Monday afternoon in Hazeltuckey Middle school. Amidst the constant drama over the stalemate of the war, Hank and Hawk were discussing the plan to pressure the Louds into complete submission.

"Run that by me again?" Hawk was munching on a burrito.

"We'll let Margo handle that cracker brat," Hank said, "We'll follow them to Miss Brownie's place. You'll throttle the parents, and I'll rough up the kiddies a bit."

"So, you get the wimps, and I get the tough hardcore adults?" Hawk gulped down his last bite, "What're you getting at, bro?"

"Nothing," Hank answered, "Just..." He peeked around and made sure no one was around to hear him, then he whispered, "...Margo said to keep it secret. No one suspects us."

"Ohhhh, I gotcha," Hawk winked, "You'll go and silence those pipsqueaks."

"Exactly!" Hawk chuckled and punched his friend's shoulder, "You get it!"

"Right, bro," Hawk bumped fists, "So, how're you gonna beat them down?"

"*GULP* Beat down?" Hank swallowed his burrito whole, "Dude...All's I gotta do is beat down the strongest of the strongest. Everyone else is just pushover."

"Are you sure, bro?" Hawk got in his face, "What's your deal?"

"Why we gotta beat them down when we could make them out henchmen?"

"Dude, they're girls..."

"Not anymore, they ain't."

And on that cue, Hawk suddenly started getting very vivid fantasy flashes of him and Luna making a storm across the state, enforcing their rule onto the wusses of the masses, taking whatever they want, embracing their wild side and bringing their havoc to the fake strongmen of the world... and him dominating the rotten Louds and his own worthless family with Luna at his side.

Hawk excitedly threw his tray at a wimpy person and banged the table, "The hell what that other woman said! Let's take the Louds prisoner!"

"Sweet!" Hank was relieved that he wouldn't have to actually kill anyone (the two year old), "So, how are we gonna do this?"

"I was gonna follow them to that purple beaner and use her as a hostage-"

Oh, right. Hank forgot about her, "You want us to get mauled by a robot in undies? No, just knock her out cold!"

"Hell, no! I wanna make her scream! I still got that banana peel fresh in my mind," Hawk crushed his fork into dust, "I ain't about to let her outta my sight."

Back in their respective homes, Hank and Hawk were preparing for the Tuesday move. They both had in mind to subdue the Louds, but their methods just became very different. Hank was just a bully, but now one wrong move and he would be elevated to killer, something that Hawk would probably scoff at. He has to be careful with his own actions now, not just for his own sake but also for the sake of everyone else he's going after. Even he once had an ambition of his own, and he wasn't about to forget about it.

He had finished packing a very light bag when he heard a knock on the door, "Huh?" He stuck his head into the empty hallway and saw a tall silhouette at the door, "Janice should be home late...oh, crap." He grabbed a crowbar and charged at the door, "RRAAAAAAAAA-" but when he swung, a hand crashed through the glass on the door and caught the crowbar.

"Take it easy!" A womanly voice pierced the space, "I'm not an enemy!"

"Then, who are you?!" Hank screamed.

"It's Autumn! The orange woman Margo mentioned!"

"Margo..." Hank recognized the name. He loosened his grip on the bar, "What are you doing here? What did she say about me?"

The orange-haired woman opened the door from the inside and let herself in, "A lot. She said you're going out to Great Lakes City."

"Yeah..." Hank tensed up, "We agreed on that."

Autumn brushed her arm off and then locked the door shut, "She also said you convinced Hawk to spare the Loud family."

"Yeah. Why get rid of what's useful to u-"

Autumn flung a knife past him, barely grazing his hair, "Squall's orders were to do away with them. Margo did tell you this, did she not?"

Hank got nervous, "Uh...no. She didn't...what gave you that idea?"

"Hawk called," Autumn approached him, "Said something about changing the plan."

Hank slapped his forehead. He knew Hawk was a show-off, but he didn't think Hawk was bold enough to tell someone. He flinched when Autumn's hand smacked the wall behind him. She leaned in close and cornered him with her legs.

"What's the matter?" Autumn smirked, "Losing your nerve?"

"What?" Hank dropped sweat.

"You're not backing out of this mission, are you?"

"Absolutely not," he answered, "I'm still going to show that hag up-"

"Not the Anne, dumbass," Autumn grabbed his collar, "the whites. We need them out of the picture."

"But what if that girl was going-"

"We witnessed a demonstration in her area already. Ronnie Anne can't move jack-squat on that IS."

"Huh?!" Hank was stumped.

"Be honest," Autumn leaned in, "You're doubting yourself that you can pull this off. That's why you changed Hawk's mind, didn't you?"

"No, I just said I would go over there-"

"To kill them?"

"Well...we..." Hank couldn't find any more excuses. He knew that the plan was to kill them, but he never thought to question it until he was actually close to doing it at the football game.

"Listen," Autumn said, "Do you have any idea what those people would do if they're allowed to live? They've already remembered what you did to assert yourself in their presence and continually stood up to you and your ambitions. Spare them, and they'll remember this little operation and turn you in. You'll never get your dream gang if that happens."

"Dream gang-what?!" Hank was questioning that notion. He never knew it was possible to have his own words put into his mouth. But now of all times did he think that those words weren't really his.

But Autumn reminded him exactly why he went along with Margo in this plan, "And I don't need to remind you of what'll happen to you and yours."

"Janice..." Hank suddenly grew a second pair, "Oh, you better not-" he was pushed down "-AGH!"

"Oops... I guess the secret's out," Autumn taunted, "Punk little Hank and his skank mama had the fortune of coming here the right way. But sweet innocent Janice...well...didn't."

That brought up a lot of unnecessary emotions and stress onto Hank, "Take that back, you..." Unfortunately, what could he do against someone who caught his best weapon with her glass-scarred bare hands?

"So, Hank..." Autumn kneeled down to his level, "You will follow through with the plan...right?"

Hank had to comply, "Ugh...fine..."

"Good," Autumn brushed her hair off, "Keep in mind, there are stakes to victory and defeat. I suggest you pick the right path," and saw herself out.

Hank picked himself up and threw his jacket on the floor, "DAMMIT! Where's a good mom when you need her?!" He was frustrated beyond belief. His biggest secret, which he hadn't even told Hawk or Margo, had just been exposed by an outsider. He wasn't sure if he wanted to dominate the county anymore. He wasn't even sure if the Louds were worth it anymore. The only thing he was sure of was that he needed some pressure relief.

And he knew exactly who to get his relief from. That night, before the move, Hank walked over to the assigned hideout, where Juniper, Janice, Hawk, and Margo were finalizing the plan.

"Hey, dude," Hawk waved, "What took you so long?"

"Dude, we gotta talk," Hank said, only to be cut off by Margo.

"There's nothing to talk about," Margo flatly said, "Autumn told me what you were trying to do, and I'm not having it either."

"Come on!" Hank shouted, "Phantom Task can't use some more soldiers?!"

"I wish we could keep that punk rocker," Hawk thought, "but I can't help but feel like you're losing your touch. We stuck our backs out for each other, us against the world."

"But...killing them?! Did you ever actually kill someone before?!"

"No, but I wanna feel it."

"Whoa, wait, what?" Juniper overheard that last line, "You're gonna do what?"

"Bro?" Janice walked over to Hank, "Are we really gonna kill them-"

"Ok, can we please stop saying that word?!" Hank screamed.

"Don't walk out on us now, bro!" Hawk said, "I ain't about to let you ruin everything we've worked for."

"Who said I was ruining it?!" Hank protested.

"Hawk, you're seriously going to kill them?" Juniper asked.

"Well, uh..." Hawk attempted to answer, until...

"After the way those two mud heads rattled us?" Janice dragged Juniper into her armpit, "Why wouldn't he?!"

"Hehe, can't argue with that," Juniper nodded.

"Of course, we're gonna deal with them," Hawk ruffled their hair, "And you'll be there to see it all."

"It will be done," Margo agreed, then turned to Hank, "Right?"

Hank felt the pressure, not just from that Autumn woman, but from everyone else as well, especially the two younger sisters. He had to go along with them now, "Uh, sure...yeah, we'll do it."

While the youngsters cheered and Margo and Hawk nodded in suspicious content, Hank was unnerved. The little baby was now on his hit list, as were the parents and the first grader. And there was no escaping it this time. He was faced with a choice: deal with the Louds (and possibly the Casagrandes) an inch from death, or they'll deal with his sister.

A choice he'll have plenty of time to make, because by the time he finished his meeting with the attack squad, Lincoln and his defense squad arrived at the airport to their assigned terminal.

"Daaaaaaaaaang..." Akina whistled, "We get our own private jet."

"It belongs to the IS Academy principal...for some reason," Kim pointed out, "Let's not leave any stains on it."

"Pit stains or blood stains?"

"Any."

Lincoln was staring at the plane through the window, lost in his mind, "I'm going back home with more baggage than I left with..." He turned to Kim, "You think they'll get over the squirrel costume thing?"

"We won't know until we confront them," Kim couldn't find a good answer.

"Oh..." Lincoln patted his heart. He didn't want to come back to his family unsure about their coverup of his past. He had to know what they were thinking when he turned into their lightning rod, and he had to decide if it was similar to how he turned into a lightning rod for Ichika and Laura.

Just then, an announcement came through the PA system, "WE WILL NOW BE BOARDING FLIGHT P 1-1-3. ALL PASSENGERS COME TO THE GATE AT THIS TIME."

"That's us," Akina motioned them towards the check in station, "Let's roll."

The trio began the short walk into the long day. Lincoln managed to stow his reservations in the back of his mind. He took one last look at the oriental world outside the safety zone of the airport. He nodded to himself and put a fist in the air, "Be seeing you. I'm off to deal out some justice."

Unbeknownst to them, a German flight attendant was put on break and watched them board their plane. She tapped her earpiece and made a secure call to an unknown number, "Kommandant Clarissa Harfouch, I have visual confirmation of the boy Loud entering the private plane."

"Understood," Clarissa responded, "We will depart immediately." She hung up her phone and instructed her attendant to begin the operation, "We have clearance. Start einleiten."

Her attendant nodded and pushed down several switches to kickstart their plane's engines. She then ran diagnostics until the screen lit up green, "Autopilot is now active. We're ready for takeoff. Where to, Kommandant?"

"Detroit Metropolitan Airport," Clarissa ordered, "Maximum output."

"Jawhol," the attendant said, then signaled to the rest of the Black Hare Corps, "STARTBEREIT. STARTEN IN 3...2...1..."

The thrusters and engines roared. The flaps flew. Clarissa's plane rocketed out of the runway and took off to the sky at the same time as Lincoln's plane.

Lincoln's flight dragged on into the long ocean hours-

"Ohhhhhohohohomigoooood..." Akina moaned while opening her legs, "So this is what first class feels like..."

"Could you take it easy on the floor, please?" Lincoln tried to avert his eyes from Akina constantly rolling on the floor, "You're giving me the heebie-jeebies..."

"I never got this much knee and elbow room on those regular planes..."

Suddenly, Kim presses the button to close all windows, "Better enjoy it all now. It's time for us to get some rest."

"Oh, bugger..." Akina groaned, "Do we really have to? It'll be Tuesday afternoon in Michigan when we land..."

"At which point we'll have to flag down a hotel and wait for the next day," Kim said, "and then we'll have to meet with AAdsz and decide who's going where and then spend the next four days eyeing everything that looks like a robotic seraph."

Akina and Lincoln gave her that blank stare, "...we seriously have to do all of that?..."

Right when Chifuyu issued the entire first year class a grueling assignment, "There's a rumor going around that Fuji-san was where the very first IS core was developed. I want a two page research report confirming or denying this very rumor from each of you, before we leave."

All hundred sixty something students went "...we seriously have to do all of that?..."

Chifuyu reiterated very intimidatingly, "Is there a problem?"

"No, ma'am!" Everyone screamed.

The right time to do whatever rapidly turned into wrong time to do nothing, as all (but five) first year students groveled over the potential drag this assignment had on the supposed fun-time trip.

"Guh...Why did it have to come to this?..." Cecilia groaned.

"This really puts a damper on everything I planned for us," Rin cracked her neck, "I actually had a whole itinerary raring to go!"

"And how much of it involves some begotten competition?"

Rin looked away, "...half of it?"

"You know, we technically have a few days to finish this thing," Charlotte said, "There's nothing stopping us from collaborating."

"That's a little helpful..." Cecilia said, then she was felt up the shoulder, "Ohhh, Ichika? Quite the grip you-"

"Oh man, your shoulders are unbelievably stiff," Ichika commented, "Why don't I give you a massage in my room?"

"Uh-really?!" Cecilia exclaimed, "You...you'd be willing?!..."

"Hey, I did it for Rin and Houki," Ichika scratched his neck, "I don't see the problem with giving you one as well."

"Oh... I..." Cecilia stuttered before calming herself down, "I'd be mad to not accept such an offer."

"How about me?" Kiyoka jumped in, "Can I get a-"

"Not you, Kiyoka," Ichika flatly rejected her, "You or Sayuka."

"What?! But why?!"

"Because you still haven't apologized," Ichika grabbed Cecilia and Charlotte's hands, "Now leave my sight," and ironically left her sight.

"Ichika, I think you were a bit harsh on her," Charlotte muttered, "Are you sure you need to continue putting up a front on Lincoln?"

"It's not him," Ichika answered, "They used me as a pawn in a game-bet, actually. Either way, I don't appreciate it."

"But-But it's virtually in their nature to pull stunts like that!" Cecilia stammered, "It was all in good fun!"

"But I'm a guy," Ichika said, "Things that seem like fun to them are just plain wrong to me."

"Well...ok, if you say so..." Charlotte wasn't sure if she understood what he meant, but she had to go along with it.

"Fine!" Kiyoka stomped, "See if I care! I got some good friends who won't take your crap for an answer!" So she said, but as soon as she turned around-

"You're still doing that?"

"Ah, Houki!" Kiyoka grabbed her arm, "Hey, I saw a shop a couple blocks that way! Whaddaya say we-"

"No thanks," Houki yanked her hand back and walked away.

Then, Kiyoka looked around and saw other students walking past her, actively avoiding eye contact. This, she couldn't stand, "What's wrong with you?! Why are you getting so worked up over one little incident?!"

"A little incident that spurred into a great big lie," another student said, "Lincoln's probably thinking about pulling out of the Academy."

"Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?!"

"No, it's not," Kaoruko flatly pointed her finger at her, "because he's the most prolific minor in his home country. He's going to tell everybody who's been trying to do him in. And then, you'll be the one they pin this on!"

"I just did what had to be done! He had no business butting in that agreement!"

"Well, would you agree on this headline? Vicious Group of Teenagers Bully 12-year-old Out of IS Academy!"

"Bully?!" Kiyoka felt offended, "That's what you think I did?!"

"What else do you call spreading rumors and calling names and getting in his face yelling at him what he did?!"

"Wha...I...that's ridiculous!" Kiyoka stammered, "That's not how it went down, right Hana?"

Hana emerged from the nearby store, grim-faced and not at all pleased how Kiyoka's refusal to admit any wrongdoing.

"Right, Hana?" Kiyoka repeated, to no answer, "Say something!"

Hana pointed her finger at Kiyoka, "It wasn't just Lincoln. You tried to harass me as well."

Kiyoka locked up.

"And not only that," Hana continued, "You're gonna withdraw just to show him up and beat him at a game he doesn't wanna play!"

That's when it happened. That's when she heard it. Whispers of the people around her, rumors starting to spread. Some speculated as to what drove Kiyoka so far to lash out at the Academy. Some speculated whether or not Lincoln knew about her revenge scheme. Some speculated whether the bad luck brouhaha had gone too far. Others speculated if Kiyoka really did consider withdrawing before Lincoln just to spite him and spins the story before he could even tell it.

One thing was for certain: everyone started to question Kiyoka's presence. The students quickly dispersed and left Kiyoka alone to face the empty darkness. Hana quickly went to the shrine.

Meanwhile in a hotel room, Charlotte really went along with it while getting her shoulders massaged, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh...if you say so, Ichika..."

"Can you please control that voice of yours?..." Ichika was trying to focus on her back, which only made it more awkward for him, "You're, um...you're giving me ideas..."

"How could he not?" Cecilia stretched her shoulders feeling mighty refreshed, "Don't you feel like flying away on a magical cloud after a semester's worth of stress has been lifted away from you?..."

"I thought I was pushing them deep inside you."

"What?" Cecilia got angry he ruined the moment.

"Is that a "made it gross" or a "made things worse" moment?" Charlotte asked.

Outside, Laura was staying on assignment, investigating a nearby souvenir shop for anything worthwhile, when she was approached by Sayuka. She barely bat an eye at her, "What do you want?"

"Just wanted to talk," Sayuka said.

"Talk you say... you still want dirt on Lincoln Loud, do you not?"

"I didn't say that!"

"You were thinking it," Laura said as she scanned a wooden Shirokishi figurine, "I know the looks those other people give you. I know how Ichika and the others actively avoid you. You hate Loud for causing this, completely disregarding the fact that it was your own mouth that prompted Mentor to bring down judgement upon you."

"What's with you?!" Sayuka growled, "You act like he's a savior or something!"

"He saved me from myself... and he saved the harem from certain destruction."

"You...you don't know what you're talking about! That pipsqueak is the one at fault here! He's been-"

"Say one word, and it'll be your last."

"You gotta make me!" Sayuka said, "I'm not gonna stand by and watch my friends take any more crap!"

"Fine..." Laura shook her head and drew her twin arm sabers, "...but make it quick."

"Oh no...no no no no..." Sayuka didn't think Laura would actually take her up on that offer, "You're not gonna gonna get to me this time..." she stepped back as Laura withdrew her sabers.

"Then, do not approach me again," Laura said as she walked past Sayuka and went back into the open night.

Sayuka looked back in fear as Laura walked past the still lingering students who stared back at Sayuka with disdain. She knew it deep down in her heart that she and Kiyoka purposefully twisted Houki's challenge to Ichika way out of proportion to suit her needs, thereby taking advantage of the overwhelming curiosity of the rest of the female student body. That lie turned out to be much bigger than she anticipated, and it caused the target of her affections to have to defend himself against everyone that knew. She just brushed it off and went back to the hotel to find Kiyoka.

Laura herself had walked all the way to the mountain's shrine, where Rin and Hana were praying.

Well, mostly Rin, "Please give me a chance to impress Ichika...Please give me a chance to impress someone...preferably Ichika-"

"Why him?"

"WAHAHAAAA!" Rin and Hana jolted upward and clung to an extremely high pillar.

"Oh, there's no need to be alarmed," Laura said.

"Oh, I totally wasn't alarmed at you POPPING UP AND SCARING ME LIKE THAT!" Rin snapped.

"How fragile you must be, then," Laura walked up to the box while Rin and Hana hopped down.

"What are you even doing here, anyway?" Hana asked.

"Just...just praying," Rin blushed a little.

"For what?"

"For...for NUNYA! What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to confirm the rumor that Mentor assigned," Laura answered, "There's no other purpose for us being here, is there?"

"Wait, that wasn't a joke?" Rin pointed back and forth, "That's a 'for real' assignment that we have to do to satisfy Miss Orimura's insane carnal desires?"

"When have you even known Mentor to be joking?"

"How about a couple hours ago when she was blabbing about nuking our rivals and programs and such?"

"Miss Orimura really said that?..." Hana flinched.

"That's your business," Laura paid no mind to that random tidbit and just walked to the shrine's donation box.

"Eh...you do you..." Rin shrugged and ran back to the hotel.

"So..." Hana asked Laura, "Are you here to make a wish?"

Laura thought for a second, "No, but...might as well." She and Hana walked up to the shrine together, "You know as well?"

"Yeah. Told me right after."

Laura and Hana inspected the shrine and made sure no one was around to listen or peek on their next action. They each took out a small coin and whispered, "Keep him safe," and then dropped them in the box.

And High Card felt that, "Did you hear that?"

"Mmm...Hear what?" Kim asked after waking up.

"Just a whisper..." High Card wondered, "Sounded like a...prayer or something..."

"I think you're phone's busted, dude," Night Club said while entertaining the crew with her guitar, "Might be time for an upgrade."

High Card checked her phone and saw a text notification:

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Keep him safe.

High Card shook her head, "I'm gonna find Ace," and ran. She found Lincoln in the cockpit next to the pilot, staring out into the dawning horizon, "Ace?" She spoke softly, "You doing ok?"

"I think so..." Lincoln answered.

"Oh, there's a seat behind him if you want," the pilot directed High Card to the foldout seat behind Lincoln.

"Oh, thanks..." High Card didn't bother and just sat on the floor, "Um...how long has he been here?"

"Since Miss Kim called for a rest period," the pilot answered, "Hasn't slept since."

"What're You doing in the danger zone?" Lincoln asked.

"Two things," High Card answered, "One: I literally need a new phone...another one."

"Uh...sure..."

"Two...What's going through your mind?"

"Well..." Lincoln sighed, "A lot. I can't help but wonder what my room looks after like three months."

"Oh right...It still has an occupant..."

"I can't get my mind straight whenever my spotlight's on her. Is she sorry? Did she really fake it? What did she tell everyone? What did she do to my room?" Lincoln slumped, "Questions I don't think I'll like their answers to."

"Come on, you're being too pessimistic," High Card said, "Just store it all in a mental compartment until you actually get to your room."

"That's just it. My whole family's going out of town for the week."

"Oh, right. Shame I can't get to meet Lori," High Card started fantasizing, "The way you describe her, she's a real piece of work."

"You wouldn't want to meet her," Lincoln capitalized on the opportunity to take his mind off the coming struggle, "She can drive you insane just with her verbal flubs."

Suddenly, Strong Suit poked her head in, "Someone say flub?"

"Yep," High Card responded, "You know that one word that always gets under your skin because they can't stop saying it?"

"Oh, I hear you!" Night Club shouted and started-

"100 literallys on the wall, 100 literallys. Burn one down, pound to the ground, 99 literallys on the wall. 99 literallys ~~~"

-that. She got everyone else in on the fun and led a singalong to pass the time. At first, they were all in on the joke, but then they got sick of it 15-30-what felt like a lot of minutes later...

"ONE LITERALLY ON THE WALL...ONE LITERALLY...BURN IT DOWN, POUND TO THE GROUND...NOW CAN WE ALL JUST SHUT THE-"

-BEEP!-

"-UP..."

-BEEP!-BEEP!-BEEP!-

"What's that beeping?" Akina asked.

"We've entered the United States airspace," the pilot said, "Everyone please find a seat to buckle up in."

"You heard the woman!" Lincoln shouted, "Batten down the hatches!"

Akina and Kim grabbed Lincoln and buckled them all in a large seat. High Card sat beside the pilot while Strong Suit and Night Club took the exit seats.

"Oh man, this is really happening..." Lincoln whispered.

"I know, right?!" Strong Suit repeatedly pumped her fists, "I'm excited too!"

"I'm not," Kim said, "We could die, you know?"

"Then, how the hell is this your final exam?!" Akina snapped, "This is completely backwards!"

"Quiet please," the pilot clicked two switches and opened a channel to the command center, "This is flight P 1-1-3 requesting landing in DTW private terminal."

Ten seconds later, command center responded, "Savvy Suite IS signature confirmed. You are clear for touchdown on runway 2A."

The plane flew over the coastline and descended just enough where the group could see the American landscape span over the horizon. For Akina and Kim, this was a sight to behold, as they were able to get a glimpse of the variety of landmarks that made America famous. But for Lincoln, this was an enlightening experience because he got to see what he missed out on during his younger years. He couldn't go anywhere due to the massive workload his parents undertook to raise a growing family; everything was local. He wondered what his home would feel like after spending a few months in another country.

"Been a while..." he whispered.

"Not for me," Night Club piped, "I can't wait to confuse people with my likeness!"

"Except we can't," High Card said, "Remember, we can't be seen by anyone."

"BOOOOOOOO!"

"Lincoln, can you call them back into your IS?" Kim asked.

"Nope..." Lincoln said, "Miss Yamada have my IS an update...They can't go back unless they've been defeated..."

"Ok, I'm calling it," Akina muttered, "We are definitely gonna die..."

Soon, they felt the plane going into a deeper descent. It wasn't long before Lincoln saw that all-too-familiar Detroit skyline getting bigger and bigger, until he saw his house.

He was finally back home.

Moments after they landed and gathered their belongings, they were greeted by a limousine right outside the plane.

The female limo driver asked, "Kim Ha-Jin, party of six?"

"Uh..." Kim checked the group and wondered why Lincoln's sidekicks haven't fizzled out of existence yet, "Yeah...sure, six..."

"Then, please board the limo," the driver opened the door, "We don't have much time."

When everyone got in, the limo was off, taking the long way home to avoid any detection by the populace. It was a marvelous tour of the city for everyone except Lincoln, who felt like he just boarded a massive trip down Memory Lane. In fact, the limo's route of choice was Memory Lane. Every road it traveled down had some kind of landmark that triggered a vivid memory of Lincoln actually enjoying himself. They drove by the very first swimming pool he was banned from, the DMV where Leni comically failed her driving tests, Scratchy Bottom Campgrounds, etc.

But the two most painful drive bys were Dairyland Amoosement Park and Franklin Avenue. Dairyland had the highest number of amazing moments in his life; he couldn't recall how many friends he's invited, but they were all atop the Milk Shaker for him to not enjoy for the week. But his home street had the two best rides ever, and they were both with Lynn...

Kim nudged him, "So, you see anything you like?"

"Nah," Lincoln responded, "Just places. That's all."

"And memories, I bet."

"Yep...this is the street where Lynn took me on my first bike ride. was so jumpy, yelling out 'Faster! Go faster!' all the dang time."

"I imagine. The wind in your hair, the cool crispness on your pits..."

Lincoln nodded, "I'll say...but taking everything into context...that ride must've happened shortly after I...took a hit for her..." his hand was curled into a fist, "Makes it all the more painful..."

"It's fine," Kim massaged his hand, "I'm sure your family holds you in high regard."

"Probably," Lincoln shrugged, "But I'll never know..."

"Uh, guys? Get down?" Akina suddenly ruined the mood by pointing to the road ahead of them, which for some reason held two crowds on both sidewalks.

"Geez!" Kim and Lincoln ducked.

The limo drove by Royal Woods Stadium, which was jam packed with supporters of Royal Woods and Hazeltucky. The mood was high volatile energy, stepping out an infecting everyone nearby with a sense of superiority. They're screaming for one side to dominate the other. It didn't help that it was the yearly Turkey Bowl, a chance for Hazeltucky to get back at Royal Woods for robbing them of the championship.

"When were things so icky and dicky?" Night Club peeked our the window.

"There was a war sparked by Lynn and Luna's confrontation with Janice and Jupiter," Lincoln whispered, "Long story short, J and J hate that I'm a pilot, so they went to get dirt on me. My sisters tried to stop them, and things escalated to a WHY degree..."

"Is this what war looks like?" Kim peered our while the limo trudged on through the massive crowds.

The stadium was the worst offender of the war front, but it was just the first. The conflict spanned all of southeast Michigan. Anywhere there's a park, there's a banner showing support to either city. Anywhere there's a shop, there's a huge set of posters requiring city-based ID for discounts. Anywhere there's people, there's talk of the local hero, good and bad. Anywhere there's a venue for anything...there's always a competition.

"So many battles..." Kim's head was spinning.

"If this is how it is all over the region..." High Card whispered.

"...nope, I can't," Lincoln shook his head, "I don't wanna think about the home front..."

"I do," Strong Suit couldn't stop staring, "The nightlife must be buzzing around with all sorts of fun and games."

"Of course you'd go there..." Akina slapped her forehead.

"Ok, everyone, we're approaching your destination," the limo driver said, "Please gather your belongings and exit quickly." She drove the limo to a hotel's rear entrance.

"Thanks for driving us, ma'am," Kim said.

"No problem," the driver stopped at the rear door, "Please enjoy your stay."

Everyone got out and huddled around the rear door without being seen. High Card used her phone to hack the security lock and get the group inside. Then, she checked her notifications, "Ok, according to this strangely coded email, we have two rooms on the top floor that are flagged down by two attendants. We just need to find them in the lobby."

"Sounds fishy," Akina said, "I mean, if those field agents can find these Phantom Task guys, why can't they take care of this mess?"

"Probably because ISs are so hard to come by that they'll scrape up anything they can get?" Strong Suit smirked.

"Did you consider the logistics of procuring an IS in the first place?" Kim asked, "Only the most advanced countries can even obtain a core for their ISs."

"Exactly my point," Akina gloated, "I have a couple ideas for anti-IS tech right here in my noggin."

Suddenly, a surprise figure emerged from behind, "Why do we have to know?"

Everybody "AAAAAAAAAA!"

"Hey, Hey! Take it easy!"

"Wha...huh..." it took a moment for Lincoln to recognize the figure, "Akane?"

"Hm?...Well, color me surprised!" Akane chuckled, "Candidate Loud!"

"Haha, it's not Candidate anymore," Lincoln sheepishly said.

"Yeah, I can see that," Akane stared at the other five party members, "So, you all must be the envoy sent by Miss Orimura. I'm Akane Hotara."

"Pleasure meeting you," Kim shook her hand, "I'm the designated group leader."

While Kim and Akane made pleasant small talk, Akina whispered, "Uh, Lincoln? Do you know this woman?"

"She was my practical exam proctor," he responded.

"Are we gonna see more blasts from your past?..."

"This entire mission is one giant-"

"Ahem," Akane cleared her throat and got everyone's attention, "We have your rooms ready. Everyone follow me."

The group followed Akane to the top floor, and Lincoln smacked himself in disbelief. Not only were the rooms the exact same rooms that he visited before his entrance exam, but they were guarded by another familiar face, "Oh...hello, Miss Tachibana..."

"Oh?" Tomoya turned in Lincoln's direction, "Long time no see, Lincoln!"

"Yeah...Really long time..." Lincoln could feel Akina's leering gaze burning his neck.

Tomoya turned to Kim and High Card, "And you must be his babysitters for the week."

"It definitely feels like we are, doesn't it?" Kim nudged.

"More like, Akina and Night," High Card joked, "Middle schoolers tend to have more matirurity than high schoolers."

"Excuse me?" Night Club and Akina hovered over her shoulders.

"Anyway!" Lincoln called them back to the moment, "Are we gonna settle down for the night?"

"For an hour," Tomoya said, "Then, we're going straight to AAdsz."

"Already?"

"AAdsz has been in correspondence with a lot of officials around the nation."

"Whoa..." Lincoln found it hard to believe given the snarky emails he received from this AAdsz person throughout the semester.

Akane clapped her hands, "Ok, everyone take a moment to settle in your assigned rooms. We'll call you when it's time to go."

Everyone went inside the adjoined rooms and relaxed...but not really. The atmosphere was filled with all sorts of nervous energy, most of it from Akina and Strong Suit geeking out about their first mission.

"I cannot believe it!" Akina giggled, "I'm about to go in something way more exciting than those samurai stilts!"

"And I'm about to get me a slice of the war!" Strong Suit jumped, "Who shall be the first to taste my-" materialize a barbell "-BOJUTSU OF JUSTICE?!?!"

"Suit, no!" Kim tackled her to the bed, "For crying out loud, we are trying to prevent one!"

"Boo," Strong Suit gave him a thumbs down, "You suck."

"What are you doing?" Kim picked her up, "This isn't a playhouse, you know."

"So," Lincoln asked Tomoya, "Are we setting up homebase here?"

"One group is," Tomoya said, "The other will follow your family to the apartment where the Casagrandes live, and spy on them."

"Eugh..." Lincoln retched, "I rather lick the bathroom..."

("...floor than kiss that weirdo.")

Lincoln caught himself on the cusp of finishing that thought, "Why did I just say that?... I don't know what would make me say that..."

"Do you need a minute?" Tomoya was worried about his state of mind.

"No, of course not!" Lincoln said, "I'm ready to go whenever!"

"Ok... but let me know if you feel overwhelmed, ok?" Akina patted his head.

"Right...I know. I just need to know that I'm in the moment."

"Past creeping up on you?"

"You have no idea..." Lincoln stared back at the other party members sharing a big laugh and shooting a breeze with each other, half of whom still haven't fizzled out of existence yet and have resorted to acting like his non-superhero counterparts to a tee, "Man, I don't know what went into my core to personalize my IS..."

"The core's a mystery except to Tabane Shinonono," Tomoya said, "For all we know, those IS cores might as well be magic orbs of scientific magical science."

He watched them delve into gossip mode for a few minutes wondering what his life would be like if he and his sisters toned down the selfishness just a little bit, "Magic...right..."

Just then, High Card's phone lit up a notification:

Get your sorry butts down here. I'm not gonna wait in the sewage plant any longer.

-AAdsz

"You're joking..." High Card groaned.

"Guys, it's AAdsz." Akane said, "It's time. We have to go meet him in the sewage plant."

The girls went "Eeeewwwwwwwww..."

"Why the sewers?" Night Club cringed.

"Who wants to bathe in poop and gourdens?..." Kim shivered.

"Not what I meant by 'getting my hands dirty' at all..." Strong Suit groaned.

"We don't have a choice," Kim said, "Everyone get ready."

The group begrudgingly traveled to the back door of the sewage plant where AAdsz was located.

"Oh god, this is really happening," Lincoln muttered.

"I'll say," Akina groaned, "I could just smell Xdef's rancid breath from here..."

"Well, I got bad news for you," High Card looked at her phone, "This gigantic complex is only a quarter of it."

"Oh god, why?..."

"Stay here," Akane went to the door and put in a code to call for its attendant, "Arizona advertising? We have a deal with the big shot."

A distorted voice called through the mike, "Sure, sure. Coming up." The door suddenly opened. Akane stepped back to allow this AAdsz person to show himself.

And show himself, he did. As soon as he stepped into the light, he pocketed his hands and his red hair and green sleeves were on display for everyone to see, "'Sup, Larry."

Lincoln's eyes widened, "Wait...CHANDLER?!"