Allen folded his arms, staring at the ground, kicking a bit of Martian dust. "So… you're just gonna protect Earth? That's it?"
Nolan nodded. "That's the plan."
"But what about the other worlds?" Allen insisted. "Do you know how many planets the Viltrumites are targeting right now? Hundreds! Thousands even. They need help."
Mark stepped forward, urgency in his voice. "Dad, come on. You know what they're capable of. You were one of them. You know how hopeless it is when they show up. You could turn the tide."
Nolan looked at him quietly. "I said I would protect Earth."
Allen's shoulders slumped. "So that's it? You're gonna let the rest of the universe burn?"
There was a pause. Nolan exhaled. "I said I'd protect Earth… but that doesn't mean I don't care. I just need a reason."
Allen raised an eyebrow. "A reason?"
Nolan turned to face him. "I won't fight for the Coalition. But I will fight for my family. That's what changed me in the first place."
Mark's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying?"
Nolan looked at Allen. "Become my son. Like Naruto. Like Sasuke. Like Itachi. Like Battle Beast."
Allen's eyes went wide. "Wha—wait, what?!"
Mark blinked. "What?!"
Nolan gave a half-smile. "I mean it. Family fights harder than armies. You want my strength? Be family. I'll train you, I'll back you up, I'll fight the Viltrum Empire beside you—but only if we fight as kin."
Allen stared, his mouth slightly open.
"I'm not asking you to give up who you are," Nolan said. "But if I'm going to die for anyone other than Earth, I need to belong to something. And right now, my family is all that matters."
Allen looked down. Thought for a moment. Then lifted his gaze, antenna twitching. "...Alright. Fine. I'll be your son."
Mark choked. "Are we just collecting sons now?!"
Battle Beast chuckled. "It's working."
Allen stepped forward and extended a hand. Nolan took it.
"Then I'm yours," Allen said. "And when the time comes, I'll be there."
Nolan turned to Battle Beast. "You coming too?"
Battle Beast cracked his neck and stood up. "I go where the strongest battles are. If Viltrumites wait on the edge of the galaxy… I'll be there. Sons or not."
Mark threw up his hands. "Well, I guess I've got four little brothers now."
Allen laughed. "Make that five. Technically, I'm the oldest."
"Actually," Battle Beast rumbled. "I am the oldest."
Mark sighed. "This house is gonna get real crowded…"
Nolan looked at them all, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "Then we'd better get stronger."