Thorn: "Okay, that should be all of them."
Becky (smiling): "Great! And sorry if I was a little intense."
As soon as the viewing had ended, the Hex Girls were cornered by the redhead who demanded the photos they took.
Dusk: "We're used to it from our fans, so it's cool."
Luna (H): "Yeah, plus it's usually for autographs or pictures with us. You're the first person to ask for a picture of someone else."
Becky: "Can you blame me? After you had a fashion show with my White Russian?"
The Hex Girls were still embarrassed by that, especially knowing others had watched it.
Thorn: "Yeah, that was… something."
Luna (H): "So, what's with the 'White Russian' nickname?"
Carol: "Well, it was when we were over at the Loud House. Lori had invited us to a party."
Becky: (groaning) "A boring party."
Dana elbowed Becky, and Lori looked down when she heard that—but she couldn't deny that everyone had wanted to leave her party as quickly as possible.
Carol: "Yeah, that. And Lincoln ended up entertaining us by being a goofball, doing party tricks with a Russian accent."
Becky: (chuckling at the memory) "He even had this fake mustache and a fake Russian name: Lincolnovich Loudinski."
People chuckled as Lincoln blushed in embarrassment over what his younger self had done—but it got worse.
Dana: "I actually still have the recording of it."
Lincoln (noticing Watcher smirking and getting a bad feeling): "No, wait—"
It was too late. Dana's phone synced to the screen.
The screen showed Lincoln in an orangish-red wig and a large bushy mustache of the same color. He wore Russian clothes and a large black fur hat with a star at the center. Surrounded by laughing teenagers, Lincoln was doing silly but amusing tricks, clearly a hit at the party.
The theater erupted in laughter—adults finding it amusing and the rest absolutely hilarious, as Lincoln's embarrassment only grew.
Phantom (rolling in the air, laughing his head off): "Hahaha ha ha! Oh, this kid is a riot!"
Vanna (chuckling softly behind her hand): "He does seem to be quite an amusing boy."
Miss Grimwood (laughing but able to compose herself): "Considering how mature he's been—both in the recordings and here—it's actually nice to see a more childish side of him."
Mummy: (catching his breath) "Indeed. I might have him perform at Tanis's next birthday party."
Wolfman (rolling on the ground laughing with his daughter): "Ha! Haha! I might as well! Winnie would love to see him perform live."
Winnie (excited, rushing over to Lincoln): "Oh, can you!? Please, please, please!"
Looking sheepish, Lincoln reached out and gently patted her head. Her tail immediately started wagging fast, and her ears twitched as she subconsciously leaned into his hand. The gesture caught the attention of everyone—especially the monsters. He treated them normally, something they weren't used to from humans, especially younger ones.
Lincoln: "It's been a while since I've done anything like that, but… I wouldn't mind giving it another try if that's what you want."
Winnie: (looking down, slightly embarrassed, tail still wagging) "Y-yeah…"
Tanis: (walking up to him, looking up) "Oh, me too please—if that's okay with you, Mister Lincoln."
Lincoln: (chuckling, patting her head with his other hand) "You can just call me Lincoln. And if you want me to perform, then I'll give it my best shot."
Hearing him make those promises, several of the other kids—and even some teens—started chiming in.
Carlino: "Ooh! My birthday too!"
Carlos Jr.: "Mine too, please!"
Sid: "It would be great if you could do mine!"
Becky: "It'd be great to see you perform again."
Carol: "Agreed. I'm planning a party in a month—I hope I can schedule you for it."
Sam: "I'd love to see you perform too. I might even call you for my little brother's birthday—if that's okay."
As Lincoln got swarmed with requests, the Loud sisters were thrown for a loop. Sure, what he did was funny—but they always thought of it as a one-time thing and never gave it another thought. Now, they were the ones on the sidelines while everyone surrounded him. The parents were no better—they simply exchanged glances before shrugging it off.
Luan, however, felt differently. On one hand, she was happy to see her little brother following in her comedic footsteps. But on the other… it felt like he was stealing her gimmick—and potential customers. She had always been the center of attention in the family when it came to comedy and entertainment. Watching him accept request after request made her feel… small.
Pop-Pop smiled warmly as Lincoln interacted with everyone, especially the monster kids. It pleased him to see how comfortable Lincoln was with them. But then, his expression turned stern as he looked over at the rest of the Loud family. They grew nervous as he motioned for them to follow him to the other side of the theater.
Pop-Pop: "I can't believe what I've seen in these viewings. Do you know how disappointed I am in all of you? Fighting over such petty, trivial matters?"
The Loud sisters looked down, ashamed. Their parents also wore guilty expressions—until Pop-Pop's gaze turned sharply to them.
Pop-Pop: "That includes you two as well—Rita, Lynn."
Rita (shocked): "W-what!? But, Dad—"
Pop-Pop: "No buts. I've seen you both ignore the girls fighting right in front of you—and it's clear that none of them were properly punished for the fight shown in the first viewing."
Lynn Sr.: "N-now, Albert, we weren't aware of their first fight—"
Pop-Pop: "They talked about it openly in front of you both! But from the looks of it, you're so used to them fighting that it's become normal to you."
Rita: "D-dad, it's normal for big families to fight, and the girls—"
Pop-Pop: "That's no excuse for them having a fist fight over a burrito!"
They flinched as his voice rose, and the others in the theater watched the scene unfold. Phantom looked pleased that his old friend was putting them in their place. Lincoln silently appreciated that his family was finally getting a reality check.
Pop-Pop: "And not just that—you've been neglecting your responsibilities! Having Lisa do your bills? That's your responsibility, not your four-year-old daughter's!"
They suddenly heard munching and turned to see Watcher floating in the air, eating Cracker Jacks.
Watcher: "As much as I love seeing the Louds get a reality check, I believe it's time for the next viewing. So, please, everyone return to your seats."
As everyone started moving back to their seats, Leni hesitated and took a small step toward Pop-Pop.
Leni: "A-are you mad at us, Pop-Pop?"
Pop-Pop: (sighs) "I'm not angry… I'm disappointed."
They all looked down, dejected, as they slowly returned to their seats.
(No POV)
"L-Lincoln?"
Lucy could hardly believe what she was seeing. Her brother looked completely different—taller, more toned, his chipped bucktooth now replaced with straight, healthy teeth, and his face had lost all its baby fat, giving him a more defined and mature appearance.
Even his outfit made her nervous—not that it looked bad. Actually, he looked great. She had always thought a little black would suit Lincoln well, though she secretly hoped he'd become a goth someday. But she still liked his old orange polo and blue jeans look. Now, he looked like he was in a gang, and the way he wore his new outfit made it seem natural, like it truly belonged to him.
Lincoln: "Huh. I never really noticed how much I've changed until now."
Clyde: "Really? How?"
Lincoln: (shrugs) "I guess I just got used to it."
Harold: "That happens, Clyde. People get so used to a change, it starts to feel normal over time."
Howard: (nodding) "True, but most people wouldn't have adjusted as fast as you, Lincoln."
Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, it had only been nine days—just over a week since Lincoln's transformation.
Lucy looked to her side and saw a still-stunned Haiku staring at Lincoln with a lovestruck expression. She glanced around the café and realized many of the girls had the exact same look on their faces.
"What is happening? Haiku was wrong—so wrong. This is a big change, and now I can't help but worry…" Lucy thought as Lincoln made it to their booth.
Haiku: (groaning into her hands) "Please end me now."
Lincoln: "It's fine, Haiku. Even if we didn't hang out much before, I get it—you were just shocked by the sudden change."
Haiku: (groaning louder) "Yeah… let's go with that."
Winnie: (whispering in disbelief) "You've got to be kidding me. He still can't tell?"
Wolfman: (who overheard) "I know, sweetie. Believe me—I know. We had to go through the same thing with Albert."
The ghouls had heard many stories about Albert—Lincoln's grandfather. A close friend, a loyal companion, someone the monster parents had trusted with their lives. But also, according to those stories… dense. They thought those tales were exaggerations, just old fatherly nonsense. But if Lincoln was anything like his grandfather… they weren't exaggerating.
Lincoln: "Hey Lucy, I'm not late, am I?"
Lucy: (stammering) "N-No. I actually thought you'd be here a little later."
Lincoln: "Yeah, I made some new friends who just moved into town. They gave me a lift."
He thought back fondly on the Hex Girls.
(Flashback)
After getting dragged back to the van, Lincoln gave them the address to the café and they set off. On the way, they got to know each other better. The Hex Girls told him all the places they'd visited during their tour and showed him photos from their travels.
Lincoln, in turn, shared the many crazy shenanigans he'd been involved in back in Royal Woods—and about his massive family. After seeing a photo of all of them, the girls nearly flipped.
Dusk: "I can't believe you have ten sisters!"
Luna (H): "I just have one question—"
Lincoln: (cutting her off) "If it's what I think it is—yes, they've heard of protection and birth control. No, they clearly didn't use any."
A moment of silence fell.
The Loud parents flushed with embarrassment as people in the theater burst into laughter. The older Loud siblings just sighed.
Luna: (groaning) "That question just keeps coming back."
Lynn: (clutching her head) "If I hear that question one more time, I'm going to lose it!"
Lori: "I literally remember all my friends asking that exact question."
Luan: "Or any new people, really."
Those in the audience who had asked that question turned away whistling innocently.
Sid: "You can't really blame people for asking…"
Becky: "Yeah. Blame them." (points at the Loud parents)
That caused another uproar of laughter, to the parents' further embarrassment.
Thorn: (eyeing Lincoln) "You get asked that a lot, don't you?"
Lincoln: "More than you could ever know."
Another beat of silence… then more laughter.
Soon, they reached the café. As Lincoln climbed out of the van, Thorn grabbed his hand.
Thorn: "Wait, Lincoln—take these." (hands him a concert ticket and a backstage pass)
Lori, Leni, Luna, and Lucy's eyes widened in realization.
Lucy: "So they're the 'friends' who gave you the ticket and pass?"
Lincoln: "Yep. I told you girls I had friends at the concert."
Dusk: "Yeah, what about it?"
Lincoln: "Well—"
Watcher: (cutting him off) "SPOILERS!"
Lisa: (facepalming, muttering) "And now, even more reason I dread when we reach that part… Why was I such an ignoramus?"
Dusk: "The concert's in three days—we hope to see you there!"
Lincoln: "Are you sure you just want to give me these? The concert's sold out, and here I am getting a free ticket and a backstage pass…"
Dusk: "Of course. That's why we're giving them to you."
Lincoln: "Well… if you're sure, thanks. And if you girls ever want to hang out, just give me a call."
He pulled out his phone to share his number.
Crowd: "Oooooooooooooh!"
Sully: "Way to go, little Loud!"
Chuck: "It's about time, mate!"
Winnie: "It's what we've been waiting for!"
While cheers erupted and some girls looked jealous, Lori looked furious—gripping the armrests but staying silent, knowing she was already in trouble… and maybe thinking this wouldn't last anyway.
Frankenteen: "I wouldn't hold my breath."
Mummy: "He is Albert's grandson after all."
Lincoln: "I don't get it. I was just giving them my number. That's what you do when you want to stay in touch with friends."
The cheering stopped. Lori's anger paused. Jealousy cooled. And those who'd guessed the truth sighed in annoyance.
Clyde: (in disbelief) "Lincoln… please tell me you're joking."
Lincoln just looked at his best friend, confused, as everyone facepalmed.
Frankenteen: (muttering) "Knew it." (shares a nod with Mummy)
Luna (H): (teasing) "Well, look at you. Giving three beautiful girls your number. You planning to ask us on a date?" (she teased, though with a little hope—same with Thorn and Dusk)
Lincoln: (blushing slightly, but calm) "No, that's not what this is."
Dusk: (playfully pouting) "Aww, so you don't think we're beautiful?"
Crowd of Men (in sync): "It's a trap!"
Bobby: "Best bet? Say yes and brace for the teasing."
Carlos: "Saying no is always the wrong answer. Even when they ask for honesty."
The Hex Girls glanced at each other, then back at the screen.
Lincoln began to grow nervous—but then, suddenly, he calmed down. He looked into their eyes and said sincerely:
Lincoln: "Of course you're all beautiful. In my eyes, each of you is a rare beauty I'd be a fool not to see."
They blushed hard—none of them expected that. And he meant it.
Thorn: (face red) "W-well, we've got to go, but it was great meeting you!"
Luna (H): "Yeah, we can't wait to see you again." (Dusk nodded)
As the van drove away, Lincoln walked over to rejoin his sister, reflecting on how fun that shopping trip had been.
Everyone sat in stunned silence, trying to process what they just witnessed.
The men were in disbelief—Lincoln had done something impossible. He gave the right answer. Not a good one. Not a safe one. The right one.
Sully: "Did… did he just crack the code?"
Luna: (jaw dropped, then slowly grinning) "Our brother just made three hot teenage rock babes blush and run away like love-struck schoolgirls!"
Lori gritted her teeth but said nothing. She was still in hot water and—deep down—she didn't think it would work out anyway.
Lucy: "Hmm… his words were slightly poetic. Not my style, but I'll have to write that down."
All the women in the theater nodded in approval. Even Ronnie Anne had her arms crossed, silently taking notes. Haiku was completely gone—her mind replaying his words over and over.
Haiku: (in a voice so soft it was barely audible) "Yes, my prince…"
Clyde heard her. He scooted further away—just in case.
Meanwhile, the monster parents all sighed and looked at Pop-Pop.
Creature: "We blame you, Albert!"
Pop-Pop: (groaning) "Yeah… fair." (Gram-Gram patted his back while suppressing a chuckle)
Milly remained quiet. Lincoln's sudden changes in tone, mood, and presence intrigued her deeply. She decided to keep observing.
Lincoln (thinking): "Man, I can't believe how much fun I had just buying clothes… though their faces were red the whole time. Hope they're not coming down with something."
The audience collectively faceplanted.
Elsa: (turning to him) "You thought they were sick?"
Lincoln: "I mean… yeah? Looked like they were coming down with something."
Miss Grimwood: (shaking her head) "Those girls are coming down with something… but it's nothing a doctor can fix."
Lincoln furrowed his brow, confused. Miss Grimwood shot a knowing, sympathetic look at the Hex Girls. She had seen Albert's charm firsthand and was lucky to never fall under its spell herself.
(Flashback Ends)
"I had fun," Lincoln said, as Lucy silently freaked out inside. "Lincoln never has fun shopping…"
Thinking back on what he said, it seemed he had made friends with some people out of town.
Wolfman: "Gee, I wonder why?"
Lucy flinched, caught off guard by both the sarcasm and her own thoughts. Everyone glared briefly at the Loud sisters before turning back to the screen.
Haiku: "So… are these new friends the reason for your new outfit?" she asked, now beginning to regain her composure—though a faint pink still lingered on her pale cheeks.
Lincoln: "No, I just wanted to try something different. This feels more like me. Though I did buy some of the outfits they picked out," he added, gesturing to the shopping bags. "So, what are you girls up to?"
Haiku: "We're having a discussion about a new book we're reading. This café is actually a reading café—great place if you need quiet and enjoy fresh baked goods. Just be careful not to damage or stain the café's books… the fines are huge."
Sibella looked intrigued, silently wishing there was a place like this near her hometown.
Lincoln: "Good thing I brought my own, then. Since you girls waited for me, let me buy the snacks."
After taking their orders, Lincoln walked over to the counter to order their cakes. Lucy and Haiku leaned in and whispered.
Lucy: "What am I going to do, Haiku? This wasn't supposed to be a big change. But this… this is a BIG change."
Haiku: "I get what you mean. Last time I saw him, he was like a totally different person. But maybe we just keep an eye on him and see what happens."
Lucy: "Yeah, you seem to have that covered so far," she said, giving Haiku a side-eye smirk from beneath her bangs.
Lucy's expression on screen mirrored her real-life self, and Haiku purposefully looked away, pretending she didn't hear the quiet giggling around her.
Haiku turned her head, her blush darkening—but she didn't deny that she liked what she saw.
Lincoln soon returned with three plates of cake—two red velvet slices for Lucy and Haiku, and a lemon slice for himself. He also brought earl grey tea for them to enjoy while reading.
Two hours passed. Despite their best efforts, Lucy and Haiku found it impossible to focus on their books. Everything Lincoln did kept pulling their attention.
For Lucy, it was the book her brother had brought. A brown-colored tome with four black markings on the cover—symbols, nothing else.
"When he said he brought a book to read, I thought it'd be a comic… not that," she thought.
Many others had their eyes drawn to the book as well.
Sibella/Vanna: (Could it be magical?)
Lisa/Milly: (Is it written in a rare language? Some forgotten history?)
Wolfman: With his enhanced vision, he squinted. "Is that… a wolf?"
Winnie: "I think I see it too."
While others tried to decipher the symbols, Lucy and Haiku snacked on their favorite treats, curious to hear more.
Haiku, however, was distracted. She was too busy admiring Lincoln—his posture, the way he sipped his tea, even the way his lips closed around the fork as he took a bite. She couldn't concentrate on anything else but the white-haired wonder in front of her.
Everyone laughed quietly as Haiku facepalmed.
Haiku (thought): "Stupid… dumb… brain…"
Lucy sighed deeply.
Lucy: "Lincoln?"
Lincoln: Looking up from his book, "Yes, Lucy?"
Lucy: "What book are you reading?"
Lincoln paused before replying. "Well, you know how different religions have different beliefs about how the world began?" They both nodded. "This book connects them… sort of."
That caught everyone's attention.
Hector: "Are you religious, Lincoln?"
Lincoln: "Yes and no. I believe in religion as a concept, but I've never felt a strong pull toward any one belief, and I don't actively practice anything."
Dracula: "Then why read that book?"
Lincoln: shrugging "I just had a feeling I should."
Carlos: "The way it sounds, it might be its own religion… or maybe a philosophy. Still, sounds fascinating."
Watcher, however, sighed deeply, as if the book reminded him of something painful.
Lucy and Haiku exchanged a look before turning back to Lincoln.
Haiku: "Would you… tell us about it?"
Lincoln thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Long ago, when there was only the void, a power of immeasurable force erupted—birthing four beings. Brothers, in fact. Each had a name: GOD, DEMON, WOLF, and DRAGON—the first of their kind.
In the void, they trained and refined their powers. Eventually, they created a world together. It was beautiful, their shared home.
But it wasn't enough. When they tried dividing the world among themselves, they hated it. Why should they split what they had created as one?
Their argument grew into battle. Each blow released waves of energy. Their world was destroyed. No matter what they tried, they couldn't rebuild it. They couldn't combine their power again—so they parted ways.
From their origin point, each brother went in a different direction. In time, they each created their own worlds—ruling over them for eons.
As centuries passed, they missed each other. To honor their bond, each created a lesser version of himself. A species in his name.
Eventually, the brothers grew tired of existing alone. Remembering the joy of their first creation, they each created a Goddess—beings nearly as powerful as them—to watch over their corner of the multiverse.
Then, they returned to their point of origin.
And there, they met again—by fate or design. No words were exchanged. No apologies needed. Just understanding. They embraced. And together, they rested.
As they did, the energy they released caused the multiverse to expand… infinitely.
Thus ends the tale of the four great brothers."
Lola: "Huh… interesting story, I guess."
People murmured. It was a good story—but didn't seem particularly religious.
Carlos: "That wasn't written like a religion to follow… It sounded like—"
Phantom: "History. Like someone documented it."
Luan: "But if it was documentation, wouldn't it have a date?"
Vanna: "You can't put a date on something that happened before time existed."
Luna: "That's crazy! There's no way it could be real—"
Watcher: loudly coughs and gestures to himself, the theater, and the monsters in the audience.
Luna: scratches the back of her head "Oh… right."
They all turned to the screen, their minds reeling with questions.
As Lincoln finished, he noticed Lucy and Haiku staring at him in wide-eyed silence—until a text from Rita interrupted.
Lincoln: "Well, this was fun, but we've gotta head home."
Haiku: "That's fine. My mom's coming soon anyway. Want a ride?"
Before Lincoln could respond—
Lucy: "We'd love one. Thanks, Haiku."
Lana: "Trying a little hard there, huh?"
Lucy: sighs "Yes, I am. I can see them being a great couple. Too bad our brother has the emotional awareness of a brick."
They both glanced at Lincoln, who remained oblivious to every romantic hint. They shook their heads in defeat and turned back to the screen.
Lincoln: "As long as your mom's okay with it, I don't see why not."
Lucy: "Where are you going?"
Lincoln: "Bathroom."
He left—and a few minutes later, on his way back, he noticed Lucy and Haiku were gone.
Looking around, he spotted them outside the café—and what he saw made his blood boil.
Hank and Hawk, two large boys, stood over Lucy, who had been pushed to the ground. Haiku tried to help her up, but she too was thrown down.
As Lincoln stormed toward the door, one thought filled his mind: "They will pay."
Many frowned or showed concern as they watched the scene unfold. The Louds and their friends grew visibly angry.
Lynn: cracking her knuckles "Those jerks again…"
Sam: "You know those meatheads?"
Luna: "Yeah. They were picking on trick-or-treaters last Halloween—including our younger siblings. So we… taught them a lesson."
Mazzy: arms crossed, huffing "Looks like the lesson didn't stick."
Lincoln: darkly chuckling "No… but this next one will."
Everyone was caught off guard by how cold and dark his tone had become. Haiku and Lucy exchanged a knowing look. The other Loud sisters, while already aware of what happened, were more eager than concerned—they wanted to see it again. Everyone else just leaned in, curious—and uneasy.
(Lucy's POV)
A few minutes passed since Lincoln went to the bathroom. Haiku and I had stepped outside to wait for her mom when we ran into two jerks from Halloween—Hank and Hawk. They recognized me from when I scared them, making them drop all the candy they'd stolen from other kids.
I tried to avoid them… but one of them shoved me down. Haiku tried to help me up—and got thrown down too.
Hawk: "Well, well, well… what do we have here?"
Hank: cracking his knuckles "You and your siblings cost us a lot of candy last Halloween. Now it's payback time—and you're all alone."
Tension rippled through the audience. Many gripped their seats. But those who knew what was coming? They were excited.
Just as I braced myself for the inevitable beatdown, a fist came out of nowhere—slamming into Hank's face and knocking him to the ground.
The audience cheered.
Hank: "OW! Who did that?!"
I looked up—and saw the fist belonged to Lincoln. I was about to scream for him to run.
"It doesn't matter how different he looks… Lincoln's never been able to fight," I thought.
But then I saw his face.
And it scared me.
Watcher: "Just a reminder—Lincoln could fight when enraged, even before his change."
Ronnie Anne: raising an eyebrow "Really?"
Watcher waved his hand—and many of the glowing crystals around the walls shimmered, as if to confirm his words.
Ronnie Anne: quietly "Oh…"
Watcher: "Yup. And let me just say this—fear the wrath of a gentle soul, for their scorn shall reduce all to ash."
Many in the audience shivered at those words. Lucy and Haiku mentally noted that quote for later.
Lincoln's expression was one of pure fury.
He charged. Jumped. Slammed his knee into Hawk's face.
Then spun around, grabbed Hank by the front of his shirt, and began beating his face in—over and over again.
People gasped. They now understood what Watcher meant.
The Loud sisters stared in shock. Even though they'd seen the footage before, they'd never gotten a clear look at Lincoln's face during it.
Lynn: wide-eyed "Wow…"
Luan: nervous chuckle "W-Well, I would've made a joke… but Lincoln already beat me to the punch… Get it?"
No one groaned. They were too engrossed in the scene.
Lola: wincing "Okay… even Lynn isn't this brutal."
Lynn silently nodded. She knew she could be rough in a fight—but even she only needed a few solid hits. Lincoln? He was relentless.
Hawk recovered and spotted a thick tree branch nearby—like a bat. A sinister grin spread across his face. He picked it up and charged at Lincoln.
I opened my mouth to warn him—but before I could—
He turned, caught the branch with one hand, and kicked Hawk in the gut. Then came an uppercut with his other hand, dropping him instantly.
Lincoln grabbed the branch—and with barely any effort, snapped it in two.
The crowd gasped. They'd screamed warnings—only to remember: this was the past. A recording.
Watcher: laughing "It's just a screen. You don't need to yell at it."
Embarrassed chuckles rippled through the audience.
Now both boys were on the ground, groaning. But Lincoln wasn't done.
He walked toward them slowly.
Hank and Hawk looked like they wanted to run. But before they could take a single step—
Lincoln: "Don't move."
It wasn't a command.
It was a threat. Cold. Absolute. The kind that promised more pain if disobeyed.
Sully: whispers "Badass…"
SLAP.
Sam: glaring and gesturing to the kids "Language."
Despite the scolding, many silently agreed.
Lincoln: "So… what made you think you could hurt my little sister and my friend?"
His voice sent shivers through everyone. Gone was his usual warm tone. What remained was something sharp, icy—lethal.
Hank: trembling "W-we're sorry! W-we won't do it again!"
Lincoln glared.
Lincoln: "If I ever see either of you bullying anyone again…"
He leaned in—his voice barely above a whisper, but filled with quiet fury.
Lincoln: "I won't hold back. Do I make myself clear?"
They both nodded frantically.
Only after Lincoln stepped away did they scramble off, running like their lives depended on it.
Lincoln turned to me and Haiku. His anger melted into concern.
Lincoln: "Are you both alright?"
He pulled us into a protective hug.
Wolfman: "Wow… you really showed them."
Winnie: laughing "Haha! Did you see them pee their pants?!"
Lincoln: rolling his eyes "Ugh… don't remind me. The smell lingered."
Miss Grimwood: "Normally I don't condone violence… but I'd say those boys had it coming. Maybe I should talk to their parents about military school. I know a colonel who runs one—not far from here."
Lincoln: "Who?"
Miss Grimwood: "A friend of mine. Teaches at an all-boys military school. I'm sure he could straighten them out."
The Royal Woods audience seemed to like that idea.
I didn't say anything. I just hugged Lincoln tighter.
Because in that moment, with his arms around me, I felt that familiar warmth and safety.
"Even with everything changing about him… he's still my big brother. The one who makes me feel safe."
The audience cooed. The Loud sisters smiled—especially the younger ones, who loved that feeling of being held by their brother.
Lincoln, for his part, just felt content.
As I glanced up, I saw Haiku in the hug as well—her face bright red and growing darker by the second.
"Oh, this is going to be fun to tease her about," I thought, already planning.
Laughter erupted as many agreed with Lucy's scheming. Lincoln sighed.
Lincoln: "Don't even think about it, Lucy. And please stay out of my love life. Haiku's a friend, and she doesn't see me like that."
Lucy rolled her eyes. She wasn't giving up.
With a little shove, she nudged Haiku closer to Lincoln and gave her a 'Do it now!' look. Many of the other girls watching—those with their own crushes—narrowed their eyes suspiciously.
Haiku: blushing, but summoning courage "A-Actually, Lincoln, I—"
Milly: loudly clearing her throat "Earthling. I requested access to your communication device earlier, and was already delayed. I would appreciate a chance to examine it now before the next viewing."
Lincoln: "Oh! Sure."
He handed Milly his phone.
Then turned back to Haiku.
Lincoln: "So, what did you want to say?"
Haiku: sighs, defeated "Nothing. Never mind."
Sympathetic groans spread through the crowd. Many girls subtly celebrated the interruption.
Godzilla: snorting smoke "Hmph."
Mummy: "Out of everything this boy could have inherited from Albert… it had to be this?"
Meanwhile, Pop-Pop stared off into space, remembering all the times he also missed obvious signs back in his youth.