Just as Violet and Vespera were getting back to their playful banter, Ran showed up.

"Violet! There you are." Ran smiled as Violet fumbles.

Violet, taken aback, pocketed her locket and stumbled.

Violet grinned and said, "Oh, hey, Ran! I, uh, didn't expect to see you here."

Ran laughed and said, "Well, your mom asked me to pick you up. Let's get going."

Violet was anxious, "Does my mom know I snuck out?"

Ran comforted her, "Nope, she's clueless. Your secret's safe with me. Let's keep it that way."

Violet was filled with both excitement and relief at what had happened during her unexpected adventure as they made their way back to the car. When Miyu, June, and Dana gathered to catch their breath following the battle, she noticed that June had a disappointed expression on his face.

"I see you seem a little disappointed. What's wrong?" Miyu asked.

June groaned, "I was so excited to see Violet. I wanted to take her somewhere special before her big surprise party."

Miyu nodded, "Yeah, that's a bummer, but there's still time. Go to her party!"  

"You're right! I appreciate your assistance. See you at school, Miyu!"

June waved good-bye and disappeared into the night, leaving Miyu and Dana to think back on the day's events. Little did she realize, though, that more adventures and trials lay ahead of them in the days to come.

Moments later, at the music lounge located in Sunset City, Ran and Violet get out of the car. Upon entering the music lounge, they noticed an odd quietness and Violet furrowed her brow, perplexed by it. Suddenly, a cacophony of voices filled the room.

"Surprise!" the entire assembly exclaimed, and Violet was showered with confetti.

Violet's mother, Kaida, stood in the front, grinning broadly, and said, "Happy Birthday, Violet!" Umi and Aja, two of Violet's friends, also joined in the festivities.

As Violet took in her surroundings, she blinked in real amazement. The lounge was teeming with people she knew: Akane and other police station coworkers, classmates, and even Axe Winston, June's famous uncle.

Grinning at Violet, Axe held his guitar and said, "Happy birthday, kiddo! We've got some tunes ready for you."

"You're here, Axe! Where's June, I wonder?" Violet asked.

"Oh, he said he would take you somewhere special before your surprise party," Axe revealed.

"Special!?" Violet gasped and began to laughably second-guess what she had done. "Yes, it was simply a little get-together. The typical teenage things, you know. Not a huge concern."

“Where is that nephew of mine now?” Axe shrugged nonchalantly, “He must be running late.”

The celebration was a flurry of activity, and Violet couldn't help but be overcome with thanks for the well-thought-out surprise her loved ones had planned.

"Aha, there he is!" June! She's over here!" Axe yelled.

   June stumbled over to face Violet, who stutters in shame.

“I apologize, Violet. I became entangled in some minor difficulties. However, I am here and doing well.”June smiled. "Dana and Miyu provided assistance.”

"Monster problems, huh?" Axe gave June a back pat and said, "Just another day in the life of our extraordinary teens." "All I want is for us to be able to stop Rare's plans eventually. Not only June's parents, but also Miyu and Aja's. Everybody is trapped in that city.

"Rare is the worst! Those who choose to follow him are awful." June tightened his fist. "I can never forgive him."

Violet realized her connection to Rare and felt a flutter of concern for the first time.

Umi added, "Yeah, it's frustrating." "My dad barely made it out of that city, and Aja's parents, Katty and Ai, are in there too."

"We can't just let this go on. We need to find a way to defeat Rare and save our parents," Aja agreed, adding, "I had to stay at Umi's place since I had no other family to go to. Thankfully, her parents accepted me with open arms."

Thoughts swirl in Violet's mind, torn between loyalty to her friends and the unsettling alliance she's forged with Mr. Rare. The conflict within her intensifies, leaving her unsure about the path she's chosen. Violet walks away from the group, shoulders slumped with the weight of a secret she can't share.

"Violet, are you okay?" June asked.

Violet forced a grin, not wanting to expose June to her inner turmoil. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about stuff, you know? Teenager problems and all."

June smiled warmly as he took out a small box from his pocket as he walked up to Violet.

"Happy Birthday, Violet!"

Violet's eyes widened in shock as she accepted the box, and when she open, she saw, contrary to what her grandfather had given her, a stunning silver heart locket. Violet was taken aback when she saw the pendant shimmering in the music lounge's low light.

"June, this is really amazing." Violet stumbled as she turned to gaze at the delicate object in her hands.

June remarked with sincerity, "I'm glad you like it. It's a symbol of our friendship. No matter what happens, Violet, we'll always be friends."

Moved by the gesture, Violet forced a smile.

"This means a lot, June. Thank you."

Accepting the gift with mixed feelings, she saw the difference between June's kindness and Mr. Rare's deceitful ways. The pendant represented their friendship and  bond, setting the groundwork for the adventures and trials that awaited them.