//------------------------------//
// The Rise of Two Pharaohs 
// Story: The Tale of Coltypt 
// by Rakoon1 
//------------------------------//

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.