[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies

10. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵, 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴

As the others were out facing the Decepticons in the field, the remaining Autobots and three girls stayed behind at the base, anxiously awaiting their friends' return. The settlement's usual hum seemed louder than usual and every ticking second stretched longer than the last. Uncertainty gnawed at them, filling the place with a quiet anxiety they all felt but didn't speak.

While sitting in restless silence, Fixit, who had been monitoring the situation closely, suddenly stiffened, "O-Oh no..."

Knock Out snapped to attention at the mini-con's reaction, his form straightening up, "What is it now?" he questioned out of apprehension.

Fixit's tiny servos flew across the control panel with frantic urgency, screens lighting up as he pulled up various readings, "There's... there's a new signal!" he answered with concern, "It appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the city!"

The news sent a ripple of unease through the group. Smokescreen went to the two mechs at the controls. The normally light-hearted Autobot had an intense look on his face-plate as he scanned the data on the screen, "Just like that?" he asked, frowning as he leaned closer, double-checking the readings. His earlier restlessness now shifted to laser-sharp focus, "We should go check it out." he suggested.

"We're coming too!" Pinkie declared with an enthusiastic bounce, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Knock Out held up a servo, cutting her off gently but firmly, "It'd be best if you three stayed put for now. The last thing we need is to drag you into danger. We can handle this ourselves."

Smokescreen nodded in agreement, giving the girls a reassuring smile, "Yeah, don't worry! We're trained for this sort of thing."

Fluttershy's brows drew together in worry as she looked up at the Autobots, "But... what if it's a trap?"

The red medic glanced at her, "That's exactly why you should stay here. If it is, we can't afford to have any of you caught in it. Keep the base secure and monitor for anything else. If anything happens, contact us immediately. We'll handle the situation in the city."

Rarity sighed, "Alright, darlings. But let me make one thing abundantly clear," she began, her words carrying a sharp edge that surprised everyone, "If either of you dares to return with so much as a scratch, or worse, if you don't return at all— I will be very cross."

The way she said 'cross' left little to the imagination. It wasn't a simple annoyance or frustration that she was threatening. No, there was a distinct edge to her tone, a promise that if anything happened to them, she wouldn't be pleased in the slightest.

Smokescreen's optics widened slightly as he took an involuntary step back, "Uh, y-yeah, you got it. No scratches, no dents, no nothing! We'll be back in one piece, promise."

Knock Out, known for his usual bravado, found himself nodding quickly in agreement, "Trust me, my dear, we have no intention of testing that promise. We'll be as cautious as ever."

Rarity's stern expression softened, though the warning glint remained, "Good. See that you do." she gave a delicate nod, her usual elegance returning.

The two Autobots exchanged a quick glance, silently agreeing not to test her warning and transformed into their vehicle modes, engines purring to life. Before they left, Knock Out threw out a playful, "We'll be back in a jiffy!" with that, he and Smokescreen shot forward, disappearing through the activated Groundbridge to face whatever waited for them in the outside world.

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Smokescreen and Knock Out moved cautiously through the corridors of the sprawling metal factory, their sensors on high alert as they scanned for any signs of activity. Their pedes echoed against the cold steel floor, the sound swallowed almost immediately by the immense quietness around them. It was a sprawling labyrinth of cavernous spaces lined with rusted machinery and towering stacks of scrap, casting strange, jagged shadows under the dim overhead lights.