It was another new day of hopeful searching in New York City. The sun and the glistening snow made for a truly beautiful scene. But for a certain group of people, it wasn't a time for sightseeing or anything else fancy. For the Loud sisters, it was time to find their lost brother. All the while Lincoln had sought refuge at Jordan's home away from home, the Loud family spent those days looking in the deep city known as the Big Apple in hopes of finding him. He had bailed from his home in Royal Woods after their needless violence left him scarred, physically and mentally. With Lincoln safe and his family not knowing, each day as they searched, their efforts proved futile and meaningless, almost as if their brother had vanished from the face of the earth without a trace. At the hotel the family booked into, they all slept in four different rooms, as there wasn't a single room that could contain eleven family members.

And then there was one Loud who had restless nights, spending almost all her time with her eyes wide open and gazing at the white ceiling. Luna Loud, the musically inclined sister, currently leaned against the back of her bed on top. With both earbuds plugged in, she was listening to music to give her that slight bit of hope and energy boost she would need for each and every day of tireless searching. She barely glanced up from her phone, keeping her face indulged at the screen, scrolling through images of the past whilst letting the music amplify her emotions. Her tired eyes weakly looked up to meet the others in her room. Her eyes laid upon the oldest sister in the family, Lori, who was staring down at her phone as usual, but today, something seemed different. It was almost as if the energy around her had changed completely. Instead of appearing to be sluggish and angry and everyone, she seemed mostly indifferent, if not calm and cheerful.

A few days ago, Lori and Leni were successfully able to locate their little brother, safely seeking residence with a friend of his from school. Knowing how things were and wanting to respect Lincoln's wishes, they agreed to keep their discovery a secret until the time was right, but Lord knows how long that would be. Therefore, Lori and Leni had to embrace their inner willpower to make believe that Lincoln was still out there with no clue towards his whereabouts, especially since during a couple of those past days, they returned to Jordan's residence to keep visiting Lincoln. It was very risky business, knowing that during subsequent visits, the police were out looking for the entire family and not just the guilty party, but Lori and Leni braved the risks to be there for Lincoln and provide all the moral support they had. Unfortunately, the oldest sisters brought their joys back with them and from not always being able to keep straight faces, their changes in behavior and tone would no longer go unnoticed.

Lincoln then realized that Leni was having an issue he'd have to talk out, he led Leni to one of the guest bedrooms downstairs.

"You already showed me this," said Leni in a low tone.

"I know, but something's the matter with you," Lincoln's explained. "I can see it... or rather hear it." Leni visibly let out a long sigh before sitting down on the bed and patting a spot next to her. "What's wrong?" Lincoln asked, sitting down next to his blonde sister.

"It's going to sound stupid," Leni admitted, but Lincoln didn't believe her.

"Well, if it's bothering you, it's not stupid," Lincoln said. "So, please, talk to me," he pleaded to Leni. "We can always talk here." Leni sighed in defeat before looking down and rubbing her arm.

"I don't know, Linky," she said. "I'm scared, happy, and anxious about you."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm scared that I'll never forgive myself for what I did, I'm happy to know that you're alive, but I'm anxious that you will... leave us."

"Leave you?" questioned Lincoln, to which Leni quickly tensed on about.

"Forget it. It was dumb anyway," Leni said, discrediting it.

"No no no," Lincoln repeated to her. "It's not dumb. I just wanna hear you out. Please tell me what you mean." As they continued their talk, Jordan was seen on the other side of the door, listening in on their emotional moment.

"We hurt you, Linky," said Leni. "That day, we all did. Maybe I didn't mean to, but I can't just pretend I didn't have a part to play in this. I just feel like we don't deserve to have you. I mean, look at yourself! I can still see the bruises you got." Lincoln looked at his right arm to see a bruised spot. "Lincoln, you left us to try and find a better life and... you found it. These people care about you and wouldn't want to do anything against you. Your friend from school saved your life, for crying out loud!"

"Leni..."

"I'm anxious, scared, and happy about what this all means," Leni said, having a slight fit of panic. "I... I don't want to lose you again!" she cried. Lincoln responded by hugging Leni again.

"Leni, you won't lose me," he whispered, trying to soothe her. "I... I don't know what's gonna happen to me. I don't know if I actually will return to my old home, or if I'll end up staying here as long as I can... but I promise you with all of my heart... No matter where I go, you will always be my forever sister," Lincoln said, tearing up. Leni started to cry again, but kept it down.

"Oh, Linky..." she sniffled. "You... you will always be in my heart... n-no matter what..."

"Leni called me a couple of days ago," Lori began. "At first, I didn't understand what she was saying, but judging from her voice, she sounded serious. Eventually, I caught on and went straight to Royal Woods." Lori still remembered how shocked she was once Leni's words became comprehensible.

"Poor Leni. I can't imagine what I put her through," Lincoln said with a guilty feeling sinking into his chest.

"She was broken up when you left," Lori confirmed. "And maybe what you did wasn't the smartest move... but you did what you had to, Lincoln. I would have done the same in your situation, maybe even called the cops right then and there." Lincoln was relieved that there were no hard feelings for for what he did. "You know what I think? I think it was the bravest thing you ever did."

"Really?"

"Sure. I imagine you were scared and didn't know how things were gonna turn out on your end, but you did it anyway. It wouldn't surprise me if you come out a lot stronger than you were before."

"How are the others?" Lincoln asked, looking at Lori for an answer.

"Mom and Dad are disappointed..."

"In me?!" said a shocked Lincoln, eyes widened, but Lori waved no with her hand.

"Not in you, no, but themselves for not putting an end to... this," Lori finished. Lincoln shut his mouth sheepishly for assuming wrong. He gathered his courage for another question.

"What about L... the others?" His tongue got stuck midway in the sentence trying to pronounce the names of any of his seven sisters, but more particularly, Luna. It felt like a dagger to his heart imagining her name, but trying to say it came out as a different pain to him.

"Are you okay?" asked Lori, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm good. But still, how are the others reacting?" wondered Lincoln. He still didn't know what to expect for an answer in spite of everything so far, but he patiently waited for Lori to gather her words.

"They all hate themselves for what they did," Lori started, but paused. "But they deserve it." She let out a deep sigh.

"They do," Lincoln agreed. Lori had come to expect Lincoln to feel this way, knowing the anger and fear he carried for them. But Lori decided to tell Lincoln what really came from her talk with Jack.

"You know that you can't hide from them forever," she said quietly, but he caught on and sighed.

"I... I know. I don't want to, but... I will have to face them eventually," he said with a hint of fear.

"Are you scared?"

"I am," Lincoln admitted. "I don't think I could handle seeing them." Lincoln knew that one day, a reunion would come, for better or for worse, but it scared him that the ones who caused him pain would meet his eyes again. Lori saw the thoughtful boy tense up as he went into deeper thought, so she placed her hand on his shoulder again.

"Don't worry, Linc," she said comfortingly. "Leni and I will be on your side. Always."

"Thanks, Lori," said Lincoln. "Thank you for everything." He went in for a hug and Lori stroked his white hair.

"Anything for you... my little brother," she said, eventually releasing their hug. "Now come on, let's get inside. My coffee is starting to get cold." They smiled at each other.

What was there for Lori to have joy over? Luna recalled that they condemned their brother to pain in this large and unforgiving city and there sat Lori, not appearing to have a care in the world. Did she revert back to her old ways, back when she was mean and more attached to her phone and her precious Boo-Boo Bear? Did she even know who they were supposed to be looking for? It made Luna mad that Lori now seemed to be ambivalent - mere days ago, she hated everyone and now this? It begged an explanation, but instead she heard three knocks on the room's door.

"Kids! The restaurant is open!" called Lynn Sr. The rest of the sisters quickly piled up next to the door, while Luna had to drag herself off her bed. She pocketed her earbuds and phone and followed the others into the hall. There, Rita did a quick headcount before they went to get something to eat. The restaurant was nothing fancy, but the Loud family had to settle for the cheapest possible housing and food, given how many of them there were. Luna was wedged in line between Lola and Luna. She took a plate and tossed on whatever looked edible, the same thing she had for days on end, and sat next to Leni, who was also a lot calmer than usual. Now, to Leni's credit, it would be a lot harder for her to hide anything than Lori, given that Leni more often than not proved to be not too bright, in spite of her fashion skills. What is going on with those two? Luna thought to herself. She dug into her food, trying to finish it as fast as possible so that her search for her little brother could continue. It felt like every part of this place had been checked, but Luna owed Lincoln to at least try her best and that's exactly what she would do. Silent bickering was heard all around the table, but Luna blurred it out in hopes of realizing where her brother could be. Some had their doubts, that Lisa had guessed wrong, but Lori somehow convinced them otherwise to persuade them to keep up with the search. Luna's gut agreed with Lori. Lincoln had to be here, but where exactly? Yet somehow, Luna sensed that Lincoln was somewhere in New York City. Her mind was deep in thought until a voice snapped her out of her trance.

"Could you pass the ketchup?" Leni's voice repeated to her. Luna turned to Leni before switching her eyes to the ketchup bottle.

"Oh. Okay. Here." Luna swiftly grabbed the bottle and handed it over, thinking nothing more of it.

"Thanks," Leni seemed to mutter under her breath. Thanks? Just a couple of days ago, Leni hated everyone else's guts and now she thanked Luna for a small favor? Luna expected that Leni would stay the way she was the longest, but was she going back to her old roots? Lori too? Why is she like this? Luna thought. Wait... do they know something no one else knows? Something... that I don't? After the family had their meal, they stood at the entrance while Rita handed over their jackets so as to waste less time.

"Alright, kids, same rules as before and be back before 7 p.m. Got it?" All the Loud sisters nodded, groaned, or agreed silently as they made a beeline outside and stayed in their search groups. Luna ended up going at it alone, so she plugged in her earbuds and left separately. Things seemed like an everyday routine now to her - cars and joyful people passing by. She thought of her path ahead of time so that she would hopefully be more effective. Her hands were in her pockets and she fiddled with her phone subconsciously. Every day that passed was a missed opportunity to see her little brother again. It felt that the only thing keeping her grounded to reality was the immense guilt she was feeling. Without that, she'd be an empty shell of a person. However, unknown to her, today would be drastically different. It started when her phone vibrated and she was utterly surprised to find that it was her girlfriend Sam who was texting her. Luna fumbled around a bit before finally unlocking her phone to read the first message.

Luna, are you there? The message read. Luna had spoken to Sam before about her search in New York and she seemed supportive of it, but after that, they seemed to lose contact, so Luna assumed that she still had some resentment towards her, which was fine by her. She deserved it, or so she felt.

Yeah, I'm here. I'm out searching for him right now. What is it? Luna typed out.

Bad news. The cops came to our school and asked me if I've seen you or your family! Sam typed back. Luna stopped walking instantly and reread the message.

What did you tell them? She typed in a haze.

Told them I hadn't seen you in a couple of days. Sorry Luna, but I could really get in trouble if I lied. Sam wrote.

It's okay, let's hope we can find him before the fuzz come knocking. Luna answered.

Good luck, Luna. I wish you the best. And with that their text message ended and Luna pocketed her phone, trying to catch her breath and calm down. The police were indeed looking for them and it was only a matter of time before they'd be found, and presumably busted. Still, she tried to pay no attention to the new situation put in the light, as she'd only get distracted from what's important. But she'd have to inform her parents of this matter. Even if this could be the end for all of us, I only wish that I can at least see my baby bro one last time... and just tell him how sorry I am, Luna thought. She continued her search, music playing from her earbuds, glancing at every corner of the streets, checking down alleyways, and even going inside some stores. One time, she thought she spotted white hair, but it was just a hat to her dismay.

Luna understood that her relationship with Sam and the police zeroing in were of no concern to her, but she did start to feel parched. Eventually coming to a corner store, she took a bottle of water and placed it on the counter for purchase, but the clerk was in the back room and there was no bell to alert him, forcing her to wait. She tapped her foot to the beat of her music, growing impatient and unable to get the clerk's attention, so she glanced out the store window while waiting and was semi-shocked seeing both Lori and Leni walking on a path on the outskirts. They appeared deep in conversation, but she couldn't quite hear them. Remembering their weird mood changes, coupled up with them walking together, something was definitely setting off alarms in her mind. While she thought to march straight up and talk to them, she also thought instinctively that they wouldn't tell her, even if she asked. Yes, she remembered vividly that Lori and Leni kept reminding her how much of a screw-up she was and during the days of searching, she had tried to avoid them wanting to keep her mental health. But this time, things seemed a little different. What exactly made it seem like Lori and Luna had lost track of searching for Lincoln, walking around as if this was a vacation for them? She had to know, even though she hated to avert from searching. Her mind made up, Luna skipped getting water from the store and followed Lori and Luna. She kept her distance behind her two older sisters and tried to make out exactly what they were saying, but had to be a little more careful not to get caught.

"Wonder what he wanted to tell us?" Leni asked, with Lori shrugging her shoulder.

"I dunno, but he sounded excited over the phone," Lori said with a slight smile on her face. Luna tried to hear in more, but her foot slightly slipped on a patch of ice, the noise alerting her sisters. Luckily, Luna ducked into an alleyway out of sight and caught her breath. Lori and Luna turned around suspiciously, but seeing no one, they chalked it up as nothing and continued their walk. Luna was almost hyperventilating from almost getting caught, leaning against a brick wall. Just who is this 'he'? she wondered to herself. When Luna glanced out of the alleyway, she saw Lori and Luna across the street, seemingly waiting for someone, as Lori was checking her phone. When a car pulled up to them, she put away her phone. Luna squinted her eyes and saw a female driver, but she appeared to be a total stranger and she was giving Lori and Luna a lift, leaving her beyond confused and her mouth agape. What the hell is going on? she thought.

Just as the car left, Luna quickly snapped a photo of the license plate, intending to find out who the car belonged to. Looking around, she spotted a nearby library, went inside, and smiled upon realizing there was free Wi-Fi inside. She sat down in a chair and used the Internet to look up who the license plate belonged to. It turns out, the owner was a married woman from Royal Woods and upon digging deeper, she located the woman's Facebook page. Now Luna was pushing her luck, but she only intended to sneak a peek. A recent picture showed that she was currently residing in New York, their winter vacation home, with her husband and daughter. But why would my sisters hitch a ride with her? she asked herself. Nothing made sense, as they were supposed to be looking for Lincoln. So what should she do now? Her options stood between either trying to find out everything on her own or get her other sisters involved. Upon further pondering, she decided to go at this solo and tell the others tomorrow. Luna proceeded to look up an address and from cross-referencing, she found that it was about a half-hour away from her current location. She knew that this was wrong in some way, but for the sake of his sisters and her own curiosity, she had to go through with it.

Back outside, she pulled up an app on her phone that had a map and used it to start walking to her destination. She was led off the streets and back on the outskirts and before long, she was led to a mansion-sized house. Her eyes were wide at the family's house, wondering how rich they were. Luna walked around the house, finding the same car from before parked in the driveway. Guess this is where they are, Luna thought to herself, trying to think what her next move should be. That's when out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Lori walking by a window, so she slouched down and carefully made her way closer, peeking her eyes into the large home. As she investigated what appeared to be a living room, she saw Lori prepare some kind of tabletop game with a smile and joining her was a girl about her brother's age with light brown hair tied in a braid. The girl said something to Lori, but to Luna, it was inaudible. Leni eventually showed up with a smile on her face as well. The girl said something to Leni as well, and although Leni looked confused at first, she smiled again, as she seemingly understood. And then, Luna's whole body froze when she saw a boy sliding into the room with a bowl of popcorn above his head like a prized possession. With a large smile, he said something that made the girl giggle. His white hair stood out and Luna's eyes widened, as there was only one boy she knew with white hair - her brother, Lincoln.

Luna could not fathom what she was seeing. Lincoln was alive and well and not only that, he was with two of their sisters who were supposed to be looking for him. Slow breaths left her mouth, misting the window in front of her, and her heart rate slowed down as all the gusting wind around her filled her ears with howling noises. Her legs quivered and this caused her to lose her footing on the cold hard ground before slipping and taking a fall onto a patch of snow beneath her. She tried to reach out for something to grip, but her knuckle accidentally grazed the window in the process. She swore in her mind and tried to get up and flee the scene, but she wouldn't be able to get away unnoticed, as she heard a dog barking. Looking back at the window, there was a Dalmatian barking, his eyes locked on Luna. And of course, the dog alerted everyone in the living room to look out and see what the ruckus was. Lori, Leni, the girl, the dog, and Lincoln all piled up at the window and looked down at Luna, casting diverging looks.