3 years ago...
"Why in the hell are we here?" Ryan shivered. "It's pouring!"
"Because aren't you excited to see science in action! This Particle Accelerator can change things! It's the beginning of the future, Ryan!" Melanie responded with glee. "See, the way this thing'll work, it'll-!"
"Okay, okay. Sorry I asked." Ryan huffed as she looked up at the building While covering her head from the downpour.
"But really, I'm glad you're here. Lord knows mom wouldn't get out of bed for anything, much less this!"
Ryan huffed. "Sure yeah. I'm positive she would have loved to see this! I mean, it's the perfect weather!"
"You're so-."
"Everybody leave now!"
The pair were immediately thrown back by the crowd suddenly rushing backwards. Guards were screaming; directing people where to run and how to leave. But the hoards of people continued to shove and scatter. Melanie grabbed onto Ryan's arm and pulled her closer to her body. The rain mixed with the sudden panic only made it even more difficult for them to attempt an escape. They couldn't even hear each other over the screams. Suddenly a sonic boom-like explosion rang out. A burst of light followed by lightening striking out to the closest buildings. Ryan, Melanie, and the entire crowd were stunned in awe. For a second, the panic had dissipated; their eyes locked on the swirl of light that shot up into the stormy sky. But panic returned, as the lightening began to not only strike down but a shock wave to ring out.
"RYAN!" Melanie and Ryan were both shoved over the edge of the railing to the ramp they were trying to flee through. They collapsed almost a story down. Ryan slammed on her side and cried out at the pain that shot down her right arm and ribs. The rain continued to pour down, the crowd continued to rush and scream as some people suffered the same fate as Melanie and Ryan. She screamed but all that was heard was the ringing in her ears. She blinked to get the tears and rain from her eyes and finally saw her.
Melanie, on the floor; eyes wide open. The blood pooling around her head was quickly draining away from the rain. Ryan pushed herself up, despite the pain in her side and arm. She dragged her knees against the slick yet grainy ground in order to crawl to her body. She begged as much as she could for Melanie to be alive but as soon as she used her good arm to push her body, she could tell.
"Melanie?"