What If...? Episode 2: Prince of Persia

What if...? The Prince of Persia had saved Malik's Life in "The Forgotten Sands"?

The Prince of Persia was charging at Ratash after leaping from a Sand Vulture. The Sword of the Djinn in hand, the Prince let out a roar of desperation and ferocity as he plunged it into Ratash's medallion, knowing that doing so would most likely kill his brother, too. Ratash, the leader of the Sand Monsters that King Solomon imprisoned in the seal, had taken possession of Malik when he was slain. The Prince feared for his brother more than ever. But he also knew that his brother would rather die and be free than to endure a waking life as Ratash's vessel. So, he struck down upon the medallion, trying desperately to hold onto the sword as a blinding yellow light engulfed him. However, that light shifted to a blue color next before that light overtook the whole scenery of the chaos Ratash had sown.

When the light faded, Ratash was no more. The Prince stood up and looked around. With the Sandstorm stirred by Ratash gone, he noticed the sword in his hand had lost its blue glow, which meant... Razia was gone. Prior to the battle, she transferred her essence into the sword to grant it the power to stop Ratash. Although the Prince was concerned for Razia, he was just as worried over his older brother. Fortunately, he didn't have to look too far to notice him. He was laying on his back, his face pointed at the sky as the Prince went over him.

The Prince: Malik!

As the Prince looked him over, Malik drew in a deep breath before he looked upon his younger brother. A smile formed across his face as his shadow enveloped him.

Malik: I could feel it taking over my body, but I could not stop it. I was a prisoner.

The Prince had a look of guilt on his face. Even if greed had overtaken him for the moment, he felt as though he should've given his half of the medallion to him before. If he had done so, Malik would nonetheless have stopped the Sand Monsters and avoided being Ratash's puppet. At least then, it would've been easier to talk him out of it.

The Prince: Malik, I'm sorry. I didn't--

Malik: I am the one who should be sorry. I did not listen to you. And you were right. You saved us. Both of you.

That part befuddled the Prince. He didn't know of anyone else other than Razia by his side until he made the final blow. He began to wonder.

The Prince: "Both"? You mean Razia is still--?

Malik nodded to the young brother before he explained.

Malik: I thought it was too late for me... but then, I saw a woman. Dressed in a blue robe.

That quickly answered the Prince's question as his eyes widened.

The Prince: Razia. She saved you when I slayed Ratash, didn't she?

Malik: Yes. She said that there was still much work to be done. Given what has happened here, I assumed it was to atone for my arrogance. But... it was about a bigger picture. She asked if I loved my city as she did. I answered her that I have, as well as the people who dwell in it. Everything I did up to now, all of it was for them. And even now, that has not changed. Even so, I have a long way to go before I can ever truly call myself a King again. But you, on the other hand...

Malik placed his hand on the Prince's shoulder before he spoke with a proud smile on his face.

Malik: I have no doubt that one day, you will be as mighty a leader as King Solomon himself.

The Prince made a small and happy laugh before the two brothers each gave the other a warm embrace. After a moment or so, Malik spoke again to the Prince.

Malik: I am forever in your debt, brother. If you are ever in time of need, you will always have my help. Just try not to get in too much trouble.

The Prince and Malik finished the hug before the former of the two smiled upon him.

The Prince: I won't make such a promise, Malik. But I will try my best.

The brothers then shook hands with each other as the Watcher looked on from the sky.

The Watcher: Like many heroes before him, the almighty Prince of Persia, a skilled warrior, had a beginning to his long journey. But unlike many heroes, he did not always follow a straight path. In Azad, he sought glory above all else. But a costly mistake concerning the Dagger and the Sands of Time brought about a series of catastrophic events that pitted him against the likes of a wicked Vizier, the ancient Dahaka, and even his dark half. It was through these conflicts that the Prince had truly grown into a wise and noble king.

Alas, he still looked back on the lives he couldn't save. Kaileena, the Empress of Time when the Vizier used the dagger to invoke the Sands, Farah when the Sands were first released upon Azad, and his brother Malik during the seven year period prior to his chase from the Dahaka. But in this universe, Razia's essence had saved Malik. And though neither of them knew what was to come during the span of seven years, Malik will have a significant impact in changing the young Prince's destiny, and subsequently, his own.