The trip was fairly quiet, for the most part. The siblings were happily chatting among themselves and being rather well behaved. London had actually dozed off and the siblings didn't want to disturb her, since she looked so peaceful. They stopped at a motel for the night and continued their trip right as the sun was rising. They arrived at their new house and could clearly see it was a bit of a fixer upper, but was certainly much larger, likely has enough room for even a family as big as theirs.

"Kěndìng gēng dà" London said, quietly.

"You most certainly are correct, eldest sister unit" Lisa said. At that point, the moving van parked in front of the house.

"Alright, everyone, let's get to work on getting moved in" Lynn Sr. said. The Loud siblings worked in perfect unison to move all of their stuff into the house. Setting up the kitchen and living room was relatively easy. The basement became London and Lynn's personal gym and even had a lounging area for other uses. The entire upstairs was composed entirely of bedrooms and the siblings debated among themselves about who goes where and worked it out: The first room goes to London, Lori, and Leni. The second went to Luna and Luan. The third went to the triplets. The fourth went to Lucy, Lily, and Lisa. The fifth went to the twins. The white haired twins got the linen closet that was at the end of the hall and easily converted into a tiny, but perfect space.

As the siblings set up their new rooms, the parents went out to explore how their old home has changed since they've left. The siblings didn't mind, as they are very independent and simply went on as normal. Then, Lori called for a Sibling Meeting and they all gathered in her new room.

"Alright, it's literally happened: we're finally out of that deathtrap of a house" Lori said. While London was older and, thus technically, the one in charge, she let Lori handle the Meetings, as she seemed to have a knack for it. It also tied into her desire to become a CEO, one day, so being used to talking in front of large amounts of people helped.

"I couldn't have said it better, myself, sis. This place is totally rad!" Luna said, strumming along on her guitar, and threw up another devil sign.

"I'll say. It's got a spacious backyard, plenty of room, and it even has a little shed out back for whatever we want to use it for" Lincoln said.

"I actually intend to set up my lab equipment there. Seems like a nice quiet place and less likely to result in the house falling down on us" Lisa said.

"Still only one bathroom, though. Guess early morning line rushes are still a thing" Lynn said, rubbing her left leg for some odd reason.

"Now, we all know that this will be a massive change for us. We know literally no one in this town and we have more secrets than a politician. So, I'd say we take it slow and first get to know the house, then start with the town" Lori explained.

"Right!" The siblings said in unison.

"Well, if that is all for today, I think I'll go set up my lab. Lynn, I may require some muscle" Lisa said. Lynn gave a mock salute and followed her youngest sister out of the room. One by one, the siblings filed out with different reasons until it was only London and Lori left in the room.

"Well, that was a short meeting. But, I'm a little curious about what adventures we'll have in this town" London said. Lori gained a teasing smile.

"Just don't go around breaking people's spines" Lori said, which made London blush.

"I told you, that was one time and because of faulty equipment! Tarumi o kitte kuremasu ka?" she muttered with an annoyed sigh, which made Lori chuckle in amusement. Only a sibling of London can get away with a jab like that and Lori knew and loved to exploit that fact.

"You're right about one thing, though. We must be careful of who we trust. There are secrets we know that we really shouldn't, but know them anyway. I worry about what would happen if they got out and into public hands" London said, grimly. Lori looked worried, but knew she had a point. There are things the siblings have seen and learned no mortal should possess. Experience with otherworldly demons, forbidden and ancient knowledge, and shadowy organizations. Those secrets must never be revealed. Period. Lori never really considered herself close to London, but she's certainly the woman's most trusted confidant for these matters and Lori took that very seriously.

But, for now, she has to go and make sure her family stays in line. She doesn't want their infamous reputation known on their first day here.

Maggie was what many would call anti-social. Being an Emo and having some serious trust issues will do that. Still, at least no one bothers her, thanks to the aura of fear she subconsciously projects. It was still very lonely for her. She could really only confide to her mom about her issues and no one else in this town would understand her problems. Such as how she likes to take long walks to calm her nerves after stressful days without telling anyone. A therapist insisted Maggie was trying to run away, but her mother shot him down everytime and never bothered to take her back there after he said it a fourth time. While she was on another such walk, she had gone to an unfamiliar part of town. Something in her head told her to come here, but didn't know why.

That is until she spotted a familiar van.

"Wait, is that… That must mean…" she gasped, hope and excitement building up inside of her. She fast walked to the front door and gave it a few loud knocks. After a few seconds, Lincoln answered the door and was pleasantly surprised at seeing her.

"Maggie? Didn't know you lived in Royal Woods. Hang on, I'll go get Luan" he said, leading Maggie into the living room and having her wait on the couch. He ran upstairs, leaving Maggie to her thoughts. Truth be told, she was excited to see Luan again. She had a strong bond with the jokester after she saved Maggie from herself, so long ago. She often called Luan just to talk and to hear the girl's voice. She may or may not have developed a massive crush on Luan, but was too nervous to act on it, mostly for fear of losing her only friend. It only took a few minutes for Luan to come downstairs and spot Maggie.

"When Lincoln told me you were down here, I was surprised, in a good way. It's great to see you, again, Maggs!" she said, happily, that brace-filled smile beaming at her. Maggie fought down a massive blush.

"Y-yeah, same. It's great to see you, too" she said, a bit shyly. Oh, God, why is talking to your crush so dang hard?

"So, how have you been?" Luan asked, oblivious to the Emo's infatuation.

"Well, I haven't had any nightmares for the last few months and no episodes for a whole month" Maggie said.

"That's wonderful! It's good to hear you haven't been so Emo-tional!" Luan chortled, but Maggie simply stared at her with a bored expression, way too used to these corny jokes than she probably should be.

"The turkey sandwich I had for lunch had better jokes than you," she said in her typical blunt fashion. This didn't offend Luan like it would anyone else, since she knows she doesn't really mean it. Instead, she smiled.

"As proud as I am, right now, it'll take more than your sour puss mood to ruin my day" she said.

"This isn't a mood. It's my actual personality" Maggie retorted with a smile. Luan was one of the few people who could make her smile like this.

"Again, that snark! When we first met, I was convinced you didn't know what a joke was" Luan said.

"Very funny… So, when did you all move in?" Maggie asked.

"Just today, actually. I gotta admit, I was nervous about coming here, but now that I know you live here, I'm glad we moved. No more having to talk over the phone" Luan said, happily. Maggie also felt happy, as she can spend more time with Luan. Her life just got a whole lot brighter.

"Hey, Maggie," Lucy said, startling Luan but Maggie didn't even react.

"Hey, Lucy" she greeted, casually.

"Hello, Maggie. Your soul is feeling much brighter than last we met" Lucy said, staring blankly.

"Thank you. Oh, I just remembered that there is a prank store here in Royal Woods. Thought you'd like to check it out" Maggie offered.

"You had me at prank store. Let's go" Luan said and the two left. Lucy and Lincoln met at the base of the stairs and watched them leave.

"She's certainly doing better," he commented.

"Yes. Still waiting for when they get together, though" Lucy said.

"Give it time. She's been through more than any 13 year old should" Lincoln said, gently. Lucy smiled. She liked to think she and Lincoln were rather close. He has always been her biggest supporter throughout her life. Which reminds her.

"Hey, think you could help me with my latest poem?" she asked. Lincoln smiled.

"Sure"

Fanny's Prank Emporium was quite busy, today, surprisingly. Benny didn't mind the crowds, though. He's just glad to browse the Emporium's selection. As a boy with a deep love for comedy and theater, the store has become his little home away from away. Not a lot of people share his deep interest, which was a little sad, but he didn't let it get to him. Suddenly, something grabbed him underwater and he was subjected to a very nasty atomic wedgy. Thankfully, it only lasted a few seconds before the culprit let go and he fell to the floor. He heard a very familiar laugh and he looked up.

It was Francis Scott, a boy two years older than him, with greasy black hair and slightly tanned skin. He was also a major bully of his. A typical jock, he liked throwing his weight around at younger kids. Benny just found him annoying and simply ignored his insults, even if he refuses to stop and usually gets physical.

"Nice undies, weakling" he laughed out.

"Francis, so nice to see you. What brings you here?" Benny asked, getting up and fixing his underwear. Seriously, he didn't usually come in here. He considered the store his worst nightmare.

"Oh, I just wanted to spend time with my favorite punching bag," Francis said, evilly.

"Punching bag, eh?"

The new voice caught both boys' attention. It had come from behind Francis and they both saw a brown-haired girl staring at him with an unimpressed. Francis immediately went into casanova mode.

"Well, hello there, beaut-" he was cut off.

"Save it. I've heard it before. Honestly, do you bullies ever think with anything other than your muscles and reproductive organs?" the girl asked. Benny blushed slightly and also giggled. The girl saw this and gave him a playful wink. Francis was confused.

"Repro-what?" he asked.

"I rest my case. I shouldn't be surprised. You've probably never used your brain in your entire life" she said, earning some minor gasps from the small crowd that's gathered. Francis now looked angry.

"Well, my sweet muscles haven't failed me, yet. Allow me to demonstrate!" he threw a punch, which collided with the girl's forehead. To everyone's shock, it didn't knock her out. Instead, it actually hurt Francis's hand. He may even have a few broken fingers. Learning absolutely nothing from it, he tried to punch her with his other hand and hurt that one too. Now, most would realize that attacking her would be fruitless, by now. However, Francis was either stubborn, stupid, or both, because he tried headbutting her. It also served to render him unconscious with several massive bumps on his head while the Luan seemed unaffected.

"That's one hard head" a girl whispered to her friend.

"See, this is why it's always a good idea to use your head! Get it?" the iron-headed girl jokes, earning a round of chuckles from the crowd. It soon dispersed until it was only Benny and the girl. He had to admit, she did look pretty cute, but she's likely not interested in him or is already spoken for.

"You okay? I saw this jerk wedgie you" she said, worry written all over her face.

"It's fine. I'm Benny, by the way" he introduced himself. This girl seemed friendly and into comedy.

"Luan. But, are you sure, I've seen my fair share of wedgies and that looked like a serious atomic one" Luan said, still worried.

"I'm sure. Say, are you new here?" he asked, having never seen her before.

"Yep. Just moved in with my family. I was told about this place and decided to check it out with a friend" Luan explained.

"Come on, Luan!" another voice called out. Benny choked when he saw it was Maggie, the Emo girl that no one seems to be able to approach. To his immense surprise, Luan approached her and waved goodbye. And he might be going crazy, but he swore he saw a smile on Maggie's face as the two left the store. Okay, he's now even more interested in this girl. Sure, the fact she's a friend of Maggie is a bit worrying, but he brushed it off. After all, how weird can she be?

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine and he didn't know why.

In contrast to the Emporium, the Royal Woods mall was rather scarce, today. And Carol Pingrey, along with two classmates Jackie and Mandee, were taking advantage of the scarcity to window shop. Carol was actually showing off her new phone model.

"Wow, it looks so smooth and shiny" Jackie commented, actually seeing her own reflection.

"Thank you and this new phone has three times the battery life of the previous one" Carol said, proudly.

"You're so lucky, Carol. You're one of the richest girls in town and spoiled to no end while we barely see more than 100$ all at once" Mandee said with an envious look.

"Uh, Mandee, I've seen your house and you've seen mine. We're pretty well off ourselves" Jackie said.

"I know, but we're poor compared to her," Mandee pouted. The comments only served to inflate Carol's ego. She did enjoy her wealthy lifestyle, but her dad did make sure she appreciated that wealth instead of becoming a brat.

"Hey, I've never seen those two, before" Jackie commented, suddenly. Carol followed her gaze and saw two teenage girls, both blonde, browsing through the clothing store. They seem to be enjoying themselves, smiling and sharing a couple laughs here and there.

"You're right, they must be new. Come on, let's go greet them" Mandee said, dragging the two to the store before either could protest. Before they knew it, they were inside the store, which caught the two girls' attention. At this distance, Carol noted that one of the girls' hair was a lighter shade of blonde than the other and seemed to be slightly shorter, as well.

"Uh, can we help you?" the girl with a perm and blue eyeshadow asked, unsurely. Makes sense she'd be confused, since people don't just run up to dragging two other people with them.

"Hello, I'm Mandee. These are Jackie and Carol. It's nice to meet you" ever-friendly Mandee said, letting go of the two. The two blondes glanced at each other, but the pale blonde one now had a smile on her face while the other one still looked unsure.

"Well, I'm Lori and this is my sister, Leni" she said, after a moment of silence. At that moment, Leni gasped and rushed over to Carol so fast, it surprised even Lori.

"OMG, your hair is, like, so amazing!" she said, excitedly.

"Oh, thanks. It takes a lot of work to get it like this and, even then, it's flat" Carol said, feeling her side-swept hairstyle.

"Wow, really, I couldn't tell," Lori said, impressed.

"But, your hair is really amazing, honestly. It must take a lot of work," Carol said, noting how full Lori's hair looked.

"Oh, I don't really do much to it. Guess this is literally how it is naturally" Lori said, bashfully. Carol was surprised by the fact but glad to have such a casual conversation. These two were quite friendly, though Lori always had her phone in hand. Carol couldn't help but notice the case had a shard of ruby embedded in the back. It must be a custom-made or self-made casing, since she would've remembered such a casing existing. Leni seemed to have a ruby necklace, so they might have split between each other.

"Hey, Leni, want to check out the other stores with us?" Jackie asked, gesturing to herself and Mandee. Leni glanced at Lori, who just smiled and nodded. The trio of girls raced off, leaving Carol and Lori by themselves.

"How come she asked for permission before leaving?" Carol asked.

"It's part of a deal we made with our other sister, London. Leni's ain't exactly very bright and easily manipulated. So, this helps ease her worries abit" Lori explained, making Carol a bit worried, herself. Why would they need something like that in place?

"Has that ever happened?" she asked.

"Thankfully, no. But it never hurts to be literally prepared" Lori. Carol raised an eyebrow at the unneeded "literally" but brushed it off. It must be a verbal tic of hers. She also noticed all three of the names she heard all start with L. Must be a family naming tradition or something.

"So, did you just move here?" Carol asked.

"Just today, actually. We're just getting to know the town. It's certainly much different than Piedmont. And much bigger" Lori mused, glancing around the mall. So she's either Calfornian or Oklahoman, but it was hard to tell. She certainly looks in shape, but doesn't the body of a swimmer or surfer, but neither does she appear to be of Native American descent, but then again, she might have other heritages overshadowing it. But she isn't going to ask, as it might be a sensitive topic for her.

Carol didn't know how they'd been conversing, but Lori was easy to talk to the whole time. Despite her eyes being glued to her phone, she's so exceptionally good at multitasking that's a little terrifying. She appeared to be texting someone, as well, but it was hard to tell from this angle. Eventually, Leni, Jackie, and Mandee came back, all carrying shopping bags.

"This mall has, like, everything!" Leni exclaimed, happily.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself, but we better get going before it gets dark" Lori said, finally taking her eyes off the phone.

"Okay!" Leni said and, to everyone's surprise, gave both Jackie and Mandee a kiss on the lips.

"Why did you do that?" Carol asked in surprise. Lori was also surprised… and a little panicked, for some reason.

"Oh, it's a sign of our friendship! A girl I knew in Piedmont did it, too!" Leni replied, oblivious to the other meaning of her gesture.

"Uh, Leni, friends don't kiss each-" Jackie started to say but saw a hurt look in Leni's eyes.

"We aren't friends?" she asked, tearing up a little, which seemed to make Lori panic even more.

"Uh, we are! Just don't that in public so often, okay?" Mandee said. With that, the sisters left and it appeared Lori was scolding Leni for something, but all Carol could hear was "London's not going to like this".

"They're certainly… an odd pair" Jackie said.

"I'll say, but Leni is an absolute real sweetheart. She offered helpful advice and even some money to a guy because she thought he was homeless" Mandee said.

"But, Lori looked scared about something and it has me worried why" Carol said, staring at Lori's retreating back.

"Oh, sure, they're a little eccentric, but come on! How weird can they be?" Jackie asked.

Without warning, all three of them felt an odd chill run up their spines, but didn't know why.

Rock This Way was a popular music store in Royal Woods. And Sam Sharp was one of the favorite regulars. A proud and loud rock-lover, she spent hours just browsing the selection until she found something that caught her interest. And today was no different. She had hit the jackpot when she discovered a Mick Swagger CD in their shelves and it was one she didn't have. So, she reached for it… right as another hand did and they both grabbed it at the same time. She was about to tell them to back off, but the words died on her lips when she got a good look at the other person, a girl.

She was brunette and seemed to be a rocker, as well, judging from her punk-like outfit. The moment the two locked eyes, a spark surged between them. The girl looked absolutely gorgeous. Then she remembered she was staring.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to stare!" she said, frantically, standing up.

"It's okay, dude. No harm done. The name's Luna. Yours?" Luna asked with a friendly smile, making Sam's heart stop for a moment.

"I'm Sam. Are you new here?" Sam asked.

"Yep. I was just walking by and saw this rad music store. My old town never had one, so I had to get all of my albums online" Luna said, her radiant smile making Sam's heartbeat faster. What is wrong with her?

"Wasn't expecting to find a Mick Swagger album or a fellow fan, though. I like your hair" Luna said, making Sam turn around to hide her blush and subconsciously rub her hair, specifically the blue streak she has.

"Thanks" was all she said. She didn't notice Luna's mischievous smile.

"Say, why don't you come over to my house, tomorrow. Get to know my fam. How does that sound? She offered, trying her best not to laugh. Her back still turned, Sam's eyes lit up at the prospect of getting to know this girl more. In a flash, she turned around, which didn't seem to surprise Luna, and tried to act cool.

"Yeah, sure. Maybe I will" she said, trying to sound uninterested, but Luna saw right through it, but didn't say anything.

"Awesome. See you, then. And keep the album. I don't really need it" Luna said and walked out of the store, leaving Sam along with her confusing thoughts. She sighed, lovingly, then mentally slapped herself. What's wrong with her, today? Something about that girl kept sending sparks through her and she had no idea what was. Maybe it'll pass after some time. Luna seemed pretty normal, so she didn't cause it. So part of her was nervous about going over to her house, but how weird can her family?

Suddenly, a chill ran up her spine and she didn't know why.

Next time...

Ronnie Anne Santiago and her friends encounter Lincoln and his siblings while at the skating park and sparks fly between two of them.

London Translations:

It's definitely bigger

Cut me some slack, will you?

Finally got the next chapter out. Enjoy!