Chapter Text
Seth
“It’s not quite the same as swinging a spear all day, is it?” Ra asked from the doorway to Seth’s room on the sun boat. She was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, grinning at him, looking resplendent and completely unbothered by anything.
Seth sat in a corner, feeling weary. His arms hurt from a day’s rowing and he had a headache from the constant pressure just existing on the sun boat entailed.
But he wasn’t going to rise to Ra’s bait.
He’d been on the sun boat for nearly a week now, and he still hadn’t adjusted well to the fearsome pressure it took to move, let alone the difficulty of rowing, which wrenched his arms in their sockets every time. The oars were huge and quite heavy, and the various “waters” moved through were more powerful than any current Seth had ever seen. No other gods took pity on him and tried to help, save Bastet in her own way, and some of the other gods sometimes even got annoyed when he moved slower, or mocked him where he could hear it.
“You put in a good effort, though,” Ra said, lackadaisically. “And it meant Osiris bashed his head in on the wrong side of the boat, which was hilarious.” She grinned bright white teeth at him.
“Is that why you want this?” Seth finally asked. “To make Osiris make a fool of himself coming after me?” It would make sense.
“Would that upset you?” Ra asked in reply. Her gold eyes were sharp as they met his red ones. She was like a giant predator, waiting for the kill, and Seth knew he was right where she wanted him to be for that.
“It doesn’t matter either way,” Seth replied, refusing to get up. If she wanted to drag him back to row, she could. He wasn’t planning to help her. “I can’t leave.”
“Have we defeated you in so short a time?” Ra asked with a chuckle as she stepped closer, looking ready for the kill. “Where’s the god who stood up to everyone during the trial? Who cowed all of Egypt?”
“You have me working in a place meant to break me,” Seth said, angrily. “What do you think would happen?”
“Then you are broken, already?” Ra asked, peering down at him.
Seth glared up at her, wanting to strike back, even when he was weary. He recalled being dragged in chains before Maat, Isis, and all the other gods. He recalled groveling like a weakling, and having to rely on Horus’ charity for anything like hope. He hated being sent her, having to do this.
He hated being seen as weak.
Ra grinned at him. “No, you’re not beaten yet. Good.” She backed away a little, giving him space.
“…What?” He was confused. Surely she would just take advantage of his weakness, somehow? Other gods did.
“Maybe it is just amusing to have you here,” Ra speculated, glancing at the walls of the small room. “One of the great-grandchildren I sought to stop being born, because of one of Thoth’s terrible prophecies.” She smirked. “And maybe it amuses me that the one man who beat my sworn enemy is here, at my mercy, while my enemy tries and fails to break my ship apart to get to you.” She looked truly intimidating, then, but he could tell she wasn’t aiming her viciousness at him.
“So it’s all for entertainment,” Seth said as he rolled his eyes. “Of course.” Of course Ra still saw this all as a game.
“Is that not how you ran things when you were king?” Ra asked, still smirking.
“And you’re not better than me,” Seth muttered. All the gods who mocked him, thinking they’d be better rulers. As if they wouldn’t fall to greed or make massive mistakes. Seth was just one of the ones who had the most power to handle things alone. Even now, without real help, he was surviving. Somehow.
Ra shrugged and stepped away. “I could have let Isis insist on destroying your soul. Or left you to rot in Osiris’ clutches.”
“If you’re expecting gratitude, you’re not going to get it,” Seth said.
Ra grinned and replied, “I really just wanted to see how you were holding up. You’re more entertaining when you’re fired up and ready to murder rather than moping. I didn’t think a little rowing would break you.”
“That’s not how you made it sound during the sentencing,” Seth replied, recalling her words to Isis.
“Still so boring,” Ra said with a sigh. She shook her head at him and said, “So you lost one fight, so what?”
He frowned at her, not understanding.
“One day,” Ra continued, “you’ll find something worth fighting for again.” She smirked. “And I plan to see that. It’s sure to be thrilling.”
“I’m just not sure inviting Ra is the best idea,” Nephthys said as they waited in Maat’s office in Cairo for the sun god to respond to Maat’s phone call.
It was barely two days after the attack on the dojo. Seth and Horus had spoken with Nephthys, and Seth – with Isis’ help – convinced Nephthys to testify.
Her main concern had been Seth. Was he really sure?
Seth had reassured her that he was. And even if he wasn’t, what choice did they have? He couldn’t let Osiris and his underlings cause more harm and risk the people Seth cared about.
Maat worked in an actual government building that some older administration had set aside and never really thought about much, particularly with Maat’s people rearranging things to keep it that way. Many of her followers were humans who often didn’t realize what they were getting into when they were assigned to work under her. It meant she got a handle on what was going on in the country without much oversight. Her office was large, with tall windows showing the city, and had a number of chairs for all her guests. Maat sat at her desk, looking frustrated.
Isis stood by Nephthys’ side, too frustrated to sit. Her right hand was on Nephthys’ left shoulder, and Nephthys’ right hand rested over it, reassuringly.
Seth sat nearby, with Horus standing by his back: a comfortable presence when Seth needed it.
Anubis and Khnum were farther back, overseeing things. Anubis had offered to go drag Osiris out to talk whenever they needed, and Seth was rather impressed by Anubis’ initiative. It helped distract him from the earlier, longer talk he’d given before Maat, where, after Nephthys gave her harrowing explanation of what happened with her and the mirror, with Horus’ added explanation that had made her lean into Isis for assistance, Seth had discussed more of the details of what happened the night Osiris died. Maat had been shocked and Anubis was furious, demanding to know why Seth hadn’t talked to him before.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Anubis asked at the end. “If I’d known…”
“I wanted to protect you,” Seth said, gazing at Anubis. Horus’ firm grip on Seth’s shoulder was most of what kept him going. “And… I didn’t… I didn’t want you to be ashamed of me.”
Anubis’ eyes had widened in surprise.
“Seth…” Nephthys said, quietly, clearly sad. She seemed to somewhat gather herself during his talk, or perhaps was just focusing on someone else to distract herself from things.
Seth grimaced, disliking how everyone could see him like this. But there wasn’t time to go slower, and—
“I wouldn’t have been ashamed of you,” Anubis said, cutting through Seth’s worries. Anubis’ expression was solemn. “It’s Osiris’ shame. And… mine for so blindly believing in him.” He looked angry, but not at Seth.
“No,” Seth said, shaking his head, not wanting Anubis to blame himself. “You… We all trusted him. That you trusted and believed in him makes sense.” He’d wanted to tell Anubis so many times, and it was one of his many regrets on the sun boat. But he hadn’t been able to explain it. And he imagined he never would, especially after Anubis stopped going to the sun boat.
Anubis bowed his head briefly, before looking up with a small smile. “Why do you think I would have been ashamed? I’ve always aspired to be like you. I’ve always followed after you.”
Seth felt his throat tighten. Even when I told you not to? He knew Anubis had wanted to be like him so much when he was younger, but…
Anubis glanced at Nephthys and said, “You and Mother… you’ve fought so hard for everything. Against Ra, against everything Osiris has thrown against you…” He smiled warmly at Seth. “I’m proud to be your son.”
Nephthys covered her face.
Seth breathed in shakily. He wasn’t sure if he should walk up to Anubis or…
Anubis made the choice for him and walked over, giving Horus an arch look before reaching out his arms. He paused to ask, “Is it…? Is it okay to hug you?”
Seth’s face burned, but he nodded and stood up so he could step forward, wrapping his arms around Anubis. Anubis hugged him tightly, and Seth thought he should be embarrassed everyone was probably staring at them, but he didn’t care. Anubis had accepted him, and that was what mattered.
“I wish you’d told me sooner,” Anubis said. “But… I’m glad you finally did.”
Maat had steeled herself during Seth and Anubis’ talk, and when the pair parted, she said, “This is all very grave indeed. But the question is what to do about it?” She looked at Seth, who was frowning. “I have no jurisdiction in Duat over Osiris. Just over the human souls. I can’t enact a punishment for him there.”
“We want your support,” Horus said, pulling Maat’s gaze. “The other gods look away when Seth and Osiris do battle, or support Osiris. When Seth and I make a statement to all these events, having your backing would be useful in getting the other gods to realize we’re being honest.”
“I’ll speak over the scales,” Seth said. “If the other gods will trust that more than my just talking.” He breathed in deeply before he added, “And I would appreciate your help as a go-between with Ra.”
Isis made a surprised noise before saying, “Seth, that’s dangerous…”
“I know,” Seth said. He and Isis hadn’t spoken much, still, and she still glared whenever she looked at him. But they both agreed that the truth needed to come out, because Osiris had to be stopped. “But Ra is most able to act against Osiris.”
“And if I’m to go to Duat to negotiate with matters with the gods of Duat on how Osiris’ authority will stand going forward,” Horus said, “Ra will be a powerful ally.”
“You’d go to Duat yourself?” Maat asked.
“If you can’t do much yourself,” Horus said, “then yes, I will. We could use your connections to the gods of Duat to gather allies to help stop Osiris from acting farther than he has.” Horus looked at Anubis. “Anubis and I have already discussed some of the political situation there, but with my backing, your backing, and Ra’s backing, Anubis would have more pull with the gods of Duat.”
Maat finally nodded and said, “Yes, I could do that.” She looked at Anubis. “We’ll have to talk about who to reach out to. I imagine you’re more familiar with the different factions of gods in Duat than I am these days.”
Anubis shrugged and said, “To a degree. I’m very busy and alliances change. But I’m willing to look more deeply into it, especially when Osiris presents such a dangerous threat to humans, gods, and the dead.”
Maat nodded and looked at Seth. “I’m surprised you’re not demanding your probation be ended.”
“…That’s a separate matter,” Seth said.
“I would demand it,” Horus said.
Seth tightened his hands into fists. He’d heard Horus’ explanation for this before they came here, but it was still difficult to see it in motion. He hadn’t expectd Horus to want to push so hard for him.
“Seth has performed his duty as a guardian god and god of war,” Horus continued, “and identified a grave threat to all the gods and humans. In all my years of living, but most recently, I have been made aware of all the ways Osiris abuses his position to endanger everyone around him. A human building which normally is used principally by children was nearly destroyed in one of Osiris’ selfish tantrums. What is to stop him from doing this again, when there are children inside to be hurt, or worse?”
“Then Seth is using his probation well,” Maat noted, which made Seth nearly roll his eyes.
“He is,” Horus acknowledged. “But I think it is inappropriate to leash him with that. He has spent thousands of years on the sun boat, and yet, rather than seeking vengeance or to destabilize the world he has returned, he has brought together many gods who formerly stayed quiet on the sidelines. Nut is more active as of late, as is Geb. Even the gods on Ra’s sun boat have taken more interest in local politics.”
“A brief bout of good behavior doesn’t justify ending his probation,” Maat said.
“I will continue to vouch for him,” Horus insisted. “And I would go so far as to marry him, if that would prove my belief in his innocence.”
Seth stayed still while Horus moved closer to him. Before they’d come to the office, Horus had pulled Seth aside at the entryway to Horus’ apartment and said, “You realize it will be hard to move against Osiris in your situation. You’re essentially my prisoner right now. But we need to show a united front on things.”
Seth nodded, not sure how to deal with that. “You think they’d insist you’re doing some weird powerplay with your father or something?”
“Mostly I just want to show I have full confidence in what you’re saying,” Horus said. He took Seth’s hand and laced their fingers together. “I trust you. I trust your instincts. And I want to be with you, wherever that leads.”
Seth’s face heated. “What are you trying to say?”
“I know we’ve only been together a short while,” Horus said. He knelt on the floor at Seth’s feet, and Seth had seen a bit too much of human media to not realize what was going on. “I know this is all hard and new for you. And I know I can’t wash away all the pain you’ve carried. But I promise to work as hard as I can to make a better world for you. Where you can be happy.”
Seth swallowed and wondered if his hand was sweating.
“Seth,” Horus continued, looking earnest as ever, “would you marry me?”
“Horus, what are you talking about?!” Isis demanded now, stepping towards them. She looked between him and Seth, and confusion and anger flashed over her face. “What have you been up to in the time he’s been under your care?!”
“Seth and I understand each other,” Horus said as he looked at Isis, still with a determined expression on his face. “And we work well together.”
“He is your captive,” Isis said, sounding incredulous, as if she hadn’t supported worse for him.
“He is,” Horus acknowledged. “And he loves me despite that.”
“I do,” Seth said, swallowing down his worries. He’d said yes earlier. He knew why this mattered.
Horus smiled warmly at Seth in a way that made Seth’s heart melt, before looking at Isis. “Seth and I have discussed this. It should convince the other gods of Seth’s sincerity.”
Seth still wasn’t quite sure what he felt. Rather than hardening his confidence before the meeting, the proposal had shaken him up a lot. He certainly hadn’t expected Horus to put himself out there like this. He couldn’t help but wonder if Horus would regret it.
But Horus kept standing by him. And was offering to go face Osiris himself in Duat.
It was certainly more of a declaration than most anyone else had ever done for him. His courtship of Nephthys had been very different, and though he’d talked to Isis about it, he’d still been more private with it.
“Seth?” Nephthys asked, clearly confused. Seth looked back at her, to see her gazing at him in worry. “Is this really what you want? It’s a lot all at once.”
“Yes,” Seth said, making himself sound confident. He’d been learning how it was okay to live, to want things. And if Horus wanted to be by his side, then Seth wanted him there, too.
“You don’t have to marry him if you don’t want to, Father,” Anubis said, frowning at Horus.
Seth smiled and said, “Horus has supported me in ways others haven’t. And I do care about him.” He reached out to take Horus’ hand. “I don’t know how much it would help, but… being more tied with Horus would make me happy.” His voice sounded pathetic to him, but it was honest, and he hoped that counted for something.
Horus pulled Seth close, and Seth saw Nephthys smile warmly at him.
“…I’ll call Mother,” Maat said, pulling out her phone. “It’s best we jump on this soon. If Osiris really is as dangerous as you’ve all said, then we need to act quickly.”
Seth wondered why they’d taken so long when he was king, but he didn’t think that would be useful. And it was nice to focus on the feeling of his head on Horus’ chest, especially because it helped hide Isis’ reaction from him.
Isis breathed in loudly.
“Isis,” Nephthys said, sounding soothing. There was a sound of a hand grabbing fabric, and quiet murmurs before, “Darling, it’s okay…”
“It’s just surprising, that’s all…”
Nephthys chuckled before saying, “Didn’t we surprise everyone once?”
There was silence after that, and then a soft kiss noise, before Isis said, “You’re ridiculous.” And then another soft kiss noise and a contented murmur.
Anubis walked into Seth’s line of sight, glancing between Seth and Horus and finally landing on Seth. “Father, I… I support you in this, if it’s really what you want.”
“It is,” Seth said. He could feel Horus’ hands around his back, keeping him calm enough. “I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about it again.”
Anubis sighed and said, “I’ve wondered over the centuries if Horus had more complicated feelings for you than he let on. But I mostly just don’t want someone else dragging you along in their wake.” He frowned at Horus, who gazed back at him, unfazed.
“He’s not dragging me along,” Seth said, trying to sound reassuring. “I wanted this. And we’ve been together for a while.”
“A while?” Anubis asked, surprised. “How long?”
Before Seth could decide how much he wanted the precise day count to be a known figure to other people, Khnum stepped in and put a hand on Anubis’ back before saying, “That’s private information between Horus and Seth, isn’t it?” His face was gentle, and Seth had almost forgotten he was in the room.
Anubis looked chastened and bowed his head slightly to Horus and Seth. “Sorry. I just… It’s a lot in one day.”
Seth smiled kindly at him and said, “I know. I’m sorry.”
Anubis smiled grimly and said, “You don’t have to apologize. We’ll work through it, like we have for some time. And things will get even harder in the coming days, I imagine, as we face Osiris.”
“You will likely have more responsibilities in Duat going forward,” Horus noted.
“And you might have to hold court with more people there,” Anubis countered, his expression growing a little colder.
“Then we’ll both do our best, won’t we?” Horus replied.
Anubis’ smile was sharp enough to cut someone. Horus’ was equally so.
Seth felt very uncomfortable and wasn’t sure who to support in this matter.
“Well, well, well,” Ra said from the doorway, causing them all to look her way. She was as tall as ever and had to bend a little to step through the door. Her long, dark hair fell around her like it used to, and her ears glittered with golden earrings. She wore a sharp golden gown with a deep V-neck that cut down past her breasts to her waist, leaving little to the imagination. Her arms and fingers glittered with more golden jewelry. She stepped into the room, followed by Thoth, who wore a pale blue suit and looked nervous. “Here I am, to see what all the fuss is about, and I hear you’re finally going to deal with Osiris?” She grinned at Isis. “Even after I gave you that opening way back when, now you finally take it?”
Isis rolled her eyes and chose not to respond.
Ra looked at Seth, who was still wrapped in Horus’ arms. Her golden eyes glanced over the pair. And she grinned, showing her teeth. “So, I see you found something to fight for again, Seth.”
Seth simply frowned at her, thinking of all the time he’d spent running around her sun boat, trying to figure out what it meant. Trying to find some deeper meaning in all his struggles. And what had it led him to? A missed life and a whole world of people who’d been missing him in their own way.
But also the falcon god who’d gladly stand beside him to protect him from his own nightmares.
Ra was still powerful, and they both knew it, and a battle between them would be difficult. And maybe he did owe her for helping to save him being destroyed forever. But that didn’t mean he had to apologize for standing up to all that she’d thrown at him, or bow down in thanks. So instead he said, “I’m sure you’re just happy you can help us take down Osiris.”
Ra laughed. “I am. A bit. Especially with all of you coming for my help.”
“We’re not precisely doing that,” Horus said, moving so he was almost guarding Seth from Ra. “But we respect your authority when it comes to traveling through Duat. Your help would be appreciated in the days to come.”
Ra considered him for a bit, and then shrugged. “All right. I’ll at least listen to your proposal. based on what little Maat said on the phone, it seems like a treat.”
Seth was just grateful she wasn’t making demands yet. He was sure they’d come, but they hadn’t manifested yet.
It was late when Horus and Seth got back to their apartment: Ra had to depart to wrangle the gods on her sun boat, and Maat, Thoth, and Anubis had to spend time negotiating with the gods in Duat. Horus had said they’d meet when Maat called, but needed a break for the evening.
Seth had been willing to keep going, but didn’t want to push anyone else to exhaustion, especially when he saw Nephthys flagging a bit after the long day of discussion.
“I think we have a chance,” Seth said as the door shut behind them. He wasn’t sure how to feel now that Isis and Maat had agreed to end his probation. Isis still didn’t look all that happy, but Nephthys had stayed close to her all the while, soothing her.
He was glad they worked so well together. It made him wish for things he knew he couldn’t change.
And a small part of him was happy someone else was fielding Isis’ issues.
“I do as well,” Horus said. He reached out to clasp Seth’s arms. “Osiris cannot stand against our combined might. And once we’ve made our announcements, he’ll have even fewer allies among the other gods.”
Seth hoped so. He was encouraged by just the group of gods they’d gotten together so far. He was just anxious in interim, having nothing to do until presumably the next day, when they’d likely set off for Duat.
“That was brave of you today,” Horus said, smiling warmly and leaning forward to press their foreheads together. “I’m proud of you.”
Seth swallowed, feeling embarrassed and glad at least one difficult part was over, and said, “I can’t believe you stood up to Isis like that. That was amazing.” Given Seth felt like he was hiding behind Nephthys managing Isis, Seth couldn’t imagine how Horus had managed things.
“I have my moments,” Horus said. He leaned up to press a kiss to Seth’s forehead. “I admit, hearing you say yes earlier may have given me the courage to do so.”
“Then we’ll have to give each other courage,” Seth said as he reached up to wrap his arms around Horus’ neck. “Because you’re going to be stuck with me now.” His heart raced. Was that really what Horus wanted?
Horus grinned at him. “I couldn’t be happier."
Seth’s smile almost hurt.
“You make my life better, Seth,” Horus said, his blue eyes nearly glowing as he gazed into Seth’s red ones. “I’m glad you’re here in it. And I look forward to seeing the better world we’ll build together.”
Seth wanted to see that world. One where he wasn’t trapped on the sun boat, constantly trying to guess how best to survive, who to trust, and how to make it through every day. Where he could fall into supportive arms that just wanted to be close to him, not defeat him. He had people who loved him here, who wanted him to be happy. And maybe he still didn’t understand why, some days, but he was willing to try learning. To support them as best he could, including the man before him.
Things might be hard, but he wasn’t backing down. Not anymore.
Seth turned his head up to kiss Horus on the lips briefly. When he pulled back, he said, “I do, too.”