A/N: This fic comes from grieving over the loss of my own father to cancer on May 7th, 2000.
Brief Description: Hit with the realization that Aknamkanon is dead, the young prince and soon-to-be-Pharaoh Atem grieves over his father's death, only to gain a friendship that would last forever…
Amethyst eyes opened. The young prince Atem had awoken for the day. Quickly, Atem got dressed and headed down to the room where his father would usually be sitting in his throne, but to Atem's confusion he wasn't.
"Father where are you?" Atem asked.
Footsteps approached as someone entered the room. It was one of his father's 7 Sacred Guardians, Mahad. "Good morning, young prince," Mahad greeted in a calm, cheerful tone.
Atem turned around and smiled. He and Mahad were good friends during Aknamkanon's rule so the young prince was always glad to see him. "Mahad, where is Father?" Atem asked. Mahad was almost always with Aknamkanon so Atem was sure Mahad knew where he was.
Mahad's cheerful expression became sad.
"I'm afraid your father isn't here anymore, young one." Mahad answered.
"Where'd he go?" Atem asked.
Mahad fought back tears. "He passed on to the other world…"
"Other world?" the young prince inquired.
"Yes. I'm afraid that your father no longer exists in our world. He is what other humans call dead. He's not coming back, my young prince," Mahad answered.
Atem's eyes filled with tears as he ran to Mahad, hugging him.
Mahad smiled sadly, returning the hug, doing all he could to console the boy.
"Why did Father have to go?" the sobbing child asked.
"That I cannot reveal until you are older," Mahad answered.
Atem sniffled, wiping his eyes as he looked up at Mahad.
"But I promise, that no matter what happens, I shall eternally stand by your side as your dearest friend and most loyal servant," Mahad replied.
Atem smiled. Although no one could truly replace his father, Mahad would always be there as his best friend…
The End!