Hello, people. Happy Thanksgiving. And other than I am thankful for family, friends and health is that I was able to cobble up this piece of work. And it's gonna be a doozy. So enjoy.
Disclaimer: See the first page. Guess the alluded episodes if you like.
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[The Good, The Bad and things get Ugly]
Part 1
"Siblings meeting is now in session. Is there anything to be brought up before we shall proceed?" This was the only time the Loud sisters were able to gather since things have slowly improved. Lincoln however was out due to a personal errand. It was this opportunity that Lori had taken advantage of.
"It's a sibling meeting, right? So why aren't we including Lincoln? Don't you remember the last time he wasn't included?" Lynn Jr. has been very defensive of their brother lately. But her concern does have merit.
"I remember but the reason we are having this meeting is because it's about Lincoln." Lori firmly clarified. It is hard to freely talk about the subject if he was present. But she promised the next meeting that isn't directed at him will include their elusive brother.
Seeing as everyone has settled down, Lori handed the floor to Lisa who set up her presentation. "Thank you, eldest sister. To establish a basis of comparison we shall review our experience starting on the day Lincoln had gone missing. -"
It was a very dark moment in their life and there was no one to blame but themselves. It was very fortunate they did not resort to eviction as they would have been judged much worse. In that time frame, their relationship and resolve were tested. Some broken, some formed. But all they wished was to repair the one bond they wrongfully severed.
But upon his return, the whole neighborhood turned a 360. The judgmental scrutiny was replaced by pity when Lincoln returned as a delinquent. But what hurts was that it was part of his plan to take away the negativity towards the family by being their scapegoat. They may not be able to tell the whole truth but they heavily defended him nonetheless.
Lisa flashed two pictures of their brother as a comparison on the screen, which Lily constantly shifted her attention between the before and after image.
"-Now his altered physical stature, dark clothing and aloof demeanor, not to mention the blemish he constantly covers portrayed him as what socially categorized as a Solitarius lupus, street name: A lone wolf." They paused the meeting when Leni fretfully begged for Lucy's help before the next full moon.
"As I was saying, due to these traits, many were hesitant to approach him but a certain few: namely Clyde, Ronnie Anne, later his former associates, one designated as Stella Zhau and oddly… other female subjects." Lisa flashed some pictures of those who were in close proximity to their brother. Some of the girls they recognized but most seemed to have a commonality: a dusting of red on their cheeks.
Lisa may have an assumption for Lori's very forced expression so she quickly switched the slides. "That all changed when Lincoln took command of a chaotic school assembly." She played the video obtained from an 'anonymous' source. They had to pause again when Luan burst out in overwhelming giggle and pride.
Once resumed, they listened inventively. It started out dismissive, brash, uncaring, then thought-provoking. They were so steered by the speech that they somehow related it to their parents. With all the chaos in the Loud house, they still nurtured the children to the best of their ability.
After the speech, Lynn now definitely wants Lincoln at her game even it means she has to beg. "Forget the student council. Send him to Washington and let him take over the States."
"After this incident, our brother unit's reputation at school had become favorable. And it was further enhanced through his demonstrated skills in physical, mental and social tasks." Lisa played some clips showcasing the many activities Lincoln had taken part of.
"And he turned them all down?" The sportsgirl incredulously asked after seeing how effortless he was in Dodgeball. Better watch out for that one girl though.
"Affirmative. He reasons, as quote: 'was more than qualified that there won't be anything else for them to do'-." Lynn was unable to deny that. She's not sure how good Lincoln was in the other categories, but the ninja is physically at the top of his game. The jock would know because she lent him her work-out equipment. And watching how intense he trained left her feeling awed… and very awkward that required a cold shower.
Lynn snapped herself out before anyone noticed her cursing puberty. "…But they did come to a compromise. He is willing to offer assistance to said clubs when the needs arise which earned him a position as a temporary member. But from what I have observed, he has taken up to mentoring." Lisa elaborated.
From what the little genius gathered: Lincoln supervised in physical training, challenged them mentally: 'Looking underneath the underneath', and sometimes offered insightful advices. These young students were unaware that their peer is someone with years of experience.
In time, the 'White Wolf of Royal Woods' was rumored as the reserved white-haired youth that is very approachable as he is intimidating. The last part is easily avoidable if one metaphorically… let sleeping dogs lie.
But it was not only in school. Some weekends where the middle child helped around the neighborhood had also improved in rebuilding his standing as a responsible citizen. It started with the reconciliation with their elderly neighbor.
"Remember how he done his chore… and everyone else's?" Lori can't help but feel inadequate with how much her brother is able to do. Their parents talked him out of taking all their responsibilities.
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Flashback
It has been so long since they have time to themselves due to… unfortunate events. But when they were invited to hang-out with old friends, the kids encouraged them to go. But as their parents left, most forgot one crucial detail.
The shrill of a whistle awakened a dormant instinct as they fell in line before their drill-sergeant of a sister. But they quickly noticed someone missing. Before Lori can ask, a cloud of smoke signaled his arrival and the weight of responsibility has never felt so heavy.
The space was now occupied by their adult shinobi of a brother in full battle gear. And his posture was every bit of a soldier he had trained to be.
"What is the emergency, Lori-san?" They all stood ramrod-straighter as Lincoln critically regarded their commanding officer by his tone alone.
Lori quickly tried correcting the misunderstanding. "No! There's no emergency! Just calling everyone to tell that I'm in charge while mom and dad are away!"
And they all finally relaxed when he did. "Oh… Alright then."
Shaking off such hardcore feeling, Luna turned to who she felt is the most mature person in the room. "Ah… dude. Aren't you a little bit peeved that you're not the one in charge?"
Lincoln just gave a shrug. "Not really. Since the higher ups i.e. our parents assigned her as next in command, I don't see why not."
"But she's really strict and mean!" Most voiced their agreement with the little princess.
"And for good reasons. So, unless you could be trusted to not turn the house upside-down, you must contend with her rules." Lori can't help but smile as somebody finally understands her plight.
Lincoln looked back to his eldest sister, this time without the intensity he displayed earlier. "So, is there any regulations concerning me?"
"Ah… no… videogames?" Lori said as she can't think of anything else that is familiar.
He again shrugged, coolly accepting the term. "Okay."
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"See?! He respects my authority!" A small, selfish part was glad that her position as the responsible one was not contested.
"Because bro is too chill to overrule your tyranny." Luna held up her hands, but she and the rest still found humor at her indignation. "But back up, mate. If the rents didn't tell him to stop, we would be out of jobs." It would have sounded like a dream if it wasn't in the expense of only one person.
"Linc said that it's his way to 'pay rent'. Hahaha. Get it? But seriously, he lives here!" Luan was worried that he is acting like a stranger. She could not be farther from the truth.
"It might be his sense of obligation since he is of physical and mental maturity to earn a living. But current official records hinder such pursuit thus his need to contribute in some manners of responsibility." No matter how many times their parents assured him, they still sometimes find their brother looking through the 'help wanted' of the local newspaper. It was lessened after their mother had talked with him, though Lisa noticed a book was present in their discussion.
"Oh! Remember that time when dad can't stand to cook?" They worriedly tried to remember when did their father turned away from his passion… before realizing that Leni meant it literally.
Nothing serious, just that it was best if dad kept off that stubbed toe for the time being. They each tried suggesting (read: arguing) what to take-out but they didn't hear one member's input. What they heard is someone taking over the kitchen, complete with an apron that any hard-working spouse would be lucky to come home to. (Note: Nothing above PG-rating.)
Lynn might have expected something action-packed like blazing pans and flying knives. But what they have witnessed is just as entertaining if not more relaxing. Slow and meticulous. Fast but not wasteful. All it needed was a narration on how to salvage the prepared broth to think this is televised.
Lincoln presented his creations with a serving of rice at the time it would take for the delivery to be here. 'Egg-drop soup and broiled fish: Kakashi-style.' After taking that first bite, they wondered who that lucky girl will be.
"Speaking of lucky girl, he sure knows how to pick them." They all made sure that Lori remembered their collective promise to NOT meddle.
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Flashback
"What the heck are you doing here?!" It may sound rude, but can you blame her? Luna came to the mall to browse for stuffs only to find her supposedly younger brother hanging out with a chick who should be way older than him (in official records)!
But the closer to the table she got, the clearer the 'date at first glance' became. The most important was her younger brother is the one looking way older. Okay… Now the rocker knows she's being rude. And dang does Lincoln looked snazzy in dad's old threads. But he still has that bloody mask!
The ninja doesn't seem to (visibly) mind as he cheerfully greeted her. "Well if it isn't little Luna Loud. Though not quite little, aren't we now? So, how's my-…" Then a strategically reflective pause.
"Actually…, what does that make us? I'm somewhat old enough to be your uncle but despite being lost somewhere in the family tree, I feel like we're still pretty close relatives." Yeah… She can't help but feel like he was.
Getting that this is one of those half-truth things, Luna rolled with it. "Let's stick to cousin, bro. What are you doing here?"
What followed was a semi-believable tale because she already knows of her brother's otherworldly adventure. "…And somehow getting lost in the path of life led me back to Royal Woods." Wow…, he's really selling it.
Lincoln introduced his companion but the teen missed the name. Because that pretty face and obviously that form-fitting yellow dress is very distracting. She doesn't know if that black jacket was also a big asset…. 'Sam, forgive me…'
"So, want to swing by our place? The fam would love to see you again." Okay…, Luna now definitely knows she is being rude. But she can't help but look out for her little brother… despite being not so little anymore. Later the Loud girl will remember this irony.
Luna couldn't blame how disappointed the gal looked at cutting this sort-of date short. "Well it has been so long, so I don't see why not. So, wouldn't it be a bother to send them a message? Mine is somewhat unavailable."
The woman somehow looked considerate at Lincoln's show of sighing. "Well, young lady. I guess this is where we part ways."
She then pouted with flushed cheeks. "Is that a jab to what I said earlier? You're not that old!" The childish expression shifted to something more… mature as she leaned closer. Was it supposed to be warm this afternoon? "But even if you are…, you're quite the silver fox."
Her admiration for her brother soared as the guy kept a straight face even when he had a quick peek of the goods. Or was it the mask? "Well, aren't you a cheeky little minx?" Was this cutie a catch or what?
It was when they stood up that Luna realized how big of a catch! They bid farewell, him teasing that maybe they might meet again. And seeing that eager smile…, again the teen can't blame her.
Once the woman was gone, she slapped herself so that the redness can be excused for something else. "So… did you get her number?"
Luna doesn't know whether to sigh in relief or scream in disbelief. "Nope."
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"Now hold your horses!" Luna tried defending when everyone, particularly the eldest, sent her a narrowed stare. "Okay! Maybe I was being a hypocrite but don't tell me that you still think of Lincoln as your kid brother?!"
She sighed in relief when the older half reluctantly agreed with her plight. "But I got to hand it to him. He was smooth…" Should have kept her mouth shut.
Regaining back her composure, Lori resumed. "Now, continuing- Leni, what are you doing?"
"Luna said to get our ponies." Leni answered with a small grey Pegasus in hand. Explaining the expression brought back another incident with their wayward brother.
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Flashback
"Okay, I know this is getting back at us for teasing you… And indirectly… Lucy." Lori brought up to a currently lazy Lincoln. The reason for this was because she found a stuffed-toy of a white unicorn with wings addressed to her. In fact, all the gathered girls had one. Lily's lips were quivering as she looked enviously at her sisters' new toys. But the frown was wiped away when her favorite brother gave one of her very own.
Some took it well like the clearly DJ and party themed personas of Luna and Luan. Others were indifferent, Lola just having another guest for her tea party. They were a bit concerned that Leni was able to copy her plushie's misaligned eyes (it was not a factory defect apparently). But some…
"Why do I get the one with rainbow hair?!" Lynn is hoping that his answer does not categorize under 'cute'.
"Well the character reminded me of you." The jock tried to drop it when he did not reveal anything else no matter how much she asked.
But it has been festering her all day that she secretly browsed a few video clips. By the time Lynn got the resemblance, she connected each of her sister with their own character. Keeping it a secret was short-lived as eventually she was caught. However, the look on their faces meant that the curiosity has spread. Later it became a bonding session as they scrutinized the source material.
By the end of the third season, they realized what was going on. Each girl did their usual activities first to detox before later confronting their sneaky brother.
"Okay…, you got us. But that plan backfires because we can now tease you for watching it!" Lola triumphantly declared. Her cavalry, with their noble steeds, stood behind her.
"So, who's your favorite character, my little bro-?" Lori and Luna slapped a hand over the prankster's mouth to stop that particular pun.
They were expecting something from the big and silent to the ruler of the night. But his answer was a raised hand. With mirth barely masked, Lincoln snapped his fingers before disappearing in a cloud of smokes.
"No way! But he's a villain!" Lana voiced everyone's thought.
Or is he? What followed was another late-night binge watching. They finally found out why the shyest main character fits Lucy because of another Halloween episode.
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"He has become more… creative with his retaliations." Though Lisa appreciated her brother's maturity, she sorely missed his moments of childishness. But she is wary that he can combine the two mindsets to form varying degree of consequences. Take for example that chronically forgetful ruffian. Based on her sister-survey: 50% found it funny, 40% were appalled and 10% was indecisive.
"But it was some prank! Aren't you proud, Luan? Ah, Luan?" Lana's amusement was swiftly taken away. Surprisingly, the one who would complement such excitement was rather gloomy.
Feeling all gaze on her, Luan made an attempt at a cheer. "Oh… Uh, yeah. He really had us!"
"Luan. What's wrong?" It wasn't only Lori as everyone looked over worriedly. The final nail was Lily's innocent concern.
Knowing that she isn't fooling anyone, Luan woefully admitted what has been bothering her as of late. "Doesn't Lincoln trust us?"
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Due to episodes not being in chronological order, some may end up Pre- or Post- NSL... So I'll try to figure out along the way. So if you have suggestions, go for it (I mean how to integrate an OP ninja in all this shenanigans).
Ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration. But I'll leave something to think about:
So if Lincoln is Ace Savvy, what is Kakashi's persona? I'm going for something like 'Dealer' but let's hear some ideas.
And how can Lincoln repair his bond?
Preview:
How can I heed his troubled past when I crumbled to face mine?!
How can I be his support when I turned my back against thine?!
I failed him… Yet he still cared for my plight…
I'm not worthy of his love… or his light…