Chapter 21: We need to talk

The fight against Machine Head ended in the same way that it did in the show. Invincible, Monster-Girl, and Black Samson were all nearly killed while Battle Beast walked away without a scratch. What did not occur was Titan taking over for Machine Head.

As much as Conner sympathized for him and his family being forced to work for Machine Head, he still betrayed Mark. Conner's brother had truly put his faith in the man but was betrayed for his efforts.

After Mark and the others were carried away and when Titan returned with his family and Isotope, he was ambushed by the Watchmen (Two different people said this name so this is it) and taken down swiftly. Even if they felt bad about taking down Titan in front of his wife and child, it couldn't be helped.

Mark spent the next two weeks in the hospital being treated and experimented on. Cecil was not going to miss his chance to save one of the protectors of humanity while also making sure he knew their weaknesses in case they ever turned on him.

Sad how he was never prepared for how soon it would occur.

After Mark recovered enough to walk, he left the hospital and returned home where plenty of his friends and family celebrated his safe return. Mark then went on his college trip a week later for a few days before returning. And that was the day before it would all happen.

Conner looked at the girl in his arms and felt true fear for the first time. Ever since he came to this universe, he had been confident in almost everything he did. Whether it was HOMRA, his hero career, suppressing the rebellion, fighting Allen. He knew that no matter what, even if he failed or lost, he would still live through it.

'But against him... if I lose against him, I will lose it all. And there might not be another chance for me after this. This may be my last life.

I don't want to lose it. But more importantly, I don't want to lose ...'

Conner's eyes focused on Caitlin once again. Even if he did not want to fight his father, even if he wanted to surrender, he couldn't. Because Nolan would want an answer that day.

He would either side with Nolan or side with humanity. If he sided with Nolan, he would have to watch as those he loved were killed. If he went against Nolan, he very well might die.

Conner took his arm off of Caitlin before leaving their bedroom and heading toward the roof. Conner changed into the basic version of his suit before sitting on the edge of the rooftop as he waited.

All the calls and texts from Caitlin, Red King, Eve, The Watchmen. They were all ignored. Conner was waiting for Scotty's voice to appear in his ears. And at 2 p.m. he heard it.

"It's time. The Immortal is battling Omni-Man near Chicago. You sure you can handle this?"

Conner let a bitter smile flash across his face. He wasn't sure about this fight at all but knew it was necessary.

"Not at all. My brother on his way there?" Conner asked

"Not yet but he should be soon. A news helicopter just got there."

Conner nodded to himself before jumping off the building with his eyes closed. As he fell towards the ground, he let it all leave him. The fear. The anxiety. The uncertainty. He abandoned it all in his freefall.

Before he reached the ground, Conner turned his body and began to fly upwards and towards Chicago. With a sonic boom, he was out of the state in seconds.

When Conner got over Pennsylvania, Conner got a notice from Scotty that Mark was on the way. He would arrive only a few seconds after Conner got there. In less than 2 minutes, Conner had arrived to see Nolan impale The Immortal. When Mark arrived, Nolan had chopped off the head of The Immortal with his bare hands.

"No!" Mark cried out

It was then that Nolan noticed both of his sons looking at him. Both had just seen him commit the murder of a hero so thousands of thoughts were running through his mind.

"Boys. We need to talk," Nolan said in the calmest voice he could muster.

Then he explained what Conner had known all along: the version of Viltrumites he had told them since they were children was a lie. That he had lied to them their entire lives. How his true mission was to get humanity to submit or weaken it enough to destroy easily. That he killed the Guardians of the Globe in cold blood. How he considered their mother a pet.

"Boys. I did what our people taught us and what was truly right. I need you both to understand that. Humans will be better off under Viltrumite rule. There will be peace and they will thrive," Nolan plead his case

Mark looked dumbfounded. Like he couldn't comprehend what his father was saying. But Conner knew that the current Nolan meant it all. This Nolan never became an 'author'. He never made the 'books'. His faith had never wavered.

"And what about those that don't submit?" Conner asked, "What about those that will fight for their freedom or the freedom of others? Will you kill them?"

"I don't want to! That is why I need you! We will make them submit!" Nolan yelled

"And if they don't!?!" Conner asked once more

"Then they will die! I will slaughter them all if they choose to resist our rule!"

Conner heard this and let out a small laugh. He knew this would happen. He prayed that it wouldn't. But there was no longer fear of this encounter. He just hoped that it would end the way he wanted it to.

Conner put his fists up and turned his body slightly. It was obvious from his body language but Nolan still waited for him to say the words himself.

"For the sake of humanity, for the sake of those I love, I'm willing to face you. I won't join you nor will I let you take my planet. So let's do this old man," Conner said full of conviction

"I always like Mark more than you."

"That's fine. Mom was my favorite parent anyway."