The three leaders immediately got wind of Elina moving to Alex's house and from what their people deduced, it appeared as though Alexander was back.
After all, after their talk with the hateful and crazy woman, they kept an eye on her movements. She stayed close to the Grays but didn't always go there for a visit.
But today was different as their spies reported how abnormal her behaviour was. It was akin to a child being taken to the amusement park.
"The boy's back," Basso said as he got up. "Come on. We have to make the boy understand a few things."
Despite his words, he knew they had no leverage over him. Alex could beat them black and blue and there was nothing they could do about it.
They felt humiliated about this but also understood the principle of the strongest being in charge.
However, when they attempted to leave Mars, a voice that sent a chill down their spine resounded in their ears.
'Don't come here,' The voice belonged to Alexander. 'I'll personally come and see you once I'm ready. And this time, I'll take the lead.'
"Tsk!" Zara snorted in outrage. "The nerve of that boy… I knew he was just a bastard waiting to gain the power to do as he pleased. Now he dares to order us around."
But then, something else resounded in her ears-- only for her.
'Don't think I don't know what you did, woman.' The voice was much colder, lacking any form of respect to an elder. 'I'll deal with you once I'm done.'
Zara froze in her spot, her eyes wide with horror. Sweat covered her brows while her body shivered slightly.
'Shit!' She cursed inwardly. 'I'm fucked.!'
"We have to leave right now!" Zara exclaimed and made a run for her spaceship.
Her odd behaviour caught the others off guard. "What is wrong with her?" Basso asked Jaseph who simply shrugged.
"Haa… whatever." Basso sighed and settled in his comfy chair. "At this point, we're all but useless."
......
Alex walked down the stairs with Julia cradled in his arms like nothing happened.
With the ability to split his awareness, he could do multiple tasks at once and no one would be the wiser.
In the living room, everyone got up once Alex appeared in their view. Their smiles brought a smile to his face.
To avoid ruining things for himself, he shut most of his passive abilities down, specifically his eyes and senses.
"This time it only took you a month," Olivia said, pretending to check the calendar on her device. "Try to make it shorter, would you?"
"Sure." Alex smiled and stepped forward. He let Julia down and gave his sister a hug.
"Whatever happens, I'll always find my way back." He whispered in her ears, a silent promise to himself rather than to Olivia.
"Mm," Olivia nodded with eyes closed, feeling the warmth of her baby brother. She couldn't help but recall the time Alexander was born. 'He was so tiny back then… but now…'
Her emotions almost spilled just imagining how things were for them back then.
The two separated a moment later and Alex turned to his parents. The old couple couldn't be prouder as they embraced Alex.
The hug conveyed all the unspoken words and feelings, and Alex accepted all of them in equal measure.
With the exchange of pleasantries and nods out of the way, everyone took a seat and waited for the story they knew Alex was going to tell them.
Naturally, Alex made sure to exclude the part where he almost got killed. However, his parents noticed something while Alexander was narrating.
'He feels guilty for all that destruction,' William mused with a heavy heart. 'It's a heavy burden to carry on your own son. I wish I had a way to take that from your shoulders.'
A firm press of his hands from Sarah made him turn to her. Sarah knew her husband well enough to know what he was thinking. After all, she also felt the same.
There was a moment of silence as everyone took in his words. They might not truly grasp the sheer magnitude of what happened, but they knew it was a heavy burden.
"You're not alone, Alexander." Elina broke the silence, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm sure everyone here can more or less tell what you plan to do next.
"And that's why I'm here. With your power, you can make The Order carry out the mission you're set to embark on while you focus on other matters."
Alex looked around and noticed how everyone looked at him. 'I'm that obvious, huh? And she is right…'
"We've gotten to a point where speed and efficiency are all that matters. Regardless of what some people might think, you do what you have to do and I'll handle the rest."
"Son, take her offer." William chipped in, eager to relieve the burden on his son. "Since you returned, you've been on the move more times than I can count. You're powerful and that comes with a great responsibility.
"But no one said you should take it all on yourself. Who knows what could have happened if this power of yours was in someone's hand? This world (universe) is lucky to have you."
Alex could feel the emotions in his father's words as well as his desire to help him.
"Yes, father." Alex agreed and turned to Elina. "Gather the members of The Order and I will see to it that they're all equipped with the means to deal with the void creatures.
"It's time to rid the empire of the monsters that plague our nightmares. Also, …"
Alex stood up and turned to the left wall, Hisbgaze piercing through the obstacles to settle on Mars. "...there are a few words I wish to share with the people."
Elina instantly understood what he wanted. She got up and stepped closer, but Julia was a step faster. She threw her a glare which Elina ignored.
"Then I'll get everything set up on my end." The white lady said with a beaming smile behind her veil. "You still have the leaders to talk to speak with."
"Mm," Alex nodded as everyone watched Elina leave the estate. Then he turned to his family and said, "There are a few things I want to share with everyone but for now…"
They all nodded knowing he meant the leaders.
"Be careful, son." William stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulders.
"Always…" Alex nodded and turned to leave. However, Julia grabbed his hand, her intention clear as day.
"Why not…?"