~ By Adeel Ahmed

Rated PG-13 for violence and language

Author’s Note: These are excerpts from a series of stories by Adeel Ahmed. The world is an alternative history Earth where Mythology and humans with special abilities existed through human history. It combines fantasy, Wuxia and superhero genres into it.

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“He was scanning Super and Myth children, trying to mimic their powers in machines,” said Khalid, the boy showing a bunch of numbers to Zenon in the airport lobby. Her twelve-year-old mind did not understand.

“Didn’t seem to do much. Winona took out those robots,” said Zenon chewing on her large bottom lip.

“Of course, dummy. If mimicking powers were easy or even possible, the world governments would have done it a long time ago. Though I am very intrigued by the concept,” said Khalid rubbing his chin.

“I guess this is goodbye huh?” said Zenon softly.

“It doesn’t have to be. Think, idiot,” said Khalid handing her a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” said Zenon as she took it from his hand.

“You can send me mail from here. My mother will screen it; she does that kind of thing.  But I can accept it, she says. She is allowing it, strangely. It’s unlike her,” said Khalid.

“I’m…going to miss you, buddy. My buddy,” said Zenon pulling Khalid into a hug.

“Promise one thing, boob brain,” said Khalid, “Promise me. Become a hero. A protector. You have it in you to protect. Remember that.”

Zenon watched him walk slowly away, his words reminded her of her mother’s words, before she was hurt, destined to die.

Zenon listened closely to Khalid, using her powerful hearing.

“Oh, Allah. Please forever make her a symbol of hope. Never take that beauty away from her. Never let her see what Winona and I see. If such things happen, let her heart remain clean like sweet Winona. Let her please always have this noor about her. May we cross paths again one day. Forever and ever. Ameen.”

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Image Credit: David Liew