Chapter 34

Hollow

— Palace of the Duat: Training Grounds —

A bolt of electricity reduced the last training golem standing into a pile of rubble, as it had the rest of its comrades. Set himself stood in the midst of the ruins that were once the army of constructs, all enemies beaten in record time, and he had not even broken a single sweat.

Rounds of applause sounded from the small group of spectators who were spectating Set's display of combat skills under a palm tree. Hades, Chief God of the underworld himself and a few of his attendants, who were eagerly taking down notes, stepped forward to congratulate the prince.

"Truly an impressive display of strength, Prince Set." The Greek God said, clapping his hands as they approached the prince sharpening his blades after his spar, "Lord Ra was right in recommending to me your skills as research for our ongoing project. One side a swift offensive, the other an indomitable defense. Our findings drawn from your contribution will be vital to our project, and for that you have my gratitude."

"Your praise honors me Lord Hades," Set answered respectfully with a bow, "But I should be the one thanking you, to be allowed the chance to display the results of my training to a Chief god like you, is an highest honor beyond imagination."

With that, Hades and his entourage left the training grounds. Meanwhile, the other three gods who were watching from under the shade came forward to talk to Set as well, though their words were far more casual as compared to the Chief God.

"That's my older brother for you! The best and brightest warrior the Duat has to offer and its future pharoah, isn't that right, Isis?" shouted a tall, male god with bluish green skin in a boisterous manner, as he threw an arm over Set. He was dressed in golden greaves and bracers, his robes white and sandy blue with green trimmings, and on his head he wore a distinctive headdress known as an atef.

Set smirked as he gently brushed his brother's arm off, "Thank you, Osiris. I do hope that my performance was able to inspire you to perhaps start thinking more about your future, instead of lounging about aimlessly as you usually do." To others, Set's words would have been biting, but to Osiris? He merely laughed it off, playfully punching his brother in the shoulder as the two shared a mutual grin.

Isis, who followed Osiris closely from behind, smiled as she watched the two brothers, "Indeed, Osiris my dear," she answered in regards to his previous statement, before her tone became ever so slightly frostier "But I'm sure you'll be able to put up QUITE the challenge for our dear eldest brother when it comes time for one of you to inherit Lord Ra's throne."

"I'm sure he will, Isis," Set chuckled as he ruffled his brother's head, "Perhaps if Lord Ra wishes to choose his heir by whoever gets the worst hangover, for that is definitely a category Osiris can demolish me in."

Osiris laughed, "One can only hope! But let's be real, we all know I'm not cut out for the pharaoh position, Brother Set on the other hand… well he's been training for the role since we were in diapers! I'm sure he'll be a better pharoah than I ever could be. Anyways, I hear Hapi is hosting another one of his river parties tonight! What say we all head down to celebrate today's events, eh?"

Set shook his head slightly as he turned back towards the training grounds, "You already know how I feel about such frivolous activities, Osiris, you two can go ahead, I'd rather surround myself with the sound of combat than the sound of our fellow gods puking their guts out from excessive drinking."

"Aww not again, party pooper…" Osiris pouted, pursing his lips in disappointment, "Alright, I know better than to try and pry you away from your precious training, brother. But really, you ought to liven up more! How do you not get tired from wailing on those poor golems all the time?" Osiris let out a disappointed sigh. "Aaaaanyways, we'll take our leave now. Have fun and remember, you're always welcome should you change your mind!"

With that, Osiris and Isis took their leave, with the former suddenly whispering something in the latter's ears. Perhaps it might have been an embarrassing secret, for Isis' face turned beet red, the goddess squealed in embarrassment as she gave chase to Osiris who was already running ahead laughing.

Set sighed in amusement at his brother's antics, before turning back to the battlefield where three more golems had manifested from the ground ready to do battle with him. Drawing his sabers, the Prince of the Duat rushed in and effortlessly parried them, while returning devastating strikes of his own.

"Not following them, Nephthys?" He asked as a lighting bolt instantly reduced a golem to ash, his question directed towards the goddess who still laid beneath the shade of the trees, quietly watching his rigorous training.

"Hm? Perhaps I'll join them later," Nephthys replied, resting her head on her hands with a smile, "as of right now though… I much rather prefer watching my beloved Sutekh play with his toys."

Set chuckled hearing Nephthys' pet name for him, turning to walk towards her, the last golem left tried ambushing the prince from behind, but a simple jab of his saber soon brought the construct crashing to its knees as the Prince of the Duat took a seat next to his lover.

"Oh, what's this?" Nephthys teased while sitting up, "The great Prince of the Duat graciously giving up his precious time for me? Were you not just chiding your brother for wasting time on frivolous activities? Quite the hypocrite, aren't you Sutekh?"

"Ah, but for you my dear, I make an exception." Set replied as he gently caressed the goddess' face, much to her amusement. The two gods shared the tender moment for a little longer, till Nephthys let out a sigh as she moved Set's hand from her face.

"But your brother is not without point, Sutekh…" she murmured as she rested her head on Set's shoulder, "You're always on some sort of military campaign or spending your time here, and even when you aren't, you never show your face at social events. A few of our peers have taken to talking ill of you behind your back… though Osiris is always quick to silence them."

"Let them say whatever they wish, my dear." Set chuckled, booping his lover on the nose and making her pout, "When I am made pharoah, I'll see to it that any fool who dares make my beloved Nephthys even the slightest bit displeased be thrown to the crocodiles."

Nephthys giggled at Set's jest, "Aww, you would become a tyrant for me, Sutekh?"

"That as well as many more, dear Nephthys," The Prince of the Duat replied as he pulled her into a kiss. After what seemed like forever to the lovers, Set broke away and picked up his weapons to return back to his practice. Much to Nephthys' disappointment.

"Can't we stay like that for a while longer?" She whined adorably, amusing Set even more,

"Well, my dear, I'm going to need all this training to ensure I can punish as many gods who dare transgress against you, don't I?" He answered jokingly, causing his lover to sigh in exasperation as she watched him return to perfecting his ever-growing skills.

"What would I do without you, Sutekh…"

Disbelief, anger, shock. All those feelings and more churned violently within Set's head as he paced aimlessly around the corridor outside the throne room, clawing at the skin on his head.

"No, no, no… H-how… I don't… Wha… W-why would Ra…"

The doors leading to the throne room opened, allowing the sounds of celebration to permeate the corridor as Nephthys stepped out, her face mired with concern as she approached her husband whose mad ranting was slowly getting louder by the minute.

"I don't understand Nephthys… My whole life I've dedicated myself to the studies of a king. I followed the rules, I had the experience, talent and skill. Everything I needed to prove my worthiness to be Lord Ra's successor…"

"Indeed…" Nephthys replied softly.

"Then tell me… how is it that OSIRIS now sits on the throne?!" Set roared in outrage.

"Sutekh…" Nephthys called as she stepped closer towards her raving husband, Set pacing began faster as he desperately racked his brain for an answer, "It doesn't make sense, why… HOW?! What is the reason?! What did I do wrong?!"

"SET!" Nephthys raised her voice, snapping the prince out of his rant, "Please, calm down. It scares me to see you like this."

"Calm down, Nephthys? Centuries of hard work wasted…" Set bemoaned "Is this the reality we live in? One where effort and merit are forgotten in the face of those more beloved in the minds of the masses? Is that why Lord Ra forsook me? Because I wasn't popular with the drunken rabble?"

"Sutekh, he's your brother… you should be happy for his success."

"His 'success' has just cost me greatly, Nephthys! What is even my purpose now, what am I supposed to do with myself?"

"We could finally start a family…" Nephthys whispered, tentatively fidgeting the ring around her finger. "My sister just announced that she is with child… and I think it would be lovely if we could finally settle down and have a child of our own too. Don't you, Sutekh?"

Set let out a miserable scoff as he turned his head away, unwilling to look his wife in the eye. Nephthys sighed, caressing her husband's face tenderly within her hands.

"Sutekh, even if you were a pauper, I would still stay by your side. Not being the pharaoh doesn't dispel all your merit, perhaps one day the rest of our pantheon will see you as I do. An outstanding fighter, leader and above all, husband. And if they cannot see that… well then that is just too bad for them!"

Nephthys encouragement elicited a sad chuckle from Set as he tightly embraced his wife, "You always know how to lift my spirits, Nephthys, thank you…"

The goddess giggled softly before standing up and extending her hand, "Now that Grumpy here is feeling better, we should head back in. We haven't even given Isis our well wishes on her pregnancy, I'm dying to know if it's a boy or girl!"

"You go ahead first, my dear…" Set replied, "I still… I think I need some more time to myself right now." Nephthys nodded, blowing her husband a kiss before re-entering the throne room. Now alone, the Prince of the Duat slumped against the wall, letting out a dejected sigh.

"Poor Set…"

Set sat up straight as he glanced around the empty corridor, all that negativity must have made him quite delirious. Perhaps he should go back inside and grab a drink to clear his mind…

"Poor, poor, STUPID Set…"

Set growled, standing on his feet and drawing his sabers, "Who goes there?!"

"The best and brightest prodigy of the Duat," The disembodied voice spoke, ignoring Set's question, "yet… too naive to question the cards he's been dealt, PATHETIC!"

"Lord Ra's judgment is wise and just!" Set retorted, "If he finds Osiris a more worthy choice for the throne, he is sure to have his reasons! Who are you to question it, spirit?"

"Oh, Ra has his reasons alright," Set shivered, the growing amusement behind every word uttered by the voice felt like frost growing across his skin, "Quite a mystery isn't it? Why would Ra, who prioritizes discipline and strength above all else, choose an irresponsible dolt to inherit his throne? Especially when a far superior candidate vies for the role? Ra is many things, but he is not a fool."

"Hold your tongue! Before I cut it off for disrespecting my grandfather!" Set roared in outrage.

The voice cackled with sadistic pleasure before continuing, "Years ago, the mighty Sun God sustained a terrible wound. Try all they might, the best healers in the Heavens could not cure Ra of his affliction. But a certain goddess, whose skill in magic and healing were unrivaled in the field, could."

Set froze, ears twitching as he now listened to the voice's word intently, "Isis with her clever spells, was perfectly capable of alleviating Ra of his pain… However, she demanded a price for her service. Isis never did like the idea of you ascending to the throne did she? She found you too ambitious… too talented… too much of a threat to her husband's claim to the throne, so when presented with a favor from the Chief God of the Duat himself… What do you think her demand was?"

The voice paused, allowing Set to process this revelation. If it had a mouth, a wide cruel grin would have materialized mid-air, "You've been CHEATED, Prince of the Duat. The cunning witch would have the integrity of your homeland shattered, replacing you with her incompetent fool of a husband in the name of love… You know what needs to be done now, don't you?"

Set did not respond. Instead, the prince raised his head, revealing eyes ablaze with a sinister red light. He slowly paced towards the throne room doors, fingers gripping around his saber handles so tightly that they bled.

"Clever boy…"

"Brother! There you are!" Osiris called as the sea of gods partied to allow Set through, "Heh, uh… awkward isn't it? Guess I'm the pharoah now, huh?"

"So it seems," Set replied calmly, "I must admit, I never would have expected this."

"Yeah… me too." Osiris said, rubbing the back of his neck, "Well at least I'll always have you by my side should I need any advice, eh brother?"

"An advisor, how… quaint."

"AH! THERE HE IS!" Shesmu, a god with the head of a lion shouted as he stumbled in the midst of the two brothers. His bleary eyes and the dried wine caked in his mane, indicated that he was intoxicated from the wine being served.

"The try-hard himself!" Shesmu slurred at Set, as he clapped an embarrassed Osiris on the shoulder, "Good job on becoming pharaoh, Ossie! Always knew you could beat this stick in the mud!"

"Indeed?" Set replied, still calm, "Perhaps we should test that claim of yours, should we not Shesmu? What say you, dear brother?"

"W-well…" Osiris glanced at the gathered gods, who whispered excitedly at the prospect of a show, "I suppose a friendly spar wouldn't hurt! Let's do this, Set!"

With that, Osiris was thrown a polearm as the gods made room for the two brothers to begin their match, loudly chanting and cheering on their king as the arms clashed loudly against each other.

Nephthys excitedly clapped for her husband even though her support was lost in the crowd, "Isn't this wonderful, sister? I was so glad that my beloved Sutekh was able to put aside his animosity!"

But as Nephthys turned towards Isis, she saw only fearful concern, for her sister had already realized what was happening before anyone else. Set's strikes slowly became more violent, nearly knocking Osiris' weapon out of his hands as he gave his brother less room to catch his breath. Though Osiris had experience in combat as most gods should, he was nowhere close to his brother's level. The cheers of the surrounding gods slowly died down as they too realized what was going on. This wasn't a friendly spar between brothers, this was an execution, and blood would soon be spilled.

"MY LOVE, WATCH OUT!" Isis warned, but it was far too late. Attempting to block Set's strike, Osiris raised his polearm, but a single blow from Set's left saber cleaved the weapon in two. Leaving Osiris wide open as he drew back his other and thrusted forward…

"SCHLK!"

Osiris' blood splattered across the floor as Set removed his bloodied blade from his brother's chest, letting him fall to the ground, gasping for air. Osiris' eyes widened in shock as he struggled to focus them on Set, face filled with hurt.

"B-brother… I-I'm… sorry, for… taking your dream…" Osiris' eyes fluttered shut, and the god lay still.

"NOOOO!" Isis screamed as she rushed to her husband's side, roars of outrage erupted across the throne room as the gods berated Set for his actions, but none were brave enough to attack, for the prince could easily dispatch the lot of them without batting an eye.

"How could you?" Isis cried as she glared at Set, "He was your brother!"

Set did not respond, merely stepping aside to allow other gods to pick up Osiris' body and seek aid. Isis glowered at Set,"You… NEVER were nor will be half the god he was! You are no pharoah! You are a MURDERER!" Isis turned her back on her brother-in-law, leaving the room in disgust, while followed closely behind by the rest of the gods.

Once again, Set said nothing, but lifted his gaze to meet the only goddess whose words meant anything to him. His wife Nephthys, stood far away at the side of the doors, her eyes once filled with love, now brimmed with horror and tears. Set reached out towards her, but Nephthys replied with silence, turning her back on him as well and leaving Set alone in the blood-splattered throne room.

With the adrenaline leaving his body, Set surveyed the empty room aimlessly. Guilt, disgust and regret filled his mind as he understood the full extent of what he had done. But there was no turning back now, he approached Ra's golden throne and sat down, ignoring the discomfort of his blistering skin as the hot metal seared his flesh, seemingly rejecting his presence.

"It's you isn't it," He spoke solemnly to the thin air, "Only you could hope to inflict such agony on a Chief God like Ra, and the only one who would find pleasure in orchestrating this whole ordeal… Apophis."

"Well, well, well. Looks like somebody finally got smart!" The voice had returned, now filled with malicious glee, "No use blaming me for this whole fiasco though. I may have been the one who set the wheels in motion by inflicting Ra with my venom, but you're the one with blood on your hands."

"I know…" Set murmured, covering his face in shame, the crushing weight of guilt from the realization of what he had just done coiled across his neck and shoulders like an enormous snake.

"No point in regrets now!" The Serpent of Chaos answered in mocking reverence, "I tip my hat to you, Set. One LEGEND to another! Your dream is achieved, the Throne of the Duat is now all yours! May your golden reign bring forth prosperity and riches to all. Farewell fallen prince, I hope you're content!"

The disembodied voice of Apophis erupted into cruel laughter, slowly fading away and leaving Set all by himself once again. Years of hard work had finally paid off, Set had finally achieved his dream. But there was no joy in the disgraced prince's eyes, no feeling of contentment or satisfaction, though he now sat on the throne he had always coveted, Set simply felt… hollow.