Shining Sparkle Part I

The clock read 19:23. Night was falling over Wonder City, casting long and sinister shadows across the narrow streets and winding alleys of the poorest commercial area. The constant hum of Tesla coils and the crackling of electricity filled the air, creating a symphony of sounds that echoed through the alleys. Aegis, the imposing android with silver hair and piercing red eyes, moved with an almost supernatural precision, her footsteps echoing like muffled thunder.

Ahead of her, a teenage boy was running desperately, clutching a bag to his chest. His wide eyes reflected panic and determination to escape. He agilely dodged through the people, who moved away in fright upon seeing the metallic figure of Aegis in her relentless pursuit. The boy abruptly turned into a narrow alley, his feet pounding against the irregular cobblestones, while the sound of his heavy breathing mixed with the chaos around him.

Aegis, with her silver armor shining under the light of the electric lanterns, didn't miss a beat. Her advanced sensors tracked the boy's every move, calculating the perfect trajectory to intercept him. She leapt over a pile of boxes, her metallic legs bending and extending with mechanical grace, landing smoothly on the ground of the alley.

The boy, sensing the threatening presence approaching, increased his speed, his eyes desperately searching for a route of escape. He slipped through a narrow passage between two buildings, his sweaty hands sliding against the brick walls. Aegis, without hesitation, followed him, her movements precise and calculated, like a predator in search of its prey.

While running, the boy spotted a vehicle parked in a dark corner of the alley. In a quick and stealthy move, he slid the bag under the vehicle, hiding its illicit contents without Aegis noticing. He continued running, now without the load, hoping to throw the android off his trail.

The chase continued through the labyrinthine streets, the boy dodging street vendors and makeshift stalls, while Aegis maintained her relentless pursuit. The sound of hurried footsteps and surprised cries echoed through the alleys, creating a cacophony of chaos and tension. The boy turned into a dead-end alley, his heart pounding uncontrollably in his chest. He looked around, desperately searching for an exit, but found only high and insurmountable walls.

Aegis approached slowly, her red eyes glowing with a threatening intensity. The boy backed away, pressing himself against the wall, his breathing quick and irregular. The android extended her hand, her metallic fingers shining under the dim light of the lanterns.

— Hand over the bag — said Aegis, her voice cold and authoritative.

The boy, trembling with fear, held onto the bag tighter, his pleading eyes meeting Aegis's. He knew he had nowhere to run, but the determination in his eyes showed he wouldn't give up easily.

Aegis took a step forward, her imposing presence dominating the narrow alley. The boy, in a last act of desperation, threw the bag to the side and tried to escape to the side. But Aegis, with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbed him by the arm, immobilizing him with ease.

— You can't escape — she said, her voice firm and unwavering.

Defeated, the boy let himself fall to his knees, his breathing heavy and irregular. Aegis picked up the bag and opened it, revealing its contents. She looked at the boy, her red eyes glowing with a mixture of curiosity and determination.

— You made a wrong choice — she said, her voice echoing through the empty alley.

Without any hesitation, Aegis squeezed the boy's neck with her metallic hand, ending his life in an instant. The boy's body fell limp to the ground as the night continued to envelop Wonder City in its cloak of darkness. Aegis, with the boy in custody, prepared to return to the base. The city, with its dancing shadows and flickering lights, seemed to watch silently.

The night was at its peak, and Wonder City was glowing with an almost magical intensity. In the heart of the city, a monumental stage was set up, illuminated by thousands of lights flashing in sync with the music. Halo's concert, the most famous idol in the region, was about to begin. The audience, a mass of eager faces and bright eyes, waited with anticipation.

Halo emerged on stage like an ethereal vision. Her long, wavy silver hair reflected the colorful lights, creating a halo of glow around her. Her eyes were a deep blue, almost hypnotic, and her pale skin contrasted with the vibrant dress she wore, adorned with crystals that sparkled with every movement. She seemed to float as she danced, her steps graceful and precise, as if she were in a dream.

The music filled the air, a captivating melody that made everyone's hearts beat to the rhythm. Halo sang with a sweet and powerful voice, each note filled with emotion. The audience was enchanted, completely captivated by the hypnotizing performance.

Backstage, Halo's manager, a woman with a severe appearance and keen eyes, was talking to a nervous-looking man. He was holding a small bag in his hands, his eyes constantly scanning the environment around them.

— I found this under the marked car — said the man, his voice low and urgent. — The boy was killed. Caught by one of the three.

The manager frowned, her eyes fixed on the bag. She knew this could mean serious trouble.

— Damn — she murmured, taking the bag and carefully opening it. Inside were small packets of an unknown substance. — At least everything is here. Good job, Jeff, send my condolences to the family.

The man nodded, his face pale with worry.

— Yes, ma'am. Will you attend the funeral? — he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

The manager looked at him, her eyes gleaming with determination.

— Hah... no. These damn androids are a pain in the neck, and it's not even been two weeks since they started working. But we need to be more discreet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to talk to our esteemed guests.

Meanwhile, on stage, Halo continued to mesmerize the audience, oblivious to the drama unfolding backstage.

The night advanced, and Halo's music filled the air, a melody of hope and beauty amidst the darkness and secrets of Wonder City. The manager, Myndi, was involved in dangerous things, but for now, all that mattered was keeping the attraction intact and ensuring the show went on.

In the VIP box were the distinguished guests of one of the most important artists of that generation. Among them were two well-known figures: Dr. Cláusio Anteu and Dr. Aurora Sterling. Cláusio wore a perfectly tailored dark gray suit, with a white shirt and deep blue tie, while Aurora wore a long emerald green satin dress that highlighted her green eyes.

Myndi approached them with a warm smile, her keen eyes examining every detail of the environment.

— Dr. Anteu, Dr. Sterling, it's so good to see you here tonight — Myndi began, her voice smooth and professional. — I just wanted to say how much I admire your work. The innovation and dedication you bring to Wonder City are simply inspiring.

Aurora smiled, her green eyes shining with a mix of pride and humility.

— Thank you, Myndi. We just do what we love and try to contribute to the city's well-being.

Cláusio, with his imposing presence and penetrating gaze, simply nodded in agreement.

— It's true. Seeing how our technology can benefit people's lives here is an immense reward. I completely agree. And tonight, we have a golden opportunity to show that to the world. Halo's show is wonderful, and I'm sure everyone here is dazzled. — Myndi said, nodding her head in agreement.

Aurora looked at the stage, where Halo shone under the lights, her voice enchanting the crowd.

— She really is incredible.

— Yes, and this wouldn't be possible without the support of the fans... and mine. — Myndi continued, her tone gaining a touch of seriousness. — But now, Dr. Sterling, if you'll excuse me, I would like to have a word in private with Dr. Anteu. There are some important issues we need to discuss.

Aurora cast a curious glance at Cláusio but nodded understandingly.

— Of course, Myndi. I'll take the opportunity to watch the rest of the show.

Myndi smiled in gratitude as Aurora walked away, turning her attention to Cláusio.

The rain fell heavily over Wonder City, the drops hitting the ground with a rhythmic persistence. The colorful lights of Halo's show still shone in the distance, but Aurora Sterling was already far from that scene of enchantment. Her red hair, now drenched and clinging to her face, reflected the flashes of lightning that tore through the night sky. With quick steps, she walked away from the artificial brightness and joy, muttering to herself.

— I'm not staying there — she murmured, her tone tinged with bitterness. — If they're going to keep things from me, why should I bother?

Her dress, once elegant, was now clinging to her body, soaked by the rain. She hugged her arms to her body, trying to shield herself from the biting cold. Her footsteps echoed in the empty streets, the sound muffled by the distant roar of the ongoing show.

Aurora arrived at the bus stop, a simple structure worn by time. She took shelter under the awning, staring into the void of the night as drops of water trickled down her face. The air was filled with the smell of wet earth and asphalt, a combination that brought a strange sense of peace.

                                                                  The clock read 19:56.