Connections

There is nothing more humiliating for a hero than going back to base to lick their wounds, both figuratively and/or literally. For the Full House Gang, that was the exact situation they were in. Upon their return home, the Full House Gang was wracked with pain and feelings of humiliation.

The remainder of the day was spent at the base, nursing their physical and psychological wounds. "Hold still, Lynn" Rita insisted, dabbing a sore spot with an antibacterial soaked cotton ball; "I need to do this or the scratch will become infected." After a moment or two of slight hostility; the young athlete, eventually relented and kept still.

But it wasn't the sting of the antibacterial liquid that caused her to be on edge…at least, not the sole cause. While her physical scars were minor, Lynn's emotional scars felt far worse. "I can't believe it" she growled, "we've been defending this city for who knows how long and yet, these newbies arrive and take us all out like we're nobodies!"

The rest of the heroes all murmured in agreement to Lynn's disdain. "Look at what those big meanies did to my dress" Lola screamed in frustration, "next time I see them, I'll…" Lisa quickly placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, calming her. "Normally, I am immune to showing barbaric emotions like rage or frustration" she murmured, "but in this case…"

Upon saying this, the normally stoic genius proceeded to vent her aggressions out on one of Lynn's punching bags. Said venting consisted of the wee genius pummeling the foam-stuffed bag mercilessly to the point where the chain broke off from where it hung. Normally; for most people, this would not be all that strange.

After all; every now and again, everybody needs a moment to let out some steam. But for someone like Lisa; who is often stoic, in control of her temper and often shrugs off any kind of unwanted emotions easily. This display felt rather alarming to her family, who could only watch in stunned silence.

After ripping apart the bag, Lisa stood in place; heaving heavily in frustration. Upon realizing her behavior, she cleared her throat and quickly fixed up her appearance. "Apologies, family…I did not know what came over me" she murmured softly, "we completely understand, Lis" Luna sighed.

"Yeah…That battle was so embarrassing, I can't even joke about it" Luan said bluntly. "The important thing here, everyone is that you're all okay" Lynn Sr. said in a reassuring tone, "that's what matters…right?" Spade sighed in defeat and said that while it was fortunate that they survived the battle and no one at the casino was hurt.

There was still much property damage left behind and those responsible were still at large. "Yes…that's true but you should see what's on the news right now" Rita stated. Before anyone could speak up, the matriarch of the family turned up the volume and turned everyone's attention towards the TV.

On screen; they saw the Ace in the Hole Casino, still bearing property damage and a reporter standing outside. "This is Katherine Mulligan reporting live from Great Lakes City. Where, just earlier today, a surprise attack occurred here at the Ace in the Hole" she began. The sight of this woman caused Lisa to growl venomously; something Spade had seen quite frequently, in the past.

Being a child prodigy was often both a blessing and a curse. Two things Lisa, many times, had said do not actually exist. More to the point; being a genius at such a young age created much buzz with the public and caught the attention of many news people. Among them was Ms. Mulligan, a woman who was known for being rather sneaky and willing to do whatever it took to "get a good story."

She was the one reporter who annoyed Lisa and her family the most. She would always ask her if she was committing acts against nature, creating any kind of dangerous machines or attempting to use her science to overthrow public authority. To which, Lisa would bluntly deny all comment; naturally.

But it didn't stop Mulligan from coming up with something to put her up front and this looked like one of those times. "I'm here with the owner of this establishment, Ms. Gabriella DiMartino. Who has told me that this was the second attack that happened to her casino" she stated.

The Loud Sisters all growled under their collective breaths; swearing they'd lose it, if Mulligan pinned the incident on them. As the report continued, Ms. DiMartino recounted the events of the attack as best as she could; for she was still quite frazzled from it. "After the attack made by Don Soriano not long ago, I felt we were safe" she murmured, "then…these ruffians dressed in medieval attire arrived and claimed we were 'conducting sinful business' here."

Mulligan raised an eyebrow and made a quip about how casinos have been known to bring…unsavory people there. "With all due respect, Ms. Mulligan; we conduct a descent business here" Ms. DiMartino retorted. "We may practice gambling here but the Ace in the Hole is also a family friendly environment!"

Several of her workers called out from behind, proclaiming how the children of their older patrons would enjoy the magic shows that played on stage. "If your business is as 'family friendly' as you claim, ma'am; then, why would your assailants claim you are all being sinful?" Mulligan asked slyly. Spade and Jackson seethed softly with rage, as the reporter continued insulting Ms. DiMartino.

"How dare that sleazeball Mulligan speak to her like that" Spade growled, "these reporters have some nerve talking like this." "You're just saying that 'cause you're crushin' on her, dude" Luna chuckled, causing the others to giggle as well. "I'm inclined to agree with Spade, girls" Rita chimed in, "some people just don't care about common decency anymore.

As the report went on, Mulligan continued in berating Ms. DiMartino with offensive questions or insults. "Perhaps, it is better that your business remains closed" Mulligan suggested, "it will keep you all safe…and the money in the peoples' pockets." Just as prepared to lash out at the reporter, a soft voice suddenly caught everyone's attention.

"Here, now; let us all keep our heads, everyone" the voice said calmly, this caused everyone to look behind them in curiosity. As Mulligan's cameraman turned around, the Louds' TV set soon showed a limousine parked by the curb. It was a beautiful Rolls Royce painted blue with gold roof and gold-plated hubcaps on the tires.

At the front, everyone could see a silver crown hood ornament glimmering in the light. Everyone then noticed a window was open and began to wonder who was inside. Suddenly, the front door of the vehicle opened and a chauffeur made his way to the rear.

"Hey, does that guy look familiar to anyone" questioned Lana, everyone took a close look to see what she was talking about. Upon getting a clear view, Lori let out a gasp of shock. "BOO-BOO BEAR" she cried, "what's he doing there…not that I don't mind the new look."

After taking a brief moment to ogle Bobby in his formal attire, Lori's previous shock returned full swing. "Why is he some guy's driver, what about his job at the bodega?" she asked, "you heard what his grandmother said, business has been slow" Spade replied. Lori grumbled softly in response before saying he still should've told her about this.

As Bobby opened the passenger door of the limo; everyone, even Mulligan, gasped in shock. For out of the vehicle was a regal looking man dressed in a fine blue velvet tuxedo, blue dress shoes, white gloves upon his hands and a silver and gold stripped tie. The man appeared to be in his late-30's, had long black hair that reached below his shoulders, a strong, pointed jaw line and a ducktail-style beard on his face.

Upon seeing this man, Lisa let out a gasp of both shock and delight. "Honey, what's wrong" questioned Lynn Sr., "you look like you've seen a ghost." Lisa quickly recovered to tell her father he should know how she never believed in such things, only Spade seemed interested in them.

"I'm elated because…well; surely, you all must know who that man is" questioned the prodigy. Leni focused on the man's face very intently, for a moment or two and suddenly let out a gasp. "I KNOW…he's Santa, right" she asked eagerly, to which her family simply sighed in defeat.

"No, my dear Sister" groaned Lisa, "that is Lord Reginald Barnum, an illustrious historian and archeologist from the United Kingdom!" This revelation caused the family to look at her oddly. "Wait…I thought you were only into science and whatnot" questioned Lynn, "this is true…but I still find room in my brain for other intellectual pursuits as well." Lisa replied.

"So, what brings him down this neck of the woods" Jack pondered, curious about the man's intentions. His questions were soon, answered, as the reporters quickly approached the nobleman. "Your…Your Lordship, this is…I cannot even think of the right words" stammered Mulligan giddily, "what brings you into our humble town?"

Lord Reginald faced the camera and informed all watching how he wished to assist Ms. DiMartino. "I overheard the unfortunate news of the first attack on your business and decided it was my duty to aid you" he stated. The young lady felt humbled by his gesture but asked him why a man of his caliber would want to help her kind of business.

"My family comes from a long line of heroes" he began, "from the knights of old to the men at arms of our present age, we swear to aid all in need." He then went on to say how the repair process would take many days to complete. But the lord assured Ms. DiMartino that she and her workers could work for him, until then.

Several of the Loud Sisters murmured approvingly at how gallant the man was. But Spade, Jackson and the rest of the girls were not so easily swayed. "There's something oddly fishy about this, guys" Lori murmured, "isn't it convenient how he just happened to show up, just after the deed was done?"

Lynn gave a chuckle and claimed she was just speaking out of jealousy. "You're just buggin' that Bobby didn't tell you about his sweet new job yet" she stated. This comment resulted in the two siblings getting into an argument, a rather heated one at that.

Not wishing to get caught in the crossfire, everyone went to their respective spaces to recuperate in private and silence. Several hours passed and the atmosphere felt quiet…a little too quiet. They cautiously made their way into the common room to find Lynn soothing what appeared to be a distressed Lori.

"It's okay, Sis" the jock murmured sympathetically, "just think of all the fancy dates you two will go on, now that Bobby's a limo driver." "I know that…but why didn't he call, not just me but his family too" Lori sighed. Everyone murmured softly in agreement, upon remembering how distressed Ms. Casagrande seemed when she called Lori.

"Maybe he's too busy to chat as much as he did with you before, brah" Luna guessed, to which her elder sister began to think she was right. At that moment, the house's clock began to chime loudly; signaling the hour of 5 o'clock. Upon seeing this, Luna gasped and rushed to her room.

"Luna, no running in the house" Rita called out, "I know, Mom…but I gotta hurry or I'll be late for work" Luna shouted back. Not five minutes later, Luna came rushing out the door with her gear in hand. Moments later, down at the club; Luna was setting up her gear up on the stage.

As she was tuning up her guitar, Luna suddenly felt an icy chill surge through her; which caused her to jump. Upon recovering, she turned to find Sam sitting beside her with two sodas in her hands. "Sorry for spookin' ya, Lunes" she chuckled, Luna gave a soft chuckle and assured Sam she was fine.

"You thirsty, got a couple of nice root beers from the bar for us" Sam offered, to which Luna agreed to without a second thought. With that, the two popped open their bottles and each took a swig; letting out satisfied sighs of contentment every now and then. "You sure you're okay to play, girl" questioned Sam, "you look a little rundown."

Luna blinked in confusion and then quickly gazed at herself, noticing the slight tears in her clothes and her frizzy hair. "Oh…this, sorry; family got a little crazy earlier and I got caught up in it" she chuckled softly, Sam gave a little laugh as well. "With a family as big as yours, I imagine a fight for the shower must be like WWII for you guys" she stated.

"That's just one of the types of fights we get in" Luna retorted playfully, toasting her bottle against Sam's. The next few minutes for the girls were spent in sharing stories with one another. They would chat about life, their talents or just random stuff they liked.

Eventually, the stagehand gestured for Sam to come up on stage. "Guess it's showtime for me" she chuckled, placing her drink on the table. Once on stage, Sam gestured at the band behind her and everyone began to let loose a roaring rock ballad.

The music felt so good, Luna couldn't help but give out a mad rock pose. "KICK IT, SAMMY" she roared, to which the girl in question simply gave her a wink. Eventually, both ladies performed their routines and closing time soon came around.

After receiving their pay from Mr. Macarthur, the duo left the club with a joyous laugh. "WOOO! We kicked it up there" Luna roared, "darn right we did and we got the green to prove it" Sam added, playfully flashing her share of the night's pay. After that, the two ladies high-fived and congratulated each other.

Then, just as quick as it came; their joyful moods began to fade. "Well…guess I'll see ya tomorrow" Luna murmured, trudging off sadly. Sam, meanwhile could only watch as her fellow rocker and newfound friend began to slip away.

Just then, an idea began to form in the teen's mind. "Hey, Lunes" she called out, "you booked tomorrow morning at all?" Luna was about to answer but stopped herself.

She came dangerously close to revealing her…second job to Sam. "Nah, I got nothin' big planned" she murmured, then proceeded to ask Sam why she was so curious. "I was thinkin' maybe…tomorrow, I could come to your place or you'd come to mine and we could rehearse together until the club opens again" she offered.

At first, Luna felt like refusing; for she and her family still needed to catch the odd team of crooks they met before. But she didn't want to rouse too much suspicion and so, she agreed to her request. "Sweet…you still got my address, right" questioned Sam, "hasn't left my case for even a nanosecond, love" Luna replied in a cockney accent.

"Okay, then; I'll see ya tomorrow" she shouted, before heading down her path. Luna simply stood there, after that; blissfully waving at the empty distance. Even when her older sister, once again blared the van's horn; she remained unfazed.

"Whoa…what's goin' on with her" questioned Lana, "she's giving the same puppy-dog look Lori gets when Bobby's around" Lynn added. Ignoring the comment, the elder Loud Sister asked Spade to help Luna into the van. Once Luna came inside, everyone could clearly see the awestruck look on Luna's face.

"Whoa…what happened to you" questioned Lola, "you look like Leni when she's seen a new dress on display." Luna did not respond, for she was too far up on Cloud 9 to hear anyone. Realizing it would be fruitless to talk to her further, Lori turned on the ignition and drove on home.
During the way back, Luna gazed at the stars; thinking of the events that have transpired moments ago. Wondering just what the future held for her and Sam?

(AN: Oh, dear…methinks Luna's got herself a crush! Bully for her, I say; but the real question is…how will the family react, when they find out? Find out next time in the next chapter)

(Second AN: Katherine Mulligan is another character from the show, for those unaware. According to the Wiki; she is described as sneaky and doesn't show any sympathy for those she interviews, regardless of any embarrassing situations they might be in. Since she's only been seen in a handful of episodes. I based her personality on a combination of Jack Ryder from Batman and Leslie Willis (alias Livewire) from the DC Animated Universe.

All three characters seem to share similar traits of sneaky behavior and a lack of decency towards others to get the "big scoop.")