Emma & Malcom Peabody
Chapter 31: I'm still here
-Sherman...-he started to listen.-Sherman!-this time, he heard it louder.-Sherman!-And he finally was able to open both of his eyes and see what was going on around him.-Oh, my... you really scared me! What happened to you? Do you feel ok?-Ally questioned him but he didn't seem to be paying much attention
The red-haired man stood up slowly and looked around with a lost and unfocused look inside his eyes. His mind was still spinning around but it was slowing down. Anyway, that wasn't the most worrying fact about the situation... he felt his mind, better said, his memories, a bit emptier.
-Sherman?-he turned around and saw his assistant standing there.-Is everything alright?-
-How... What are we doing here?-
Ally stared at him confused.-We're... well, hiding from Napoleon-
-Napoleon?-he asked before touching his head, as he remembered it all of a sudden.-NAPOLEON! We... we have to do something about it! But... why are you here?-
The girl looked down worried and took a step closer to him. As soon as she did so, he took a step away from her, as if being closer to her was dangerous.-You... you don't remember it?-
-Mmm... I don't know...-his eyes wide opened and stared at Ally.-Why are you here?-he asked this time full of fear
This time, Ally rolled her eyes.-Nothing happened between us if that's what worries you, Sherman-
The man sighed in relief, before touching his forehead.-Why have I dismayed?-
-I don't know, you were just standing there-the girl pointed to the place.-And then you suddenly... bam! Fainted down, but you were in that state only for a few minutes, not more than five-
The red-haired scientist focused himself on trying to remember what happened. He felt a bit better when his memories started to come back... but that feeling of relief didn't last too much. As well as he was able to remember that, he realized that there were a couple of things that he wasn't able to remind. He felt as if half of his memories had suddenly turned to dust! And worse of all, even if he wasn't able to remember those moments, he could have a strange feeling, as if he knew if those moments were neither happy nor sad.-Oh, boy...-he commented
-What's wrong?-asked Ally worried
Sherman stared at her. He had almost forgotten about her being there with him. What was he supposed to tell her? The truth or a lie? After thinking it over for a few seconds, he got to the easiest conclusion: the truth. After all, she was probably going to forget it all too, because if he hadn't been Mr. Peabody's son, they would have never met. He took a deep breath.-Napoleon... he changed the past, and now my children are going to disappear if we don't help them fast... and you know what's worse of all? If we don't hurry, we're not even going to remember it-
-What are you trying to say now?-
-I mean that we're going to forget it! We're going to forget everything because we can't remember something that has never happened!-he screamed angrily, but not at her, he was mad at the whole situation and pressure of the context on itself
The dark-haired woman looked down, looking for some encouraging words to say.-I'm sorry, Sherman-was the best thing she could think of
-It isn't your fault... I should have been a better parent... if they'd never used the WABAC, now we wouldn't be in this situation-he answered sitting in the floor
-Well...-she sat closer to him, which only made him move a little away from her.-Just so you know, I don't think you are a horrible parent-
-How can you even know that?-he laughed.-You've never met my kids...-
-No... But I saw the way in which you talk about them... and I know how much you love them, so I really doubt that you are such a horrible human being if you love them that much-
Ally had a good point there. She was right, he loved them with all his heart, he'd die for them... but that didn't mean that he was a good parent, did it?
Despite his doubts, he smiled at the girl, knowing that she was only trying to cheer him up.-Thanks; I guess you're alright-
-Of course I am it-she said with a smirk
Sherman chuckled.-It's nice to see you're really humble, Ms. Edwards-
-Obviously... people as amazing as me are humble indeed-
The both laughed at this, forgetting for a moment about everything. But just when the context seemed a bit brighter, the soldier that was tied up to a chair started to wake up. The duo stood up quickly and got closer to him, so they were the first thing he saw after opening his eyes.
-Uh? Where am I?-the man asked confused and dizzy
-We are the ones who make questions here, honey-Ally answered with a threating look that even scared Sherman.-Now, tell us, where is Napoleon?-
The soldier stared at her before growling.-I am NEVER going to tell you, witch!-
-Oh, really?-she giggled.-Because if you don't...-the brunette took a little knife and threatened him. Sherman's eyes opened as big as two dishes. He had always had a feeling that she was a professional killer.-I'm going to cut off your hair!-
-WHAT?-the man questioned shocked
-Oh, yes...-she touched his blonde and beautiful hair.-It'll be such a shame... you look so well-groomed-
-You wouldn't-
-Do you wanna bet?-
Sherman stared a bit confused at the situation before rolling his eyes with an amused smile. Sure, handsome guys only cared about their looks... if he was him, he wouldn't care about his hair at all, but Ally knew better. Although they had technically kidnapped that guy, he felt rather reassured knowing that his secretary only wanted to cut his hair off, because after all, it would eventually grow up again, nothing really serious at all... but for that soldier, his hair seemed to be pure gold, because he was almost crying like a baby at the thought of losing his blonde and beloved curls.
The dark-haired woman smiled at the face of the guy in pain. Men were so predictable...
She started to put the knife closer to his hair. The soldier pressed his lips, as if he didn't want to say anything, he really didn't want to... but what about his hair?! He couldn't lose his hair! He had a whole reputation depending on it!
Some seconds of suffering later, after Ally cut one of his curls, the guy decided to open his mouth.-Alright! Napoleon's in Washington! He wants to take care of the president tomorrow; he's hidden behind the White House! Please don't cut my hair!-he cried
The scientist got closer to his assistant, stopping her threating.-Hidden behind the White House? How is that even possible?-
-Your father built an invisible camp for him and his armies-
-Mr. Peabody did that? He really trusts him then...-
Surprisingly, Sherman took the knife from Ally's hand.
-Hey! I was the bad guy (better said: girl) here!-she protested, but he ignored her
-Where are my wife and my daughter?-he asked pointing his neck instead of his hair
-They are inside Napoleon's principal hidden place, inside the biggest one... you're never be able to find them... and if you do, you'll be locked out!-
The red-haired man looked down, realizing the real danger that would be saving them. But then he found out that he'd rather die trying it that living without them. Anyway, if he wanted to save them, he was going to need some help.-Where is Mr. Peabody? The Mr. Peabody from the present?-
The man suddenly stared at him.-I don't know that, I swear... but Napoleon said that after using him, he was going to locked him with the others-
-That means...-Sherman started being finished by Ms. Edwards
-He can be probably locked out there... in the same place with them-
-Yeah, or dead...-reposed the tied up man making the both wide opened their eyes and stared at him.-What? Do you really think that you'd be able to live in one of those cages forever? They're really unhealthy if you ask me...-
Sherman slowly walked away from him, trying to imagine his life without Peabody sounded so horrible that he needed a little break to focus a bit. Maybe the beagle didn't know it, but he wasn't only his father. For a long time, Peabody was his friend and hero, the person he wanted to become in the moment in which he grew up. He was the only one who gave him a family and loved him when nobody else wanted him and...
He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.-Everything will be alright-commented Ally.-We'll save them, you'll see...-
Even though he knew perfectly well that she only said that for mere courtesy and not for a real statement, the ginger man smiled at her. Now that his mind has stopped spinning around, he remembered why she was helping him: because she was in love with him, or at least she felt something for him. It was pleasant to know that, after all, he wasn't that alone.
-Thanks-he said still smiling before looking away and starting to walk around the shop.-Well, here's the thing... we need to get to Washington... and we certainly won't make it by feet-
-So what? Are you going by car?-laughed the soldier.-Let me remind you that Napoleon's armies are stopping every single car and no one will want to risk its life to help you, dog boy!-
The red-haired sighed. Would they ever stop calling him in that way?
-He's right... it'll be really dangerous if we go by car-opined Ally
-Yes, it is... but it's the fastest way, we need to be fast... my memory is going to break down in any moment-
-Oh, right, so you think that what? They won't recognize you?!-she questioned rather madly
The Peabody stared at the floor one more time, thinking. They knew him and Malcom... of course they'd recognize Emma and Penny or Peabody... if they used the soldier they tied up, he'd speak up... if only there was someone who they didn't recognize, and he could hide inside the car and being driven to Washington. But this person also needed to be less suspicious... someone really good manipulating and lying and...
He turned around, saw Ally and smiled.-Do you know how to drive a car?-
(Play song "I'm still here". Time of the song: 00:00)
-Hey! Where are you taking me?!-shouted Malcom as he was hitting a transparent cage that was transporting him
Anyway, none of the soldiers seemed to listen to his desperate cries and screams. The kid didn't care if that cage was soundproof, he'd still do what it takes to be free from that place. He suddenly saw a familiar person getting closer to him and opening the cage.
Malcom had failed in his plan. He indeed felt horrible; he felt completely alone and started to remember to his family, which he always had tried to avoid, and the boy suddenly realized how lucky he was for having them. Maybe no, they didn't seem to understand him all the time, but at least they tried. He was even starting to doubt if he felt the same way about his father. After hugging him, the kid had a feeling like he could trust him... more than what he could imagine. Malcom wasn't afraid anymore of being who he really was in front of his family that was for sure. At the beginning of that journey, he'd have laughed at the idea of becoming one with his family... but it turns out, the joke was on him.
-Napoleon wants to see him-the new guy, who was wearing clothes made of fur ordered
Some soldiers opened the cage and handcuffed Malcom.-Really mature, handcuffs to a kid... even when you all have thousands of weapons, am I that scary?-the boy asked
Attila chuckled.-Really brave boy, isn't he? Don't you even think about putting his handcuffs off!-he ordered to the soldiers.-Now, take him to see Napoleon-
-Quickly!-ordered one soldier pushing Malcom
(Time of the song: 00:48)
He glared at him, but he obeyed him. He didn't understand anything at all... well, how could he? After all, he was just a boy, they were able to take him and throw him away. It's simple to obey orders, it's simple to live without thinking or making any choice as those soldiers did. They just did what their boss wanted; they didn't have a word on it, even if they knew it was wrong. Yeah, they stood there on their own, but they didn't know him... because his mind wasn't there.
And that's how they started walking towards Napoleon's hiding place that was some kind of giant tent covered by a kind of dome that made the whole base completely invisible. Quite smart actually, it was almost obvious that the French ruler wasn't the one who created it. The ginger wasn't able to see what was outside that dome, but he could see a door in one side of it.
Malcom's fears towards them have stopped after they trapped him into that cage. The kid knew what his destiny was either if he obeyed or if he escaped. Napoleon found a way to make him disappear otherwise. But there was something that was still making his mind go around... they had the WABAC. Why was that? He didn't even want to know... so, he just decided to keep on walking until finding a way to escape from those guards.
(Time of the song: 01:44)
Emma's hands have turned completely black, they were full of black permanent maker, as well as her white shirt and skirt... let's not even mention her hair... Oh, her mother was going to be so mad at her... if she ever made it and found a way out, of course.
She shook her head at that thought and continued her work. The blonde girl still had faith, because that was everything you can have... but she didn't only have faith, she also had a plan. After all, her grandfather gave her the options and words she needed. And Emma knew that she wasn't a damsel in distress, she had never been it... and she would never be it.
-Ok, I'm almost done... and that's it-she said stopping her work and inspecting her cage
She left a chuckle out and sat up, waiting for the guards to take her out.-So, the best with the less, huh?-the girl asked looking at her maker with a wide smile
(Time of the song: 02:11)
-You know, it's actually quite pleasant walking through the room of my biggest enemy in the world being threaten by his whole army, you know, foes?-commented sarcastically Malcom to the soldiers, who only rolled their eyes
-Of course, kids... I believe that this situation is still more pleasant to us, though-commented one of them
-Oh, no, no, I can bet that I'm spending the best holidays ever...-
-Yeah, as well as your parents-
The kid's smirk disappeared on a matter of seconds.-What do you mean?-he asked worried
-Oh, well, they just... forgot how important you were-laughed another soldier
The kid gulped. He knew his own memory was starting to disappear, but he never could have expected that to happen to his parents... but no! They must be lying! There's no way they'd forget about him! He was his son!
-You're just lying...-the kid commented trying to calm himself
-Oh, do you think so?-Malcom stared at him.-Wouldn't you like it to see it yourself?-finished the soldier making signs to his left
(Time of the song: 02:38)
On his left, there was a door that was half opened, a door that guided to a room that was completely empty... or better said, almost empty. Because there was only one thing inside of those four walls... Another transparent cage with a circular form.
The red-haired boy gave a gaze inside the room and once he realized what that transparent ball standing in the middle of the room was, he ran towards it. Because inside of that cage, there was his mother.
-Mom?-he asked in the border of tears.-MOM!-
-Wait, kid, don't wake her up, she is dismayed, don't worry. Dismayed for the third time... which means that once she wakes up, she won't remember anything about this old life of yours... pretty sad, isn't it?-
The kid turned around to face him.-No... no! You're lying!-
-Believe whatever you want...-
There, a sudden inner strength inside of Malcom came. He just couldn't believe their words... they were just whispers and lies that he'd never believe. After seeing what his own irresponsibility provoked... he decided that he was going to free his family, no matter what. He knew that she couldn't have forgotten about him, why? Just because he knew. Call it instinct, or heart, or whatever... but he knew it.
And those soldiers over there were forgetting about something really important... he was still there.
(Time of the song: 03:05)
The Emma's room's door opened, she heard them. So, the girl covered her mouth with her hands, so she wouldn't make any sound.
-Hold on a second!-she heard one soldier screamed.-Look at the cage!-
-Please don't tell me she escaped!-other one said
-Oh no! Napoleon's gonna kill us!-the first man reposed
The blondie listened to steps getting closer to her and in that moment she realized that her plan worked out.
The soldiers opened the cage, what a silly thing you must think... but nobody could blame them. It's really hard to see through permanent maker. You'll see... Emma had painted the whole cage from the inside with the black permanent maker. The cage was completely black, and the guards couldn't tell if she was still inside her trap or not.
But once they opened it, Emma punched one of the guards with her maker, hitting his eye and distracting him. Luckily, there were only two soldiers and she was able to beat him with no problem. Throwing every single thing she found to them and making them hit themselves against the keyboards and computers that were in the room, the young girl was able to escape from them.
Also, they had left the door opened... which made it even easier for her.
She started to run out of that place as fast as she could.
Malcom leaned in the floor and started to cry his heart out. All the guards stared confused at this; they have forgotten how young the kid was. They had never heard a kid cry as much before, he was crying even more than a baby!
-Hey, kid...-started saying the soldier who first showed him his mother.-We have to go to see Napoleon...-
-But...it's... he's so mean! And... My mom... and... ajfaksdjfnsjkdf-the red-haired said still crying, so no one could understand anything
-I'm sorry, boy... but...-this time the soldier bowed himself to be at the same height than Malcom.-Look, this isn't personal, ok?-
The kid stopped crying and gave a little smile, still sniffing.-I know... this isn't personal either, ok?-he said quickly before taking the guy's sword (or better said: rob it) and hitting him with its superior part, knocking him out
-Little brat!-Screamed another soldier.-Go, get him!-
A soldier ran to him angrily, decided to blandish his sword on the boy's body. But when he lift it up and was about to thrust it in the middle of Malcom, the kid put his handcuffs in front of him, making the guard break the handcuffs on the middle.
The soldier realized what he did and did an innocent smile, as saying "sorry" before receiving a punch from another guard.
Malcom, still with his sword at hand, started to run away as fast as he could.
(End of song)
Malcom and Emma were running towards Napoleon's place without even knowing where they were going to, wishing to have a lack of luck to find the way out of that horrible place... but their luck didn't guide them away from the place. It just guided them together again.
In one moment, they were running so fast and looking to every single side, that they didn't notice it, and the both crashed against the other, receiving a big blow in their heads.
-Ugh...-they both said rubbing their heads
Next act, they looked up, realizing who the other person was.
-Malcom?!-
-Emma?!-
The twins smiled at each other and, without thinking it twice, they hugged, because after all, they were still there.
And I want a moment to be real,
Wanna touch things I don't feel,
Wanna hold on and feel I belong.
And how can they say I never change?
They're the ones that stay the same.
I'm the one now,
'Cause I'm still here.
Yes! Emma and Malcom finally found each other! And Sherman knows where they are and it's on his way to get his children and wife back... with Ally. Next chapter's spoiler alert: a bit more of ShermanxAlly will appear *tan tan taan*
About this chapter, I recommend you to listen to the song "I'm still here" by John Rzeznik while you're reading it ( watch?v=X9Hrq9dzNSs), mostly when Malcom appears in the chapter the first time (In black letters I wrote exactly how it's supposed to be the sync between the song and the story), hope you find this idea like music to your ears **Peabody's smile when he says a bad joke on**
Well, anyway, hope you liked the chapter! The ending is sooo close, this by far was the longest story I've ever written! But I'm also very proud of it! :)
Thanks for reading! Please follow, favourite and review! :D