Flit's expression shifts, disappointment flickering across their features, but before Zylen can address it, the atmosphere in the Bowie Ballroom changes abruptly. Just as the crowd reaches the climax of "Size Matters," their cheerful singing is pierced by a sound that sends a chill down Zylen's spine—a cry for help.
The jubilant energy of the concert is instantly overshadowed by the alarming distress call. Heads turn, and the vibrant lights now cast eerie shadows as the crowd begins to murmur in confusion. Zylen's instincts kick in; he knows that sound all too well.
Without thinking, he locks eyes with Flit, who shares the same understanding. They've been through enough together to recognize the urgency behind the cry. In an instant, the weight of nostalgia is replaced by a sense of duty.
"Let's go," Zylen says firmly, his voice cutting through the noise. Flit nods, their disappointment forgotten as adrenaline takes over.
They push through the crowd, moving swiftly toward the source of the sound. The atmosphere, once electric with music, is now thick with tension. People are parting, some looking confused, others alarmed, as Zylen and Flit weave their way through the throng.
As they near the edge of the ballroom, Zylen spots a commotion near the entrance. A small group of people has gathered, their faces etched with concern. The cry for help echoes again, sharper this time, and Zylen feels a surge of urgency propel him forward.
"Stay back!" he calls out to the crowd, raising his hands to create space. Flit follows closely, their gaze scanning for any signs of danger.
When they finally reach the front, Zylen pushes through the last few onlookers to discover a young woman on the ground, clutching her arm and wincing in pain. A few people kneel beside her, trying to help, but there's a frantic energy in the air that suggests something more sinister is at play.
"What happened?" Zylen asks, kneeling down beside her.
"Thieves!" she gasps between breaths. "They took my bag and pushed me down! They ran out the back door!"
Flit's eyes narrow, the familiar spark of determination igniting within them. "We need to catch them," they say, already beginning to assess the situation.
Zylen nods, his mind racing. The adrenaline is pumping through his veins, and he can feel the weight of their past training coming back to him. "We can't let them get away. Flit, can you teleport us to the back exit?"
"Absolutely," Flit replies, already focusing on their powers. They reach out to Zylen, their energy melding together in anticipation of the leap.
"On three!" Zylen says, feeling a surge of excitement and purpose. "One… two… three!"
In an instant, they vanish from the chaos of the ballroom, reappearing just outside the venue's back exit. The night air hits them, cool and invigorating.
Zylen scans the area, searching for any sign of the thieves. "Which way did they go?"
Flit points down a dimly lit alley, where shadows flicker and rustle. "That way! Let's move!"
With renewed determination, they sprint down the alley, ready to confront whatever danger awaits them. The concert's energy fades behind them, replaced by the thrill of the chase and the promise of justice. They may be moments away from recapturing the spirit of the Omega Responders, and this time, they won't let anyone down.