Chapter Text
Aten, Anubis, and Nefertiti walk around the Pyramid of the Sun,showing her around. Everyone that passes by stares at them. Nefertiti isn’t sure at who yet.
“I am glad that you are doing well. Last time we met you were in serious condition from the attack. We didn't really get to talk much after you recovered since we were on a mission.” Aten is formal, careful with his words.
Nefertiti nods, “It took a while to get back on my feet. Life has been….very different since that day.” She looks down at her gloved hands, “I do appreciate your letters though.”
Aten smiles, his tone light, “I’m glad”
Anubis rolls his eyes, “You know, you were all he talked about at one point. He really should have just gone to visit you again.”
Aten elbows him. “What? You know I’m right.”
Aten coughs, trying to hide any bit of embarrassment. “Yes, I do apologize about that. Father kept us quite busy with, well, everything.”
Nefertiti smiled, quietly observing the banter, “You two really do get along,” She laughs.
“So...um...were you able to find...it?” Nefertiti looks around, nervous about who could be around to overhear.
Aten shakes his head, “No. There were no traces of it. Finding leads has been difficult.” He sees her deflate in disappointment. “You’ll be safe here in the city though. Just avoid going to the forest or beyond alone.”
IT’s silent for a few minutes.
Anubis pipes in, “Are you really immune to iron?” Aten gives him a look.
She’s surprised by the sudden question, “Yes...That’s what I’ve been told...Depends on who you ask though. Some physicians say it's just shortening my life,” her voice is small.
Anubis doesn’t notice the change, “I mean, if you are immune, I think its amazing! With- “
“There’s nothing amazing about it,” Nefertiti frowns.
“But with your father’s work the Elder race could evolve to become even greater. It’s a gift if you ask me!”
Aten glances around, people are starting to stare. He gives them a threatening look, sending anyone quickly off. “Anubis.” It’s a warning.
“It’s not a gift!” Nefertiti snaps back, “If anything it’s a curse. My mother hates me and now it seems that everyone already knows about what happened!”
Aten rests a hand on her shoulder, “Why is it that you’re always good at starting fights, LIttle Brother? Would it kill you to keep that science mind of yours under wraps and not make it sound like you want to experiment on every little thing that interests you?”
Anubis flinches and lowers his eyes. He’s silent for the rest of the tour, walking a few steps behind Nefertiti and Aten.
Once they arrive back at the throne room, Anubis coughs, “Well, there’s the tour. If you ever need anything, I’m usually in the medical bay with the Royal Healer, Axon.” He raises a hand in farewell and walks away.
Aten sighs, shaking his head, “He knows there’s more to see, but I’m sure you’ve had more than enough of my brother for one day. Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
****
THe Humani VIllage is full of life. Humani crowd the busy streets buying, selling, and trading goods. She’s surprised at the variety of products available from different crafts and jewelry to exotic produce. There are Humani dancing and playing music in the streets. Young children run around chasing each other.
She stops at a booth. A deep purple pendant on a golden chain catches her eyes.
“See something you like?” Aten is beside her.
“I’m just... admiring the beauty of this craftsman. I mean, it's wonderful, how vibrant and unique this place is.” Her eyes return to the pendant.
He nods, “I think Humanity is beautiful. They’re so different from us, each individual one is unique. And it’s not a bad thing, far from it.” He gives the merchant a few golden coins and picks up the pendant and places it around her neck. “They’re part of this city too. It’s important to have both races on my side if I’m going to have a successful reign as King,” he mumbles quietly.
Nefertiti blushes at how close he is, “How are you so sure of yourself?”
Aten smiles, “A good king is wise and listens to his people. I can’t be corrupt by power or the idea that we Elders are superior. Doing so would spell my downfall. Can’t have that. I want to be remembered for millenia to come.”
Nefertiti laughs, “You’re full of surprises.”
He hums, smiling, “I try to be.”
“I’ll have twenty stacks of that magic paper.” A man’s voice rings from the stalls behind her. Turning around, she sees a man with blonde hair and grey eyes, and ashen skin that seems to sparkle with gold flecks.
Aten sighs, “We have terrible timing it seems, or good timing depending on how you look at it.” Nefertiti looks at him, “Do...you know him?”
He nods and walks forward to greet the man. “Need some help taking that to the Tower?”
The mystery man smiles, “Perfect timing, Your HIghness. You and your friend can help me take these back. I expect Chronos will be stopping by shortly as well.”
Nefertiti eyes the man, curiously. He has the same Time worn eyes as Chronos. “Who...are you?”
He looks her in the eyes, then down at her gloved hands. “Interesting,” he muses. Snapping out of it, he smiles, “You can call me Abraham. I think that we’ll be working together a lot in the future.”