Emma & Malcom Peabody

Chapter 33: The meeting part 1

-Oh, my!-screamed Emma happily before breaking apart from her brother.-I can't believe you're actually here!-

-And I can't believe we are actually alive!-he commented with the same excited tone

-I know, right? Oh, by the way, how did you actually get here?-

-Oh, that's quite simple; I was able to avoid those silly guards over there-

-Hey, me too... and you might think they've provoked so many troubles in the past...-she reposed remembering that those guards were part of armies that had caused wars.-But... what I really meant was: how did you find me?-

-Oh, they caught me when I was about to...-Malcom paused before realizing that he was forgetting one little detail: the WABAC! His plan! Now that he found Emma he was actually going to be able to make it!

-Emma!-He exclaimed one more time.-Napoleon has our WABAC-

-Duh... yeah, he's got a time machine that is like ours because we forgot the manual-the blondie said crossing her arms a bit annoyed

-No! He's got our present WABAC too!-

-What?! And how... how has he found it?-

-Our grandpa's flat was completely destroyed by this...-he started to signal everything around them, not finding the right words to say.-This whole...-

-Time fiasco?-finished his twin

-Yeah, yeah, that! I liked it... it even sounds mature... but going back, we have to find it, go back and take the manual out of Napoleon's hands before it's too late and we...-

-And we are forgotten forever-she finished again

-Yeah, yeah, that...-he said this time less excited.-Can you read minds or something?-

But Emma didn't listen to his question. She felt so stunned at the situation once she realized the big danger they were in... Malcom's plan wasn't that bad really, it could actually work. Despite this, there was a big problem... how come they were even going to find the time machine in that place? It was enormous! They were lucky to find themselves!

-It's the only solution...-muttered the girl.-We need to find a time machine-

-You mean my plan is a functional one?-he wide smiled.-Yeah, I'm a Peabody!-

-But...-

Malcom's excitement suddenly flushed away.-But what?-

-But how are we going to find it in here? They must have put it away! And I really doubt that any of these soldiers know where it is...-

-Doesn't Napoleon have a nerd?-

-A nerd?-

-Yeah, you know, there's always someone who knows all the technology and smart stuff, someone like an inventor, someone who won't be able to defeat anyone by using its arms and someone who is taken for granted...-

Emma smiled.-Malcom, you're a genius!-

-Whoa, really? Can you repeat it in front of our parents later?-he questioned not really understanding his sister's realization but happy to be considered as a "genius"

His twin chuckled.-C'mon!-she said walking away and being followed by him

-Oh, boy, no-Sherman said as he put himself away from Ally

-What? Are you gonna say that I was the one who kissed you this time?-

-No! And that's why it makes this situation a lot worse...-

-Admit it; it'll be the best-

Sherman couldn't believe what had just happened: they kissed! Ally and Sherman kissed! And under their own will! It hadn't been like last time when she was the one who kissed him... this could only mean one thing... and it wasn't a good one. She was right; he was in love with her. But did that mean that he didn't love Penny anymore?

The only thought of Penny made him blush, which made him realize that he still loved her. Could it be possible to be in love with two persons at the same time? He thought it again and... No. The feeling he always got with Penny was happiness, pure and naïve happiness, along with a burning feeling in his throat and the sense of being flying. With Ally he felt something completely different. It was more like a desire of passion than a desire of love.

-So?-asked Ally with an impatient smile

The scientist stared at her for a second before an idea came up into his head.-Ok, I admit it... I might have a regard for you as well-he said almost mimicking his father's tone when he used to say those words

The brunette woman sighed tiredly.-Well; it's still a confession, isn't it? We're getting better...-

-Yeah... and that's why I'll have to choose-

-Choose what?-

-Choose between you and Penny-he said turning around and walking through the path they were going again

-What? Why?-

-Because it'll be... unfair for her and... For you if we have any kind of... affair-he said taking many deep breathes between the words. He would have never imagined being in that situation! How come had it ever happened?

His secretary looked down. Yes, he had a point and a good one. She was starting to hate his know-it-all logic sometimes. To be honest, she didn't care about Penny at all, in fact, she felt envious about her... but he was right. Ally couldn't do that to herself, knowing that she was really in love with Sherman, sooner or later a situation like that would be a completely unnecessary mess.-Alright then-the brunette decided.-You'll choose it, but be very cautious, Peabody-

-Yeah, I guess I could try that some time...-he muttered before continuing his walking

-So, for how long are we supposed to walking through this disgusting place?-

-Just a few meters more... it's the 7th sewer-he commented as he walked under another sewer before stopping in panic

He gulped realizing that he had lost count of the sewers. Was that the 5th one? Or the 6th? What if it was the 8th? After the kiss, his mind had forgotten about everything. His only thoughts were practically based on his choice to make and forcing his mind to remembering his children so he wouldn't forget them. He found himself extremely lost... he had no idea about which sewer it was! Now what was he going to do?

-What's wrong now?-asked the woman.-Please tell me you didn't stop counting-

Yes, she definitely knew men. So, the only thing Sherman did to answer was a shy and nervous smile, almost saying "yeah, sorry..."

-Unbelievable!-She exclaimed shaking her hands madly.-So now, what are we supposed to do now?!-

-Well, I'm almost sure this is the 3rd or 4th sewer?-

-Sherman, if any soldier sees us, if your plan doesn't work, WE ARE DEAD! Now, you wanna tell me you are going to risk that much?-

Of course she had a point. In that moment he realized once again that Ally wasn't as silly as she tried to seem. That scared him a bit, not because she was smart... but because she had been trying to hide it. It was the second decision he had to take in the day, thing that he wasn't really used to... though, this time; he knew exactly what they had to do.

-Yes-he said serious

-What? Are you nuts?-

-Probably, yeah, but we don't have another option-

The red-haired man started running through the conduits, muttering under his breath the possible numbers those sewers were meant to be.-4th or 5th...-he muttered running to the next one without even waiting for his companion, he had to find his children! No more distractions.-5th or 6th...-Sherman knew that it won't be easy, even if they get inside, even if his plan and desperate actions worked, he knew there was no certain way to know how that night was going to end like.-6th or 7th...-he stopped at this. That sewer was probably the one he was after too... but what if it's not? He thought about it... he'd rather be outside or inside of the fort? Walking to the other sewer, he sighed.-7th or 8th-

Sherman had never been someone really good at taking decisions. Of course, he had a cool group of friends and an awesome dad who would always help him if he needed to take any risk... but when he was alone, on his own, without no one else... he was a real mess at taking risks and decisions. He was usually someone who played it safely, someone quiet and shy, not a great boss, let alone leader. But now, it was different, it was all up to him.

-Another mistake won't kill me...-he muttered opening one of the sewers.-Or I hope so-

-She escaped?-asked the little Peabody puppy in surprise

-Oui!-exclaimed Napoleon angrily

-We're so sorry, our Lord-said some soldiers bowing to him

-Of course you're sorry! You all lose your head!-he screamed calling some guards behind him that took those soldiers without any mercy

The dictator started to walk around his office, where he was planning to control the world. He looked around, from the desk in front of him to the comfortable red sofa at the left of the place. It was a smart and professional office that Bonaparte didn't even know how to use. For instance, he wasn't even ready for that century. The first time he turned on the TV he almost had a heart attack, for example. He didn't know what a phone was, less internet. But he didn't care! As long as he had Peabody as his personal nerd he wouldn't even need to know the names of all those new "technological junk".

Suddenly, the phone started to ring, making Napoleon growl at the object, which he hadn't seen before.-What's this thing?!-he asked angrily to the beagle, who only rolled his eyes

-It's a phone; it helps you to communicate with people who aren't with you at the moment-

-Oh, interesting... and how does it work? Is it as good as the TV?-he asked with hope in his eyes, of course... he might not know what the television was the first time, but it quickly became an addiction

-Indeed is a tool as useful as it, yes-he said rather unsure before picking the phone up and giving it to Napoleon.-You have to speak through that-Peabody explained

-Oh, fine...mmm... bonjour?-

-Lord, the kid has escaped-said a soldier from the other side

-Oh, it's answering me!-the French said in excitement.-Oui, oui, I knew the girl escaped-

-Wait, the girl escaped too?-

-What do you mean by "too", idiots?!-Napoleon's face started to turn red with rage

-Well, we have... mmm... the boy, Malcom, escaped-

Bonaparte gave the phone to Peabody again before screaming a big and loud "AHHHH!" and running away from the office insulting in French.

-So, both of them escaped?-questioned Peabody careless.-That's a real turn-up for the books-

-Oh... you have no idea...-commented Malcom closing the door behind him and Emma after they got into the office

The puppy screamed and ran as fast as he could to press a red button that said "security" on the other side of the desk, but the children knew him too well to underestimate him. So, before he was able to do it, they put a plastic box on him.

The twins sat on the plastic.-This is so wrong...-commented Emma with shaky hands.-I mean, we're kidnapping him!-

-Oh, calm down... we're just kidnapping him physically in a harmless way... Napoleon kidnapped his brain... I think that's worse. Also, we're making him a favor-

-Try to tell him...-

-Napoleon didn't kidnap my brain!-exclaimed the dog from inside.-He's my best friend-

-Friend or boss?-asked Malcom with a smirk.-Cuz' he didn't really treat you as a friend-

-Of course he did! I mean, does!-

-What are you even helping him? You're way better than this-reposed the blonde girl softly, not wanting his grandpa to feel worse

-Better? I'm a freak! Nobody wants me! Nobody but Napoleon!-screamed the puppy looking down.-Yeah, he isn't the best friend... but he's the only one I've got-

-Sometimes it's better to be alone...-muttered Malcom receiving a punch on the arm

-What my brother is trying to say is that... not only because he was friendly to you it means that he's your friend... having a real friend goes beyond that-she explained.-A real friend should always be willing to help you and forgive you... it has to be someone who... will do anything for you, no matter what will happen to itself-

Peabody stared at her. She was smart, no doubt about it. But he wasn't going to fall for that! Of course it was all a little play; she didn't really care about him... Napoleon did! And yeah, maybe he wasn't the best friend ever... but he was a good companion, wasn't it?

-Look, we will let you go back with your boss if...-started Malcom, but he wasn't interrupted by a snappy Peabody saying "he isn't my boss".-Sure, whatever he is-continued the kid.-If you help us-

-There's no way I'm doing that!-

-Oh, yes it is, fancy bowties-he smirked

-Wait, what?-asked his twin this time

-Oh, don't worry, Em... I know how to deal with nerds like yourself-he stood up and stared at the beagle.-Alright, let's be logical for once... this is the future, isn't it?-

-Mmm... Indeed?-answered the dog confused

-And you're from the past, aren't you?-

-Right again-

-Nice! So, where is your future you?-

-What do you mean?-

-Shouldn't it be a future version of you?-

The dog opened his eyes in realization of what he was saying.-Well, dogs don't live much-

-Oh, c'mon! Napoleon will betray you, don't you see?-

-And why should I believe you?-

-Because he isn't even trying to save you-

The puppy stared at him with a glare. The boy wasn't as nice as the girl, and he suddenly started to wish he was her. He was more direct, while the girl was always shy and reserved... more like... him. In fact, she was wearing a really similar couple of glasses... and a really similar tie as a hairclip.-What are you two anyway? Best friends? A couple?-asked Peabody

-Ew! She is just my twin!-

They were siblings... that made sense. Peabody couldn't take that time in which Emma referred to him as her grandfather out of his head. What if it was true? A deep part of him wanted to believe so, but it was impossible... he was a dog.-Who are your parents?-

-It doesn't matter now... if you want to be free again-the kid said with a serious tone.-You'll have to help us-

-What do you even need me for?-

-Where's the time machine? And I'm not talking about your boss' machine, I mean ours, our red WABAC, the one he stole from the flat!-

-I won't answer anything unless you answer my questions-

-Ok, we can change tactic-the kid lifted the plastic box up and closed it, so the puppy would be definitely locked up.-We can charge you all day long, you may be warned-he smirked

-Please!-Begged the blonde girl with a truthful look in her eyes.-We really need to know where it is!-

Peabody looked at the sides, as if he was thinking in something. He knew where that room was... but he also knew it was full of soldiers, if they went on their own, they would fail easily. Who cared if they knew how to get there? They'd never make it anyway...

-Fine, it's in the office nº 18thD-he explained.-It's one of the last rooms in the hall. There are only 20 rooms, the 19th is where Napoleon keeps his machine... and the 20th is where Napoleon has his meetings office... you'll never make it there-

-We'll see, Peabody nº 1-Malcom said letting him on the floor (still inside the box)

-Wait, you said you'd free me!-

-Oh, you're right-he was about to free him when his sister stopped him

-No! He might tell on us, and he might get hurt-she reposed.-Let him stay here, he'll be safer-

-Good point, see you when you're back to normality-he said running away

Emma, on the other side, stared at him with guilt in her eyes.-I'm so sorry, grandpa-

After saying that, she ran towards her brother, leaving a confused Peabody who, once the children were gone, smiled.

So, Emma and Malcom have a plan... but it won't be an easy task, more taking in account that they are against many of the most powerful armies that had ever existed... will they be able to success?

And what will Sherman choose?

You'll have to find out later, on the next chapter!

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