"He's great, isn't he?" Flit exclaims, their voice brimming with enthusiasm as they stand beside Zylen.
Zylen takes a moment to appreciate the transformation in Flit, whose evolution is almost as striking as Amir's journey to becoming Lil Biggie. Clad in an aviator jacket adorned with patches from over a dozen countries, Flit embodies a spirit of global adventure. The black-and-white checkered scarf adds a touch of flair, while their shoulder-length hair, now tinted a bold gold, catches the stage lights perfectly. A hint of makeup accentuates their eyes, giving them an air of confidence that radiates from within.
Flit has always been a chameleon, ever-changing in looks, interests, and gender presentation. With the ability to teleport anywhere they've been before, they've traveled the world, collecting experiences and cultures like souvenirs. They consider themselves a true citizen of the world, pledging allegiance not to a single nation but to humanity—a noble commitment that Zylen admires.
"Speaking of change…" he begins, only to be cut off by Flit.
"Did you see that move he just did? Sawyer? What are you doing here?" Flit asks, their gaze locked on the stage, excitement bubbling beneath their words.
"He's got talent, I'll give him that," Zylen concedes, nodding in agreement.
"Definitely better at being a rapper than being a superhero," Flit quips, a playful smirk dancing on their lips.
Zylen raises an eyebrow, half-smiling. "The Omega Responders were 'great.' Lil Biggie is just marketing his powers for money and fame."
Flit shrugs, their expression thoughtful. "Maybe. But isn't that what we all do, in a way? We market our skills, our identities. He's just found a platform where he can be both himself and a hero, even if it looks different."
"True," Zylen admits, glancing back to the stage. "But he's not quite 'great' just yet. Wait a few minutes and you'll see what I mean."
Just then, Amir leans into the microphone, his presence commanding the crowd's attention. The energy in the room shifts as he prepares to launch into his next verse, his charisma palpable. Zylen can feel the anticipation buzzing in the air, the audience hanging on every word.
As the beat drops and lyrics flow, Zylen watches Amir transform the stage into a realm of hope and inspiration. The crowd sways, caught in the rhythm, and for a moment, it feels like they're all part of something much larger than themselves. The connection between artist and audience is electric, bridging gaps and binding them together through shared experience.
"See? There it is," Zylen leans closer to Flit, his voice barely audible over the music. "He's still finding his footing, but when he lets go, that's when the real magic happens."
Flit nods, their eyes gleaming with admiration for Amir. "I can't wait to see where this takes him. And us, for that matter."
As the performance unfolds, Zylen feels a renewed sense of purpose. The journey of a hero may take many forms, but in this moment, surrounded by friends and the pulsating energy of possibility, he realizes that they are all still part of a story worth telling—a story of resilience, change, and the unbreakable bonds that tie them together.