropping Kefer. "But I was really worried when I heard what happened."
She then turned to Apis and told him:
"Do you really have to put those monsters in your labyrinth? It wasn’t enough for you having put my sons to fight them when they were colts?"
Apis was a little flustered by the queen’s lecture, but Amun tried to calm his wife down:
"Relax, Hathor, the important thing is that Kefer is okay. In addition, Apis has a duty to ensure that those who enter the labyrinth have not their life facilitated to get out of there."
"If you allow me, Your Highness, it's my fault" Horus said to Hathor. "Kefer got hurt trying to save me."
"Don't be ridiculous, Horus" Kefer said. "If I did what I did was because I wanted to. I couldn't let my friend get hurt."
"Well done, my son" Amun said, turning then to Hathor. "In addition to that he's okay now."
Seeing that she was outnumbered, Hathor said:
"Okay, but I hope you don't put me nervous again, Kefer. I'd hate anything to happen to you. And this also applies to you, Anubis. With your training, you leave me even more concerned with you than with Kefer."
"I don't have to worry about me, mom, I can take care of myself" Anubis said. "And speaking of my training, it is better to continue them. There is no reason to continue be here, since Kefer is okay.”
And, having said that, he got out of Osiris laboratory.
"That son of ours doesn't seem to learn" Amun said to Hathor. "But one thing at a time. Looks like you guys, Horus and Kefer, managed to pass the challenge of Apis’s labyrinth. It seems to me that you have something to them, don't you, old friend?"
He turned to Apis who replied:
"Indeed, Your Highness. For the first time since Montu overcame my challenge, it seems we have warriors worthy of the golden bracelets."
And, having said this, he extended his hand and, in a burst of light, two bracelets appeared, one of which were the one that belonged to Montu. The bracelets went to their respective new owners, with Horus receiving the one that belonged to his father. They put themselves and, after that, Horus and Kefer felt an immense power .
"This is amazing!" Horus exclaimed.
"I've never felt something like this" Kefer said.
"These bracelets just charged the light of your star seeds" Apis said. "I hope you use them wisely."
"Don't worry, Apis, this was the moment that we both waited" Kefer said. "We're not going to disappoint you. You too, dad."
Amun gave him a nod and then headed to Horus:
"Your mom will be very proud when she hears about this, Horus, and I'm sure your father would be too."
"Thank you, sir" Horus thanked, bowing his head to Amun.
"Now if you excuse me, I need to get back to the throne room" the Pharaoh said.
"Go, dear, I'll be here with our son a little bit longer" Hathor said.
And so Amun got out of Osiris’s lab, heading to the throne room. Once he got there, he sat at the throne. After some time, he felt the presence of the Lord of Order, who was leaning against the back of the throne.
"I'm glad that your younger son managed to earn a golden bracelet" the Lord of Order said.
"Thank you, my lord, but I suspect you didn’t come here to congratulate me" Amun said.
"And your suspicions are corrected" he said. "I came here to tell you that you have to make a decision about who of your twin sons will succeed you."
"Can I ask you about what you think about what will be their reaction?" Amun asked.
"The only way to know for certain is communicating the decision, because it all depends on who you choose" the Lord of Order. "I'm sure Kefer will be okay, but Anubis is another story. Although I have to say that your question doesn't make any sense, once you've already made your decision and you’ve already predicted what will happen when you communicate it."
As always, the Lord of Order knew what was going on in Amun’s head. He said:
"You're right, your lordship. I have made my decision. I just wanted to confirm what I know that will happen. But, after all, I've been watching my children since they were born and my choice is completely fair and logical."
"If that’s so, then you should tell to the Council your choice" the Lord of Order said. "After all, they also have a word to say."
And, having said that, the Lord of Order disappeared.
"I will do what you said, master" Amun said. "And, for better or for worse, I'm sure I made the right decision."
Having taken the decision about who would succeed him as the new Pharaoh, Amun invoked the Coltypt Council to communicate his decision and obtain their approval. By the way, Shu appeared next to him, saying:
"Your Highness, I need to talk to you."
"Not now, Shu" Amun replied. "I have an important meeting with the Council."
"But these are important matters for the kingdom" Shu said.
That made Amun to stop. He sighed and turned to the invincible machine and asked:
"What is this about?"
"These is about the attacks that the Lord of Chaos has been launched against us" Shu said. "I've been thinking and I came to the conclusion that we cannot let these attacks stand unanswered. I suggest we launch an attack against the Lord of Chaos to prove that the forces of Order are superior. In this way, he will think twice before sending his nasty villains to attack us."
"Shu, that's not how we do things" Amun said. "We don't attack anyone, not even the Lord of Chaos."
"But, Your Highness..." Shu started.
“This is what separates us from the followers of Chaos" Amun said.
“I understand it, Pharaoh, but the point is, if we want to beat them, we have to act more actively" Shu said. "This is the conclusion I reached. It's the most logical decision to make."
"Maybe you're right, Shu” Amun said. "Maybe it's the most logical decision, but sometimes the logic isn't everything."
"I don't understand" Shu said. "What does that mean?"
"We have to do what's right, even if logic says otherwise" Amun said. "That's what it means to belong to the side of Order, Shu. As a warrior fighting for the Lord of Order, you have to have that in mind."
There was a pause and then Amun said:
"Now, if you don't mind, Shu, I have a meeting to attend."
And, having said that, Amun pulled away.
"The right decision?" Shu asked, talking to himself. "The right decision is to take is the most logical one. A true leader must be able to make that decision. If Pharaoh Amun is not able to do that, maybe he's not worthy of his title."
In the room of the Coltypt Council, all the members were present when Amun entered and headed to his seat saying:
"I apologize for the delay."
"Given that it was you who called the meeting, Amun, you should at least not be late" Seth said, in his cranky way.
"Come on, Seth, I'm sure Amun arrived late for a good reason" Isis said.
"Did something happen, Amun?" Bes asked.
"Nothing to worry about" Pharaoh said, sitting. "Shu just wanted to talk to me about some ideas for the army. That's why I'm late."
"So, can we know what is the reason of this meeting?" Seth asked.
"Yes" Amun replied. "After great deliberation, I made a decision about which of my sons will succeed me as pharaoh."
The other members of the Council exchanged glances with each other and Bes asked:
"Are you sure, Amun?" Bes asked. "I'm sure that, whatever your decision is, will emerge some problems."
"It's about time our sovereign choice one of the princes to be his successor" Maat said. "Regardless of the consequences, a decision has to be made."
"I just hope that you have taken the best decision, Amun" Isis said.
"That's why I've called this meeting" he said. "The Council has a word to say about everything that concerns the future of our kingdom. You will have to decide if you think my decision is the best for the Kingdom."
The other members of the Council exchanged glances and then waved, ready to listen who of the two princes, his children, the Pharaoh had chosen.
However, at Apis’s Labyrinth, the minotaur had returned to oversee the training of his army. While he was doing it, he said to them:
"That's right, your slowpokes! Although now there's three individuals, including me, with the Golden Power, that's no reason to be soft with your training."
"I couldn't have put it better, Apis" a voice said.
Apis turned and faced with Shu.
"Shu, what brings you here?" the general asked. "It's unusual for you to come to the labyrinth."
"I just came to make sure that neither you nor the others interfere with my plan" Shu responded.
"What plan?" Apis asked, confused.
Shu approached Apis and answered him:
"My plan to take over Coltypt."
And, having said that, he struck Apis with such force that the large minotaur was launched against the wall of the entrance to the interior of his labyrinth. Seeing this, the guards prepared to attack Shu, but, with a simple gesture, he made the spheres of his body to come out and hit the soldiers, knocking them all.
"You should hear more your general, wimps" he said to the soldiers.
Apis got up and asked to Shu:
"What are you doing, Shu? Your duty is to serve Pharaoh, not rebel against him."
"Pharaoh turned out to be a weak, he is unable to make the most logical attitude and do the right thing to protect this kingdom" Shu said. "As such, I will dethrone him and become the new Pharaoh. After that, I will take the fight to the Lord of Chaos and prove the Lord of Order that we must bring the fight to his brother."
"Your stupid piece of scrap" Apis said. "Do you really think you can go against the will of the Lord of Order?"
"The Lord of Order is not always right" Shu said. "And I'm going to prove it."
"But for that, you have to go through me" Apis said. "Power of Coltypt!"
And Apis accessed to his Golden Power.
"You are so naive, Apis" Shu said. "You know perfectly well that my power exceeds yours largely."
"But that won't stop me from trying to stop you" Apis said. "Attack of the Minotaur."
And he began to invest against Shu.
In the room of the Coltypt Council, Amun had already revealed his decision to the other members and said:
"So I guess you all agree with my decision."
"It seems to be the best decision" Isis said. "He definitely deserves the title."
"I agree with Isis" Seth said. "Between the two, he is the best choice."
"I have to say that you made the fairest decision, Pharaoh" Maat said.
"I also agree" Bes said. "However, I can't help but worry about the consequences."
"I also thought of them, Bes, but don't worry" Amun. "Before taking this decision, I had already spoken with Maat on the subject and asked her to find a way to resolve it. Maat, I believe you answered my request."
"Don't worry, Your Highness, I took care of it" she said.
"All right, now we just need..." Amun started.
It was then that Amun felt a strange feeling. It was a feeling he felt when the Golden Power was activated, but there was something about it that disturbed him. It seemed that whoever was using the Golden Power was not fighting any follower of Chaos, but with someone from the Order said. He then was able to identify that someone else as Shu, as his power was unmistakable.
The other members of the Council noticed his distant air and Isis asked:
"Amun, are you okay?"
He recovered and said:
"Yes, but I have this bad feeling. Isis, you know if the Horus or Kefer are still in the castle?"
"Yes, I've been with them and Hathor before I came here" she replied.
"And Apis was with them?" Amun asked.
"No, he had to train the soldiers" Isis responded. "Why do you ask?"
Amun realized it should be Apis who was fighting against Shu, although he didn't understand the reason why the fight was happening.
"Something's happening and it's not good" he said.
Amun got up and headed for the exit. After walking through the castle for a while, he met with Hathor, Kefer, Horus and Anubis that were coming from Osiris’ lab.
"Father" Kefer said. "Have you finished your business?"
"Yes, I have, but it looks like there's a big problem" Amun said.
"What kind of trouble?" Anubis said.
"I don't know yet for sure" Amun said. "But it's happening at the labyrinth. I want you three to go there and find out. Kefer and Horus, if you have to use the Golden Power, use it."
"Yes, sir" the two said.
"Wait, Amun" Hathor said. "Send Anubis and Horus it’s all right, but Kefer was just treated by Osiris. He must rest."
"I understand, my dear, but you don't have to worry about" Amun said. "The Golden Power allows an accelerated recovery. In addition, I believe that this is an emergency situation. Very well, you three, go!"
"Yes, sir" they answered, advancing toward the labyrinth.
"But what's going on, Amun?" Hathro asked.
"I could feel Apis’ Golden Power fighting with Shu, but not a friendly fight" Amun said. "I don't understand the reason for this, but I don't have time to think about it. Hathor, please tell others about this. If that fight extends, it can involve the entire Coltypt."
Hathor nodded his head and walked away.
Amun was still wondering about what would happen until a voice said to him:
"It looks like you felt the same way as me."
It was the Lord of Order.
"But what's going on, my lord?" Amun asked.
"It seems that Shu decided to rebel against you, Amun, and is facing Apis and his army to have no obstacle to when trying to usurp your crown" the Lord of Order said.
"But why would he do that?" Amun asked. "How would he do that? He is a machine that is under the orders of the regent pharaoh."
"Shu’s artificial intelligence seems to have grown a lot and now propelled him to take the steps that he thinks is necessary" the Lord of Order said. "It seems he doesn't see you as a worthy king to Coltypt."
Amun then remembered the conversation he had had with Shu before going to the meeting with the Coltypt Council.
"He wanted me to stand against the Lord of Chaos, instead of defend ourselves from him" Amun said.
“Shu is a machine and doesn't understand truly the feelings that ponies as you feel" the Lord of Order said. "He saw that decision as a sign of weakness and decided that you wasn't fit for the title of pharaoh anymore."
"I have to stop him before he can cause a lot of damage" Amun said. "But he is too powerful."
"Shu can be powerful, but even a perfect machine like him has its weaknesses" the Lord of Order said. "I'm not an idiot, Amun. I create always a weakness for each creation of mine for case of them be corrupted."
"So I need to know this weakness, my lord" Amun said.
"Certainly, Amun" the Lord of Order said. "But first I want you to know what I want you to do as soon as you stop him."
"Of course, master" Amun said. "You can tell it and I'll do it for you."
Kefer, Anubis and Horus reached the labyrinth and were shocked by what they found. The outside of the maze was in ruins and the whole army was lying on the ground, defeated, including Apis, on the floor, without his power.
"Apis!" Kefer exclaimed, while he, Anubis and Horus were approaching. "What happened?"
Apis opened his eyes and said to them:
"Be careful... it’s Shu…"
"So these are these reinforcements that the great and powerful Amun decided to send" Shu's voice said.
The trio turned and faced with Shu.
"What a great disappointment" he said.
"Shu, but what are you doing?" Kefer asked.
"You serve our father, the great Pharaoh of Coltypt, how can you betray him like that?" Anubis asked.
"I realized how weak Amun is and I concluded that there is no reason for him to continue in the position of regent for longer" Shu replied. "Now, you better back off or you will be defeated like Apis was."
"We're not going to let that you proceed with your madness" said Kefer. "Horus, are you ready?"
"Of course," he said.
And both exclaimed at the same time:
"Power of Coltypt!"
And both adopted the gold tone that was characteristic of those with the Golden Power, but, in Horus’s case, he also won a pair of golden wings, similar to those his father had. Seeing this, he exclaimed, happy:
"I can't believe it! I have wings!"
"Now he won't shut up about this" Anubis mumbled.
"Horus, focus" Kefer said. "After all, we're going to face the most powerful weapon of our kingdom. To defeat him, we will have to use not only the strength, but the intelligence."
"What do you have in mind, little brother?" Anubis asked.
"I attack him to distract him, while you stand and attack simultaneously" Kefer said. "Horus, now that you have wings, you can do it by air."
"I'm going to give the best" Horus said. "Despite having them for a few seconds, I'm going to do my best to not disappoint you, Kefer."
“Me too, let's do it" Kefer said, drawing his sword, which also had become golden. "Wave of Power."
He stuck the sword in the ground with force and, by doing this, he released a huge amount of white energy reached Shu and threw him back. He quickly managed to curb the strength of the blow, landing on his hooves on the ground. It was then that he encountered Anubis who approached him and quickly, using his strength, the prince launched him up where, flying, was Horus who exclaimed:
"Claw of Destiny!"
Horus’ talons glittered and he attacked Shu with them, throwing him against the ground. After this, Horus landed beside Kefer, while Anubis stood on the other side of his brother.
"Did it work?" Horus asked.
It was then that Shu got up laughing and said:
"Nice try, but you need more than that to bring me down."
And, having said that, he pointed them his bracelet and fired a beam of white energy. Kefer tried to create a shield to protect himself, Horus and Anubis, but the attack was too fast. It was then that a magical shield appeared around the trio and protected them from Shu’s attack.
"What?!" he asked.
Kefer, Horus and Anubis turned and saw Amun.
"Father!" the twins exclaimed.
"Your Highness!" Horus exclaimed.
"You try to get Apis and the soldiers to a safe place" Amun said to the young trio. "I take care of Shu."
"But, father..." Kefer started.
"Do what I tell you!" Amun ordered.
Without any alternative, Kefer, Horus and Anubis tried to wake Apis and the soldiers up, taking to get them out of there. Kefer and Anubis supported Apis, while Horus was aiding the soldiers who were too injured to walk, being helped by those who could. After everyone was out, Shu said to Amun:
"It seems that the great Pharaoh finally decided to mess the hooves up. However, it was a very stupid decision. Clearly I'm more powerful. You can never beat me in combat. I'm Shu... the Destroyer!"
"I don't have to fight you, Shu" Amun replied. "I just have to hold you."
And, having said that, Amun’s horn shone and then golden chains emerged from the ground and began to involve Shu.
"WHAT?! " Shu asked, trying to break free, but failing. "But what is this?! I can't release myself!"
"Of course you can't" Amun said, approaching. "You may be the perfect machine, Shu, but you're not the most powerful follower of the Lord of Order. These chains come from the magic of the General of Peace whose magic the Lord of Order let me use to stop you. They are indestructible and have a capacity of perfect containment."
Shu tried to free himself, but in vain. Whenever he did that, the chains became tighter, holding him more firmly. With a gesture, Amun made Shu getting down on his knees and made the chains lifting his forelegs. Using his own magic, Amun took the bracelet with the four stones of Shu who asked:
"What are you doing?!"
"The Lord of Order told me to get this bracelet" Amun said, while modifying the shape of the bracelet, making it more compact, but keeping its stones. "Your power is too strong to be wasted. This new bracelet that emerged from yours is my new perfect weapon from now on. It will be called Bracelet of Amun, for everypony to think that a sacred object never belonged to a corrupt machine like you."
"How dare you to usurp part of my power?!" Shu exclaime. "You will pay dearly!"
"When will you understand, Shu, that you serve the Lord of Order and that you serve him through me?" Amun asked. "You let the logic and the overconfidence of your skills to make you to follow a wrong path."
"You're going to regret it, Amun" Shu said. "I'm going to make you and your offspring to pay for what you're doing to me!"
"You can't do that if you're disabled" Amun said. "In that way, you won't be able to hurt anyone."
And Amun’s magical aura involved three-pointed-star-shaped piece that was on Shu’s chest.
"No, you can't do this!" Shu exclaimed.
"I can and I will" Amun answered.
And he took the piece from Shu’s armor. By doing so, the golden light that gave life to the armor disappeared and Shu became inert. Shortly after, the pieces that made up the armour just fell on the ground. Turning to what was once Shu’s head, Amun said:
"I’m sorry if things had come to this."
And so the rebellion of the machine that was the most powerful weapon of Coltypt ended up with Shu being disabled to never appear again.
During the days following Shu’s rebellion, Amun became very busy to make sure that what happened with Shu wouldn’t repeat. Although the one that was once the most powerful weapon of all Coltypt was now deactivated, it wouldn't mean that he couldn't come back and finish what he had started.
To avoid something like that, Amun ordered that a hidden tomb should be built in the desert a to put Shu’s armor, sealing it in such a way that no one would be able to get in. In this way, they would safe from his madness.
Amun watched the guards sealing the entrance to the tomb, when Bes appeared by his side, saying:
"I'm glad we're not going to see Shu again. I have to admit that guy gave me the creeps. After all, he was a living armor."
"Funny, because you used to say that Shu was our protector" Amun replied, displaying a slight smile.
"Oh, Amun, you know me" Bes said with his usual joyful tone. "You know I don't like to show what I truly think. The secret to being a good warrior is not to let our enemies know that we think of them."
That made Amun drop a laugh. Bes always knew how to cheer things up.
"But even with Shu now disabled, our defenses have not been so shaken up" Bes said. "After all, we have two new Golden Warriors, one of which is your son who is a great warrior. Furthermore, we have the bracelet of Amun, that you used to defeat Shu."
Like he told Shu, Amun did not reveal to anypony that the bracelet of Amun was actually a part of Shu’s armor. He knew that some would not approve something like that if they knew the true origin of the bracelet.
"Even with the bracelet, Bes, it should not be used unless absolutely necessary" Amun said, while he and Bes began to move away from Shu’s tomb and headed to the citadel. "Its power is immense and I shouldn't use it."
"But it's yours" Bes said.
"I'm the Pharaoh, Bes" Amun said. "My duty is to rule and protect Coltypt. For that to happen, my subjects have to trust me. How can they trust me, if I have in my possession an immense power as the bracelet. Remember what happened with my uncle and my cousin."
Bes understood what Amun meant. Power changed the ponies in a way that made them be seduced by it, as it happened with Seti and Khonsu.
"I know what you mean, Amun" Bes said. "It war for that same reason you hid your staff."
"The bracelet of Amun will find its user" Amun secured. "And this user will use its power to protect Coltypt from the Lord of Chaos and his followers. But until then, we must protect our kingdom with what we have without it. Furthermore, a kingdom like ours cannot depend on the strength of a single being or object. That just makes us more vulnerable."
Bes let out a laugh and said:
"It seems that you become wiser than any of us, Amun. You're absolutely right. By the way, when are you going to announce who will be your successor? After everything that happened with Shu, this subject has been postponed."
"Let the rest the Council to know that I will communicate my decision this afternoon" Amun said. "We can't waste any more time."
"I still have fear about what might happen" Bes said. "You know perfectly well that he won't like it."
"It doesn't matter, Bes" Amun said. "He's a grown stallion. He will have to deal with it. My priority is the future of Coltypt and choose the next sovereign is something that should not be done lightly."
"I know that" Bes said. "But I don't think he's going to care about that."
Amun hated to admit it, but Bes was right. But he couldn't let that stop him from doing what was right for the kingdom.
When they reached the kingdom, Amun and Bes entered the throne room, where Hathor was Hathor, waiting.
"At last" Hathor said, greeting Amun with a kiss when he arrived to the throne before sitting on it. "You’ve been out for some time."
"I had to make sure that the tomb was properly sealed. We cannot afford to create opportunities for somepony to go in and reactivate Shu” Amun said. "But now that problem is already solved. It's time we move on with more important matters. Bes, summon the rest of the Council. We will meet in the Council room."
"Of course, Pharaoh" Bes replied, making a bow and then headed to the exit of the throne room.
"My love, please, go call our sons" Amun asked to Hathor.
"But why?" she asked.
"It's time to decide who of the two will be the next pharaoh of Coltypt" Amun said.
"Are you sure, Amun?" Hathor asked. "You know that things between them are not very well. Kefer and Anubis are not as united as they were before."
"They are no longer children, Hathor" Amun said. "They are no longer forced to be together and be best friends."
"I know that, Amun, but..." Hathor said. "You know I care too much for our sons. And if your choice eventually deteriorate their relationship even more?"
"That's something they have to solve for themselves" Amun said. "But regardless that, I have to make a decision. Actually, I've made my decision and I'm sure I did considering what is best for Coltypt."
"I hope you're right, Amun" Hathor said. "I really hope so."
And she also headed to the exit. After she left, Amun heard a voice saying:
"Nervous?"
The Lord of Order appeared at his side.
"I couldn't be more" Amun replied. "I know I made the right decision and that the Council agreed unanimously, but I’m afraid of his reaction."
"This will not be your fault, Amun" the Lord of Order said. "You took the best decision for your kingdom and you should not feel guilty about it. Remember that a true leader cannot show any regrets for his mistakes, but rather face the consequences of his actions."
"I know, my lord" Amun said. "I just hope I get to remember that when the time comes."
"I know you will" the Lord of Order said. "You never disappoint, Amun. Even before you were born, I knew you'd never let me down."
With these words, the Lord of Order disappeared.
Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Amun got up and headed to the exit.
At Apis’ Labyrinth, the two brothers and Horus were practicing. While Horus was training with a training dummy, Kefer and Anubis were preparing for a simulation that was being driven by Apis.
"Remember, young princes, the hoof-to-hoof combat is a basic, but very important part in a fight" the minotaur said, while the two brothers surrounded each other, staring at each other. "A true warrior cannot rely only on his weapons or magic, because, in a fight, things may not happen as expected. It's time to see how your fighting style evolved."
"Did you hear that, little brother?" Anubis asked to Kefer. "You can't use magic."
"You don't need to remind me, Anubis" he replied. "I don't need it or the Golden Power."
"That's what we're going to see" Anubis said.
"Start" Apis said.
And the two brothers started the simulation, exchanging a few blows, while trying to dodge. The two young princes seemed to be at the same level. Even though Anubis have more strength, Kefer’s blows wore more accurate and his movements were agile enough to dodge his brother’s. Anubis, for its part, had an immense resistance, and therefore Kefer’s blows of didn't cause the effect they should do. Horus stopped with his training to observe the fight, hoping that Kefer would win. But it was then that Anubis made a trip to Kefer which made him fall to the ground and, at the time this happened, the older brother subdued the younger one.
"The fight is over" said Apis. "Anubis wins."
Anubis then freed his brother and told him:
"You see, little brother? That's how you fight."
He stood up and shook the dust in his coat, while he laughed. Horus approached Kefer and extended one of his talons to help him get up, saying:
"That was a close one, Kefer."
Kefer extended his hoof to Horus who grabbed it and then pulled him up.
"Yes, but it seems that my brother is still better" Kefer replied.
"And more idiot" Horus added.
"Don't be like that, Horus" Kefer said. "You know how Anubis is anyway."
"Great job, Your Highnesses" Apis said to Kefer and Anubis. "I can see you have progressed a lot in your training."
"Thank you, Apis" the two brothers thanked.
"Horus, now it's your turn to show your skills" Apis said. "Fight with Prince Kefer."
"Did you hear that, Kefer?" Horus asked. "It seems now it’s both of us. I'll try not to be too rough."
Kefer giggled and replied:
"Whatever you say, my friend."
But before they could put on their positions, Hathor entered the labyrinth.
"Hello, Apis" she greeted.
"Your Highness" Apis said, making a bow to Hathor. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit? Did you come to see the training of your sons?"
"Actually, I came to get them" she replied. "My husband wants to talk to them."
"Dad wants to talk to us?" Kefer asked. "About what?"
"As far as I know, none of us did something wrong" Anubis said. "At least in recent times."
"Don't worry, it's not like that" Hathor said. "Actually, it's something about the kingdom."
When she said that, the two brothers exchanged looks. They had understood what their mother meant.
"Dad has already decided who will be his successor?" Kefer asked.
Hathor nodded and Anubis exclaimed:
"Finally! I was wondering when he would finally make the decision. Finally I’ll be nominated crown prince."
"I don't know why you're saying that" Horus said. "After all, the crown prince can be Kefer."
"Yes, but I think that's unlikely" Anubis said, turning then to Kefer. "No offense, little brother."
"None taken, Anubis" Kefer said. "I will accept whatever the choice of our father is, even though I am not chosen to the crown prince."
"Sorry, Apis, but you're going to have to postpone the training for another time" Hathor said.
"No problem, Your Highness" Apis replied. '' I understand perfectly. A moment like this deserves to be celebrated."
"Does that mean that I am also released from practice?" Horus asked.
Apis took a while to respond, but he said:
"Okay, you can go too, but tomorrow I will test your skills in unarmed battle."
"Good!" Horus exclaimed, happy.
Thus, Hathor took her sons to the Council room with Horus coming right behind. When they arrived, before entering, Hathor turned to Kefer and Anubis and told them:
"My sons, before entering, I want to tell you something. Regardless of your father’s decision, please, promise me that you won't let being brothers."
"Mom, you don't have to worry" Kefer secured. "If it depends on me, nothing will change."
"Because we both know who will be chosen" Anubis said.
"I hope so" Hathor said, which wasn't too confident of her sons’ words.
She then turned to the doors of the Council room and opened them and entered, followed by her sons and Horus. The members of the Council were already present, sitting in their respective places. Hathor went to the edge of her husband, while Kefer and Anubis placed themselves in the center of the circle and Horus was at the entrance of the room.
"My sons, after much meditation on my part and with the approval of the Lord of Order and the Council, I decided which of the two of you will ascend to the throne of Coltypt when my time as Pharaoh comes to an end" Amun said.
Kefer remained straight, waiting for the release of his father's decision, while Anubis displayed a slight smile, convinced that he would be the one who Amun would choose. The Pharaoh then rose up, while those who still didn't know his choice waited for his expectant proclamation.
"The one who will succeed me as the next pharaoh of Coltypt is..." he began, while making a little break to prepare himself for the impact that was about to happen. "… Kefer."
When they heard the name of the youngest prince, everypony were surprised, including his own. However, no one was more shocked than Anubis. He was petrified when he heard the name of his brother as being the one who would become the next pharaoh.
"So... Kefer will be... the next pharaoh?" Horus asked, then getting euphoric. "Yes! Fantastic!"
But Kefer did not show the same kind of happiness. Instead, he turned to his brother, worried about his reaction. That was also felt by Hathor.
"Anubis..." Kefer started, wanting his older brother to know how much he regretted the fact that he was not chosen.
However, Anubis, ignoring Kefer, asked his father:
"Why?"
"Why what?" Amun asked.
"You know what!" Anubis exclaimed, with the anger starting to get the better on him. "Why didn't you choose me?! I'm the oldest. I should be the next pharaoh!"
"I made the right decision for the kingdom, Anubis" Amun said. "And there's nothing you can do or say that will change my decision."
"But I'm stronger" Anubis protested. "I'm stronger and better than Kefer in combat, in addition to being a better strategist."
"It takes a lot more than these qualities to be a good king, my son" Amun said. "Among these qualities are humility and generosity, something that Kefer has a lot to give."
That angered Anubis even more, as Amun was putting Kefer above him.
"Looks like you decide to benefit your favorite son once again" Amun said to his father.
"Anubis, I..." Kefer said.
"Shut up, Kefer!" Anubis exclaimed. "Don't you dare tell me that our father loves us in the same way. He always favored you over me. You've always been his dearest son."
"Anubis, that's not true!" Hathor exclaimed. "Your father loves you and your brother in the same way."
"Don't defend him, mom” Anubis answered. "It won't do any good."
"And you still say your father's decision is unfair" Seth said.
Anubis turned to the sha and asked gruffly:
"What do you mean?!"
"Look at you" Seth replied. "You're having a tantrum like a foal that doesn't have what he wants. A true king doesn't have behaviors like that."
Seth’s words just let Anubis even more furious.
"That's enough, Seth" Isis said. "Don't pour oil on the fire."
Following his sister’s advice, Seth returned to remain silent, keeping his serene air.
Kefer turned to his father and told him:
"Dad, you know that nothing would give me more happiness than satisfy your desire, but perhaps in this matter it will better if you reconsidered."
"I'm sorry, Kefer, but that is my decision" Amun said.
"But..." Kefer started.
"Stop, Kefer" Anubis said. "I don’t need your sympathy for nothing."
"Hey, you could at least be more grateful, Anubis" Horus said. "Kefer is appealing for you."
Anubis ignored Horus and turned to Amun and told him:
"I demand to prove my worth. I want to prove I can be a better pharaoh than Kefer. "
"Anubis, my dear, perhaps you shouldn't..." Hathor started.
"I have the right to do it, mom!" Anubis exclaimed. "No one can deny that to me."
"You're right" Amun said. "I know how you'd react, my son. For that reason, I've been preparing for this eventuality. Following my orders, Maat prepared everything.”
She then stood up and, placing herself in front of two brothers, she used her magic to summon a round glass container with a golden frame. Inside, there was a crystal feather with delicated traits.
"It was decided that the one who wants to challenge the pharaoh or the crown prince and assume any of this positions, will have to undergo the challenge of the feather of Maat" she said. "In this challenge, the feather will move away from the golden citadel to the No Pony’s Land, the piece of the desert that doesn’t belong to Coltypt and surrounds it. The first to retrieve the feather to me will be the winner and will occupy the position in dispute. Both participants must give their best or so the challenge will be cancelled. The loser will be marked with the dark seal and will be banned from the citadel and forced to live in the desert."
"No!" Hathor exclaimed. "That can't happen. How dare you to suggest something like that, Maat? "
"I'm sorry, my queen, but this shall be the punishment for the challenger, if he or she loses, for daring to challenge the regime of our kingdom" replied Maat. “Of course the same fate must fall over the challenged.”
Hathor turned to Amun and told him:
"Please, Amun, tell me you won't agree with this. Tell me you're not going to let our sons competing for a simple title with the risk of being banned."
"As I said, Hathor, Maat is responsible for creating the challenge that will allow Anubis prove that he deserves to be my successor" Amun said. "In addition , they are adults and warriors."
"But..." Hathor started, before realizing that she would not be able to convince your husband.
Approaching Anubis, Maat made a stone tablet with the shape of the seal of Coltypt appear and handed it to the young prince saying:
"If you want to proceed with the challenge, young prince, you just have to break the seal."
Getting the seal, Anubis weighed about what he should do. Although he was confident of his capabilities, he couldn't ignore the fact that his brother was almost at the same level as him. Under the current circumstances, he could not be sure who would win the challenge and win the title of crown prince. He then turned to Kefer and told him:
"I promise one day I will get what I want."
"Anubis..." Kefer said.
And, having said that, Anubis headed to the exit, saying:
"I'm going to get stronger, you can be sure of that. And when I return, Coltypt will have a new future ruler."
And he left the room.
Shortly after, Anubis left the golden citadel, taking with him a bag with supplies and the seal and his sword, determined to get stronger to then return and get the title of crown prince.
Facing the desert, Anubis walked through the sandstorms under the scorching sun. Suddenly, the storm began to pass aside him. The prince, repairing that, looked around, confused. Then a voice said:
"Look at you, walking aimlessly, just in order to get stronger. Well, you can be sure of one thing, dear Anubis. I can give you what you want."
"Who's there?" Anubis asked, looking around and taking out his sword. "Reveal yourself!"
"Such aggression" the voice said. "I just want to talk."
And darkness appeared in front of Anubis and condensed until the Lord of Chaos appear, saying:
"Can we not have a friendly chat?"
Seeing him, Anubis recognized him immediately. He had seen his pictures during his studies.
"You are the Lord of Chaos, the Lord of Order’s evil brother" Anubis said.
"I'm flattered with those words" the Lord of Chaos said.
"What do you want from me?" Anubis asked, without lowering his sword.
"For starters, you could show some respect, lowering your sword" the Lord of Chaos replied. "It's not polite to point a weapon at someone who just wants to help."
"I know your kind of help" Anubis said. "I'm not going to let you manipulate me as you do with others."
"If you know my achievements, then you know what I'm capable of" the Lord of Chaos said. "You know I can help you to have what you want."
"I don't need your help to defeat my brother" Anubis said.
He prepared to move away, but the Lord of Chaos said:
"If that's true, then why don't you defied Kefer at the moment Maat gave you the seal?"
That made Anubis to stop. The Lord of Chaos continued:
"Maybe because you know that your brother can defeat you, even though you're stronger. You want to ensure your victory and therefore you want to be stronger."
Anubis turned to the Lord of Chaos that went on with what he was saying:
"I can give you the power you need to defeat him. I can give you the power you need to be the best pharaoh that Coltypt ever had. After all, that is what you want, isn't it? You want to overcome your father and all the other pharaohs. Let me help you achieve your ambition. Let me help you... become pharaoh."
With the Lord of Chaos’ words resonating in his head, Anubis stood, considering whether or not he would accept his help.
It's been a few years since Anubis revolted against his father when he chose Kefer instead of him, deciding for abandoning Coltypt to get stronger so he could challenge his brother in the challenge of the feather of Maat, to achieve the title of Crown Prince.
During that time, Coltypt changed considerably. The golden citadel had become more utopian, with more beautiful and modern buildings to take the place of the old ones. The technology had also changed, like the design of the pyramids that had become more modern.
In addition, more of the Coltypt technology had also evolved. One of the great technological creations were the flying vessels with a sail boat shape, designed to fly across the vast desert. Furthermore, it was also created gliders in the shape of bikes.
All these inventions got out of the mind of a young inventor named Hyksos, who was a unicorn with brilliant amber coat with three gears as Cutie Mark, moderate tangelo mane hidden in a dark olive headdress and moderate orange eyes. He was also a good fighter, using his spear with immense skill. All this allowed him to be able to overcome the last level of the Labyrinth of Apis, deserving a Golden Bracelet and becoming part of the Golden Army.
Beyond him, others also managed to go through the Labyrinth, having become Golden Warriors too. One of them was a stallion with a strong body with moderate gold coat with chains linked to heavy balls as Cutie Mark, hairless dark gold hooves, brown mane with dreadlocks and also brown eyes. He was once a rebel who had been imprisoned in the dungeons and that, thanks to Kefer, had the opportunity to redeem himself, joining Apis’ army, using his own chains as weapons, and eventually overcome the challenge of the minotaur’s Labyrinth, receiving thus the Golden Power.
Another member of the Golden Army was a unicorn named Ramses that had a moderate green coat with a sword on a crescent moon as Cutie Mark, dark gambogeish gray and dark brownish gray mane covered with a brown headdress with a brilliant gamboge front and very dark olive eyes. In addition to being a good fencer, Ramses had a unique ability. He was able to use perfectly the metamorphosis spell, which allowed him to take the form of others. It was this ability that allowed him to overcome the challenge of the Labyrinth of Apis.
Finally, there was Sobek, a stallion with moderate spring green coat with a crossed spear and sword as Cutie Mark, grayish green mane and moderate turquoise eyes. He not only had the Golden Power, but he had also been appointed as the Guardian of the Gates of Coltypt.
It seemed that the peace in Coltypt had just gotten stronger and stable. However, something was about to happen that could put in jeopardize all that Coltypt had won since its liberation from the influence of the Lord of Chaos.
During a quiet day, Sobek was on watch on the wall where the gates of the citadel were, when Horus, with his Golden Power activated, landed on the edge of him.
"How are things here, Sobek?"
"Quiet, Horus" Sobek replied. "I have to admit that, in this way, be a Guardian is quite dull."
"But it is an important work in the safety of our kingdom" Horus said.
"Maybe..." Sobek said.
He then looked and saw somepony approaching.
"Somepony's coming" Sobek said, adopting a serious position. “Is he friend or foe?"
Horus turned to where Sobek was looking at and noticed the pony that was approaching. Despite the scarf that he was using to involve the face to protect it from the harsh desert wind, the half-griffon was able to recognize him, something that left him stunned.
"It can't be..." Horus said. "Is he..."
"Do you know who that is, Horus?" Sobek said. "Is him a villain of the Lord of Chaos?"
"Anubis..." Horus said, still shocked.
"Anubis?" Sobek repeated. "Are you talking about Prince Anubis?"
But Horus didn't answer. He was still recovering from the sight of seeing his old friend approaching. However, he didn't know if that was good or bad. The last time he saw him, Anubis swore that he would return to challenge Kefer for the title of Crown Prince. Horus wonder if he had returned to fulfill his promise? Or is it that he had accepted Pharaoh’s decision? Although the latter question sounded pretty implausible, Horus knew he should tell Kefer about the return of his twin brother.
"Let him in, Sobek" Horus said. "After all, he is the son of the Pharaoh and a Prince of Coltypt."
"Okay" Sobek said. "What are you going to do?"
"I’ll warn the pony who is the most interested in the return of Anubis" Horus said.
And, having said that, Horus took flight.
In the distance, Anubis saw Horus taking off. He knew he would warn Kefer about his return. It seemed that he was making things easier for him. That way, he wouldn't have to wait. Upon arriving at the entrance of the golden citadel, the gates opened, with Sobek in the hallway saying, while making a bow:
"Welcome back, Prince Anubis."
"Yes, it's really good to be back" Anubis answered, pulling out his scarf and revealing his face, where a smile with a slight malice garnished his face.
In the Labyrinth of Apis, the general and Kefer were watching the other Golden Warriors training. While they trained, Apis and Kefer talked between each other about their abilities.
"It seems the new Golden Warriors are adapting well to their new condition" Kefer noted.
"They still have some rough edges, but you're right, Kefer" Apis said. "We finally have our Golden Army completed."
It was then that Horus appeared, landing in front of Kefer and Apis, saying to them:
"I have news from the entrance of the kingdom, Kefer. News that I think you will want to know."
That made all the others to turn, curious.
"What's the matter, Horus?" Kefer asked.
"It’s your brother" Horus replied. "Kefer, Anubis is back."
That news caught Kefer off guard, but he was not surprised. He knew that the day that Anubis would return would end up arriving.
"Are you sure, Horus?" Apis asked. "It was really him?"
"He looked a little different, but I would recognize him everywhere" Horus said. "After all, we grew up together."
"Prince Anubis is back" Hyksos said. "I wonder how is he? I think none of us came to know him well."
"I heard he's not very nice" Kha said.
"Come on, let's not get talking about Prince Anubis in that way” Ramses said. "After all, he is Prince Kefer’s brother."
"Where is he?" Kefer asked to Horus.
"I'm not sure, I came to tell you about his return as soon as I saw him getting closer of the citadel” Horus answered. "But the most logical is that he went to the palace."
Kefer, listening that, began heading to the exit of the Labyrinth. Watching that, Apis and Horus followed him, with the former saying:
"Relax, Kefer. I know that Anubis’ returning was inevitable, but you have to think about this calmly. Have you forgotten what was the reason for him to have left Coltypt?"
"Apis is right" Horus said. "If he came back, it’s because he's going to..."
"I don't care" Kefer said, continuing to advance. "He's my twin brother and that is above everything. Besides, if what you’re say is true, then it doesn’t matter how much I delay our meeting, isn't that right?"
To that argument, Apis and Horus didn't know what else to say.
As Horus had suggested, Anubis had gone indeed to the palace, where he met with Amun and Hathor in the throne room. When she saw her son entering the throne room, Hathor went to him to hug him, but Amun simply remained sitting on his throne, looking to Anubis.
"It's so good to see you and hold you, my son" Hathor said, while holding Anubis. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, mother" Anubis replied, although without holding her back and keeping looking to his father.
"I see that you decided to return" Amun said, keeping his expressionless tone. "I hope you came back with more sense."
"Amun!" Hathor said, turning to her husband with a disapproval tone. "How can you talk to your son in that way after years without seeing him."
"It's okay, mom" Anubis said. '' I understand dad’s reaction. After all, when I got out of Coltypt, we were not on the best terms. But rest assured, father. My journey was... revealing."
Listening his son talking in that way, Amun did not fail to feel a strange sensation. It was as if a certain darkness was shining in Anubis. But that thought scattered when the doors of the throne room were opened and Kefer entered, followed by Horus and Apis. Kefer stopped to see his brother who turned to him.
"Anubis..." Kefer said.
A silence broke in the room, while the two brothers finally met after years away. The silence was such that Hathor retreated to stand next to the throne where her husband was sitting.
"Hello, Kefer" Anubis said. "You look stronger. But I also got stronger."
"Anubis, please..." Kefer said, while attempting to approach his older brother. "It had passed a few years since that time. Can't we go back to what we were before?"
Anubis just made a smile and replied:
"We both know that's impossible. We're not the stallions that we were at that time."
"I'm still the same" Kefer said. "I haven't changed."
"But I did" Anubis replied. "And you can believe that I have changed for the better."
Suddenly, Amun came back to see the darkness that he had seen him in his son before Kefer get in. But how could that be? What did his son do during all those years he was out of Coltypt?
Anubis took the hoof to one of his saddlebags and pulled out of what everypony recognized as the Coltypt seal that Maat had given him if wanted to resort to challenge him to the challenge of the feather of Maat. Seeing that seal, everypony got in suspense. Amun’s older son lifted the seal and then broke it in two and launched one of the halves to the front of Kefer.
"Anubis..." he said, seeing the half of the seal before him, not wanting to believe.
"I challenge you, my brother, to the challenge of the feather of Maat" Anubis. "Let's see who is the most fit to be the next pharaoh."
Hearing that, Hathor tried to intervene, but Amun extended his arm to her. He knew very well that Anubis wasn't doing it just to get Kefer, but also to him, as he didn't have chosen him as his successor. There was nothing anypony could say or do to make him change his mind. So he got up and said:
"If it’s that what you really want, Anubis, then so be it. I’ll communicate that to Maat and prepare everything, so that everything is ready and we can start the challenge."
"I can't wait to start" Anubis said.
Kefer was still looking at the half of the seal that Anubis had thrown. So it had come to that point. Now that he thought about that, in the past, they were inseparable. Kefer was filling up of frustration for not having done anything in relation to the distance that was forming in their relationship.
Horus watched his best friend with sorrow. He knew what he was thinking, but Horus knew it wasn't all Kefer’s fault. He was also Anubis’s friend and he could also have helped to mitigate the distance that was emerging between the two brothers.
With the challenge of Anubis to Kefer announced, preparations were made. It didn’t last until, at the front of the Kingdom, were presented, in addition to Kefer and Anubis (who were prepared with saddlebags with provisions and carrying their swords), the Pharaoh and the Queen, the Coltypt Council and the Golden Army. Maat advanced a few steps in the direction of two participants, levitating beside her the container with her feather, and proclaimed:
"When I open this box, the feather will fly. The first to bring the feather back to me will be the winner. Prince Kefer, as you can imagine, the Golden Power is forbidden. If you use it, we will know and Prince Anubis will be the winner. Now remember, young princes, only the most worthy will be able to get the feather. Do you understand?"
"Yes" the two replied, making a slight bow to the Supreme Judge.
Then, using her magic, Maat made the glass of the box disappear and the top half frame was collected. Being freed, the feather took flight, as Maat said:
"Let the challenge… begin"
And the feather moved away quickly toward the desert. Kefer and Anubis began running, addressing the two gliders that were there for them. After rising to them, they started flying to go after the feather, not passing to much time for them to disappear from the field of vision.
"We'd better get back to the citadel" Maat said to everypony. "The challenge may take some time. Possibly days or weeks."
And, with that, everypony started to get back into the citadel. However, Amun took longer to return. There was something that bothered him, something that started when he felt that sudden darkness coming from his son. He could be exaggerating, but everything in that challenge was troubling him.
Of course, this could be due to the fact that one of his sons was about to be moved away from the citadel to live at the desert, but Amun couldn't help but feeling that something bad was going to happen.
The challenge was extended for a few days and the two brothers sought the desert for the feather, but it was quite difficult to find. Even they did that, it would just fly away.
Kefer was getting exhausted just by looking. After all, his provisions were running out. He had to find the feather quickly. It was then that a glow in the distance caught his attention. The prince knew that glow as the one belonging to the feather of Maat. Realizing this, Kefer followed the glow and finally saw it. It was really the feather of Maat.
Kefer landed his glider a few hooves, but, at that time, Anubis also appeared on his glider, landing on the other side, almost at the same distance that Kefer was. The two left their respective gliders and looked intensely to each other. It was then that the two started running in the direction of the feather.
Even though they started at the same time, Kefer was faster and was approaching the feather more quickly. It was obvious that it would be he who would get it. Anubis, realizing this, knew he couldn't let that to happen. If Kefer caught the feather, he would be in advantage and would have more chances of winning the challenge. Therefore, he concentrated deeply and darkness began to envelop him. He could feel his strength increasing considerably.
Kefer was amazed to see that. He could feel all the negative energy surrounding his brother. But what was that? He wondered if that was what he was thinking? Anubis then unleashed that energy at once and it hit Kefer strongly and threw him to the ground. The younger prince was sore and saw his brother approaching him with a cruel smile.
"Anubis... what did you do?" Kefer asked. "All this darkness…"
"I know" Anubis said. "It's amazing! You know, little brother, our dear old dad told us so many horrible things about the Lord of Chaos, but I think he forgot to mention how generous he is."
"You fool..." Kefer said, trying to get up, but he couldn't because of the pain he was feeling. "How can you have fallen into the ways of the Lord of Chaos?"
"If that means I can get what I want, I don't care" Anubis said.
It seemed that Anubis was pretty confident in the power of the Lord of Chaos. Kefer couldn't believe his own twin brother was allowed himself to be influenced by the master of all evil, just like their great-uncle.
"Now, if you excuse me, dear brother, I have a feather to take" Anubis said.
And he started going towards the feather. Kefer began to rise, ignoring all the pain he was feeling, as he had to prevent that Anubis took the feather and took it back to Maat, because he would become the Crown Prince and, if he did anything to harm their father, he would become pharaoh, who would launch Coltypt into the influence of the Lord of Chaos.
Anubis approached and prepared to take it, saying:
"And now, it's time to claim what should have been mine."
But when his hoof was a few inches from the feather, it began to shine brightly. The light was so intense that hurted Anubis’ eyes and made him groan and retreat.
"But what is this?" he asked, while retreating.
Kefer realized what was that. For what he had learned about the feather of Maat, it was loaded with the very light of the Lord of Order and, having felt Anubis’ darkness, it made his brother move away from it. That was his opportunity.
Using all the forces he had, Kefer started running and hit Anubis, throwing him against the ground. After this, he approached and grabbed the feather, running then to his glider and taking flight to the citatel. Seeing his younger brother getting away, Anubis said, with his anger rising up:
"Kefer! I'm not going to let you to beat me."
And Anubis went to his glider and tried to follow his brother.
A race between the two brothers began. Kefer was trying to reach Coltypt as fast as he could, while Anubis was trying to reach him with his anger rising even more. Relief began to invade Kefer when he saw the golden citadel.
"Finally…" he said.
"No way, little brother!" Anubis’ voice exclaimed.
He then appeared in front of Kefer, with the darkness enveloping him with more intensity.
"I'm not going to let you steal my destiny again!" Anubis yelled.
And he fired a strong shot of darkness. Kefer tried to dodge, but the attack was too fast and eventually hit him, making him fall off of his glider and landing hard on the burning sand of the desert. The feather was released and stopped at some distance, keeping itself floating, but without leaving the place it was. The glider continued to advance, while it fell to the land hardly, getting damaged. Anubis jumped off his glider, which also crashed, and approached his brother.
"This is the last time you put yourself in my way, Kefer" Anubis said.
And he began to throw punches to his younger brother, while saying with all the anger he was feeling:
"You've always been that way! You never stopped being the perfect child . You have always been father’s favorite, with that fair and calm attitude of yours."
"Anubis... please..." Kefer said, while blood began dripping from his nose and lips for every punch that Anubis gave him.
But Anubis continued with its brutal attack to Kefer, unloading all his anger on him. It was then that a voice exclaimed:
"Sun Ray!"
An intense beam made of sunlight appeared and hit Anubis hard, taking him off Kefer and throwing him to the ground a few hooves. Horus appeared, with her Golden Bracelet activated, having been responsible for the attack, and landed on the edge of Kefer, asking, as he helped him getting up:
"Kefer, are you okay? Don't worry, I'll get you out of here."
Anubis stood up and asked Horus, angrily:
"How dare you to interrupt me, Horus?!"
"What are you doing, Anubis?!" Horus asked. "He is your brother!"
"I don't care!" Anubis exclaimed, with his darkness shining again, but with more intensity. "You interfered and, because of that, you will pay!"
Anubis prepared to launch a new attack, but before he could do it, a wave of light struck him and he groaned, while he was paralyzed and the darkness around him disappeared.
"I don't think so, my son."
And Amun appeared between Anubis, Horus and Kefer. Then, Ramses and Kha appeared alongside him, with their bracelets also activated.
"You don’t pass from there" Amun said. "Neither you nor your attacks."
"But this is a challenge that is above the Pharaoh himself!" Amun exclaimed. "You had no right."
"You don't think I had the right to stop one of my sons from killing his own brother?!" Amun yelled. "I can be Pharaoh, but being a father is my highest priority. This is the true meaning of the crown: protect the kingdom and the loved ones, something that obviously you don't understand."
"You were always the same" Anubis said. "You always favored Kefer."
"I love you and your brother the same way" Amun said. "But your brother deserves the crown. He has the qualities necessary to be a great pharaoh, unlike you. You think I didn't see that darkness surrounding you, even though latent? This challenge is cancelled! The feather of Maat can only be taken by the most worthy, those who do not serve Evil, something that apparently perfectly describes you."
Anubis drew an evil smile and he began to laugh evilly, saying then:
"I'll take that as a compliment, dear father. However, let me correct you. Coltypt does not need a fair and compassionate pharaoh. Those are no more than weaknesses. A Pharaoh must be strong and powerful, able to rule with firm hoof. And you can be sure I'll do that, in the same way that Seti and Khonsu did!"
Hearing that, Amun realized that Anubis was completely under the influence of the Lord of Chaos. The negative energy he was releasing was a lot. It was even stronger than the one that he once felt in Khonsu.
"You leave me no choice, Anubis" he said. "No matter how much pain this may cause to me, I can't let you get away with your crimes."
"Father... please" Kefer said, weakly.
"No, Kefer" Amun said. "I take care of Anubis. This is now an issue that concerns the security of our kingdom. Rest, my son. Horus, protect Kefer."
"Yes, Pharaoh" he replied.
"Ramses, Kha, get ready" Amun said.
"Yes!" they answered.
Despite the words that he had just said, Anubis realized that he couldn't fight his father and two Golden Warriors. His only option was to run, but even that option seemed to be almost impossible to be performed.
Suddenly, an immense darkness appeared in the air and a cold voice said through it:
"Easy there, Amun."
The Pharaoh of Coltypt recognized that voice.
"You..." he said.
And the darkness took the form of the Lord of Chaos.
"Hello, Pharaoh."
"Lord of Chaos" Amun said.
Ramses and Kha were a little impressed with the appearance of the Lord of Chaos, but they didn't lose their composure and kept their attack position.
"What did you do with my son, you bastard?" Amun asked.
"I just tried to give him what he wanted" the Lord of Chaos answered, trying to make a fake innocent air. "After all, isn’t that a good thing to do? And I was thinking that I was doing a good deed."
"You're going to pay for this..." Amum said.
"I doubt that very much" the Lord of Chaos replied, revealing his serious side. "What can a simple pony against a deity like me? Furthermore, your son serves me because it’s what he wants. It's not true, Anubis?"
"Yes, master" Anubis replied, making a bow to the Lord of Chaos.
"You see?" the Lord of Chaos asked to Amum cynically. "And now, if you don't mind, oh great Pharaoh, I and my servant will go. After all, we don't want to infect your beautiful kingdom with our sweet darkness."
And the Lord of chaos laughed while he and Anubis disappeared in a wave of darkness.
With the disappearance of the Lord of Chaos, Ramses and Kha felt much relieved. Despite the pain that was seeing one of his sons becoming a servant of the Lord of Chaos, Amum had to look ahead and focus on what he could do. He turned to Kefer and told him:
"We're going to take you to Osiris, Kefer. Don't worry, you're going to be fine."
"Wait, father" Kefer said, freeing themselves from Horus and holding up. "There's still something I have to do first."
And he began to go towards the feather of Maat.
"Kefer..." Horus said.
"You don't have to do this, my son" Amum said. "The challenge was cancelled."
"I don't care" Kefer said, grabbing the feather. "I have to finish what I started. After all, that's what you always taught me, father, isn’t it?"
That made Anubis to smile. Kefer was without a doubt the best choice. In spite of the consequences of their choice, he didn't regret anything.
Appearing in the Desolate Area, the Lord of Chaos said to Anubis:
"Too bad you lost the challenge. I was counting on your victory to recover Coltypt."
"I'm so sorry, master" Anubis said. "It seems that my brother has a lot of luck."
"Yes, and a lot of allies" the Lord of Chaos said.
Then an idea came up in the mind of the master of evil and he giggled.
"If that is so, then you just have to do the same thing."
He turned to Anubis and continued:
"You have to create your own army. Do that and then conquer Coltypt by force."
"But how am I going to do that, my Lord?" Anubis asked. "Even if I get my own army, Kefer has the Golden Power."
"Don't worry about that, because I will give you the power you need" the Lord of Chaos said. "But, like any other powerful magic, there is a price: your equinity."
"I will do my best to win Coltypt for you, your lordship" Anubis replied. "I’ll pay the price required."
"Very well" the Lord of Chaos said.
And he pointed his spear to Anubis and released the darkness. Darkness surrounded him, until it hid him completely.
"It's time for you to reborn, Anubis" the Lord of Chaos said. "Introduce yourself to me... as a jackal warrior."
And the darkness dissipated, revealing the new form of Anubis. He had become a jackal with black fur and brilliant scarlet eyes with yellow sclera with white markings. In his head, he had a blue and black headdress.
Some time has passed since Anubis defected to the Lord of Chaos’ side. Although this affected the royal family of Coltypt immensely, they were trying to overcome in the best possible way: Amun, due to his position as regent, placed his emotions about Anubis aside as soon as he could in order to better protect Coltypt; Hathor had been deeply saddened with everything that happened, but slowly began to restore herself; but the worst was Kefer.
The young Prince had been greatly affected by everything that had happened. Maybe because he had been directly betrayed by his own twin brother. Although Kefer didn't show his true feelings, it was obvious to everypony that he was suffering from the loss of Anubis. In order to keep his thoughts, Kefer focused in his training and in his preparation to rule the kingdom.
Horus had noticed this change in the behavior of his best friend. The cheerful Kefer he used to met had been hidden by a totally different one. He was worried about what could happen to his friend if he continued like that.
Determined to help Kefer, Horus went to see the Pharaoh in order to ask for his help on this matter. He entered in the throne room, where Amun was sitting on his throne, reading a few scrolls of parchment. Arriving to the staircase of the throne, Horus made a bow and said:
"Your Highness, if I may."
"What do you want, Horus?" Amun asked, raising his eyes from the scroll he was reading.
"It's your son, Pharaoh" Horus replied. "I'm very worried about him. Since Anubis rebelled to join the Lord of Chaos, Kefer hasn't been the same."
Amun said nothing for a few seconds, but then he spoke:
"I know that, Horus. After all, I have full awareness of what happens to the ponies who are dear to me. But I'm afraid there’s nothing we can do about Kefer except let him handle the situation alone. Only time will heal the wounds of the heart."
"I understand" Horus said. "But I hate to see my best friend in this way. There has to be something I can do to lessen his pain."
The Pharaoh observed Horus. He could tell that he was really a good friend of his son, never having abandoned him and being always at his side in everything. He realized then that at that time, he was the only one that had the slight chance of reaching Kefer.
"If you feel all that, Horus, might it’s a good idea to let you deal with my son" Amun said. "I believe that your friendship for Kefer will be able to release him from all the bitterness that he's feeling."
Horus was surprised to hear that, however he did not intend to refuse such liability. After all, it was his duty to help Kefer.
"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Your Highness" he said, making a bow. "I will do what I can."
And, having said that, he abandoned the throne room.
"And I hope you can, Horus" Amun said. "I really hope so."
Horus went to the only place he could find Kefer now: the Labyrinth of Apis. Upon arriving there, he found Kefer training like he had never trained before. Watching him waving the sword, it was like he was watching Anubis before he was corrupted. Apis appeared beside Horus and told him:
"It's sad to see Prince Kefer this way. It seems that what happened with his brother was like getting stabbed in the back from he won't be able to recover."
Apis seemed to be right, but Horus wouldn't let his best friend to fall in that way.
"Don't worry, Apis" Horus said. "I got this. If it depends on me, Kefer will get rid of that bloody anguish that is consuming him."
Having said that, he advanced towards Kefer. Apis was intrigued about how Horus would help Kefer, however, he knew that, knowing how Horus was, he wouldn't give up until he had helped his friend. So, he moved away.
Horus has reached the edge of Kefer, who was making complex sword movements, and greeted him:
"Hello, Kefer. Can we talk? "
"Not now, Horus" Kefer replied while moving the sword. "I'm busy."
"I just wanted to know if you wanted to train with me, nothing else" Horus said.
"I'm sorry, but I don't feel like it."
"Why swinging a sword in the air and hit training dummies, when you can have a partner that can dodge and retaliate?"
That made Kefer stop and sigh. He turned to Horus and answered him, putting his sword back to its sheath:
"Whatever."
The two prepared for battle. They looked to each other for a few moments and then Keffer struck the first blow, with him trying to punch Horus. However, the half-griffon dodged with great ease, with the speed that he inherited from his father. Kefer continued to attack, but Horus continued always to dodge.
"What are you doing, Horus?" Kefer asked, while attacking. "Stop running and attack."
"You think I'm running?" Horus asked back. "Funny, I thought it was you the one who was running."
That made Kefer stop attacking and ask:
"What do you mean? I'm not running from anything."
"I beg to disagree, Kefer, but you haven't been the same since what happened with Anubis" Horus said. "Even your fighting style has changed. Your moves are more uncoordinated, clumsier and slower."
"Don't be ridiculous" Kefer said. "I have not changed in anything. You're imagining things."
Horus knew he wouldn't reach Kefer if he limited to simply say the truth. He had to reach him in another way and he knew exactly how to do it.
"You know what, you're right" he said. "Probably, this has nothing to do with Anubis. Maybe, you're losing the hang of it."
"What did you say?" Kefer asked.
"What you heard" Horus replied. "But also why do you need to keep training so hard your fighting abilities when you will be a pharaoh and you will have an army to fight for you?"
Horus's words seemed to strike at Kefer’s pride, which made him start boiling with rage.
"Honestly, if was not for the Golden Bracelet you have, I don't think you wouldn’t make it in a battle against the villains of the Lord of Chaos" Horus said.
"Ok, that's enough!" Kefer exclaimed.
And he launched himself against Horus, however, the young unicorn prince was overwhelmed by his half-griffon friend in an instant, with Horus pinning Kefer against the floor.
"You see?" Horus asked. "And you were supposed to be better than I at hoof-to-hoof combat."
"Let me go immediately, Horus!" Kefer demanded.
Horus sighed and said, adopting a quieter tone of voice:
"Don't let your brother change you, Kefer. He's not worth it. If you stop being the pony you always were, the pony that your father chose to be his successor, then you're letting him win."
"That Kefer was not able to save his own brother from the darkness” Kefer replied. "He was not strong enough."
"When will you get into your thick head that there was nothing you could do for Anubis?" Horus asked. "If your brother decided to follow the Lord of Chaos instead of the Lord of Order, so there was nothing you could do to convince him the opposite. You can't take the responsibility for your brother’s own choices, Kefer. The same thing happened when you were named Crown Prince. But I'm not going to let the history repeat itself. Because I don't want the Pharaoh and the Queen to lose another son and… I don't want to lose my best friend."
Hearing Horus’ words made Kefer realize how much his friend was worried about him. When he began to reflect on everything that Horus told, Kefer concluded that he was right. All he was doing was because he couldn't accept completely that his brother was now his enemy. He blamed himself for not being powerful enough to stop Anubis and began trying to compensate that by increasing his own strength. But he was just becoming like his brother, starting to isolate himself from everypony else.
"You're right..." Kefer said to Horus, making the last be amazed by his words. "I haven't been myself... and all because of what happened with Anubis."
Realizing that his friend was calmer, Horus released him and Kefer arose, saying then:
"Sorry, Horus, if I left you very concerned."
"I was just doing my duty as a friend" he replied. "Do you really think I'd let my best friend deteriorate himself like that? But if you really want to apologize, I'm not the only one you need to apologize. Your father was so worried as I am. He trusted me to bring you back to what you used to be."
"I think I left a lot of ponies worried" Kefer realized. "I just hope that, after this, I am still worthy to be Pharaoh."
"Of course you are” Horus assured, putting one of his talons on Kefer’s shoulder. "No doubt about it."
Kefer smiled and said:
"Thank you, Horus. You're such a good friend."
Watching that scene by far was Amun, who was smiling, seeing that Horus had reached Kefer’s heart.
"Looks like your son finally freed himself from his troubles" a voice said.
And the Lord of Order appeared.
"I guess so" Amun replied.
"That means he is ready" the Lord of Order said.
"Are you sure, my Lord?" Amun asked. "I'm not sure..."
“I understand you're apprehensive, as it’s your son we are talking about" the Lord of Order said. "But you don't have to worry about. I'm sure Kefer will be a great Pharaoh, able even to surpass you, as a son must surpass his father."
Amun then consented with the head, agreeing with his master.
Later that day, Amun had gathered everypony in the throne room. At both of his sides was Hathor and Isis. On one side of the throne room, lined up, were the other members of the Council and Osiris, while on the opposite side was Kefer, Apis and the remaining Golden Warriors, with the young Prince closer to the throne.
"I'm glad you get here as soon as possible" Amun said.
"What's up, father?" Kefer asked. "Did something happen?"
"Yes" Amun replied. "But you don't have to worry about, since it is not a bad thing. Turns out the Lord of Order invited me and Hathor to live in Harmony, the Lord of Order’s kingdom."
All were surprised with such news.
"What?!" Kefer asked. "Seriously?!"
"The Lord of Order must have done it after everything that you did for Coltypt" Bes said.
"Yes, indeed" Seth agreed. "If it wasn't for Pharaoh Amun, Coltypt would still be under the rule of the Lord of Chaos.”
“Not to mention that, even then, he protected and ruled this Kingdom with great skill" Osiris said.
“There is no doubt about that” Maat said.
However, Kefer wasn't be very happy with this news. If his parents went to Harmonia, he would not have by his side any more members of his family. Horus had noticed this.
"Kefer..." he said.
But Kefer’s feelings were also noticed by his father who said:
"Hold your head up, Kefer."
That made Kefer look to his father who continued:
"This is no way for the Crown Prince of Coltypt to behave."
"But, father, I..." Kefer started, not knowing what to say. "What am I going to do if you and mother..."
"Kefer, no matter where we are, we will always love you" Hathor said.
"Your mother is right" Amun said. "Moreover, the family is much more than simple kinship relationships. I learned this a long time ago. And you have a whole bunch of people that you can consider your family."
Kefer looked around for Horus and Isis, as well as the other members of the Council, Osiris, Apis and all the other friends of the Golden Army. His father was right, they were like a family to him.
"Futhermore..." Amun said, rising up and starting heading to his son. "You must remain strong, my son. As I go to Harmonia, you will become the new Pharaoh of Coltypt. Your moment arrived, Kefer."
Despite his fear of taking his father’s place due to his doubts about whether he will be a good pharaoh or not, Kefer didn’t get intimidated and said:
"I will do my best to not disappoint you, father."
Amun smiled, proud of Kefer, and the two hugged each other and, after the hug, Hathor approached his son and told him:
"Good luck, my son. I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you, too, mother" Kefer replied.
Mother and son hugged each other and, when they finished, Hathor said:
"And I hope you can be able to make your brother return. If there is something I really want, is that you two can go back to be the brothers you used to be."
"I will try, mother" Kefer assured.
Hathor smiled at him.
There was an explosion of light and the Lord of Order appeared before all of them, what made them make a bow.
"So everything's ready" the Lord of Order said.
"Yes, your lordship" Amun said.
Amun then took his crown and placed it on his son’s head.
"Now, it's up to you, Kefer" he said.
Kefer waved.
Suddenly, before Kefer, a scarlet book adorned with gold and with what appeared to be an elliptical mirror in the center appeared.
"What is this?" Kefer asked.
"To become the real ruler of Coltypt, you have to have the same light as your father" the Lord of Order. "To inherit it, you have to sign your page in the Book of Fates."
And then the book open to a page that contained Kefer’s image and with a line underneath for him to sign. A glossy white feather appeared and Kefer used his magic to get it. Looking for everypony who was watching, waiting for him to sign, Kefer took a deep breath and signed.
As soon as he did that, the book closed and disappeared. Then, Kefer felt a strange sensation and the flower that contained his star seed appeared and opened, revealing it, shining with a beautiful white glow. The star seed of his father also appeared, but shining with the same color as his aura. Then it began to transfer part of its brightness to Kefer’s. When everything was finished, Kefer’s star seed adopted another color, the color of the magical aura of its owner. After this, the two star seeds returned to the interior of Kefer and Amun.
"Now, it's up to you to protect this kingdom" the Lord of Order said to Kefer. "Don't disappoint me."
"I know you can do this, my son" Amun said.
"I echo the words of your father, Kefer" Hathor said.
The Lord of Order hit with his spear on the ground and opened a portal.
"It's time to go" he said to Amun and Hathor. "Now that there are two star seeds with the same type of light, the balance can begin to be compromised."
The couple approached the portal and, after giving a look to their son and to their old friends, they crossed it and the gate closed.
"It looks like it's everything dealt" the Lord of Order said, turning then to Kefer. "I hope you to be a pharaoh as fair and wise as your father was, or even more."
"I don't know if I'm going to be the pharaoh my father was, but I will do my best, Lord of Order" Kefer said.
"I know you will, because major challenges await you in the future, young Pharaoh" he replied, disappearing in a burst of light.
So the Lord of Order vanished, Kefer found himself surrounded by his comrades of the Golden Army who begin to congratulate him.
"Congratulations, Kefer" Apis said. "I'm sure you will honor your parents and the Lord of Order as Pharaoh."
"Thank you, Apis" Kefer thanked. "I hope you're right."
"Of course he is" Horus said. "Only a fool or an idiot would think the opposite."
Kefer giggled and said to his great friend:
"Only you give me confidence, Horus. You know, I'm going to need all the help to rule an entire kingdom. And at the beginning of his reign, my dad needed the help of your father, so I request your help as my first-counselor."
"Then it will be an honour to accept your request, old friend" Horus replied.
"You can be sure, Kefer, that you're not alone" Isis said. "You will have the help of the Council to take care of the kingdom."
And the other members of the Council waved. With all those great friends ready to help him, the fear Kefer had of taking care of Coltypt was greatly reduced.
It didn't take long for all kingdom to know that they now had a new pharaoh. When Kefer appeared on the balcony of the throne room to direct himself to the Coltyptians for the first time as a pharaoh, he was greeted by a huge ovation and applauses. It seemed that everypony was quite happy with his new regent.
However, somewhere in the desert, a large dark cloud obscured the sun in that area, obscuring it. Suddenly, a great black pyramid with large statues on each side of the entrance, a jackal and another of a pony with an ibis head, appeared from the sand. Its sinister look could transmit a great unhappiness and despair.
Then, from the inside, Anubis, with his dark aura even heavier than the last time he saw his brother, came out. In one of his forelegs, he had a bracelet similar to the Golden Bracelets, but with dark colors and blood red stones. But he wasn't alone.
At each of his sides, appeared two ponies, but they weren't regular ponies. One had dark malachite green coat with the Egyptian hieroglyph ibis as Cutie Mark, but he had an ibis head, just like one of the statues at the entrance, with the same color as his coat, a very dark sea green beak and red eyes, with a dark red headdress. The other pony had dark grayish gold coat with a pair of ram horns as Cutie Mark, but he had a ram head with red eyes and also a headdress, but with a dark brown color. They also had the same type of bracelet Anubis had.
"Finally, it's time to reclaim what belongs to me" Anubis said. "The Dark Pyramid is just the beginning."
"And you can be sure we will be able to conquer Coltypt, great Dark Pharaoh" the pony with the ibis head said. "With me as your first-counselor, there is nothing that can go wrong."
"I hope so, Toth" Anubis told him, turning then to the pony with the ram head. "And I hope that you push yourself too, Khnum."
"Don't worry, your Highness" he replied. "My metamorphic powers are at your disposal."
"Perfect" Anubis said. "It's time for my brother finally figure out who should have been the successor of our father."
And he laughed, while many pairs of red eyes glowed in the darkness of the interior of the Dark Pyramid.
In the Dark Pyramid, Anubis was sitting on his throne, while Thot and Khnum were standing before him.
"My lord Anubis, I think it's time to finally reveal our presence in Coltypt to your brother and his petty followers" Thot said.
"Yes, let's invade the Golden Citadel with all our strength and dominate this kingdom" Khnum said.
"Don't be in such a hurry" Anubis said, with a tranquil air. "We have all the time in the world. Furthermore, attack our enemy from the front is something too outmoded. I have something much better in mind. Believe me, I'm going to attack my brother where he least expects it."
It was another day of calm and peace in Coltypt, which sparkled under the sunlight. The inhabitants were living their lives with all normality, however with some excitement. The news about Kefer’s accession to the throne had rejoiced the Coltyptians greatly. Never before such strong cheer was heard when Kefer addressed for the first time to his people as the new pharaoh.
Despite that had made the new regent happy, he couldn't help but be a little insecure because everypony was putting all their trust in him and Kefer hasn't felt like a real pharaoh. Fortunately, he had the help of the Council, as well as his friends’, most Horus, who was trying to behave up to his position as first-counselor, not only for Kefer, but also to honor his late father.
At that moment, Sobek was on guard at the gates of the citadel. Although he knew that was a noble effort, the Guardian could not help but thinking that it was a waste of his strength. While he was there to spy on possible threats, his companions, including the Golden Warriors, were practicing and perfecting their capabilities at Apis’ Labyrinth.
Something then caught his attention: a roll of parchment fell at his feet, seeming to be a message. Sobek looked up to see where that message came from, but he didn't see anything else but a hawk that was flying over the citadel and then turned away from the Guardian who took the message and saw it was directed to him. So, he opened it and read:
Dear Sobek, I have a proposition for you that I'm sure it will be undeniable. Meet me at the Nopony’s Land. Come alone.
The message wasn’t signed, what made Sobek become quite intrigued. And if was it some kind of trap? He should inform Kefer about that immediately. However, his curiosity seemed to be winning the battle for the decision about what to do.
Anubis was sitting on his throne in the throne room of the Dark Pyramid with Thoth standing next to him when the same hawk that Sobek had spotted flew in and, when I was close to Anubis, became Khnum who kneeled before his master.
"The message was delivered" he said.
"Perfect" Anubis said. "This was just the first step."
"Do you really think the Guardian won't say anything to Kefer about message?" Toth asked him.
"Since the moment I saw Sobek, I felt a certain darkness in him" Anubis said. "Between all the inhabitants of Coltypt, he was the only one to treat me as if I never left Coltypt, when I came back to challenge my brother. It can be tied to the duty as Golden Warrior, but there is one thing you can never underestimate: our darkest desires."
The night fell in Coltypt and, silently, Sobek, after making sure he had his post covered, addressed to the Nopony’s Land to meet who had sent the message. At first, he couldn't see anypony. It was then that a slight sandstorm lifted and Sobek felt being surrounded and red eyes started popping up all around. He put himself in an attack position.
"Who's there?" he asked.
"Come on, Sobek, you don't have to be so suspicious" a voice said.
And, from the storm, Anubis appeared Anubis, continuing:
"We just want to be your friends."
"A jackal…" Sobek said. " Do you really think I want to be friend with a disgusting creature like you."
"And I thought you had some respect for me" Anubis said. "At least, that's what I thought when I came back to Coltypt after years to face my dear brother Kefer."
Sobek stayed with a shocked air when he heard that and finally recognized the former Prince of Coltypt.
"Prince Anubis?" he asked.
"Well, well, finally you recognize me" Anubis said. "I just have to correct one little detail. I'm not a prince anymore."
"But... how..." Sobek started.
"How I went from pony to jackal?" Anubis asked. "It was just a gift from the Lord of Chaos. And believe me, it was worth it just to get all the power I have. Now, I'm the Dark Pharaoh, the one who will dethrone the Golden Pharaoh of Coltypt and claim what was taken from the Lord of Chaos."
Despite feeling a little intimidated and still a little shocked for seeing the jackal form of Anubis, Sobek quickly recovered his senses and said:
"I will not allow any harm to come into Coltypt. I am the Guardian and my duty is to guard the gates of Coltypt from the Lord of Chaos’ darkness."
That made Anubis drop a laugh and then ask:
"It was my brother who taught you to say that? Or was it Apis? Anyway, neither of them is quite skilled with words. Sobek, I didn't come here to fight. As I said in the message that I sent you, I just want to make a deal with you."
"Any deal that can come from a traitor cannot be of my interest" Sobek replied. "Power of Coltypt!"
And his Golden Power was activated.
Anubis sighed and said:
"I just wanted to have a quieted and civilized chat" Anubis said. "But, if that's what you want, then I'm going to have to be more persuasive."
He made a sign and two of the pairs of eyes approached, revealing two jackals. One of jackals was taller than the other, but both had a strong aspect, a sword in a sheath on his back and the same type of bracelets that Anubis, Thoth and Khnum had. The lower also had some bandages around his forelegs.
"Meet Nakt and Hatanor" Anubis introduced, making mention of the taller jackal and lower jackal respectively. "They are my first and second generals. Let’s see if you can beat them."
"Power of Coltypt!" both of them said.
Their bracelets shone and, in the same way that the golden armor covered Sobek, a silver armor covered the two generals, which left the Guardian caught by surprise.
"The Lord of Chaos was quite generous in giving me and some of my best servants this bracelets with the same type of power that the Golden Bracelets" Anubis said. "Impressed?"
"Not really" Sobek said. "It doesn’t matter the power those bracelets have, because, in the end, the light always triumphs over darkness!"
And he started to fight against the two generals of Anubis. Despite being outnumbered, he seemed to be able to cope pretty well with them. He ended with a blow that launched Nakt and Hatanor against the ground while their armors disappeared.
"Pretty impressive" Anubis said. "But I think you haven't seen what true power is capable of. Power of Coltypt!"
And Anubis was covered by a silver armor. Sobek went in the direction of Anubis for the attack, but the Dark Pharaoh drew his sword and said:
"Cosmic Energy!"
He came down the sword with strength and launched a massive wave of red energy that lifted a big wave of sand that hit sand in Sobek and threw him to the ground, making his Golden Armor disappear.
"You proved to be a very skillful warrior, Sobek, so I will give you an opportunity to think about what you really want" Anubis said, making his silver armor disappear, while Sobek looked at him. "Do you want to continue to make roots on top of a wall looking for enemies, or do you want to be what you always wanted to be: a warrior who gets everything he wants. The choice is yours. Tomorrow night, I'll be waiting behind the secret sealed door in the tunnels under the citadel. At that time, I’ll know what your answer will be: If you want to be loyal to somepony who can give you everything you want, or if you prefer to waste all your potential."
And, having said this, Anubis pulled away, followed by his generals, and the eyes that were watching disappeared one by one. When the sandstorm finally ceased, Anubis and his soldiers had disappeared. Sobek stood up, still with Anubis's words echoing in his head.
The next day, Sobek had returned to his post, but was soon visited by Horus.
"Horus, what brings you here?" Sobek asked.
"Pharaoh wants to see you, Sobek" Horus said.
"And what's the reason?" Sobek asked.
"Soon you will see" Horus replied.
And so Sobek was taken to the presence of Kefer, who was sitting on his throne. Getting there, Sobek made a bow, saying:
"Your Highness…"
"Sobek, you are one of our best warriors" Kefer said. "You were one of the few to get a Golden Bracelet and that's why my father gave you the job of watching the gates of the citadel. However, from what I've heard, last night you left your post for some time. I'm not trying to imply anything, but I wonder if it's everything okay with you. "
Sobek did not answered for a few seconds, trying to decide if he should tell Kefer what had happened last night and that night Anubis will be waiting for him. It was then that something brought Sobek to respond:
"Don't worry, there is no problem, Your Highness. I just needed to get some air to clear my head. But I want you to know that I didn't let the gates unguarded."
"I know, that was something rather wise to do" Kefer said. "But I would like to stress how important your job is. It’s just you don't seem very happy and I understand. It can't be easy to spend hours watching our walls when our kingdom is at peace for so many years. But you possess perhaps the most important task among the Golden Warriors, Sobek, as you guarantee the safety of everypony."
"Thank you for those words, Your Highness, but I can assure you that I am quite satisfied with my work" Sobek ensured.
Having said that, he bowed to Kefer and then abandoned the throne room.
"I don't know why, but I think he wasn't completely honest with us" Horus said to Kefer.
"I also have the same opinion, but we can't force somepony to tell the truth, Horus" Kefer said. "The only thing we have to do is wait for Sobek to feel free to tell us what he really feels."
After leaving the throne room, Sobek walked through the hallways towards the exit, when Ramses passed by him in a hurry.
"Hello, Sobek, sorry, but I'm in a hurry" Ramses said. "It's time for training and have to hurry before Apis gets angry. And you know what happens when a minotaur gets angry, don't you?"
That comment made Sobek get a little irritated, since he didn't know very well how Apis used to get when he was angry as he almost didn’t go to Apis’s Labyrinth. Ramses then pulled away.
While Sobek kept heading to the exit of the palace, he couldn't stop thinking about what Anubis had said. Was the Dark Pharaoh telling the truth? Was he really wasting his abilities serving Kefer as Guardian? When he found himself, Sobek was being invaded by a feeling of immense greed. A part of him tried to fight it, but it was no use, because the Guardian had decided what he really wanted.
Night fell on Coltypt. The inhabitants were sleeping quietly, thinking that nothing would disturb the peace that they were living in the golden utopia of Coltypt. However, they were very wrong. Acting in the shadows with all the speed and description, Sobek moved across the citadel to get to the palace.
He got there and, taking care to not be seen by the guards, something that was easy to do, and went to a deep remote area of the palace, a zone that had been vacant and was now avoided due to contain the entire history of Coltypt when it was under the rule of Seti and Khonsu. Sobek was a little disturbed when he faced the image of baby colts being launched to the river, but that cruelly didn’t stop him from being impressed with the greatness of Seti and from admire his courage to stand up to his brother.
Finally, he had arrived to where he was going to. It seemed to be a pretty old brick wall with a chain covering it. With one swing, he broke the chains and, as soon as he did it, the wall was torn down. On the other side was Anubis, who smiled from ear to ear. Behind him was his army, which included Toth, Khnum and the two generals.
"Good job, Sobek, I knew you'd consider" Anubis said.
"I finally realized that I should have done a long time" Sobek said. "The Lord of Chaos was the one who was keeping the true peace. By making our kingdom the most feared, nopony would dare to attack it and we could overturn any worm that dared to threaten the kingdom.
Furthermore, I realized that with the Lord of Chaos I can have everything I want."
"I'm glad you feel that way, Sobek" Anubis said. "Maybe it's a good idea to give you a gift in the name of our master."
Anubis lifted one of his paws and, from it, he released a dark beam that struck Sobek, causing it to be wrapped in black smoke. When the smoke cleared, Sobek emerged, but completely different. Such as Thoth and Khnum, his body continued to be of a pony, but his head was of another animal: a crocodile. In addition to that, other parts of his coat were also covered by scales.
Looking at himself, Sobek said:
"I can feel it. The power is running through my veins."
"Now, Sobek, help me to get Coltypt in the name of the great Lord of Chaos" Anubis said.
Sobek then gave him a bow and said:
"As you wish, of great Dark Pharaoh."
At that time, the soldiers of Anubis stormed into the Golden Citadel and began to cause much damage as they could. This made the alert alarm start to sound. The soldiers of the kingdom appeared to counter the invasion threat, getting shocked to see jackals rather than ponies.
"Don't be scared just because they are jackals!" Apis’ voice exclaimed, while he opened way between the soldiers of Anubis with his tackle. "They are an enemy as any other."
Motivated by Apis’ words, the soldiers began to fight the jackals with all their determination. A jackal tried to attack Apis but Horus appeared and managed to bring him down.
"You know I don't need your help, I don't you, Horus?" Apis asked.
"With this amount of jackals, I doubt that's true" he replied. "But where did all these jackals come from and how did they get in?"
"That's what you'd like to know" Toth's voice said.
Apis and Horus turned and faced Toth and Khnum.
"But what the hell..." Horus started, not expecting to find a pony with the head of an ibis head and a pony with the head of a ram.
"Mutants" said Apis. "They are ponies who got corrupted by the power of the Lord of Chaos in such a way that their own bodies changed."
"I see that you know something about us" Toth said.
"It's a shame that's not going to do any good against us" Khnum said.
"Power of Coltypt" the two mutants said at the same time.
And they were invoked by their silver armor, something that got the two Golden Warriors by surprise.
"They also have the Golden Power?" Horus asked.
"No, that’s not the Golden Power" Apis realised. "Can't you feel it, Horus? Those armours were forged by the power of the Lord of chaos. It seems that he managed to create his own Dark Army."
"And you have no idea how our power is great" Khnum said.
"Maybe if we prove it, you may have a slight idea" Toth said. "Roar of Fire!"
He pointed his hooves and launched a powerful jet of fire.
"Flame of Power!" Khnum exclaimed, throwing out from his mouth greenish flames.
Apis and Horus reacted quickly and dodged the attacks launched by their opponents.
"Power of Coltypt!" the duo exclaimed, making appear their golden armor.
"It's time for you to know how real warriors fight" Apis said.
"Prepare to leave Coltypt in the most painful way possible" Horus said.
Ramses, Kha and Hyksos were having their own problems, having to face Nakt and Hatanor, both with their respective bracelets activated.
Kefer, listening the confusion that was going on out there, ran to the balcony of the throne room and was shocked when he saw his soldiers fighting against the Dark Army.
"But what the... Jackals? Here? How?"
"I think the answer is pretty obvious… Pharaoh" a voice said. "Somepony was kind enough to open for us the back door."
Kefer petrified when he heard that voice. Although slightly different, he would recognize it anywhere. He turned and faced Anubis. Getting to see beyond the body created by the Lord of Chaos’ darkness, Kefer managed to figure out who was before him.
"Anubis...?" he asked. "It can't be... You are..."
"A Jackal?" Anubis completed. "Yes, I am. The Lord of chaos was kind enough to give me part of his power and that allowed me to become his servant. What do you think? Now, I am also a pharaoh. You can call me Dark Pharaoh. But of course this is just an honorary title that will soon be real when I got hold of Coltypt."
"You still have that crazy idea of yours?" Kefer asked. "Why can't you accept the fact that I'm the Pharaoh?"
"Because I was supposed to be the Pharaoh, not you!" Anubis exclaimed. "And since I can't do it in the traditional way, then I will follow our great-uncle Seti’s example."
A sudden presence was noted by Kefer and so he moved, in time to dodge a blow executed by Sobek. Noticing the Golden Bracelet and having noticed who of the Golden Army was fighting, Kefer realized who he was.
"Sobek?" he asked, amazed with the fact that his Guardian was now a mutant. "You betrayed me?"
"I'm sorry, Kefer, but I'm tired of being a stationary pawn" Sobek said. "I want more and the Dark Pharaoh is willing to give me that."
"How do you see one of your dear soldiers turning on you, dear brother?" Anubis asked cynically. "It must be... quite annoying, isn't it? Sobek, get rid of him."
"As you wish, Lord Anubis" he said, preparing to use his bracelet. "Power of Coltypt."
However, the Golden Armor didn’t show. Instead, the bracelet shone and gave a great shock to Sobek, who fell to the ground unconscious. After that, the Golden Bracelet simply broke free of its former owner.
"What?!" Anubis asked, caught by surprise.
"It seems that you forgot, brother, the Golden Bracelets can only be used by those who have a noble heart" Kefer. "Because you corrupted Sobek, he is no longer worthy of its power and rejected and it rejected him."
"That doesn’t matter, I also have a bracelet with power" Anubis said, displaying his Dark Bracelet. "And that power can only increase with my rage. You're going to fall, Kefer, and I'm going to be the Pharaoh of Coltypt as it should have been since the beginning."
At that moment, several guards entered the throne room in order to protect their sovereign from any danger. Realizing he was in disadvantage, Anubis said:
"But that won't happen today. Watch out, brother, because this is not the last time we will see each other."
And, having said this, he turned into darkness and disappeared, and the same happened with his followers.
The next day, everypony was at Maat’s palace in order to judge Sobek for his crimes. Standing in the main seat was Maat, the Supreme Judge, and seated by her side were the members of the Council, including Kefer. Not far away, were standing the other Golden Warriors. In the center of the room, a platform has risen, showing Sobek within an electrified barrier stopping him from escape.
"Sobek, you're here to be judged for the crime of treason and outrage against the Pharaoh of Coltypt" Maat said. "As such, you have the right to defend yourself of this accusation."
"I don't need to defend myself from anything" Sobek said. "I did what I did with the pride of serving the Lord of Chaos and the Dark Pharaoh."
Who was there watching the trial started muttering among themselves what Sobek had just said.
"Order in the court!" Maat exclaimed, imposing the silence again. "Sobek, you do realize what you just said, right?"
"I don't care if you consider me guilty or not" Sobek said. “That’s the only thing I have to say to you.”
That made Maat turn to Kefer who consented with his head. She then stated:
"Very well, Sobek. Then you're found guilty for the crimes of treason and attempting on the life of the Pharaoh. You will be sentenced to life imprisonment in our dungeons. You will also be denied of any contact with the outside world."
Tired of watching the trial, Kefer stood up and headed for the exit. Horus, repairing the forlorn air of his friend, followed him. He found him at the entrance of the room.
"What’s wrong, Kefer?" Horus asked. "You got out with a quite worried air."
"I am concerned about the fact Sobek betrayed us" Kefer said. "It makes me wonder if..."
"If there is any more traitors" Horus concluded.
"I know it's ridiculous to think so, especially as pharaoh, but..." Kefer said.
Horus put one of his talons on the shoulder of Kefer and told him:
"You wouldn't be a pharaoh if you didn't think so. But I know you trust us. It is only your cautious side talking. You will see that, over time, that feeling will pass."
Kefer smiled at his friend and said to him:
"Thank you, Horus. You're right."
In the Dark Pyramid, Khnum was telling the news about Sobek’s trials.
"It seems that he was sentenced to life imprisonment and will be devoid of any kind of contact with the outside world" he said.
"Yes, the laws against treason and the attempt on the life of the pharaoh have always been very severe" Anubis said. "Knowing Maat as I know, I'm not surprised about Sobek’s fate."
"Don’t you think we should try to get him out of jail?" Toth asked to Anubis, next to him. "After all, he can be a good ally, since he knows our enemy very well."
"Right now, we're not in a position to release him" Anubis said. "The security around him is too tight. However, he helped us a lot. Thanks to Sobek, we showed to my brother and his pathetic followers our power and that we will not stop until Coltypt is under my will. In addition, our friend Guardian gave us all the secrets of the palace that I didn't know about. Just for that, and when the opportunity arises, we will release him. But now, it's time to plan what will be our next move to overthrow Kefer and taking of Coltypt in the name our master."
Since the first clash between the Golden Army and the Dark Army with Sobek’s betrayal, things could not have been worse and more intense. This battle was the first of many others that followed it. However, despite his soldiers were fighting courageously, Kefer knew his brother's soldiers were quite strong and he feared that the current force of his army wasn't enough to beat them.
He therefore encouraged the search for a new Guardian, someone of great confidence who could succeed where Sobek had failed. After weeks of searching where a great number of soldiers entered Apis’ Labyrinth in order to test their value, a new Guardian appeared and, to the surprise of most, she was a mare.
Her name was Neith and she was an earth mare with a pale, light grayish gold coat with a shield and a scepter as Cutie Mark, light goldish gray mane and pale, light grayish azure eyes. Her strong personality and sagacity, along with an overwhelming need to prove herself, allowed Neith to overcome the challenge of Apis’ Labyrinth and receive the Gold Bracelet of the Guardian of the gates of Coltypt.
However, even with the addition of Neith to his army as a Golden Warrior, fighting against Anubis continued to be devastating and it caused casualties to both sides, although they were more significant for the Golden Army.
One day, Kefer and the others were attending the burial of some soldiers who, after being prepared by Osiris in the mummification process, were taken to their resting place at the Coltypt Temple. Seeing their families crying for the loss of their loved ones made Kefer feel bad with himself, since they were killed under his leadership in a meaningless war against his brother.
The Golden Pharaoh pulled away slightly from the crowd in order to stay just with his own thoughts. Horus, repairing in that, followed him and asked, coming to his edge:
"Are you okay, Kefer?"
"How am I supposed to be okay when we're at the funeral of soldiers who gave their lives for a stupid war?" Kefer asked cynically.
"Oh, buddy, calm down, breathe" Horus said, trying to soothe Kefer. "This is not your fault. You're not the one who started this war."
"I know, but..." Kefer started, trying to find the right words to say. "I think... I think I need to walk for a bit. Sorry, Horus."
And, having said this, he moved away. Horus wanted to follow his best friend, but a hand was put on his shoulder and he saw that it was Apis, who told him:
"Let me talk to him."
Horus knew that Apis, being a reasonable warrior, who had been through similar situations, or worse, would probably be able to use the right words, so he consented with the head.
Kefer was walking back and forth in front of the statue of the Lord of Order when he heard hoofsteps and Apis approached.
"Looks like you have a heavy heart" Apis said. "Do you mind if I help relieve it a bit."
"Honestly, Apis, I don't know if that is possible" Kefer said. "I thought being alone for a moment to take a deep breath could better things, but..."
"What you're feeling, Kefer, will never get better" said Apis. "I know this because I feel it too. After all, I was the one who trained those soldiers. I think that maybe I should have trained them better. In addition, I also saw the death of several of my comrades, including before and during my time as a slave... including Horus’ father, Monthu."
"Of course…" Kefer remembered. “You were there, weren't you?"
"I was holding him when he died" Apis told. "I was the one who heard his last words and his last breath. That memory still haunts me in my nightmares. But my pain was nothing compared with Isis’ and your father’s. Monthu was his best friend, you know, someone who was always by his side, even when Amun lived in Berberia."
There was a pause and then said Apis:
"You're a lot like your father in this matter. You know, he never managed to be okay with himself after the plagues the Lord of Order sent to Coltypt during Khonsu’s reign. Especially after the last one."
"How did my father dealt with it?" Kefer asked.
"He just had to learn to live with that feeling" Apis replied. “I am still learning how to live with my feelings regarding the loss of my comrades.”
There was a pause and then Apis continued:
"But there is a way to mitigate the anxiety that you feel, Kefer. All you have to do is to think that, in the next battle, you will do better to protect the ones the fallen soldiers loved and and that you will ensure that no more casualties get to happen, that you're going to honor them and make their deaths to not be in vain."
Kefer thought in Apis’ words and noticed himself smiling slightly. He was right. He couldn't stay there languishing, but preparing to honor those who have fallen and to make their sacrifices to not be in vain.
After the ceremony, Kefer returned to the palace and sat on his throne, relieved to finally have some peace of mind.
"It seems you grew up a little" a voice said.
And the Lord of Order appeared next to the throne.
"My lord…" Kefer said, straightening out almost immediately.
"Things haven't been going well for you, isn't it?" the Lord of Order said.
"My brother is much stronger and powerful since we compete in the challenge of the feather of Maat" Kefer said. "And his army reflects that."
"Yes, my brother really outdid himself with Anubis" the Lord of Chaos said. "There is no doubt that my brother is getting closer to retrieve Coltypt."
"I won't let it happen" Kefer said. "This kingdom already suffered enough when Seti and Khonsu were ruling it and won't let it to suffer even more."
"And that's why I know that you will defend Coltypt, although there is any disadvantage and imbalance of forces between you and your brother" the Lord of Order said.
But then Kefer adopted a thoughtful air and the Lord of Order asked:
"Is there something wrong?"
"It’s just, if the Lord of Chaos wants so much to conquer Coltypt again, there is a great chance that he will send more villains to help Anubis, like Pandora or Rothbart" Kefer said. "And I know they're no joke, judging by the way Rothbart killed Horus’ father, who was a great warrior."
"A very logical observation" the Lord of Order commented.
"That is why I am concerned about what might happen" Kefer said. "It's bad enough to have to be in constant surveillance because of Anubis, but having other villains that can be worse than him…"
There was a pause and then the Lord of Order said:
"What if I told you that there is a way to prevent my brother to send any kind of backup to your brother, what will allow you to focus on beating him?"
"Seriously?" Kefer asked. “And how is that possible?"
Later, Kefer met with the Council to talk to them about the way the Lord of Order told him. His idea was quite a surprise to them.
"He wants us to do what?!" Seth asked.
"This is a decision a little abrupt" Isis said.
"It's not really a decision, but a suggestion" Kefer said. "It's up to me to decide. However, I wouldn’t be unable to do so without consulting with you. After all you are my Council and your opinions are very important to me, as they were to my father."
"Since you asked, I will tell you what I think" Seth said. "I don’t want to disrespect the Lord of Order, but this is a bad idea."
"I also think it's a little precipitate, but I do share Kefer and the Lord of Order’s concern regarding the fact the Lord of Chaos may put other villains in his game to conquer Coltypt" Maat said. "Seen by this perspective, I think this is quite justifiable."
"Besides, who are we to question the ideas of the Lord of Order?" Bes asked. "Many of us didn't like very much when he sent the plagues to force Khonsu to abdicate the throne, fearing that they could turn against us. However, they allowed us to get our freedom, despite the great sacrifices it took to make that happen."
Realizing that he was outnumbered in this matter, Seth turned to Isis and said:
"Don't tell me you agree with them."
"I agree with you, Seth" Isis said. "I don't like this idea too. But we both know that having more villains like Pandora or Rothbart will only make harder to protect the peace that we've worked so hard to preserve... The peace Montu sacrificed himself to preserve... I don't want to lose anyone else in the same way that I lost him, mainly Horus. I just can't."
Seeing that he couldn’t get any support, Seth sighed and said:
"I stand my opinion on this subject... but you can count on my support, Kefer."
"Then it's decided" Kefer said.
The Council members nodded with their heads.
At that moment, the doors opened and Neith came in, hurried, bringing in one of her forelegs a round shield and a scepter in a sheath on her back which she used to fight, saying, kneeling before the Council as she reached the circle:
"I'm sorry for my intrusion, but I bring important news."
"What is it, Neith?" Kefer asked.
"It’s your brother, my pharaoh" Neith replied. "He's approaching the citadel with his army."
"Go to Apis immediately and tell him to meet our army, including all the Golden Soldiers" Kefer said. "We're going against with Anubis and his army and I will lead the army."
Neith nodded and left.
"It seems that we decided this just in time" Kefer said to his Council. "It's the best time to do it."
It didn’t take long for the Golden Army be prepared and, following the Golden Pharaoh, they went to meet with the Dark Army. When two enemy armies crossed paths, with their respective leaders facing each other, Anubis told Kefer:
"It looks like you're in the mood to lose more stallions, Kefer. And I thought the great Pharaoh of Coltypt had the duty to protect his people."
"You make me do this, brother" Kefer replied. "If it wasn't for your eagerness to conquer Coltypt in the name of the Lord of Chaos, this ridiculous war wouldn't be happening and many lives would have been spared."
"All thanks to our dear old dad" Anubis said. "If he had chosen me as his successor, none of this would be happening."
"He just did what he had to do" Kefer said. "I was his choice because he thought I would be a good Pharaoh, although it was not my wish."
"And it's because of his choice that I do this" Anubis said. "Now, your beloved kingdom will return to the hands of its true master: the Lord of Chaos!"
"Coltypt belongs and has always belonged to the Lord of Order and none of that will change, Anubis" Kefer said. "Please, brother, stop with this madness."
"Sorry, Kefer, but that won't be possible" Anubis replied. "First, because I don't want to, and second, because even if I fail, others will try to comply with the will of the Great Lord of Chaos."
"Then you leave me no choice" Kefer said.
And, having said this, Kefer summoned two scepters. There were two twin gold scepters in with a big pearl on their top.
"What's that?" Anubis asked, intrigued.
"You're going to find out soon enough" Kefer replied.
And, having said this, he raised the two scepters, crossing them. The pearls sparkled with a great intensity and unleashed an intense light that blinded those who were nearby. They began to feel a tremendous earthquake that made the most unprepared to fall. The light that was being emanated got gradually more intense, starting flooding anything that was around. This situation lasted about a minute or two before the lights fade and the earth to stop shaking.
After this, Anubis looked around and saw that his army was intact and that it seemed that there was no change on the ground. A mocking smile appeared on his face and then he said:
"So this is the great power of the Lord of Order. I think that your master tricked you, little brother. Or maybe he is so full of light that he failed to see what was wrong with those?"
That made the Dark Army to laugh a lot, what upset many soldiers of the Golden Army.
"Whoever said this served to hurt anypony?" Kefer asked.
His answer made Anubis and his army to stop laughing and the Dark Pharaoh asked:
"What do you mean?"
"The power of these scepters was not to hurt you or your army, brother" Kefer said, making the scepters to disappear. "They were created by the General of Portals with a purpose: to isolate Coltypt from the rest of the Pony World."
That information surprised all both Golden Army and the Dark Army.
"What do you mean by isolate ?" Anubis asked, not liking a bit of what his brother was saying.
"I mean Coltypt is no longer a part of the Pony World" Kefer replied. "I used the scepters to take the entire kingdom to a space apart in the Pony Reality. You can say that now Coltypt is an independent realm, where we will be able to solve this conflict without any interference from our masters."
"So that means the Lord of Chaos cannot send more villains to help me" Anubis noticed.
"Exactly" Kefer said. "In addition, none of us can escape to another realm, which means we're stuck here together until we settle our conflicts."
The fact that he was now stuck in a realm with his worst enemy and only brother annoyed Anubis deeply, because he could not ask his master if he needed. But that didn't stop him from displaying a smile and he proclaimed:
"So be it, brother. If that's what you want, then it is with your rules that we will settle this. Let's see who wins this war, even though I know that's going to be me."
"Not if I have anything to say about that, Anubis" Kefer replied.
And the two brothers, along with their respective armies, began a new battle between them, in a war doomed to last for centuries, in a place isolated from the rest of the Pony World...
The Lord of Order was sitting on his throne, having sensed that Coltypt had already been isolated. He really hoped that now Kefer could beat his brother or hold long enough.
It was then that one of his mirrors began to shine and the Lord of Order made it come to his front. The image of his brother appeared.
"What do you want?"
"Just to congratulate you for that unexpected blow of yours" the Lord of Chaos replied. "Isolating Coltypt was a strange move, but effective."
"I don't know if I should be flattered with that statement" the Lord of Order commented.
"I don't care how you interpret what I say to you" the Lord of Chaos replied. "But the point is, in this battle, neither one of us won. Coltypt is now out of reach for any of us. However, I know that it just makes things easier for me tremendously."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean, dear brother, is that without your precious golden kingdom, the Pony World will get under my influence, and there's nothing you can do about it."
And the Lord of Chaos laughed while his image disappeared.
"That's what we'll see, brother. I may have lost Coltypt for now and you may have more freedom in the Pony World, but I still have a few tricks under my sleeve."
And, having said this, the Lord of Order made appear on his hand the star seed original.
"And believe me when I say that you won't be laughing at the end."
The End
Author's Note
And this is what happened to Coltypt. But don’t worry. I do plan to write about it in one of my future stories. However, you will have to wait a little longer.
In Ancient Times, long before the Crystal Empire, Equestria and even the Light Kingdom, the Lord of Order and the Lord of Chaos were fighting in a fight for the control of the Pony World that was well balanced. It was a fight that seemed to have no end or truce. Since the Lord of Chaos’ darkness got out of Pandora's box, he didn't stop trying to conquer his brother’s perfect creation with his darkness.
Among these fights, the Lord of Order managed to establish a kingdom that served as a vehicle of his influence on the ponykind. It was a kingdom located in a sandy desert, but built on the banks of a great river that was the source of prosperity of it. Its leader, personally chosen by the Lord of Order acted as his representative, spreading peace and order among the ponies and ensuring the stability of his or her kingdom. At the end of his life, he or she would pass that duty to his or her eldest living child. This leader was nominated pharaoh.
Since the first pharaoh, the kingdom grew and prospered and its influence grew with it, covering other lands. In addition to ponies, other species were also starting to inhabit it. Thanks to this kingdom, the Lord of Order was able to regain the upper hand over his brother. This kingdom was called Coltypt.
In Coltypt, a new Pharaoh came to power. His name was Nefertem. Nefertem was a unicorn with a moderate gamboge coat with a headdress as Cutie Mark, a currant mane that was always hidden by his light azureish gray and moderate azure headdress with a golden top with a jewel stone that acted as crown, and green eyes. He was considered the most loved pharaoh by all those who lived in Coltypt. Along with his wife, Seshat, a beautiful mare with and orange coat with three blue flowers as a Cutie Mark, saffron mane and raspberryish black eyes, he ruled Coltypt with justice and wisdom.
However, secretly, he was envied by his younger brother, Seti, who longed for the title of pharaoh. Seti was a Unicorn that had the same coat as his brother, but with a sword as Cutie Mark, steel blue and indigo mane and brown eyes. He thought it was unfair that his brother has become pharaoh just for being born first.
These dark thoughts caught the Lord of Chaos’ attention and he found an opportunity to attempt to recover the advantage he had over his brother. So, invisible, he began to whisper to Seti’s ear, trying to persuade him to take what should be his. But the love and respect that Seti felt for his brother always convinced him to not hear the Lord of Chaos. But this did not last forever.
During a banquet at the palace of Coltypt, which was a gigantic pyramid, the Pharaoh arose from his sit and said:
"I would like to say a few words, please."
And, with it, all those who were in the room have fallen silent. Nefertem continued:
"I would like to thank everypony in this feast for their presence, especially my brother, Seti, his wife and their young infant."
He made a gesture to his brother who was at his side, next to his wife Tuya, a beautiful unicorn mare with a walnut coat with a lotus flower as Cutie Mark, raven mane and auburn eyes. On her lap, was a unicorn baby with his father’s coat, his mother’s mane and emerald eyes. His name was Khonsu.
"And with all of you here I have fantastic news to give" Nefertem said. "It is with all my pride and happiness that I announce that my beloved wife, Seshat, is waiting for a foal, one that will surely be the next pharaoh of Coltypt to serve loyally the great and glorious Lord of Order."
When they heard this, everypony present began to congratulate the pharaoh and his queen for the good news. There was only one pony that had not enjoyed the news. Pretending to need to go to the bathroom, Seti left the room and went to the throne room, where he could walk from one side to the other. Now that his brother had a future heir, his chance of reaching the throne seemed to be moving away.
It was then that the Lord of Chaos, invisible to the eyes of anypony except Seti, began to whisper:
"You've got to do something about this foal. If you really want to be pharaoh, you must ensure that this foal isn't born."
"I can't do this" Seti said. "It’s wrong. I cannot murder a child."
"This kid hasn't even been born yet" the Lord of Chaos said. "You don’t have to feel bad for. Furthermore, this is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on your brother’s throne while he's consumed by happiness."
"No, I can't" Seti said.
"Yes, you can" the Lord of Chaos said. "Don't you want to be pharaoh? Show everypony that you deserve to rule? This is your chance. Do it and you'll have everything you've always wanted."
"All I ever wanted…" Seti said, looking to the throne.
"Yes..." the Lord of Chaos said. "Everything..."
And then a shadow broke into Seti’s eyes.
It was night and silence fell on Coltypt, while its inhabitants fell asleep. But in the dead of night, a silent unrest appeared in the palace, while the guards loyal to Seti rushed to subdue Nefertem’s guards. However, the unrest became too intense to go unnoticed. The pharaoh and the queen awoke in their bed alarmed.
"But what was that?" Seshat asked.
"I don't know, but I'll see it" Nefertem said, getting out of the bed and putting his headdress. "Stay here, my love."
And he then left the room and was horrified when he saw guards fighting against each other.
"But what's going on here?" Nefertem asked.
A guard approached and told him:
"Please, Your Highness, return to your room. We have here a revolt and we can't risk losing you."
"No way" Nefertem said. "I'm not going to let some rebels threaten the safety of this palace and my family."
And he then began to fight the rebel guards, but they were too many and, despite the brave way that he fought, Nefertem was subdued, as well as the guards who were loyal to him. He then was taken by one of the guards to the throne room, and when they entered, Nefertem found Seti sitting on his throne.
"Hello, brother" Seti greeted cynically.
"Seti?" Nefertem asked, not wanting to believe. "You're responsible for all this."
"You bet" he replied.
"But why?" Nefertem asked.
"Because I want what was denied to me only by the simple fact that I am younger than you" Seti said, rising up. "I want to be pharaoh."
"But, brother, I'm the legitimate pharaoh" Nefertem said. "This is the law of our people. The law that the Lord of Order decreed."
"The Lord of Order?" Seti said, approaching his older brother. "Please. I found a new Lord to serve."
It was then Nefertem noticed the shadow that was in Seti’s eyes.
"No…" he said. "Don't tell me that... You were corrupted by the Lord of Chaos?"
"Corrupted?" Seti asked. "No, Nefertem. He freed me from the bonds of the Lord of Order. He made me see the true light. The one who calls himself Lord of Order just want to manipulate us as chess pieces in his perfect plan, where there is no freedom of thought, where we are all supposed to follow the rules and fates that have been imposed to us."
"The Lord of Chaos is the one who is manipulating you" Nefertem said. "He wants to use you to throw this world into chaos to destroy it."
"So?" Seti asked. "Since I have what I want, nothing else matters. And, when I get rid of you and your unborn foal, I will finally control Coltypt and lead it to greatness, surpassing all the pharaohs that have ever existed, including you."
"Please, Seti, do whatever you want with me, but spare Seshat and my foal" Nefertem said. "I'm begging you."
Using his magic, Seti took a sword that was hanging on a wall, as he placed himself in front of his older brother. He then said to him:
"I'm sorry, brother, but that's not part of my plan."
And, having said this, he stabbed Nefertem with the sword and the guard put the deposed pharaoh on the ground, dead.
"Now, let’s go take care of my dear nephew" Seti said.
"You have nothing to worry about" the guard said. "The other guards are already dealing with Queen Seshat and the foal."
"I’ll just be rested when I see her body with the foal inside" Seti said. "What are you waiting for? Bring her to me!"
"Yes, sir" the guard said, heading to the exit.
Seti then turned to his dead brother and, using his magic, took the headdress from his head and headed to the throne. He sat in it and then put the headdress, saying:
"As of this moment, I am the new Pharaoh of Coltypt!"
In the bedroom, Seshat was waiting for the return of Nefertem. It was then that the door opened and a guard entered.
"Your Highness, I have orders to take you to a safe place" he said.
"But my husband told me to stay here" Seshat said.
"Things are more complicated than we thought" the guard said. "The pharaoh sent me to put you and the baby safe."
"Very well" Seshat said.
She began heading to the exit and the guard was waiting, preparing to attack her as soon as she got closer. But before he could do it, somepony hit him from behind with a vase and the guard fell unconscious on the floor. Seshat startled when this happened and then she saw who had done that: Tuya.
"Tuya?" Seshat asked. "But what did you do?"
"I had to do it" she said. "He was going to attack you."
"Attack me? What do you mean? "
"Seshat, I know this is going to be a shock to you, but you have to be strong. My husband is responsible for everything that is happening."
"What?" Seshat asked.
"He wants to be Pharaoh, even that for that..." Tuya said.
But she couldn't finish, but Seshat realized what she meant. She probably would never see his beloved husband, the father of the foal that she had in her womb, again. Tears began to fall at her face.
"Seshat" Tuya said. "I didn't want things to reach this point. But Seti got corrupted by the malice of the Lord of Chaos. However, although I couldn’t stop him from kill your husband, I can prevent you from getting killed. After all, I'm a mother."
"I know..." Seshat said. "And I've always considered you as a friend, Tuya. I'm glad you also feel the same."
The two exchanged a hug and then Tuya said:
"But now you must escape."
Seshat waved and, taking a hooded cloak to go unnoticed, she left the room. Tuya headed to her room so that Seti wouldn’t be suspicious. Fortunately, Seshat managed to sneak past the guards without being seen, although she saw that they were all over the palace, trying to find her.
As soon as she left the palace, walked to the citadel, hoping to shelter until things settle down to get out of Coltypt without being caught by her brother-in-law. After all, there was still hope for the kingdom and that hope was in her womb.
Although Seshat have managed to escape, Seti knew that he didn't have to worry about, as his nephew or niece had not yet born, so as soon as dawn broke, he communicated to all the land that he was now the pharaoh and he would bring changes that would bring prosperity to Coltypt and make it the greatest kingdom of all. With this, the Lord of Chaos, having Seti under his influence, conquered Coltypt, turning the game in your favor again, something that did not please his brother.
In the castle of Discordia, the Lord of Chaos was sitting on his throne, when the doors of the throne room were opened of outburst and his older brother came in.
"Hey, big brother" the Lord of Chaos said cynically. "What's the matter? You look upset."
"How dare you to take over Coltypt?!" the Lord of Order asked. "Do you realize what you've done?!"
"Actually, no" the Lord of Chaos replied, turning into darkness and reappearing in front of his brother. "Just because I didn't do anything. Seti did."
"Because you manipulated him!" the Lord of Order exclaimed. "I had Seti’s envy and greed under control and you undid all my work!"
"It was your rules that led him to usurp the throne" the Lord of Chaos said. "You're the one who created that little darkness inside of him. And I confess that I may have played a little with it."
"You're going to pay for this" the Lord of Order said. "This will not end this way. It may take years, but I'm taking back what you took from me."
"Of course you will try" the Lord of Chaos said. "But I will not lose. To beat me in this battle, brother, you need to play dirty. Something that I know you never will."
"I don't need to play dirty" the Lord of Order replied. "I have the truth and the reason on my side, in addition to a new light for Coltypt."
"You mean Nefertem’s foal?" the Lord of Chaos asked, in a mocking tone. "The unborn child?"
"But he will be born" the Lord of Order replied.
“So it’s a colt” the Lord of Chaos said. “How interesting.”
"And when he grow up and become strong like his father, he will occupy the place that is rightfully his" the Lord of Order said.
"Unless I catch him before that" the Lord of Chaos said.
There was a silence between the two and then the Lord of Order was surrounded by a burst of bright light. Feeling his brother’s light, the Lord of Chaos was thrown against the staircase leading to his throne, with burn marks on his armor and body that soon began to dispel. When the light was gone, the Lord of Order also had disappeared. The Lord of Chaos stood up and said to the air, referring to his brother:
"You could at least have exited the throne room before doing that!"
The River of Blood and the Plagues
After the disastrous talk between Amun and Khonsu, things get worse for the slaves who saw their workload doubled. Of course this did not please at all the slaves. And of course they knew how their workload was doubled.
The day after the arrival of Amun to Coltypt, he, Hathor and Monthu were going through a construction zone, when one of the slaves who were softening the mud saw them and said:
“It’s Amun.”
And he threw some mud that hit Amun on the face and made him fell in the mud.
“Amun!” Hathor exclaimed, while she and Montu went to help him.
“Are you all right, buddy?” Montu asked.
They heard steps and Amun, lifting his head, saw Seth, out of pit of mud, who asked in a cynical tone:
“So, Amun, how does it feel when you get struck to the ground?”
Bes approached Seth with Apis and told him:
“Seth, come on, get over it.”
“I have to agree with Bes” Apis said. “I bet Pharaoh wouldn’t need any excuse to give us more work.”
“Yeah, maybe, but this time it was his fault” Seth said, pointing to Amun. “He is always causing us trouble, being a prince or not.”
Montu was about to lose his temper, hearing Seth talking in that way about his best friend.
“Why you…” he started, ready to attack Seth.
But Amun stopped him by putting his hoof in front of him and then said to Seth, addressing to everypony who was there:
“I didn’t mean to cause you more pain. I’m just trying to do as the Lord of Order told me.”
“The Lord of Order?” Seth asked. “When did the Lord of Order start caring about any of us? After all, he left us into his brother’s mercy for years. In fact, Amun, when did you start caring about slaves? Was it when you found out that you born among us? Or was it when you found that thousands of slave children died because of you?”
“Don’t listen to him” Hathor said to his husband.
“Yeah, Amun, he is not worth it” Montu said.
“No, he’s… he’s right” Amun said. “I did not see because I did not wish to see.”
“Oh, you didn’t see because you didn’t wish to see” Seth repeated, continuing to take Amun down even more. “Well, that makes everything fine then, doesn’t it?”
It was then that Isis arrived and said to his brother:
“Seth! You shame yourself.”
But that didn’t intimidate her adoptive older brother, but he stayed quiet, while Isis went to Amun’s edge.
“Isis” Amun said, recognizing the mare who told him the truth about his origins.
He expected her to be mad at him, mainly after the way he treated her, but he could see the tender smile on her face. However, he couldn’t stop himself from saying:
“I’m so sorry.”
Then, he couldn’t stand look at her and lowed his head. Isis then kneeled to be at his level and told him:
“Amun, hear what I say. I have been a slave… all my life, and the Lord of Order has never answered my prayers until now. The Lord of Order saved your mother when she escaped Seti’s revolt, he saved you from the river, he saved you in all your wanderings, and even now he saved you from the wrath of Pharaoh. The Lord of Order will not abandon you, so don’t abandon us.”
“She’s right, my boy” Bes said, making Amun look at him. “You’re Pharaoh Nefertem’s son and only you can save us. Although some of us lost faith…” he made a brief look to Seth “others didn’t. So don’t abandon those who still dream for a better life.”
Amun was touched by Isis and Beth’s words. They really supported him and trusted him. Their belief, as well as the despair air the other slaves had, made Amun gain strengths to take his staff and use it to help him get up. Then, a voice in his head said:
“Amun…”
He recognized it. It was the Lord of Order.
“Amun, I saw how Pharaoh’s heart is hardening under my brother’s influence. Go to the edge of the great river. Khonsu is there now. Go and do exactly what I’ll say to you.”
After receiving the Lord of Order’s instructions, Amun turned to Seth and told him:
“I understand what you’re feeling, Seth. I understand that you feel abandon by the Lord of Order, that there is no hope to Coltypt. I can show you that is about to change. That it’s time to reclaim Coltypt to the Lord of Order… if you give the chance to prove it. Come with me and you’ll see it.”
And, having said, he started advancing in direction of the great river. Hathor wanted to go with him, but Montu made her a sign saying it was best not go and she did so. Although still doubting, Seth followed Amun, wanting to know how he would prove to him about the veracity of his words.
Once arriving to the great river, they saw Khonsu walking in its direction, followed by some servants, who handed a parasol to him and a stray with a jug and a cup, and some guards. Amun started heading in his direction and Seth followed next to him. When they were close enough, Khonsu noticed their presence and turned to them, more specifically to Amun. When he and Seth arrived to his edge, the former asked:
“How are you, Khonsu?”
“I could be happier beside a friend, a brother” he answered. “We used to play a lot in this place, remember?”
“It’s been so long after that” Amun answered.
“It was a good time” Khonsu said. “And we could have much more good times if it was not for your insistence with something that has not the slightest foundation.”
“Enslaving ponies, stopping them of being freed and choosing their own paths” Amun said. “I also grew up thinking that a king had that right, Khonsu, but it doesn’t.”
“So you’ll continue to defy me” Khonsu said.
“Nopony is defying you” Amun replied. “It’s very simple. The Lord of Order, the Creator of everything that exists, sent me to tell you to give the crown to the rightful heir so Coltypt can be freed. But you didn’t listen.”
“The crown is mine, as well as the kingdom and everypony in it” Khonsu said. “Everypony owe me obediance. They born to serve me.”
Hearing that, Seth felt a desire to punch Khonsu, feeling repulsive by what he just said. But he was able to contain himself.
“You’re wrong, Khonsu” Amun said. “It’s better you take seriously what I’m saying.”
There was a pause and then Khonsu said:
“Enough. You just ruined my day.”
E turned to his servants and guards and said:
“Let’s go!”
He started to moved away, but Amun said, making Khonsu to stop:
“So said the Lord of Order: By this you will know who is your true Lord. With the staff, I will strike the water of the river, my great blessing to your people, and it will be changed into blood. The fish will die, the smell will be unbearable. Coltyptians will no longer be able to drink its water .”
“Do you want me to believe in that?” Khonsu asked, not believing. “You’ll never get what you want!”
He started to moved away again, but Amun continued to say:
“So watch me touch with my staff in the waters and turn them into blood.”
And so, Amun advanced to river. He lifted his staff and then put the lowest end in the water and, from the place where it touched, blood started to came out. Rapidly, the blood started to spread all over the river, making the fish which were caught by the blood to appear dead. Everypony who was watching didn’t want to believe what they were seeing. Seth also were astonish by that. He never saw anything like that.
It didn’t took long until the blood had covered all the river around Coltypt. With the river turned into blood, all the waters in all the fountains in the kingdom, even the ones who were already collected and kept in pitchers, jars, or cups, were turned into blood. All Coltyptians were shocked by seeing something like that. The Palace didn’t escape. Khonsu’s son was taking some good time in the pool, when suddenly the pool of water turned into a pool of blood to his and everyone’s horror.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Khonsu asked to Amun. “How dare you to contaminate the sacred river?!”
“River that was given to Coltypt by the Lord of Order” Amun said, approaching. “If you don’t want to acknowledge him as your Lord and do his bidding, so he’ll just take what he gave. You were warned.”
“Do you think I will break because of a trick?” Khonsu asked.
“It’s not a trick” Amun said, turning then to Seth. “Seth, you are very reasonable. Tell us, is it a trick?”
But Seth didn’t know what to say. He was still very impressed by what he just saw. Accepting his silence as an answer, Amun turned again to Khonsu and said:
“The water turned into blood as the Lord of Order told it would happen. So, I will ask again: do what the Lord of Order say.”
Khonsu didn’t answer right away. He advanced to the river and took some of the blood and watched it at close. There was no doubt: that was really blood. If the Lord of Order was capable of doing that, he couldn’t imagine what else he could do.
It was then that the Lord of Chaos’ darkness appeared, surrounding Khonsu and influencing him to not break before Amun. So, he raised up and said to Amun:
“This isn’t over!”
And he, his servants and his guards started to move away, addressing to the palace. When they were away, Amun turned to Seth and asked:
“And now, do you believe the Lord of Order is with us?”
“After what I just saw, after seeing what any normal unicorn is not able to do, I do believe that the Lord of Order sent you, Amun” Seth said. “However, Pharaoh didn’t seemed to be willing to obey him. He still has the power over our lifes.”
“Yes, Seth, it’s true” Amun agreed. “Pharaoh has the power. He can take away the food, the homes, the freedom. He can take away the sons and the daughters. With one word, Pharaoh can take away any life he wants. But there is one thing he cannot take away from us: our faith. Believe, for we will see the Lord of Order’s wonders.”
The Lord of Order observed the scene with great joy. His plan to make Khonsu quit the crown in favour of Amun had begun. Despite his negative reaction, the Lord of Order would let him marinate while the plague of blood would last to see if he'd break, although he knew that was unlikely to happen, given who was influencing him.
As if he knew what he was thinking, his brother, the Lord of Chaos, contacted him through one of his mirrors.
"You must think you're smart for what you just did" Lord of Chaos said. "Who knew the Lord of Order would do something so... well, me."
"You're wrong" the Lord of Order. "What I did is just fair. The great river is a blessing for the ponies of Coltypt. In fact, all Coltypt is part of my Creation, as well as all almost everything that exists in that world. Everything that's good, I gave and what I give, I can take. And there's nothing you can do to stop me. Furthermore, you did so much chaos in that kingdom that I have the freedom and the right to do whatever I want to get Coltypt back. If you see things right, you’re the only responsible for what is happening."
And, having said that, he ended the call. The Lord of Chaos, sitting on his throne, said:
"I may not be able to stop you, brother, but I can make Khonsu to resist and never give up."
And so it was done. Even with the problems that the plague of blood brought, Khonsu was not able to fulfill the will of the Lord of Order. Consequently, all Coltypt suffered from a terrible water shortage crisis. Without water to satisfy their thirst, they had to drink wine and fruit juice. However, this was not enough, as the juice was barely enough to kill their thirst and the wine had its own consequences. There was also the fact that they couldn't washed themselves, having to resort to oils. The worst were children and elderly were the most affected. At the third day of the plague, it was already common too see a pony pass out from dehydration.
The only place around Coltypt where water had not been turned into blood was at the village of slaves. When they discovered that their water was the only one who had not been affected, they stored as much water as they could and they did well, because it didn’t last long until a lot of ponies started to come to the village to kill their thirst. However, for those who didn’t live in the village, there was a problem. Whenever the water left the village of slaves, it turned into blood. Upon hearing about this, and not wanting that slaves were the only ones to benefit from a source that was not contaminated, Khonsu sent Hotep and Huy retaliate the slaves and they, using their tricks, "turned" their water into blood, making it unfit for pony consumption, just like the rest of the water. Fortunately, with their water supply, the slaves were able to resist without any problem until the seventh day of the plague, which was when the plague was lifted and all the water came back to normal, much to the happiness of everypony.
However, this was short lived, as, with Khonsu’s insistence in continue to be pharaoh and keep the slaves, a new plague was unleased on Coltypt. The Lord of Order said to Amun to tell to Khonsu:
“That the river teems with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. The frogs will go up on you and your people and all your officials.”
Following his orders, Amun extended his staff on the river and dozens, hundreds, thousands of frogs left, jumping and croaking. It didn’t last long until they had the whole kingdom under their rule. They appeared everywhere, going where they wanted through any entrance they could find. As much they tried to get rid of them, they just couldn't, because more frogs appeared. The only place where they didn’t dare to get in was the village of the slaves. Even the slaves who entered the citadel were not disturbed by the frogs.
When the plague was lifted, Khonsu, under the influence of the Lord of chaos, still didn't give in to the pressure that Amun and the Lord of the order. With this, the third plague was released. The Order said:
“That the dust of the land may become lice throughout all the land of Coltypt.”
So, with a touch of Amun's staff on the ground, a plague of lice invaded Coltypt, attacking everypony. There was not a single pony that didn't scratch because of the small bites of the parasites. As with the frogs, the slaves were not affected.
But Khonsu was still adamant, so, through Amun, the Lord of Order told him:
“If you do not fulfil my bidding, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of Coltypt will be full of flies, and even the ground where they are.”
With this, a swarm of flies covered Coltypt, starting to disturb Coltyptians immensely and touching their food. Everywhere there were flies, even the sky seemed black because of that. However, in the village of the slaves, not a single fly was in the air.
After this new plague, another followed. Khonsu’s intransigence made the Lord of Order to say:
“If you continue to refuse to obey me, my hand will bring a plague of rats upon your people. They will be everywhere and they will eat everything they find and spread the disease on your officials.”
And then, an immense amount of rats appeared in Coltypt. They appeared in the homes, in the streets, in the stores, everywhere. The food in the markets was all bitten by these creatures which also spread diseases that affected the poor inhabitants of Coltypt. Of course these creatures didn’t dare to enter the village of the slaves.
But Khonsu still didn't obey the will of the Lord of Order, so he said to Amun:
“Take hoofuls of soot from a furnace and toss it into the air in the presence of Pharaoh. With the power of the staff, it will become fine dust over the whole land of Coltypt and festering boils will break out on ponies throughout the land.”
And Amun did so. When he launched the soot in the air, suddenly Coltyptians gained boils all over their bodies, to their great horror. The only place the soot did not affect was the village of the slaves.
But not even this convinced Khonsu. Realizing that he would have to be tougher, the Lord of Order said to Khonsu through Amun:
“Obey me or this time I will send a full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people. I will stretch my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that will make you suffer even more. I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Coltypt, cause not only hail will fall, but also fire, so you may see who is the true Lord.”
Truthful with his word, the Lord of Order send through the power of the staff of Amun a terrible storm of hail and fire. First, hail fell, making everypony trying to find a safe place or protecting themselves, but then fire started fell, destroying everything that it hit. Of all the plagues that haunted Coltypt, that was the most destructive of all, except to the village of the slaves.
Even with all the destruction caused by Khonsu’s stubbornness, he didn’t give up to the power of the Lord of Order. For this, he said:
“As you refuse to humble yourself before me, I will bring locusts into your kingdom. They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the blood, the rats and the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields. They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Coltyptians, except for those who remained loyal to me.”
And then a huge swarm of locusts ravaged all Coltypt. They plagued the inhabitants of the kingdom and devoured all their food, leaving intact only the food of the slaves.
But the Lord of Chaos had total control of Khonsu, and he continued to deny the supremacy of Lord of Order. So, the Lord of Order said to Amun:
“Stretch your staff toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Coltypt. If they insist in worship my brother, so they are not worthy of my light.”
And Amun did what the Lord of Order told him to do. So he held his staff toward the sky and dark clouds began to form and spread across it, blocking the sun completely. Without the sun to give them light, the Coltyptians had to use torches and, in the case of unicorns, the light of their own horns. However, both the fire as the light of the horns just ceased, leaving them in complete darkness. Only the village of the slaves was the only part in all Coltypt where there was light.
With nine plagues already released on Coltypt, it was clear that Khonsu should bow down before the power of the Lord of Order and obey him. To Coltyptians who were not slaves began to fear what might come after the darkness, if their pharaoh didn't agree to comply to the will of the Lord of Order. And they had every reason to worry and fear, because what would follow was something rather worse than any other plague…
Author's Note
I changed the fifth plague, because, in the original ones, it is the death of the animals and I don’t think it fits in the Pony Reality.
