When Violet awoke the next morning she was almost surprised at waking up to the calming sound of Buddy's heart beats. And she was even more surprised to see that he was still sleeping. She smiled gently resting against him. She somehow took him for being a early bird. Her eyes slowly traveled to the alarm clock. 9:26 am, it read back to her and she wrapped the blankets tighter around herself not wanting to leave the warm bed despite what today was.
Buddy promised to give her a fair shot at going home. Though seeing him fight fair was like expecting a cat to bark. It just wouldn't really happen. But fair game or no fair game, Buddy was giving her a shot, and worse thing to happen was that she'd lose.. and after last night.. She could certainly deal with staying with him for some more time.
Violet's gaze flicked to Buddy's exposed chest, mentally tracing each of the scars she could see. He was lucky to be alive and to be able to take care of himself. She knew a few classmates that would never be able to live on their own because of car accidents. A student who should of graduated with her was in a coma to this day, or at least she knew of. But this. The damage done to him. This was something else, not a car crash but a plane engine!
"Something troubling you?" Buddy asked in a sleepy tone. Violet's eyes raised to meet his before sitting up.
"..Well.. I don't know." She started sitting up. "Just.. It seems unreal for you to be alive you know? Let alone being in the same bed as me.." She whispered and smiled shaking her head. "..Never mind. It's nothing I guess."
Buddy looked at her inquisitively but made no notion to start an interrogation. He smiled before slapping his hand over his head.
"Shit!" He cursed. "...How could I of been so stupid...?" He asked in a growl. Violet blinked at the sudden outburst.
"What? " She inquired. Buddy sighed glancing at her. "..I forgot to use a friggin condom..." He muttered rolling out of bed, moving to the dresser on the other side of the room. Violet watched him and sighed.
"..Right.. Well I could of said 'Oh don't worry! I'm on the pill!' But seeing that you blew them up.. I can't..." She said folding her arms before looking around the room for her lost articles of clothing. Buddy sighed heavily.
"..Eh.. You got maybe a twenty percent chance of getting pregnant so-" But he was cut off by a pillow to the back of his head, thrown by Violet.
"Excuse me! No. It's not If 'I' get pregnant. It would be a 'WE' situation." She said glaring at him from the bed. Buddy grunted.
"Fine! Whatever, but you'd end up being the one looking like a pot bellied pig.." He said smirking. Violet narrowed her gaze.
"When we get to fight, your so dead." But Buddy wasn't intimidated, he of course laughed, amused though he knew she was serious, but then again, so was he.
Buddy saw no point to pack other then his essentials which was really only his gauntlet, and Violet had nothing to pack so the two had a cup of coffee, Buddy insisted that Violet should eat something but she claimed to have a nervous stomach so he didn't press her any further.
"I wouldn't suppose you'd have any womens size eight laying around would you?" Violet asked sitting on Buddy's now neat bed. He peered over at her and shook his head.
"No, I don't even have an extra pair of boots my size here.. But don't worry about it, You won't even touch the snow okay.." He said smiling gently.
Violet frowned looking out the window. As nice as that promise was, she dreaded the thought of going outside without something protecting her feet.
Buddy moved out of the bedroom and into a room down the hall which Violet assumed to be his head quarters away from his head quarters since it was the only room in the cabin that was locked. Violet jumped off the bed and looked out of the window, just gazing at the winter scenery. She had to admit it was nice up here, though she couldn't imagine living up here. It was too quiet..
She blinked at that fact. It was way to quiet. No birds chirping, no rustling of woodland creature.. Yesterday she heard plenty of that. But there was nothing.
"..Buddy?" She called gently, he voice glazed with worry. Something wasn't right. This was what her mother referred to as the super sense. The calm knowing fact that something was about to happen before anyone else did... But Buddy seemed to know something to.
Buddy rushed out of his office, not even bothering to close the door behind him.
"Violet, get under the bed." He hissed in a silent whisper. Violet just stared at him in a silent shock.
"Buddy- What's wrong.. What's going on?!" She asked, whispering now as well. Buddy, not in a patient mood led her back to the bed side. He placed his hands onto her shoulders and took in a breath.
"Vi- I can't explain it right now, but you're in danger. Violet just please, do it now..." He pleaded before he left the room, and as he left she noticed he was getting his gauntlet on. He wasn't kidding around. At this Violet immediately dropped down to the floor and crawled beneath the bed. She was just hardly able to fit under it.
Buddy walked into the living area and sighed. He had to make every thing seem... normal. Natural. Not give away anything at all, not a hint of surprise, anxiety.. fear. Nothing. He made a quick stride into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table positioning himself in perfect view of the front door.
'Control yourself Bud- No Syndrome. You have to be Syndrome right now. ' He told himself. 'No time to get caught up in his emotions, no matter how good they felt. He couldn't let his guard now. He had to be in control....
Suddenly the door was kicked in by what could have been a SWAT member, but the large red 'V' logo on the kevlar vest clearly stated that this wasn't any government tactical team. Several men, dressed in the same attire swarmed the cabin. Buddy glanced up a the men that stood aiming their weapons at him. They looked to be your average M-16 Assault rifles, but Buddy knew better then to assume things with rivals.
The militia stood motionless, all focused on their could be target. Unfortunately for Buddy, he was the target, and even more so unfortunate for him his enemy wasn't your everyday 'good guy' superhero or not even a run off the mill, military or government robot. No. This was worse then both those combined. In stepped in Veto, wearing the finest suit money could buy which made Buddy smirk.
"Well now Veto.. No need to get over dressed just for little ol' me.. though you've always been.." Buddy's gaze shifted off to the militia for a brief moment then back to Veto. ".. rather over dramatic.." Buddy said with a grin. Veto, however didn't seem all that amused at this point in time.
"Don't start Mr. Pine." He snapped slamming the front door behind him. "How in the world can you live in a place so inclement and cold?" He demanded but shook off that question. "Never mind, I'm not here for you.. I'm here for the girl.. Where is that marvelous little super?" He asked.
Buddy smirked gently. "Now what makes you think she'd be here? She's most likely tucked away in the cell I left her in back at HQ- but of course you'll never find where that is Veto.." Veto clicked his jaw.
"Don't play coy with me Buddy.." He warned folding his arms. "Our scanners are picking up a level seven super on the premiss's.." He smiled and walked right to Buddy's side. "Trust me ol' pal.. I want the same thing as you do.." He said grinning, his pearly white teeth gleaming.
Buddy narrowed his eyes. "And what, pray tell, would that be?" He asked in a growl. Veto smirked straightening himself out.
"Why I thought you'd never ask..." He announced gleefully. "..See Buddy, I always took you as some sort of nu until after your.. 'passing..' " He started, moving towards the window, gazing out into the snowy landscape. "I mean, you were always rambling on about being a super.. everyone can be a super and all that bull crap." Veto chuckled. "But after all that media crap about you killing those supers.. I noticed that.. you had a great idea.. not in the most brilliant manner however." He said gazing into the window's reflection of Buddy. Buddy glared at Veto from his seat. Veto smiled turning back to face Buddy.
"See Bud, You went about it all wrong.. You wanted to kill the competition.. and be super with technology.. but you should know better then anyone else.. that technology can malfunction." He said grinning wickedly.
Buddy snorted. "What are you getting at Veto.." He demanded, getting sick of Veto's endless rant. Suddenly Veto rushed foreword and grabbed Buddy by the collar of his dress shirt.
"What am I getting at? I getting to the point that your an idiot! " He roared. "You, Sir, were sitting upon a land mine of opportunity but you threw each super down the drain.. You deemed nothing more then targets to toy with.. your toys.." Veto muttered, releasing his grip. "Buddy, I recently received my doctorate.. any idea what it's in.."
Buddy frowned. "Well.. I'm going to assume it's in the psychology field since your driving me a little crazy.." He said smirking.
Veto smiled. "Actually that was my minor.. but no.. I specialize in genetics.. Bud, It's been proven, by me I might add, that Supers are Supers because they have a mutated gene. Evolution! " He roared with enthusiasm. "And I propose that I can make everyone a super.. by removing those genes from the supers today.. and give those genes to those willing to pay for it.. Think about it Buddy.." Veto whispered. "..Help me out.. and I'll let you become Mr. Incredible"
Buddy's eyes widened. Take Bob Parr's powers? That would be.. everything he nearly wanted. He'd be a Super and get his revenge all at once. Buddy smiled at the thought but that damn headache came back. Violet. He blinked and looked up at Veto.
"Wait. Why do you need this particular super? I mean surely a man of your power could scoop up some random super just like that.."
Veto sighed. "..Well Buddy, I need to test out this equipment.. and this super, miss incredible, she comes from two super parents providing more super genes to work with. And you must realize there aren't a whole lot of super families.."
Buddy looked down. "I see.." He said thinking. "So this process would kill the supers right?" He asked, wearing a grin.
Veto shrugged. "I imagine it would.. depending on how much we take from the super.. very painful process I assure you.." Veto said grinning as well. Buddy sighed getting to his feet.
"Well Veto, I'd love to help you.. But she's not here.." He said firmly. Veto let out a heavy and disappointed sigh.
"I see.. well alright.. Seeing that you can't help me, and I let out exclusive information to you I'll have to kill you.." Veto announced pulling out desert eagle as two Veto's men came at Buddy's side and grabbed his wrists, rendering him nearly defenseless.
"It was nice knowing you Buddy. It truly was. Goodnight" He announced.
Buddy closed his eyes as he heard Veto cock the gun. It was bad enough that he died once, but did he have to die to a rival, the day after getting laid, to something as common as a gun? This seemed almost like the perfect ending to a dark comedy. After all, his entire life was like this, why wouldn't it end with a....
BANG
A shot rang out and Buddy tensed.... He didn't feel any pain.. other then the grip of the men still, which confused him. He opened his eyes to see the bullet that should of killed him now before him, wrapped in a purple orb. He blinked before his eyes traveled to see Violet in the room now. The bracelet was off. But how?
He look to his gauntlet and smiled. Lucky for him, the idiot who grabbed his wrist hit the release button on his gauntlet. Buddy also noticed everyone, including Veto was too stunned at this floating bullet to realize that Vi was behind them.
Veto blink before ready to fire another shot to test Buddy's defenses before Buddy swung the grunt holding his right wrist out to take the bullet for him, the brought his free hand into the remaining restrainers face.
Violet jumped right into the fight as well, forcing the bullet to drive though one of the goons then she ran over to Buddy's side, bringing up a shield around the two of them.
Buddy smirked down at Violet. "..Thanks for the save kid, I owe you one." Violet smiled right back up to him.
"..I think you owe me more then just one, Buddy.." She said before focusing on the threat.
Veto smirked at the two. "Well now, isn't this cute! The damsel came to your distress Buddy.. She's certainly a keeper, at least for me.." He said smiling as he placed his hands behind his back. "Though then again.. I suppose I could just snatched up one of her baby brothers.." He threatened. Violet froze at the thought before growling.
"Your not to touch so much as a hair on their head you bastard!" Violet hissed letting down the shield and rushed at Veto, energy shields around her fists ready to pound the hell out of Dr. Veto. Buddy however knew Veto won at this point.
"Wait Vi- Don't!" Buddy yelled trying to pull her back but it was to late. Dr. Veto brought his hands back out, revealing a needle in his left hand, filled with a yellow liquid. In the blink of an eyes Dr. Veto injected the fluid into Violet's neck, and she slumped against him. Veto grinned holding onto the now defenseless super.
"Well now.." Veto started. "She's not half bad looking, wouldn't you agree Buddy? Though I assume you already know that.." He said as he examined the unconscious female in his arms. "..I tell ya.. If I wasn't dead set on blond bomb shells I might consider bedding this specimen.. Of course work comes before pleasure.." He said smirking before looking to one of his henchmen. "You there.. take her to the automobile would you?" He asked before looking back to Buddy, drinking in his devastated expression.
Buddy was just as paralyzed as Violet at the moment, but the moment the goon laid his hands onto Violet, Buddy snapped into action. He brought out his gauntlet and instantly the blue light from his Zero Point Gravity Ray consumed the goon, and Buddy flung him against the wall, shattering a picture frame. Buddy then readjusted he view to Veto just as he pulled the trigger to the Desert eagle, hitting Buddy in his chest, sending him back against the wall.
"F-fuck..." Buddy hissed in pain, sliding down to the floor, bringing his hand over his wound. Veto smiled proudly at his work. He then looked to another one of his men. "You, Hector is it? Please get this super out to the vehicle." He muttered.
"He sir!" The agent, a little taller then the rest of the men, said. Buddy heard the voice before.. he recognized this man's voice from the conversation the other night... the man who had the problem with the gama ray. He wasn't a idiot then they were just trying to track him... and they succeeded. And He failed, once again... He soon felt a swift kick to his side.
"Your not dying on me are you Buddy? That would be an awful shame.." Veto said chuckling. He the leaned down and removed the gauntlet from his wrist. "Which hurts you more Buddy.. or should I call you Syndrome just to cause more pain.. Yes I think for once I'll call you Syndrome.. so which hurts you more Syndrome? The fact that you failed at being a good guy, or that bullet lodged inside you now?" Veto asked all the while grinning. Those perfect white teeth practically blinding Buddy.. or maybe it was that his body was running on adrenaline, yet to weak to fully handle the shock of it all..
Buddy lowered his hand, now covered with his own blood. He smiled up at Veto.
"Well as long as we are playing that game.. Which hurt more Doc, The fact that I'm a better business man then you.. or that Mirage dumped you for me?"
Vito's face twisted with anger before he shoved the muzzle of his gun into Buddy's fresh wound and twisted it around, causing Buddy to let out a grunt in pain.
"Don't start anymore Pine. You already lost, and you should consider yourself lucky.. that I'm going to let you live.. but only because maybe you'll get over this silly girl, just as I've gotten over Mirage.. and maybe you'll join me.. I mean it when I say you'd be a valuable member of my corporation.. But know this Pine. I won't hesitate to kill you if you get in my way again. So I'll come back in two months exactly. You can tell me your decision then." Veto said before looking at Buddy's gauntlet and pressed a red button, and it set off the homing device.
"I'll leave this with you, your men should be here soon, unless if they are sleeping.. which I'm rather surprised that they haven't came yet. No matter! You'll live I'm sure." He said before frowning. "You always seem to.." He stated grudgingly. So until then Budster, Happy recovery!" Veto declared before tossing Buddy's gauntlet to the side and left the cabin, along with the men who survived, carrying their dead and wounded comrades.
Buddy stared at the open door and shivered as a gail of cold air hit him and then he was out. When he awoke he found himself being treated in his bed room. His mind was on one thing and that one thing alone. Violet.....
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ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER......
The surviving Parr family members as well as agent Rick Dicker remained in the grave yard. Each of their heads bowed in front of the head stone. For a funeral scene the weather was rather pleasant. The sun was shinning, a cool breeze swept over the city outskirts. The family's well being how ever was not as wonderful.
Mrs. Parr was sobbing as Mr. Parr wrapped a comforting arm around his wife. Dash and Jack Parr stood side by side, quiet and unmoving for the first time in both their lives it seemed. As for Rick, he was at a loss. He was always good at his job. In his forty years of service he never lost a single super. Till Violet. Who was the youngest super to ever be lost.
"Bob- I'm so sorry.. I I thought she could handle this.. but I- I never thought.." Bob glanced over to his long time friend and sighed.
"Rick. It.. It was an accident.." He whispered. "..Can we please just leave it at that?" He whispered.
"And what if it wasn't supers?!" Came a chillingly familiar and cocky voice. Bob would almost swear he was hearing ghosts, even more so seeing that they were in a graveyard. All but Helen looked over their shoulder to see who spoke and each of them shared their shocked expressions.
"...B-Buddy?" Bob croaked as he gazed at, the should be dead, Buddy Pine. Not Syndrome, but Buddy Pine. He was dressed in a formal attire, suitable for the funeral, but it wasn't the outfit that was shocking.. It was his mere presence. He looked.. untouched by the the plane engine. He still had two placid blue eyes, a mouth, two ears... even his hair was just as Buddy left it. Buddy sighed moving forward toward the family and looked down at the grave stone.
"What if.." His tone no longer cocky, but remorseful. "What if I told you that your daughter didn't die.. yet?" He asked staring at the gravestone before Bob Parr's hands gripped Buddy's suit and spun him around to take a punch in the gut.
"You! You had something to do with this! I'll kill you! I swear I'll tear you apart!" Bob roared shoving Buddy down to the ground. Bob stepped forward only to be stopped by his teary eyed wife.
"..Helen.. move.. please." Bob grumbled glaring at Buddy. Helen immediately shook her head.
"Robert.. did you not hear what he said.." She whispered looking back to to Buddy who staggered to his feet. "..Buddy. Violet. Is she .. out there.. is she alive. Do you have her?" She asked hopeful. Buddy gazed up at Mrs. Parr. He sighed looking down and shook his head.
"Helen. I'm sorry but.. I don't. I did.. but.." Buddy was unable to find the right words. Rick growled pulling out a pair of hand cuffs from his belt.
"I've heard enough. Your coming with me Mr. Pine A.K.A Syndrome, and your going to go on trail for all those supers you killed including Violet." He said going over to Buddy. Buddy brought his hands up and dug them into his hair.
"I DIDN'T KILL HER!" He screamed and looked back to Helen. "I didn't.. Before I- I wanted to I guess.. but.. things got out of hand.." His hands now moving in front of him as he spoke, using gestures to go along with the words he produced.
"You know she stumbled into my lair and I though 'Hey! I can use this to my advantage!' And you know I thought about a million and one ways to get my revenge with her but.. You know she's certainly a Incredible!" He said smiling a sad smile. "..But I guess.. I don't know how I can talk to you guys about what happened.. You.. emotions.. and she's just so beautiful.. and nice.. loving.. smart.. seductive at times.. and-" Another blow from Mr. Incredible.
"You slept with my daughter!? Now your really dead Pine! Of all the good for nothing, dirty tricks!" He roared as Helen, Rick and Dash attempted to hold him back. Jack blinked up at his family then to the man, lost between the death of his big sister and what was going on now.
Buddy coughed holding his gut and groaned.
"Dammit Super! ...Your missing the point.." Buddy muttered in pain.
Dash glared at Buddy over his shoulder.
"Well it might help if you got to the point, idiot!" Dash yelled as her pushed at his father's chest. Buddy sighed not even bothering to get up now.
"..I fell in love with Violet..." He whispered to almost the point where no one heard it, yet they all did. Everyone stopped and looked at Buddy in shock.
"And- Well I was thinking about letting her go.. back to you guys but.. She was taken.. I tried to protect her.. but I failed" He whispered, his voice nearly cracking. "I failed her.. I didn't think I could fail at so many things but she was taken from me.. " He whispered looking up back to the silent audience. "..And thats why I'm here supers.." He whispered.
Buddy then got to his feet once again looking right into Bob Parr's eyes.
"I'm here. For your help.." He whispered, shaking.
Dash blinked looking to his speechless parents then to Rick. He still didn't look pleased with the answer. He stepped forward.
"And why should we believe this? Your not exactly the most trust worthy person in the world. How do we know that this isn't some plot of yours. Why should we trust you?!" Rick yelled, the old man now filled with his youthful anger once again.
The Parr family eyes gazed at Rick, before traveling to a silent Buddy, awaiting his answer. Buddy looked up to Rick and then pointed to the head stone.
"Because if you don't.. She will die, and not by a swift crash either." He whispered. "..And I'd rather not have her death hanging over me.. Especially not in the fashion Veto has planned.." He whispered gently before looking down then turned away from the family and began to walk away.
"..I'm still going to try to save her, with or with out you guys" He called before he felt a gentle hand rest upon his shoulder. He glanced to the hand. Helen Parr's arm extending the distance he travel until she walked over to him, letting her arm return to it's normal state. She smiled gently up at him, her cheeks stained with tears, and her eyes red from crying.
"You really care about her then, don't you Buddy?" Mrs. Parr asked. Buddy gave a nod.
"Yes ma'am. I do.." He whispered gently. Helen sighed.
"Buddy, I can't say I give you my consent to be with my daughter, given our past, but you being with my daughter isn't up to me. It's up to her. Though I do admire your bravery for coming to us. It takes quite a bit of guts for that.." She said smiling. Buddy returned the smile and nodded. Before looking to Bob, who calmed down a bit.
"So Super.. Will you make a exception to working as a team with me.. just this once?" He called.
Bob sighed. "Whatever it takes to save my little girl, but Buddy, when she's back in my arms, your a dead man." He warned. Buddy smirked gently.
"Aren't I already?"