Disclaimer: The Prince of Persia was created by Jordon Mechner who rightly holds all copyright privileges.

Prince of Persia: Ascending The Throne

Chapter 1

It was over. It was done. The sands of time were no more but there were so many memories... so many feelings still swirling within his mind. How could he find words to describe them all? The journey he had taken was not his choice. Everything he had experienced regarding the supernatural sands were responsible for refining his character. And yet, most of what transpired did not exist outside his mind.

He was forced to struggle against the sands alone for so long that he was beginning to believe them impossible to defeat. But this third and final confrontation had provided unexpected allies who helped him stand when he was ready to fall. He was forever indebted to them and to one in particular.

Even after all these years the prince had never forgotten her. And as he gazed upon his kingdom he wondered how much more she would be willing to believe. He was uncertain about how to proceed with her but Farah would help him even with this, albeit unknowingly.

" Prince?" Her request for his attention was almost timid. " There's still something I don't understand."

He turned to her, confident in his ability to answer any question she would ask of him.

" How did you REALLY know my name?"

Except that one.

With an embarrassed chuckle the prince realized that she had seen through his lies from the beginning. He was no mystery to her and he wondered if she also knew how deeply he loved her. Farah's dark eyes were set upon him with a penetrating gaze as he smiled softly and tucked a fallen lock of hair behind her ear. Once again he began his wondrous tale, allowing himself the small indulgence of resting his hand over hers.

" Most people think that time runs swift and sure in one direction. But I have seen the face of time and I can tell you, they are wrong. Time is like an ocean in a storm. You may wonder who I really am and why I say this. Come, and I will tell you a tale like none you have ever heard."

Farah nodded. " After everything I've seen and everything that's happened... I'm beginning to believe that anything is possible."

Together they turned and followed a path that led back into the palace. Their mood was quiet and contemplative. But of the two it was the prince who felt most deeply all that had recently come to pass. They reached a door and he pressed a pressure plate on the wall to provide them access within.

" For many years I have wished for one more opportunity to tell you what happened." He confessed. Farah's brow furrowed with confusion.

" What do you mean?" She asked as they entered the palace and their voices faded from the outside air.

" Of everything that has happened perhaps the most unbelievable of all is that we have fought together against the vizier before."

" What?" Farah asked, stopping to stare at him in utter disbelief.

The prince gazed at her knowingly. Indeed he had seen the very same expression upon her face once before, long ago. And yet, it did not feel so long to him.

" I understand that many things I will tell you will be difficult to believe. But I assure you that every word is true."

Farah studied him for several moments, perhaps wondering if she truly wished to hear what the prince had to say. But at length she nodded and relaxed her stance.

" Alright, prince," she sighed, " Tell me everything. I want to know what you know."

The prince ushered her to an outside terrace where they sat under the shade of a cupola, finding solace in each other's company. And as the prince retold his tale Farah grew increasingly enthralled.

Within the span of an hour he had told her a great many things but when he arrived to the moment of her death he stopped, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.

" Are you alright?" She asked quietly and laid a steady hand upon his shoulder.

" Farah..." he was unable to continue or even meet her gaze.

" Prince?..."

Without a spoken word he took hold of her hand and kissed it. Farah caught her breath as his lips lingered a moment longer than necessary. A gentle nudge beneath the chin raised his face to her and she saw in his eyes all that he could not express with words. Tears shimmered down his reddened cheeks and Farah quickly set to wiping them away.

The prince closed his eyes at her touch and sighed wearily.

" If I could only see your mind." She whispered softly. " You could tell me everything that happened but I fear I will never fully understand all your pain and sorrow."

" Do you think I am mad? Do you find my story ridiculous?" He asked her, unable to hide the tremble in his voice.

Farah shook her head. " If you were mad than I and my people and your people would be as well. For we have all witnessed what cannot be explained."

The prince nodded and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. " Thank you Farah ... thank you."

He rose and looked at the darkening sky. The stars were beginning to shine and the lights of many torches were igniting throughout the city. Farah rose and lightly smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt.

" Its time for us to return." The prince stated quietly.

Farah nodded and slipped her hand into his. He looked at her in surprise.

" Come," she smiled, " We have much to do."

They returned to the palace in companionable silence. And as he gazed upon their joined hands his heart swelled with hope. For it was the first he had felt its embrace in too long a time. He could not escape his future but now he knew with calm assurance that he would not face it alone.

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