Chapter 3: Chapter 3
After the stormy emotions subsided, Mark and Nolan descended from the cloud, returning to solid ground. The weight of their shared revelations lingered in the air, yet there was a general understanding that they needed time to comprehend the complexity of their new situation.
Mark decided to take the day off to recover from the shock and conflicted feelings. He had been emotionally drained by the discoveries of his father's past and the true nature of the Viltrumites. A day of rest felt important in order to deal with the internal turmoil and address the challenges that lay ahead.
Nolan sighed internally as he saw Mark's downcast gaze, reminding himself that Mark was just a little kid, and decided to do one last thing to reassure him that everything was going to be okay. His stern demeanor softened as he approached Mark. The air crackled with tension, but Nolan's arms unexpectedly enveloped his son in a tight embrace. Mark, caught off guard, felt the strong, protective grip.
"I love you, Mark," Nolan whispered, the words hanging in the air. His son's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden change. The harsh exterior seemed to crumble, revealing a depth of emotion Mark hadn't seen before.
Nolan continued, "I love your mother, too, no matter how much you think I'm a monster. We're family, and that means something to me."
Mark, still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions, felt an unexpected warmth in his father's embrace. The sincerity in Nolan's words cut through the tension, and for a moment, Mark allowed himself to believe that beneath the complicated layers, there was a genuine connection between them.
The admission of love, especially in the midst of the turmoil, struck a chord in Mark. His dad's past and the challenges they faced as a family seemed momentarily softened by the simple yet powerful declaration. Mark, his initial surprise giving way to a subtle sense of comfort, tentatively reciprocated the embrace.
Debbie, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, walked in on the unexpected father-son embrace. She couldn't resist the opportunity to playfully mess with them.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" She teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Am I interrupting?"
Nolan and Mark, still in the midst of the embrace, quickly pulled away, a hint of embarrassment coloring their expressions. Nolan cleared his throat, attempting to regain composure. "Uh, Debbie, it's not what it looks like."
Debbie chuckled, enjoying the rare sight of Nolan's stern facade momentarily cracking. "Oh, come on. I'm just glad to see you two getting along for once. Maybe there's hope for you yet."
Mark, still processing the rollercoaster of emotions, couldn't help but join in the lighthearted banter. "Yeah, Dad was just trying to convince me not to rebel against bedtime rules." Nolan shot Mark a glare while Debbie laughed.
Nolan rolled his eyes. "Whatever, I'm going on patrol now. see you guys later." With his piece said, Nolan flew away. Mark and Debbie weren't fast enough to stop Nolan.
Mark and Debbie exchanged bemused glances as Nolan swiftly departed without his usual superhero flair. Mark couldn't help but chuckle. "Did dad just run away? He even forgot to put on his costume."
Debbie laughed, shaking her head. "Well, he's got a lot on his plate. I guess even the mighty Omni-Man can be clumsy at times." She walked closer to Mark. "So what did you guys talk about? Did your dad ban you from dating that pretty girl you have been seeing recently?"
Mark gave his mother a wry smile. "Nah, nothing like that. Just some father-son bonding, you know, the usual superhero stuff." He attempted to play it off casually, aware of the agreement he had with his dad to keep certain details under wraps.
Debbie raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "Superhero stuff, huh? Well, as long as you two aren't planning any surprise attacks on the kitchen for midnight snacks, I think I can handle it."
Mark chuckled. "No midnight snack attacks, I promise. Just your average, everyday superhero drama."
Debbie shook her head with a smile. "Well, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here for you, sweetheart. Whether it's superhero drama or just your hormones getting the better of you."
Nolan hovered in the vastness of space, contemplating the delicate balance he needed to maintain. His mind buzzed with the weight of responsibilities—protecting Earth, keeping his family safe, and now, addressing the looming issue of contacting the Viltrum Empire without revealing the upheavals on Earth.
With a deep breath, Nolan activated the communicator hidden within his suit. A holographic interface materialized before him, displaying the familiar Viltrumite symbols. He hesitated for a moment, his thoughts racing through the potential consequences of his actions.
Clearing his mind, Nolan transmitted a carefully crafted message, choosing his words to convey an air of normalcy. "Viltrum Empire, this is Nolan. All is well on Earth. I have successfully maintained order and eliminated potential threats. Communication was temporarily disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, but everything is under control now. No further intervention is required."
Nolan's eyes narrowed as the stern visage of the Viltrumite materialized on the holographic device. "Is earth ready to join the empire or not, Nolan?" The directness of the inquiry cut through any illusions of normalcy he had tried to convey.
Swallowing a hint of unease, he responded with calculated confidence, "Earth is not yet ready for assimilation. There are still elements of resistance that require my attention. I assure you, the process is ongoing, and Earth will be brought into the fold in due time."
The Viltrumite's expression remained impassive, and Nolan couldn't shake the feeling that his words were being scrutinized. A tense silence lingered before the Viltrumite spoke again, "Ensure that the assimilation progresses according to the designated timeline, Nolan. Failure to meet the established benchmarks will not be tolerated." The holographic connection terminated abruptly, leaving Nolan in a momentary state of contemplation.
"I'd like to see you try," he muttered angrily. Nolan's words carried a steely determination, the frustration with the Viltrum Empire simmering beneath the surface. As he prepared to return to Earth, a defiant spark in his eyes hinted at a resolve to protect the world below. Even if it meant challenging the oppressive forces of the Viltrumites, Nolan was ready to stand against them.
Nolan, feeling the weight of his actions and the unresolved tension from the conversation with the Viltrumite, returned home with a purposeful stride. The playful glances from Mark and Debbie were avoided as he retreated to his room to don the familiar Omni-Man costume. Each piece of the suit felt like a layer of the complex identity he was trying to maintain.
As he adjusted the iconic red and white uniform, Nolan couldn't help but reflect on the symbolic significance it held. For the people here, it had become their salvation, even more so once the fate of the original Guardians of the Globe was disclosed. Nolan looked himself in the mirror. 'And I have to give a speech to the people in a few days too.'
Exiting his room, Nolan was once again Omni-Man, the symbol of Earth's mightiest protector. He would have to pay a visit to the recently established new Guardians of the Globe. The old him would have been appalled to even consider it, but now he felt a strange sense of duty and a desire to contribute to the defense of Earth in a way that aligned with his own moral compass.
Nolan, now clad in the iconic Omni-Man costume, emerged from his room with a determined air. The weight of the suit felt both familiar and burdensome. The playful glances from Mark and Debbie were met with a stern nod, his mind already preoccupied with the responsibilities that awaited.
The journey to the headquarters of the new Guardians of the Globe was swift, with the wind rushing past him as he soared through the skies. The city below seemed to blur and create a blend of lights. As he approached the headquarters, the gravity of his decision to collaborate with the new team settled in.
Nolan touched down outside the headquarters, his cape billowing in the wind as he surveyed the scene. The forensic team worked diligently; their presence was a reminder of the recent tragedy that had befallen the original Guardians of the Globe. The weight of their massacre was still present, creating a somber atmosphere that Nolan couldn't ignore.
There was one small problem: there were no new guardians yet, just a forensic team still investigating. It seems like he visited a tap too soon. And now he had to speak with Cecil, of all people.
Approaching the entrance, Nolan was met by Cecil Stedman, the man behind the scenes orchestrating much of the superhero activity on Earth. Cecil's expression was a mix of acknowledgment and skepticism as he greeted Nolan.
"Omni-Man," Cecil began, his tone measured. "To what do we owe the unexpected visit? I assumed you would be busy preparing your speech." Nolan didn't miss the undertone of suspicion. It seems like he was going to have to work harder and faster before things escalate sooner rather than later.
Nolan met Cecil's gaze with a stoic expression."Cecil, I felt it was time to contribute more directly to the defense of Earth. Recent events have shown that we need a united front against potential threats. I'm willing to work with the new Guardians of the Globe, share my experience, and ensure that we're prepared for whatever comes our way."
Cecil's eyes narrowed slightly, his scrutiny evident. "Your willingness to collaborate is noted, Omni-Man. However, we have everything covered; why don't you go back home and rest a while longer?" Cecil was, in reality, cursing in his mind. of all the things he has to deal with now.
He was fairly suspicious of Nolan and wanted to clear his doubts, but having him join the new team was risky. Not without merit, it could allow Nolan to be under surveillance until he could be sure his old friend wasn't a mass murderer who betrayed everything and everyone.
Nolan's jaw tightened at Cecil's response, the suspicion in the air almost palpable. He understood that trust wasn't easily regained, especially after the betrayal orchestrated by his previous self. The tension between them hung in the air as Nolan contemplated his next move.
'Do I really have to explain to him what happened?' Nolan thought for a few seconds before something occurred to him. 'I can blame it all on Viltrum, can't I?' If Darkblood's talent involves tapping into a specific point in time linked to the blood, changing bodies may break the temporal connection, making it more difficult for Darkblood to appropriately interpret the events.
Cecil's expression remained guarded, but a hint of contemplation flickered in his eyes as he looked at his old friend. He weighed the potential benefits of having Omni-Man on the team against the risks of a potential betrayal. The recent events had left him cautious, and Nolan's sudden offer to collaborate raised more questions than assurances.
"Omni-Man, your commitment to Earth is not in question. However, recent events have left scars that won't easily fade. I need time to consider the implications of your involvement with the new Guardians. We'll be in touch when a decision has been reached."
Nolan nodded, his frustration held in check as he understood the delicate nature of the situation. "I'll be waiting for your decision, Cecil. In the meantime, I'll focus on preparing for the upcoming challenges."
As Nolan prepared to take to the skies once more, Cecil's voice halted him in his tracks. "Omni-Man, before you go," Cecil began, his gaze intent, "did you happen to see who did it? Anyone out of the ordinary?"
Nolan turned to face Cecil, his expression serious. "No, Cecil. It happened too fast. I couldn't see who was responsible. but I have a feeling as to who it was." It was now or never; this lie could potentially change everything.
Cecil's eyes narrowed as he awaited Nolan's response. The weight of the situation hung in the air, and the urgency to identify the culprits behind the massacre pressed upon them.
Nolan hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I believe it was Thragg. They've been a growing threat, and their methods align with the brutality displayed in the attack on the Guardians of the Globe." He would feel bad if it weren't for the fact that Thragg was worse than what he was being accused of.
Cecil's expression shifted—a mix of confusion and contemplation. That was a name he had never heard before. "Thragg?" Cecil repeated, his brow furrowing. "I'm not familiar with that name. Who or what is Thragg, and why would they target the Guardians of the Globe?"
Nolan took a moment, gauging Cecil's reaction. "Thragg is a formidable adversary, a leader among a race of extraterrestrial beings. They have a history of conquest and brutality. If my suspicions are correct, they see Earth as a potential target for expansion. The attack on the Guardians could be a prelude to a larger invasion."
Cecil absorbed the information, his mind racing to process the new threat Nolan had presented. "An extraterrestrial invasion? That's a significant escalation. We need more information on this Thragg and their capabilities. If they're a danger to Earth, we can't afford to underestimate them."
Nolan nodded, his expression grave. "I'll do what I can to gather more intelligence on Thragg. If they're indeed behind this, we need to be prepared. Earth's defenses must be strengthened."
Cecil sighed, the weight of the responsibility settling on his shoulders. "Very well, Omni-Man. Keep me informed, and we'll coordinate our efforts to address this new threat. For now, go rest; you've been through a lot."
Nolan soared through the skies, his frustration simmering beneath the stoic facade of Omni-Man. The fabricated threat of Thragg hung heavy on his conscience, a necessary deception to divert suspicion and protect the fragile peace he was attempting to rebuild. However, he couldn't bring himself to own up to the truth behind his origins.
Nolan knew that sooner or later, the fabricated narrative of Thragg would be scrutinized. He needed to find a way to solidify the illusion, to present a convincing narrative that would divert attention from the deeper, more unsettling truth. The delicate balance he sought to maintain required finesse and strategic maneuvering, and Nolan was well aware that time was of the essence.
'I got it. I will deny any connection I have to Viltrum. We can live for thousands of years. no one here knows what I have really been up to before arriving to earth.' As Nolan pondered his next steps, he realized that a key element in maintaining the illusion was to deny any connection to Viltrum. The people of Earth, unaware of the Viltrumite history and the nuances of Nolan's true identity, were vulnerable to the narratives he presented.
As Nolan pondered his next steps, he realized that a key element in maintaining the illusion was to deny any connection to Viltrum—the current Viltrum, that is. The people of Earth, unaware of the Viltrumite history and the nuances of Nolan's true identity, were vulnerable to the narratives he presented. Only his son could offer a counterargument, but that was a moot point, knowing how much he was willing to do just to be by his side.
"Viltrum changed after millenia of striving for the betterment of the galaxy. They lost their way, and now they are trying to conquer everything with the excuse of sharing their wealth with weaker planets. causing endless massacres wherever they go."
The narrative began to take shape in Nolan's mind. He would present Viltrum as a once-noble civilization that had lost its way over the millennia. By emphasizing the shift in Viltrum's values and portraying himself as a dissenter who rebelled against their oppressive regime, Nolan hoped to create a believable backstory that would align with the fabricated threat of Thragg.
Angry Viltrumites shouting "traitor" at him should make the ordeal trivial.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone