Project Earthbound part 19
"Double Trouble,"
"Ninten…" Ness utters surprised.
"Guess I just missed the party," Ninten responds walking forward.
"Uncle Musclehead!" Nicholas and Lauren exclaim rushing over.
"Geez look how big you guys have gotten!" Ninten says surprised bending down to hug the two of them. "And ya still use that adorable nickname for me too." Ninten said that last part through clenched teeth. He looks over at his kid. "Greet your uncle champ."
Ninten's son moves to greet Ness, "Hi Uncle Speedlimit."
"Wow, it has been forever since I heard that," Ness says in cheery tone, clearly forced as he hugs the boy. "Man, you have gotten big!"
"Seriously…" Jeff muttered.
"Will those two ever grow up…?" Paula mutters to herself whilst shaking her head.
"They're even using the children to insult each other…" Poo remarked either very impressed or very confused.
"Mighty Uncle Ninten, it is great to see you again!" Tailia exclaims also hugging the man.
"Tailia?! Whoa, seems like someone's become the mighty little warrior!" Ninten smiles petting the girls head.
Luke was a bit confused at what was happening. He'd been briefed on many facets of the Shorts family, the Chosen Four, and the associates that go along with them. He however had no idea who this man is. He assumed a family member of Ness' seeing as the two shared a very powerful resemblance. It was almost uncanny, however Ninten's hair is straighter and less curly then Ness'. Also there is the obvious fact that he looked like he'd be able to pick a fight with a building, and win. It was as if a pro boxer and an MMA fighter had a baby whose diet consisted of protein. Even the black shirt that Ninten wore seemed to barely be able to contain the muscles within. The strange part was how normal Ninten moved his form. It didn't make sense for a body with such mass to move so fluidly as if the mass was not there, as if his muscles were elastic. What's more, Luke can sense a powerful PSI signal from the man. Ness was considered the most powerful PSI user in the world as of this date. However, it was astounding to feel a power in a similar range as Ness. The Chosen four were powerful as a collective and individually no doubt about that. However, seeing a human with similar vastness of power as them without his knowledge was a bit disconcerting. What made things worse is that looking at Jeff's expression, he was clearly surprised by the person's presence, not by their existence.
"Naturally, I come bearing gifts!" Ninten says stepping forward presenting two wrapped boxes of different sizes. He handed one to each twin who took them excitedly.
Nicky wastes no time opening his present and gasping, "No way this is the Genesis 64! They don't even make these consoles anymore! This is like one the best retro gaming consoles out there! No freaken way, thanks Uncle Ninten!"
"You're welcome kiddo," Ninten says smirking at the boy's excitement. "And Lauren, I got word you started building a small plushie collection, so I thought I'd help you out."
Lauren seemed to want to wait before opening her present, but at that tidbit of information she couldn't resist. She tears open the box to see a plushie inside. "Oh my god this is the discontinued Blerby plushie! The company selling them had gone belly up, so they were discontinued! These are impossible to get and super rare! I've tried hunting these things down on the internet for months! How did you get one?!"
"Well I do my best," Ninten says with a shrug. Nicholas and Lauren again rush Ninten giving cries of thanks. Ninten can't help but chuckle at the overzealous children. Ninten looks over to the other remaining party guest/ family members. "Geez familiar faces all around, and everyone has gotten so old!"
"Well that's a polite way to start a conversation," Paula says sardonically as she moves forward. "Its nice to see you Ninten."
"You too Paula," as the two embrace in a firm hug. Ninten repeats the same gesture with Poo and his wife, the latter of whom seemed thrilled to see Ninten. Tracy happily hugs Ninten in a big hug which Ninten returns happily. Finally, Ninten turns his attention to greet Jeff, but then his eyes fall to Jeff's side. Jeff is a bit confused by the look before he looks down seeing Luke partially hiding himself behind him.
"Oh my god…" Ninten says moving over slowly. "Oh my god, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?!" Ninten exclaims moving over. Jeff's heart partially races, Luke could hear it beating faster. "Jeff Andonuts, are you like a dad?!" Ninten asks.
"Even better, he is a dad," Tracy said.
"Oh my god you have a kid Jeff!" Ninten exclaims completely in shock and awe.
"Well you don't have to be that surprised…" Jeff remarks.
"Well can ya blame me. I knew about everyone, I practically helped set up Poo and Angela, so I knew about Talia. Obviously, I knew about Nicky and Lauren. But geez, you just come out of nowhere with a kid man like what the heck!"
"I adopted him, he's still getting used to being in the family. Try not to overwhelm him too much," Jeff said before placing a hand on Luke's head. "Luke this is Ninten, you can call him Uncle Ten if you like or Uncle Musclehead."
Ninten seemed too distracted with Luke to note the light jab. "Hey there, Luke, it's nice to meet you," Ninten says smiling holding out a hand. Still with his form behind Jeff he reaches out to take the hand giving a firm squeeze as he shook Ninten's hand. "Oh wow, strong grip, that's a good handshake kiddo. Welcome to our strange little family. Hey James come on over." Ninten's son who had been talking with Nicky suddenly struts over to his dad. The boy has straight black hair covered with a cap eerily similar to Nicky's, striking blue eyes, a build that suggests he may be working up to having a physique like his father, freckles on his cheeks, a royal blue shirt, black pants, and blue vans. "James, this here is Luke your new cousin."
"New cousin?" James questioned a bit confused. James is looking at Luke and he can see that he isn't a baby so his confusion was obvious.
"This is Uncle Jeff's son. So be nice to him and don't be too rough with him."
James seemed a bit confused by the statement as he glances at his father before looking at Luke who seems to shrink away a bit. "Uh what's wrong with him?"
"Dude!" Nicholas says elbowing James before Ninten could reprimand him. It seemed that Nicholas was close by. "Nothing is wrong with him, he's just a bit shy ya know. He's meeting a whole bunch people for the first time and being told they're his family now. It's a lot to take in all at once."
James seemed to realize this oversight as he gets a look of realization. He turns back to Luke, "Oh, I'm real sorry dude! That was lame of me to say to you, I had no idea!"
"Well that's awesome of you for sticking up for your new cousin Nicky," Ninten says with clear admiration in his voice. He roughly drops his hand on his son's head, clearly his own admonishment since Ninten seemed very heavy handed.
"Yep, gotta keep an eye on my new little brother!" Nicky states proudly as he places a hand on the top of Luke's head. Luke seemed a bit embarrassed but seemed to relax. Ninten's face seems to take a soft smile as if seeing something that made him reminisce.
"I see, well do your best," Ninten's heavy hand ruffles James' head. "James, try and be polite alright? Who knows, you might find a new partner in crime."
James gives his father a strange look, but the boy does nod at the request.
"I didn't know you would be here," Ness says fixing Ninten with an odd look.
"That a problem?" Ninten said returning a similar expression.
"No, after all, the rest of the night is for family."
"Well I'm glad I can be considered among your ranks," Ninten remarks. The awkward air was starting to become suffocating. Even Luke, the socially aloof person there could tell that things were kinda weird between the two of them.
"To the bar!" Tracy exclaims.
"God yes I need to be plastered to deal with what's about to happen…" Paula mutters.
"Woot, woot, Bachelorette, part II!" Angela exclaims hooking her around Paula and Tracy's arms.
"I feel like that was the last thing I remembered before that night got blurry," Tracy remarks.
"Try to behave you two," Poo says with a sigh following behind the women.
Jeff sighs, "I guess I'm driving the second car," Jeff says moving to get to his car.
"Oh, what about the kids?" Ninten asked.
"Jeff has a hotel for us to go to so we can have adult discussions. The kids are gonna hang back here for a sleepover, unless you have other things to do…" Ness said the last in a challenging tone.
"Nope, schedule is all cleared up…" Ninten responds seemingly accepted this unspoken challenge.
"Oh god…" Jeff mutters. He turns to Luke. "If you need anything, ANYTHING at all, call me alright?"
"Understood Pr-I mean dad," Luke responds.
"Jeff is a dad, that's so adorable. The best part is Loid is terrified of children!" Ninten exclaims.
"I fail to see how that is the best part," Jeff retorts.
"It's because you and him are so much alike. Ana made Loid hold James once when he was baby, nearly shit his pants!" Ninten says with a big laugh. Ninten and Jeff move toward the man's car with Ness sighing as he rubs the back of his head. This night just got a lot more interesting.
"Alright then," He turns toward the kids left. "Nicky, Lauren, you know the rules. No answering the door unless you know who it is. No leaving the house, if you do call first. Pizza is already inside so you don't need food. In case of any emergency you call Poo or me. Also, no unsupervised PSI usage, that goes to all of you. Your parents and I will know if you do."
"Sure dad," responded the twins.
"Yes, Uncle Ness!" the others responded. Ness sighs. He hears a car horn grimacing a bit before walking out front to the house. Once the parents were out of sight the kids, minus Luke, cheer.
"No unsupervised PSI powers, yeah right, that's the most fun kind of usage!" Nicky said floating over a pizza box for him to open up as the kids lounge in the living room.
"Gosh your TV is huge!" James exclaims seeing the wide screen TV. "And it's so flat, with the colors popping, and it looks so tubeler!"
"I swear James sometimes it feels like your living in a different time period," Lauren says floating over a pizza box, but she grabbed plates and napkins.
"Wow, Lauren is still as rude as ever…" James remarks.
"Has it been long since you've seen each other?" Luke asked.
"Oh yeah! Lauren thought she was too cool and sophisticated to hang out with Nicky and me!"
"Correction, I am too cool and sophisticated to hang out with you. Afterall, I hang with royalty," Lauren says in a hottie tone. She looks over at Tailia to see a splatter of sauce around her mouth. Lauren sighs as she grabs a napkin wipe the side of Talia's mouth until she gets the message that she should wipe her face. "Even if it doesn't feel like it half the time…"
"Yeah, well Nicky and I used to hangout all the time. Kinda because my dad and Uncle Ness hung out all the time. That only stopped happening a few years ago, I think our dads were fighting about something…"
"Is that the reason Aunt Ana isn't here as well?" Tailia asked.
"Oh my god Tailia, tact, learn about it!" Lauren exclaims. James seems to grow a bit more uncomfortable and unsure. He bites his lip a bit in clear hesitation or a feeling of being uncomfortable. The silence of the room doesn't help him feel better as it seemed everyone was waiting for an explanation he felt unsure of giving.
"Um, uh…" Luke suddenly begins drawing attention to himself. "I think, sharing it with people you trust might help, but I honestly don't know if it does or not. I've never done it before. I feel…like, I don't belong here, like at all. But these guys have been doing their best all day saying that its fine that I'm here. I think you want to share this stuff with them, but you don't know if you're ready to. If it helps, why don't we all share some things about ourselves…that way you don't have to feel so alone. Afterall I'm still learning about everyone…"
James looks at Luke a bit surprised, either by the compassion or the understanding within his eyes. "I hadn't heard from you guys in a while…it would be nice…" James reaches out for the pizza box. He had noticed Luke was the only one not eating. "Here come on don't be shy!" He says with smirk. Luke liked the taste of pizza, it also smelled heavenly, but he knew he'd be feeling nauseous later if he consumed anymore food. James just arrived and he was trying in his own way to include Luke, even while the Luke was trying to exclude himself. Nicky was about to intervene but was surprised to see Luke take a slice of pepperoni and take a bite out of it. Luke felt his stomach doing flips in protest of the new substance entering his gullet.
-000-
"So…" Ness mutters.
"So," Ninten responds plainly sitting next to the man. The two were sitting at the bar. The rest of the group would not have them giving out backhanded compliments and jabs the entire night. Although they hadn't even started they decided to be proactive. Clearly the two had some things they needed to work out, so this was their chance to do that without more eyes, and a little alcohol to loosen their lips.
"I thought you forgot about us…" Ness mutters.
"That's a fair thought," Ninten admits sipping his beer. "I just suddenly stop visiting. No direct contact, just giving random gifts here and there."
"Huh, figured that was you…thanks for the watch."
"Your welcome."
"I can finally get rid of the stockpile of crap in my attic now that you're here. Does James like hoverboards?"
"The fuck is a hoverboard?" Ninten responds.
"This is gonna be hilarious…" Ness smiles at the thought of James getting all these futuristic toys and Ninten not knowing what the hell is going on.
"We can't be creating paradoxes Ness…"
"Says the guy who punched out a T-Rex," Ness remarks sipping his beer.
Ninten grins, "That was one HELL of a bachelor party!"
"Alright, we've done pleasantries. Now I gotta know, why now? Why all of a sudden after all these years of radio silence?"
Ninten doesn't speak for a few moments focused on the beer in hand. The bartender gives the man another to which Ninten happily thanks them for. Ninten sighs before meeting eyes with Ness. "I'm sorry…"
"You're what?!" Ness replied.
"I'm sorry," Ninten responds clearly and sternly. "Our last time with each other got pretty heated, we said things…that we couldn't take back. We've changed in ways that we didn't want to admit, but its time to come to grips with it. We did all we could, neither of us is to blame for Lucas dying…"
At the name Ness' tenses up obtaining a stern look in his eyes, "After all this time…"
"The anniversary of his death was last month…" Ninten remarks sipping his beer. "I miss him a lot. Ya know, it has been hard for me to say that or admit it to anyone. Since I doubt a lot of people loved him the way I did. The only ones I believed truly loved him are his family in Tazmilly, me," Ninten looks at Ness. "And you."
"You have really shitty timing in bringing this up Ninten," Ness remarks about to move to stand. However, Ninten grabs the other man's shoulder in a tight grip.
"No, no warping away from this or turning a blind eye. The fact is, you haven't had this conversation, and that is because of me. When he died, we promised we'd be there for each other through thick and thin. We'd take care of each other to make sure we never feel that pain again. We hadn't been living up to that promise these past few years."
"I can't exactly time travel Ninten," Ness growls.
"I know, otherwise you would've been the bigger man and had this conversation long before now. I knew it was up to me to initiate this or at least give you the opportunity to. But I didn't, so I am deeply sorry for that…"
Ness' shoulders seem to lose tension as they grow slack. He fully takes his seat as Ninten releases his shoulder when he's sure Ness won't bolt. "I know, I've been a bad brother. Afterall, Lucas was freaken immortal and he couldn't hold a grudge for five minutes."
At this both men give a soft laugh that was laced with heavy amounts of melancholy. "And how he'd throw a fit when he knew he couldn't stay mad at us."
Ness smiles, "The amount of scorn in his eyes at the inability to be mad at us was hilarious!"
"But, that's just who he was. He loved us too. It's kinda amazing that he lived for so long but was willing to give up his life for us. He was literally immortal, but he gave all that up for us. People that he would outlive ten times over whose life span is like five minutes to him," Ninten sighed after speaking. "That's another thing I'm sorry about…that I didn't take you with me on my trip…"
"Which trip specifically?" Ness asks. He knew Ninten despite numerous warnings from Loid and Jeff, would bounce around the timeline, most likely creating alternate times at the blink of an eye. Of course, that was before they learned how time travel really worked. The fact that any of them knew of the other was a paradox in of itself. The fact that it is night now in this time period which means it is night a hundred or so years now in Tazmilly didn't make sense, or in Ninten's words "damage has been done, so who wants to see me punch a T-Rex?"
"Before we kinda said some things we didn't mean. I…Ana and I were going through a divorce,"
Ness's eyes widened. Ana and Ninten were…divorced. Ness couldn't even wrap his brain around the idea. It was unfathomable. Ninten is a brash brusier, but being with Ana brought out his more gentler side he rarely showed to others. Ana is a quiet reserved girl, who could party harder and start bar fights like the wildest of them when she's with Ninten. They brought out the best in each other and allowed themselves to be more than what they were. A relationship like that failing made Ness' heart sank just hearing it.
Ninten smiles slapping Ness on the back. "Don't look so glum. If it helps, it was all my fault. Ana knows how much of an idiot I am. She's waiting on me to get my shit together and come back home. She always said I couldn't do better than her, and damn that woman for being right."
"But still…a divorce…"
"Divorce is usually the end of a bad relationship man, not a good one. Although, I did press her into it. I wanted her to be free from my bullshit till I could get my head right. I was angry and cold. I felt like no one could understand what it was I was feeling. I loved Lucas like a best friend and a brother. I would move the world for that kid if I could, and then he'd tell me to put it back because I was inconveniencing other people."
"I've never…" Ness sniffles as he gives a chocked laugh with tears running down his face with a sad smile. "I've never…talked about him…this much before…God this conversation is twisting up my insides, but damn do I have to laugh because you are so right about him."
"I know…because that's what I needed. What we both needed. I was hesitant to see Claus since he looked just like him. But I had to check on him at least once. Turns out the jerk is doing well. He told me he understood the distance, hell he said if he could surgically change his face he would've since looking in a mirror was hell to him. But he found it easier to talk about Lucas with other people who loved him. Remembering the good times, the happy times, the silly times, and all those memories help us remember who Lucas was. Help us move on knowing that we aren't the only ones in this big universe who miss him…" Ninten chugs his beer down to the last drop. "And we do miss him…"
Ness sighs wiping his face of tear tracks, "So you were in Tazmilly?"
"For about a year yeah. I needed to get my head on right, and the minimalist life helped. Tazmilly seems to be growing into a nice bustling town with Nowhere Island slowly becoming a country all its own. I honestly wanted you to come with me, figured it be good for both of us. But then we got into that fight, honestly I got over it after a week, but I realized you had a family, a career, and a life you were trying to build. You couldn't exactly blow all that off for who knows how long, so I didn't tell ya. For that I'm also sorry…"
"Do you still visit them?"
"Yeah, from time to time. Get this, Lucas is an uncle now…"
"Wow…he would've hated that!" At this both men share a laugh. "Oh, and good for Claus I guess, I should mention that too. I'm glad for him."
"Claus is one strong dude man. Losing his mom, his brother, also Boney passed too just a few years back…"
"Awe, Boney, that was one kickass dog…"
"Obviously, he's the dog of Gigue, how would he not be a kickass dog?"
"You raise a fair point," Ness says with a smile and a nod. "I've been hearing you apologize all night Ninten, but it's my turn. Time travel or not I could sense you. I always can. I know your PSI signature almost as well as Paula and the kids. The second you appear in our time I can sense it. You check on the kids, on Paula and on me. On the rest of us, drop off gifts for special occasions. I noticed, I just pretended that I didn't. I'm sorry Ninten, I'm sorry I've been a shitty brother to you."
"I was the eldest of the group, so its fine," Ninten says with a smile clasping Ness' shoulder. "At least in human years I mean, just… lets not do that again alright?"
"Absolutely…" Ness sighs. "I'm also sorry for questioning your motives, that was very disrespectful."
Ninten clasp his hands together suddenly growing quiet and tense.
"Ninten?" Ness questions.
"To be honest Ness, I am in a bit of trouble. The divorce with Ana, it really screwed me up. James has all kinds of anxiety now and Ana despite holding strong isn't the same after all the shit I put her through. I had dropped out of law school, and had no idea where the hell my future was taking me. I started doing what I could to make scratch. Drugs wasn't my thing, but I could at least be an intimidating figure. I worked as a bouncer for this really shady club. Money was good, but always the chance things might go violent. Teddy hooked me up with it, one night things did go bad guns, threats, and robbing all around. Of course, me being me I show those motherfuckers the door like they were nobodies. The guy who ran it was really interested in keeping me around wanted to work under him. I was really hurting for money…I knew what I was getting into but I agreed all the same. I was careful, sooo careful, to make sure I never hurt anyone too bad. But one day this guy catches me on an off day, had a fight with Ana about child support, James was starting to show powers and the school was labeling him as a threat, and my boss was starting to treat like an animal. It was all building up to a moment I regret with every fiber of my being…I killed a cop Ness…"
"Wh-What!"
"Yeah…and that's one thing ya really shouldn't do if ya can get away with it, and I aint one of those people. I got in too deep with those motherfuckers, they threatened everyone I know, my mom, my sisters, James, and even though I'm the least worried about Ana and Loid being in danger. If she wasn't talking to me giving her heads up would be kinda hard, and Loid has become a stranger at this point. The only leverage they have on me is the body, I know you're a police chief Ness, please…I beg of you…can ya do this one thing for me…"
"Ninten…wh-where the hell am I going to get a body and I don't know the specifics of this case, and-!" Ness looks around seeing if anyone was listening. "Ninten, this is insane…"
"I know, and its real shitty of me to do this to you now, I know. But I need your help…please Ness…I really don't know what else to do…" Ninten says dropping his face.
Ness bites his lip, every fiber of his being telling him to walk away. To tell Ninten off and let him lay in the bed he made. To be angry at him trying to manipulate his emotions and even bringing Lucas in the conversation to do it. It was all really slimy and shitty of Ninten to do.
Even so…
"I'll see what I can do…" Ness mutters placing a hand on Ninten's shoulder. "You and James can stay with us for a bit, but you need to tell Ana what's up. Tell her, but I'll need to talk to Teddy to figure some things out."
Ninten suddenly shoots up staring at Ness with wide eyes. "Oh my god…"
"What, what is it?" Ness asks concerned.
"You were going to commit a crime and face potential perjury for me! Oh my god you do care!"
"…What…" Ness deadpanned.
"Ness, I was kidding!" Ninten laughs. "Being 'in deep with the mob' is such a trope even in my time period!" Ninten laughs heartily slapping Ness on the back. "Come on, them threatening James and Ana. You know I'd rip their limbs off if they did that! Hell, I'd destroy the mob if that every happened! That is if Ana doesn't hear about them targeting James first. All I would need to say is James is in trouble and she'd respond, 'where are they?'."
Ness' face falls. Seeing that it was all a joke, "You're the worst…" Ness groans.
"Yeah I can be…" Ninten says. "Though the divorce and the career change did happen, I guess that was just my way of making light of it."
"I admit…its tough imagining you two not together. You two helped me and Paula get steady…"
Ninten chuckled, "Yeah, well like I said. The bullshit was coming from my end, not her's. Like the beautiful loving woman that she is, she's giving me a chance to get my head out of my ass. Hasn't even stopped wearing the wedding ring," Ninten says. Ness glances down at Ninten's hand to see the telltale sign of a ring shaped tan line on his finger. "I know, I only take it off for work. Went to visit her to get James, she noticed, so that'll set me back a few steps."
"So, what do you do for work if you're not a thug?"
"I took up work as PI, pretty good work."
"A PI?" Ness questions.
"Yep, sitting behind a desk doesn't suit me if I can't take action at times. Help fill in the gaps the police miss from time to time. I assume this adult conversation we're gonna have at the hotel has to do with all the trouble that's been going on with the attack in Summers and uptick in PSI crime related activities," Ness blinks in slight astonishment. "I've been doing some digging on my own, it may not be much help but I've done some stuff."
"Ninten, you don't have to-."
"Hey, if its something that is a problem for you, I can't turn a blind eye. Besides something similar is going on back home, not to such an extreme extent though but the signs of something big coming is there. The school tends to treat James like some unruly animal sometimes which is just cruel when he started having his powers come in. PSI abilities are starting to become less uncommon. Loid is a government official now, so we've been spit balling ideas."
"If you need anything, just ask okay. I know you can be way too headstrong for your own good. Bureaucracy does not suit you well."
Ninten chuckled, "I could say the same thing to you. But we can shelve the serious talk for later, so what's new?"
Back with the other adults who were talking amongst themselves away from Ness and Ninten. "Things seem to be going well…" Jeff said looking over at Ninten and Ness at the bar laughing.
"Better than I expected," Angela adds.
"Night is still young, things can go wrong," Paula says downing her second long island.
-000-
Back at the Shorts' house, the kids were enjoying themselves. But unknown to them a small platoon of men began approaching the house from the rear. Of maybe 10 men stalk up to the house. They dressed in dark colored gear with assault weapons and other gear. No symbols as they plant devices on the trees.
"Setting up dampening field," one says. The devices whirr to life as the let out a light glow. "Device set activating ring. Once its up, we move in and we go in hard! Don't let the young faces fool you, they are monsters, pull no punches."
"Hmm…" Luke perks up as he turns his head the outside window from the Twin's room. His eyes sharpen scanning the thicket of trees and peering through the darkness.
"Hey Luke, you have to actually shoot to win!" Nicky says grabbing the boy's attention. Luke turns toward Nicky and he sees the serious look in the ravennette's eyes. "Something wrong?"
"No, I think I just gotta go to the bathroom," Luke says suddenly standing to his feet leaving the room. James and Nicky give the boy a confused look before returning to their game.
Luke's sharp ears could hear the familiar hum of a PSI Dampening Field. Normally the devices shut down a subject's powers when placed on them. However, some devices have landed on the black market and worse have been modified to operate to create a ring, a PSI blind spot. So that means that someone is using them to keep the adults from sensing the kids' using their powers. This type of tech is illegal, but many underground networks have gotten their hands on the devices. He also saw about 10 armed figures moving toward the house. He shoots a message to Jeff as he enters the bathroom to give him an update, after that he pulls out his symbiont carrying case to get dressed up. He's going to protect his new family, no matter what.