Bernard watched silently as Ami fumbled with the strange device. The refinery around them hummed with quiet electricity, machines casting long shadows on the walls. The rules had been clear: intervene if necessary, but never be seen. Ever.
Ami's hands shook slightly as she picked up the watch. "Okay… so I set a time, and then I go back?" she whispered, trying not to break the silence.
Bernard nodded. "Exactly. Pick a time. Don't overdo it. Five minutes should be enough."
Ami's eyes sparkled with determination. "Alright… five minutes. Year 2050."
She pressed the buttons, and the world erupted in a sudden FLASH of blue light. When it faded, Ami was gone.
The lab corridor in 2050 was eerily quiet. Notes, vials, and strange machinery littered the floor. Ami's heart pounded in her chest. She crept forward, trying to make no sound, until a familiar voice reached her ears.
"—It's perfect! I can finally save my wife!"
Ami froze. She recognized it instantly. Mr. P.
"Are you sure?" Haze's voice wavered, tension heavy in every syllable. "We haven't really—are you sure about this?"
"Yes. I'm sure I've got this," Mr. P said, his tone confident, almost desperate. "What better to experiment it on than the dear Penny family?"
Haze stiffened. Ami's stomach sank.
"They're your friends…"
"I know," Mr. P said firmly, almost convincing himself. "That's why I trust it."
Ami pressed herself against the table, hardly daring to breathe. Her eyes widened as she watched the scene unfold.
Wow… this time machine really worked, she whispered, the words escaping before she could stop them.
Panic shot through her. I need to stop him… before it's too late. Or all this will be for nothing.
Mr. P reached for the experiment's controls, and together he and Haze carefully took a sample from one of the vials. Without a second glance, they left the room.
Ami's mind raced. She glanced around the lab. There had to be a way to destroy it… something to stop them. Her hand closed around a metal pipe.
The vials were delicate, their contents humming with an unnatural light. Ami's pulse thudded as she raised the pipe. If I make a sound, they'll know I'm here… but I have no choice.
With a sharp swing, she smashed the vials. Glass shattered, liquids hissed, and a brilliant blue light enveloped her.
Another FLASH, and Ami was back beside Bernard in the refinery.
"Did it work?" she gasped, still catching her breath.
Bernard shook his head slowly. "Nothing… it didn't do anything."
Ami flung the pipe across the floor, fury boiling over. "What?! I destroyed everything!"
Bernard's expression darkened. "Maybe… maybe Mr. P isn't the only one who started the infection."
Ami widened her eyes.
Back in 2050 with Mr.p:
"Hello, Mr. P," Tio said smoothly. "I'm very interested in your experiments. Shall we strike a deal?"
Mr. P's eyes glimmered.
"W-Who are you?"
End of Chapter 2.