The Modern Four

Chapter 45

They sat in the room for another five minutes after, fully prepared for a fight. They were tense, nervous about what could happen. Who knows what was in this room. Suddenly, the lights flashed on, and they blinked, blinded by the shining light. They looked across the room to see a figure running full speed at them. They got into a fighting stance, ready to take down anyone that prevented them from finding Violet.
But there was no need for that. They didn't realize it, but the figure running towards them was Violet. Her hair was matted down and greasy, and her clothes- which was still the dress from the dance- was torn. Thankfully, she seemed to not have any injuries on the outside, though they couldn't imagine the damage on her mind. She looked like herself.

Wilbur was the first to notice. "Violet." He whispered, dropping his fighting stance. "Violet!" He said louder, beginning to run to her, but Hiro grabbed his arm.

"No, Wilbur, it can't be... we haven't..." He bit his lip, looking at the figure. It does almost look like her. But that was impossible. She couldn't have just escaped right when they arrived at the complex. The probability was nearly impossible. His mind was racing, trying to figure out every possible outcome.

Penny paused, staring at the figure. "I.... I think he might be right..." she bit her lip, looking over at Hiro. "Let him go. It's her. It has to be her."

Hiro looked over at Penny and furrowed his brows. He trusted Penny, of course he did, but he wasn't sure he believed her. She gave him a look, one that he'd seen on her before. 'Trust me' the look said. He nodded, and let Wilbur go, but held his fighting stance. If anything went wrong, he'd be ready for it.

Wilbur ran to her, his heart racing. Violet. She was okay. She was alive. He felt as though a million pounds had been lifted off his chest. He stopped, right in front of her, looking up at her. She looked like a mess, as though she hadn't showered or changed clothes in days- which she likely hadn't. But.. to him she still looked beautiful. She looked at him and smiled. But... something was off. Her smile wasn't hers. He look at her, and furrowed his brows. "Violet...? Is everything... okay?" He asked, and she blinked, tilting her head. "Of course everything's okay, Wilbur. You're all here, I'm safe now." She smiled, and glanced over at Hiro and Penny. "Hi guys."

The two glanced at each other, then walked over. Penny first gave Violet a hug, sighing. "I'm so glad you're okay." She muttered. Hiro stood behind her, smiling.

"Of course I'm okay. Was there any doubt?" She laughed, then glanced behind her. A figure, unseen to the other, nodded. Violet pulled away from her friends, and took a step back. "In fact, I'm more than okay. You, however, will not be." She smirked, turning invisible. The three looked at each other, confused, till Hiro felt the first hit. He was knocked back, the wind knocked out of him. He wanted to yell, but couldn't. He fell, struggling to breath. Penny and Wilbur rushed to his side, confused.

"Hiro!" Penny yelled, but someone grabbed her arm. She squeaked, and began to float up, trying to shake whoever it was, but was unable to. "Help!" She yelled as she was pulled back down. She groaned. Wilbur widened his eyes, and backed away, beginning to understand. Violet. Se had something to do with his.

"Violet!" He yelled out, and heard a laugh to his left.

"Silly boy. Violet isn't here anymore." Violet's voice said. Wilbur felt his heart drop to the bottom of his stomach.

"No. Violet. Violet, I know you're there. I don't know what's going on but- I know you're here. Please. Just listen to me, we're here to save you... C'mon..." He said, biting his lip. Penny and Hiro stood, walking up to Wilbur, looking nervous. They stood behind him, glancing around the room, looking for Violet and trying to figure out the source of the voices and the punches.

A male's voice laughed next to Wilbur, as the room shook. "Oh man are you three dense! She's gone, kiddos. You can't get her back! She's permanently under my control." A man appeared on a rising stage on the side of the room, laughing. He had flaming red hair, and a black and white suit, looking oddly familiar. They stared up at him, now utterly confused.

"Who are you?" Penny asked, narrowing her eyes and taking a step forward.

"Who am I? Who am I? I, I'm you're worst nightmare, kid." He smirked, looking down the three kids. "The names Syndrome." Wilbur took a step back, holding his arms in front of the other two.

"Guy's... we need to get out of here. We need to get Violet and go." He whispered, biting the inside of his cheek. He stood tall, trying to look brave, but was really terrified. He glanced back, seeing the scared expression on Penny's face, and the anger on Hiro's.
"I think we need to make this a bit more fun. Violet, appear please." He called out. Violet appeared next to the group, glancing over at her friends then at the man on the stage, Syndrome. She looked back at her friends, and seemed to flicker, taking in a sharp breath. Syndrome smirked. "Violet, get. Them. Out." He grinned, and Violet turned to her friends again, her expression now dark. Wilbur swallowed, and the three braced themselves for a fight.

Rapunzel looked at the place, biting her lip. She didn't think she could trust this. She glanced at her phone, and then back at the place. Hiro promised that they would be okay. But what could one little phone call hurt? She was just gonna call Tadashi. Just ask him when he was coming. It will be fine. She dialed up his phone number, and bit his lip. "Hey Tadashi! Uh, so, what time are you coming to pick Hiro up?"

Tadashi, who was in his room, tossing up a ball to the ceiling. "Hey Punzie. What are you talking about? Hiro's stuck at home. Aunt Cass wants to keep him here."

"Wait, what?" Rapunzel's eyes widened. "Oh no, ooooh no. Tadashi I think I made a huge mistake." She said.

Tadashi sat up."What... What do you mean?" His eyes widened.

"Tadashi, I think I am gonna need your help." She took a deep breath, and explained the situation. Tadashi hopped out of bed, and hurried to get his shoes on. He wrote down the address, and hung up.

"I'm coming for you, Hiro." Tadashi said, running down to his car, calling his friends. He ran in, and sped off towards the location that Rapunzel gave him.