Crisis on Earth-Prime (an Arrowverse novel)

Chapter 1: Dubai-Prime

Earth-Prime

Working for the Crown Prince of Dubai was not the easiest task but somehow Sheikh Hamdan – being one of the kindest souls I have ever met – made it easier. I still could not believe he asked me to be his assistant. Sure, I've known him my whole life but have only worked for him for the last six months.

"Sakher..." he walked in.

"Sheikh Hamdan" I said.

"Come on, we're practically family. Call me Hamdan, or Fazza, like you used to call me when you were a kid" he laughed. "How long have you been working for me now?"

"Six months and I'm still wondering why you wanted me as your assistant since I barely have a scrap of experience."

"You do a good job and truthfully, you've always been like a little brother to me."

"I was super attached to you and Rashid" I said, feeling sad that he was gone.

"I remember" he chuckled.

The last time I saw him was six years ago when I was fourteen and had been present for Rashid's funeral after he passed so suddenly. He had his issues with drugs, alcohol, and apparently had a reputation for being Dubai's notorious bad boy. Except, he was always good to me and was Hamdan's closest confidant.

I missed Rashid terribly and sometimes I wished things would have turned out differently because even though he was a 'Bad Boy' as the media had labeled him, deep down he was a good person and understood most of the 'Whys' when it came to his behavior.

Though Fazza knew a lot more but tended to shield me from the drama.

"Thank you again for all you've done for me" I said. "I never imagined I'd come back to Dubai, not after my dad's death. And she left me at my Aunt Nasreen's and she was more of a mother than my own mom ever was to me."

"Give her some time" he encouraged.

"I was an eight-year-old kid when it happened and then she left me. How much more time does she need?"

He sighed because he did not have all that great of a relationship with his parents.

"How is Nasreen?"

"She's good. I spoke to her last night and she's hoping I will reconsider and go back home but I'm not ready, to be honest."

"Stay in Dubai for as long as you want. But why don't you just move in with me? You're still living in a hotel and you haven't found a place."

"I don't want to be in the way..." then it hit me that my vigilante duties would likely cause some friction when he asked where I've been and with who.

He tended to act like the older brother I never had.

I then received a text from Laurel, telling me that they had tracked down a terrorist trying to cause havoc here. It was my cue to suit up as the Arrow and go kick bad-guy ass.

"Think about it" he looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Okay" I said and started walking toward the door until he gently grabbed my arm.

"Please" he said. "Think about it."

"I will" I smiled, then hugged him.

I left Nad Al Sheba Palace and headed to our headquarters, which was coincidentally located underneath a restaurant. It was the front for our activities and have a cover in case things got hairy.