An ambulance rushed over to the University shortly after a terrible accident there. Otto Octavius was loaded onto a stretcher, though not without difficulty.
As it stands, the limbs that Lisa had made were firmly attached to Otto's back, and currently inactive. Confusing as this was, the paramedics had to think fast and figure out what to do.
They arrived at Royal Woods Hospital, immediately rushing Otto to the first available room they could find.
While resting in his bed, Lynn Sr awoke to the sounds of doctors rushing Otto down the hall.
"Hurry, he's in terrible condition!" A doctor said. "We have to get these things off of him!"
"Hm? Wonder what could be going on?" Lynn Sr asked as he sat up.
Not too far away, Otto was placed in a room with several doctors and other staff members. He was to get emergency surgery to remove the mechanical limbs from his body.
"The metal penetrated his spinal cavity," a doctor noted. "We won't know the extent of the damage until we get in there, so I suggest we slice off these metal arms."
"Anyone take shop class?" Another doctor joked as he grabbed a saw. "Alright, let's get these things off of him."
"How did this happen again?" a nurse asked.
"I think he was testing it out, at least according to what that little girl said," a doctor said.
"Not just any girl, Lisa Loud," an assistant said.
"Lisa Loud, from our local pain in the butt family," an assistant doctor said.
"Are they talking about us?" Lynn Sr wondered.
"We've had plenty of hospital visits due to her experiments, either on herself of her family members," a doctor said. "At this rate, insurance rates are going to spike, if they haven't already."
"Perhaps, but enough chit chat," the lead doctor said. "Let's get these arms-"
"Watch out!" A nurse called as the lead doctor got smacked away by a tentacle.
"What in the world!?"
The tentacles began grabbing various doctors and slamming them around the room, many of them screaming in pain and terror at the chaos that was ensuing.
"What in the world!?" Lynn Sr shouted from his bed. The sight before him was terrible, and what he didn't see scared him more. The screams of pain each doctor felt as the tentacles slapped them around, knocking them through glass or the lights, with electricity sparking and part of the room catching fire.
"Quick, find a way to stop these arms!" One doctor said.
"I'm trying, but how do you combat something like this!?" Another doctor said.
"Maybe if we-" A third was whacked hard enough to go flying out the window.
"Someone call 911!" a nurse begged.
"I got my-NO!" one doctor got lifted and slammed through some lights, electrocuting him as more destruction rained.
This lasted several minutes until no more screams were heard. Just silence save for some sparks from the lights and the cackles of the fire.
Slowly Otto began to wake up, the man slowly standing on his knees on his bed as he glanced around the hospital room. To his horror, he found nothing but fire, sparks and blood. He frantically looked around and came across several deceased doctors, and what's worse, his limbs were still attached to his body.
"No..." Otto lamented as the tentacles swarmed around. "NOOOOOO!"
Suddenly the sprinklers went off as an alarm blared throughout the hospital. Otto had no choice, he had to leave, otherwise things could get worse for him.
"I gotta go..." Otto quickly ran out of the room, the man terrified for his life at the moment and confused as to why all these terrible things were happening.
"What just happened?" Lynn Sr wondered. He peeked and saw all the damage, and needless to say, he looked horrified. "Good god..."
Some more doctors showed up, many horrified by the destruction left behind by Otto. With that came the police and a big new developing situation.
In the distance, Otto looked on in disbelief...the man trying to think over everything that happened.
"What's happening? Why am I here again?" Otto took a moment to try and remember. "The arms, and I was testing them out. I...I...ugh!" Otto fell to his knees, the man still in a lot of pain.
The following morning, Lincoln had gotten up for his breakfast. Due to his father still being in the hospital, there was nothing freshly cooked, so Lincoln just made himself some eggs, while also making sure Lily was fed, along with Lisa, who seemed to be worried.
"You alright Lisa?" Lincoln asked as he served the girl some fried eggs with toast.
"Not particularly," Lisa said.
"Is it about dad?" Lincoln asked as he gave Lily her gooey scrambled eggs that she immediately started shoving into her mouth.
"No," Lisa said. "Well, not completely. I am thrilled that our father is coming home, and I do hope he's adequately recovered. This just involves a friend of mine."
"A friend?" Lincoln asked. "Is it Darcy?"
"No, not her or any of my classmates," Lisa said. "It's a science partner from New York City, Otto Octavious."
"Ah..." Lincoln said. "Wait, I think you've mentioned him a few times. Isn't he dad's age or something?"
"A bit older actually," Lisa confirmed.
"Lisa, you really need friends your own age," Lincoln said. "I mean more than Darcy, you gotta stop hanging out with middle aged scientists."
"It's not about friendship, it's about science," Lisa said. "I hang out with them because my classmates don't exactly know what I know. I do enjoy spending time with Darcy but I also like talking to someone who understands what I'm saying without me having to dumb it down."
"I see your point," Lincoln said. "But still, what's wrong with Otto?"
"He...got into an accident yesterday," Lisa said. "I needed him to try something out and..."
Lincoln furrowed his brow at the girl, "You didn't do anything that might get us sued, did you?"
"Lincoln, I'm being serious," Lisa pointed out. "He got hurt because of a miscalculation of mine, so I'm worried about him."
"Did you call an ambulance?" Lincoln asked.
"Yes, I did so immediately, and even checked in with the hospital to ensure his arrival," Lisa said. "The problem is I called this morning to verify his condition, and no one answered."
"Try visiting him after school," Lincoln said. "Hopefully everything's alright, so you have nothing to worry about."
"I'll do just that," Lisa said.
"Finished," Lily said.
Lincoln turned to face his now dirty sister, "Lily, you're a mess."
"Just a little bit," Lily said.
Lincoln picked the girl up and took her upstairs, "Let's get you cleaned up."
Meanwhile Rita was on the phone, trying to contact the doctor's office, but no response, "This is strange."
"What's wrong?" Lori asked.
"I've been trying to call the doctor's office all morning but no answer," Rita said. "It's just unusual."
"What about dad's phone?" Lori asked. "Can't you call him directly?"
"I don't know if they let him-" Rita received a call from her boss. "Hold on, I have to take this." Rita answered. "Yes Mr. Jameson."
"Loud, get down here immediately, we have a big story!" Jameson said.
"Sir, I can't go it, I have to pick my husband up from the hospital, remember?" Rita asked.
"Oh this story involves the hospital, your husband could very well have been exposed to danger!" Jameson said.
Rita's heart sank, worry for her husband now skyrocketing. "Sir, what does that mean?"
"Just get down here, and don't worry, I'll make sure your husband gets home, but right now, leaving the hospital may prove to be a bit difficult," Jameson said.
"Okay..." Rita hung up and turned to her oldest daughter. "Lori, I have to go to work."
"Huh? What about dad?" Lori asked.
"It's complicated," Rita said. "But keep your phone on at all times, and try not to be out in the streets longer than you need to."
"Longer than I...mom, you're literally starting to worry me," Lori said. "What did Jameson tell you?"
"He didn't give me details, but your father's pick-up may have a few delays," Rita said. "Just make sure your sisters and your brother get to school on time."
"Okay..." Lori said as Rita left. "That was too weird."
The school bus eventually came and picked the kids up, taking them all to their destination. Unknown to them, Otto had his eyes on the vehicle from afar, the man glaring with ill intent as his limbs responded to his emotions.
At school, Lisa had gone into her classroom, still feeling some shame and regret over what happened.
"Hey Lisa!" Darcy greeted, snapping the young genius out of her funk.
"Greetings Darcy, how are you doing today?" Lisa asked.
"Great, I had waffles with cream and chocolate for breakfast!" Darcy said. "It was yummy!"
"It does sound quite yummy," Lisa said as she placed her bookbag on the table.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Darcy asked.
"Hm?" Lisa turned to the girl. "What's wrong?"
"Yeah, you look sad," Darcy said.
"Pfft, preposterous, I am feeling how I normally do," Lisa insisted.
"I don't think you are," Darcy said. "Just a moment ago you were looking gloomy. You never look that way in school. You like coming here."
"What's there to like? I already know more than the teachers," Lisa said. "I am going through the required grade levels by my choice. If I wanted to, I could apply for college and earn a second PhD in a month, maybe less."
"Even so, you always found something interesting," Darcy said. "Even now you seem different."
"How exactly?" Lisa asked.
"Just the way you're talking, and how you even complimented my breakfast," Darcy said. "Before, when I did that, you would get all science about it."
"Darcy, I really don't have time for this," Lisa said.
"Lisa, if something's bothering you, I want to know," Darcy said. "Don't you trust me?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, it's..." Lisa sighed in annoyance. "I suppose I can't hide the truth. Fine, I will confess that I am not feeling quite myself."
"What's wrong?" Darcy placed her hand on Lisa's arm. "Tell me."
"Yesterday...I made a terrible miscalculation," Lisa said. "As a result, a friend of mine got hurt."
"A friend?" Darcy asked as she looked around the room. "Is it someone in class?"
"No, it's a University friend," Lisa said. "Do you remember me telling you about a man from New York?"
"Uh...oh yeah," Darcy said. "His name is Oswald, right?"
"It's Otto actually," Lisa corrected. "But yes, it involved him. He suffered a bad accident that rendered him hospital bound."
"Oh...sorry to hear," Darcy said.
"It was my fault, I asked him to experiment something for me, and it went horribly wrong," Lisa said. "Not the first time I've hospitalized someone I suppose."
"Well I'm sure you didn't mean it," Darcy said. "Accidents happen."
"That's what I want to believe, but I should take responsibility," Lisa said. "Perhaps I can do something nice for him."
"Do you have anything in mind?" Darcy asked.
"Unfortunately, no," Lisa confirmed. "But I'll think of something soon."
"And I'll be there to help," Darcy said.
Lisa cracked a tiny smile, relieved to have assistance from someone who has not given up on her. "I do appreciate that, thank you."
Meanwhile around lunch, Lincoln was speaking with Stella and Christina in private before heading into the cafeteria.
"Any of you hear updates regarding that carjacker?" Lincoln asked.
"I haven't heard anything," Stella said.
"Me neither," Christina added. "I haven't heard about any arrests, but fortunately nothing about any theft."
"With any luck, you scared the guy out of wanting to commit any crimes in the future," Stella said.
"I'd feel better if I actually caught him," Lincoln said. "I would have too if it wasn't for those traps."
"That was strange too," Stella admitted, the girl rubbing her chin in wonder. "And still no sign of who might have set those traps."
"So, no leads at all?" Lincoln asked. "I'm still thinking that it could have been Kraven."
"I did some research on that," Stella said. "Kraven has been in The Raft since you caught him, and there are no signs of him having escaped."
"What's The Raft?" Christina asked.
"It's a high-profile Prison off the coast of New York City," Stella explained. "It's where they place dangerous supervillains. The fact that Kraven was sent there is a big deal."
"He's dangerous, so I'm kind of glad he went there," Lincoln said.
"Did they send any villains from here there?" Christina asked.
"I think they sent Rhino and Electro," Stella said. "Nothing about either of them breaking out either."
"Well there's got to be some clues," Lincoln said. "If I recall, La Tigressa said she was given an opportunity thanks to some guy. It could be connected to whoever The Enforcers were working with."
"We'll keep an eye out, hopefully we don't run into any other traps," Christina said.
"I'm not too worried, now that I know what I'm getting into, I think I can combat it," Lincoln said. "But it might help if there were some cameras nearby or something."
"Cameras?" Stella had an important realization. "Wait, Lincoln, I think there are cameras around the city. If I can get access to their video feed, it might help."
"If the Cameras caught it, wouldn't The Mayor know?" Christina asked.
"Good point, if anything we can tell her as well," Lincoln said.
"Hey guys!" Rusty called. "Hurry up, the good stuff's almost gone!"
"Coming!" Stella said, then turned to the duo. "We'll talk about this later. Let's go."
"Wait, can I have a second alone with Lincoln?" Christina requested.
"Uh, sure, but don't take too long," Stella said as she left.
Lincoln turned his attention to Christina, "You needed something?"
"Yeah...thanks," Christina said as a small blush formed on her face.
"Huh? Thanks for what?" Lincoln asked.
"For helping me out when I got trapped yesterday," Christina bashfully said as she moved her hair back slightly.
"Oh, it was no big deal," Lincoln insisted, the boy turning to hide a blush of his own that was forming. "We're partners, we look after each other."
"Right, of course," Christina said as she lightly kicked her feet. "If the situation was reversed, I'd do the same for you."
"I know you would," Lincoln said.
"Well...see you inside!" Christina dashed ahead, leaving Lincoln behind for the moment.
"Something about that felt kind of weird," Lincoln placed his hand near his heart as he grabbed his shirt. "Geez, I really need to think about what I do or say."
In the cafeteria, a flustered Christina was thinking over her current situation. "What is it about Lincoln lately that gets my heart racing? Nothing much has changed, has it?"
As Lincoln went into the cafeteria to grab his food, a familiar voice called to him. "Lincoln."
"Huh?" Lincoln turned to face the girl who addressed him. "Oh, Chloe."
"Hey, I'm going to grab my lunch and sit with Emma," Chloe said. "Any word on your father?"
"He's coming home today," Lincoln said. "He will still need bed rest, but he'll pull through. I will need to work at the Family Restaurant at some point though."
"If you need part time help, don't hesitate to ask me," Chloe said. "I'm pretty good at cooking French Food. Especially desserts."
"I think that can go over really well," Lincoln said. "Call me later and we'll work out some details."
"You got it," Chloe said as she grabbed her phone. "Catch you later, Linc."
Lincoln grabbed his food and made his way to his friends' table where he spotted a still flustered Christina.
"Hey, the Man of the Hour," Rusty said. "Is your pops nearly home?"
"He will be," Lincoln said.
"Ah gotta say, yer pops is one tough guy to handle what he did," Liam said. "Not many folks would be up and about so soon."
"Being a father of eleven kids probably built up a lot of endurance," Lincoln said. "Plus our family goes through a lot, so I'd say each of us have some type of incredible endurance."
"With a sister like Lynn, I wouldn't be surprised," Rusty said. "Does she still use you to practice her sports?'
"She dialed back, mainly because my parents made her," Lincoln said. "But she may pull me aside to be a goalie for her, or try wrestling me. So I'm not completely clear of that."
"That girl certainly has some ambition," Liam said as he began to daydream about Lynn with a big smile on his face. "Ah really respect that about her."
"It's a good thing Spider-Man showed up when he did," Paige said. "You think he was already at the arena or was he called over?"
"There was a rumor that he would be a mystery opponent for La Tormenta," Rusty said. "So maybe he was already there."
"Or he was in the crowd," Zach said.
"Still, this is a nice reminder of why Spider-Man is so Amazing," Paige said. "I kind of wish Firestar was there, but I'm sure she had a reason not to be."
"She was patrolling in town, according to official reports," Stella said. "Remember, not too long ago, some crooks were using alien tech to rob banks."
"You think there's more out there?" Rusty asked.
"Oh you bet," Zach said. "Alien tech is super valuable, I bet all the crime bosses have loads stored up."
"Oh what I wouldn't give to dismantle something like that," Stella admitted as she thought about the Chitauri weapons. "It might teach me a little about alien technology, and compare it to Earth."
"Hey if you ever get lucky enough to find some, let me know," Zach said. "My parents are super interested in the Chitauri, as am I. They're just as worried about them too though, so if they learn more about them, they'll worry less and figure out ways to counter them."
"Wouldn't The Avengers be the only ones who could counter them?" Rusty asked.
"Hey, my parents are experts about aliens, they taught me everything I know," Zach said. "They can figure it out."
"Well hopefully there won't be any more alien weapons," Paige said. "Spider-Man sure made quick work of that situation."
"Spider-Man's talented, but I do worry about his presence sometimes," Mollie said. "Danger tends to follow wherever he does, and innocents do get hurt."
"Oh don't tell me you're one of those haters," Rusty said.
"Hey, I have a legit reason to be worried!" Mollie said. "Remember what happened to Jordan."
"What happened sucked, but thanks to Spider-Man, she's safe and alive," Rusty said.
"Go easy on her," Lincoln said. "I agree, Spider-Man probably could have done more to save Jordan. But, I like to think he tried his best."
"He certainly did," Stella said. "The Green Goblin was just craftier than he expected."
"Black Widow was there too, and things didn't go well," Rusty said. "So yeah, it's hard to blame Spider-Man when his own mama couldn't handle that Goblin creep."
"Exactly...also I'm pretty sure that Black Widow isn't Spider-Man's mother," Lincoln said.
"Hey, I still say it's possible," Rusty said. "Spider-Man would be one lucky bastard then. Being the spawn of such a hot mama."
"Let's not get into this again," Stella said, with Rusty relenting.
"Have you had a chance to speak to Jordan?" Liam asked.
"She sends me a few texts now and then, but that's it," Mollie said, the girl having a saddened look on her face. "It's like she's fading away."
"That won't happen," Lincoln said. "I know it's tough, but Jordan's our friend, and we're not going to let her go without a fight."
Mollie couldn't help but nod in agreement, "That does sound ideal. I just hope it works out."
"It will with effort," Lincoln said.
Zach turned his attention to the least chatty member of the group, "You alright Clyde? You haven't said anything all day."
"I don't have much to say," Clyde said as he focused on his food.
"Uh...alright? I guess?" Zach said, earning a confused reaction from the others.
"I gotta talk to Clyde soon..." Lincoln thought to himself before speaking aloud. "Let's try to figure out something nice we can do for Jordan soon. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to visit her."
"Sweet, let's brainstorm," Mollie said.
The kids put some thought into it, enough that it cut their lunchtime short, so they had to take a rain check for the time being.
Meanwhile at the Royal Woods High School, Luan and Benny were assisting in prop designs for the performance, alongside a few other kids in the Theater Club.
"Looks like everything's going according to schedule," Luan said. "The only things left to do are check in with Leni about the costumes, and check in with Luna about the music."
"Luna and Sam have been working pretty hard on the soundtrack," Benny said. "There's just the matter of meeting up with Leni."
"We can ask her tonight after her shift in dad's restaurant," Luan said. "Luna we can meet up with in a bit. Regardless I'm not worried. This play's going to be a smash hit."
"So, you're not nervous?" Benny asked.
"Of course not, it's not my first play," Luan said. "If I can handle Romeo and Juliet, I think I can handle an original show. One that we wrote."
"I think that's what has me a little nervous," Benny said. "This isn't like trying to perform something that someone else wrote, because it's just about following a good story. This is something original we came up with. What if no one likes the story?"
"Hey, we did all that we could," Luan said. "We ran this by our theater teacher and she thought it was clever. We ran this by my mom and she liked it. Lucy had nice things to say too, and she's a poet, the youngest to perform at the Royal Woods Theater, which is not an easy feat mind you."
"To be fair, your mom and sister would be nice about something you wrote," Benny said.
"Pfft, my mom maybe, but Lucy?" Luan said. "She's very blunt when she wants to be. Plus I know from experience how harshly critical my siblings can be. Granted a lot of that criticism was behind my back, but I have ways of knowing if they're pulling one over on me."
"I guess," Benny said.
"Benny..." Luan placed her hands on his shoulders. "I know you're worried. This is a big break for you. Your chance to show the world your special talents. It's scary, but you gotta take a chance. Take it from me, I still get nervous doing stand-up, but I have to place those fears aside. If I worry too much about failure, I'll never be able to take any chances."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Benny said.
"All my sisters get nervous too," Luan said. "Take Luna, when she's nervous, she just recites some mantra she made up on the spot to keep her head in the game."
"Not surprised that Luna's clever enough to come up with a mantra out of nowhere, she's a songwriter after all," Benny said.
"Right, she played to her strengths," Luan said. "When Lola's nervous, she does a breathing technique called Four-Seven-Eight."
"Four-Seven-Eight?" Benny asked. "What's that?"
"She breathes in for four seconds, holds it for seven, and breathes out for eight seconds," Luan said. "That might help you too."
"Like this?" Benny tried the technique, first taking in the oxygen, then holding it for a while before exhaling. "Wow, that kind of does work. Anything else?"
"Well Lynn uses powder when she's nervous, but that's more sweat related," Luan said.
"Right, I guess powder can't help," Benny said.
"Still, don't worry too much about what my sisters do, their advice can be helpful but it doesn't always work," Luan said. "Lori tried some of those ideas when she was playing Golf once, and nearly blew her Scholarship. Fortunately mom and dad were there to give a pep talk. Also Lincoln made for one heck of a caddy."
"Speaking of Lincoln, what advice would he have?" Benny asked. "He seems really confident all the time, is there a secret?"
"I can't explain Lincoln's confidence, it just comes naturally to him," Luan said. "Then again, Lincoln does have a strong desire to prove himself. He's a little self conscious because he thinks me and our sisters are better and more talented than he is."
"That sounds terrible," Benny said.
"Yeah, Lincoln acts confident, but he has really low self-esteem issues," Luan said, then shamefully rubbed her arm. "Sometimes I worry that's partially my fault, I did mess with him a lot."
"I doubt it, something about Lincoln tells me that regardless of your sibling squabbles, you're all still a tight-knit family," Benny said.
"Yeah, I guess I'm worrying over nothing," Luan said. "Lincoln is a lot more talented than he gives himself credit for. He's great at magic, he's a talented artist, and he makes for a great assistant. He just has his off days, we all do."
"I definitely feel those," Benny said.
"Hey, don't worry, in the end, you have me by your side," Luan brought Benny in for a quick kiss. "Whatever happens, I will be right there by your side."
Benny wrapped his arms around Luan's waist as he brought her close. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the two shared another kiss, they heard some giggling nearby. Both turned to see Sam with a big smile on her face.
"Hey, don't stop on my account love birds," Sam teased.
"S-Sam!?" Benny asked in disbelief as he nervously pulled away from Luan, "Wh-what are you? When did you!?"
"Chill dude, compared to you two walking in on me and Luna getting frisky, this is nothing," Sam said.
Benny turned away in shame, "Can we not talk about that?"
"What's the big deal? It got you laid," Sam said.
"Sam!" Benny scolded.
"What? I got laid too," Sam said. "You and I really lucked out bro, be proud of that."
"Sam..." Luna said as she walked over with some instruments. "Are you teasing Benny again?"
"Just a little," Sam said with a snarky grin. "He doesn't mind though."
"I'd like a say in that," Benny said.
"Hey come on, you know it's all good," Sam said as she did a playful gun click sound. "You've always been like a bro to me."
"I have?" Benny asked.
"Hell yeah, you're the little brother I've always wanted," Sam said.
"Uh, Sam?" Luna got her attention. "You already have a little brother."
"I can want more," Sam insisted.
"Well anyway, Luan," Luna focused her attention on her sister. "I worked on what you needed. The romance scene is going to have the smoothest form of jazz possible."
"Hm...honestly, I'm not sure if jazz will work," Luan said. "Won't it break the medieval immersion?"
"It's an old style, with the proper instruments," Sam said. "It's going to be jazz like, but fitting for something old school."
"Can you really handle all this?" Benny asked. "It's not too out of your comfort zone, is it?"
"A true musician learns all types of music," Luna said. "I'm partial to Rock n Roll, but I've done other types of music. I can even do Classical Music."
"Luna and I could even bust out a rap if we wanted to," Sam boasted. "We're that good."
"Pride comes before the fall," Benny said.
"Don't worry about me, bro," Sam said. "Just focus on your show, and really knock everyone off their feet."
"I'm kind of worried about that too," Benny said. "Writing isn't easy, every time it feels like I'm done, I always feel like I'm missing something, or that I could have done something better."
"Oof, you're getting that feeling," Luna said. "I understand it all too well, when I write my music, I always feel like I could do better. But you can't let it psyche you out. You need to be confident in what you come up with. Nothing wrong with wanting improvements, but if you keep second guessing yourself, you won't make it very far."
"Yeah, you're a smart guy, and you're super creative," Sam said. "Not to mention that script was awesome, you got talent for this Benny. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"You really think so?" Benny asked. "You're not just being nice?"
"Don't worry, if something you made ever sucked, I'll tell you," Sam said. "Fortunately, you don't have to worry about that, because your skills don't suck."
"Would it help if I told you about how I overcome things?" Luna asked. "Like when I'm nervous?"
"I already told him the story of the time we had to help Lori with her golfing, including your mantra bit," Luan said.
"Yeah, then I wondered about Lincoln," Benny said. "And how Luan said he's naturally confident."
"Oh he is, he's not perfect, but he's determined," Luna said.
"I'll say, he did a great job finding us gigs that one time," Sam said. "Yeah they seemed like duds at first, but Lincoln definitely knew what he was doing."
"I'd say one of Lincoln's biggest weaknesses is that he's not good at communication sometimes," Luan said. "A lot of problems he comes across could be fixed really easily if he just talked to someone. Instead he just goes with some crazy plan and hopes it works out."
"To be fair, a lot of us do that crazy plan thing too," Luna said. "Like that one time I had to pretend I was Mick Swager."
"Oh yeah, and even I tried doing everything I could to make sure Benny and I were together for our Romeo and Juliet play," Luan said. "Maybe it's just a Loud Family thing?"
"Maybe, but to your point, Lincoln can be secretive," Luna said. "I know we're not an easy family to be in, but little bro needs to trust us more."
"It depends, like can any of us trust Lola?" Luan asked.
"Right, Lola..." Benny recalled the young girl. "Call me crazy, but lately it feels like she's been eyeing me."
"She knows you're writing this play and she wants to be the Princess, so she's putting on a cute act for you," Luan said.
"Yeah but...she's going a bit too far with it," Benny said. "She's acting all flirty."
"She has a bit of a crush on you," Luan said. "I know it's weird, but it's common."
"Yeah, she says Benny is the pinnacle of cute and sensitive," Luna said.
"Aw, how sweet," Sam playfully pinched the boy's cheek. "My little bro's got girls coming after him."
"Sam!" Benny pulled away from her mock doting gesture. "That's not funny. Also I already have a girlfriend. Even if I didn't, I'm not dating a girl Lola's age."
"Look, just don't worry about Lola, she'll get over this," Luan said. "Now come on, we still have more props to design, and later we gotta meet with the stage team to help them coordinate placements."
"What about Luna's music?" Benny asked.
"Luna can help her sister," Sam said. "I'll stick with Benny and run through things. It will be a nice little bonding experience."
"Define bonding experience," Benny said, earning a chuckle from Sam.
"Dude, you gotta stop worrying so much," Sam placed her arm around Benny. "Come on, I'll walk you through the musical journey that Luna and I created for you and Luan."
Sam led Benny away, with Luna looking on in worry, "Sam really does seem to like messing with Benny."
"Is it something I should worry about?" Luan asked.
"Probably not, Sam probably just has a thing for brunettes," Luna said. "Nothing to worry about, not like she'll start flirting with him. She doesn't see Benny that way, plus she's too loyal to me."
"I trust she won't make a move, I'm just worried about how forward she can be," Luan said. "It's weird, she used to be more chill."
"Sam can be outgoing when she wants to be, it depends on her comfort level," Luna said. "Plus it's our senior year, so she's on a bit of a high."
"I just hope she doesn't leave us dry," Luan said, then chuckled to herself. "But seriously, I think I get it. I just hope she simmers down again. Benny likes her, but he can get pretty overwhelmed and flustered. If Lola is enough to freak him out, Sam might be just as bad."
"I'll talking things out with Sam," Luna said. "Right now, let's check on your props."
"Sounds good, I'll lead the way," Luan said as she and Luna went to do what they needed to do.
Elsewhere in the school, Maggie was seen at her Locker, it having some brooding detail, including spiders and black cats.
"Coming through everyone!" Lynn called as she passed through the halls on Roller Skates. "I got Roller Derby!"
Maggie glanced at Lynn, a feeling of mal contempt running through her being, "Typical Lynn Loud, always so noisy." She closed the locker and made her way to class, "She and her siblings really live up to that Loud name. With the exception of a few of course, those are the ones I can bare to be around." She passed by a poster for the Theater Club, smirking at it a second. "Luan Loud, you may be a modern theatrical genius, with a talented little brother. Perhaps it is you two who will keep your family from being nuisances to society."
Maggie walked off again, as the poster slowly began to peel off the wall and began floating away toward a garbage can, resting comfortably with the junk.
Outside in an alleyway, Otto was seen lamenting his situation, walking around in an almost drunken like state as he lamented his current situation, and feared what was to come for him.
He came across a broken mirror near the dumpster, seeing nothing but him and his limps in a twisted point of view.
"What have I become?" Otto wondered as the limbs maneuvered around. "What is my future? I can't go back to them. Who would accept me? I have nothing left..."
The limbs just maneuvered around Otto, almost as if reacting to his despair, and his building rage. Otto glared at his limbs, feeling nothing but hatred.
"I knew testing these monstrous things was a bad idea...I should have known..." Otto then started to feel strange, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. "Why...why do I hear voices?" He looked around in worry, "Who's talking to me? Who's there!?"
Otto continued to look around in worry, feeling as if someone or something was calling to him. The more the limbs reacted, the more he started to understand what was happening, the result horrifying him.
"You...but how...?" Otto shook his head in disbelief. "I'm going crazy. How could you be talking? Lisa never mentioned..." Otto's eyes widened in terror. "Lisa...did she know this could happen? She couldn't have, could she?" Otto turned to the limbs, almost as they were talking to him. "She had to have known, why else would she ask me to test this out? In the comfort of her own home no less!"
The limbs continued 'speaking' to Otto, the man becoming more and more deranged by the minute.
"Yes...she had to have known, she just wanted me out of the way so she could claim full credit for this project herself! That mischievous girl..." Otto said. "It's her fault, she did this to me, she turned me into a freak. People are nothing but lab rats to her." The tentacles continued 'talking', getting more of a smile from Otto. "Perhaps it's time to return the favor. Soon, it will be me who takes his rightful spot in the science industry. Not some bratty child, but the great Otto Octavius!"
The man took in a moment to relish in the irony of the situation he found himself in.
"Funny...for the longest time, no one had ever acknowledged me," Otto said. "The one person who finally did acknowledge me put me in this situation. Lisa, I don't know if I should be mad at you, or I should be grateful. Guess you and your family will find out soon enough."
The man let out a sinister cackle that echoed through the valley as he allowed the limps full control over him. His desires ran wild as he climbed the building side, ready to enact his plan.
Meanwhile in the city itself, Lincoln along with Firestar were doing their usual patrol while keeping an eye out for traps.
Stella was back at base, trying to look through any surveillance feed she could to find any traces of who left the traps.
"Geez, whoever set these traps really knew how to keep his or her tracks covered," Stella said as she checked the feed. "There's no linking back to whoever did this!"
"This is concerning," Christina said as she searched around. "Whoever's doing this may just be a master criminal who knows how to get the heroes out of the way."
"It's weird though, whoever trapped you didn't even show up right away," Lincoln said as he swung around. "Did this person only want me?"
"Maybe whoever set the traps was incompetent?" Christina theorized.
"Anyone who went through the trouble of blocking the cameras is far from incompetent," Stella said. "You two need to keep your eyes peeled for anything."
"What do you think we're doing out here?" Lincoln pointed out. "We're not just swinging and flying around out here for fun."
"Hey, don't get sassy with me, Lincoln," Stella warned. "I've seen you slip up enough to rightfully worry about you."
"Okay that's enough, no more fighting," Christina scolded. "Let's just focus on patrol. I don't think there's as many traps as there were yesterday, and any we come across we can deal with."
"Alright," Lincoln said. "Let's get down to business."
"I'll keep looking on my end," Stella said as she struggled with the tapes. "I'll be honest, times like these, I wish Natasha was here. She'd be able to help."
"I know you miss Natasha, but some things we have to be able to do on our own," Lincoln said. "This way, when she comes back, we'll recognize just how awesome we are."
"Speaking of doing things on our own, any update on The Green Goblin?" Christina asked.
"Nothing yet, it's like he disappeared without a trace," Lincoln said.
"I've taken a few peeks, and nothing suggests he moved elsewhere," Stella said.
"Oh, disobey Natasha are we?" Lincoln teased.
"Oh shut up," Stella said. "You're the one who's looking for him, the least I can do is lighten the load. But if we get in trouble, I'm blaming everything on you. I worked too hard to earn Natasha's respect, I'm not about to lose it because you think you're Captain America."
"Hey, I want Natasha's respect too, that's why I'm trying to be proactive," Lincoln said. "Remember, I'm the one who let The Green Goblin escape, and it's because of him that Jordan moved. I have to correct my mistakes."
"Hey, speaking of villains escaping, what are the odds it's related to those mutants we met when Wolverine came to town?" Stella asked. "Weren't they working with someone?"
"According to Wolverine, they were working with some guy who calls himself Magneto," Lincoln said. "That's not a name I'm familiar with, but it is something we should keep looking into."
"Gee, I hope they're not out for revenge," Christina said.
"I won't rule that out," Lincoln said. "I have thought about Sabretooth a lot since I met him. But if he comes back, then maybe Wolverine will too. They're rivals after all."
"What do you think could have caused that rivalry?" Christina asked.
"I'm not sure," Lincoln said. "Gee, imagine that happening to me? Finding an arch villain that's always after me. Of course it's something Ace Savvy goes through as well."
"So far, any villain you fought, you've only fought once," Stella said.
"Not quite, The Encorcers came back, and I had to fight Vulture and Electro a few times," Lincoln said. "Then again those last two examples were back to back, unlike The Enforcers."
"Good thing this isn't a comic book, hopefully you won't have to deal with a lot of these villains again," Christina said. "Personally, I don't want to have to fight Electro more than I need to."
"And I never want to see Kraven again," Lincoln said. "Of course, these traps definitely have me worried."
"Spider-Man!" A pedestrian called. "A mugger just stole some lady's purse!"
"I'm on my way!" Lincoln swung over.
"Firestar!" Another pedestrian called. "There's a fire in an apartment building a few blocks away! A family is trapped inside."
"Leave it to me!" Christina flew off as well.
Back at her base, Stella continued to monitor the TVs, finding nothing, much to her frustration. "What are we dealing with here? How can someone cover up so well? Who is this mad genius? Is it even one person? It might be a group. But what do they want with Lincoln?" Stella shook her head, "That might be a dumb question, still, who...huh?" She spotted one video feed that seemed to have something.
Stella hit a freezeframe and zoomed in on a monitor. To her surprise, she could see what looked like a drone setting something up.
"Could that be related? It is the only lead I have," Stella noted. "I guess I should look into it. Still, being able to hack the cameras like this is insane. This person could be the most diabolical villain we've met thus far."
In her house, Lisa looked around with a nagging feeling in the back of her head, something she attributed to her guilt as she attempted to make some calls. "Come on Otto, answer already."
"Lisa?" Lily got her attention. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just trying to call my colleague," Lisa explained.
"Well, daddy's almost home, let's go wait for him," Lily said.
"Honestly, it's pretty late, I wonder what even took him so long?" Lisa said as she got up off her chair.
Within the hour, all of the Loud Siblings were in the living room, save for two. Lori was understandable as she had just gone to meet with her mother. Lincoln however, they could not explain.
"Where's Lincoln?" Lynn asked. "Shouldn't he be here to see dad?"
"He's running late," Luna said as she pointed to her phone. "He texted me not too long ago. Something he had to do with Stella."
"Oh, well if he's with a girl, dad will understand," Lynn said. "Perhaps this whole thing made him realize that he needs to take a few chances in life."
"Oh save it Lynn," Lola said, earning a smug glare from her sister. "I know Linky likes being around pretty girls, and Stella is definitely pretty. But this is important too, I think he should be here for daddy."
"I see the cars pulling up!" Lana said, smooshing her face against the window as the other Loud Siblings followed suit.
Both Vanzilla and Lori's car pulled up, with Lynn Sr being assisted out by his wife as Lori went to help.
"There he is!" Leni said in excitement. "Dad's okay!"
"He's being assisted to the door," Lisa said. "I would not qualify that as okay."
"Even so, he's looking better than he was a few days ago," Lucy said.
"I'm going to go help," Luna said as she left.
"Wait for me," Luan said, following Luna along with Leni and Lynn.
Within moment, Lynn Sr was inside, with his oldest daughters helping him walk. "Thanks girls, but you don't need to trouble yourselves. I'm not that hurt."
"Dad, stop trying to be tough and let us help you," Lori said. "If the situation were reversed, you would literally go above and beyond."
"Well yeah, it's the dad's job to worry about his kids," Lynn Sr said as he was assisted into the living room.
"Well as your kids, we want our dad to be as comfortable as possible," Lori said as she helped place Lynn Sr on a couch.
"Well don't I feel lucky?" Lynn Sr said.
"Daddy!" Lily ran up and hugged her father hard. "I missed you so much!"
"Easy Lily, he's still hurt!" Lori scolded.
"Oh it's fine, I missed my little girl," Lynn Sr said as he hugged Lily close, in spite of the pain he was feeling. "I missed all of you. These last couple of days in the hospital were terrible. Have you had hospital food? How do they expect us to recover with that slob?"
"As someone who's had numerous trips to the hospital, that checks out," Lynn Jr said.
"What took you so long to get home?" Lisa asked.
"Uh..." Lynn Sr did not want to tell his kids about what he saw at the hospital. "Just some complications. I'm here now, that's all that matters." Lynn Sr looked around. "Where's Lincoln?"
"With a girl," Lynn Jr smugly stated.
"Oh, well that's perfectly understandable, my boy's out working that Loud Charm," Lynn Sr said.
"Even so, it would have been nice if he put that off for today," Rita said. "Not being here to see his father coming home, honestly."
"I'm with mom, Lincoln should have been the first one here, and the first one out that door to help dad," Lori said. "Being with a girl is not an acceptable reason."
"Are you saying that because you believe it?" Luna asked. "Or are you saying that because it's not Ronnie Anne that he's with?"
"Hey, don't give me that crap!" Lori warned. "You should be mad too!"
"Hey I agree that he should have been here, but don't act like you care that much," Luna said.
"Girls, don't start," Rita warned.
"Besides, he did text me to say he's coming, so it's not like he's blowing us off," Luna said. "Just give it some time-"
Suddenly the front door opened, "I'm home!"
"Oh never mind, he's here," Luna said.
"Lincoln, where have you been!?" Lori scolded.
"Homework with Stella," Lincoln insisted. He then spotted a familiar face on the couch. "Dad! You're home!"
"Hey son, yeah, I'm here," Lynn Sr said. "I just got home a few minutes ago."
"Sorry I missed your big return," Lincoln said. "Stella really needed my help with something, and it was really important."
"That's fine, don't worry about it," Lynn Sr said.
"Lynn, it's not fine," Rita turned to her son. "I know you like seeing your friends, but you could do that at any time. I think you should have prioritized being here for your father."
"Mom, I told you, it was homework related," Lincoln said. "I can't skip on that stuff."
"Hey, don't get smart with mom," Lori scolded.
"Yo, Lori," Luna said. "When the 'Rents are home, you don't need to be the responsible authority figure, so lay off."
"Yeah seriously, let mom handle it," Lynn Jr said.
"Not that it's a big deal, there's worser things than being late," Lana said. "At least Lincoln made the effort to try and be here as quickly as he could."
"I know he did, but he should have managed his time better," Rita said.
"Look, I'm really sorry I wasn't here," Lincoln said. "I'll make it up to dad. I can be a delivery boy for the restaurant."
"Oh that would be great," Leni said. "We could use more help with that."
"Can you handle it son? Lynn Sr asked.
"Sure, I have a bike, and if all else fails, I can jog," Lincoln said. "Plus I had experience as a newspaper delivery boy."
"Didn't you break a bunch of windows?" Lisa asked.
"I only broke two, one time might I add," Lincoln said. "It's nothing I can't handle."
"We do need all the help we can get," Leni said.
"My friend Chloe said she can help cook food," Lincoln said. "She knows some French Recipes."
"Oh great, we could use a few more exotic ingredients," Lynn Sr said. "Rosa was kind enough to share a couple of Mexican Recipes with me, and remembering my time in Aloha Comrade made me look up some Hawaiian and Russian Recipes."
"Wait, did you say Chloe?" Lana asked. "Isn't she Clyde's girlfriend?"
"Yeah, and she's a friend of mine," Lincoln said.
"Well, so long as Clyde's cool with it," Lola said. "Do you two talk alone though?"
"Yeah, and it's no big deal," Lincoln said, before thinking it over. "Well Clyde wasn't happy that I tutored her in secret, but he knows now so it's all good."
"Just make sure you tread carefully," Lori said. "The last thing you want to do is potentially derail someone's romantic life."
"Hey Pot, wanna meet my friend Kettle?" Luan asked, much to Lori's annoyance.
"You're literally not funny," Lori said. "Anyway, I gotta let Bobby know about this. He may want to come by to check on dad. And if Ronnie Anne just so happens to want to come, well that's on her."
As Lori left, Luna made a puppeteer gesture with her fingers, "That girl acts like she's a Master of Puppets."
"Hey, I gotta review my work," Lincoln said. "Dad, do you need anything before I go?"
"I'm fine son, I got the TV after all," Lynn Sr said as he turned it on. "A few sports should take my mind off of things."
"Well alright, let me know if you need me," Lincoln said as he left.
"What a good kid," Lynn Sr said as he turned on a baseball game.
"Oh crap, I nearly forgot about the game!" Lynn Jr said. "It's Playoff Season right now!"
"Come join me," Lynn Sr said.
"Can I say too?" Lily asked.
"The more the merrier!" Lynn Sr said.
"I have something to attend myself," Lisa said as she continued trying to contact Otto. Of course she also knew that she had to make time for the Science Fair, but thinking about that was not easy given the guilt she was currently feeling.
In his room, Lincoln looked over his gear to make sure nothing was damaged, not that he expected it to be. He also checked his web containers, ensuring he still had a decent amount.
"Looks like it's enough to last a few days..." Lincoln had some concerns. "Still, I should make more. Can't be too safe. I might need to borrow some ingredients from Lisa again."
As he went to work, he received a phone call. Looking to the side he saw that it was from Ronnie Anne. Curious and hoping she had some information, the boy answered.
"Lincoln here," the boy replied.
"Hey Lincoln, I just overheard my brother regarding something terrible," Ronnie Anne said. "Apparently there was a big accident at the hospital your father was at."
"An accident?" Lincoln asked. "How bad?"
"Very bad, some doctors were fatally injured," Ronnie Anne said. "Apparently your dad saw most of it."
"...He didn't tell me," Lincoln said.
"Guess it was too freaky," Ronnie Anne said. "But he said he heard doctors screaming in terror as something attacked them. Then he saw someone walking out the room with large tentacles on his back."
"Tentacles?" Lincoln asked. "Was it a mutant?"
"I'm not sure," Ronnie Anne said. "Whoever this is, this person might be a threat. It could be a situation similar to Doctor Connors and La Tigressa."
"I'll look into it," Lincoln said. "Still, did you say tentacles?"
"Yeah, sounds weird," Ronnie Anne said.
"Sounds like hentai," Lincoln replied.
"...Dude, that's something I expect to hear from Sid!" Ronnie Anne pointed out, glad Lincoln couldn't see her blush of shame.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist," Lincoln said.
"Come on dude, take this shit seriously," Ronnie Anne scolded. "Make sure you look into this, the last thing you want is to find yourself in this person's clutches."
"I'll be fine, thanks for the heads up," Lincoln said. "By the way, have you heard anything more about Doctor Connors?"
"I've been trying to talk to his wife, but she's still dealing with the aftermath," Ronnie Anne explained. "This whole thing took a took on her mental health."
"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that," Lincoln said.
"His son's doing alright at least, Sid and I go to see Billy once in a while," Ronnie Anne said. "He's taking it somewhat well, but I can tell it's bothering him."
"Well I'm glad you're there to help," Lincoln said.
"I do what I can, but I'm no superhero," Ronnie Anne said.
"You're still a nice girl," Lincoln said. "To think you used to shove sloppy joe down my pants on the regular."
"Yeah, kind of a weird time," Ronnie Anne said. "Sorry I've been that way to you."
"You've already apologized," Lincoln said. "Honestly, that's just the worst you've done to me, in the end it wasn't that bad."
"Is Sloppy Joe really worse than me punching you in the eye?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Well that one I had coming for listening to my sisters' bad advice," Lincoln said, rubbing the eye she once punched. "But seriously, at worst you were a little annoying."
"Only a little?" Ronnie Anne teased.
"Okay, you were very annoying and I know I lashed out," Lincoln said. "I do regret hurting your feelings over that."
"I'd rather not think about that," Ronnie Anne said. "I shouldn't have let it upset me. Even talking about it with Sid, it makes me look even worse in hindsight. Bullying someone and then acting like a victim when that someone fights back and getting that same someone into trouble just made me seem cruel. I don't want to go through that again."
"Neither do I," Lincoln said. "Seriously, it's all in the past. One day we can laugh about it. Besides, fighting villains makes some of the bullying I went through look tame."
"Well I guess I can rest easy knowing that I didn't turn out the same way people like that Shocker dude turned out," Ronnie Anne said. "It still amazes me to know you're Spider-Man. You used to be so wimpy back when I lived in Royal Woods. No offense."
"None taken, I'm amazed myself," Lincoln said. "It's cool though. I feel like an anime character who went on a life changing journey. Maybe one day, I can fight Gods!"
"Like who? Thor's brother?" Ronnie Anne asked. "That will require a lot of power, especially considering The Avengers had to work together to fight guys like him."
"It's funny, I've read on Norse Mythology prior to finding out Thor was real," Lincoln said. "It said that Loki turned evil because he was mistreated by his father. You think that's real? Maybe that's why Loki's evil?"
"I don't know, growing up, I thought Thor had red hair," Ronnie Anne said. "Then I see him on TV and he's blonde. Really sexy though."
"Every girl in my school thinks that," Lincoln said.
"Well have you seen his muscles?" Ronnie Anne asked. "That dude is definitely a God with that type of heavenly body. He's better looking than the Gods I met in Mexico."
"Did you really meet Gods?" Lincoln asked. "That story sounds almost hard to believe."
"Hey you're the one who said you fought a Dragon in Scotland," Ronnie Anne said. "Plus, we know Gods exist thanks to Thor. To think the only God grandma believed in was the Father in Heaven. She still prioritizes him though."
"Right, your family is still devoutly Christian," Lincoln said. "Still, I guess all heroes are Gods in their own right. You think I can be a God to the people of Royal Woods?"
"Get off your high horse," Ronnie Anne said. "If you start forming a God Complex, you're going to end up down the wrong path. You're fighting creeps who themselves think they're God."
"Alright, I'll keep my ego in check," Lincoln said.
"Wow, looks like we've been talking a while, all I wanted to do was warn you about that tentacle guy," Ronnie Anne said.
"It's fine, I like catching up with you, especially if it's just is," Lincoln said. "Not that I don't like Sid's company, she's great too. But sometimes I miss just goofing around together."
"Uh..yeah," Ronnie Anne said, the girl blushing again, this time for different reasons. "Well I should go, I think dinner's ready."
"I'll catch you later," Lincoln hung up, then immediately dialed another number. "Stella, it's Lincoln. I think we have some developing trouble."
Soon came the day of the Science Fair, located at Royal Woods University. Lisa had a back-up of her limbs ready, hoping to show them off.
Deep down however, she felt uncertain about it. She had no faith in her project after the disaster caused regarding Otto's accident. Despite that, she couldn't bring herself to not compete. The best she could do was hope for the best.
"I managed to work out some of the kinks," Lisa said. "It's still not perfect but it's better than before. It might be wise if no one tries it on right now, I don't want there to be another accident."
"Hey Lisa," Came Stella's voice as she greeted the second youngest Loud sister.
"Oh, Stella, it is a pleasure to see you," Lisa said. "Are you observing the science fair?"
"Yeah, I wanted to bring something in, but I've been kind of busy lately," Stella said as she glanced at the arms. "What do you have there?"
"Mechanical limbs," Lisa said as she tried demonstrating it. "You communicate with them telepathically."
"Wow, that's amazing," Stella said. "How does that work?"
"You attack a device to yourself which transmits the brainwaves to the limbs, allowing them to be controlled," Lisa explained. "Ideally this is perfect for anyone who needs a replacement limb. Say for example you lose your arm in an accident. These limbs act as prosthetics but work as if you're moving your actual arm."
"Wow, you came up with that by yourself?" Stella asked. "You're so smart Lisa!"
"Heh, thanks, I appreciate that," Lisa bashfully said. "But I can't take full credit. My assistant Otto Octavius helped out, but he had an accident trying these limbs out the other day. I did my best to fix what was wrong, but the damage was done."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," Stella said. "Is your assistant doing okay?"
"I don't know, I haven't heard from him in days," Lisa said as she glanced at the limbs in worry. "I don't think the accident was bad enough to be fatal, but not hearing from him in days has me very concerned."
"Has he been to the hospital?" Stella asked.
"Last I heard, he was checked in, but..." Lisa shuddered when she remembered an important detail. "I'm not sure if you heard, but a few days ago, they was a terrible accident in the hospital. All the doctors that were meant to look after Otto were found critically injured in his operating room, a few not suriving the injuries."
"Oh...yeah I heard there was an accident," Stella said as she tried to recall the situation.
"I'm worried that something may have happened to Otto," Lisa said. "He was seen at the sight where the unfortunate incident took place. I worry that he may have been kidnapped in an effort to steal the mechanical limbs idea. We did get a few curious eyes, but I didn't think anyone would stoop so low as to gain an advantage like this."
"Does your friend have any notable rivals?" Stella asked.
"Not that I know of, he was pretty lonely when he worked in New York City," Lisa said. "He's a very intelligent man though. But he was overshadowed by men like Tony Stark and Bruce Banner."
"Oh how I'd love to work with Tony Stark one day," Stella said.
"You're a bright young girl, I think it's possible," Lisa said
"Thanks, but your friend shouldn't compare himself to Tony Stark," Stella said. "Everyone has their own talents."
"That's true, but I can't fault him for feeling inferior," Lisa said. "Here in Royal Woods, any geniuses I meet are usually at my level, so I don't feel too out of place. Granted I will admit they could stand to be a bit more open minded to things outside of science."
"Wow, I'm almost surprised to hear you say that," Stella said.
"Just because I like science doesn't mean I don't have hobbies outside of it," Lisa said. "I enjoy Rap music, I enjoy The Dream Boat, I had a lot of fun the one time I went on Double Dare. But I do share their love of science, and they make me feel like I belong."
"Well that's nice," Stella said.
"But, New York City has so many great minds," Lisa said. "Not just Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, also men like Hank Pym and Doctor Stephen Strange. We also can't forget the impact that Reed Richards has in the field of science, even if he hasn't been seen in a long while either."
"I get Doctor Pym and Professor Richards, but isn't Stephen Strange just a surgeon?" Stella asked.
"He's not just a surgeon, he's an expert, and he understands neuroscience better than any man or woman I know," Lisa said. "Unfortunately he's been in a terrible accident and has been missing as of late."
"Sounds like you've really done your research," Stella said.
"You think that's impressive, the King of Wakanda has visited New York, and he's a genius scientist as well," Lisa said. "He never got overshadowed by the others because he was at their level. Otto never felt like he belonged, and quite honestly, even I might struggle. These men push boundaries that no scientist has crossed as of yet. Myself included."
"You're only six, you'll get there," Stella said. "You've already built some incredible things."
"Yes, but a lot of my inventions tend to go wrong," Lisa gestured to her limbs. "Like these things. If Tony Stark were working on them, he would have had it figured out."
"Hey, he's not working on them now, maybe it's one thing he can't do?" Stella theorized.
"If he's not working on them, it's because he's working on something that would probably be ten times more efficient," Lisa said. "We're talking about a man who built a suit of armor out of scraps he found in a cave."
"I think you're being too hard on yourself," Stella said. "I bet it took multiple tries to invent The Light Bulb after all. It also may have taken a long time to figure out the Theory of Relativity."
"Heh, using that against me huh?" Lisa asked. "You're one clever girl, Stella."
"I'm just hoping to motivate you," Stella said as she gently placed her hand on Lisa's arm. "You're a very smart girl. If you mess up, that's fine. No one's perfect. In the end, it's not how many times you fall over, it's about how many times you get back up. Just do your best."
"...I admire your care, thank you," Lisa said. "It's relieving that my brother has you for a friend. Are you two...?"
"We're just friends," Stella was quick to insist.
"Right, I imagine you're quite tired of people asking that," Lisa said. "For me, I think you two are compatible. Most of my sisters have shallow reasons for Lincoln getting a girlfriend. Some say he should just go for someone pretty, or in Lori's case, go with her boyfriend's sister out of pure bias."
"I've heard about that once or twice," Stella admitted.
"You are perfect because you see, my brother's very intelligent," Lisa said. "He's not a genius at my level, but he is still a Straight A student, and he's probably the only sibling that understands me when I use scientific terms. I've even seen him studying a chemistry book on more than one occasion. He's basically my smartest sibling, aside from Lori at least. If those two ever teamed up to start a business, I don't think anything could stand in their way."
"Wow, that's high praise from you," Stella said.
"Indeed, and I know you're smart as well, especially with tech," Lisa said. "My point being that while you are indeed very pretty, you also have the brains to back it up. Plus given some of your athletic feats, you have a great trifecta of feats that would be compatible with my brother. You are, as the kids would say, The Total Package."
Stella bashfully rubbed her head at hearing Lisa's praise, "Wow...thanks."
"Think nothing of it," Lisa said. "Now, I'm not saying you should date Lincoln. If you don't feel comfortable, then I will respect your decision. But just in case you ever consider it, know that I feel you're genuinely compatible."
"I appreciate that, I can't say I'm ready for a boyfriend yet, but I guess it's nice knowing the possibility is there," Stella said. "And I bet one day, you'll make someone a fine girlfriend."
"Perhaps. I did find a boy I was quite smitten with, but it wasn't going to work out," Lisa said. "For starters, we're still in Elementary School. Plus I want to focus on my scientific work, and David feels the same. But I do appreciate the compliment. Plus, we're still friends, so theoretically we may make that decision one day. If not, there's always more fish in the sea, as people would put it."
"If you ever need advice on stuff like that, come to me," Stella said. She took a moment to rethink that, "Well, maybe not me since you have older sisters but-"
"It's fine, I may pick you over them," Lisa said. "I love my sisters, but they go crazy over romance. I shouldn't talk since I love the idea of Lincoln getting a girlfriend, but I'd rather be on that side of the crazy than the other. Of course after the Ronnie Anne incident, we agreed to dial it back. Good thing too, otherwise Lincoln would have made the same mistake around you."
"He kind of did act weird, but I imagine it wasn't your idea," Stella said.
"We told him to be himself, my guess is that he wasn't confident in himself, hence him going back to whatever weird plan he once had," Lisa said. "Lincoln has some serious self-confidence issues, it is rather unbecoming if you ask me."
"I have self confidence issues myself," Stella said, hoping to not go into any detail.
"Is it because of your maturing body?" Lisa asked, earning a blush from Stella. "Judging by your reaction, it would appear I've hit the mark."
"Uh, Lisa, that might be too mature of a topic for you," Stella said.
"Stella, I'm familiar with biology, I even know how babies are made," Lisa said, causing more worry for Stella. "Stella, it's just science, not my fault society can be dirty minded. Sexual reproduction is necessary for human life to continue."
"Can we please move on from this topic?" An embarrassed Stella said.
"I'll just keep this part brief then," Lisa said. "Your body is normal, and you're not the only one to develop early. Leni said she developed early too, and Lola might be the next one to do so. It's normal, don't feel like you're a freak or anything."
"Right, thanks," Stella said, then checked the time. "The contest is starting soon, I'll leave you be."
"Very well, we can resume communication later, and do not worry, I will choose a better topic," Lisa said.
"Thanks," Stella gave the girl a quick hug. "Good luck Lisa."
Once separated, Stella made her leave, with Lisa feeling a bit better than before. "She's a very kind girl, that's another factor for Lincoln in a girlfriend. I do hope they end up together, their chemistry is more than compatible."
At Lynn's Table, Lincoln was seen on the phone talking to someone, "Are you sure you'll be fine Christina?"
"I've done solo patrols before," Christina said as she flew around. "Besides it's just for a little bit. You just have to make a few deliveries, right?"
"Yeah, it shouldn't take long," Lincoln said.
"Then focus on that, I got the city covered," Christina said.
"I owe you for this," Lincoln said. "Maybe later I can bring you something from here. On the house."
"Or, I can meet you there, I like the idea of dining in your family's restaurant," Christina said. "You can show me around."
"Okay it's a daaaa...y that should be fun!" Lincoln said, happy he caught himself before he said anything weird.
"Right...a Day of Fun," Christina said, the girl blushing a bit. "Or an evening."
"Evening works too," Lincoln said, the boy blushing as well. "I'll talk to you later."
"Right, later," Christina said.
Lincoln shook his head in worry as he thought to himself, "I can't believe I almost said 'date'. Christina's just a friend, that's all."
As he went inside, he was immediately greeted by Kotaro, "Hey Lincoln, just in time. We just got some orders for delivery."
"That was fast, where do I need to go?" Lincoln asked.
"I have the addresses here," Kotaro said as he presented Lincoln with the information. "Also, some kids from your school are here, they're volunteering their services too."
At a table, Rusty is seen writing down an order, "Okay, so that one Lynn Lasagna and a tray of barbeque wings. I'm on it."
"Make it snappy!" Scoots demanded.
Zach was also seen delivering a burger and some fries to an old teacher, "Here you go Mrs. Johnson."
"Thank you Zach," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Can I get you anything else?" Zach asked.
"A refill of water please," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Coming right up," Zach said as he left.
Liam was heard calling from the kitchen, "Ah got some steaks that need to be taken to table number four!"
"I'm on it!" Paige said as she served as a waitress.
"Wow, they actually came to help," Lincoln said.
"You have some really loyal friends, one girl is also quite the cook," Kotaro said. "She really knows her way around French Food."
"Wait, is she actually here?" Lincoln went into the back and spotted Chloe at the counter alongside Lori.
"So, how well do you know my brother again?" Lori asked.
"I'm his best friend's girlfriend," Chloe said as she cooked. "Lincoln also dated my best friend briefly. Shame it ended, but that's life sometimes. Lincoln's a good friend to me, and a great tutor, so I want to do my part."
"That's nice," Lori said, feeling somewhat suspicious.
"Lori!" Rusty called. "Scoots ordered a Lasagna. Better hurry, she sounded impatient."
"Great, her again," Lori said. "Last time she tried to pull the 'Thirty Minutes or it's Free' nonsense on us."
"Is that an actual policy?" Chloe asked.
"No, but she treats it like one," Lori said.
"Chloe!" Lincoln said, getting her attention.
"Hey Lincoln, here for your deliveries?" Chloe asked. "Lori's almost done with hers. Same with Lucy."
"Lucy's here too?" Lincoln asked.
"I'm standing right behind you," Lucy said, startling her brother.
"Lucy, now's not the time for your creepy ghost thing," Lori said.
"It's just how I walk," Lucy said, the girl shown to be holding a delivery box.
"It's fine," Lincoln insisted. "So is that one of the items for delivery?"
"Yes, but fair warning, Flip ordered this," Lucy said. "He even asked about a Thirty Minutes policy."
"Seriously!?" Lori shouted. "Dad needs to put up a sign or something, why do people think we have that policy?"
"Didn't Lynn suggest it once?" Lincoln asked. "Though I think she said Fifteen Minutes rather than Thirty."
"That was for her crummy baseball team. Besides, dad abolished it eventually, along with everyone else's lame ideas," Lori said.
"Lori, your idea was a photo booth," Lincoln reminded.
"Yes, but that didn't impact dad's budget, now did it?" Lori pointed out. "If anything we get money back from it because Photo Booths cost money to use."
"Well also keep in mind, Delivery was Luna's idea, and we're clearly doing that," Lincoln said.
"Better than her free concert idea, not everyone likes Rock n' Roll," Lori said.
"Lori, we don't have time to listen to your complaints," Lucy said, much to Lori's annoyance. "Chloe, are you almost done?"
"Just applying the finishing touches," Chloe said.
"Lincoln, I know dad abolished a lot of policies, but you should be quick about this," Lucy said. "If the food takes too long to get there, it might get cold, and people may end up leaving bad reviews."
"You know how sensitive dad can be to those," Lori said.
"More like this whole family," Lucy said.
"Hey! Enough of that!" Lori warned.
"Heh, Clyde was right, you're all a colorful bunch, so full of energy," Chloe said.
"Is Clyde here?" Lincoln asked.
Chloe's face turned somber "No, I asked him to come, but he apparently had other things to do."
"Oh...I see," Lincoln sadly stated, this tone worrying Lucy.
"It was probably really important," Lucy reassured. "I bet Clyde will be here soon, he wouldn't let you down."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Lincoln said.
It hurt Chloe to see Lincoln like this, wishing there was something she could do to make him feel better. But at the moment, it would be better to focus on why she came in the first place, to help the Louds. Eventually, Chloe wrapped up the food and handed it to Lincoln, "There, now be quick, but careful."
"The deliveries aren't too far, you should get there fast, even on bike," Lori said.
"I got this," Lincoln said as he left.
With him gone, Lucy turned her attention to Chloe, "Is Clyde mad at Lincoln?"
"Uh, I don't think I should say much," Chloe said. "This issue is between them."
"I get why you feel that way, but Lincoln is my brother, and he looked really bothered," Lucy said. "I love gloom, but I love my brother more, and I don't like seeing him sad like this."
"I'm worried too," Lori said. "Chloe, if there's anything you can tell us to help, we would really appreciate it. Clyde's like family to us too."
"Yeah, he's almost like a second brother," Lucy said. "The last thing we want is for Lincoln and Clyde to fall apart."
"It's embarrassing, because I feel like it's my fault," Chloe said.
"Please, tell us," Lucy said. "We want to help."
"...Okay, I'll explain the best that I can," Chloe said.
Meanwhile Lincoln had gone outside. He thought about using his bike, but remembered something, "With my speed, I bet I can get this delivered fast. It might even get me some extra tip money."
Lincoln quickly put on his mask and removed his layer of clothes to swing around without much suspicion, happy his plan was going to be a success.
Unknown to anyone, a familiar face was approaching the science center. A man with sunglasses and a brown coat as his tentacle arms were raised in glory. "Showtime."
As Stella looked around in wonder, she heard some stomping outside and people screaming. The moment she looked to the door, it burst open, revealing a new and improved Otto Octavius.
"Greetings Royal Woods, I have a late entry to this science fair," Otto sinisterly said.
Lisa had overheard and turned to the man "Otto!?"
"Sir! I'm afraid I must ask you to leave before-"
The host was grabbed by Otto's limb as he glared at the man, "Leave? Why, I've only just arrived." He aggressively threw the man as he looked out to the terrified crowd of people before him. "Now, tell me. Where is Lisa Loud?"
Lisa looked terrified by what she saw, as did Stella who quickly pulled her phone out and dialed her friend, "Christina, we got trouble!"
The science fair was about to get dangerous, as Doctor Octavius was ready to assert his dominance and his intellectual superiority.