Chapter 6

Mark's eyes snapped open in the darkness, and his body was bathed in a cold sweat. The remnants of a haunting nightmare lingered, and the vivid images were still etched in his mind. He lay in bed, his heart racing, trying to shake off the disturbing scenes that played out in his sleep.

In the dream, he witnessed his father, Nolan, a hero to the world, transform into a malevolent force. The sky burned with an otherworldly light as Nolan unleashed destruction upon the city, his once-heroic visage twisted into a malevolent sneer. Innocent people cried out in despair as buildings crumbled around them.

Mark, paralyzed by the unfolding horror, watched as Nolan turned his attention to him. The coldness in his father's eyes cut through Mark's soul as he hurled accusations of weakness and inadequacy. Each word was a dagger, and Mark could feel the weight of his father's disappointment crushing him.

"You're nothing, Mark. A weakling. I expected more from my own blood." Nolan's voice echoed in the nightmare, the words a cruel symphony of betrayal.

Yet, amid the chaos, Nolan would switch seamlessly, his demeanor shifting to that of a caring father. He would pat Mark on the back and offer a comforting smile, as if the destruction surrounding them was just a normal part of their lives. The duality of Nolan's character in the dream left Mark in a state of profound confusion.

The nightmare reached its climax when Nolan, with a malicious grin, forced Mark to witness the deaths of innocent people. The weight of his guilt and helplessness pressed down on him, an unbearable burden. And in the dream, Mark struggled to reconcile the image of his father as a cold killer with the man who had raised him.

As Mark lay in bed, the remnants of the nightmare still haunting his thoughts, he couldn't shake the feeling of remorse for keeping the truth hidden from his clueless mother. The confusion about Nolan's true nature lingered, casting a shadow over the hero Mark had always admired.

As Mark contemplated the conflicting emotions that churned within him, he heard a gentle knock on his bedroom door. The soft glow of light preceded his father, Nolan, who entered the room with a neutral expression.

Nolan crossed his arms while contemplating what to say to Mark. Looking at his expression, it was clear he hasn't had enough rest yet, or more like he still has lingering fear for him. "We won't be training today; take the time to get your life together, speak with friends, make out with a girl or a boy, or whatever you teenagers do nowadays. You look like a mess." He settled for now since he also had some business to take care of.

Mark, still shaken from the vivid nightmare, nodded at his father's words. The relief that today's training was postponed allowed him a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. However, the unsettling images of Nolan's dual nature in the dream lingered, leaving Mark in a state of internal turmoil.

"Thanks, Dad," Mark muttered, avoiding eye contact. The dream had stirred a sense of fragility and doubt within him, and he wasn't sure how to address it with his father. Instead, he chose to focus on the practical aspects. "I'll... I'll take the day. Maybe catch up with Eve or see how things are going with Amber."

Nolan's gaze lingered on Mark for a moment, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. "Take the time you need, Mark." Then annoyance gave way to his face. "That girl... Amber was it? How about you bring her for dinner tonight? I would love to have a chat with her, see what she is like."

Mark's brows furrowed slightly at the unexpected suggestion. It was rare for Nolan to express interest in his personal life, and the timing felt oddly coincidental after the unsettling dream. However, Mark knew better than to question his father outright, especially when he seemed to be extending an olive branch of sorts.

"Sure, Dad. I can ask Amber if she's free for dinner tonight," Mark replied, trying to hide the uncertainty in his voice and pointedly ignoring the fact that he was supposed to cut their relationship. He couldn't shake the lingering unease from the nightmare, the vivid images weren't a pretty sight.

Nolan's expression remained unreadable, but there was a subtle nod of approval. "Good. It's essential to maintain connections with those close to you, especially in our line of work." With that, he left Mark's room, leaving the young hero alone with his thoughts.

As the door closed, Mark couldn't shake off the remnants of the nightmare. The dream had stirred deep-seated fears and uncertainties about his father's true nature. The sudden interest in his personal life only served to make him more jumpy. Mark knew that he had to be careful, both in his relationships and in uncovering what his dad really wanted.

Taking a deep breath, Mark decided to heed his father's advice for the day. He reached for his phone, contemplating whether to call Amber or check in with Eve. Ultimately, Mark chose to call Eve. The connection rang a few times before she picked up. "Hey, Mark. What's up?"

Mark hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Hey, Eve. Would you be free to hang out today? Maybe grab a coffee or something?"

Eve's voice carried a warmth of understanding, "Of course, Mark. Everything okay?"

Mark debated whether to share the details of the nightmare or his father's sudden interest in his personal life. In the end, he opted for a more general response. "Yeah, just need a break from getting my ass handed to me by my dad, you know? How about we meet at the usual spot?"

Eve chuckled on the other end of the line, a mix of sympathy and amusement in her voice. "Sure thing, Mark. I'll meet you there in about thirty minutes. We can grieve about our tough days together."

"Sounds like a plan," Mark replied, managing a small smile. "See you there, Eve."

Nolan, who had been secretly listening outside the room, nodded in satisfaction before flying away. His destination? The Guardians Headquarters. It appeared that Cecil either still regarded him as a friend or saw through his deception and wanted to avoid the risk of him going on a rampage. Whatever the case, he was called by Cecil this morning, and it wouldn't do to keep an old friend waiting.

Nolan soared through the skies, his figure cutting through the clouds as he headed towards the Guardians Headquarters. As he looked at the city he couldn't quite contain his excitement. Once you get pass the fear of heights it was just amazing to be able to fly around; it was... freeing.

Descending gracefully, Nolan touched down in front of the Guardians Headquarters. The imposing structure stood as a symbol of Earth's defense, a beacon against the shadows that sought to engulf it, and a reminder of the sins he carried with him after impersonating the man he was now.

Nolan entered the building, the automatic doors sliding open to admit him. The familiar hum of activity within the headquarters greeted him as he made his way to Cecil's office. The hallway was lined with images of past Guardians, a visual history of heroes who had stood against various threats.

Cecil's office door was closed, but Nolan could sense the familiar presence within. He knocked once before entering, finding Cecil engrossed in various holographic displays.

Cecil glanced up, acknowledging Nolan's presence. "Omni-Man, you're here. Please, have a seat."

Nolan took the offered seat, his expression unreadable. "Cecil, my old friend, I knew you would come along." He crossed his arms, letting his gaze wander. The room seems to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including computer consoles, monitors, and communication devices.

Cecil returned the gaze, maintaining his composed demeanor. "Omni-Man, let's get straight to the point. Your proposal has been under consideration, and I wanted to discuss a few key points before any decisions are made."

Nolan nodded, his eyes focused on Cecil. "Go on, Cecil. I'm listening."

Cecil leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. "Firstly, the idea of forming a new team is not without merit. Considering the recent events and the looming threat, having a dedicated group of heroes is crucial. However, there are concerns about the team's composition and potential ramifications."

Nolan raised an eyebrow, prompting Cecil to elaborate.

Cecil continued, "Your proposal involves recruiting both seasoned heroes and new talents. While the experience of established heroes is valuable, integrating them with newcomers may pose challenges. We need to ensure cohesion, trust, and effective teamwork."

This was a first for Nolan; it was Cecil's idea to compose a team following those parameters originally, so it was weird to see him doubting the results this might bring. Was he trying to get under his skin or something? Or it was just a simple test to see if he could fit in.

Nolan considered Cecil's point. "I understand the potential challenges, but a mix of experience and fresh perspectives can be an asset. The new generation needs guidance, and the veterans can benefit from new ideas."

Cecil nodded in acknowledgment. "I agree in principle. However, effective collaboration requires trust, and trust takes time to build. We can't afford any internal conflicts within the team, especially given the nature of the threats we're facing."

Nolan, leaning forward, locked eyes with Cecil. "Trust can be built through shared experiences and a common goal. If we focus on the bigger picture, I believe the team can overcome any initial hurdles."

Cecil sighed, his gaze shifting to the holographic displays. It wasn't like him to be brought over by some words; he was supposed to be the piece of shit who was hated by everyone for his pragmatism. Even he didn't know what to do, and he was doubting whether the man talking to him was even Nolan.

He let his gaze fall back on Nolan, and seeing his concerned gaze made him compare him with the man he thought he knew and with the mental image he had built over the years. This Nolan thought he was slick but didn't realize he wore his emotions over his sleeve, making them easy to spot for people like him. Which ironically only served to coerce others into buying his words.

Cecil leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Omni-Man, I look forward to the new team you are planning on building." He was getting too old for this, but maybe this was the best move possible, His gut was telling him Nolan was lying to his face, quite shamelessly at that, but it was also compelling him to believe in him.

Nolan acknowledged Cecil's words with a nod, his expression remaining composed. "I appreciate your understanding, Cecil. I assure you, the team I have in mind will be an asset to Earth's defense."

Cecil sighed inwardly, contemplating the risks and benefits of aligning with this version of Omni-Man. The impending threat from this Thragg was a dire reality, and the potential for internal conflicts within the new team was a calculated risk.

Nolan raised an eyebrow, silently urging Cecil to continue.

Cecil continued, "Firstly, there will be thorough background checks on all potential team members. We need to ensure their loyalty, commitment, and lack of affiliations that might compromise the team's integrity."

Nolan nodded in agreement. "That's reasonable. We need to be cautious about who we bring into the fold."

Cecil pressed on, "Secondly, clear protocols and guidelines for the team's operations need to be established. This includes communication channels, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution mechanisms. I want transparency and accountability."

Nolan leaned back, considering Cecil's conditions. "Agreed. A well-defined structure will contribute to the team's effectiveness."

Cecil's gaze bore into Nolan's. "Lastly, Omni-Man, if any signs of betrayal or hidden agendas emerge, swift action will be taken. Earth's safety comes first, even if it means addressing internal threats."

Nolan met Cecil's gaze with unwavering confidence. "I have no intention of betraying Earth, Cecil. My priority has always been its protection."

Cecil, though maintaining his professional demeanor, couldn't shake the internal conflict. "Omni-Man, I hope you understand the gravity of this situation. The decision to support this initiative comes with the weight of responsibility. Earth is at stake, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Nolan stood up, his imposing figure casting a shadow in the office. "I understand, Cecil. The fate of Earth is in our hands, and I'm committed to ensuring its safety."

Cecil sighed, realizing that this was a gamble he was taking. "Very well, Omni-Man. We'll proceed with the necessary preparations for the new team. Keep me updated on your progress."

Nolan nodded, acknowledging the agreement. With that, he left Cecil's office, the weight of the impending task ahead settling on his shoulders. Cecil watched him go, uncertainty lingering in his gaze. The future of Earth's defense now rested in the hands of this complex and enigmatic Omni-Man.

Meanwhile, Mark soared through the cityscape in tandem with Eve. With their silhouettes outlined against the setting sun, Mark's thoughts were a tempest of conflicting emotions. He knew what was coming; tonight he would either have to bring the bad news to Amber or chicken out and keep leading her on.

Eve, noticing Mark's contemplative silence, spoke up. "So, spill it. What's bothering you? You're not usually this quiet."

Mark hesitated for a moment, considering how much he should reveal. "It's just... things with my dad. The training brought some nightmares here and there. And now, he wants me to bring Amber for dinner. It's like he's suddenly interested in my personal life, and I have no idea why."

Eve raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Your dad? The Omni-Man? Asking about your personal life? That is strange." She crossed her arms, studying Mark. "You think there's more to it than just a family dinner?"

Mark nodded, the unease evident in his expression. "Yeah, I don't know. I had this nightmare last night, and it felt like a warning. Like my dad was capable of anything, even turning against us. And now, with this sudden interest in my personal life, it feels like he's playing some kind of game."

Eve shakes her head. "Or, the incoming danger made him want to know more about his son, make it up to him, or something."

Mark sighed, his conflicted emotions evident in his eyes. "I wish it were that simple, Eve. But my dad—he's not like other dads. There's always something more—something hidden beneath the surface. I can't shake off the feeling that he's playing a dangerous game, and I don't want Amber or anyone else to get caught up in it."

Eve placed a reassuring hand on Mark's shoulder. "Look, Mark, I get it. Family dynamics can be complicated, especially when you're Omni-Man's son. But think for a moment, Mark, what has your dad to gain in this sick game of his, as you put it? To me, it looks like you can't bring yourself to believe in him anymore and are just doubting his every action."

Mark looked at Eve, her words sinking in. The truth of her observation resonated with him, and he realized that his mistrust might be coloring his perception of his father's actions. "You might be right, Eve. Maybe I'm just overthinking everything. But after what happened with the Guardians, I can't help but question everything, especially when my dad is involved."

Eve stopped for a moment. "The guardians? What does that have to do with anything?" confusion was written on her face, and Mark knew he fucked up.