Morning Rounds

Ms. Crayon Zebra stood on the observation deck of her fortress, watching the sunrise paint Craft Room City in brilliant colors. The four crayon towers around her gleamed like giant art supplies reaching toward the sky.

"Another beautiful morning to protect creativity," she said, adjusting her blue mask.

Her utility belt jingled softly as she stepped inside. The fortress's main computer beeped with the daily report. She pressed a large blue button.

"Good morning, Ms. Crayon Zebra," the computer's cheerful voice announced. "All systems normal. Art supply levels across the city appear standard."

She nodded and prepared for her morning patrol. Flying would give her the best view of the neighborhoods below. As she stepped toward the launch pad, her bright blue eyes sparkled with determination.

"Time to make sure everyone in Craft Room City has everything they need for a creative day."

She launched into the sky, her black and white stripes catching the morning light as she soared between buildings.

The Empty Shelves

Ms. Crayon Zebra soared over the morning streets, her keen eyes scanning the neighborhoods below. Everything looked normal until she spotted something odd near Pencil Park.

"Wait a minute," she said, hovering in place.

The park's art station stood completely empty. No crayons lined the wooden shelves where children usually grabbed supplies for their outdoor drawings.

She swooped down to investigate. The metal crayon holders were bare except for a few broken pieces scattered on the ground. Her blue eyes widened as she picked up a red crayon stub.

"This looks like it was snapped in half," she muttered.

A cheerful whistle caught her attention. A young baker jogged past, flour still dusting his green apron. He waved at her with a friendly smile.

"Morning, Ms. Crayon Zebra! Beautiful day, isn't it?"

"Have you noticed anything strange about the art supplies today?" she asked, landing beside him.

The baker stopped jogging and scratched his head, leaving a white streak in his brown hair.

"Now that you mention it, my bakery's decorating crayons vanished overnight. I thought maybe I misplaced them, but..." He shrugged.

Ms. Crayon Zebra felt her stomach drop. Two locations missing crayons couldn't be a coincidence.