Chapter 2

As the night settled in, Nolan found himself sharing a bed with Debbie, the familiarity of their shared space offering a sense of comfort that surprised him. He was grateful that Debbie had insisted on a more restrained approach to their intimacy, seeing how he was and deeming it necessary for him to rest.

Debbie, sensing Nolan's unease, gave him a reassuring smile. "We'll take things one step at a time, Nolan. There's no rush. Right now, let's focus on getting some rest. You can always take me to that lovely beach I've always wanted to visit." she kissed him on the cheek before tucking in.

Nolan smiled, touched by her words. The idea of a simple, idyllic life with Debbie seemed like a distant dream, yet the warmth of her presence made it feel within reach. As they lay side by side, the quiet of the night enveloped them.

The moonlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. Nolan couldn't shake the awareness that this fragile peace was built on a foundation of half-truths and carefully concealed secrets. The thought lingered as he closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would offer a temporary respite from the complexities that defined his waking hours. The fact that he was just accepting all of this on its own should be scary, but he would power through.

With the early morning sun bathing everything in a warm glow, Nolan stood in the garden. In an attempt to prepare himself for the upcoming flying training, he inhaled deeply. He could still taste the crumbs of breakfast, a routine he, like any other person, had with his family.

"You got this. You are Nolan, the strongest man on Earth," he muttered to himself, attempting to summon the confidence that Omni-Man exuded effortlessly. "Even if you lose control and fall down, it will feel like a back massage." The attempt at humor masked the genuine anxiety he felt about confronting his fear of high altitudes.

As a man suddenly bestowed with the ability to fly, Nolan couldn't escape the common human instinct of fearing heights. The thought of soaring through the sky at match speed, thousands of feet above the ground, elicited a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had witnessed Omni-Man's prowess in the air countless times, but embodying that power was an entirely different experience.

With a determined expression, Nolan took a step back and then launched himself into the air. The sensation of weightlessness and the wind rushing past his face sent a thrill through him, but the fear still lingered in the back of his mind. He levitated above the ground, feeling the earth's gravity tug at him.

"Okay, just take it slow," he coached himself. He hovered a few feet above the backyard, testing his control and adjusting to the newfound freedom of flight. The fear of losing control and plummeting to the ground remained, but Nolan pushed through it, determined to master this aspect of his newfound abilities.

Nolan's pride bristled ever so slightly at Mark's casual approach to flight. He had to prepare mentally just to float up this high, and now his own son was treating it as if it were just a walk in the park.

"Flying lesson time?" Mark asked, his tone nonchalant as he floated up to Nolan. The nonchalant attitude struck a nerve with Nolan, who had just begun to grapple with the difficulties that came with flying, mostly from his own stupid fears rather than anything biological. He didn't even need to think about flying; it just came as naturally as breathing.

Mark's nonchalant approach to flight grated on Nolan's nerves, even though he tried to mask it with a nod and a forced casual tone. "Yeah, sure. Just a few pointers, and you'll be soaring like a pro in no time."

Nolan couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride mixed with frustration. Flying, something he had only just begun to grasp, came rather easily, with the advantage of having no fear of heights, he supposed. The contrast between their abilities highlighted the vast difference in their experiences as Viltrumites.

Mark floated effortlessly beside Nolan, a smirk playing on his lips. "Point away, Dad. I'm ready for my crash course in flying." His words were light, unaware of the internal struggle Nolan grappled with.

Nolan took a moment to collect himself before offering some pointers on flight techniques, all the while suppressing the lingering discomfort. As Mark listened attentively, Nolan couldn't escape the irony of the situation—the "invincible" superhero struggling to master a skill that came effortlessly to his son.

As the flying lesson continued, Nolan watched Mark execute flawless maneuvers in the air, his natural aptitude for flight shining through. Despite the internal frustration, Nolan couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at his son's abilities. Perhaps this was a glimpse into a future where Mark surpassed even Omni-Man in skill and prowess.

A smile filled with pride quickly faded as a name surfaced in Nolan's mind—Anissa. Despite his fears, the mere mention of her name spurred Nolan to match his son's speed with a stoic face. While soaring through the air alongside Mark, Nolan's expression remained unyieldingly composed, concealing the internal turmoil churning within him. The fear of high altitudes, the struggle to master flight—all paled in comparison to the memories evoked by that single name: Anissa.

The smile of pride on Nolan's face quickly faded as a name came to the forefront of his mind—Anissa. While she hadn't done anything yet, the mere thought of what could transpire if he didn't take action filled Nolan with a newfound determination. This woman, if she could even be considered one, had the potential to cause harm, and Nolan couldn't let that happen.

The struggle to master flight and the fear of high altitudes seemed insignificant in comparison to the looming threat of Anissa. The memories of her potential actions cast a shadow over the father-son flying lesson, transforming it into a crucial training ground for Nolan's resolve.

As they soared through the sky, the air around them crackled with unspoken tension. Nolan's determination to protect Mark from the possible threat of Anissa fueled his every move. The stoic expression hid the storm of emotions within—a mix of anger, resolve, and the burning need to shield his son from any potential harm.

Mark, unaware of the internal turmoil, continued to showcase his natural prowess in flight. As Mark soared through the sky alongside his father, he couldn't contain the joy and enthusiasm that radiated from him. The wind rushing past, the sensation of weightlessness, and the sheer freedom of flight filled him with exhilaration. For Mark, spending time with his dad and learning how to be just like him was a cherished experience.

His eyes gleamed with admiration as he watched Nolan match his speed in the air. Mark had always looked up to his father, inspired by the strength, wisdom, and sense of responsibility that defined Omni-Man. Every lesson, whether in combat or flight, was an opportunity for Mark to absorb the essence of what it meant to be a hero.

"Hey, Dad, watch this!" Mark called out, executing a playful loop in the air. The sheer joy of flying was evident in his every move. In those moments, the backyard transformed into a training ground and a playground, a space where they could connect on a closer level.

Nolan couldn't help but be swept up in Mark's infectious enthusiasm. Despite the internal struggles and the looming threat that hung in the air, the shared moments of flight became a bridge that connected them. The bond between father and son strengthened with every twist and turn.

Nolan's confident smirk signaled a shift in the dynamic of their flying lesson. "Try to keep up!" he shouted before soaring high into the skies as fast as he could. Mark, never one to back down from a challenge, immediately followed suit, determined not to be outdone.

The wind roared past them, and the world below became a mere patchwork of colors and shapes. Nolan's regained experience and Mark's natural aptitude for flight combined in a breathtaking display of speed and agility.

Mark's pride surged as he finally caught up to his father; the thrill of the chase was exhilarating. However, his sense of accomplishment quickly faded when he found Nolan casually "lying" on a cloud, yawning as if he had just taken a leisurely stroll. The nonchalant demeanor struck a nerve.

"Stuck in traffic?" Nolan teased, his voice carrying a playful edge.

Mark could only muster a muttered, "Jerk." He joined Nolan on the cloud, and together they "lay" against the untouchable surfface, the world far below them.

Nolan, lying on the cloud alongside Mark, felt that it was the perfect moment for a conversation. The sky stretched endlessly above them, and the peaceful isolation provided an ideal backdrop for a heart-to-heart talk. Nolan glanced at Mark, ensuring that they were truly alone and hoping that Cecil wasn't somehow spying on them.

Taking a deep breath, Nolan began, "Mark, there's something I need to talk to you about." He chose his words carefully, mindful of the trust that formed the foundation of their relationship. Nolan was determined to maintain that trust, even as he prepared to reveal the complex truth of his Viltrumite heritage.

"Ever since I woke up in that hospital bed, things have been... complicated. There are aspects of my past that I need to share with you." Nolan's gaze remained steady, his eyes reflecting a mix of sincerity and the weight of the secrets he carried.

He continued, "I know we've had our differences, and I haven't been the father I should have been. But in this moment, facing an uncertain future, I want you to know that you can trust me. Whatever happens, we face it together. I won't keep anything from you."

Mark, suddenly feeling a wave of anxiety, straightened his back. "Dad?" he asked, unsure of what to say. The prospect of a revelation about his father's past stirred a mixture of curiosity and trepidation within him. His dad's tone suggested it wouldn't be pretty.

Nolan, aware of the urgency and the looming threat posed by the Viltrum Empire, had a simple motive for deciding to reveal the truth to Mark at this particular moment. He wanted to convince Mark to accompany him to the Flaxan dimension, where time passed differently. The logic was clear—if Mark could become as strong as veteran Viltrumites in just a few years, having centuries ahead of them would make facing the impending threat so much easier.

However, a small issue lingered in Nolan's mind. Mark was still relatively inexperienced in comparison to the seasoned Viltrumites. Would he be willing to leave everything behind for an extended period, even if it only amounted to a few days in their current dimension? In the Flaxan dimension, years could pass. It was a significant commitment, and Nolan couldn't help but wonder if Mark would be willing to make such a sacrifice.

Nolan took a deep breath, his gaze focused on the endless expanse of the sky above. The cloud beneath them seemed like a fragile island in the sea of blue, a sanctuary where he and Mark could share a conversation that would reshape his understanding of the world.

"Mark," Nolan began, his voice measured and earnest, "there's something I need to tell you about the Viltrumites. It's crucial that you understand the gravity of the situation we're facing." He proceeded to share every detail, leaving no stone unturned. Nolan spoke of the Viltrum Empire's ruthless expansion, their brutal methods of conquering civilizations, and the relentless pursuit of dominance.

He described the Viltrumites' ideology, their unwavering commitment to strength, and their belief in the survival of the fittest. Nolan delved into the complexities of Viltrumite society, the hierarchy, and the expectations placed upon its members. The more Mark knew about just how dangerous and formidable the Viltrumites were, the more he would comprehend the severity of the impending threat.

Nolan watched carefully as the weight of his revelation settled on Mark's shoulders. The expression on his son's face shifted from curiosity to a slow, dawning sorrow. It was as if the very foundation of Mark's understanding of Viltrumite ideals and his father's role in the universe were being reshaped in real-time.

Throughout his life, Mark had held an idealized image of Viltrum as a world filled with heroes who extended a helping hand to other worlds. The reality, as his father had just disclosed, painted a different, more grim, picture. The heroes he had envisioned were, in fact, the very villains Nolan had fought against—space tyrants with a ruthless commitment to strength and conquest.

The revelation about the true nature of the Viltrumites hung in the air like a storm, waiting to unleash its fury. Mark, still grappling with the stark contrast between his idealized vision and the harsh reality, couldn't contain the mix of emotions swirling within him. As the weight of the truth settled, a charged atmosphere enveloped the cloud they lay upon.

"Dad," Mark began, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and frustration. "You've been working with them all these years? The same people you protected the earth against?"

Nolan, keenly aware of the impact of his words, met Mark's gaze with somber intensity. "Mark, I know it's a lot to take in, but I'm done. I rebelled against the Viltrumites because I saw the danger they posed. Their ideals, their methods—they go against everything I believe in."

Mark, his frustration growing, shot back, "But you never told me! All this time, I thought of Viltrum as the good guys. Tell me, what do you really believe in, dad?!"

Nolan, feeling the weight of Mark's frustration, took a moment before responding. "Mark, I believe in protecting people. I believe in using my strength to defend those who can't defend themselves. But the Viltrumites, they've lost sight of that. They've become conquerors, oppressors. I couldn't stand by and let them harm innocent civilizations."

Mark, pacing on the cloud, ran his hands through his hair. "So, what now? Are we just supposed to believe you're the good guy in all of this? How do I know you're not just using me for some other agenda?" Mark's eyes widened; it couldn't be right? "The guardians of the globe... was that really a villain's attack, dad?"

Nolan felt the weight of Mark's words, the skepticism and disbelief palpable in the air. He understood the gravity of the situation, knowing that his actions had created a chasm of doubt between them.

"Mark, I know it's hard to believe," Nolan began, his voice a mix of sincerity and regret. "The attack on the Guardians of the Globe was a tragic consequence of my past, a past I've been trying to distance us from. I never wanted you to be involved in the battles I fought, but circumstances have forced my hand."

Mark, his frustration unabated, challenged his father. "How do I know you're not just using me for some other agenda? The Viltrumites, the Guardians—what's the real truth, Dad?" Mark was suffering from whiplash. Just a few moments ago, he was enjoying himself with his dad, and now this.

Nolan met Mark's gaze, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "The truth is, Mark, I've made mistakes. I've tried to protect you from the harsh realities, but in doing so, I created more pain. The Viltrumites are a real threat, and I need your help to stop them. I want us to face this together, as a family."

Mark, conflicted and still processing the revelations, questioned, "And what about Earth? What about the people we've sworn to protect here?"

Nolan sighed, the weight of his choices evident. "Mark, protecting Earth is still our priority. But the Viltrumites are a threat that extends beyond this planet. If we don't stop them now, they will bring their conquest here. I need your help to prevent that."

Mark, consumed by a mix of frustration, anger, and betrayal, clenched his fist and threw a punch at Nolan's face. In that split second, the weight of his emotions hung in the air, the tension between father and son reaching its peak. However, just before the punch could connect, Mark stopped himself. The intensity in his eyes remained, but he couldn't bring himself to go through with the act.

Nolan, his face unmoved but reflecting the impact of Mark's internal struggle, met his son's gaze. The unspoken tension lingered in the air. Mark, despite his anger and the revelation of his father's past, couldn't deny the connection they shared. The bond that had been strained by the truth remained unbroken, albeit hanging by a thread.

Mark lowered his fist and looked at his father in the face. "Not a word about this to mom," he stated firmly, the determination in his eyes a clear indication that he wanted to protect his mother from the harsh truths that had unraveled between them.

Nolan nodded, understanding the sentiment behind Mark's words. "I won't say anything. We'll find a way to protect her and everyone else."