[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies

7. 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the bustling city below. Shadows from the towering buildings stretched across the streets, mingling with the soft hum of traffic. Despite the peaceful appearance of the day, Twilight and Spike were on high alert, their mission weighing heavily on their minds as they patrolled alongside Strongarm. The cadet suggested that it would be better for the two to remain inside her vehicle form to avoid drawing unwanted attention. The girl's shades of purple and pink would have made her far too noticeable amidst the sea of mundane city-goers.

Arcee's motorcycle form had been considered but ultimately dismissed for the same reason: it would attract too many eyes. Instead, Strongarm's police cruiser form was the perfect cover. Sleek and unassuming, the patrol car blended effortlessly into the urban environment. Passersby would glance at her only to assume she was just another law enforcement vehicle patrolling the streets.

Twilight sat in the passenger seat, fidgeting slightly as she peered through the tinted windows. The view outside was typical for the late morning— busy sidewalks, storefronts buzzing with activity and the occasional pedestrian crossing the street. Still, her gaze remained focused, scanning for any hint of abnormality while Spike sat quietly by her side. The day's stillness felt unsettling to her as if something was lurking just out of sight.

She pulled out her phone and initiated a FaceTime call. The familiar ringtone cut through the silence inside the vehicle until her friends' faces appeared on the screen, "Any updates?" Twilight asked.

"I'm afraid not, darling." Rarity sighed, "We've been patrolling all over the place but still no signs of anything suspicious."

The purple girl's heart sank a little, "What about the rest?" she inquired, hoping for better news.

Applejack's face appeared next, her expression equally grim, "Nope, nothin' on our end either."

"Nada." Pinkie chimed in, her usual cheerfulness noticeably subdued.

"Same here." said Rainbow, her voice carrying a note of impatience, "We've checked every possible hideout and nothing."

"We haven't found anything yet either." Fluttershy added timidly, her eyes filled with concern.

Twilight's shoulders lowered slightly, feeling the collective disappointment weighing on her, "Have any of you heard from Sunset?" Rainbow questioned, cutting through the silence.

"Not since she left for a patrol with Optimus." the element of magic replied, her worry evident, "I don't want to bother her right now. She seemed even more troubled than me before she left."

Rarity nodded, her expression softening, "Poor dearie."

Suddenly, Strongarm's voice crackled through the dashboard, "Twilight, I think I've spotted something unusual up ahead."

The purple teenager straightened in her seat, peering through the windshield. They slowed to a stop in front of a machine parts shop, its facade unremarkable save for the conspicuous police tape marking it as a crime scene. The Cybertronian femme, still in her patrol car mode, blended in perfectly with the other vehicles, "I think we spotted something, girls. We will stay in touch and keep each other updated." Twilight ended the call and turned her attention back to the scene.

"We need to investigate." the cadet said, "Stay inside and keep an eye out."

The girl nodded, her pulse quickening. She watched as Strongarm parked close to the shop. Listening intently, Twilight overheard snippets of conversation from the officers investigating the scene, "...appears several high-tech components were stolen." one officer remarked.