Zylen Arvex leans back against the cool metal surface of a control panel in the secret base left to him by his mentor, the remnants of a once-great legacy filled with crime-fighting resources. The reality of his situation settles in like a heavy fog; while he may have access to cutting-edge technology and tools, financial stability is a luxury he simply cannot afford. Superheroism, it turns out, is not a profitable business—especially for those who still cling to their secret identities.
He glances at the dusty trophies and awards lining the shelves, symbols of valor and courage that now feel like relics of a bygone era. Unlike Amir, who has successfully transitioned into the limelight as Lil Biggie, Zylen knows he cannot capitalize on his heroism. The thought of signing contracts under a code name, of securing brand endorsements for a flashy costume, is as distant as the stars.
A few weeks ago, Lorelai, the acting director of PARENTS—the superpower regulatory agency—had offered him a lifeline. The superpowered youth training program promised guidance, resources, and a sense of community. But the price was steep: a relinquishment of his autonomy and secrets to an organization with murky motives. The memory of Flit, his fellow sidekick, standing defiantly against Lorelai's proposition flashes in his mind. "The Omega Responders trained us to be heroes for everyone, not soldiers for the military-industrial complex," he had said, his voice resonating with conviction.
Zylen remembers the tension in the air that day, the palpable uncertainty that hung over the group. Lorelai's response, laced with veiled threats, echoed ominously: "You won't last long out there by yourselves." Her words had struck a chord, a reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond the horizon.
Now, as the dust settles and each of the sidekicks has forged their own path, Zylen feels the weight of solitude. The thrill of adventure is overshadowed by the harsh reality of his choices. Sure, he could have aligned himself with PARENTS, but that would mean surrendering his freedom of choice—allowing the rich and powerful to dictate who the real villains are.
With a sigh, he stands up, the resolve within him igniting. He may not have the financial backing of a corporate sponsor or the spotlight of a celebrity, but he possesses something far more valuable: the spirit of a hero that refuses to be extinguished. Zylen knows he must find a way to make his mark in this world, to carve out a space where he can be true to himself, even if it means navigating the criminal underbelly on his own.
As he steps away from the control panel, the flickering lights cast shadows that dance across the room, reminding him that the battle is not yet over. Zylen may be alone for now, but he is determined to stand against the tide, to forge his own destiny, and to continue the legacy of the Omega Responders—no matter the cost.