I hope you guys are sitting down for this one, cause things are about to get a little wild. But more on that later...
REVIEWS
Matthew Crispin - I have been thinking of having a crossover of that nature. We'll have to see what happens in the future but it's definitely a possibility.
Indy Scott - A lot sure did happen last episode and a lot more is about to happen in this one, so stay tuned! Also, about Sergio, that'll be explained in due time. ;)
Guest - Wow. That's an impressive headcanon for Lloyd. I'll be honest what I was originally thinking was nowhere near as detailed as what you wrote. So thanks! This may very well be Lloyd's official backstory the next time he appears.
Guest - Yup. Her senses have been heightened tenfold, which allows her to do stuff like that. It's pretty nerve wracking but useful to have.
J - Wow. Those kids sound awesome! I should probably check those stories out sometime. If I can still find them that is. Oh and about the Web Rogues, their role is about to be significantly expanded in this episode.
Guest - Yeah, Cassidy's got a difficult road ahead of her going forward. Also, I'm still trying to think of a poison villain but the process has been a bit slow so far.
JTWAS1994 - I'm glad you're always excited for these stories. Well, I better not keep you waiting any longer. Let's get to the episode!
Today's episode is going to be a two parter! And I'll let this first part speak for itself. See you guys at the end! Reviews and constructive criticism welcome!
NB: This episode was inspired by UnnaturalEnemies. Credit also goes to a guest review and Nick Name for ideas used in this episode. Thank you for your reviews.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Casagrandes. I do not own the Loud House. All rights belong to Nickelodeon.
NB: The theme song is Feel Invincible by Skillet. Some lyrics have been slightly modified to fit the series. Otherwise, the song is exactly the same. I hope you all enjoy it!
Theme Song
Target on my back
Lone survivor lasts
They got me in their sights
No surrender no
Webs and stingers go
Living the dangerous life
Hey, hey, hey
Everyday when I wake
I'm trying to get up
They're knocking me down
Chewing me up
Spitting me out
Hey, hey, hey
When I need to be brave
You're making me strong
You're making me stand
Never will fall!
Never will end!
Shot like a rocket up into the sky
Nothing could stop me tonight
You make me feel invincible
Earthquake powerful
Just like a tidal wave
You make me brave
You're my titanium
Fight song raising up
Like a roar of victory in a stadium
Who can touch me 'cause I
(I'm made of fire!)
Who can stop me tonight
(I'm hard-wired!)
You make me feel invincible!
I feel, I feel it!
Invincible!
I feel, I feel it!
Invincible!
Episode 9: What Lies Beneath Part 1
Stanley Chang was driving the last subway train route for the day. It was late afternoon and his last stop was in the northern part of Great Lakes.
"Alright folks, we'll be reaching the station soon. Please ensure that you locate all your belongings before you exit the subway." said Stanley, over the intercom.
Stanley focused his attention back on the rails in front of him, as he stared at a seemingly endless black void. He kept pushing through the tunnel as normal when suddenly...
*a loud thump is heard at the rear of the train*
"Huh?"
Stanley looked at the dashboard in front him and realized that the rear of the train had been slightly damaged. Before he had time to really inquire about it, more thumps were heard above him, as something seemed to be running on top of the train.
*passengers are starting to freak out*
"Please remain calm everyone. I'm not sure what's going on, but I assure you that we're-"
Suddenly, a large creature of some sort appeared on the train's windshield.
This creature appeared to be a humanoid mantis hybrid. It had four arms. Two of them were located on its shoulders, which looked like human-like mantis arms. And the other two were in regular position in retrospect to an actual human. They more closely resembled the traditional praying mantis arms. This creature also appeared to have a mantis' abdomen on his lower back.
Stanley was frozen in shock and fear as the mantis hybrid leapt from the windshield and started running away from the train further down the tunnel.
It took Stanley a minute to process what just happened.
"Um...we're almost at our destination people!...Please disregard uh...whatever you just saw. Thank you." said Stanley, really confused.
Later that night at the Changs' apartment...
"...It was big and green and it had four arms! Four! It was horrible honey!" said Stanley, shaking in his wife's arms.
"It sounds like you're describing a giant praying mantis Stan, but I highly doubt mantises grow that big." said Becca Chang.
"Maybe it's a super mantis!" exclaimed Adelaide.
"Or it could be a mutation." said Sid.
"Whatever it is, I'm not going back in those tunnels until it's gone. I talked to the GLART Board of Directors already. They're shutting down the subway system to the public until further notice." said Stanley.
"I think that's for the best. We don't want anybody getting hurt." said Becca.
"But Mom, it doesn't sound like the mantis man was trying to hurt anybody! Dad said he was running away!" said Adelaide.
"Well of course he ran away! He obviously didn't want anybody to see him." said Stanley.
A brief silence followed after his statement. Becca looked over at Sid in concern, who was unusually quiet.
"Sid? Are you okay? You've been awfully quiet." said Sid.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Mom, I was just thinking about the situation, that's all." said Sid.
Before Becca could respond to this further, a knock was heard at their door.
"Ooh. That must be the pizza guy. I'll get it." said Becca, breaking the embrace from Stanley, as she went to go answer the door.
Sid breathed a sigh of relief while Adelaide had a determined look on her face. It seemed like she wasn't thoroughly convinced of the events that took place in the subway that afternoon.
Even later that night, around midnight...
*the door to Adelaide's room squeaks open and Adelaide pokes her head outside*
"Coast is clear." said Adelaide, as she closed the door and went to open her bedroom window.
She was wearing what looked to be a spy outfit. It was a black suit with black gloves and boots and a black tam to match. She also had a black backpack.
Adelaide hopped out her bedroom window and landed on the fire escape stairs.
"I'm gonna find you Mr. Mantis Man." said Adelaide, as she quickly ran down the stairs to reach street level.
A few minutes later, she had reached the subway entrance in the south side of Great Lakes City.
"*pulls out flashlight and turns it on* Time to investigate." said Adelaide.
She walked around the temporarily abandoned subway tunnels searching endlessly for the mantis creature. She had been at it for awhile and was starting to get tired.
"Ugh...I should've packed a snack." said Adelaide.
Suddenly, she saw a bright red flash on the tunnel wall before her followed by a human-like scream.
"*gasps* This could be him!" said Adelaide, as she hustled down the tunnel to see what was going on.
As she turned the corner, she saw it. She saw the mantis creature jumping around, swatting at larvinauts that were swarming around him.
"Grr! Leave me alone!" exclaimed the mantis creature.
"Manitrex. You will return to me at once!" said a familiar female voice.
"Who is that?" said Adelaide to herself.
Suddenly, one of the larvinauts took notice of Adelaide's presence and started shooting laser blasts at her.
"Ahh!" cried Adelaide, as she dove out of the way.
The mantis creature suddenly took notice of her as well and decided to act. It swiped at the larvinauts around it with it's upper forearms, destroying them. It then gave chase after Adelaide.
Meanwhile, the larvinaut who had spotted Adelaide was currently chasing her through the tunnel, taking shots at her with its laser blasts.
Adelaide was panting heavily and was very frightened at this point. Suddenly, she tripped over a rail and fell to the ground.
"*looks up and sees the larvinaut hovering over her* Um...hi. I'm Adelaide...Please don't hurt me!" said Adelaide trembling.
Before the larvinaut could do anything however, it was suddenly struck down out of nowhere.
Adelaide looked up in shock to see the mantis creature had saved her.
"Hey...are you alright?" asked the mantis creature.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine." said Adelaide, still in shock.
"Good. Now get out of here. This is no place for little girls." said the mantis creature, turning to leave.
"Wait! Who are you?" asked Adelaide.
"It's best you don't know about me, little girl." said the mantis creature.
"I have a name you know! It's Adelaide. Nice to meet you uh...well, since you don't want to tell me your name, I'll give you one!" said Adelaide.
"*smirks* Whatever floats your boat kid..." said the mantis creature.
"Oliver! I'll name you Oliver! Oliver the mantis!" said Adelaide.
"Thanks. Now I really must be going." said Oliver.
"Wait! Before you go, why did you save me?" asked Adelaide.
"Cause I'm not a monster, even though that's what the public thinks. I'm a good guy at heart." said Oliver.
Adelaide just smiled at him brightly.
"Thank you Oliver." said Adelaide.
"You're welcome...Adelaide." said Oliver, as he hopped away from her, disappearing into the dark void of the tunnel.
A few minutes later, back at the Changs' apartment...
*Adelaide hops back through her bedroom window and closes it*
Suddenly, the lights in her room are switched on and she becomes startled.
"*turns around* Sid?!" said Adelaide shocked.
"Adelaide! What were you doing?! Where were you?" asked Sid.
"Um...I went to find the mantis man." said Adelaide.
"You what?! You went down into the tunnels by yourself?!" exclaimed Sid, a bit loudly.
"Yes, I did! Please don't tell Mom and Dad Sid! I had to find him!" said Adelaide, pleading with her sister.
"Why?" asked Sid curious.
"I knew he wasn't a bad guy, and he isn't! People just have the wrong idea about him!" said Adelaide.
"So wait, you met him?" asked Sid.
"Yeah! He was trying to get away from some robot things. One of them turned on me and started shooting at me, but he saved me!" said Adelaide.
"Wait. Did you say robots?" asked Sid.
"Yeah." said Adelaide.
"Like, mini robots? How did they look?" asked Sid.
"They were shaped like bugs or something. Caterpillars maybe?" said Adelaide.
"Caterpillars..." thought Sid.
She suddenly had a flashback of a larvinaut, when one invaded Ronnie Anne's room.
"Sid? Sid?! Are you okay?" asked Adelaide.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I was just-"
"Thinking again?" asked Adelaide.
"Right. Thinking." said Sid.
"So...you're not gonna tell Mom and Dad about this right?" asked Adelaide.
"No, but please don't do this again Adelaide. I don't want you to get hurt." said Sid.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I'm just worried about him you know? I don't think he's a monster." said Adelaide.
"Yeah...you may be right..." said Sid, thinking about the situation again.
The next morning at the Casagrandes...
"The Great Lakes Area Rail Transit system has been shut down until further notice. A mutant mantis monster was spotted in the tunnels beneath the city yesterday and now the police are launching an investigation into the matter."
The Casagrandes were all grouped together in the living room watching the morning news. They were all shocked by what was being reported on, but even more so was Ronnie Anne.
"Mutant mantis monster? Why does it feel like there's a bigger story here?" thought Ronnie Anne.
She was suddenly brought out of her thoughts by her cellphone ringing.
"Sorry guys. I'll be right back." said Ronnie Anne, as she got up from the couch and went to her room.
"*closes room door and answers the phone* Hello?" said Ronnie Anne.
"Turn around Ronnie!" said Sid.
Ronnie Anne turned around to see Sid by her bedroom window. She opened it up and let her inside.
"Sid. What's up?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"I'm not sure but, I know something's wrong." said Sid.
"What is it?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"You've heard about the mantis monster right?" asked Sid.
"Yeah the news is giving a report on it right now." said Ronnie Anne.
Ronnie Anne suddenly noticed that something was bothering Sid. Her hands were shaking, she had beads of sweat on her forehead, and her eyes were darting all over the place.
"Sid. Are you okay?" asked Ronnie Anne concerned.
"*sighs* You're the third person who's asked me that. Ronnie, I have some news about that mantis guy. I don't think he's a monster." said Sid.
"How can you tell?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"*sighs again* Adelaide snuck out last night to find him and she did." said Sid.
"She didn't get hurt right?" asked Ronnie Anne concerned.
"That's the thing. She said the mantis saved her." said Sid.
"Saved her from what?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"Mini robots that looked like caterpillars..." said Sid.
Ronnie Anne suddenly tensed up a bit.
"Ronnie?" said Sid.
"Larvinauts...Butterfly...Wait. Butterfly! That's it! Butterfly has to be behind this!" said Ronnie Anne.
"That's what I was thinking too. Adelaide said the mantis was trying to get away from the larvinauts." said Sid.
"This mantis guy must've just escaped from Butterfly's hideout or something..." said Ronnie Anne.
Suddenly, Ronnie Anne had a flashback.
FLASHBACK
"Tell Madame Butterfly I want my brother back." said Tarantula sternly.
"I don't think you'd want him back now. He's not your brother anymore." said Mosquito.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Ronnie Anne? You don't think its...your brother..." said Sid reluctantly.
"*shakes her head* Either way, we have to find out! We have to explore those tunnels and find that mantis!" said Ronnie Anne.
"Wait. We?" said Sid surprised.
"Yes, we. I can't do this alone. Call up the rest of the Rogues and tell 'em to come over here. We've got a mission to do." said Ronnie Anne.
About an half hour later...
"Thanks for coming guys. Sid already told you what's going down?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"Yeah, she said we're looking for a mantis?" asked Casey confused.
"Wait, you don't mean the mantis mutant that's in the tunnels do you?" asked Sameer.
"Yes. I don't think this mantis is a monster. Sid's sister saw him fighting off larvinauts last night." said Ronnie Anne.
"Larvinauts?" said Sameer.
"*gasps* This mantis must be connected to Madame Butterfly somehow!" said Nikki.
"It's a hunch, but I have to follow it. We have to find this mantis!" said Ronnie Anne.
"So are we doing a stakeout like last time?" asked Casey.
"Not exactly. Uncle Carlos and a friend have been working on some inventions for you guys so you can help me in the field." said Ronnie Anne.
"Wait, you mean-?"
"Yup! Say hello to your new Rogue Pendants! Uh, name patent pending. These were designed by our good friend Lisa Loud." said Carlos, entering the room from his makeshift lab, which was housed in his closet.
"Hello everyone. I am Lisa as you've just heard. Ronnie Anne asked me to help make some hero gadgets for you all." said Lisa, exiting the lab behind Carlos.
"Wait. You made these?! You look like you're five years old!" said Casey astonished.
"I am four years old to be exact. I am described to be, as you say, a super genius." said Lisa.
"I should probably mention this now. Lisa's actually a superhero." said Ronnie Anne.
"Wait what?!" said Nikki floored.
"Yeah. Ever heard of Super Thunder?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"Who hasn't?!" said Casey.
"My family and I fight crime in Royal Woods pretty much on a daily basis." said Lisa.
"You guys remember Lincoln right? She's his sister." said Ronnie Anne.
"Oh..." said all the Rogues in unison.
"Wow Ronnie Anne! You know a lot of cool people!" said Sameer.
"It comes with being a hero I guess. And now you guys get to join me!" said Ronnie Anne.
"Come on guys, let's try out these pendants!" said Sid, as she slid hers on her wrist.
The other Rogues did the same. Then, with a push of each of their buttons, digital images of super suits were scanned onto them.
Nikki's suit was a light blue suit of armor with a dark blue swirl insignia on the front. Her suit also came with a light blue full head helmet that had a tinted visor. Attached at her feet were modified skates with rocket boosters.
Casey's suit was a golden suit of armor with red flame accents. He had a golden shield on the front with a flame insignia on it and also wore gold goggles with flame accents on them as well. He also had a jetpack with the same gold and red flame color scheme.
Sameer's suit was tan with two orange spark insignias on the front. His mask was tan with a brown trim. His gloves and boots appeared to have special grips built into them.
Sid's suit was pink with a moon insignia on the front. She had a pink helmet with a tinted visor that only covered her eyes. She also had a mini pink mohawk at the top of the helmet. Around her waist appeared to be a new version of Lisa's anti-gravity belt.
"Whoa! Sweet! I have a jetpack!" said Casey.
"Called it!" said Sid.
"What are these, rocket skates?" asked Nikki.
"Precisely. These skates will help you zoom through Great Lakes City at rapid speed. Essentially giving you super speed." said Lisa.
"Whoa! This is gonna be way better than shredding." said Nikki.
"What can I do?" asked Sameer.
"Your suit allows you to alter the friction of surfaces by touching them. The dials in your gloves tell the suit to either make the surface very slippery or very coarse." said Lisa.
"Wow. Sounds complicated." said Sameer, scratching his head.
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it." said Lisa.
"What's with this belt Lisa?" asked Sid, fiddling around with the anti-gravity belt.
"That belt is the key to your powers! You can use it to alter the gravity around you. This means you can make things lighter or heavier, you can suspend things in midair, and you can essentially fly." said Lisa.
"Awesome! I've always wanted to fly! I can soar like an eagle!" said Sid.
"What about me?" asked Casey.
"Your suit is equipped with high-tech super armor! That shield in the front is detachable, so you can use it as a weapon or for defense. And of course, you also have a jetpack to aid you in flight." said Lisa.
"Sweet! Thanks Lisa!" said Casey.
"You're all very welcome." said Lisa.
"This is it guys! We're all officially Web Rogues!" said Sid excitedly.
"Yup. *activates her pendant* Tarantula and the Web Rogues." said Tarantula, entering a pose in front of her new team.
*a flash of light suddenly flashes across them*
"Sorry. I just couldn't resist! They're all so cute! Ronnie Anne finally has a team!" said Frida, holding a camera in her hands.
"Ooh, speaking of that, you guys still need hero names." said Tarantula.
"I think I've got mine. Rocket." said Casey, now known as Rocket.
"Hmm...how about Express?" said Nikki, now known as Express.
"Uh...what did you say I can do again?" asked Sameer.
"You can alter the friction of different surfaces." said Lisa.
"That's it! I'll be Friction!" said Sameer, now known as Friction.
"Okay. I've gotta think hard about this. The name is one of the things that defines a superhero!" said Sid.
"Maybe your name could have something to do with your gravity powers Sid." said Tarantula.
"How about Zero Gravity?" said Sameer.
"G-Force?" said Casey.
"Or maybe Orbit? Since you can change gravity and different planets have different gravities around them." said Nikki.
"That's perfect! Thanks Nikki! From now on, I'll be known as Orbit!" said Sid, now known as Orbit.
"Great. Well, it looks like you all are ready to do some investigating-"
Lisa suddenly stopped talking as she suddenly received a vision.
"Lisa?" said Sameer.
"What's wrong with her?" asked Nikki concerned.
"Her powers allow her to see visions from time to time." said Carlos.
"That's right and the one I had just showed me your television for some reason." said Lisa.
"Ronnie! You guys gotta see this! The Commissioner of police is bringing in soldiers from Royal Woods to help catch the mantis monster!" said Carlota, bursting into the room.
Everyone in the room suddenly ran to the living room to see what was going on.
"And are you sure military assistance is necessary for this case Commissioner?" asked Sandra Gayle, the news reporter.
"Of course. This is a mutant we're dealing with may I remind you. The military unit from Royal Woods will be very helpful in tracking this monster down." said Richards.
"Well, the city is hoping that you are successful in catching this monster." said Sandra.
"I give the city my word that we will catch this mantis. This monster won't be terrorizing the subways for much longer." said Richards.
"Thank you Commissioner Richards." said Sandra.
Commissioner Richards gave a head nod as he walked away from the reporter.
"Well, there you have it folks. The police are fully aware of the situation and are currently handling it as we speak. This is Sandra Gayle reporting live for-"
"We've gotta move guys! The police aren't playing around!" said Tarantula.
"I'll say. Especially if they're enlisting the help of the Royal Woods military. I think I better tag along with you guys to offer extra assistance." said Lisa, as she activated her PortaPendant and donned her super suit.
"Thanks Lisa. Alright Rogues, you ready?" said Tarantula.
"Let's do this!" said Nikki.
"You kids be careful. Especially you Ronnie Anne." said Maria.
"Don't worry Mom, we will. Let's go!" said Tarantula.
Tarantula, Super Sense, and the newly formed Web Rogues were then seen jumping from the top of the Casagrandes' apartment building, into the city below.
Meanwhile with Madame Butterfly...
*Madame Butterfly sees Tarantula and the others leap from the building*
"Mosquito." said MB.
"*suddenly appears* Yes Madame?" said Mosquito.
"We have another bug problem." said MB.
"Tarantula?" asked Mosquito.
"Yes, and this time it seems she has some extra help. They've formed a search party to look for Manitrex." said MB.
"I see. So you want me to-"
"Stop them at all costs yes, and also bring that mantis back here before he gives away my location." said MB.
"Don't worry Madame. I will find him." said Mosquito.
"Please do so." said MB.
Mosquito then shrunk down to microscopic size and disappeared.
Madame Butterfly then smirked to herself before saying:
"Bunch of pests..."
The stakes are high in this episode! Ronnie Anne has enlisted the help of her friends to help track down a supposed mantis monster hiding out in the city subway tunnels.
However, her group aren't the only ones after this mantis. Between the police and Madame Butterfly, Tarantula and the Web Rogues have a tough mission ahead of them in Part 2 of this episode!
I hope you guys enjoyed Part 1. Let me know what you thought of it! Next time, there's gonna be some real action so stay tuned for that.
Alright, that's it for this outro. Thank you guys for reading and I'll see you all next time. 65 out.