Zephyra and Neon entered the room, their expressions a mix of concern and disapproval as they noticed Nova's flushed cheeks and Flux's amused grin.
"Alright, you two, what sort of trouble have you been getting into now?" Neon asked, his voice carrying a hint of sternness that was quickly betrayed by the twinkle in his eye.
Flux opened his mouth to respond, but Nova beat him to it, her words tumbling out in an excited rush. "Oh, Dad, Mom, you'll never believe it! I went to visit Oxy at his shop in the artisanal district, and I met the most peculiar member of the Norma family."
Zephyra's perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose in surprise. "The Normas? Again? Nova, sweetheart, I thought we discussed how it might be best to limit your interactions with that... unconventional group."
Neon nodded in agreement, his expression one of paternal concern. "Your mother's right, kiddo. We don't want you getting too caught up in their outdated ways. They might start filling your head with all sorts of nonsense about living off the grid and rejecting technology."
Nova rolled her eyes, a gesture she had perfected over years of good-natured exasperation with her parents' biases. "Dad, relax. The Normas aren't some sort of cult trying to brainwash me. They're just... different, that's all."
Flux, sensing an opportunity for mischief, chimed in with a sly grin. "That's an understatement, sis. From what you've told me, the Normas are way beyond 'different.' They're practically from another planet!"
Nova shot her brother a warning look, but the damage was done. Their parents' curiosity was officially piqued.
"What do you mean, 'from another planet'?" Zephyra asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Nova, what exactly did you experience during your visit with these Norma people?"
Nova took a deep breath, trying to decide where to begin. "Well, you see, I met this guy named Lumen. He's Hydro's cousin, and he has the most peculiar quirk..."
As Nova launched into the tale of Lumen's inability to lie to women, complete with dramatic reenactments of his unfiltered comments and flustered apologies, their parents' expressions morphed from concern to utter bewilderment.
"You can't be serious," Neon sputtered, his eyes wide. "This Lumen fellow just blurts out whatever he's thinking, without any filter or control?"
Nova nodded emphatically. "Exactly! It's both hilarious and deeply uncomfortable all at the same time."
Zephyra shook her head slowly, as if trying to wrap her mind around the concept. "But how is that even possible? Doesn't he have any sense of propriety or social graces?"
"That's just it, Mom," Flux piped up, coming to his sister's defense. "The Normas aren't like us. They live by a completely different set of rules and values."
Neon scoffed, his skepticism evident. "Values? You mean like rejecting modern technology and living like savages?"
Flux's eyes flashed with uncharacteristic defiance. "They're not savages, Dad. They're just... more in touch with the natural world, I guess. And you have to admit, there's something refreshingly honest about a guy who can't lie, even if it makes him say some pretty awkward stuff."
Zephyra pursed her lips, clearly struggling to understand her children's fascination with the Norma way of life. "I just don't see the appeal, dears. Why would anyone choose to live like that when we have all the conveniences of modern technology right at our fingertips?"
Nova shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Maybe that's the point, Mom. The Normas don't want all those conveniences. They value simplicity, self-sufficiency, and being in touch with the natural world."
"Preposterous!" Neon exclaimed, throwing up his hands in exasperation. "How can anyone possibly survive without neural implants, virtual reality, and instant access to all the knowledge and entertainment in the world?"
Flux chuckled, shaking his head. "That's just it, Dad. The Normas don't just survive – they thrive. And in their own way, they're probably a lot happier and more fulfilled than most of us bio-dome dwellers."
Zephyra and Neon stared at their children, utterly bewildered by their defense of the Norma way of life. It was as if they were speaking an entirely different language, one that defied all logic and reason.
"I think we've heard quite enough about these 'Normas' for one day," Zephyra said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "Clearly, their unconventional ways have addled your senses."
Nova opened her mouth to protest, but Flux beat her to it, rising from the sofa with a huff of exasperation. "You know what? I think Nova and I need a break from this conversation. We're going out."
Neon raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of parental concern and skepticism. "Out? Out where? Not to go gallivanting around with those Norma folk again, I hope."
Flux rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. "No, Dad. We're going to the Karma Chameleon. You know, that new neuro-stimulation club in the entertainment district? Maybe a few mind-bending cocktails and some cutting-edge virtual reality experiences will help reset our brain circuits."
Nova, sensing an opportunity to escape the stifling atmosphere of their parents' disapproval, was quick to jump on board. "That sounds like a brilliant idea, Flux! Some good old-fashioned bio-dome fun is just what we need."
Zephyra and Neon exchanged a resigned look, realizing that they were fighting a losing battle. With a sigh, Zephyra waved a hand dismissively. "Very well, you two. Go and enjoy yourselves. But please, try to keep an open mind about the Norma situation. We only want what's best for you."
Nova managed a tight smile, already halfway out the door. "Sure thing, Mom. We'll keep an open mind – you know, the way the Normas do about pretty much everything?"
Before their parents could respond, the siblings were gone, leaving a trail of bemused silence in their wake.
As they made their way through the bustling streets of the entertainment district, Nova and Flux couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at having escaped the confines of their parents' narrow-minded worldview, if only for a little while.
"Can you believe them?" Nova huffed, her pink eyes flashing with frustration. "It's like they're physically incapable of understanding anything that deviates from their precious bio-dome norms."
Flux shook his head, his green hair seeming to crackle with energy. "I know, right? For a couple of people who claim to value personal growth and open-mindedness, they sure do have a hard time accepting anything outside their comfort zone."
As they approached the pulsing lights and thumping bassline of the Karma Chameleon, Nova couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. Maybe a night of cutting-edge neuro-stimulation and mind-bending virtual reality experiences was just what she needed to clear her head and gain some perspective on the Norma situation.
With a grin, she looped her arm through her brother's and quickened her pace. "Come on, Flux. Let's go get our minds blown in the most gloriously bio-dome way possible. Who knows? Maybe we'll even gain some newfound appreciation for our parents' techno-obsessed ways."
Flux snorted with laughter, allowing himself to be pulled along. "Or maybe we'll just end up even more confused and disillusioned than before. Either way, it's bound to be one hell of a ride!"