[Robots and Magic] Between Claws

4. 𝘋𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺

Dear Princess Twilight,

How have you been doing? I'm sorry I haven't written to you for a while. I've been... a bit occupied with life responsibilities and I lost track of time. But don't worry, all of us are fine. The summer vacation is going great, we've managed to make many new friends. I'm sure if you decide to visit us soon, you will like them too. We miss you and I hope we can see each other again whenever you are free from your royal duties.

Your friend,

Sunset Shimmer

The vivid crimson-haired girl finally wrote her name and sighed, leaning her head on the tree she sat underneath. She closed her eyes and let the hum of nature envelop her, feeling the gentle warmth of the sunlight on her skin. Despite the world's chaos, she found solace in her secret spot, where she could be alone with her thoughts. Did she make the right choice not to tell her? Maybe if it was for the best. And who knows? If Princess Twilight decided to pay them a visit someday, Sunset would be able to introduce them better in person.

Unexpectedly, she heard a strange noise from the deep parts of the forest park, Sunset got up and her gaze fell in the direction where they came from. After deciding to investigate, she put her diary in her bag and went to the weird clashes. As she came closer and hid behind one of the large trees, she listened carefully. It sounded like a fight and... growling?

She felt a surge of curiosity and fear as she crept near the sound, trying to keep quiet and unnoticed, trying to make out what was happening. She spotted two large figures engaged in a vicious battle. She kneeled and took a proper look, what she didn't expect to see was combat between two completely different wolf species, fighting mercilessly. The teenager stood silently and perfectly hidden, watching in shock as they grappled with each other, their roars and snarls echoing through the forest.

"You've got to be kidding me..."

As she continued to stare, her eyes widened in realization. She recognized the bigger wooden beast. It was a timberwolf. Sunset remembered the stories Celestia told her when they were learning about Equestria's mythical creatures, a long time ago. She thought they were made-up beings for scary tales to frighten the young fillies. The girl then glanced at the second one. It seemed like another Cybertronian. What were they both doing here in this world?

She couldn't quite see whether he was a good guy or not, but the urgency of the situation was clear. The only thing she knew for certain was that he was in big trouble and if she didn't act fast, not only him but other innocent humans might also get hurt. She had to think of a plan quickly and help somehow, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way. Call Bee? No, it might be too late till he arrives. Transform into a robot? If she only knew how...

Sunset glanced at her necklace and tried to concentrate. She knew the Cybertronian power was still somewhere inside, she just didn't know how to summon it.

Why does it have to be so complicated?!

"Okay Sunset, just breathe and concentrate, you've dealt with magic many times before. You can do it now too." she whispered and grasped the pendant in her hands, "Come on geode, please. I need you to listen to me. I want to transform, now!" she pleaded desperately. To her shock, the jewelry began to glow, a soft, ethereal light emanating from its core. Sunset gaped at it in surprise but soon she closed her eyes as she felt the magic floating inside her body. As the glowing intensified, she could feel the power growing stronger, surrounding her and enveloping her in its warmth. A rush of sensation washed over her as she felt the transformation taking hold. She concentrated all of her will and determination on the task at hand, ignoring the doubts and fear that threatened to cloud her mind.