FORBIDDEN LOVE

Rated PG-13 for mild sensuality and angst.

This is an alternate setting to ANUBIS, as some of the details in either story will clash. Do not confuse them, please.

Okay, here's some backround info- in Egyptian mythology, Ra has a lot of children (many of them daughters). One of those children was Bastet, the cat-headed goddess of joy. Some texts claim that she was married to Ra, and even had a child by him, the lion-headed demigod Maahes.

Demigods, like Maahes, were not uncommon in Egyptian myths, but all of them were children of at least one Egyptian deity. Ptah and Sehkmet (though some say Bastet) birthed the demigod Nerfertem, and according to many texts, the great architect Imhotep was their adopted son, hence making him into a demigod as well. Even Anubis had a daughter, the demigoddess Kebehut, who helped him in his sacred duties; strangely enough, the mother's name is never mentioned... kind of sad, really.

As far as this particular tale goes, two demigods play a key role. Ra and Bastet are two of the characters- others include Hathor, Thoth, Sobek, Upuat, Set, and another deity whom I will reveal later. Let's just say that Bastet has more admirers than some are willing to admit...

Great rejoicing filled the hearts of many in the land of Kemet. Every citizen broke away from their usual routine. Every man, woman, and child seemed to be rushing for the town square- not for trade, of course, but for the festivities of a glorious occasion...

Within the walls of Ra's great temple, there was indeed much celebration. Some of the calmer, more melancholy deities watched from various areas of the grand hall as the majority of them gathered in celebration of a momentous wedding. Amidst the crowd, the new bride danced gracefully with the hawk-headed groom.

An ibis-headed figure peered into the crowd, smiling. "What a splendid occasion," Thoth commented. "The divine marriage of Horus and Hathor... an event that will amaze generations to come."

Thoth turned his head to see Ra seated at his throne. He nodded respectfully, but soon leaned forward in his seat. He saw his beautiful daughter Hathor, dancing with her beloved Horus. She was so happy with him; surely she would leave her loving father for her dearest husband.

A hand rested upon the falcon-headed deity's shoulder. "Father?" a soft, feminine voice inquired.

Surprised, Ra turned to see his youngest daughter. "Bastet," he said with a smile.

The feline goddess sat at her father's feet, looking into the crowd. "Look at Hathor..." she remarked. "I've never seen her so happy in my life... She must really love Horus to marry him."

Sighing heavily, Ra leaned back into his throne. Hathor would be leaving soon... he knew she would visit him often, but not often enough. He depended on her to be at his side, as a surrogate queen (he never could find that one consort who would please him so). He never wanted to force his children into anything that would make them unhappy, but where would that leave him??

Concerned, Bastet crawled closer to Ra, placing her head in his lap. "Father," she purred.

Once again, Ra looked at his daughter Bastet. She blinked a few times, hoping to win her father over with her feline charms. Sure enough, he smiled and rubbed behind one of his daughter's ears. "Bastet," he cooed affectionately. "My wonderful little kitten... such a good daughter, Bastet..."

Some time later, the lioness-headed goddess Sehkmet leaned against one of the tall ebony pillars of the temple. She had tolerated these festivities for quite some time, and the only thing keeping her there was the food and drink. Besides, as Hathor's sister and one of Ra's daughters, what choice did she have?

A woman with cow's ears approached Sehkmet, a worried look upon her face. "Sehkmet," she addressed, "are you as worried as I am?"

"About what, Hathor?" Sehkmet asked, finishing off her glass of red wine.

Hathor turned and gestured towards Ra and Bastet. The cat-headed goddess danced before her father, laughing joyously as she played her sistrum. Ra watched his daughter intently, occasionally grinning or raising an eyebrow.

Biting her lip, Hathor peered over at Sehkmet. "I'm worried about Bastet," she admitted. "You were his first- you know how he feels. When you married Ptah, it was my turn. Now, with my marriage to Horus, she is the only daughter left."

Unswayed by Hathor's words, Sehkmet returned to the refreshment table. "Why should it bother you?" she spat, filling her cup with more wine. "You and I both aided him well; why should Bastet be any different?"

Still upset, Hathor drew Sehkmet to a quiet corner of the room. "Bastet is the only daughter left," she pointed out. "Should she find love, she will have to leave our father. If he let her go, he would be left alone to wallow in his miseries. That only leaves one choice..."

Sehkmet finally understood Hathor. "He may force Bastet to marry him."

Nodding, Hathor turned back to see Bastet sitting in Ra's lap as they playfully nuzzled each other. "I may not be here for them," she commented, "but I'm going to do something. I do not know what I will do or how I will do it, but somehow I will ensure their happiness, in their own rights..."

That night, Ra wandered the corridors of his temple. He hardly slept, but something else seemed to be keeping him awake. Perhaps it was the overall stress of the day, or it could have been his weariness from Apophis only hours earlier. The truth was, however, that his mind was still with Hathor.

Ra stepped into the outer courtyards of his palace. He sat beside a large pond, gently lifting a lotus flower from the water. Such a soft, gentle, beautiful flower, he thought. How dearly I would wish for more.

A slender figure seated herself next to Ra. "Father," she stated.

Grinning, Ra turned to see Bastet. "My daughter," he replied.

Bastet hugged the falcon-headed deity. "Are you still troubled?" she guessed, looking into her father's eyes. "I know what would make you happy- a nice warm bath. Would you like that?"

Comforted, Ra stood. "An excellent idea, Bastet," he agreed, walking back inside the palace. "Fetch some bathing oils as well, and I shall see you shortly."

Happy to see her father more cheerful, Bastet sprinted in the direction of the bathing halls. She needed servants, towels, warm bathing water, his bath oils... so much to do! She didn't mind though; so long as Ra was happy...

Time passed quickly. Bastet was already used to being near her father often. However, the more Hathor saw of them together, the more she worried for her sister. She was the goddess of love- should Bastet find her soulmate, only to be stopped by her desperate father, her heart would surely grieve!!

With this in mind, Hathor set down a narrow path along the Nile river. She knew that some of the deities came for a drink (or perhaps a swim) every so often. Perhaps there would be a few that day.

Hathor quietly stepped into a thicket of papyrus and peered through the reeds. Sure enough, quite a few of the gods were there. Of course, most of them were off-duty for the moment; in which case, they were more laid-back than usual. Perfect timing, Hathor thought.

The first deity Hathor noticed was Sobek, chief guardian of the waters. He stood by the river's edge, carefully watching the others. Thankfully, he could not see her- having a crocodile's head, his eyesight was far from perfect. He seems a bit too on-edge, she thought. He could never tolerate Bastet's bubbling personality.

Soon, another god caught Hathor's attention. Set, who had just reached the river, immediately ripped off his garments and dived into the waters. Coming back up a moment later, he rubbed the large wound on his forehead, sneering as the others laughed at his folly. He wiped his elongated animal face and gave them the cold shoulder, returning to his merriment. Lecherous, evil, and stupid? she thought. Not what Bastet should find appealing in a husband.

A wolf-headed deity, Upuat, made his way into the river. He kneeled down, looking as if he were taking a drink, only to surprise Set with a splash of water to the face. Before Set could even react, Upuat had sprinted back into the marsh, returning to his duties. Upuat's a nice fellow, but he's away so often, Hathor thought. Bastet needs someone who will constantly be at her side.

Finally, Hathor turned her eyes towards the shore- only one god was left. He sat near the river's edge, washing his hands and face with the flowing water. As Sobek ran after Set (obviously up to no good), this loner cupped his hands and drank of the Nile river, if but to quench his thirst. Yes, Hathor thought. I never did notice it before, but he could easily get along with Bastet. He's gentle and compassionate, like her; a reasonable deity, much like his brother.

Walking out of the papyrus thicket, Hathor made plans for the following day. "Now that I've found Bastet's consort," she whispered to herself, "it's time I look for a true wife- a queen- for our father..."

The next day, Ra was seated at his throne as usual. At his side was Thoth, his faithful assistant, and at the falcon-god's feet sat Bastet. She fiddled with her sistrum, bored for the moment. She didn't mind following her father like a dog; just as long as he was happy, so was she.

Thoth, however, was somewhat concerned. "Lord Ra?" he inquired.

Opening his eyes, Ra peered over to his assistant. "Yes, Lord Thoth?" he said.

The ibis-headed deity gestured towards the feline goddess. "Are you entirely sure of your daughter's presence here?" he questioned. "Indeed, she has a... unique personality, but don't you think it would be best saved for-"

"Nonsense!" Ra countered, tickling Bastet behind one of her ears. "I love my daughter, my dearest Bastet. I wish her presence at all times. There is never a moment when I do not want her near. I am sure you understand, Lord Thoth."

Sighing, Thoth flipped through the days notes. Sadly, he had no children to call his own (though he was married to one of Ra's daughters). He spent much time around Ra's children when they were young ones, especially Bastet. At that age, nearly everyone (including Thoth himself) referred to her as "Ra's little kitten", a title she still held to that day.

A servant sauntered inside Ra's courts. "Lord Ra," he addressed, "Lord Anubis wishes your presence."

Curious, Ra stood from his throne. "Send him in," he requested.

The servant left, and a jackal-headed deity entered the grand court. He was as confused as Ra was- perhaps even more so, due to the circumstances of the message. "Lord Ra," he uttered, "you wished to see me?"

Cocking his eyebrows, Ra stepped down from his throne and approached Anubis. "I... did not," he replied.

Anubis shook his head. "You did so," he assured. "Your daughter, Lady Hathor, sent me here. She told me that there was an important matter that needed to be discussed."

Before Ra could reply, the servant entered once more. "Lord Ra, Lord Thoth," he called. "There is a messenger waiting for you at the temple's entrance. He has an urgent message from a foreign land."

Without even thinking, Ra and Thoth dashed past Anubis. A messenger from a foreign land was indeed serious; were they declaring war, asking for assistance, warning of other foreign invaders?

Alone for the time being, Anubis glanced at Bastet. "Lady Bastet," he finally said, "how goes your routine?"

"Fine, thank you," Bastet replied, "and you, Lord Anubis?"

The jackal-headed deity nodded. "Fine, more or less," he responded, peering out the open doorway. "I should be leaving."

As Anubis was about to leave, a sharp pain entered his side. He gripped his side and yelped, feeling the harsh sting. It felt like a dagger... or an arrow!

Concerned, Bastet ran to Anubis' side to help him. Suddenly, she too felt the very same pain, and in her thigh! She fell to the floor, rubbing her leg to try and soothe the pain.

Once the pain had ceased, Anubis and Bastet saw each other once more. This time, however, something was different. It was odd how they had suddenly noticed each other, like a long lost friend... or a long lost love.

His eyes wide, Anubis saw Bastet as he had never seen her before. He not only noticed her beauty, but her sweet and gentle nature as well. He never realized what a goddess she really was!

Likewise, Bastet saw Anubis as an entirely different deity. He was very handsome, but also kind and good-natured despite his duties. She had no idea how she could have past him by so many times!

Quickly, Anubis stood and gently took Bastet's hand. "Here- let me help you," he offered.

Smiling, Bastet accepted his gesture. "Thank you," she said, standing.

There was silence. Anubis grinned, hoping to charm the lovely Bastet. In reply, she blushed somewhat and turned away. He touched her shoulder, and as she turned back towards him, his hand slipped. Slightly embarrassed, he lowered his head and shuffled his feet. She came up beside him and giggled, cheering him up.

Their eyes met once more. Anubis and Bastet could simply not believe it! How could they have been so blind as not to notice? Only moments ago they were casual acquaintances, and now it seemed as if...

Suddenly, Ra and Thoth entered in from the corridors. There was no messenger, and even if there was, why would he have not come to them?! It was simply what they did, right?

Upset, Ra sat back at his throne. "Bastet, come," he called. "Soothe your father's pains."

Sighing, Bastet wandered over to her father's side. Anubis stayed where he was, his eyes following the goddess.

"Lord Anubis?" Ra queried. "Haven't you business elsewhere?"

Shaken from his thoughts, Anubis nodded. "Of course," he replied, turning to leave...

Outside the courts, Hathor grinned with pride. She had accomplished her first goal! Now that Bastet and Anubis were lusting after each other, it was time to find Ra's wife!

Late into the night, Ra laid back upon his bed. The day had been so stressful! Thankfully, he still had his daughter Bastet; she would always be there to lift his spirits. "Bastet," he called.

The feline goddess entered from another room, carrying a vase of bath oils. "Here I am, father," she replied, setting the vase down on a nearby table. "Do you wish your back rubbed with oil?"

Nodding, Ra turned and laid on his stomach. "Indeed," he replied with a sigh. "Ah, Bastet... you are good to me. You do care for your weary father." He peered at his daughter out of the corner of his eye. "I love you, Bastet."

With a smile, Bastet rubbed her hands with his bath oils. "Yes, father," she remarked, trailing off as she began massaging his shoulders. "Father... may I request a favor?"

Ra thought for a moment. "I don't see why not," he answered.

Sighing, Bastet tried to think of a way to ask her question. "May I... spend some time in the town square tomorrow?" she asked, then noticing her father's perplexed expression. "It has been so long since I have danced there, lifting the spirits of the mortals. Please, father- may I?"

After a moment of silence, Ra chuckled. "You may, if you so desire," he agreed, his tone becoming more serious, "but let me warn you, my daughter- you are beautiful, and there will be those who will lust after you. Turn away from such fools, for I will ultimately decide your-"

"Thank you, father!" Bastet exclaimed, hugging Ra in mid-sentence. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Smiling, Ra nodded. It pleased him so to see his little kitten happy. She meant everything to him; so long as he had her, he could lose his precious kingdom (and all else he held so dear) and still be satisfied. Alas, she was his last daughter, and to lose her was his greatest fear...

The next day, the sun rose gently over the small town square. The mortals and their deities went about business as usual, except for one god.

Anubis strode the dirt roads of the town, looking as if he were lost. His mind had been elsewhere. All he could imagine was that goddess from a few days earlier. "How could it be so?" he uttered quietly. "I have indeed seen her many times before, yet only now do I yearn for her. Are these feelings true, or in vain?"

Suddenly, a thought came to Anubis. "Is it fate?" he pondered aloud. "Lady Bastet comes from the great family of Lord Ra, and my own father is Lord Osiris. If my brother Horus and Lady Hathor were destined to be, then why not Lady Bastet and I?"

Frustrated, Anubis buried his face in his hands. "So many questions," he muttered. "How I wish I could answer!"

A moment later, joyous music filled the air. Many of the mortals (and several of the deities) began gathering in the town square, following the unusually light-hearted melody.

"Lady Bastet," Anubis said with a small grin. He approached the town square, hoping to see who he knew was there.

Peering around the corner of a small building, Anubis glanced at the gracefully dancing Bastet. Such awe could only belong to her, he thought. She is as agile as she is beautiful.

Turning in Anubis' direction, Bastet suddenly stopped. He is here, she thought with a smile. I thought he might be.

To say the least, Anubis was surprised to see Bastet approach him. "Lord Anubis, there you are," she chimed. "I must be fortunate to have seen you today."

Though somewhat nervous, Anubis nodded. "Yes," he answered, "I was simply passing through-"

"Fascinating," Bastet interrupted him. "Do you come here often?"

The jackal-headed deity nodded in reply. "Occasionally," he admitted, "though I have duties elsewhere."

Worried, Bastet stepped closer to Anubis. "You cannot leave yet," she insisted. "Stay a while- I will dazzle you with the sound of my sistrum."

Despite the fact that he would have given anything to be near Bastet, Anubis felt as if he had to turn her down. "Erm... no, Lady Bastet," he reluctantly refused. "I must return to my-"

Bastet grabbed Anubis' hand. "Please, stay," she purred. "I will dance for you..."

His own instincts getting the better of him, Anubis gave into his temptations. "If you insist," he agreed.

Smiling, Bastet rattled her sistrum, dancing once again. Anubis watched her intently, his eyes following every movement, every gesture. I can't be sure, he thought, but I am almost certain that she cares for me as I do her.

Suddenly, a new voice interrupted the festivities. "Lady Bastet!" an ibis-headed figure called out. "Your father wishes you at the grand temple!"

Dismayed, Bastet stopped dancing and lowered her sistrum. "I must leave," she said, disappointed.

As Bastet turned away, Anubis followed her and touched her shoulder. "Lady Bastet," he said as she turned back to him, "if you so desire... I shall escort you back to your father's temple."

Though flattered, Bastet was a bit unsure. "Why?" she asked.

Anubis grinned. "I have no reason, but I do take pleasure in your company," he answered, raising his eyebrows. "I enjoy your dances, Lady Bastet. They are as graceful, enchanting, and beautiful as you are."

Blushing, Bastet giggled a little. "Thank you, Lord Anubis," she replied, smiling at him. "I have seen you in your duties as well- you are truly honorable."

Touched, Anubis was silent for a moment. True, he had come to expect both mortals and deities to deem him honorable, but to hear it from Bastet seemed to deepen his affections for her.

The ibis-headed figure, apparently Thoth, watched from around a corner. He never imagined Anubis would have been captivated by Bastet. He saw now how they spoke to each other, occasionally touching or gesturing. It was odd how quickly it had happened, yet at the same time he was happy for them.

Stepping out of the shadows, Thoth crossed his arms and lightly tapped his foot. "Lady Bastet," he repeated, "are you coming? Your father Lord Ra is expecting you."

Bastet looked at Anubis for a moment, then looked back at Thoth. "May Lord Anubis come as well?" she inquired.

"I shall be brief," Anubis promised, hoping to convince Thoth.

Smiling, Thoth nodded in agreement. "Of course," he assured. "Lord Ra would be pleased."

As Thoth lead the two deities back to the temple, he looked over his shoulder and noticed how close Anubis and Bastet walked together. They occasionally shared tender affections, and only a moment later did he put his arm around her. How strangely does Hathor aim her arrows, Thoth pondered, but she is nevertheless a noble judge of character. I do hope there will soon be yet another divine wedding...

Ra wandered the corridors of his temple. With Bastet in the town square and Thoth out looking for her, the temple seemed so empty, so void of life. Thoth was not only his assistant but a good friend, and without a true wife Bastet served as a surrogate queen (although she acted more like a servant girl, he hoped that she would grow into her new "position").

Peering at a nearby pool, Ra noticed a small lotus flower drifting in the water. How much that lotus reminds me of my precious Bastet, he thought. She is a soft, gentle creation- one I wish to keep close always.

At that moment, a servant entered the courtyards. "Lord Ra," he said with a solemn bow, "Lord Thoth has arrived with Lady Bastet and Lord Anubis."

Intrigued, Ra looked up and saw the three deities entering the courtyards as the servant left. "Lord Thoth, I see you have arrived with my lovely daughter Bastet," he remarked, then turning his attention to the jackal god. "Lord Anubis, what business have you here?"

Thoth lightly touched Ra's shoulder. "A word with you, my Lord?" he requested.

Nodding, Ra followed Thoth over to a nearby corner. "What is it that you wish to discuss, Lord Thoth?" he asked.

The ibis god gestured his hand towards Anubis and Bastet. They engaged in light conversation; Ra noticed how often Anubis would smile awkwardly and Bastet would blush. They laughed, and for a brief moment even danced circles around each other. When at last they were out of breath, she fell into his arms and purred playfully as he nuzzled her cheek fondly.

Ra was somewhat confused. "Explain these tender affections, Lord Thoth," he demanded.

Pride welling up inside him, Thoth replied, "Lady Bastet is in love."

Shocked, Ra turned back to Thoth. "Love?" he repeated. "Bastet? My daughter?"

"Such a delightful turn of events," Thoth commented. "Yet another blessed union between a son of Osiris and a daughter of Ra. Should we begin preparations for yet another divine marriage?"

After a moment of thought, Ra had made his decision. "No," he answered, approaching Anubis and Bastet. "Lord Anubis, have you any business here relating to your duties?"

Anubis shook his head. "No, but I would request-" he began, silenced with a wave of Ra's open palm.

Bastet stepped forward, unsure of what was going on. "Father?" she said.

Angered, Ra looked upon the face of the feline goddess. "Bastet," he addressed, "you are confined to this palace indefinitely. You shall only leave under my supervision, but mark my words- such an event will be rare."

Cocking his eyebrows, Anubis cautiously approached Ra. "What has she done, Lord Ra?" he inquired.

Coldly looking upon him with a sneer, Ra lightly touched Anubis' shoulder with his long scepter. "Leave," he growled.

Fearful, Anubis backed away. Simultaneously, he placed himself before Bastet in an effort to protect her.

His fury peaking, Ra stepped forward. "Leave this place, Lord Anubis," he ordered. "Only under dire circumstances are you allowed to set foot in this palace. In addition, you will never be permitted near Bastet in any way. Do I make myself clear, or must I use force?"

Thoth, now deeply concerned, gestured that Anubis leave. Most of the deities trusted Thoth in a sense that he could properly deal with harsh situations, especially when the dispute involved Ra himself.

Though still worried, Anubis glanced at Bastet. He knew she needed protection, and he wanted to protect her, but in this instance he could step aside and let someone more experienced deal with the matter. He softly touched her cheek, smiled (hoping to comfort her), and slowly walked away.

Staring at him in confusion, Thoth approached Ra. "Lord Ra?" he inquired. "Is all well?"

Ra did not answer; instead, he turned and left for his own private quarters. "How dare someone try to steal my precious daughter away from me," he uttered quietly. "Bastet is my surrogate consort, and none shall have her as a wife. If I must, then I shall marry my own daughter, if only to keep her from such lustful eyes..."

Meanwhile, Hathor strode the dirt paths of Kemet's outermost regions. "Impossible!" she barked. "There is not one woman in Kemet who would be a fit wife for my father?! The only interests I have seen among these women are his wealth and his physique! How could they be so shallow as to not have a deeper interest in him?!"

Sighing, Hathor looked up into the sky. "I do hope I discover my father's consort soon," she said, thinking back to her previous venture. "Should he find Bastet's affections for Anubis unworthy, it may soon become a problem..."

Bastet laid flat on her bed, deeply upset. She loved her father- he cared so much about her, and he would never do anything to make her unhappy. Why, then, did he want to keep Anubis from her? He was always so kind with her... so gentle, warm, caring... how could her father dismiss him?

A new figure quietly stepped inside Bastet's quarters, sitting beside her on the bed. "Lady Bastet," he addressed, "I know how upset you must be, but your father is supreme over all Kemet- his word is law."

Looking out of the corner of her eye, Bastet lowered her head. "I know, Lord Thoth," she said with her face downcast. "Why would he, though? Anubis has always been respectful to my father..." She turned her head towards the ibis god. "Lord Thoth, you are the wisest of us. Does Father have reason to hold me here?"

Thoth sighed and shook his head. "To be honest, I do not see any reason for this action," he admitted. "I have gone to your father, and he has yet to answer my queries. In this particular instance, however, I am willing to be your aid."

Comforted, Bastet smiled. "Thank you, Lord Thoth," she replied.

Without a word, just a simple nod, Thoth stood and left Bastet's quarters. She needed time to herself- to rest her head, to think matters over.

Left to her own devices, Bastet wandered over to an ebony pillar. Each pillar had an inscription; the ones in Bastet's quarters all said something of her. She had approached one that proclaimed her "the goddess of joy."

The cat goddess lowered her head. "How I wish that still had meaning," she mumbled, leaning against the pillar. "Anubis, hear my plea- misery overwhelms me. Please, come to me, and let this wretched pain cease."

As Bastet began walking towards her bed, she thought she heard something. She carefully approached two other pillars, farther apart from each other to offer a beautiful view of the courtyards. Nothing seemed unusual.

Suddenly, in a swift movement, two hands gripped the floor of the balcony. The claw-like fingers reached for one of the pillars, slowly pulling up a lean, husky figure. "Lady Bastet..." he panted, "...I have...heard...your plea..."

Her eyes brightening like the desert sun, Bastet ran up to the figure, embracing him. "Lord Anubis!" she cried.

Anubis smiled, returning her gesture. "Are you alright?" he asked in a slightly serious tone. "I worried about you, Lady Bastet. Your father seemed quite displeased; I feared the worst in him."

"I am fine, Lord Anubis," Bastet replied. "My father is deeply angered, but he has yet to approach me. Lord Thoth is with him now; hopefully, my father will at least allow us to be together."

Nodding, Anubis pulled Bastet closer to him. "I have but a few hours here," he said, nuzzling her cheek a little. "Let us enjoy our company, to know each other more than we know ourselves."

As Bastet pressed her face against his body, she thought for a moment. Anubis was right- she barely knew anything about him, despite how warm and kind she had discovered him to be. Likewise, he probably didn't know very much about her, even though he certainly enjoyed her sweet and gentle nature.

Bastet let go of Anubis and sighed. "Tell me everything," she requested. "I want to know you more, Lord Anubis."

Shaking his head, Anubis chuckled a little. "Where to begin..."

Time passed as lotus petals in a flowing stream. Ra had remained silent about his daughter; perhaps it was mistrust or jealously, but none could be sure. Hathor was still in search of a consort for her father. Thoth often kept his eye on little Bastet, though Anubis was often better company for her...

The stars of the night sky twinkled brightly over the land of Kemet. To Bastet, who had been watching them all evening, they seemed to be particularly beautiful this night.

Anubis picked at the food on Bastet's offering plate; he hadn't eaten much that night, so she allowed him to take what food she had been offered by the mortals. He grabbed a rather large loaf of bread and broke it into smaller pieces for him to eat. He appreciated Bastet's generosity- not many of the deities were willing to give up any of their offerings!

The jackal god noticed Bastet as she gazed into the night sky. Smiling, he approached and sat beside her. "Lady Bastet," he addressed, "are you watching the stars again?"

Nodding, Bastet continued to stare at the stars. "They are so beautiful," she commented. "They shine like jewels, hanging from the evening sky. Sometimes, I imagine what they would look like as a necklace- one that I could wear."

They were silent for a moment. Anubis was in deep thought, and Bastet was (of course) still stargazing.

Finally, Anubis reached his hand out to the sky and pointed almost directly above Bastet. "Do you see those stars?" he inquired.

Bastet looked to where Anubis had pointed. "Yes," she replied.

Coming up from behind her, Anubis took Bastet's hand and pointed it towards the sky. "Those stars there form an image," he explained, pinpointing each star with her finger. "See? That is the Apis bull constellation."

Impressed, Bastet continued listening to Anubis as he pointed out each constellation. He was very thoughtful, especially with her. Many times he would bring her small trinkets, but she was more flattered when he showed her things he couldn't bring to her- children playing in the streets, a mother cat showing her kittens how to hunt, a rainbow forming after a morning shower. These stars only added to the wonders he had shown her.

For a brief moment, Anubis had been quiet. He then released her hand, pointing with his own hand towards a small group of stars. "Tell me, Lady Bastet," he said with a grin, "what image do you see there?"

Connecting the stars carefully, Bastet soon recognized the shape. "Those stars..." she remarked. "They look like a... a jackal."

The cat goddess turned to face Anubis, who seemed quite calm. They stared at each other for a moment, silent and unmoving.

Anubis approached Bastet, loosely embracing her. She touched his shoulders and encircled her arms around his neck. Their faces were mere inches away. They continued to gaze into each other's eyes. She slowly closed her eyes as he brought his face towards hers. Their lips touched, and all uncertainty between them had washed away.

At that moment, Thoth had passed by Bastet's doorway, and suddenly turned back; he knew what Bastet was dealing with and thought it would be a good idea to check on her. However, as he entered the room, he immediately noticed Anubis and Bastet at the balcony, sharing a most tender moment.

Opening his eyes, Anubis saw that Thoth had been staring at them. Caught off-guard, he let go of Bastet and quickly stood. "Lord Thoth!" he yelped.

Upon hearing Thoth's name, Bastet stood with Anubis. She was speechless, scared, ashamed- she wasn't sure what to think.

To their surprise, Thoth was actually smiling. "Lord Anubis," he addressed, "have you been visiting Lady Bastet?"

Unsure, Anubis nodded slightly. "Perhaps," he replied, "over the course of a few months."

Thoth nodded. "Well then," he said, "there is no reason I should be here then. Your secret is safe with me, Lord Anubis, but be warned of other such unintentional visitors." With that, the ibis god turned and left.

Sighing in relief, Anubis looked at Bastet. "We were fortunate," he commented. "Thoth is indeed a wise deity."

Bastet smiled, clinging to Anubis' arm. "Yes," she agreed, "we were fortunate..."

The following night, Ra sat alone in his courts, deep in thought. It had been quite a while since the Anubis incident. That wretched daughter-stealing deity had not shown his face in quite some time, and his lovely little kitten had come to terms with her father.

Smiling, Ra stood from his throne. "At last, all is as it should be," he remarked as he walked through the corridors. "Lord Anubis has been absent from my courts, and from my daughter's thoughts. Perhaps now I can put myself at ease, knowing that my daughter is safe from such lustful eyes."

As he approached Bastet's quarters, Ra heard his daughter giggling. This comforted him- it made him realize that she was no longer a slave to misery, and that she was becoming joyful once more.

Then, Ra heard a different sound. It was another chuckle, yet slightly deeper in tone. The voice quietly murmured as Bastet's own voice purred softly. He feared the worst.

Immediately, Ra stepped into Bastet's quarters, shocked at what he saw- Anubis sitting on the bed as Bastet laid her head in his lap. They did not notice him; their eyes were locked on each other. Anubis tickled Bastet's ear as she laid her hands on his arms. He's come back, Ra thought, and he wants my daughter!

Angered, Ra approached Anubis and tightly gripped his shoulder. At that moment did Anubis notice Ra's presence, breaking free of his grasp. He ran for the balcony, only to stop and look back at the angry father and his beautiful daughter. He feared Ra greatly, but he did not feel that it was safe to leave Bastet alone with him.

Sneering, Ra raised his staff. "Leave this place," he demanded, "and do not come back!"

Anubis gazed at Bastet sadly; he didn't want to leave her, but in this instance he had no choice. With a heavy sigh, Anubis leaped from the balcony and fled from the courtyards.

Ra moved his hand swiftly, and at once the room was darkened. The balcony was gone, and outside the doorway stood a few sentinels for display. Only Ra and Bastet could see her room clearly.

Turning to her, Ra sat beside Bastet on the bed. After a moment of thought, he looked at her. "Why, Bastet?" he questioned. "I specifically told you-"

"Father," Bastet interrupted, standing, "I love Lord Anubis. I find him charming and attractive, and yet he is also kind and gentle. He has given me so much, Father- how can you not see that?"

Overwhelmed with jealous anger, Ra grabbed Bastet's arm. "You care so affectionately for one you have only known for a few months," he hissed, "and yet you feel nothing for one you have known for your entire life!"

Bastet stuttered. She found no way to react.

Grasping her other arm and shoving her flat on her bed, Ra haunched over Bastet. "If you trust your feelings with confidence," he growled, "then allow me to demonstrate what happens when you do not choose your consort so wisely..."

Thoth stood alone in the great temple of Ra. He had been taking account of all that had been offered to Ra that day, when suddenly he was interrupted by a faint scream. "That sounds like..." he thought aloud, then remembering who it was. "Lady Bastet!"

Shocked, Thoth ran desperately through the corridors in search of Bastet's quarters. When at last he arrived, two sentinels pushed him away. "You shall not pass," they said together.

"May I inquire why?" Thoth asked, somewhat flustered.

The sentinels did not answer; instead, they pushed Thoth away. It was clear by now that these were not men, but actually clever images disguising something more hidden.

After waiting for hours on end, the sentinels disappeared in a black mist. A moment later, Ra walked past Thoth, his head hanging in dismay. He turned his head back towards the room. "Forgive me, Bastet," he uttered softly, "but it had to be done. Perhaps now you see you errors, and he shall truly be absent from your thoughts."

Concerned, Thoth approached Ra. "Lord Ra?" he inquired.

Looking at Thoth with saddened eyes, Ra turned away and leaned against the wall, weeping. "Lord Thoth," he calmly addressed, "how could I have been so hateful, so wretched? I had reason to be angered, and yet my dearest Bastet must feel the burden I so wrongly placed upon her."

The ibis god came closer. "Pardon?" he asked.

Ra glanced at Thoth, then lowering his head. "I have defiled my own daughter," he confessed. "Oh, what a wretch I am! I am no better than any man she could have come across on the streets of the town square." With a heavy sigh, Ra left the corridors for his own chambers.

Now deeply upset, Thoth ran inside Bastet's room, only to find her lying on her bed, crying softly. She was bruised slightly, and her clothes were ripped and stained. He could clearly see that she had been physically and emotionally scarred, and only time could heal such deep wounds.

Thoth sat beside Bastet on the bed. "Lady Bastet," he said softly, "do not be distressed. Your father-"

With that remark, Bastet began to cry louder than before. The pain was too great for her to deal with. She needed someone who could knew her better than she knew herself- someone kind and gentle enough to comfort her. Someone like...

Standing, Thoth searched Bastet's chambers and found a cloak. He came to her once more, handing her the cloak. "Lady Bastet," he addressed, "I strongly suggest you leave this place."

Surprised, Bastet raised her head, her eyes still wet with tears. "Come again?" she queried.

"Leave this place," Thoth repeated. "Lady Bastet, you are clearly not safe here. Seek shelter with those who will hide you from your father. When the matter has been sorted out, I will come find you and bring you back here. For your safety, Lady Bastet- please go."

Still concerned, Bastet thought for a moment. "What of my father?" she asked.

Shaking his head, Thoth placed the cloak over Bastet's shoulders. "I shall properly deal with him," he assured. "Do not fear for him- you must concentrate on your own well-being."

The cat goddess stood, looking back at Thoth. "Where will I take shelter?" she inquired.

A thought came to Thoth's mind; it would not be easy, but in this instance he had to take a risk. "Go, and find the temple of Lord Anubis," he instructed...

Just outside the city of Cynopolis in Kemet stood a shadowed, hidden structure. Near the entryway stood two giant jackal statues, both of them sentinels for the palace. Within the walls of the great building were the usual corridors- alters for offerings, statues, designated houses for certain priests- and well-kept courtyards surrounded the area. However, the heart of the temple guarded it's most precious secret.

Anubis sat alone in his chambers, sulking and worrying at the same time. "Lady Bastet," he murmured, "how I wish I could see your face, to have you at my side. I know not why I displease your father so... but hopefully I will soon find a way to seek you again, to have you as my consort."

Peering out of the corner of his eye, Anubis saw a small golden cat statuette sitting on a nearby shelf. Bastet had given it to him out of her personal collection (her worshippers sometimes brought items shaped like cats as offerings). He sighed; just looking at a cat made him think of the goddess, fiercely protected by her stubborn father.

Frustrated, Anubis buried his face in his hands. With all his nerve and heart and sinew, he would have sprinted away to Ra's palace to retrieve Bastet. The problem lied within his own emotions- were they getting the upper hand? Not only that, but any whom tried to attack Ra in any way would be immediately banished, and he'd be even further from Bastet than he already was!

Tiny footsteps alerted Anubis. He glanced outside the door and noticed a small black cat. She seemed unusually friendly, and two golden earrings dangled from her ears. It couldn't be, he thought.

The cat stopped at Anubis' feet and looked up into his eyes. Immediately, he knew what- or rather, who- it was. The animal crouched and transformed back into her true form.

Sighing in relief, Anubis embraced the new figure. "Lady Bastet!" he exclaimed.

Bastet returned his gesture, tears streaming down her face. "Lord Anubis..." she whispered.

In that moment, Anubis was suddenly overwhelmed. New emotions- fear, sadness, desperation- spread through him like wildfire. Yet, they were not his own feelings; they had been placed there by someone else, whose pain had been too great for them to suffer with alone.

The jackal god glanced at Bastet's saddened face. She's been scarred, he thought as he wiped the tears from her face. The mere look of her face tells me so.

Gently taking her hand, Anubis led Bastet into his quarters. "Come, Lady Bastet," he cooed. "Step inside my chambers and rest on my bed."

"Thank you, Lord Anubis," Bastet replied with a grin. "I... appreciate your concern."

Anubis smiled. "Of course," he remarked, taking out a small golden ankh. He approached Bastet and sat beside her on the bed, holding the ankh over the various cuts and bruises of her arm. "This should help," he added. "Your wounds ought to heal faster now."

After a moment or so of inspection, Anubis summoned a servant and requested that new clothes be brought for Bastet to wear. Once the servant had left, Anubis seated himself next to Bastet once more. He was silent, but there was nothing he could really say.

In her moment of reflection, Bastet looked over Anubis once more. He was still handsome, and yet that wasn't why she loved him now. She saw him as someone she could go to in a crisis, someone who could protect her, someone who honestly cared for her as she did him.

Smiling, Bastet laid her head on Anubis' shoulder. Now was her time. "I love you," she purred.

Surprised, Anubis looked at Bastet. He gazed into her loving eyes, himself noticing a change. She had always been beautiful, but that was not why he loved her so. She was a warm, gentle, compassionate being; in many ways, he needed her to simply be at his side.

The jackal god grinned slightly. It was now or never. "I love you," he said.

Immediately, it seemed as if both Anubis and Bastet had been overcome by the same emotion. They drew closer to each other and embraced, their eyes locked. He gingerly touched her neck as she gently rubbed behind his ears.

The servant entered again, leaving the folded garbs on a nearby shelf. "My lord?" he addressed.

"Leave, boy," Anubis dismissed, nuzzling Bastet's cheek fondly. "I wish to be alone... with Lady Bastet..."

Exhausted from walking so far, Hathor seated herself upon a large rock. "I have been searching for months on end," she growled, "yet still I find no suitable wife for my father Ra! How can this be?!"

Peering at the surface of the still waters beside her, Hathor noticed something unusual in the reflection. "The moon…" she pondered aloud, "… it’s being overshadowed."

Hathor stood and immediately headed back towards the abode of her father’s temple. An eclipse was almost never a good sign; most often, it was a bad omen. Whatever was going to happen, she was almost sure her father had been involved in some way…

The sun rose slowly over the sands of Kemet, it’s precious beams of light gently rousing the populous of the cities. Among those were the priests of the various temples to the gods, who needed to prepare for the ceremonies of the day.

Quietly, a priest of Anubis approached a doorway and knocked. "Lord Anubis?" he inquired. "Lord Anubis? Art thou awake, Great Lord of the Necropolis?"

No answer came to the priest. He entered through the doorway, seeing that indeed Anubis was still asleep. Beside him laid Bastet, and this confused the priest- Anubis was the death incarnate, and Bastet a goddess of joy. How, then, would two such contradictory deities find passion?

At that moment, the priest noticed that Anubis was beginning to awaken. Frightened at the consequences of seeing such an oddity, he ran upstairs to tell his fellows of this vision.

Anubis yawned and stood from his bed. He glanced over at Bastet, still peacefully asleep. He smiled and lightly kissed her forehead. One day, I shall have her as my consort, he thought.

Suddenly, another knock alerted Anubis. The priest had came back, remembering why he had been sent in the first place. "Lord Anubis?" he queried once more.

Covering Bastet’s body with blankets, Anubis started slipping into his traditional garments. "Enter," he said.

The priest walked inside Anubis’ quarters, bowing at his feet. "Lord Anubis," he greeted, standing. "There are men who await you at the entrance to your courts. They say they are of Ra’s order."

This quickly caught Anubis’ attention. "Beg pardon?" he questioned.

"Apparently, Lady Bastet disappeared from her courts the night earlier," the priest explained. "They seem to think you may have some insight."

Worried for both himself and Bastet, Anubis reached for a large scythe-edged sword. He didn’t want to think of the likelihood of the situation, but at least this way he could be sure of Bastet’s safety.

The jackal god turned to the priest and nodded slightly. "Lead me to these men," he ordered. "Let us see what it is they want from us…"

As Anubis and the priest approached the court entrance, he noticed the small group of men- a general and about ten soldiers. This will not be easy, he thought.

The general stepped forward. "Greetings, Lord Anubis," he said, extending his hand. "Lord Ra has sent me and my troops to investigate this situation. We should not be more than a few minutes."

Cocking his eyebrows, Anubis shook hand with the general. "Situation?" he repeated.

With a heavy sigh, the general began elaborating. "Lady Bastet- goddess of joy- has disappeared from Lord Ra’s courts last night without a trace," he informed. "Lord Ra seems to think that you may have some connection with this."

Anubis was beginning to worry. "Such as?" he questioned.

"We believe that Lady Bastet may have come here for shelter," the general concluded, raising an eyebrow at the deity. "Some of us, however, seem to think that she was actually kidnapped."

Before Anubis could say a word, the general turned towards his troops and snapped his fingers. Immediately, the soldiers began searching the temple for the goddess as the general turned back to Anubis. "As I have said earlier, we should not be more than a few minutes," he assured.

Angered, Anubis kept one hand at the handle of his sword. "What is the meaning of this?" he hissed. "I demand you answer me."

The general did not reply; instead he chuckled and turned away. He could tell from the hesitation and confusion in his voice that Anubis was hiding something. Ra had told them of the jackal god’s past escapades with Bastet, so naturally they were not surprised.

Strangely enough, the wait was longer than what the general had anticipated or what Anubis was willing to tolerate. Perhaps an hour after they had started, every soldier returned to the entrance. "We could not find Lady Bastet," one of the soldiers reported. "We have searched every corridor, and checked in every space of Lord Anubis’ private quarters, yet still we cannot find her."

Though unsure of Bastet’s whereabouts, Anubis was still relieved to know that at least they did not have her. "I suppose that your duties here have expired," he remarked.

The general nodded and moved his troops back towards the city. "Yes," he replied, somewhat disappointed, "it’s best we leave. Ankh, Udja, Seneb, Lord Anubis."

As the general left, Anubis breathed a sigh of relief. Bastet was safe for now, but he would have to keep an eye out for such visitors.

At that moment, a small black cat bounded over next to Anubis. She rubbed against his legs and purred affectionately.

Anubis smiled. "Lady Bastet," he assumed.

Becoming her true self, Bastet embraced Anubis. "Lord Anubis," she said happily. "See how clever I am? I overheard your conversation with the priest and took the form of a cat to hide."

The jackal god grinned, tickling Bastet behind one of her ears. "Indeed," he agreed, "you truly are clever, Lady Bastet."

All this time, the priest had witnessed these events. He turned and walked away from the two deities, leaving them to their devices and him to his…

Months had past. Ra continued to grow worried as the days passed by; he feared that he may never see his precious daughter again, and the guilt he felt would never cease. Thoth would continue to assure him that all was well with Bastet as Hathor (now more determined than ever) continued her quest for a consort to her father. Oddly enough, she often found herself speaking with the other gods of Bastet’s whereabouts; some had heard of her hiding place in Anubis’ temple, but most of them were unsure of even that.

Anubis and Bastet, in contrast, were actually quite happy together, for the most part. After some time, they were beginning to think it best that she return to her father. However, with the intervention of their priests, fate soon unfolded another plan for them…

Sitting alone beside the Nile river, Thoth scribbled various hieroglyphs on a papyrus scroll. It had been so long since he had time to himself- not that he minded, of course, but now he could finally work on those incantations he had been contemplating for quite some time now.

A feminine figure approached Thoth and sat beside him. "Greetings, Lord Thoth," she said with a sigh of dismay.

Concerned, Thoth looked up from his work. "Lady Hathor?" he queried, questioning her distress.

The goddess groaned, her cow ears twitching in irritation. "Nothing other than a prolonged stroke of bad luck," she grumbled. "Honestly- how am I to fulfill my duties if there are none who deserve it?"

Before Thoth could ask for clarification, a yipping howl interrupted him. A moment later, a jackal came sprinting along the river bank, and in the golden collar around its neck was a rolled-up papyrus scroll.

Both Thoth and Hathor knew that something was going on. That jackal in particular had a short black coat of fur; only Anubis had such creatures, and they served as his animal messengers. The scroll in the beast’s collar must have been an important document.

The jackal approached the two deities, giving a respectful bow before tugging the scroll out of his collar and giving it to Thoth. Anubis’ jackals were, by nature, intelligent creatures, but the ones trained in services such as messengers were especially clever; they knew every route within Kemet’s regions, from the mortal towns to the god’s abodes to the wilderness in-between.

Accepting it, Thoth unrolled the scroll and began reading to himself. For a few minutes, he seemed too enveloped in the note to think of anything else.

Upon reaching the end of the letter, Thoth suddenly stopped reading. He was silent for a moment; this was indeed shocking news, and he was not entirely sure of how to react. Still, he turned the scroll over, quickly wrote a reply, and rolled the scroll back up. The jackal took the scroll from him, stuffing it back through his collar and bounding back to Anubis’ temple.

Confused, Hathor looked at Thoth. "What was it, Lord Thoth?" she asked. "Has Lord Anubis found Bastet? Has he hidden her from my father?"

Thoth did not answer; instead, he gathered his belongings, stood, and walked back in the direction of Ra’s palace. He remembered having a book of rites and blessings in the record hall somewhere…

The following day, Hathor wandered the wilderness of Kemet. Unsuccessful in her search to find Ra a consort, she thought it best to take a walk by herself for a while, to clear her mind.

A moment later, Hathor noticed someone approaching her from a distance. It seemed to be a man, only his head was that of a wolf. A sword hung at his side. Lord Upuat, Hathor thought.

Once before Hathor, Upuat crossed his arms. "Lady Hathor," he addressed, "what brings you to my city?"

"Your city?" Hathor repeated, then noticing the town in the distance. "Cynopolis! How could I have wandered this far?"

Upuat chuckled somewhat. "You are not the first," he informed. "I vaguely remember Lady Bastet coming this way some time ago."

The goddess nodded. "Yes, I believe you told me that," she confirmed. "Have you seen her since?"

Thinking back, Upuat shook his head. "No," he said, "but I am expecting to see her along the Nile river sometime today."

This sparked Hathor’s curiosity. "Oh?" she inquired.

The wolf god nodded. "Indeed, a special ceremony was planned for today," he remarked. "Even Lord Thoth made the trip hours earlier to come and perform the ceremony for them."

So that’s why Lord Anubis sent the jackal messenger to Lord Thoth! Hathor thought, then continuing to question Upuat. "Which ceremony do you speak of?"

A grin crossed Upuat’s face as he directed his hand towards the river. "See for yourself, Lady Hathor," he replied.

Hathor turned to see a large exquisite boat docked near a rather large temple. She then noticed Anubis and Bastet step out of the temple, both of them dressed in appealing garments. Behind them Thoth followed, and behind him were various priests (some of Anubis, some of Bastet), shouting praises to the deities. Anubis, Bastet, and a few of the priests boarded the boat, and as it set sail Thoth and the remaining priests bid them well. The priests hurried back inside, returning to their duties, while Thoth remained at the dock for quite some time; eventually, he too left.

Turning to Upuat, Hathor was somewhat confused. "I am not sure that I understand," she admitted. "Lord Upuat, that seemed to be a-"

"A wedding?" Upuat hinted, nodding. "Yes, Lord Anubis probably reasoned that now was the best time to do so."

Now Hathor was even more flustered. "Best time?" she repeated. "Our father Ra is searching relentlessly for her! How could now be the best time for her to become Lord Anubis’ consort?"

For a moment, Upuat struggled to find the right words before giving an answer. "Lady Bastet is… expecting," he explained.

To say the least, Hathor was quite shocked. Bastet? She thought, peering at her sister in the boat now floating along the Nile river. I never would have imagined!

Then, Hathor saw Anubis and Bastet gently fondling one another. They both seemed so happy together; it comforted her in some odd way. At least her marriage to him can confirm that now, she figured. Anubis should be an excellent husband, and a wonderful father…

It had been nearly a year since Bastet had left her father’s courts. Ra was hardly ever left to his own devices; he was usually accompanied by Thoth, though when she visited Hathor also served as an aide. Both of them hardly mentioned Bastet, not only for her safety but Ra’s sanity.

Meanwhile, Anubis and Bastet were preparing for their coming child. Sadly, there were times he would have to leave (as a part of his duties), and in those times he requested that Upuat watch over her. As Bastet grew more heavily pregnant, Anubis began to worry…

A crocodile-headed figure sauntered along the banks of the Nile. For hours he had been merely wandering, as he had finished his duties some time ago. He wasn’t sure why, but something compelled him to walk this way.

Peering ahead, the figure noticed a jackal-headed deity sitting alone by the river. He approached him subtly and sat beside him. "Lord Anubis?" he addressed.

Anubis glanced at the figure out of the corner of his eye. "Lord Sobek," he replied with a distressed sigh.

Concerned, Sobek leaned in closer. "Something is troubling you, Lord Anubis," he said. "Please, tell me what burdens you."

After a moment of silence, Anubis looked back at a worried Sobek and sighed. "You… you know of my relationship with Lady Bastet," he reminded, "and how she ran from her father’s courts."

Sobek nodded. "Yes," he answered, "it was indeed a blessing that she became your consort, Lord Anubis."

The jackal god shook his head. "I assume you know the circumstances of our marriage," he pointed out.

"Indeed," Sobek remarked, raising an eyebrow. "You always did have a certain charm about you, Lord Anubis, and through it fate shall give you a child."

With a groan Anubis buried his face in his hands. "That is exactly my fear," he admitted. "Bastet must eventually go home to her father; should she not, Ra only knows what he’ll do. If she approaches him with a child- our child- he will know what happened, and I cannot bear the thought of the consequences." He looked up and stared at Sobek. "You did not see how she had been mistreated, Lord Sobek; I will not let that happen again."

Shocked at hearing such disturbing news, Sobek was about to ask for clarification when a voice echoed from the distance. "Lord Anubis!"

The two deities turned and saw another running towards them. "Lord Upuat," Anubis greeted, standing, "there is urgency in your voice."

Upuat nodded hesitantly. "Lord Anubis, we must hurry," he pressed. "Lady Bastet requests your presence immediately."

The crocodile god stood. "For what reason?" he inquired.

Rolling his eyes, Upuat grabbed Anubis’ arm. "Come, Lord Anubis," he urged. "The birth of a demigod is upon us."

His eyes widened, Anubis slipped out of Upuat’s grasp and began running back towards his temple. Stay strong, Lady Bastet, he prayed. Your father needs you… your child needs you… I need you…

As dusk set on the land of Kemet, Ra wandered the courts of his palace. The burden of despair was heavy upon his shoulders; true, he should never have treated her as he did that night, but he expected that she would have returned sooner. He loved his daughter so much, and without his precious little kitten he felt… empty, of all feeling.

Distressed, Ra stepped into his grand library and record hall. Various scrolls and other documents were scattered on the floor. He stared blankly ahead, not caring what he stepped on.

"Are you still sulking, my Lord?" said a voice, rather harshly. "You ought to know the truth by now! The rest of the neteru seem to know it- why can’t you see past your stubbornness and face the facts!"

The falcon god turned to see the god Set step out of the shadows. His white skin and red hair seemed to glow eerily in the moonlight as his piercing red eyes stared back at him. A smirk crossed his elongated snout, his squared-off ears twitching. "The truth of the matter is, Lord Ra, that your daughter is never to return," he spat. "However, you should not mourn for her; she is much happier now with her consort."

This caught Ra’s attention. The same problem that haunted him before had come back to him! "Consort?" he inquired, his voice cracking.

Set nodded, grinning evilly. "Indeed," he taunted, "but again, I should add that you do not worry- my nephew Lord Anubis shall attend to her every need, especially as her new husband."

At that moment, Ra changed his mood from depression to aggression. "What?" he questioned. "Lord Anubis?!"

Smiling, Set handed Ra a papyrus scroll. "This was given to your own vizier, Lord Thoth, quite some time back," he informed. "The messenger was one of Lord Anubis’ own jackals. Perhaps you would care to have a look at it, Lord Ra?"

Without a word, Ra seized the note from Set’s hands. He read the letter carefully, as not to skip a single detail:

Please reply as soon as you can. Ankh, Udja, Seneb-

Lord Anubis

Shocked, Ra raised his head and looked at Set. "Lord Set, is this true?" he asked. "Lord Anubis wrote this with his own hands?"

"Of course," Set replied. "I would suggest that you turn the letter over; Lord Anubis has written his note, and Lord Thoth did reply."

Immediately, Ra flipped the page over, reading a short note:

Anhk, Udja, Seneb-

Lord Thoth

His anger peaking, Ra threw the scroll to the ground and turned to Set. "So, my daughter has hidden with Lord Anubis? She has married him? She plans to bear his child?" he assumed.

Set lowered his head as if to hide a tear, though it was actually a smirk. "You must be deeply upset, Lord Ra," he remarked, then looking up. "You realize that she may never return to you- if it weren’t for her willingness to go along, I would almost call it a hostage situation." Seeing Ra sneer and clench his fists in anger, Set added, "If I were you, I would most certainly go and retrieve her from this wretch she dare run off with."

With a hard nod, Ra turned and ran from the courts. He dashed outside, transformed into a falcon, and let out a mad cry. I’m getting my daughter back, he thought, no matter what stands in my way!!

Meanwhile, Set stood back and chuckled under his breath. "So it begins," he hissed.

A moment later, Thoth entered the grand hall and noticed the odd deity. "Lord Set?" he inquired, cocking his eyebrows. "What is your presence here for?"

Quickly, Set turned away from Thoth. "Oh, nothing really," he lied. "I was here… looking for a document I lost, when Lord Ra came… he noticed a scroll sitting on a nearby shelf. After having finished reading it, he… said something about… his daughter, I believe… what is her name? The cat-headed child who ran away?"

Of course, Thoth was more than dubious. "Lady Bastet," he said. "Lord Set, what are you trying to tell me?"

Turning back to Thoth, Set shrugged. "Why would I know?" he questioned. "However, he did say something about getting his daughter back-"

"You’ve said enough," Thoth interrupted, shaking his head. "I should have known that you, Lord Set, would hint to Lord Ra that something was amiss. You never could resist merriment at the expense of another neteru."

His eyes wide, Set stepped back as if he were shocked. "Lord Thoth!" he exclaimed. "How dare you accuse me of such actions! Surely, you would know better than that!" He stopped, obviously outsmarted by Thoth, and then spied the scroll on the floor. "In any case, is it not your fault, Lord Thoth?"

To say the least, Thoth was a bit flustered at the comment. "I beg your pardon?" he demanded.

The odd deity pointed to the scroll at Thoth’s feet. "Are you not responsible for keeping the documents in order?" he pointed out. "Had you been more careful with your duties, none of this would have happened!"

As much as Thoth hated to admit it, Set was right. He had forgotten about the scroll some time ago; he was sure he had lost it or thrown it out. Apparently he hadn’t… and Anubis, Bastet, and their child were to feel the harsh consequences.

Worried, Thoth ran from the grand hall. A moment later, an ibis soared off into the night sky.

Once more, Set laughed at his clever genius. "Fools," he cursed, walking away from the grand halls with a skip in his step. "I do enjoy relishing in their misery- quite entertaining, indeed." He cackled, adding, "How fitting is the title, ‘god of chaos and destruction’…"

In the darkness of night, Anubis sprinted through the wilderness. He was extremely tired from the exertion, but it hardly mattered to him; there were more important matters on his mind. I wonder how the child is faring, he thought. Is it a boy, or a girl? Does it have a jackal’s face, or a cat’s?

In the distance, Anubis saw his temple, dimly lit with lamps and candles. As he rushed for the entrance, he noticed a new figure waiting outside. He stopped abruptly and saw who it was. "Lady Hathor?"

Hathor turned to face Anubis, a grin suddenly appearing on her face. "Greetings, Lord Anubis," she addressed, taking his hand. "Come- there is something you ought to see here."

Anubis faithfully followed the goddess. Hathor often visited women who were pregnant or had infants; she had done so for the mortals, and now she was for him. I am grateful for someone of Lady Hathor’s character, he thought.

After walking through seemingly endless quarters, Anubis and Hathor arrived at one brightly lit room. She swept her hand towards the entrance. "Step inside, Lord Anubis," she offered.

Nodding, Anubis entered the room to see Bastet resting comfortably on a bed that had been prepared for her. In her arms were two small bundles wrapped in fine cloths, snuggling in the warmth of their mother’s body.

To say the least, Anubis was dumbfounded. "Two?" he said, softly weeping in his joy. "I have two children… I am a father."

The jackal god approached Bastet and sat beside her. He kissed her affectionately before setting eyes on the children. "They are beautiful," he remarked, glancing at Bastet, "obviously inherited from their mother."

Bastet giggled, lifting the cloths from the infants’ heads. One of the children had the head of a lion cub, and the other the head of a camel’s calf. "A son," she said, softly petting the cub-headed child, then kissing the calf-headed baby, "and a daughter."

A tear escaping his eye, Anubis gently lifted his daughter from Bastet’s arms and nuzzled her ever so slightly. "I love them both," he commented, raising his head. "Have you named them yet?"

The cat goddess shook her head. "No," she replied, "I thought it would be more appropriate if you named them."

Honored, Anubis cradled his daughter in his arms. "I could try," he admitted, searching for the right name. After a moment of thought, he finally said, "Kebehut. My daughter shall be called Kebehut, for she has given me new reason to live, as does the flowing waters of the Nile."

Smiling, Bastet scratched behind one of the cub-headed infant’s ears. "If you do not mind," she offered, "I could name the other child."

Normally, most fathers would name their newborn sons; Anubis was an exception, as he seemed to be developing a fondness for Kebehut in-particular. "If you wish," he responded, cuddling his daughter.

Bastet raised the cub child to her eye-level. "I have the perfect name for you," she said, touching the tip of his nose. "I shall call you Maahes, for I did expect a son and you were true before me."

Anubis nodded, peering over at Bastet. "A wise decision, Lady Bastet," he stated. "You must have put some thought into that name."

"Indeed," Bastet confirmed, biting her lip. "I also know this: we are married, and yet we still call each other by our formal titles." She stared at Anubis hopefully. "It doesn’t feel right to call you ‘Lord’ anymore, not when I always see you, in my home. Truth be told, I would rather you called me ‘Bastet’ and not refer to me as ‘Lady’."

Though somewhat confused, Anubis saw the logic in Bastet’s thinking. "If you so desire… Bastet," he replied with a grin.

Suddenly, before Bastet could reply, a falcon swooped inside the temple and dived at Anubis, digging its talons into his shoulder. The bird screeched wildly as Anubis struggled to remove it. Finally, the falcon let go of Anubis and glided to the opposite end of the room, hovering in a small area before assuming his true form.

Anubis held Kebehut close as Bastet attempted to protect Maahes. A falcon-headed deity stepped forward, staring straight into the jackal god’s eyes. "Lord Anubis," he growled, "release my daughter, and I shall not exile you from Kemet… immediately."

Still, Anubis felt that he had rightful reason to confront Bastet’s father. "Lord Ra," he addressed, "I would gladly release her to you, yet I fear what would happen."

At that moment, Ra remembered a dreaded detail; however, it was towards his advantage. "You claim parentage of these children," he pointed out, "yet how can you be sure?"

Silent for a moment, Anubis cocked his eyebrows. "Beg… pardon?" he inquired, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

Ra lightly touched Kebehut’s head with the tip of his scepter. "She, and her brother, could very well be my own children," he explained. "As a father and a grandfather, I demand custody of my children."

Shocked, Anubis held Kebehut tighter. "They are my children!" he snapped with a snarl. "You shall not take them from me!"

Infuriated, Ra held his staff high in an attempt to strike down Anubis. However, another bird quickly intervened, knocking the scepter from the god’s hands. The bird landed and transformed into a more welcoming deity.

"Lord Thoth," Bastet breathed.

The ibis god stepped forward. "Lord Ra," he said, "please reconsider your actions. It is truly understandable how troubled you must be, but spare them your wrath!"

Picking up his staff, Ra stared harshly into Thoth’s eyes. What is this I see here? he thought. Lord Thoth- my own vizier- turned against me, in an effort to protect the selfish whims of my daughter and her so-called consort! I suppose he’ll request I spare their children as well!

A new figure entered the room, immediately running to Ra’s side. "Father!" she cried. "Leave them be!"

Turning around, Ra saw who had come beside him. "Hathor?" he addressed. "You as well, my lovely daughter?"

"Father, please spare them," Hathor begged. "If there is any who deserves your wrath… it should be me."

Surprised, Ra stared at Hathor in confusion. "Why?" he inquired.

Hathor lowered her head. "Forgive me, Father, but you often become too attached to those you care for," she pointed out. "I did not wish that Bastet be unhappy in her existence, and I set out to find a consort for her. I found Anubis to be a perfect husband for Bastet; I drew him to your courts, left him alone with her, and struck them with my golden arrows." Seeing the sadness in Ra’s eyes, she added, "I went in search to find a suitable wife- a true queen- for you, my father… but none could be found."

Ra was silent for a moment. He simply could not believe that Hathor had caused this travesty. How could she have done this behind her father’s back? Why did she not consider his thoughts?

Thoth came to Ra’s side as well. "Lord Ra," he addressed, drawing his hand towards Anubis and Bastet, "do you not see them? Bastet fled from your courts to be with her beloved. Anubis cared enough for her to request her hand in marriage. Through them came not one, but two new lives into our realm. Can you bear to shatter that sacred bond, Lord Ra?"

After a moment of silence, Ra lowered his head in thought. Then, without warning, he threw his scepter to the ground, crashed to his knees… and cried. He wailed in despair as tears streamed down his face. In a single moment, all he loved and cared for had been taken from him- Hathor, Thoth… and even Bastet, his precious kitten!

As Thoth and Hathor knelt down, hoping to console the falcon god, something odd began to happen- a light shimmered within the pool of Ra’s tears. Rising from the floor, it began to take form as it gleamed brighter. In a sudden flash of light, what used to be the tears of a god had become a new figure… a welcoming figure.

Seeing the new being, Hathor gently nudged Thoth and gestured. The ibis god soon saw the figure and stepped aside. Hathor leaned over her father, reached for an arrow in her quiver, and softly pricked Ra’s shoulder.

In an instant, Ra had silenced himself. He could not be sure, but he felt… different. There was no way to truly describe it, but it seemed as if his distress had ceased and was replaced with a new emotion.

A slender, feminine figure knelt before him. "My Lord, what distresses you?" she inquired. "Cast your woes upon me, my Lord, and I shall soothe your pains."

The falcon god raised his head and glanced at what was a beautiful woman. She possessed a shapely figure, her elegant dress draping delicately over her slender form. Her long hair framed the gentle features of her lovely face. "Greetings, Lord Ra," she said with a warm smile. "I am Lady Raat."

Speechless, Ra stared into Raat’s eyes. He stuttered, searching for the proper way to introduce himself. Finally, he stood and offered his hand. "Stand with me, Lady Raat," he requested. "You are a goddess."

Nodding, Raat stood. "Indeed," she replied, raising her eyebrows, "as you are a god."

Ra looked upon Raat’s beautiful face and smiled. Only a moment ago was she nothing but a pool of tears, and here she stood before him as a ravishing goddess. Nothing seemed to matter now- his daughters, his vizier, no one else! He loved her, and that was all he cared about.

Hathor grinned with pride. "Of course," she remarked, "my father would lust after his own flesh. How could I have not known?"

Meanwhile, Thoth glanced at Anubis and Bastet as they fondled their children. He sensed that something was awry- he noticed how Anubis gently rocked Kebehut in his arms as Bastet cuddled Maahes. Something was different between the two children.

Thoth held his open palms towards the children and bowed his head. Come forth, seed of Anubis, he summoned.

Suddenly, a tiny light flickered above Kebehut. She squealed and swiped her hands at the light, attempting to catch it.

The ibis god smiled, and bowed his head once more. Come forth, seed of Ra, he convoked.

To Thoth’s surprise, another light flickered… over the head of Maahes. He cooed and stared at the light in awe.

With a heavy sigh, Thoth moved and stood before the deities. He held his open palm towards them so that they may focus their attention on him. "My fellow neteru," he addressed, "it has come to my attention that the parentage of the children Maahes and Kebehut has been distorted, and I stand before you now to correct this imbalance…"

Ten years passed since the birth of Maahes and Kebehut. Bastet had come to live with her father Ra, who had by then married his feminine counterpart Raat. Anubis and Bastet remained consorts, though by order of Ra any record of their marriage was to be destroyed and Bastet’s name was erased from all of Kebehut’s birth records; Maahes, however, kept his mother’s name only considering the union with their father.

Anubis and Bastet had rarely seen each other since then. Anubis was absorbed in his duties and caring for his daughter, while Bastet continued to help her father in his duties as well as raising their son. Because of this, Maahes and Kebehut never knew each other, until one morning…

A small group of gods walked through the corridors of Ra’s palace. Anubis walked ahead, and young Kebehut skipped alongside him. Behind them were two other deities, the crocodile god Sobek and the wolf god Upuat.

Excited, Kebehut grabbed Anubis’ hand. "Father, you have not told me where we are going yet," she said. "Will you tell me now?"

Smiling, Anubis continued walking. "Patience, my daughter," he reminded. "Soon you shall see for yourself."

At the end of the hall was another band of deities. Ra was seated at his throne; beside him was his daughter Bastet, and standing in front of her was young Maahes. Ra’s other daughter Hathor and the ibis god Thoth also stood in company.

Restless, Maahes stared ahead. "Lord Anubis has come, along with Lord Upuat and Lord Sobek," he stated, squinting. "I cannot recall who the young camel-headed child is."

Bastet grinned. "You will, my son," she assured. "You will."

At last, Anubis and the other visitors stood before the great company of Ra. Anubis gently pushed Kebehut forward as Bastet gestured Maahes ahead. The two children stared at each other in slight confusion.

Thoth grinned with pride. "Maahes, Kebehut," he addressed, "you stand before each other now, perhaps somewhat perplexed. Fear not, for the child you behold now is your half-sibling."

Surprised, Kebehut stepped forward. "You… are my half-brother?" she questioned.

Maahes shrugged. "I suppose so," he replied with a chuckle, "and you must be my half-sister."

Kebehut nodded with a smile. "Yes," she remarked.

Acting on impulse, Maahes reached his hand forward, as if to touch Kebehut’s face. Likewise, Kebehut brought her hand towards Maahes. Their open palms touched, and the moment they glanced back at each other they knew- the lion demigod and the camel demigoddess were, indeed, kindred spirits.

Anubis tilted his head and Bastet sighed happily as Ra closed his eyes. Sobek and Upuat looked at each other and nodded. Thoth watched in splendor as Hathor grinned in satisfaction. In that one moment, they all shared the same thought…

THE END ^^