[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies ✓

6. 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴

The movie had reached its most intense point—the room felt electric with anticipation. Flickering images danced across the screen, the dim lighting casting long shadows over the assembled group. The surround sound system boomed, making the atmosphere almost tangible like they were part of the story unfolding before them.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Just as the film was about to make it to the most interesting moment, the screen flickered. The colors distorted and the sound cut out for a split second before switching abruptly to a breaking news segment.

A wave of groans and sighs filled the room, an almost comical mixture of robotic whirs and human complaints. The atmosphere of excitement shattered like glass. The Autobots exchanged confused glances, while the humans slumped back in their seats in disappointment, "Aw, c'mon!" Rainbow exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. She pouted, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the couch, "We were just getting to the good part!"

Twilight raised her hand, gesturing for silence, "Hold on, Dash. It may be important." she said calmly.

Her friend scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Pff, sure." she muttered under her breath, "Probably some cat stuck in a tree or something."

The news anchor's somber face flickered across the screen, pulling the entire room into a moment of silence, "We interrupt this program to bring you a special report. A bizarre incident occurred at our largest stadium where the famous rock band Real Axle was meant to play tonight."

"WHAT?!" Bumblebee shouted in shock at the mention of his favorite band, louder than he intended as he jumped from his seat. His outburst echoed through the room, instantly drawing the attention of his friends. All eyes turned toward the yellow Autobot in collective confusion.

Realizing he had just blurted out in front of everyone, his optics flickered as if he could feel them all staring at him. He cleared his vocalizer awkwardly and quickly averted his gaze, "I-I mean... that sounds... bad." he added, trying to sound nonchalant as he rubbed the back of his helm, his tone much more subdued now.

"During the concert, an unusual and chaotic incident occurred that left both the band and the audience in a state of confusion and unrest. We go live to our correspondent at the scene."

The screen cut to a reporter standing outside the concert venue, the chaotic scene of emergency vehicles and panicked fans as a backdrop. The female reporter's words were urgent, reflecting the confusion and distress of the moment, "Thank you, John. I'm here at the site of what can only be described as a truly bizarre event. According to eyewitnesses and concertgoers, the rock band Real Axle was mysteriously locked backstage just moments before they were set to perform."

Pinkie let out a loud gasp and whispered with narrowed eyes, "Sabotage."

"We have one of the band members here with us now to shed some light on what happened."

The camera panned to a disheveled and visibly shaken member of Real Axle, "It was the weirdest thing." he began, "There were these dudes who showed up out of nowhere and locked us in the preparation room. We could hear the crowd outside and then this singing started. It was... I don't know how to explain it. Everything after that is just a blur. I can't remember what happened next."

As the reporter nodded sympathetically, she turned to face the camera again, "And that's not all. We've spoken to several members of the audience who also experienced strange occurrences. Here's one of them now."

The camera shifted to a man in his early thirties, his expression one of confusion and lingering fear. He held up his phone, showing a blurry photo of three figures on stage, "I was in the crowd, waiting for the band to come on." he recounted, "Then, these three girls appeared out of nowhere and started singing. I remember the music was really strange, and then... everything went dark. I woke up on the ground with people around me injured and scared. It was like a nightmare."