Prince of Persia Reality
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within.
AN:
Persephone is played by Rosario Dawson
Tamina is played by Gemma Arterton
End AN
I arrived in my newest body to what was obviously a royal court. My mind quickly tried to absorb my circumstances as the king of this court addressed me.
"But Tus already has enough wives. You Dustan might take fewer chances if such a jewel waited in your chamber. The Princess of Alamet will be your first wife," my adoptive father, King Sharaman of the Persian Empire announced to the loud approval of the men I have fought beside in battle.
"What say you Dastan," Sharaman asked me as he turned to face me from his pacing.
"Uh…," I stuttered as I let my counterpart's natural instincts and reactions give response for now.
"He plunges into a hundred foes without thought but before marriage he stands frozen with fear. And there are those who say he is not yet wise," joked Sharaman to the laughter of his men.
As the crowd laughed my father began crying out as smoke billowed from the robe Tus gave me to present as a gift to our father. Tus was the oldest brother and the heir to the throne. We had one other brother who was the middle age, Garsiv. Several people including Garsiv tried to get the robes of the high priest of Alamet off my father as he fell to the ground burning alive. I approached him and used my powers to deal with the situation. Willing a time dilation field around me so that time moved extremely fast compared to the rest of the universe I conjured a corpse duplicate of my burning father. A quick switching spell had Sharaman replaced with the duplicate which I then animated and prepared to use to fake a successful assassination attempt.
Sharaman was transported to my trunk and placed in a healing coma. I could heal him right away but then his life would still be in danger. It was best that he stays asleep in my trunk until I can find the assassin and uncover all the plots against my father. The man had saved me from the town guards when I was a young orphan street urchin and tried to stop them from harming one of my friends. He brought me into his family after seeing something in me that day. The least I could do was save his life. As soon as I cancelled the time dilation field I controlled the corpse until it looked sufficiently dead.
"Somebody help him," I cried convincingly.
"The robe Dastan gave him," Garsiv cried as the guards held him back. "Cease the murderer!"
My good friend Bis, the boy I had saved in the market place now my loyal comrade in arms, pulled me away from the approaching guards. I punched a guard into unconsciousness as I made my way towards the open balcony nearby.
"Bis," I shouted at my friend as a guard pierced his side with a spear.
My vision looked inside my friend and saw it was only a flesh wound. But in these ancient times a flesh wound could become infected and serious. I sent an invisible healing spell that would over the next few hours repair the damage done by the weapon.
"Come with me," cried Princess Tamina, my bride to be as she stood near the balcony.
We both jumped over the balcony into the fountain below.
"I can get us out of here. You're going to need my help," Tamina informed me as I helped her out of the fountain.
Jumping up onto the line of posts tethering the horses of the Persian officers I hopped from post to post slicing the tethers with one of my short curved blades. Flipping off the last post I landed quickly before hopping up on a black stallion. Dastan before I even came was known for his leaping and climbing abilities that allowed him to move like a human monkey. I reached down and grasped Tamina's outstretched arm before pulling her up behind me. We rode along with the stampede of horses.
"Close the gate," I heard Garsiv shout as he ran out with his men behind him.
"That way," Tamina directed to a side alley.
I slapped aside an arrow that was getting to close with my blade before steering us into the alley. I pulled Tamina down and hugged her to my side as I slapped arrow after arrow away as they were fired from the row of archers on the ramparts.
"He stole my horse, he stole my horse," Garsiv shouted along with other orders to his men as we rode out through the gate.
We made our way out of the city and found a place to camp for the night.
"I didn't murder my father. Tus gave me that robe," I informed Tamina as I threw more wood onto the fire.
"And now he stands to be crowned king," pointed out the beautiful princess.
"Do you think I killed my father," I asked as I went over to check the tether on the horse.
"No I don't believe you did," Tamina answered as she approached me from behind.
"I shouldn't have put you in danger like this and let you come," I told her.
"But you did," Tamina replied as she grabbed my shoulder and turned me to face her. Her face got really close to mine as she stared in my eyes. I didn't resist as I leaned forward and captured her hot mouth in a searing kiss.
Tamina had planned on distracting the prince with a kiss in order to grab the dagger in his waist band but she was finding it extremely difficult to think as his tongue slid across her lips to beg entrance. She automatically parted her lips and deepened the kiss as their tongues dueled. She finally managed to get her hand on the hilt of his dagger but she found his left covering hers. Dastan nibbled on her lip in a sensuous reprimand as Tamina felt her entire body flush with aroused heat the likes of which she had never felt before. Dastan's right hand slid down her back and cupped her rear. Tamina felt herself climax intensely as the kiss eventually ended.
"You wanted this magical dagger did you," I asked Tamina as she panted and tried to recover her breath.
"How did you know it was magical," Tamina asked in surprise before catching the fact that she just confirmed my statement.
"I know enough about the mystical arts to sense the power of this dagger. What do you want with it," I asked the beauty.
Magic was not unheard of in this time although it is less prevalent in this region. I could sense the time turner like abilities of the dagger. Although instead of transporting the body back this dagger only allowed the soul to travel back to an earlier time when the wielder's body was intact. It had severe limitations but it was an early model.
"I am sworn to protect it," she answered simply.
"Well I'm pretty sure this is what the invasion was actually about. After the battle Tus asked for this dagger as tribute," I mused allowed while only having my counterpart's memories to go on instead of telepathic readings which would have been far more helpful.
"What are you doing," Tamina asked me the next morning.
"Garsiv and his forces are most likely right behind us. This is the most famous horse in the empire," I answered as I strapped cloth coverings around his hooves. "This will obscure his tracks."
"Tracks to where…where are you going," Tamina asked as she ran up.
"To Abrat where my father is going to be buried," I explained.
"You're wanted for the king's murder and you're going to march into his funeral along with thousands of Persian soldiers," Tamina asked in disbelief.
"Uncle Nizam will be there. I need to know if I can trust him. I'll be able to sense if he's lying to me or involved in the plot to assassinate my father," I informed Tamina.
"Every road to Abrat will be covered with Persian troops," argued Tamina.
"I'm not going over roads but instead the Valley of the Slaves," I answered.
"Nobody goes near that wasteland. It's filled with murdering cutthroats," Tamina informed me as if I didn't already know.
"I can take care of myself princess," I told her. "Now are you going to come with me? I'd prefer not to leave you here since I doubt your training as a guardian included wilderness survival," I asked as I held out my hand.
She grabbed on and I heaved her up. I had to suppress a smile as she wrapped her arms around my waist tighter than necessary. I even caught her smelling me a time or two but didn't let on. My aura was definitely working on the dark skinned beauty.
During our riding was when my shadow for this reality chose to make her appearance, well only appearing to me.
"Isn't she a scrumptious looking one Harry," mused my goddess wife, Persephone.
Persephone approached me a few months ago and informed me that since I inherited Hades' powers and domain I also inherited his wife, her. Now right away I knew the real reason she was telling me this was because she desired me. Aphrodite spoke of all the goddesses who were really jealous of her claim to me. Persephone was a good friend of my love goddess wife's so she permitted Persephone to bond with me.
"You're pretty damn scrumptious yourself honey," I answered back with a smile.
"Yes and I need my daily dose of Harry nectar. The next time you take a rest break I'm going to get it as well," my ascended wife informed me.
"Yes ma'am," I answered smartly.
Well the next rest stop wasn't too far off because Tamina wasn't used to the desert climate. While Tamina sat in the shade of the horse I went off hunting for food. As soon as I was out of sight of Tamina Persephone pounced on me like a hungry animal and I was her prey.
Insert smut scene here
After we ate what I hunted and cooked I decided we would give the horse a break from carrying us in this heat.
"Start walking princess," I instructed her as I led the horse.
"You know you really walk like one," Tamina called after me. "Head held high, chest out, long stomping strides," Tamina continued as she imitated her words by stomping on the ground. "The walk of a self satisfied Persian Prince. No imagine it comes from being told since birth the world is yours and actually believing it."
"I wasn't born in a palace like you," I interrupted her rant as I rounded on her. "I was born in the slums in the saf where I lived; I fought and clawed for it."
"Then how did you become a prince," asked Tamina in confusion.
"The king marched into the market one day and he…I don't know he…he found me. He took me in. He gave me a family and a home. What you're looking at is the walk of a man who just lost everything in this world," I decided to add the last part seeing as how I have much more in other universes but I still lost quite a bit in this one.
Tamina was less…abrasive after that. I could feel her eyes analyzing me in a new light.
"Welcome to the valley of the slaves your highness," I announced as we came upon some stone ruins littered with skeletons hung as a warning.
"I'm desperate for a drop of water," complained Tamina.
"Here you go," I told my beautiful companion with a smile as I handed her a flask out of my robes.
"Where did this come from," asked Tamina in surprise as she was sure she drank the last of the water hours ago.
"It's a little something I've been saving. You'll like it better than any water," I assured Tamina.
I watched as she hesitantly took a swig of the flask before she shuddered through a hard climax while her face lit up with joy. The Harry nectar in the flask would keep her happy for some time to come.
"What is this," Tamina asked as she felt rejuvenated and ready to walk many more miles in the desert.
"It's my own special blend. Now stick close princess in case we run into the locals," I instructed her.
Tamina had no quarrels about sticking close to the handsome prince. There was something about him that made her insides quiver with excitement, the likes of which no man had ever stirred in her before. She also noticed it seemed to be a lot cooler around him, like he provided the most covering shade within a thousand leagues. She wouldn't find out for some time that the reason for the lack of heat was a cooling magic her companion was channeling through his aura. His words caused her to reconsider her plans to subdue Dastan and take the horse. For now she would stick closer to him.
My words were like prophecy as soon several horse mounted riders were upon us. They circled us like vultures. I stared calmly at them but didn't make a move yet.
"Do you know where you are Persian," asked the leader whose name I took from his mind, Sheik Amar. "And yet you enter still?"
"Yes," I replied simply with a nod.
"Confident one aren't you. In the heart of the Sudan there is a tribe of warriors known as the Umbaca. They strike fear into the hearts of all they cross. The Umbaca are masters of the throwing knife. They all wield blades said to be blessed by the creator himself," continued Amar as he pointed to the sky for emphasize. "Their aim is so murderously accurate they can decapitate three men with one strike. This is Seso. He's an Umbaca and I had the good fortune of saving his life, which means that he is now enduringly indebted to me. So tell me Persian. Is there any good reason why I shouldn't tell Seso to put his next throw in you?"
"Because you would be dead before he pulls back his arm," I answered calmly.
Amar couldn't help but swallow hard as he felt a lump form in his throat. Somewhere deep inside of him his body screamed that this Persian was telling the absolute truth.
"I think you'd best come with us," Amar said as he put up a brave front so as to not appear weak in front of his men.
I merely nodded my agreement as I felt Tamina's arms wrap just a bit tighter around me.
"Why are we going with them," Tamina whispered in my ear as we followed Amar and his men.
"Because they will get us most of the way through their territory without harassment from others…don't worry I've got a plan," I assured her quietly.
"She'll make a fine addition," Amar announced as he looked over Tamina when we arrived at his rather large camp.
"An addition to what," I questioned as more men approached at Amar's gesture.
"Just don't you worry about that," Amar answered with a grin before his men surrounded us.
Tamina was now pressed tightly against my back.
"Dastan they cannot get the dagger. I'm the protector of a divine covenant. If that dagger falls into the wrong hands it will bring disaster. It was meant for the gods and not man," Tamina whispered hurriedly and harshly into my ear.
I found it rather ironic that a god was holding it.
"Don't worry princess…we'll be gone soon enough," I assured her.
I scanned the minds of those around us. They crafted their reputation as blood thirsty slaves that overthrew and killed their masters to avoid any Persian troops from coming around. They wanted to avoid taxes. The skeletons we passed were actually purchased from a gypsy by Amar. I had to suppress a laugh when I discovered Amar was actually the runner of an ostrich racing empire where he raked in money for running bets. Unfortunately he wanted more money and knew just how to get it. My brother has offered a large reward and Amar recognizes who I am. About this time the first sword wielder charged me.
I deflected his blade and faster than he could perceive my foot lashed out and smashed into the side of his head, knocking him out cold. One after the other our attackers fell before me. Tamina was kept safely behind me as I repelled our attackers. Amar watched on with growing amazement as I even defeated Seso after deflecting his thrown blades with my swords.
"Bye, bye," I told Amar with a grin before a small sandstorm swept up around us. When it cleared we were gone.
"How did you do that," gasped an amazed Tamina after I set her down.
When the sand storm rose up I picked her up and jumped several hundred feet away behind a nearby hillside.
"Let's just say Princess that I know a little bit about magic myself," I informed her.
Tamina was now more curious than ever. She stuck close to me as we continued on our journey.
The next day…
"They've all come for my father's funeral," I stated as Tamina and I stood on a bluff overlooking the long line of caravans containing important people to pay tribute to my father in Abrat.
"There are a hundred Persian soldiers watching that gate," pointed out Tamina.
"Maybe more," I agreed.
"How do you expect to get inside," asked Tamina curiously.
"Like this," I answered while waving my hand over the both of us.
Our clothes transfigured into the finest garments. A sled appeared with several strong looking servants to carry us.
"Garments befitting a beautiful princess and one day a queen," I told Tamina with a charming smile while holding out my hand to help her onto the sled.
"You are just full of surprises Dastan," Tamina informed me as we sat on the sled.
I could sense her surprise and growing amazement at the powers I was displaying.
"No mere dabbler," I heard my companion mutter as the servants hoisted us up and joined the line leading into the city.
Tamina's face was covered by a veil while a simple notice me not charm served to keep anybody from recognizing the son of the king.
"Tus isn't here…he must still be in Alamet," I speculated as Tamina and I looked down upon my uncle and other brother from a rooftop. "The time sand that fuels the dagger. There's more of it hidden somewhere in Alamet isn't there? That's why one from my family stays there. But I need to get closer to see which of them is involved." I didn't need Tamina to answer my guess to know I was right. "Stay here and you will not be found. I'll be back for you shortly," I instructed before getting up and sneaking off.
"That's impossible," I heard Tamina turn to tell me but I was already gone.
Employing my leaping skills I jumped to the next rooftop over and slid down the building. Next I leaped to a lower wall. Some camels served to provide a stepping stone to ground level before I weaved through the crowd. It was child's play to stow in the wagon carrying my father's decoys coffin. My uncle was riding alongside of this wagon. Conjuring a note I slipped it inside of his robes before slipping away.
"Difficult but nothing is impossible," I informed her as I rejoined her in the crowd.
"Or more proof you're insane," she answered but with a smile to take away any sting.
"Why do you look so impressed," I asked with a raised eyebrow before grabbing her hand to pull her after me.
"Out of the way, make way," yelled a procession of guards.
Tamina gasped as I pulled her closer to me so the guards did not see our faces. Tamina doesn't know about the notice me not charms. This was the perfect opportunity to get closer to her. I leaned in and kissed her heatedly. As she was shuddering through her orgasm from my lips teasing hers I slipped away.
"Such a naughty boy Harry," Persephone teased me in my mind as she stayed behind to keep an eye on Tamina.
Meeting place…
"You used to buy those for me when I was a boy," I spoke up to announce my presence to my uncle as he handled a piece of fruit from one of the market stalls.
"You used to spit the seeds at Garsiv," he answered with his hood still hiding his face to keep the people around from realizing who he was. "You should not have brought me here Dastan."
"I had no choice Uncle…follow me," I answered before leading him into a nearby hidden storage area for tools.
"I didn't kill father…you know that," I informed him even as I scanned his mind.
"Your actions speak otherwise," he accused as I discovered the plot made by him to kill my father.
It was he who gave the robe to Tus to frame me with.
"I had no choice but to flee. Tus gave me that cloak and was the one who poisoned it. Your hands are burnt," I finished.
"Yes…from trying to pull the poisoned cloak off your father," he lied. "Is something wrong Dastan?"
"No," I answered calmly.
"You're certain? You know you can trust me boy," my murdering uncle lied.
"Tus is my brother…why would he betray me like this?"
"I can't say Dastan. Perhaps he never respected you as you deserve and he saw you as someone he could use…someone to keep his wine glass full. My service to your father was different. We shared the same blood Dastan," my Uncle answered as he slowly realized I was onto him.
"How many times did my father speak of you saving him from that lion? That was his favorite story," I queried.
"One of many yes," Nizam answered.
"No that was his favorite," I assured.
"I'm afraid you're speaking in riddles Dastan," my Uncle replied just before I moved to avoid the arrow that narrowly avoided running me through.
I ran to the door even as Nizam called after me. Pulling the arrow meant to hold the door shut out I ran into the street. I grabbed the shaft of a spear just below the sharp tip as it was thrust at me, deflecting it to the side. Punching the wielder in the face, while channeling a powerful stunning spell, put him down for the count. Two sword wielders came at me from either side. I pulled my twin blades from concealment and caught both of their swings. I twirled their blades using above mortal strength and speed, taking their weapons right out of their grasps. Before they could even blink both were hit with a confundus spell to keep them from causing anymore trouble.
I took off running through the crowded market. Wooden braces adorned the ceiling covering the alcove I was running through. Leaping high enough to catch one I swung myself up between two of them and pushed a notice me not charm through my aura. It worked as quite a few soldiers ran beneath me through the alcove and out the other side. Swinging down I took off running again.
"Over here," a guard called just before he fell to a powerful leaping kick to the face.
I flipped over a sword swing and came down behind the wielder. A chop with my hand at a nerve in his neck sent him into the land of dreamers. With speed my new body was well equipped to handle I reached up and caught the crossbow bolt aimed for my chest. I was tired of playing nice if this is how my uncle's men wanted to play it. Whipping the bolt around I sent it back at the surprised shooter where it embedded itself through his forehead and into his below average intelligence brain. Another attacker attempted to grab me around the neck from a ledge above and behind me. As his hands clawed at my neck I reached up and gripped his arms. With a yank I was rewarded by the sounds of his screams as his limbs pulled free. With a high spin kick I took his head clean from his shoulders.
I began running again just as I heard the scream of "Murderer!"
It was Garsiv who attempted to tackle me. I leaped over him and came down from my forward spoon even as he landed on his stomach. With a scream of rage he got right back up and charged me again.
"I didn't kill our father," I growled as I deflected the swing of his axe.
A backhand knocked him back long enough for me to take off running again. I leaped up on more wooden rungs and began to literally run along the stone walls. My brother was obstructed by obstacles below even as I saw another hole in the roof where a crossbow wielder was taking aim. I knocked his bolt aside before leaping through the hole with a powerful punch which snapped his neck while knocking him clear of my path. Another soldier was waiting at the end of the roof but he met his end when I picked up the boltless crossbow and chucked it at him with enough force to knock him clear of the roof.
I began leaping from roof to rooftop dodging arrows. The dumb soldiers ended up actually hitting each other more often than they got close to me. Few of them could match my leaps and ended up falling from the roof tops. I saw a group of them forming before me to cut me off but a powerful leap took me clear of them. I might have employed a bit of flight in that last jump but these soldiers would just let their minds come up with a rational excuse. Most often simple minded mortals would do such in situations where they were presented with the supernatural.
Leaping down into an opening I caught myself on a railing as I heard several females gasp in fright. I pulled myself over the rail as many beauties checked me out. I smiled at them for a moment before sending out my aura to send them all into an orgasmic heap just for the hell of it.
"Where is he," I heard Garsiv screaming at the sated beauties as I took off.
I allowed him to catch up with me in a nearby alcove.
"Garsiv I didn't kill father," I told him again.
"Then God will pardon you," he answered as he approached. "After your head rolls," he added as he swung at me with his axe like weapon.
My blades caught his swing before I kicked him in the side. He took several more swings as he clutched his sides.
"We're not fighting with sticks anymore little brother," Garsiv informed me as he stepped up his attacks.
"I know," I growled even as I let my swords fall to the side and caught his weapon between my bare hands.
I yanked his axe out of his grip before laying him out flat with a palm hit to his chest. He lay on the ground clutching his chest even as he struggled to catch his breath. I picked up my swords and left even as he struggled to get up.
I retrieved Tamina before slipping out of the city under concealment magic. I had discovered my Uncle's plot and proved my point to my brother. If I wanted him dead he would be. Hopefully he would pull his head out of his ass and realize this.
A few quick leaps with Tamina in my arms served to put quite a bit of distance between the Persian patrols and us.
"I need to know more of the properties of the dagger and the legend behind it," I informed Tamina as I set her down.
I noticed her reluctance to take her arms from around my neck. I got a lot from my Uncle's mind but if he was willing to disregard all myths about the dagger it was likely he doesn't know all there is to know about it.
"What did you find out with your Uncle," Tamina asked.
"It wasn't Tus that killed my father. It was Nizam," I answered.
"Your Uncle," she asked in surprise.
"His hands were burned. He said it happened trying to pull off the cloak which killed my father. I have a perfect memory. He never touched the cloak. He handled it before it was given to me. What good does turning back minutes of time do my Uncle? None…exactly how much sand is there remaining hidden in Alamet," I asked.
"Can we get out of here," asked Tamina in fright as she stared at the growing sandstorm approaching from behind me.
"That isn't a natural sandstorm," I answered as I sensed magic at work. "Hassansin," I cursed as I drew upon the memories of my counterpart which provided the only explanation from magic users able to conjure a storm such as this. "Come," I instructed even as I waved my hand and transfigured the nearby sand into a comfortable hut.
Tamina sat in the well cushioned love seat I was sitting in once she came inside.
"In Alamet rests the beating heart of all life on Earth…The sand glass of the gods," Tamina began her story with. "Long ago the gods looked down on man and saw nothing but greed and treachery. So they sent a great sandstorm to destroy all, wipe clean the face of the earth. But one young girl begged the gods to give mankind another chance…offering her life in exchange. Seeing the purity within the gods were reminded of mankind's potential for good. So they swept the sands into the sandglass. The dagger was given to the girl who saved man, making her the first guardian. The dagger blade is the only thing that can pierce the sandglass and remove the sands of time. But the handle only holds one minute," explained Tamina as she stared into my eyes.
"And if one were to place the dagger in the jewel glass and press the button to activate the time turning feature at the same time," I asked.
"The sand would flow through endlessly. You could theoretically turn back time as far as you like but it is forbidden," answered my companion.
"When my father was a boy Nizam saved his life hunting. One day the two princes were stalking a beautiful buck. They were unaware of a lioness stalking them. Nizam saved Sharaman. My father told us the story over and over again," I explained to Tamina.
"I don't understand," she replied.
"Nizam wishes to go back in time and undo what he did. To not save my father and let him die. Then he would be king for a lifetime. My brothers would never be born," I answered as Tamina finally understood the gravity of the situation.
"Dastan the sands contained within the sandglass are incredibly powerful. Opening the dagger while it is inside the sandglass breaks the seal. They'll destroy the sandglass, causing it to crack and shatter. The sand of time would no longer be contained. They would carry the god's wrath with them once more, destroying everything in their path. All of mankind would pay for Nizam's treachery. The secret guardian temple outside Alamet is a sanctuary, the one place the dagger can be hidden safely and the only way to stop this Armageddon. That's the truth Dastan. Give me back the dagger so that I can take it there," pleaded Tamina as she stared into my eyes.
"I was always a sucker for beautiful eyes," I told her with a grin. She smiled brightly before kissing me passionately. "But I'm coming with you," I informed her as we broke for air.
As we stepped from my transfigured shelter it sank back into the sands from whence it came before I scooped Tamina up in my arms. A series of long leaps that the Hulk couldn't have matched served to take us closer to Alamet.
"Why didn't you do this after we first escaped," Tamina shouted over the howl of the wind as it whipped past us.
"What would be the fun in that," I answered with a cheeky grin.
"Our journey is truly blessed," Tamina announced as we stopped for a break from the constant bouncing of this method of travel. "We should push for the mountain by nightfall."
"You enjoy telling me what to do," I commented with a grin.
"Only because you're so good at following orders," Tamina answered with a smile.
My answer to the cheeky minx was a pleasure bolt arcing from my fingertip and pushing her into a climax that had her trembling in the chair I conjured for her.
As we rested Tamina looked behind me as I heard a warbling noise. When I look we both blinked at the ostrich staring at me. Just then we were surrounded by Amar and his men.
"We parted under such rushed circumstances I didn't get a chance to say goodbye," Sheik Amar called out as I stared him down with my swords at the ready. "We've been tracking you for a week. It took two days for my men to wake up. Without my guards all of my gaming ostriches but one were stolen. So it occurred to me that the only way to recoup my gaming losses was to track down the two young lovers who passed this dark cloud upon me. I'm going to need the price on your heads. Your brother will be very pleased to see…," Amar continued but stopped when he heard the noise behind him.
As he looked Amar and all of us saw the whirlwinds kicking up columns of sand.
"Sand dervishes Persian…they can't harm anyone," Amar spoke.
"They aren't sand dervishes. They are Hassansin assassins coming for me," I informed him as we faced off at a stalemate.
We only stood there for a few more minutes glaring at each other. The Sheik's men were not willing to attack me so readily as last time and I was content to bide my time until my point was made for me, which happened a moment later as a deadly snake leapt out of the sand at Seso. A conjured knife whipped from my hand towards the snake which thought it could fly faster than any of the mortals could perceive, slicing the venomous belly crawler clean in two. Another one leaped for the Sheik and met the same fate. I saved several more of the Sheik's men before there were no more snakes in the Hassansin arsenal.
"Persian how did you do that," Amar asked in surprise and amazement.
"Not here…we have to get out of here," I instructed as I sensed the Hassansin assassins watching us even then.
"Alright," Amar agreed before he and his men followed Tamina and I.
A horse walked out from behind some nearby rocks, conjured by the invisibly floating Persephone. Tamina and I mounted up before leading the Sheik and his men off.
"What happened last night," Amar finally asked the next morning as we continued to ride.
"Those vipers were controlled by the Hassansin I told you about," I answered.
"Hassansin," Amar asked.
"For years they were the covert killing force of the Persian king until my father ordered them disbanded. Nizam must have disobeyed my father's orders and kept them intact," I continued.
"Secret government killing activity…that's why I don't pay taxes," Amar replied.
"We can't stop," I announced.
"Well perhaps you can't but we can," Amar answered.
At this point we were all walking alongside our horses to lead them over the rough rocky ground. I thought about convincing Amar and his men to aid us but they would just get themselves killed.
Turning to face them I waved my hand while saying, "We are not the Persians you are looking for."
"You are not the Persians we are looking for," echoed the Sheik with all of his men.
"You should go home and spend as much time with your families as possible," I continued.
They echoed my command given with the Force before turning and leaving.
"I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand you," Tamina told me as she looked at me with amazement somewhat tempered by the fact that she has watched me do so many amazing things recently.
"I used to feel the same about women," I answered her as I jumped up on the horse before offering her my arm.
"Used to," she asked as she climbed on and wrapped her arms around my waist.
"Yes I know the secret to a happy relationship now."
"Do tell Dastan," purred Tamina into my ear.
"Orgasms…lots and lots of orgasms," I replied with a grin as we began riding hard, each bounce sending a jolt of ecstasy through Tamina via my powers.
"Dastan," cried Tamina as I cackled madly with glee.
"Are you sure where you're going," I asked Tamina a short while later.
"I memorized this path as a child. Every priestess must. It's sacred," explained Tamina as we once again guided our horse over the hilly terrain on foot. "It's here," Tamina said a moment later excitedly before running ahead.
I followed close behind while vanishing our horse back from whence it came. Tamina knelt down and stared happily ahead.
"The sanctuary…the one place the dagger can be hidden safely. Give me back the dagger so that I can take it there," asked Tamina as she stood.
"Don't cut yourself Princess," I warned her as I gave her the weapon.
When we came closer to the temple we found the Hassansin had beat us there. They tortured and killed all of the humans present. In her distress Tamina took off running up the mountainside with me right behind her.
"There is only one way to stop all of this….to make sure the dagger is safe. The temple holds the stone the dagger came from," Tamina explained as we climbed up some stairs. "The first thing we learned is that if all else fails put the dagger back in the stone. The stone will envelope it, pull it into the mountain, returning it to the gods," finished Tamina before stopping at an open doorway of one of the huts.
I saw her lip tremble as I felt her emotions plunge. I wrapped her in a comforting hug. "The original promise must be paid," Tamina finished.
It only took me moments to realize what she intended. She intended to sacrifice her life in payment for the life the gods spared. At that moment my brother arrived with some of his men. Apparently Hassansin were not the only ones to trail us.
"Stay there…stay there," Garsiv ordered as he came down from a higher ledge.
Tamina took the opportunity to slip away with Persephone watching over her.
"Listen to me brother," I urged.
"Give me your sword," Garsiv ordered as he quickly closed the distance and held his blade to my neck.
"There are bodies down there murdered by Hassansin on Nizam's orders. He's the traitor," I promised.
"Hassansins no longer exist. You always thought you were so clever," Garsiv answered.
"Sir, all dead inside sir…there are more in the village," one of Garsiv's soldiers interrupted.
"Stay there," shouted Garsiv as he went to inspect one of the bodies.
"Nizam wants me dead…wants me silenced," I informed my shocked brother as he stared at the proof of Hassansins nearby.
"A trial would be too public," I added as I sensed Nizam had told Garsiv and Tus as much. "You are my brother. Before he died father told me that the bond between brothers is the sword that defends our empire. He prayed that sword remained strong."
Garsiv sensed the truth of my words as my earnest emotions carried through my aura.
"Nizam recommended your death. Tus disagreed and ordered you brought back alive," Garsiv explained after he sent his guard out of the hut.
"He's afraid of what I might say and who I might tell," I replied.
"Tell me brother," Garsiv told me just as we both heard the sound of a groan of pain from outside.
Garsiv stormed outside only to be shot down by several deadly dagger like blades thrown fast and hard. At that moment the Hassansins attacked in force. I heard the scream of Tamina even as I replaced my brother's body with a dying duplicate. My brother was placed in a healing coma like my father. I ran into a nearby cave to find Tamina. I found her lying on the cave floor nearby a pool of water as she clutched her wrist. I saw two puncture wounds where a viper had obviously just bitten her.
"Dastan the dagger," gasped Tamina.
"Shhhh…that's not important now Tamina," I quieted her as I knelt down beside her.
She stared up into my eyes with the look of a woman prepared to die for what she believed in.
"Dastan kiss me one last time before I…before I," Tamina tried to say before moaning in pain as she felt the poison spreading.
I leaned down and kissed her with such passion and intensity that Tamina could feel my love for her. She returned the kiss that she thought would be her last as my hand closed around her wrist. A white glow encompassed Tamina's wrist as we broke the kiss before I tipped the flask I gave her to her lips.
"Drink," I ordered even as Tamina's swallowed the Harry nectar.
The puncture wounds on her wrist were gone thanks to my healing hand even as the Harry nectar neutralized the poison within her system. Tamina sat up with an amazed look as she examined her wrist. She threw her arms around me and kissed me with gratitude and new life.
"The dagger," she exclaimed as she got her wits about her again.
"Don't worry…we'll get it back," I assured her.
My leaps taking Tamina and I back to Alamet were longer and faster as there was a greater urgency to get back to the city.
Glimpsing ahead, in this timeline allowed me to see the fate of Tus. My brother would have died at the hands of his traitorous Uncle. To spare him such a fate I reached out with my powers and found the tunnel Nizam was having his slaves dig to the sandglass. I collapsed the tunnel until the bottom fell out in the passageways built by the Guardians long ago. When Tamina and I reached the city we had to move quickly to head off my Uncle.
"The guardians built secret passageways to the sandglass long ago," Tamina explained thinking I didn't already know as she activated the touchstones to open a concealed door. "If we move fast enough we can get there before Nizam."
We came into a chamber which had numerous traps hidden beneath the floor.
"That way will lead to the sand glass chamber," announced Tamina as she pointed in the right direction. "There is only one safe path," she added before I could step out and trigger one of the traps. I began to follow my beautiful guide step for step. She would rub sand off the markings on the floor to determine the correct way. "Nothing can touch the surface other than where I step."
The chamber shifted before a chunk of sandstone broke away from the ceiling. I obliterated it with a disintegration curse until it was nothing but dust. Unfortunately I missed a tiny piece which hit the sand further away. A sinkhole began to form.
"Run Dastan," cried Tamina.
Tamina would be safer off with me so with a telekinetic pull she was clinging to my body.
"Hold tight," I instructed as if she needed to hear that.
We slid down the slide of sand as the chamber collapsed around us. I leapt further down the slope ahead of the collapsing tons of stone behind us. It was a close call as the tiers of stone barely missed crushing us. With a further push of my telekinetic powers we were propelled faster. Ahead of us I could see the light of a doorway. Unfortunately a drop off into oblivion separated us.
"Dastan we aren't going to make it," Tamina screamed.
"Yes we are," I shouted with a grunt as I leapt across the distance and cleared the door with Tamina wrapped in a shield of my power.
My jump was a little too powerful as we landed on a trap door which dropped us down a shaft. I landed on my feet holding Tamina in my arms. Before us was the glow of the sandglass filled with the powerful sands of time. A Hassansin assassin suddenly melted out of the shadows and took a swing at me even as Nizam ran up to the sandglass. A viper shot out of the assassin's robes and struck at my neck.
"Sorry that isn't going to work buddy," I announced with a grin when the Hassansin stared at me in shock as he swung his sword at me.
I punched him hard in the chest as my metal claws from time spent in the x-men universe shot out of the assassin's back. I sheathed them before Tamina could see them.
"No," Tamina screamed even as she watched Nizam plunge the dagger into the hourglass. "Dastan if we do not survive know that I love you," Tamina said as she turned to me.
"And I you," I assured her. "But we are going to survive," I added as I leaped us over to where Nizam was holding the dagger.
I pointed my hand at the traitor and unleashed Force lightning, flinging him off the ledge into the abyss. Still holding Tamina's hand I walked over and grabbed the handle of the dagger. I flipped the button open and allowed the sands of time to flow out like living angry plasma from a star. It destroyed all in its path. I sensed as this reality was literally being rewritten. This later timeline was being swept away as I concentrated on the destination I wished to take us to. Persephone's arm wrapped around me as my goddess love decided to hitch a ride. We wrapped the souls of Tamina, Tus, my father, and Gravis in our aura as we allowed the powers of the sand to relocate us temporally. The days reversed before our eyes until I became aware of normal time flow around me. I was standing in the street after I first took the dagger off my enemy.
"Prince Dastan," I heard Bis shout as he ran up behind me. "Prince Dastan our men have surrounded Alamet's palace. The battle is over," Bis informed me.
"Not yet," I assured him before turning and running to find my brothers.
As the conquering leaders rode in on their horses to a fanfare of trumpets I ran up to meet them. The crowd blocked my path so I leapt clear over them to the amazement of all watching.
"Soldier's of Persia," I began with a sonorous charm on my voice. "We have been deceived into attacking this holy city. Alamet has no weapon forges!"
"Dastan," cried Tus in shock as he came to in his surroundings with only memories of watching father die, supposedly by my hand.
"Wait brother…hear him out," Garsiv stayed Tus' movements as Garsiv had more memories of what was going on.
"I cannot stand silent in the face of treachery. This war was set up by one trusted above all else…our Uncle Nizam," I revealed to all.
"Dastan has fought hard today, perhaps too hard. What he needs now is to get out from under this burning sun, to rest, gather his wits," Nizam announced to the laughter of the surrounding troops.
"Do not lie to me traitor," I answered in a voice of pure power while my eyes glowed green. "Tell the truth," I commanded.
"He tells the truth," Nizam couldn't help but announce to the shock of all but Garsiv and myself.
"Nizam it will never be you. You don't have the heart to be king. You will die in the shadow of a great man," I told my Uncle.
His response was one of a desperate man. With a cry of rage he pulled his sword as he charged me. Before he reached me my hands shot forth. My right hand projected a red bolt of energy containing the cruciatus curse while my left shot forth Force lightning. The blue and red energy picked Nizam up and levitated him a dozen feet in the air for all to see. They all didn't need to see to hear the anguished cries of the dying traitor. His flesh melted from his bones as he was torn apart by my power.
"Behold the fate of all traitors," I called out as Nizam disintegrated before my eyes.
A few more soldiers vanished to be dealt with by my replicat servants as they helped orchestrate Nizam's treachery against their king. Even then the replicats were hunting down all of the Hassansin in this timeline.
"Dastan how did you do that," asked Tus as he got over his shock.
"I am a wizard brother. Magic is my friend," I answered. "Now brothers let us go greet my bride to be properly this time," I told my brothers as I placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"You saved us Dastan," Garsiv said gratefully.
"And Father," agreed Tus. "We will follow your lead," Tus added as he gestured for me to lead the way.
This time it was only my two brothers and I who entered Tamina's inner chambers. As soon as the doors opened our eyes locked and the spark of happiness and love that danced in her bright orbs made all the trouble of the past few days worth it.
"Dastan," Tamina cried as we rushed towards each other.
I swept her into my arms before our lips met in a searing kiss that carried all of our feelings for each other.
"Tamina I believe you know my brothers," I spoke as Tamina and I stopped for air but without my future wife letting go of me.
"He brought you back too I take it," Tamina questioned.
Tus and Garsiv just nodded.
"If you'll excuse me I would like some time alone with my future husband," Tamina told my brothers before steering me out into the courtyard.
"I assume Persephone explained everything to you," I asked as soon as we were out of earshot of my brothers.
"Yes…I'm very angry with your for making me worry needlessly," Tamina answered with a mock angry look. "But somehow I can't seem to stay that way for long. I'll be yours for all eternity Dastan…the sands of time cannot separate us," Tamina promised as she looked up into my eyes.
"So we should get married tonight," I suggested as I didn't want a moment longer to join this woman to my essence, my hand stroked her cheek with affection.
"Gladly…but your father will not arrive for some time," Tamina said in frustration as she bit her bottom lip in what I thought was a cute way.
"Not a problem," I spoke as I blinked.
"Father," we heard Garsiv and Tus cry out in greeting.
"You will definitely come in handy," Tamina said with a grin.
We were wed that night in a ceremony officiated by my father. Persephone floated behind Sharaman so that only Tamina and I could see her.
"Dastan before you finalize the union Garsiv and I want to tell you something," spoke Tus just after the ceremony finished. "We would like you to rule after father moves on. By right before you brought us back it was yours. A wizard with your wisdom will make a better king."
"Thank you brothers," I spoke with gratitude. "I accept but soon enough our empire will expand further than ever before. There will be enough for us to rule together," I assured my brothers. "Now if you'll excuse me," I spoke before Tamina and I disappeared to her bed chambers.
Insert smut scene here
In the coming years my father would retire with his harem of wives to a life of fun and enjoyment. None of my family ever aged from that point on as I granted them the elixir of life. Tamina and I took over ruling. We expanded our territory to eventually encompass the entire world. My brother's were made kings over large portions of the world but ultimately answered to me. It was a time of prosper and joy for all as innovation and free thinking were had by all. Persephone, Tamina, and I had many adventures throughout that universe as we continued to expand our love and our family.
AN2:
The end of another universe. I've tentatively decided to release a new universe each time I finish another one. I've got two more already completed after this one (having finished one last night).
This may seem like an inappropriate place to make this request but I'll remove it soon enough. Any reader who might be very talented at photoshop CS5 or just fake creating in particular I would love it if you would contact me, either through a PM or email. I'm trying to expand into fake photo creation (yes the kind involving naked actresses) but have found myself stymied by my unfamiliarity with photoshop.
Thanks for reading,
Stargatesg1fan1