The rest of the week quickly went by, and it was now time for the one-week-long break before the first-years' competition. The students were all preparing to return home. Some already lived on Mars while others had to make a trip back to Earth.
Julia had to remain on Mars as the planet was where her home was. She was saddened about the separation but did not make it obvious to Alex and Ross. She went with them to the interplanetary teleportation hub where she bid farewell to Alex and Ross, making them promise to keep in touch every day.
...….
Alex was met at the teleportation by his family. His father, mother and older sister. But his younger brother was missing. When he asked about him, he was told he was in school.
"Colour me impressed, brother. You look so different, not to mention the air around you. I bet the girls are all over you." Olivia teased as they made their way to the station.
Currently, Alex was 16 years old and fast approaching 17. However, his stature made him appear like a young man. His muscles had become well-defined, and he stood at a height of 1.8 metres. But to hunters whose biology evolved with levelling up, it was to be expected.
"You know me, sis. I don't go around chasing girls." He responded with a slight smile.
"Besides…"
He left that unsaid and turned around to focus on the path leading to the air train station.
Olivia was initially confused as to why he would start a sentence and then leave it at that. But then her mind quickly caught up and she squealed in excitement, drawing the attention of the people around them.
Catching herself acting like a little girl, she recomposed herself before asking in a hushed tone.
"Are you already dating Julia?" Her question also drew the attention of their parents who were walking ahead of them.
Alex simply shrugged without responding. He didn't even know why he made such a statement. And after being bothered by his sister for the latter part of their way to secure their seats, he finally gave in and replied.
"No, there is nothing going on at the moment. With all the academy stuff going on, I want things to settle a bit before saying anything."
Despite appearing as if he was inattentive to the subtle looks he received from Julia, he was very much aware. And he also felt the same.
'Not yet.'
He still wants to find a solution to his dilemma. Olivia appeared disappointed by her brother's response and chided him for not being man enough.
"Olivia, just leave your brother alone. He will make his move when he is ready" Their mother interjected, calming down Olivia before she chewed her brother's face off.
Sometime later, they arrived home, and Alex's mother decided to make something small for Alex, despite his reluctance. While waiting for her to finish, Alex, his father and Olivia sat at the dining table making small talk about the various things he learned at the academy.
However, soon after, Alex noticed a look his father was giving Olivia who pretended as if she did not notice.
"Is there something I should know about?" He asked with narrowed eyes. There was something going on he wasn't aware of.
Olivia looked at her brother's piercing gaze and gave in. She sighed before explaining her situation.
"It started a few days ago, and I'm not sure if it's just my imagination, but I get the feeling of being followed around."
Her words made him furrow his brows in thought. A few theories came in mind as to the reason, but he waited for her to finish her words.
"The feeling always starts when I close from work. Even amidst the people on the street, the feeling won't go away. And whoever the person was, it seems they have no intention of making their presence known."
"Your sister may not show it, but we've noticed how it's affecting her state of mind." Added his father. He looked over to his mother and when their eyes met, she nodded.
Alex went silent, thinking about the issue. The place became quiet as they waited for him to think through what he heard. As awakened, their senses were sharper than normal and if their instinct warms them about something, it definitely meant something.
"Have you been doing anything different as of late?" He inquired, getting a no in reply.
'Lifestyle hasn't changed. She is not in any relationship either. So, what could be the reason?' He couldn't come up with anything concrete and the ones he came up with, he shot down as they sounded too ridiculous to consider.
"Did you experience the same thing yesterday as well?"
"Yes. But today I took a day off to come meet you." She replied. Her response made it seem as though, whoever they were, knew of her schedule.
'This is troublesome.'
Alex was still not aware of the security detail his family had. But after months of no one troubling them due to Alex's own nature of staying low-key, the number of personnel had reduced and were not as vigilant as before. They mostly watched the area where their home was located.
Of course, Zol Knight was not aware of this as the men hired to take care of this still reported no incident.
Alex then suggested, "How about tomorrow I come to get you once you close from work?"
His suggestion was welcomed as Olivia grinned. The thought of her younger brother taking the initiative to protect her warmed her soul. But more importantly, with his strength and what he has learned, they could get to the bottom of the issue.
Shortly after, Alex had his fill of the small dish and noticed the time. He stood up and said, "I will be going to pick Aaron today. Wanna surprise him."
"Do be careful, okay? And don't get in trouble on your way back?" His mom said.
"You know me ma, when have I ever started a fight?" He asked, feigning hurt before walking out.