"It's time…"
A broad smile graced Alex's features as he got up from his cross-legged sitting posture. He looked to his left and his smile deepened.
Julia and Ross, who had opened their eyes from their contemplative state, stared at Alex with confusion in their eyes. The two exchanged glances, hoping to see if the other understood what Alex meant.
Unfortunately for the two, they had no idea and could only look at Alex for an explanation. Ross and Julia got to their feet as well, looking in the same direction as Alex, but failed to see anything of interest.
"What do you mean it's time?" Julia asked, her head tilted slightly. "Was there something you were doing on the side or what? Come on, don't leave us hanging." Julia whined.
"Not something, but someone." Alex replied as he shook his head in mild amusement. "Come on…" His reply made the two furrow their brows in confusion.
However, before they could ask a follow-up, space before them tore open into a circular ring one meter in radius, connecting their location to Earth's orbit.
From this gateway, the light from the sun and the reflective atmosphere of their home planet illuminated the intergalactic space that served as their training ground.
Without delay, Alex crossed over and came to stand in orbit. Not wanting to be left behind, Julia and Ross crossed the gateway and came to stand by Alex's side, the space tear closing soon after.
Bzz…
For a split fraction of a second, the surrounding space, orbital rings and spaceships trembled as soon as Ross and Julia made their appearance. But as quickly as it occurred, it stopped.
"You might wanna hold in your auras," Alex informed the clueless duo. "You're no longer mortals. Any unconscious act on your side could collapse the solar system and the surrounding ones."
"Yo-you're kidding, right…?" Ross couldn't help but suck in a cold breath, realising just how powerful he had become.
"I would have said go ahead and try it…" Alex replied smugly. "But it will have to wait… Today is a good day, and nothing is going to ruin it."
"When you said it's time…" Julia suddenly asked, shifting her gaze from the planet below to Alex. "... you were talking about your sister, right? She's due." Her words finally made Ross realise what Alex was on about.
Unlike the redhead, the moment she held in her existential aura, she mulled over Alex's words and came to the realisation that only a few things could make him this happy.
His family and she…
The Knight princess had been with Alex throughout the temporal acceleration. That left his family… and the last time she saw them, Olivia was pregnant.
"Yep." Alex nodded, focusing his gaze on the planet. His eyes were already locked on the hospital's maternal ward, where professionals were attending to Olivia.
Things were proceeding smoothly, and with Alex himself around, nothing could go wrong.
"Uncle Alex, huh?" Ross teased lightly, winking at him. "It has a nice ring to it, hehe. Uncle Alex…"
"Hmph!" Julia snorted as she looked away, folding her arms over her chest. Her behaviour left the redhead confused, but Alex was more than aware of what his woman was thinking.
'Not now, hun…' He silently transmitted to her. 'But soon…' The assurance brought a smile to her pretty face. Of course, she did everything to look unfazed by it, but failed miserably.
"What's with her?" Ross asked cluelessly, looking at Alex and then back at Julia. She was happy one second ago, then she got annoyed for no apparent reason, and now… she was all smiles.
It made no sense to him.
"Who knows?" Alex shrugged with a smug smile. Shifting his gaze, he looked in the direction of the control room of the Alpha Orbital Ring and nodded curtly.
[Sorry for interrupting your operations, chief.] Alexander's voice echoed from the sound system, making everyone who heard him freeze in place. [We'll be out of your hair soon.]
"I-It's no trouble, Lord Alexander." The chief in charge of operations replied as he swallowed hard. "Please, take your time." He couldn't imagine himself reprimanding Alexander for such a 'trivial' offence.
The immediate space above the planet was a no-fly zone for awakeners as spaceships utilised the space for their operations. While the exact spot he and his friends stood did not block any paths, the practice was not allowed.
[Thank you.] His voice echoed one last time before his gaze shifted, allowing the operators to breathe easy.
"Let's go. He's almost here."
He said to his friends as he allowed himself to free-fall towards the planet. Breaking into the atmosphere, his body ignited in flames, and with a resounding boom, disappeared past the clouds.
"Wait!"
Julia called out as she rushed after Alex, Ross not far behind. However, Alex was already gone, leaving the duo speechless.
Even with their enhanced eyesight, they failed to see him. Strangely enough, they knew exactly where he was headed, so they had no trouble flying towards the hospital.
Moreover, they were more than powerful enough to move at light speed and beyond. But they couldn't tap into their full capabilities, and they knew Alex was responsible for.
'Our control must suck for him to do this.' Ross was quick to see through Alex's intent. 'But a bit of an adjustment period will do wonders.'
For now, their powers were sealed — just in case.
...
In the maternity ward of the best hospital in Central City, Alex himself, his parents and younger brother were gathered in the waiting area just outside the theatre.
William paced around anxiously, his eyes constantly shifting towards the theatre doors and then to the floor. Sarah, on the other hand, sat on the bench while clutching the hands of her two boys, who sat on her left and right side.
Despite all the assurances Alex gave them, his parents could not calm their nerves. More than once, he had used his essence to calm them. However, that seemed to have no effect as they would fall into their previous states soon after.
It couldn't be helped.
"Mom, Ross and Julia are here. I'll go get them." Alex said to his mom as he got to his feet. He gave her a reassuring squeeze before breaking contact. "And don't worry too much, Olivia and your grandchild will be fine."
"Mm." Sarah nodded as she watched Alex move towards the swinging doors and exit the waiting room. She looked at her husband, who understood her gaze and came to sit in the spot Alex vacated.