[ It's the worst question to ask of Set, because he cannot answer it. The answer rises like sickness in his throat, pricks at his heart and soul with unwanted memories — hands and mouths, a brother who wanted him at any cost. How can he tell anyone about that? Quetzalcoatl knew, some others might be able to guess ( to see his painful lack of strength, his status as less than a real man ) — but, for Anubis to know?
Set would rather die. Or, he'd rather destroy the world than be honest with anyone, let alone his precious son, about it. He has to protect his child, even from himself and his disgusting weakness. His shame. ( The warped shape of "love" and "desire" that he inspired in someone who was good, and mighty. The truth that Set corrupts all he touches. )
He curls a little over the stump of D-Anubis's arm and strokes it, a worrystone, cradling warmth in his palms as he tries to comfort the other. D might not need it, but some wild part of Set's hindbrain is lost in the familiar motions of a father who was once very, very gentle with his child. ]
O-obviously for revenge, [ he says, words that once were thought by him, before Osiris's mad obsession with Set was so boldly declared. I live for you, said the God of Life. ] You at least remember that I killed him. He made sure you forgot everything else though — that has to be it. And then, Yima — she brought you here for me, to save you. Because she...
[ He shivers, soft and wild-eyed. ]
Well, she wants me. And Kenos wants us together again... because we're family. I have your — oh! I have pieces of your soul! [ Like a lightbulb's gone off, he sinks claws into D. Drags him close and twists on his heel, trying to drag him off into the house — ] If I put them back, you'll be whole. I can help you remember!
cw sa allusions, mental instability 8)
Set would rather die. Or, he'd rather destroy the world than be honest with anyone, let alone his precious son, about it. He has to protect his child, even from himself and his disgusting weakness. His shame. ( The warped shape of "love" and "desire" that he inspired in someone who was good, and mighty. The truth that Set corrupts all he touches. )
He curls a little over the stump of D-Anubis's arm and strokes it, a worrystone, cradling warmth in his palms as he tries to comfort the other. D might not need it, but some wild part of Set's hindbrain is lost in the familiar motions of a father who was once very, very gentle with his child. ]
O-obviously for revenge, [ he says, words that once were thought by him, before Osiris's mad obsession with Set was so boldly declared. I live for you, said the God of Life. ] You at least remember that I killed him. He made sure you forgot everything else though — that has to be it. And then, Yima — she brought you here for me, to save you. Because she...
[ He shivers, soft and wild-eyed. ]
Well, she wants me. And Kenos wants us together again... because we're family. I have your — oh! I have pieces of your soul! [ Like a lightbulb's gone off, he sinks claws into D. Drags him close and twists on his heel, trying to drag him off into the house — ] If I put them back, you'll be whole. I can help you remember!