“I agree, just promise me you won’t put yourself in so much danger next time.”
“Sometimes I feel like danger has a way of finding me.”
“You inherit that from your mother,” Milo joked.
“You’re truly a remarkable person, Alex and I’m so proud to be your mother.”
“Thanks, I feel the same way about you. I’m glad you’re my mother. And as soon as we get arrested and thrown back in prison, we can get back to that quality mother-daughter time that we’ve grown accustomed to.”
“Something tells me you won’t have to worry about going back to prison after what you’ve done. I still can’t believe that you, my daughter, are responsible for such a monumental moment in human history. It feels so surreal and I couldn’t be more proud of you. I love you, Alex.”
“I love you too, mum, but what about you? Do you think you’ll go back to prison?”
“We’ll see. So far nobody has come looking for me and this place is swarming with guardians.”
Alex decided to change the subject. “Mum, I’ve been literally dying to ask you a very important question.”
“What is it honey?”
“How do you like the new sky?”
“It may take me a while to get used to it, but I like the blue sky better.”
Chapter Fifty-Two
During her stay, a large crowd had gathered outside the hospital to show their support. The media had been running stories about the famous Alexandra Gray all week. By now, she had become the most well-known individual on the planet. Every detail of her life was on public display from her upbringing, her famous family ties, to her heroic salvation of the planet. Alex had inspired people in such a way that they viewed her as a gift from god – an angel who miraculously descended from the heavens to save humankind. Everyone was praising her, and some were even moved to tears simply by being in her presence. She was used to receiving a lot of attention in the past, but nothing compared to this. When news of her release was broadcasted, the entire planet tuned in to hear the words from their saviour. Guardians came out in droves to manage the crowd.
“You’re live in three, two…” the camera man said as he held up his index finger.
“Hi, I am Marika Martens for the Global News Network. I’m here live at the Megalopolis hospital, awaiting the release of Alexandra Gray. Joining me in this historic celebration are thousands of people who are here to show their support and appreciation for what the courageous young prodigy has done for the planet and for human civilization.”
The doors slid open and Alex emerged from the hospital with Milo, Aris, and Mara by her side. The sound from the crowd was deafening as nearly five-thousand people simultaneously applauded Alex for her courage. Alex stood at the top of the stairs, waving to the crowd and displaying her perfect smile with cute dimples.
“Thank you for saving us, Alex!” someone screamed out from the crowd.
“Alex, over here!” people shouted as cameras flashed from every direction.
Alex was handed a microphone and waited for the crowd to settle down before she began to speak. Mara and her henchmen stood near – there would be no protesters at this rally.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” she began. Nearly everyone from around the world stopped whatever they were doing to listen to what Alex was about to say. “I appreciate your support through this trying time, it really means a lot to me.”
“We love you, Alex!” an anonymous voice professed.
“I stand before you completely humbled. I didn’t ask for any of this attention and praise, but I am truly honoured you herald me as your saviour. The truth is, I was just one small part in a much larger operation. I could not have done it without my mother, her friends, as well as my two best friends.”
The crowd once again put their hands together to celebrate Mara, Milo, and Aris, who were happy to be basking in the adulation that spilled off from Alex.
When the crowd came to a rest, Alex proceeded.
“I just want to say, we are all in this together. Individuality is important, but we must use this situation as a reminder that we need each other to survive. No one is an island. Even if you’re the Leader of the New World, you will not have all the answers, you need other people. Genius comes in many forms and if you empower the right people and empower yourself, unbelievable things can happen.”
Before she could complete her speech, someone in the crowd yelled out, “Since Maxim Morrison has relinquished his Leadership duties, do you have any intention of succeeding your father’s reign?”
It was a great question and an interesting proposal, one that Alex had not considered before. Her popularity was at an all-time high so winning an election would be a realistic possibility. She took a moment and scanned the crowd before responding. Everyone remained frozen in anticipation of her answer. She saw so many faces, both young and old, looking up to her for guidance and leadership.
“We’ll see,” she said simply. “Thank you all for coming out and giving me your support,” Alex said as she waved to the crowd.
The people once again erupted in a roaring wave of cheers as Alex was escorted into an awaiting vehicle. As the vehicle elevated off the ground, Alex looked out the window at the crowd and took great solace in seeing the joy on so many people’s faces. She knew from that moment, her life would be forever changed.
“Alex, what are you thinking about?” Milo asked.
Alex paused and looked over at him and Aris, who were sitting across from her. “When I was on the island I asked myself why the universe was so cruel to good people, and now I realize two things.”
“What are they?” Milo asked.
“First, the universe does not reward kindness,” she said, holding back her emotions. Her mother put her arm around her and hugged her. “You need to be kind for the sake of being kind, not because of the rewards you may receive. Even if your kindness, or courage, or ingenuity changes the world, you are not owed a single thing in return.”
“What was the second thing?” Aris asked impatiently.
“The universe works in mysterious ways,” she said rather cryptically without offering a further explanation. As the craft raced through the city, Alex returned her gaze out the window once again, looking at the sky. A subtle smile came across her face.
Her recent experience on the island taught her a valuable lesson: no matter how intelligent she was, there were forces that were greater and more powerful than her. Despite millions of people worshiping her, and the inspiring speech she had delivered, she knew the truth of what happened on that island. Left to her own devices, she would have died and become another helpless victim to the powerful Mother Nature. That was a truly humbling experience and perhaps the last of her trials as she prepared for the next chapter of her life.
###
Prodigy Eternal (book 2)
Chapter One
Tokyo — 2119
The constant awe and admiration of staring eyes had become too much for Alex to bear. She had been hiding for the past year, moving from place to place and trying to find purpose. While discovering what the world had to offer beyond the confines of her home in Megalopolis, Alex mainly ended up in population-dense cities since they provided the best cover.
With a proper disguise, she integrated inconspicuously amongst the people without the risk of being identified. There were a few instances where savvy pedestrians would stare at her face for a little longer than she felt comfortable with. Their curious eyes would study her flawless bone structure and wonder if they had inadvertently stumbled upon the famous and elusive Alexandra Gray. But before they settled on a conclusion, Alex would vanish like an apparition, leaving them with nothing but doubt and a fleeting memory.
Reports of sightings would invariably emerge with people claiming to have had genuine encounters. Tall tales and rumours travelled through close circles of friends and eventually spread out like a virus, infecting the ears of anyone with an interest. With each story and occasi
onal blurry image that was captured, her legend grew stronger. Having one of the most recognizable faces on the planet didn’t make lying low any easier. Even the best disguises were not immune to the diligent observation of those who were on the lookout for her.
Hiding behind large sunglasses and a full head wrap, Alex approached a market in the busy Shinjuku district of the Japanese metropolis. Fully immersed in the orderly chaos, she slinked her way through the crowds of people until she reached a vendor selling frozen fish. Amongst the chatter between customers and merchants, haggling over prices, Alex heard a siren in the background and tensed up. She was not wanted by the authorities, but the discomfort of knowing she had broken several laws with impunity never left her. The sirens faded and the voice of a shouting man flooded her ears.
“Miss, hello, do you want to buy?” the vendor asked.
Alex snapped out of her daze and regained her focus.
“You want to buy fish?” the man asked.
“I’m just looking, thanks,” Alex said politely.
“Next customer, please!” the man shouted.
Everything about Tokyo was unique. It was unlike any other spot she had been, and she felt more like she had landed on another planet than in another city. The customs and behaviour of the people were noticeably different. Despite what she had learned at the Facility, the once touted ‘global super-culture’ was showing signs of divergence. The architecture was similar to her home of Megalopolis, but distinctive at the same time. Tall glass-covered structures stretched up beyond the clouds and out of sight, while colourful lights and floating holograms sparkled across the night sky.
Alex manoeuvered passed the fish vendor and squeezed through a barking herd of customers. As she made her way to the subway, a familiar face on a large screen caught her attention. The sound from the news broadcast poured out from concealed speakers and into the crowd, but no one seemed to be paying any attention. Alex stopped and watched, even if it would only be for a few moments.
“Hi, I am Marika Martens for the Global News Network, and we are gearing up for what will be a historic event this weekend. This Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of when our planet was saved by the heroic Alexandra Gray. There have been many rumours and speculation as to Miss Gray’s whereabouts, but one thing is for certain, history will forever remember this young prodigy.
“Joining us live is one of Alex’s closest friends, Milo Rion. Milo, welcome to our program.”
“I’m happy to be here, thank you for having me.”
“Milo, you are one of Alex’s closest friends and have become somewhat of a celebrity yourself. How has your life changed since that fateful day, and how do you intend to celebrate this Saturday?”
“I appreciate some of the spillover attention I’ve received, but that has mostly died down now. I get the odd person recognizing me here or there, but honestly my life hasn’t changed all that much. I’m still picking away at my school requirements with the hopes of graduating soon. As for how I intend to celebrate — I don’t know, I haven’t really given it much thought. I’m just thankful to have had Alex as part of my life for as long as I did. So I suppose more so than other times, this Saturday I will be reflecting back on some of the special moments we’ve shared together.”
“I’m sure you get this question all the time, but I have to ask — where is Alex?”
“You know, I wish I knew, but we haven’t spoken in a long time. I hear the rumours just like everyone else and am left to wonder where she is and what she has been up to.”
“If she is watching this, is there anything you would like to say to her?”
“Alex, if you’re watching, I just want to say that I miss you very much and I hope you are safe.”
A single tear emerged from behind Alex’s glasses and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away and sniffled.
“We’re now going to play a clip from Alex’s last public appearance, where she addressed millions of adoring fans all over the world.”
“I stand before you completely humbled. I didn’t ask for any of this attention and praise, but I am truly honoured you herald me as your saviour. The truth is, I was just one small part of a much larger operation. I could not have done it without my mother, her friends, as well as my two best friends…”
As the footage played, Alex was nowhere in sight, having dispersed into the crowd like a whisper in the wind.
Prodigy Eternal is now available in ebook stores everywhere!
###
Edward Mullen is a novelist, blogger, and podcaster from Vancouver, Canada. Prodigy is his second novel.
Born and raised in beautiful British Columbia, Edward developed a love for the wilderness. This love, combined with an innate curiosity about all things, eventually spawned a healthy imagination for storytelling.
Despite spending a lot of his time indoors writing, Edward continues to enjoy the outdoors. He is an avid tennis player, mountain biker, snowboarder, runner, and traveler.
For more information about Edward Mullen, such as his podcast, blog, or upcoming books, please visit:
www.EdwardMullen.com
Prodigy Page 20
