Author's Note: Hey guys. I got some positive feedback on my story, Cousins, and decided to continue writing these short stories. I made a community so that they would all be in one place, because if my life isn't organized, at least my writing should be. Send me any suggestions for stories. Will work off of any character from the Kane Chronicles. Right now, I'm working off of Anubis because he doesn't get enough love in the community and I really love imagining what led him to such isolation. Takes place when the boys are 10 and 7.
Osiris presided over the training room, watching the sparring match unfolding between his son and nephew. The fight was in no way fair, Horus having a clear height and weight advantage over the younger boy, not to mention years more battle experience. But Anubis had begged him for his permission to spar with his son.
He knew that it was a bad idea to agree to such a request, but the look of desperation in the boy's eyes pulled at his heartstrings, and he had hesitantly agreed. Anubis had never been much of a fighter, preferring to spend time in the library, or training with Isis. Indeed, his magic abilities had far surpassed that of most children his age. Despite his petite size and pale complexion, he was incredibly strong, and it was this reason that Osiris had rationalized the current sparring match. He was beginning to regret that decision now.
Horus had not broken a sweat, his stance sturdy, a slight smile adorning his face. Fighting was his element. He could pick up and wield a sword before he was able to walk. By age seven, Horus had surpassed the abilities of his sparring partners, preferring to battle his trainers. The boy was a natural, and he was clearly showing his skill, dodging his cousin's feeble attacks with ease.
Anubis, on the other hand, looked far worse for the wear. He was drenched in sweat, his hair plastered to his forehead, arms trembling with the effort of holding his sword. His footwork was clumsy and his posture unsure, a fact which Horus quickly picked up upon.
The next time Anubis went to attack, Horus parried the strike and stepped forward, pushing his cousin roughly with his shoulder. Anubis flew back, tripping over his own feet before landing in an undignified heap on the floor.
"Stop." Osiris commanded. "The battle is done. Victory to Horus. Fighters, to your leave."
Horus gleamed and offered a hand to his cousin, but Anubis pushed it away roughly. The boy was shaking, rough breaths threatening to turn into sobs. Osiris worried for a moment that the fall had done more damage than expected, but Anubis jumped up quickly and ran off. Osiris sighed, regretting even more his decision to approve the fight, as it seemed to only be another opportunity for Anubis to compare himself to his cousin.
After a moment's hesitation, Osiris decided to not follow the boy, in the hopes that he would cool down. It wasn't until that night that he came to regret that decision too.
To be continued…
There will be a part two uploaded shortly. I may update this after I update the Genderbent story, but because those chapters take much longer to write, it most likely be updated on a less regular basis then any short stories. Let me know how you feel about this. Remember to review and offer any ideas you have.
Cat