In a time when the ancient kingdom of Egypt still existed, the gods and humans lived side by side. Ra, the king of Egypt, ensured that his kingdom would be unlike any other. His kingdom would not be defeated in battle nor succumb to corruption. It would be known as the greatest kingdom to have ever existed on Earth. Ra was not only superior in judgment and leadership, but also undefeated in battle. No other gods could stand against him in combat. Ra's power and reputation were so feared that even Zeus and his companions never considered challenging Egypt.
Ra was also incredibly wise and had no desire to rule over other kingdoms. He had a grand plan to make Egypt the greatest kingdom ever known. Both humans and gods living close to Egypt at that time did not want to miss the chance to be under the great protection of Ra. For any kingdom or village to join Egypt, they had to declare Ra as their supreme king and pledge their allegiance to Egypt.
Years passed, and Egypt thrived more than ever. However, on a cold night, Ra had a disturbing dream. In the dream, he found himself powerless and repeatedly burned by two unknown creatures. Ra woke up in fear and hurried to check on his wives and offspring, ensuring their safety.
Witnessing their father's worry for the first time, Shu and Anhur took measures to protect the kingdom from any potential enemies. After confirming that everything was secure, Anhur approached Ra and said, "Father, the kingdom is safe. Everyone is sleeping peacefully, and the guards are stationed at every corner. No one dares to face you or your mighty sons."
Ra responded, "It must have been just a dream, but it is incomprehensible. I have never experienced fear before. Why did I have such a nightmare?"
Anhur thoughtfully spoke, "Father, it may be due to your brother. Several soldiers have reported having nightmares every day since they passed by his house years ago."
Ra snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "Yes, how could I forget? My brother and his tricks to undermine my sanity!"
As a knock came from Ra's golden room, Shu entered with a look of shock on his face. Ra waited impatiently for him to speak, growing angrier by the moment. "What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that? Speak up, say something!" Ra demanded.
Shu closes the door behind him and walks towards his father and brother, his face etched with confusion and shock.
Anhur steps forward, attempting to calm down his father. "Father, something truly wicked has occurred, and it has left my brother in a state of shock. Give him a moment to collect himself and share what he has discovered."
Shu, still visibly bewildered, musters the courage to speak. "Father, your brother has committed an unforgivable act, and I fear your anger upon hearing it."
Ra, for the first time in his long existence, feels a pang of worry. He masks his emotions, maintaining his customary strength. "Speak, my son, and do not fear my wrath. Whatever my brother has done, it cannot be worse than the chaos he has tried to ensnare me in."
Recognizing his father's potential anger, Shu takes a step back before continuing. "Father, I have discovered the reason for your brother's absence over the past decade. It wasn't fear that kept him away; it was love."
A smile tugs at the corners of Ra's lips, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Ah, my son, you have intrigued me. But fret not, for even in the darkest depths of my brother's being, the capacity for love remains, just as it did in our father. Despite his fearsome nature, he is still capable of love."
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Shu nods, relief washing over him. "Father, he has fallen in love with a mortal woman from Kemet. She is an ordinary human, with nothing of note in her bloodline."
Ra remains silent for a few minutes, his expression veiled in contemplation. The stillness prompts Shu, his curiosity getting the better of him, to speak. "Father? You have been silent for a while."
Ra's anger flares, his voice laced with fury. "How dare you accuse a mighty god like my brother of committing such an atrocious act? How dare you speak of such a fanciful tale? Are you foolish enough to defy me and face my wrath?"
Shu, unfazed by his father's anger, stands his ground. "I am your son, and I understand the potential consequences, which is why I was taken aback. Your brother has shapeshifted into a regular Kemet citizen and is living his romantic life. I know where he is, and I will show you what my eyes have seen."
Ra's frustration mounts, his voice filled with disappointment. "I have no desire to witness any of the infidelity you speak of. My brother has betrayed the sacred oath that has shaped our nation's greatness... I had hoped he would venture to distant lands, sowing chaos among other gods, or perhaps even marry a Greek deity. But no, he has chosen to toy with my honor and tarnish the legacy of our father."
Observing the confusion and disappointment etched upon his father's face, Anhur steps forward. "Father, I will put an end to this betrayal. I will confront them both, even if it means sacrificing my own life. With a single command, an army of over a million soldiers will gather at our castle."
Ra's expression darkens as he responds, his voice laced with concern. "Anhur, my son, you must understand the magnitude of my brother's power. He is a formidable god, nearly equal to me, and he possesses his own devious methods. With his abilities, he could decimate this army within minutes."
Shu interjects, trying to offer a solution. "Father, your brother is currently in Osiris's state. I am certain Osiris would not hesitate to aid you in this matter."
Ra's frustration grows, his voice filled with a mix of anger and despair. "All these gods obey me not solely because of my power, but because they know I provide them with support, wealth, and influence if they remain loyal. How can I reveal to them that my own brother has fallen in love with a mortal? How can they ever respect me again? UGH, my brother, you have crossed a line this time."
Anhur steps forward, attempting to pacify his father. "We cannot allow this atrocity to go unchallenged. It will result in war. Your brother may have the power of the universe, but he will not be able to defeat all of us."
Shu hesitates, his confusion evident. "Brother, if we go to war, we would be killing three people, not two."
Upon hearing this, Ra, consumed by anger, unleashes his divine power. Beams of energy shoot from his eyes, striking Shu and causing him to bleed as he struggles to stand.
Anhur, enraged by the sight, shouts, "If you are so consumed by anger, then go and confront your brother yourself!"
To everyone's surprise, Shu bursts into laughter, his voice filled with amusement. "Anhur, do not let your emotions cloud your judgment. You know our father has his enigmatic ways of bestowing gifts upon us!"
With determination, Shu rises from the impact of the powerful beams, wiping away the blood from his nose. He addresses his father, gratitude in his voice. "Thank you, Dad, for granting me additional power to fulfill this mission."
Anhur, bewildered, gazes at his father, seeking answers. "What powers are you talking about? What is happening?"
Ra's expression softens, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I have bestowed upon your brother the ability to remain unseen until he strikes. Shu will eliminate the mortal, and at that precise moment, he will become visible to everyone."
Anhur remains hesitant but reluctantly nods his head. "I may have doubts, but I cannot speak against your wisdom, Father."
Shu approaches his brother, exuding confidence. "Fear not, brother. It will be swift. This mortal shall not withstand the might of my sword."
Ra extends his right hand towards the door, which begins to radiate with a brilliance akin to the sun. He looks at Shu with a mixture of pride and concern. "My son, this is your opportunity to put an end to this betrayal. I offer you the chance to etch your name in history. Since you were young, you've longed to undertake your brother's missions, and today you shall embark on one of the most perilous endeavors a prince can face."
Shu's smile widens as he responds confidently, "It is my honor, Father, and rest assured, by sunset, the mortal's head will be before your throne."
Shu departs through the magical door, opened by Ra, leaving Ra and Anhur alone. Just as they are about to discuss further plans concerning Ra's brother, a tremendous bolt of lightning strikes the vacant throne of Ra, engulfing the entire area in flames.