Luna's Confession
For what felt like ages, Luna kept on running; desperate to get home and be with her family again. But alas, the human body could only move so fast for so long and Luna tripping every few minutes didn't make matters any easier. Yet, in spite of all this and the tears still flowing from her eyes; Luna kept moving.
"Hold on, Sam" she thought desperately, "don't let those jokers hassle you, keep on fighting!" For almost forty minutes, Luna ran like a mad woman; until she finally reached home. As she feared, the Chess Court managed to damage the front door extensively.
But as she stuck her head inside; Luna sighed with relief, when she saw that they hadn't broken through the hidden passage way. Meanwhile; down in the complex, the other Loud Sisters were all anxiously awaiting their kin's return. That is to say…eight of the remaining nine sisters were waiting for her.
Lisa however, was absent from the group; locked in her room and working away at her computer. Said work was suddenly disrupted by her personally installed proximity alarm. "Family units, my alarm system has detected a life form above ground" she called out through her door, still focused on her "research."
Spade narrowed his eyes tensely, sensing another possible attack afoot. "Bring up the radar" he requested, "if it's those creeps again…start up the van." Rita Loud headed over towards the TV and pressed a button, causing a radar image to appear on screen.
Spade took a close look at the flashing blip before him and scratched his chin. Then, he reached for Jackson's utility belt and pressed a button found on the buckle. Upon doing so, it began to give a similar "beeping" sound the radar blip was making; which filled Spade with some glimmer of hope.
"It's okay, everyone" he assured, "the signal matches the same as ours…which means, that's Luna above ground!" Everyone let out loud sighs or cries of relief, while Lisa simply giggled at them from inside her room. "And you all thought it was 'wrong' for me to have all our uniforms microchipped" she called out triumphantly, "this is precisely the reason why I've done it!"
Disregarding their sister's comment, Lori and Leni begged for someone to open the door and let her in. "Not a chance, missy" Rita said firmly, "after what just happened, I'm still not taking any chances!" She then suggested firing up the van and going to pick up Luna, if it truly was her there.
Everyone agreed and headed for the van but not before changing into their hero garb, just to be safe. When Vanzilla finally arrived at the above entrance and the door opened up, the Full House Gang found a hideous surprise. Lying sprawl before them, fatigued and heavily dehydrated was Luna.
"OMG!" cried Lori, "she looks like death warmed over…twice!" Without pause, Lisa leapt out of the van and pressed her fingers lightly against Luna's wrists. Everyone remained silent, for a moment or two; before the wee genius let out a deep sigh of relief.
"She's still alive" she said happily, "exhausted and heavily dehydrated…but alive, nonetheless." With the greatest of care, the other sisters and Spade all brought Luna safely into the van. "She must've ran the whole way here from the club" murmured Spade, "poor girl."
Meanwhile; deep within the recesses of her mind, Luna found herself being haunted by images of Sam's capture. In a fit of rage, she lunged forward in an attempt to try save her. But much to her confusion and later dismay, Luna simply phased through the image like it was mist.
After several more failed attempts, she fell to her knees and cried in defeat. "It's all my fault…Lis was right" she thought dejectedly, "those bad dudes must've learned who I was, somehow and got a hold of Sam just to mess with me." She cried for several more moments and then, she looked up from her hands to see that the images have multiplied; surrounding her in what appeared to be IMAX screen-sized versions of them.
All this soon became too much for Luna to handle. Then, through the void; Luna could swear she heard voices calling out her name. "Probably just my head messin' with me again" she murmured dejectedly, "just put me outta my misery already."
Suddenly, a bright light suddenly blared; causing the shadowy void to disappear and Luna to groan painfully. In the Waking World, Lisa was seen shining a medical light into the unconscious rocker's eyes to check her responses. "Her irises are reacting to the light" she murmured, "this means that her mind is still fully functioning."
The family, Spade and Jackson all sighed with great relief and began to wonder when Luna would reawaken. As Fate would have it, the young rocker let out a sudden yet soft moan. "Dude…dim down the spotlight or I won't be able to play" she grumbled softly, offering up a weak grin.
"OH MY GOSH, LUNA!" cried Leni, "we were totes worried about you; I cried so much, my mascara's running." Luna could tell from the black streaks on her elder sister's face that she was telling the truth. Before she could say another word, Lynn Jr. shoved a funnel in her mouth and began pouring water forcefully down her throat.
After two or three big sips, Luna shot upright and spat out the funnel; all while choking violently. "Honey, was all that really necessary" Rita said firmly, "sorry, Mom… but since she was dehydrated; I didn't want to take any chances" Lynn retorted. Luna let out a few more loud coughs, before taking in some deep breaths.
"Dudes…what are you talkin' about" she wheezed, "for that matter…how did I get here?" Everyone took a few steps back, granting Luna a few moments to regain her composure. After what felt like ages of silence, someone spoke up.
"When we found you, you looked like you ran one of Lynn's crazy marathons" Lori murmured worriedly, "care to tell us what happened?" Luna took hold of a nearby cup of water and began to sample it; relaxing herself. "It's all a little…a little fuzzy, dudes" she groaned, "but…I think I remember talkin' to you guys on my phone, earlier."
"Yeah, that was when the TV got royally jacked by the Black King's crew" joked Lynn, following it up with a laugh and her inquiry of "get it." Luna dismissed her sister's poor joke and resumed trying to recap what happened that led her back home. Then, she recalled the nightmare she had just moments ago and it all became clear.
"I think I remember" she exclaimed, "I left work and I immediately ran the whole way back home, the moment I saw those guys on the tube messin' with..." Upon reaching that point, Luna suddenly froze; unsure of whether or not to continue on. When Spade saw the look of uncertainty on her face, he felt concerned.
"You're talking about that girl on TV that they captured, right" he asked cautiously, to which Luna answered with a simple nod. "I don't get it, Sis" murmured Lana, "what is it about her that made you rush outta work like you ate some of Dad's Chili?" This question left Luna at a complete loss; for the first time in a long time, she felt nervous.
The family soon took notice of this and began to feel worried. "Honey…are you sure you're okay now" questioned Lynn Sr., Luna quickly snapped out of her daze and did her best to put on a brave face. "Yeah, Pops…I'm rockin'" she said with a fake smile, "just feelin' a little winded still from all that runnin' earlier.
Despite the half-truth in her words, the Loud Family did not feel convinced; making Luna feel even more on edge. Desperate, she turned to Spade and assured him that she was fine. "My father taught me a trick or two to tell me when someone's lying" he stated, "and from your expression and mannerisms, you're making my inner lie detector go off like church bells now."
The family began to grow even more suspicious, after Spade's statement. "Now, young lady; remember Rule No.7 of the House Rules?" questioned Lynn Sr., Luna let out a soft sigh and murmured "'family never lies…unless it involves superhero business.'" Everyone gave a nod and once again, urged Luna into trying to speak.
"If you're in some kind of trouble, sweetie; we can help you" Rita assured, "and I'm not just saying that because I'm a mother to heroes." Luna took a good look at her family's concerned expressions, along with Spade and Jackson's. Then, she let out a soft sigh and finally decided to come clean.
"The reason I'm buggin' is…I'm worried about Sam" she admitted, this made her sisters gasp in alarm. "Those guys got a hold of your crush" Lola cried, "bring them here, I'll force-feed them one of Lily's diapers!" The aforementioned baby babbled in agreement and presented a soiled diaper to her sister.
"Much appreciated, Sis" Luna murmured, "but the truth is…Spade, Jack; y'all remember when I told you about my crush on Sam?" The two heroes nodded slightly and asked where this was going. Luna then asked if they all remembered seeing the girl that court had, just before their broadcast ended.
"Yes, we know about that already" murmured Lynn Jr., "but what does she have to do with anything?" No one spoke a word, after that; Luna felt much too nervous to say anything. Then; after taking a moment to clean her glasses up, Lisa stepped forward.
"We've beaten around the bush long enough, I think" she sighed, "the truth, my dear family is that Luna's crush and the girl we saw on the television…is the same individual." Naturally, the family let out a gasp of surprise at the revelation. Upon taking a moment to let it all sink in, they faced Luna; who was glowing red as a beet with nervous embarrassment.
"That wasn't really your call to make the reveal, Lis" Luna grumbled, using her sister's nickname harshly. "It had to be done" Lisa said bluntly, "you stalling the way you did was not helping matters progress any further. Rita cast a look of disapproval towards her young daughter and asked Lynn Sr. to move her aside.
After that was said and done, Luna turned towards her family with a look of shame upon her face. "So, folks; there you have it" she grumbled, "Sam, the one I've been dreamin' about and thinkin' about all this time…is a girl!" As one of the sisters attempted to speak, Luna suddenly resumed her ranting.
"I know what you guys are thinkin'" she interjected, "Lunes must be goin' nuts having the hots for a girl…right?" The only response she got was a collective murmur of unsure statements. "Well, I don't care what you all think" she decreed, "I'm bi, I love Sam and I ain't ashamed to admit it!"
"You're by what" Leni asked suddenly, "are you by the door, by the TV…by the table?" Lori softly facepalmed herself and informed her sister that Luna was speaking of something completely different. "Luna's talking about being bi-sexual, Leni" the elder Loud Sister explained, "it's where people like both guys and girls, not just one type."
Lana scratched her head in confusion, asking if people could actually do that. "They can, sweetheart" Lynn Sr. stated, "I once knew someone in college who was like that." As the family began to talk idly about the subject of romantic preferences, both Luna and Lisa were growing rather annoyed.
"With all due respect, may we please try and remain on topic here" the child prodigy grumbled. Upon sensing they were getting off-track, the Louds all focused their attention back on Luna. "Honey, are you saying you have…feelings for this Sam girl?" questioned Rita, Luna could only give a shy nod as a response.
"I know…you guys must all think something's wrong with me, after hearin' that" she mumbled shamefully, "but I'm still Luna, no matter what." After that, not another word was spoken for what almost felt like ages. Finally, Spade approached Luna and patted his hand empathically on her shoulder.
"Don't be discouraged, Luna" he murmured, "I'm proud of you for admitting that, it must've been hard to do." Luna gave her fellow crime fighter a chuckle and hugged him lightly. "No harder than the first gig I've ever done" she admitted, "I just hope you guys…still love me, after hearing that."
Luna hung her head low, expecting to hear loud screams of protest or disapproval. But much to her surprise, she felt a pair of arms wrap tightly around her; followed by several more. She opened her eyes to find her parents and sisters all smothering her in the biggest group hug ever.
After the moment ended, a few seconds later; everyone got serious. "Luna, how could you ever doubt that we'd ever stop loving you" questioned Lynn Sr., "you're my lil' rock star and that will never change." Luna sniffled softly, as tears began to form in her eyes; feeling genuinely touched by her father's words.
She then turned her gaze towards the others, who all proceeded to nod in reply. Finally, she faced Spade and Jackson; who were both standing apart from the hug. "What about you, dudes" asked Luna, "you two have somethin' to say about this?"
"Only that I've already known the truth for sometime" Spade confessed, which caused the Sisters to stare at him in shock. "How could you have known" questioned Lori, "for that matter, how did Lisa know?" Upon being asked this, Lisa presented one of Luna's jackets to her family.
"Sometime after one of Luna's earlier meetings with this 'Sam'" Lisa began, "I've noticed something odd from Luna's half of the laundry, on Laundry Day." This statement caused Lana to sweat slightly, "that could've been anyone's cow pie in their pocket, I swear" she murmured nervously. After disregarding that rather…disgusting reveal, Spade stepped forward and presented one of Luna's jackets.
"Does everyone recall the odd yet sweet smell coming from this jacket, on that Laundry Day" he asked everyone, earning a unanimous nod from the remaining Loud members. "Upon running a thorough examination, I discovered that the aroma was from the remnants of some Cherry Lavender Hand Lotion" Lisa declared, "a substance mainly used by females." Despite these findings, everyone still remained skeptical.
"Now, Lisa; let's not be too quick to judge" Lynn stated, "there might be some men out there who enjoy using such lotions themselves." Jackson confirmed this assumption by stating how he enjoyed using the same body wash Rita uses, when showering. Despite being mildly put off by this statement, Luna assured everyone that Lisa's research was correct.
"Sam told me, one time that she enjoys using that lotion; after playing her ax" she stated. After that was said, she looked at her younger sister and asked why she would keep quiet about this for so long. "You should know by now that I do not have room in my brain to withhold such information" Lisa stated, "as such, I removed it and transferred it to Spade here.
With that said, Luna proceeded to ask Spade the same question. "Truthfully, I didn't want to say anything unless you were ready to do so yourself" he confessed, "as a hero, I'm obligated to keep secrets hidden." Luna smiled at the young detective and gave him a strong hug in thanks.
"Still, dudes; I know you all must think I'm weird because of my feelings for Sam" she murmured sullenly, "it's cool, though…I get it." Lori rolled her eyes at this and gave her sister a light but swift smack on the back of the head. "Didn't you listen to Dad earlier" she groaned with a soft smile, "who you love doesn't change how we feel about you."
The other sisters murmured in agreement; which filled Luna with such unbelievable joy. "If this Sam girl makes you happy, dear; we're happy" Rita assured, this was followed by Lynn Sr. giving a high thumbs up to Luna. Touched by her family and friends' words, Luna rushed over and enveloped everyone in the biggest group hug she could muster.
This moment was, unfortunately cut short; when realization soon struck her. "Dude, we've gotta split" Luna cried, "who knows what those creeps are doin' to Sam or anyone else they've captured!" The family realized she was right and quickly suited up but not before handing Luna her outfit.
"Are you sure you should go, Luna" questioned Rita, "you looked close to dead a few minutes ago." Her pleas fell on deaf ears, unfortunately; for Luna was already in her room, dressing herself. "Sam's in danger, Mom" she said firmly, "and it's possibly my fault she's in this mess to begin with…I have to do something!"
Despite her motherly concern, Rita knew she couldn't stand in the way of someone in love. If Lynn were the one in Sam's position, she'd be rushing into the Court's gates with guns a-blazing. Moments later; after putting on her makeup and collecting her guitar, Night Club went into action.
But before she could reach the van, Lisa quickly stepped into Luna's way. "Before you go rushing in blindly, Sister" she murmured, "I have some notes that you may find interesting." Luna glared at her sister and complained how she had no time for any study hall. "If you would only listen to me for a moment" groaned Lisa, "I would happily tell you where you will find your significant other!"
With that, she threw a folder full of papers onto the kitchen table. Upon opening the folder, everyone found pictures of what looked like a castle in a very elegant and rural area. "Wait, I thought Barnum said his home was almost destroyed" Leni interjected, "what's this place in the picture?"
"All will be explained, dear Sister" Lisa replied, "but we must move quickly…before the Chess Court's plan's can move any quicker or before anyone else suffers their wrath." This statement caused Luna to wince slightly, fearful at the idea of Sam's own fate. With that in mind, everyone hurried to the van and prepared to leave.
But before they did, Rita placed a loving hand on Luna's shoulder in reassurance. "Stay strong, sweetie" she urged softly, "I know you all will be able to save everyone, including Sam." With tears in her eyes and a quivering smile on her lips, Luna thanked her mother with a quick hug and kiss.
Lynn Sr., with tears flowing from his eyes, waved goodbye to everyone and wished them good luck. Once the goodbyes were said, High Card revved up the van and sped up the passage way. During the ride, Luna opened up her guitar case and found the paper with Sam's info neatly folded inside.
She took hold of it for a moment or two; then, she held it tearfully against her heart. "Hold on, Sam…I'm comin'" she thought to herself, "and my crew and I will beat down anybody who keeps me away from you!"
(AN: The big battle is almost here, folks…but what will the Gang find; when they enter enemy territory. Tune in next time, to find out)
(Second AN: Sorry for taking so long with this chapter, I've been burning my brain cells in trying to think of ways to make Luna's confession 100% genuine. Not to mention I wanted to make the reveal of Lisa and Spade already knowing the truth appear believable as well.
I love stories with detectives analyzing evidence and making deductions on said evidence. But I've never attempted to make something like that myself, until now)