The fathers and sons were all lining up, ready to compete. The obstacles were being set and the scoreboards were being prepared.
The Loud Sisters sat on the sidelines, ready to cheer on their father and only brother. Bobby sat by Lori while Adelaide sat with Lana and Lola, the girl happily set between the twins.
Rita sat near Jameson, the man notably a lot quieter than he usually was, and awaiting what was to come.
Rusty and his dad were ready and waiting, the former showing off for the girls, the latter flexing for the nearby Katherine Mulligan, who was here to report on the picnic.
Chandler and his father were also preparing for the event, the two glaring at their competition, specifically the Louds.
"On this fine Saturday mid-morning, several families are gathered around for a bit more on the positive side," Katherine said. "Rather than worry about danger or villainy, these fathers and sons instead opt to have a fun time, and enjoy the finer moments of life."
"You got this Linky!" Lola cheered. "You too daddy! Take down the competition!"
"We will sweetheart!" Lynn Sr called, then focused his attention on Lincoln. "Alright son, we have a lot ahead of us. But, I know we can pull it off. We've done it before, together we conquered the Hidden Temple."
"Team Orange Iguanas," Lincoln said.
"Exactly! We need to channel that spirit if we want to win today!" Lynn Sr said. "Now, I see many of your friends, and I know how much they mean to you. But today, they're not your friends, they're your arch enemies! And you have to crush them so badly they lose the will to even think that they're worthy contenders."
"Uh...dad, that sounds a bit extreme," Lincoln said. "It's just a fun competition."
"Right, sorry," Lynn Sr sheepishly said.
"Easy to see where Lynn gets her competitive nature from," Lincoln thought to himself. "It's cool dad, it just means you're excited. I want to win too, but I just don't want to get too caried away. Otherwise, you might end up like Bolhofner did the time he took over your band."
Lynn Sr shuddered for a bit, "Right, I certainly do not wanna turn into that."
"Competition's about to start, get in your positions!" A referee called.
Lincoln and Lynn Sr made their way to the starting line for the sack race, the boy making a mental reminder to hold back his powers to avoid exposing his abilities.
"On your mark, get set, go!" the referee declared as the fathers and sons began to do their race.
"Go dad! Go Lincoln!" Lynn cheered. "You two got this! Bring home the gold!"
"Do your best, bro!" Luna cheered. "You too Pop Star!"
"Yeah, if you wanna win, you gotta hop to it!" Luan called, laughing out loud right afterwards. "Get it?"
"Yeah, super Luan, really clever," Lola sarcastically stated.
Clyde and Harold did their best during the race, even sitting in first place at one point, until Harold tripped and fell, concerning his son.
"Dad, are you alright!?" Clyde turned to check on his dad, and promptly fell as well. "Ow..."
Lincoln was doing his best not to show off his powers, intentionally going slow to let the others get ahead, though this did get Lynn's attention.
"Speed up Lincoln! Do you want to be a loser!?" Lynn shouted.
"Lynn, dial it back," Rita warned.
"He's gonna lose the race though!" Lynn insisted.
"It's no big deal sweetie, it's just for fun," Rita said.
"Yeah, the only fun is winning!" Lynn said.
"Why don't you let Lincoln decide what's fun," Luna said. "If he loses, no biggie, not everything needs to be first place."
Lynn looked visibly distraught after hearing that, "How...could you!?"
"...Wow, dramatic much?" Luna awkwardly pointed out.
"You alright son?" Lynn Sr asked as he hopped alongside Lincoln.
"I'm fine," Lincoln insisted. "Let's try to catch up."
Lincoln did pick up the pace to make it seem like he was doing well, but still worked it so that he lost, but only in fourth place, alongside his father.
The winners were Chandler and his father, the two wasting no time celebrating.
"Ha! In your face you bunch of losers!" Chandler shouted, blowing a raspberry at everyone.
Lincoln pretended to wipe some sweat off of his head, even though he was nowhere near tired. "Sorry dad."
"Hey it's fine, it's only the first race," Lynn Sr said. "And hey, fourth place out of twenty isn't bad."
"Yeah, you're right," Lincoln said.
"Hey! Lincoln Lame! See you at the next challenge, loser!" Chandler mocked, much to the annoyance of Lincoln and his father.
"I do not like that child's behavior," Lynn Sr said. "And of course his father doesn't want to do anything to correct it."
"Maybe he can't?" Lincoln said.
"Well shame on him for not being able to keep his kids under control," Lynn Sr said. "Still, ignore that boy, you're not a loser son."
"It's fine, I'm used to his insults," Lincoln said. "I won't let his words get to me."
"That's my boy, taking it in stride, just like your old man," Lynn Sr said while ruffling Lincoln's head.
"Hey, Daddy Loud, you hop like a baby bunny!" Scoots called.
Lynn Sr uttered a massive gasp of disapproval, "How dare you! I have the feet of a kangaroo!"
"Yeah, a kangaroo with a sprained ankle!" Scoots called, laughing at the Loud father's expense.
"Why is she even here?" Lynn Sr lamented.
"Probably for the free food," Lincoln said. "And ignore her, she's just trying to mess with you."
"Yeah ,you're right," Lynn Sr said. "Well, onto the next challenge!"
While this was going on, Stanko was observing from the sides, the man waiting for his moment to strike.
"Enjoy it for now, soon you're all going to end up very disappointed," Stanko said. "Life just sucks sometimes, doesn't it!?"
In the city, Christina is seen flying around, keeping an eye on everything and making sure there was no drama.
"So far so good," Christina commented. "Not a lot of crime today. Maybe some of these crooks have kids and are at the picnic." The girl tapped her chin in wonder. "Could that be why they commit crimes? They need money? If that's so then I kind of feel bad for...ugh" Christina shook her head. "What am I thinking? There's no excuse for committing crimes, especially if you're a father. You should be setting an example for your kids. Anyway, I shouldn't worry about this, I gotta focus."
She then heard her phone ring, and immediately picked up to hear a voice," Christina, are you there?"
"I'm here Stella," Christina replied.
"How are things looking?" Stella asked.
"It's pretty calm, most I've done was make sure some kids didn't play near a busy street," Christina said. "And I saw a car at an expired parking meter. I didn't say anything though, it seemed rude. Plus I'm not a Meter Maid."
"Yeah those can be the worse, it's like they have nothing better to do than wait for the meter to expire and screw over someone who was just a few minutes late," Stella said.
"I doubt you're speaking from experience," Christina said.
"Considering I can't legally drive yet, yeah no experience," Stella said. "This is stuff I've heard from my mom. I understand the frustration though."
"Well regardless, slow day," Christina said. "Not a bad thing, that means people are safe, and that Lincoln and I are doing our jobs well. Like he says, part of being a hero is presence, we deter someone from even considering a crime."
"Sure sounds like something Lincoln would come up with," Stella said. "So, no sign of any crooks?"
"None," Christina said.
"Including that Rhino guy?" Stella asked.
"He's not here either, lucky us," Christina said.
"I can't tell if that's good or bad," Stella said. "He hasn't been seen since the day he showed up, and that was nearly a week ago. Lincoln said he didn't even apprehend him."
"Maybe he gave up?" Christina theorized.
"I doubt it, that'd be way to easy and convenient," Stella said. "Something seems really fishy, keep your eyes and ears open."
"You can't count on me, I'll-" Christina then heard some trouble nearby. "Gotta go, I think I spotted a mugging."
"Go do what you gotta do," Stella said as Christina went to stop the mugging. She still had some lingering concerns. "Just where is that Rhino anyway?"
Back at the picnic, the next competition was underway. Lincoln was balancing an egg on his spoon that he was holding with his teeth, and blindfolded while Lynn Sr gave him directions.
"This seems really hard," Adelaide said.
"It does seem pretty advanced, but it's perfectly doable with the right sense of balance," Lola said. "And good communication too."
Many of the other teams were doing their best, but one by one, each of them failed, starting with Rusty, the boy standing there in defeat. "Dang it..."
"You did your best, Rusty!" Rodney reassured.
"You're doing great, Lincoln," Lynn Sr encouraged as he led his son to the finish line. "Come on son, almost there!"
Chandler however, lifted his blindfold slightly and noticed Lincoln nearby. Seeing this as an opportunity to gain an advantage, Chandler went over, seemingly tripping to knock Lincoln over, resulting in the egg going into the air.
"The egg!" Lynn called out in worry.
Lincoln however was quick to catch in back on his spoon, almost on instinct as he continued on. This took everyone by surprise, especially Chandler.
"How!" Chandler shouted, dropping his egg in the process, much to his annoyance. "Crap..."
"Serves you right, loser!" Lynn mocked, irritating Chandler.
Lincoln hurried to the finish line, intentionally moving slow enough to allow Liam to get this win, hoping to draw less attention away.
"That was close," Lincoln mentally noted, removing his blindfold and taking the spoon and egg out of his mouth. "I hope no one noticed my reflexes."
"Lincoln, great work son!" Lynn Sr said, patting the boy on the back. "You didn't win, but you came in a close second."
"Thanks," Lincoln said, the boy mentally lamenting. "Secret identities can be a pain sometimes."
"Also, great catch with the egg," Lynn Sr said. "Those were some impressive reflexes."
"Uh...might have been luck," Lincoln nervously insisted. "Yeah, I guess the heat of the moment got to me."
"Whatever you call it, I still found it awesome," Lynn Sr said. "Now let's get ready for the next stage of the competition."
The egg thing did not go unnoticed by his family, Lynn herself looking a bit impressed by that, "Whoa, guess my training with Lincoln paid off, he's got the reflexes of a jaguar now."
"I'm just wondering how the egg didn't break?" Leni said. "Aren't they really fertile?"
"You mean fragile?" Lisa asked.
"Yeah, that word," Leni said.
"Guess they just have hard shells or something," Lynn said.
"Or Lincoln managed to catch it in a way that deaccelerated the impact," Lisa said. "Which is very difficult, but possible."
"Still, super neat trick," Lynn said. "The look on Chandler's face was priceless!"
"Indeed, cheaters never prosper," Lisa said.
The twins and Adelaide seemed just as impressed, though one had more reason to know why than the other two.
"Geez bro, don't give out too many clues about who you are," Lana mentally noted.
"So was Lincoln catching that egg luck, or skill?" Adelaide asked.
"It seemed like pure reaction," Lola said. "It still seems almost impossible though, that takes a lot of skill."
"Well Lincoln is a gamer," Lana said, hoping to cover for Lincoln. "Playing video games can really develop fast reflexes. You should see Lincoln when playing games, he becomes a whole other person."
"Must be his mindset here," Adelaide said, glancing at the boy with a red tinted face. "He's so talented and amazing! No wonder my sister seems so fascinated by him. Not that I'll let her have him that easily."
"Figures Sid would like him," Lola said. "What about Ronnie Anne if I may ask? Does she like Linky? Or is Lori still clinging to the past?"
"I'm not sure, but whenever he gets brought up, someone in her family says something about him being destined for her," Adelaide said. "I feel like it's having the opposite effect. The more they talk to her about being with Lincoln, the less she likes bringing him up or being around when he's the subject of a conversation."
"She's not going to hate him, is she?" Lana asked.
"I doubt it, I don't think she can hate Lincoln, she clearly likes having him as a friend since I overhear her speaking so highly about him to Sid," Adelaide said. "Sid teases her sometimes, but considering Sid seems to like Lincoln too, then her teasing is lighthearted, and easily reversed against her."
"Well tell Ronnie Anne's family to consider this," Lola began. "Lincoln broke up with his last girlfriend because she moved, meaning he's no good with long distance. So no offense you Ronnie Anne or Sid, but it's not going to work out for either of them."
"Uh, Lola, remember that Adelaide lives far away too," Lana said.
"It's fine, I'm too young for him anyway," Adelaide said. "That's why I'm kind of hoping he waits until I'm older, once I'm eighteen I can just move down here."
"I doubt Linky will still be single by then, but you never know," Lola said. "Just make sure you keep your own options open too."
"I'll try to, but for now, I'm content with my crush," Adelaide said.
Soon enough, the next event was about to start. It was a group of Tug-O-War showdowns. Liam went against Clyde, Rusty was against Zach, and lastly Lincoln was against Chandler.
"Of all the people to get..." Lincoln lamented.
"Figures I'd end up again against a loser like you, Lincoln Lame," Chandler taunted as he gripped the rope. "But that will make this so much more fun and satisfying."
"Ahem, young man, that's not proper talk," Lynn Sr scolded, then focused on Chandler's father. "Sir, don't you think you should be correcting your son's behavior?"
"Tell your kid to grow thicker skin," Mr. McCann said.
Lynn Sr furrowed his brow, "Wow, you are not a very good father, are you."
"Hey lay off my pops, he's a success, what are you?" Chandler said.
"My father owns a restaurant so popular that even Guy Grazer can't find anything to criticize," Lincoln snapped back.
"Oh when was the last time he did anything great?" Chandler said, readying himself. "You gonna tug, or not?"
Lincoln angry gripped the rope, "Come on dad!"
"Right son!" Lynn Sr said, holding his rope tightly.
The referee blew the whistle, signaling all teams to pull. Lincoln and his father were on even ground with the McCann duo. Lincoln knew he had the strength advantage, he could win this challenge alone with ease, if he could even call it that.
"Gotta be careful, I don't want to go overboard with my strength, otherwise my secret can be blown," Lincoln thought to himself. "I gotta be responsible and-"
"Come on Loud, is this the best you got?" Chandler taunted. "Geez, no wonder Jordan left. You just weren't man enough for her."
Lincoln huffed in anger and pulled so hard that Chandler and his father were pulled off the ground for a few seconds and skidded across the grass toward a mud puddle. Several of the teams nearby couldn't believe what they saw, some stopping the challenge, others leaving themselves open for their own defeat.
Even Lincoln's family looked surprised, even Lana, though the girl was faking it and was actually worried that her brother just blew his identity.
"How's Lincoln gonna talk his way out of this?" Lana wondered.
"Uh..." Lincoln wasn't sure what to do or say, even his father looked amazed. "That um..."
"Huh..." Lynn Sr checked his muscles. "Guess I got a little more in these old muscles than I thought."
"Uh...yeah...I guess you've been working out, huh dad?" Lincoln asked.
"Of course, I still follow my old exercise routine," Lynn Sr said. "Still, I didn't think I was packing that much muscle."
Lincoln looked around, still trying to figure out a good way to explain things. Despite his dad's story, he needed a bit more to really sell it. It was then that he spotted a rock on the ground. "Maybe they tripped over that rock?"
"Rock?" Lynn Sr asked.
"Y-yeah, they might have tripped," Lincoln said. "Or slipped. Some rocks can be slippery."
"Yeah, true," Lynn Sr said. "In any case, it looks like we win this round."
"Ugh, you got so lucky!" Chandler shouted; the boy covered in mud. "We'll get you both next time! No one makes a fool out of us!"
"You tell'em, son," Mr. McCann said as the two stormed off.
"Yo Chandler! Instead of telling Lincoln to get thicker skin, maybe you need thicker muscles!" Lynn Jr taunted.
"Ugh, the only thing I despise more than Lincoln Lame is his Lame sisters," Chandler muttered to himself, the boy angrily kicking a rock out of the way.
"Geez, someone's a sore loser, that man needs to be a better role model for his son," Lynn Sr said, then turned to his own son. "Lincoln, does that boy still pick on you in school?"
"Yeah, but I've gotten better at standing up for myself," Lincoln said. "It helps that my friends are by my side."
"That's good, remember, don't let anything he says get you down, son," Lynn Sr said. "You are better than he says you are."
"I appreciate that, dad," Lincoln said. "Come on, let's get ready for the next event."
"Sure, but let me go check in with your mother about something first," Lynn Sr said, the man going to find his wife, and leaving Lincoln along for a second.
Lana seemed very relieved that Lincoln's cover hadn't been blown, but this still did not leave her at ease. The fact that he came close on a couple of occasions led her to believe this was a very bad idea.
The girl stood up, both Lola and Adelaide curious by this action.
"Where are you going?" Lola asked.
"Nature calling?" Adelaide asked.
"No, I gotta talk to Lincoln about something, I'll be right back," Lana said, making her leave.
"Wonder what she needs Linky for?" Lola said, the girl shrugging it off. "Eh, probably nothing."
Lincoln seemed relieved for the moment, but still worried that his secret was once again close to being exposed. "I gotta be more careful."
"Hey Lincoln," Clyde said, getting the boy's attention.
"Hey Clyde, already done with your Tug of War?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah, Liam and his pops pulled really hard," Clyde nervously said, glancing at the farmers as the young boy flexed his arm in Lynn's direction, trying to get her attention, though only barely. "Dad and I didn't stand a chance."
"Too bad you didn't end up against Zach or something," Lincoln said, gesturing to the boy and his father struggling against the Spokes Father-Son Duo.
"Oh well, it's all good," Clyde said. "Seems like you really made a fool out of Chandler."
"Yeah, dad was really packing in the muscle there," Lincoln said. "Plus a help from a nearby rock."
"Well as long as he gets what he deserves," Clyde said. "Anyway, there's something I gotta ask."
"Uh, what is it?" Lincoln replied.
"It's about you, Stella and Christina," Clyde said. "You three have been hanging out a lot lately, is there any reason?"
"Oh that?" Lincoln asked, the boy nervously looking around. "Figures that Clyde would catch on."
"You alright there Lincoln? You look like you're freezing up," Clyde said.
"Who? Me?" Lincoln asked. "Oh, that's nothing."
"So, any reason you've been seeing those girls a lot?" Clyde asked.
"It's just some...projects," Lincoln said. "You know, school stuff."
"Right...seems like you're doing so a lot," Clyde said. "Even in the evenings you seem busy."
"Yeah sorry, I guess I'm just busy lately," Lincoln said.
"Even on weekends?" Clyde asked. "Because I gotta say, you've had a lot less free time lately, and a lot of that extra time is spent with Stella and Christina. I still want to know why-"
"Lincoln!" Lana called, causing a moment of reprieve for the boy. "Hey, Lincoln, got a sec?"
"Sure!" Lincoln replied, then turned to Clyde. "Sorry, Lana needs me for something. I'll talk to you in a second."
"Sure..." Clyde said as Lincoln went to talk to Lana. "Something seems so fishy here."
Lana took Lincoln far away enough to stay out of everyone's ear shot, keeping an eye out just in case someone overheard.
"Did you need something, Lana?" Lincoln asked.
"How much longer are these events supposed to last?" Lana asked.
"Um...I'm not sure," Lincoln said. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I'm getting worried, you nearly blew your cover twice now," Lana said.
"Hey I've covered up pretty well, haven't I?" Lincoln said.
"So far, but that was luck, which can run out," Lana said. "At this rate, someone's going to figure out you're Spider-Man. If not that, they'll at least think you're a mutant. Which would be troubling in its own way."
"I feel like it would take a lot more than some cheap coincidences for everyone to think I'm a mutant of sorts," Lincoln reassured. "Seriously, don't worry so much Lana, I have all this under control."
Lana sighed in annoyance, "I still think this isn't worth it, but if you think you can pull it off, then go for it."
"Of course, I can totally fake it," Lincoln reassured. "Besides, it can't be that hard to fake the next few events. One of them is throwing horseshoes."
"And you're absolutely positive you won't accidentally fling it all the way to Flint, right?" Lana asked.
"Hey, I don't throw that far," Lincoln said, then tapped his chin. "Or can I? I never experimented."
"Well don't do it now!" Lana scolded. "Look, if I were you, I'd fake an injury soon to get out of this event."
"Lana, I told you that I have it under control, now go sit back down with Lola," Lincoln said.
Lana sighed in annoyance as she marched back to her seat, "This is way too big of a risk."
"She worries too much," Lincoln said to himself. "So I had a few hiccups, I can totally get things back under control. Because now I know what not to do."
Unknown to Lincoln, danger was approaching. Stanko, who had briefly dozed off, had suddenly awoken from his nap. "Huh? Where am...Oh, right, I got a job to do." The villain then emerged from behind the woods, ready to do his part. "Alright, looks like enough time's passed by. It's time to get to work."
Jameson continued to watch and observe all the fathers with their children, several mixed feelings running through his mind and body. He was happy these sons got to spend time with their fathers, but it made him yearn for a piece missing in his life.
"Is everything alright with you, sir?" Rita asked.
"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine," Jameson insisted. "Picnic's great, and on such a nice and peaceful day too. It would make for a great story in the paper."
"Wow really? So you're fine with not printing a story about Spider-Man?" Rita asked, almost regretting mentioning the hero.
"Eh, that guy hogs the spotlight too much, good to take a break now and then," Jameson said.
"Oh, that's great!" Rita said, feeling relieved.
"Plus, by taking a break, it makes readers want more!" Jameson said, deflating Rita's relief. "So by the time the next paper hits the shelves, people will come in waves! Yeah profits may be down for this paper, but sometimes you have to take a risk. That's what makes for good business."
"Yes...of course sir," Rita said.
The fathers and sons were lined up near the horseshoe toss section, each of them readying themselves for the competition.
Liam landed his throw perfectly around the pole, the boy doing a victory pose right afterward. "Y'all see that Lynn!?"
"Awesome job, Liam!" Lynn said. "Still got a decent throwing arm!"
"It ain't nothing," Liam said, the boy blushing a bit from the compliment nonetheless.
Lincoln stood carefully, prepared to throw his first horseshoe, and hoping things would turn out okay. "Easy...easy..."
"Concentrate son," Lynn Sr instructed, holding his own horseshoe. "But do your best."
"Right, I will," Lincoln said, focusing back on the horseshoe. "Don't go overboard..."
Lincoln tossed his horseshoe, careful enough not to completely overshoot it, but it overshot nonetheless. However the moment it hit a ground, a large thud was heard.
"Crap..." Lincoln mentally worried.
"Not again..." Lana mentally lamented. Suddenly another thud was heard. "Huh?"
"What's that sound?" Lynn asked, hearing another thud. "It's getting closer."
"That wasn't me?" Lincoln wondered, then heard another thud. "What's going on?"
"Not sure son, just be careful," Lynn Sr said, another thud booming across the area.
Seconds later a tree was knocked over, causing another thud and worrying everyone present.
"Is it an Earthquake!?" Luna asked.
"Highly unlikely, we're not on any fault lines!" Lisa said as more thuds were heard with more trees falling. "Besides, this does not contain the proper frequency you would feel should the terranean structures begin to shift."
"English, Lisa!" Lynn said.
"Ugh...the Earth isn't shaking! If it was it wouldn't sound like large footsteps!" Lisa explained.
Lincoln's Spider-Sense began ringing loudly in his head, the boy's worries heightening. "Something bad is about to happen!"
Emerging from the woods right before everyone's eyes, was Stanko in his Rhino suit, his sudden presence sending fear washing through the bodies and minds of everyone present.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me..." Lincoln lamented.
"Uh-oh..." Lana said, the girl and her sister each clutching Adelaide tightly.
"Is that The Rhino creature we heard about!?" Rita asked.
"Sure looks like it," Jameson said, checking his person. "Where's that camera!?"
"Sir!" Rita scolded.
Stanko stood before the fathers and their sons, each of them looking absolutely concerned. Despite their fears, all the fathers stood before their sons, willing to risk themselves to protect their offsprings.
"Hey pal! This is a picnic event!" Lynn Sr warned.
Stanko immediately recognized the father of eleven, and wasted no time grabbing the man, much to the worry of his son.
"Dad!" Lincoln called, wanting to step in.
"Son, stay back!" Lynn Sr warned.
"No! Daddy!" Lola called.
"Hey you jerk, put our pops down!" Luna warned, with her sisters backing her up.
"I don't want any of you coming this way!" Lynn Sr warned.
"But dad!" Lynn Jr protested.
"I mean it! You are not to endanger yourselves for my sake!" Lynn Sr said.
"How admirable of you," Stanko said, in a voice that seemed almost familiar to Lynn Sr.
"Have we met? I feel like I've heard your voice before," Lynn Sr pointed out.
"I've met a lot of people in my life," Stanko vaguely explained, before speaking out. "Now, no need for any alarm. I am not here to hurt any of you. I came here for a reason."
"Uh...are you a potential customer for my store?" Rodney asked.
"No," Stanko said. "I'm here looking for someone, you all may have heard of him. I'm looking for the one you call, Spider-Man."
"Me?" Lincoln thought to himself.
"Spider-Man? But why are you looking for him here?" Harold asked. "He's usually patrolling the city."
"That he is, but I knew that there was a chance he'd be here today," Stanko said. "After all, it's a father-son event, and despite his name, he's clearly a boy. So it stands to reason he'd be here."
"Did my voice give it away? I really should ask Stella to modify my suit so my voice sounds deeper," Lincoln thought to himself.
"If Spider-Man is here, then he better do the right thing and show his face," Rhino said, squeezing Lynn Sr tightly, much to the worry of his family. "Otherwise, some people just might get hurt."
"Wait, what if he's not actually here?" Lincoln said. "He might be an orphan."
"Isn't Black Widow his mother?" Rusty asked, much to Lincoln's annoyance. "And she's still alive."
"Well, that's a mom, not a dad," Lincoln pointed out. "Maybe he only has a mom!"
"Look, I came here to get Spider-Man, and one way or another I will get what I want, even if I have to trash this whole place to do so," Stanko said, waving Lynn Sr around. "The sight of all of you already ticks me off. I just might crush a few bones regardless!"
"Ugh, I gotta do something! But I can't switch into my Spider-Man gear in front of everyone!" Lincoln mentally worried.
Lori was understandably worried for the safety of her brother, and especially her father. "Bobby, what should we do!?"
"Don't worry babe, I got this," Bobby said, stepping toward Rhino.
"Bobby! What are you doing!?" Lori shouted in worry. "Dad said not to endanger yourself."
"He only said that to his kids, and I'm not one of them," Bobby said, stomping toward the Rhino.
"Ugh, he's crazy!" Lori scolded, before feeling her heart go a flutter. "But, he's so manly too."
"Bobby! Please don't die! Otherwise your family will cry!" Adelaide said. "Actually, you're like a cool big brother to me too, so I might cry as well if you die!"
"Dang it, I'm trying to be tough and now Adelaide said something that's so sweet and endearing that it's making my eyes watery!" Bobby wiped away the tears and glared at Stanko. "Alright, here's the thing, pal!"
Stanko immediately back handed Bobby, sending him flying into the crowd, to everyone's worry, especially Lori.
"Boo-Boo Bear!" Lori went to check on her boyfriend. "Bobby! Wake up!"
"Oh no!" Rita went to check on the boy along with her daughters. "Bobby dear?"
Despite his own worries, Lincoln saw this as the best opportunity to change into his hero gear.
"Now, is Spider-Man going to show up! Or not!?" Stanko asked.
"What should we do Lincoln!?" Clyde asked, then took a look around. "Lincoln? Where'd he go?"
"Probably ran off, the wimp," Chandler said.
"Hey, he's not a wimp, righty Rusty!?" Clyde looked around. "Rusty? Oh great, him too!?"
"Honestly them boys have the right idea, we should run!" Liam said, everyone scattering around.
"Hey, don't run away yet, the fun's just getting started!" Rhino said, stomping hard on the ground, causing everything to shake. Lynn Sr tried breaking free, but took another squeeze that nearly crushed his ribs. "And don't you get any funny ideas yourself."
"Listen pal, I don't know why you're doing this, but terrorizing people, especially children, is just about the lowest thing a person could do!" Lynn Sr scolded.
"You're irritating me," Stanko slammed Lynn Sr on the ground, then raised his foot into the air. "I think I'll rid myself of you for good, Loud."
Rita caught sight of the situation, the woman immediately worrying, "Lynn! No!"
"Daddy!" Lola called; her other sisters just as worried.
Fortunately, Lincoln had shown up in his Spider-Man gear just in time and managed a kick to Stanko's head, briefly stunning him, at least long enough for Lynn Sr to crawl away safely.
"Rhino!" Lincoln shouted, getting into a fighting stance. "I hear you've been looking for me! Also, last I checked, that's a person you were just holding, not a soda can you squeeze after a drink!"
"Spider-Man, just what the boss wanted," Stanko said.
"Boss? What boss?" Lincoln asked.
"Worry about that later, right now, you have an appointment with my fists!" Rhino said, slamming them together.
"Wow that's cringey," Lincoln said. "Also, Rhinos don't technically have fists! Of course I don't have eight legs despite being a spider so-"
"Take this!" Stanko tried punching the boy, but he managed to cartwheel away.
"Hey! Rude!" Lincoln scolded, then dodged another attack.
Meanwhile Lana snuck away from her family to grab her phone, immediately making a phone call.
From the base, while she was reading a book and munching on her apple, Stella heard her phone ringing. She picked it up to answer, "What's up?"
"Stella! Can you call Christina!? We have a problem here!" Lana bellowed.
"Problem? What problem?" Stella asked.
"It's The Rhino! He's here in Tall Timbers Park!" Lana urgently stated.
"Wait really!?" Stella shouted in disbelief.
"Lincoln's going to fight him, but I don't know if he can handle it alone!" Lana said, the girl almost in tears. "Please, send Christina quick!"
"Don't worry, I'll call her right now! Just stay safe!" Stella quickly hung up and called her friend. "Christina! You gotta get to Tall Timbers Park! Lincoln's fighting The Rhino!"
"I'm on my way," Christina said, flying to her destination.
Back at Tall Timbers Park, Rhino continued his attack, trying his hardest to land a blow on Lincoln as the boy cartwheeled away and kep his distance from the beast.
"Gonna squash you like the bug that you are!" Rhino said, slamming his feet down.
"Spiders are not bugs, we're arachnids!" Lincoln leapt onto a tree and used his webbing from that angle to pull down and land a double kick to his enemy's head, "Geez, it's like you bad guys just suck at zoology, but I guess that goes without saying since most of thugs I capture are High School dropouts." It took a couple of seconds for Lincoln to realize that he barely stunned Rhino, causing some concern for the young hero. "Oh boy..."
"Like a puny little insect can hurt a Rhino!" Stanko said, turning to fight once again.
"I told you, I'm an arachnid and-" Lincoln leapt away from another stomp, landing a few feet back. "Geez, you're thick headed in more ways that one!"
"I'll show you!" Rhino charged his horn at the boy, who was quick to block, but the momentum kept going with Lincoln being skidded backwards. Stanko lifted his horn and then aggressively tossed Lincoln aside, sending the boy flying through some trees.
"Geez this guy is stubborn," Lincoln lamented, picking himself back up. "But I gotta keep trying, otherwise everyone will remain in danger."
"Spider-Man!" Rhino charged again, angrily making his way through the woods.
"Crap!" Lincoln used his abilities to thwip away and landed safely outside of the forest and near a large rock. "I wonder...?"
After a few seconds, Rhino emerged from the woods, aggressively looking around, "Where are you!? Little punk!?"
"Yoohoo! Rhino!" Lincoln called, holding the large rock over his head. "Let's play...CATCH!"
Lincoln aggressively threw the large rock at Rhino, the giant piece of granite shattering upon impact with his horn.
"Oh crap..." Lincoln again lamented.
"Ha! Is that the best you got, Spider-Man!?" Rhino taunted. "This will be way to-"
Lincoln immediately webbed a smaller rock toward Rhino's face. Despite the metal covering, the rock did briefly blind Rhino long enough for Lincoln to swing in and get a kick to his chest.
Rhino was barely phased, much to Lincoln's annoyance as he leapt back and went for another kick, still barely moving Rhino.
"You don't have a chance!" Rhino taunted as he threw a punch that Lincoln barely dodged. "Just accept your loss already, and this will be so much easier for both of us!"
"One thing you gotta know about me, is that I am way too stubborn to quit!" Lincoln said.
"Huh...I won't lie, I admire that mindset," Stanko said, slamming his fist against his palm. "Too bad that is going to create more unwanted work for me. But I suppose I can find some entertainment in this."
Lincoln carefully looked around, trying to figure out a way to gain the advantage. Fortunately, he found something that might work. Just as Stanko tried for another stomp, Lincoln rolled to the side and grabbed a tree, using it to whack Stanko.
While managed to stumble the beast, the tree broke on impact, leaving Lincoln with a small stump.
"Geez, this guy's just beyond durable!" Lincoln lamented.
"You're getting on my bad side, punk!" Rhino leapt and tried to slam his fists down, but Lincoln was quick to roll out of the way and started webbing rocks and trees at the villain, hoping to disorient him.
All the while, everyone was watching on in worry as Spider-Man struggled to do anything against his foe.
"Geez, this guy's practically unstoppable!" Luna said.
"Rhino, right?" Luan said, chuckling a bit. "Get it?"
"Huh? No! What does that even mean!?" Luna asked.
"Well explaining a joke makes it less funny," Luan said. "But for context, 'Rhino' sounds like 'I know', so I figured-"
"Luan, now is NOT the time for one of your JOKES!" Lola angrily shouted.
"Hey, it helps to lighten the mood a bit," Luan said, much to the annoyance of her sister and some bystanders. "Wow, what a bunch of grumps."
Meanwhile Lynn Jr was trying to help up her father, "Can you move, pops?"
"Yeah, I should be able to," Lynn Sr said, still feeling pain in his ribs. "Okay, maybe not too much."
"Don't overexert yourself dear," Rita said.
"It's fine honey, I can handle a little adversity, it's what separates the boys from the men," Lynn Sr insisted.
"You're a tough man for sure, Loud," Jameson said.
"I'm just glad Spider-Man showed up when he did," Rita said. "But why would that Rhino creature think he's here? He wouldn't really be one of these boys, would he?"
"Imagine that, our son going to school with..." Lynn Sr looked around. "Wait, where's Lincoln!?"
"Lincoln?" Rita began to grow nervous herself. "Lincoln honey!?"
"Oh boy, they're going to get suspicious!" Lana looked around a bit, hoping to find a distraction. "Uh...I think I saw him!"
"Where?" Rita asked.
"Over there!" Lana said, pointing at nothing. "I saw some boys run into the woods, I think Lincoln's with them!"
"Is my son there too!?" Rodney called from nearby.
"Uh, Rusty? I think so," Lana said.
"Come to think of it, the moment that Rhino showed up, a lot of families began to scatter," Rita said. "Lincoln does tend to panic easily, I hope he wasn't scared off too badly."
"We'll find him," Lynn Sr said, trying to move. "I'll just go and...ugh!"
"Lynn, don't push yourself," Rita scolded.
"Our son's probably in danger!" Lynn Sr said. "If we don't do anything-"
Suddenly Lincoln in his Spider-Man guise got thrown near his family, the boy feeling slightly injured. "Geez, that hurt."
"Spider-Man?" Rita asked.
"Uh...hi ma'am," Lincoln greeted, trying to deepen his voice. "And you too my fine gentlemen."
"Spider-Man!? Just what in the world are you up to!?" Jameson shouted.
"Uh...saving people?" Lincoln said. "You know, like I usually do."
"Well thank you for saving my husband," Rita said. "I don't want to imagine what would have happened if you didn't show up."
"I'll be man enough to admit that you've come through time and again," Lynn Sr said. "Still, why a spider?"
"It just happened, sir," Lincoln said.
"Spider-Man!" Stanko shouted, angrily marching over.
"This looks like trouble," Lincoln turned to the others. "Everyone, you need to go!"
"Hold up, who put you in charge!" Jameson shouted. "Why should we trust you with our safety!?"
"Hey if you don't trust me, then you can handle getting everyone to safety," Lincoln said. "I'll keep The Rhino distracted."
"Of course, you'll 'distract' him," Jameson said. "It's your fault this guy even showed up! For all we know-"
"Look pal! I don't have time to deal with your nonsense!" Lincoln shouted, taking Jameson by surprise. "Now, instead of coming up with different ways to print slander about me, why don't you focus on getting everyone to safety!"
For a brief moment, Jameson began to have flashbacks to a young man during the Chitauri Invasion of New York a couple of years back.
"Dad! Focus on getting everyone to safety!"
Jameson snapped out of the memory, obliging with Lincoln's words. "Alright fine..."
Stanko got closer, so Lincoln went to attack again, "Run and don't stop until you're safe!"
Jameson looked on in disbelief, still feeling the effects of his sudden flashback as he slowly moved.
"Sir, is there anything wrong?" Rita asked.
"...It's libel..." Jameson said.
"Uh, pardon me?" Rita asked.
"He said I print slander about him," Jameson said. "Slander is spoken though, libel is print. Not that I spread libel anyway, I only spread the truth to the public."
"Sir?" Rita asked again. "Are you feeling alright."
"Ugh, never mind that, just get going!" Jameson ordered.
Lisa looked back at the armor, the young girl feeling curious. "Hm...that armor, it seems to resemble Iron Man's tech."
"Lisa, analyze later! We have to go!" Leni ordered. "Otherwise that Oversized Turtle will get us!"
"That's a Rhinoceros!" Adelaide corrected.
"Right, a Rhino...rhinoso...uh, what she said!" Leni pointed out. "Come on, let's hurry!"
Lincoln made sure everyone made their leave, using his webbing to keep Stanko stalled as he got in closer. Stanko leapt up and attempted to crush Lincoln under his feet, but the boy was quick to dodge and leapt to kick the villain in the face, barely denting his armor.
"Geez, this guy's practically indestructible!" Lincoln zipped around, trying to web Stanko, keeping him in one spot while using the trees as anchors. "Maybe if I-"
"HAAAA!" Stanko pulled hard and knocked over several trees, the webbing barely slowing him down.
"Hey! Think about the environment! Or do you want to kiss your social life, good-bye!?" Lincoln shouted.
"I have no social life, it's all business!" Stanko charged again, Lincoln leaping overhead and using his webs to grab a rock and aggressively fling it at Rhino's back.
"That might explain your lack of manners," Lincoln said, then immediately dodged a tree thrown his way. "Hey come on! Seriously, you're going to ruin the park!"
"Then stand still and be crushed!" Stanko shouted, going to attack again.
"Are you stupid? I'm not letting you beat me!" Lincoln continued dodging the attacks. "Someone has to stop crooks like you from running rampant!"
"I have reasons for doing what I'm doing!" Stanko shouted, slamming his fists down. "You're all that stands between me and a better life! I'm not letting this opportunity go to waste!"
"How am I in the way of your better life?" Lincoln asked.
"You don't need to know, you just need to be crushed!" Stanko picked up a tree and tried to slam it down on Lincoln, the boy barely dodging out of the way, but still took a whack right afterwards, sending him flying.
Stanko tossed the tree aside and charged at Lincoln, the boy recovering and webbing to the top of another tree, only for that same tree to be knocked over by Rhino's charge. As such, Lincoln was forced to jump off and land on another tree.
"How do I stop this guy? His armor is practically indestructible," Lincoln said. "It's like Iron Man built a suit for the Hulk or something."
"Spider-Man!" Stanko shouted. "Where are you!? Little brat!"
Lincoln leapt down, hoping to sneak up on Stanko, and possibly find a Weak spot in the armor. As he got close, he accidentally stepped on a twig, alerting Stanko to his appearance.
"There you are!" Stanko turned around and kicked Lincoln across the park, the boy skidding across the ground, holding his ribs in pain.
"Wow, he hits really hard," Lincoln lamented, trying to stand up. "I gotta keep fighting though, if I don't, then who knows what that guy will do?" He looked toward Rhino's direction, "Still, how do I make it past his armor?"
"Spider-Man!" Stanko charged in at full speed, readying his horn.
"This again?" Lincoln got into a stance. "Well at least I can find a way to counter and-"
Stanko stopped short and grabbed Lincoln by the head, crushing him a bit. "Ha! Got ya kid!"
"Hey, Let me-" Lincoln was then tossed into the air and hit with a mighty strong punch that sent him flying into a rock formation, immediately destroying it on impact.
"Not much longer now. Victory is all mine," Stanko said, approaching Lincoln with a sinister cackle. Suddenly he took a blast from behind, much to his surprise. "What in the world?"
"Get away from my partner!" Christina readied more heat and blasted Stanko, not that it did much. He tried to grab Christina from the air, but she narrowly dodged and sent another blast, barely affecting him. "Wow, he's durable."
"Oh, it's the little fire girl," Stanko said.
"The name's Firestar!" Christina corrected.
"Yeah, whatever," Stanko said. "You're not on my priority list, but I'll gladly do away with you too!"
"Just try it!" Christina taunted.
"Gladly!" Stanko charged at the girl just as she narrowly avoided his attack and sent her own attacks, being sure to keep a distance.
Lincoln slowly stood up, feeling some pain all around his body, "Wow, that actually hurt." He lifted his mask slightly to wipe some blood from his mouth. "He's too strong, what I wouldn't give for Captain America to be here or something. Even Natasha, she'd know what to do." He pulled away from the wreck, seeing Christina fighting for her life, "Wait, when did Christina get here? How did she even know?" He shook it off, "No time to wonder, I gotta go help her!"
Christina kept blasting, getting in close enough to do something, but trying to keep her distance while fighting. Unfortunately she was grabbed by the leg, Stanko holding her upside down.
"Hey! This is NOT okay!" Christina scolded.
"Sorry little girl, but I am done with you!" Stanko said, aggressively tossing Christina through the air.
"I got you!" Lincoln shouted, jumping to catch Chrsitina before she hit a tree. "That was close, are you okay?"
"Huh?" Christina saw that Lincoln had caught her, the boy holding her in his arms as a slight blush appeared on her face. "I'm fine."
"Reunited huh? That's fine, I can destroy you both now!" Stanko shouted, moving in closer but feeling strange. "Is it me, or did it get much hotter?"
Christina got back on her feet, glaring intently at the villain, "Geez, what's this guy's suit made out of?"
"I'm not sure, though I think it could be Stark Tech," Lincoln said.
"I doubt this guy works for Iron Man," Christina said.
"Maybe not, still it's very durable," Lincoln said.
"Tell me about it, none of my attacks went through," Christina said. "I thought I could be of assistance, but I might be a bit out of my league."
Stanko leapt up and tried slamming his fists down on the two, both of them quickly dodging out of the way. Afterward, Stanko took a moment to catch his breath, fanning his head a bit.
"Huh...a suit like that could probably store up a lot of heat," Lincoln theorized. "Which means...Firestar! Use your heatwaves again!"
"But it's not working," Christina said.
"Go hotter!" Lincoln ordered, going in to fight Stanko again.
"Uh, alright I guess?" Christina powered up and flew at Stanko, sending heat wave attacks at the man in the suit.
"You kids are way to persistent, like a bunch of flies!" Stanko shouted, attacking the duo.
"I'm Spider-Man! Not Fly-Man!" Lincoln said. "The only fly is you, because you're about to be trapped in my web!"
"Seriously, Spider-Man?" Christina asked.
"Hey! It's funny," Lincoln said, then dodged another punch.
"Wise guys like you need to...need to..." Stanko started to feel hot. "Geez, really should have an air conditioner installed in this suit."
"Keep it up Firestar!" Lincoln said, going for more strikes against the mechanical beast, finally disorienting him.
"You got it, Spider-Man!" Christina said, blasting the villain more, increasing the level of heat in the suit.
"Why you...stupid little..." Stanko threw more punches, but he was starting to get overheated. "I can't...keep going..."
Stanko's suit was overheating much more as the man began to feel dizzy. He was wobbling around, trying to maintain his balance with little success.
"I'll end it now!" Lincoln jumped in and delivered a powerful punch that started tipping the suit over as Stano fell to the ground.
Using his speed, Lincoln stopped right under Rhino and caught him just before he landed, trying to hold him up with one arm under the machine's back.
"Uh, what are you doing?" Christina asked.
"Proving who's the strongest," Lincoln said, then realized he couldn't hold him long with one arm, so he used his second to add some support and aggressively threw Rhino against a boulder just to finish him off.
"Did it work?" Christina asked, floating beside Lincoln.
"I think so," Lincoln said. "At least, I hope it did."
Seconds later, the suit let out some steam, relieving Stanko of the heat, but still unable to keep fighting.
"Let's call the authorities," Christina suggested.
Sometime later, cops began entering the park, closing off the area where Stanko was to ensure his proper capture.
The Loud Family was nearby, with Lincoln standing right beside them, feeling weird to be in costume around his relatives, especially when only one knows his secret.
Lynn stood close to the disguised Lincoln, angrily eyeing him while Lincoln tried to look away.
"So...playing the hero again?" Lynn sarcastically asked.
"Kind of," Lincoln said, keeping his voice disguised.
"You know, any time you're around, trouble tends to follow," Lynn said. "It's almost like you're cursed with bad luck."
Lincoln shuddered a bit upon hearing those words, "I don't believe in luck."
"Pfft, wow, seriously?" Lynn asked. "Luck is the only reason you're not dead yet."
"Excuse me, can you dial it back?" Christina scolded. "Me and my partner basically saved your lives. We're not asking for a parade, but you could be a little more appreciative."
"I could handle myself, don't get cocky because you two got lucky again," Lynn said. "Sooner or later, that luck might run out."
"We have confidence in our abilities, young lady," Lincoln said.
"Don't call me 'young lady'," Lynn scolded. "Honestly you look barely older than my little brother."
"Where is Lincoln?" Luan asked, worrying her disguised brother.
"Uh, I saw some boys on the other side of the park, maybe he's there," Lincoln said.
"I can go find him," Lana said, hoping to cover. "I'm going to check the east end, right at the bottom corner near the entrance."
"I'll go with you, just to keep you safe," Lori said.
"That's fine," Lana said, making her leave with her older sister behind her.
Lincoln seemed relieved, then felt a stethoscope pressed against his chest, courtesy of Lisa, "Uh Li...ttle girl, what are you doing?"
"Checking your cardiac signals, it will help me determine if you are human by nature," Lisa explained.
"I am human, just not your typical human," Lincoln said.
"Perhaps," Lisa then placed her stethoscope on Christina. "But double checking can't hurt."
"This is very impolite," Christina scolded.
"Lisa, back off a bit," Luan said.
"Ugh, fine," Lisa said, leaving the heroes be.
"Spider-Man?" Lily said, walking over to the boy.
"Hi little girl," Lincoln said, rubbing the girl's head. "How are you feeling?"
"Okay, thanks for saving us again," Lily turned to Christina. "You too Firestar, you're both my favorite heroes."
"It's no trouble, sweetie," Christina said, rubbing Lily's head as well.
"Just your friendly neighborhood duo," Lincoln said.
Lynn Sr lamented the situation he was in, "Well this is a shame. I was really looking forward to this picnic, it was a good chance to bond with my son. But now it's ruined.
Lincoln felt terrible for his father. He understood how much he wanted this picnic, to have it cut short would hurt him.
"I know how you feel, sir," Lincoln said, getting Lynn Sr's attention. "I was hoping to spend time with my own day today, but being a hero doesn't leave me time for any of that."
"Oh, sorry to hear that," Lynn Sr said. "But I gotta know now, why are you being a superhero at your age? You should be out having fun."
"I made a promise, plus with powers like mine, I can't just ignore danger," Lincoln said. "With Great Power, comes Great Responsibility. If I can protect others, then at least I know I'm doing the right thing."
"Wow...very wise words," Lynn Sr said. "Still, this might be too much responsibility for someone your age. Do your parents know you're doing this?"
"They probably do, Black Widow is his mom after all," Lynn said.
"I never confirmed that," Lincoln said. "Look, I can't let my family know I'm doing this. Otherwise, it would just worry them. I won't put them through that."
"Your family would want to know you're safe, dear," Rita said.
"I know, and I want them to be safe, so it's a tough decision," Lincoln said.
"We're fully aware of our choices, ma'am," Christina said.
"Do your parents know you're doing this?" Lynn Sr asked.
"If they knew about my powers, they would probably disown me," Christina said. "I'm not taking that chance."
"What the? Who in their right mind would disown their child!?" Lynn Sr asked.
"It's common with parents of mutants," Lisa said. "They don't want a freak in the family."
Lynn Sr grumbled in anger, clenching his fists in the process, "How could any parent not love their own child!? Mutant or not, that's still their child!"
"Easy honey, don't stress out," Rita pleaded.
"I just can't believe this, not like the kid asked to have powers, for parents to just not care...ugh, I can't even imagine doing that to any of our kids!" Lynn Sr said.
Lincoln's ears perked up, "You wouldn't think less of your children?"
"Of course I wouldn't, my kids are my whole world," Lynn Sr said. "If one's a mutant, then I'll do everything I can for my child."
"That might include having to send the child away though," Christina said.
"Out of the question, I would make it work," Lynn Sr said.
"Not like it matters, none of us are mutants," Lynn said, then gestured to her goth sister. "Except maybe Lucy."
"I doubt mutants can do what I do," Lucy said.
"No more mutant talk, people are worried enough already lately," Lincoln said. "I doubt your family wants to be the subject of rumors."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Lynn said.
"Let's not add to it," Rita said.
"Fine..." Lynn said, then noticed some tanks rolling in. "Whoa, big guns."
"Is this the military?" Rita asked.
Stepping out of a truck was a man in a suit with red hair, looking over the fallen Rhino suit. "There he is, take him away."
"Wonder who that suit is?" Lynn asked.
"Hm..." Lincoln marched over to the man, getting his attention. "Excuse me?"
"This is a restricted area, kid, go back to your-" the man turned around and made eye contact with Lincoln. "Family?"
"I'm gonna need some answers here first," Lincoln said. "But I suppose I should introduce myself."
"I know who you are," the man said. "You're Black Widow's recent trainee. I believe she called you Spider-Man."
"That's me, and what should I call you?" Lincoln asked.
"Everett Ross," the man introduced. "I'm only here for a bit, I have to take this man and his suit back to headquarters."
"Who is he anyway?" Lincoln asked.
"Stan Stanko," Ross explained. "A volunteer for the Rhino suit who went rogue."
"Stanko...?" Lincoln recalled that name. "Wait a minute..."
"You got your answer, now I need to get going with this suit," Ross explained, getting ready to leave.
"Wait up! I still have some questions here!" Lincoln said "What was the purpose of this armor? Is it related to Iron Man!?"
"Sorry, most of this information is classified," Ross said, getting back in the truck. "Alright, let's get going!"
"Wait!" Lincoln called. Too late, the police had left, leaving the boy slightly annoyed. "Great..."
"Everything alright, Spider-Man?" Christina asked.
"Yeah, but there's some stuff I need to figure out now," Lincoln said, thwipping away. "Let's go Firestar."
"Right behind you!" Christina said, following Lincoln.
Lynn Sr scratched his head in confusion, having overheard Ross, "Stan Stanko?"
"Do you know him, dad?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, vageuly," Lynn Sr said. "How far have you fallen, Stanko?"
Lincoln swung with Firestar right beside him, explaining the situation, "So the guy in the Rhino suit is named Stan Stanko."
"Odd name," Christina said. "Do you know anything about him?"
"Yeah, my dad and I competed against him and his son, Steak in another father-son competition," Lincoln explained.
"Steak? Weird name," Christina said. "Wait, so he knew your dad too?"
"Yeah, see a couple of years ago, me and my dad got invited to compete in a game show called 'Legends of the Hidden Temple'," Lincoln explained.
"Oooh! I love that show!" Christina said. "I heard you were on it, but I think at the time I still didn't like you much."
"That's fine, I have it taped if you want to watch it," Lincoln said. "Can't say dad and I were perfect, but we had fun."
"That's all that matters," Christina said. "So that guy and his son, were they your rivals?"
"Yeah, they were the Silver Snakes, dad and I were the Orange Iguanas," Lincoln explained. "We ended up making a weird bet that the losing team had to dance in their underwear at the airport."
"Uh...wow..." Christina said. "I don't suppose..."
"Dad and I, we weren't so lucky," Lincoln said. "But, we took it in stride and handled it like a father and son should."
"You do have some pretty thick skin," Christina said. "I really admire that about you, I wish I had your confidence."
"Hey, it can get shaken," Lincoln said.
"Yeah, but you're still tough about it," Christina said.
"Well, point is Mr. Stanko apparently volunteered for some experiment with that type of armor," Lincoln said. "Guess something went wrong, which is why he went to cause trouble."
"That's odd," Christina said. "Who did you hear this from?"
"Some guy named Everett Ross," Lincoln said. "He knew who I was since Natasha told him about me, but I guess it still didn't warrant enough trust to give me the full story."
"You'll get that trust soon," Christina said.
"I better," Lincoln said. "Anyway, I gotta go somewhere that Lana and Lori can find me, you go find Stella and let her know what happened."
"Yeah, you got it," Christina said, flying off as Lincoln went to switch into his civilian clothes, hoping to get more of a story soon.
All the while, Stanko was being transported away, a hint of regret in his eyes. Seeing all those fathers and sons made him miss his own boy.
"Steak...soon your pops will see you again," Stanko lamented. "Until then, stay strong. You're the man of the house until I get back."
Meanwhile at Great Lakes, in the home of the Casagrandes, Sid was visiting while watching TV with Ronnie Anne, Carl, CJ Carlota and Carlitos all the while Rosa cooked some food in the kitchen with Frieda and Maria helping out.
Not too long later, Carlos had arrived home, "I'm back!"
"Hi daddy!" Carlota called.
"Hola dear," Frieda greeted.
"Sup Uncle Carlos? How was work?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Amazing, I just got some incredible news!" Carlos said.
"You're getting a raise?" Carlota asked.
"Ooh! Is it a promotion?" Frieda asked.
"Does this mean more allowance?" Carl asked. "Because I wanted to get that new train set!"
"Uh, no, it's something else," Carlos said. "I was just talking with the owner of the Great Lakes City Zoo, and thanks to a bit of help from Becca, I finally have some clearance to check with the security cameras!"
"Security cameras?" Carlota asked, this raising everyone's curiosity. "Is that it?"
"Well, a couple of months ago, some spiders escaped from a cage, very valuable spiders too," Carlos said, worrying both Sid and Ronnie Anne. "These were very important to the research of my colleagues, so obviously them getting loose was not ideal for any of us."
"So you're excited because you get to see spiders on display on a TV monitor?" Carlota asked.
"Well...sort of," Carlos said. "It's a big deal for me and my own research, so knowing what happened to the spiders would definitely help, especially if we want to avoid this problem again in the future. Plus we might find out who was irresponsible enough to let the spiders escape, and dish out the proper punishment."
Sid and Ronnie Anne glanced nervously at one another, knowing full well this was their fault.
"That's great, uncle," Ronnie Anne said, trying not to freak out.
"Yeah, super cool of my mom to help you out," Sid said, also trying not to sound worried.
"I'll be checking the footage tomorrow, right now I am pretty hungry," Carlos said.
"You're in luck, I made some empanadas," Rosa said.
"Come have some," Maria said.
"Yes! I will be ready as soon as I wash my hands!" Carlos said. "After all, hygiene is very important."
"Sid..." Ronnie Anne whispered, gesturing to the door. Her friend picked up on it and ran to the entrance with Ronnie Anne following. "Hey um, Sid and I need to go and...um..."
"Check our secret room!" Sid said. "Which isn't secrets since everyone knows, but it was our idea so..."
"We want to keep it cleaned, we heard earlier that there was a mess and we've put it off for long enough already," Ronnie Anne finished.
"That's fine girls, good on you for being responsible," Rosa said.
"Yes, we're lucky to know such thoughtful girls who always do the right thing and are never a burden to others," Carlos said.
"Yes, such good little angels," Frieda added.
"Yeah...never a burden, responsible...totally," Ronnie Anne nervously said, leaving with Sid. "Be right back!"
The two left in a huff, confusing everyone inside.
"Wow, they must really want to clean up," Carlos said.
"I taught Ronalda well," Maria said.
"Si, you have dear," Rosa said. "Now, pass me the salsa, por favor."
Down below, Sid and Ronnie Anne booked it to the Great Lakes zoo.
"If your uncle sees that security footage, we are so toast!" Sid said. "He'll know we set those spiders loose and we'll be grounded for months!"
"Yeah, I kind of figured that out, Sid!" Ronnie Anne said as they ran toward the zoo. Unfortunately for them, it was closed for the day, much to Ronnie's annoyance. "Now what?"
"Don't worry, I know a secret way in," Sid said.
"You found a secret entrance?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Well Adelaide found it first, but the moment I found out that she did, I made her tell me," Sid said.
"Well then let's hurry!" Ronnie Anne said, the two rushing to the secret back entrance of the zoo. The two carefully maneuvered around the zoo, hoping to avoid any late-night security guards, or worse, the chance that Sid's mother was working overtime.
"Do you know where the security footage is?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"I know everything, this place is like a second home to me and Adelaide," Sid said. "Come on."
The two snuck around the zoo grounds, to the point of hopping in a ventilation shaft, trying to crawl around. Sid led the way, hoping to find the security room with Ronnie Anne behind her.
"I know it's around here somewhere," Sid said, keeping a look out. "I just need to-AH!"
Sid nearly fell but was saved when Ronnie Anne grabbed her by pulling on her shirt. A guard nearly heard her, but the moment he turned around, Sid was pulled up, the guard brushing the sound off.
"That was close..." Sid said. "Thanks Ronnie."
"No problem, just be careful, otherwise we'll be toast long before my uncle sees that footage," Ronnie Anne said.
Sid looked down again, seeing that this was indeed the security room, "There's our goal, but a guard's inside."
"How are we gonna get him to leave?" Ronnie Anne asked.
Sid rubbed her chin, trying to think of a solution, "I think I got an idea."
As the guard read a magazine, some monkey noises were heard. Curious, the guard got off his chair to check and see if any of the animals escaped. The noise went outside the room, the guard trying to follow, though the moment he stepped outside, Sid dropped down and locked the door behind him, much to the guard's frustration as he tried to open the door.
"Great work Sid!" Ronnie Anne said. "Monkey noises, and you threw your voice!"
"What can I say? I'm multitalented," Sid said. "Now, let's hurry before more guards come."
"Totally," Ronnie Anne said as she and Sid checked the security footage. "Alright, the spider incident was from early September..."
"What do you think was so important about those spiders anyway?" Sid asked.
"Not sure, some type of geeky science thing I guess," Ronnie Anne said.
"Hey harsh, I'm into geeky science too," Sid said.
"Oh right...well you're cute so you get a pass on the geeky part," Ronnie Anne said.
"Aw..." Sid began to blush. "You think I'm cute. I'm so flattered Ronnie Anne. I think you're cute too."
"Thanks for that," Ronnie Anne said, barely paying attention as she checked the cameras. She eventually found the footage she desired. "There it is!"
"And there's us!" Sid said, taking note of the footage. "You know, I don't think I ever figured out why that spider had that marking."
"Not important," Ronnie Anne said, removing the tape of her involvement. "There, that should hopefully keep us in the clear."
"Let's make sure we're not in any other footage," Sid said, then heard some rumbling outside. "But let's hurry!"
"I am," Ronnie Anne said, looking around. "Okay, that's clear, that's clear too, none of us there and...huh? Is that Lincoln?"
"Where?" Sid asked, spotting the boy. "Oh hey, it is! Hi Lincoln!"
"Sid, that's a recording, he can't hear you!" Ronnie Anne scolded.
"Uh...right, I knew that," Sid sheepishly said as she rubbed her head. She focused back on the TV. "Wonder what he's doing?"
"He's at the souvenir stand, I think I remember him saying that he wanted to buy something for Lily," Ronnie Anne said. "Then he fell unconscious for some reason, I don't think he remembered why when we brought him home."
"Oh yeah, that was really...hey, check it out, it's that spider with the weird marking," Sid said.
"Huh?" Ronnie Anne squinted her eyes and saw a spider crawling on Lincoln. "Oh yeah, it is. Wonder if that's why he fainted? He probably saw the spider or something."
Suddenly they saw Lincoln yelping in pain and whacking his hand, shortly before collapsing, with Girl Jordan showing up a few seconds later, the girl calling for help.
Ronnie Anne and Sid looked at each other in disbelief, then back at the security footage.
"That spider bit Lincoln," Sid said.
"That's why his hand was swollen..." Ronnie Anne said, recalling that day.
The two thought about it a moment, various thoughts flashing through their minds. Between the spider bite, the weird markings, the experiments, and the sudden arrival of Spider-Man, they just had one thing to wonder together.
"Is Lincoln..." Sid began.
"Associated with Spider-Man?" Ronnie Anne finished.
The girls certainly had a lot on their mind, but this would have to wait, as they knew they couldn't linger long before security came. They would need to figure this out later.