The VOICES in your head continue to give you advice, they try to take your CHOICES away from you. Luckily you don't do things by choice, anyways. You just sort of do things arbitrarily, as if your actions were preordained by the MADNESS deep within your soul. Some people see this world in black and white. You see things in Orange. And other colors too, a different world than what the voices probably see.
You turn the doorknob to enter the Garage and are met with the sound of strings being plucked. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the candle-lit garage. A young girl in a frilly black dress sits atop a milk crate and plucks a harp that towers over her. A ribbon of black lace is tied around her eyes. With each pluck of the strings you find yourself more and more entranced. She opens her mouth to speak into a microphone, and you listen:
"From ebon chariot did you begin:
An alabaster boon born from decay,
A flame lit to light that which burns within,
That all the moths follow with no delay.
Twas born from atop a gilded eagle,
His cries decreed a change of the tempo.
His white crown of hair more than just regal,
The crackling of flames reaching crescendo.
But will they all not heed the newborn's cries?
Will they all not listen to his decrees?
For he knows of all our deserved demise:
The tears of this newborn spill out for thee,
He knows illusion cloaks all we can see.
Persephone "Clotho's Companion" Nona
One of Lucy's friends and member of the Mortician's Club. Next year she'll be in 5th grade, but she's taller than you. This makes you sort of upset. You've only talked to her a handful of times one-on-one and she usually gives you a headache, not because she's annoying but because you're pretty sure you annoy her. She usually tries to leave the PREMISES if it's just you and her, so you should probably take that as her not wanting to talk to you.
Persephone continues to pluck her strings. But soon the graceful, immediate sound turns more magical. To the left of her you see a girl in a deep purple dress fiddle with a bunch of glowing boxes. The sound of the harp distorts, halfway between ethereal and nightmarish. She turns the knobs with one hand and plays simple melodies with her other on a keyboard, but soon the keyboard warps and turns into an odd saw-like tone. The sound of the harp and keys take you a million miles away. The girl speaks into a microphone and you listen to her short verses:
"The years pass on by
And he stands a champion
Of his hallowed halls
Ignoring his fate
And the girl that implores him
That she'll catch his falls
A letter ignored
Her heart already broken
But it breaks some more
He lives life blind
Of the heart he has ruined
Rendered a locked door"
Haiku "Lachesis' Lass" Decima
Lucy's BFF and fellow future fifth grader. Haiku is the Co-President of the Mortician's Club and is usually the one who keeps everyone in line. She has a bit of a COMMANDING PRESENCE that you're a bit envious of. Unlike Persephone she usually corners you and shakes you down for conversation, they usually give you a headache. Not because she's annoying, but because she shows you just how annoying YOU are with ease. Lately she's been ignoring you, and it seems like you've pissed her off somehow.
Midway through her lines you noticed a tear bead down her cheek from under the black ribbon tied around her eyez. As she ends her flourishes the sounds rise and harmonize, her movements frantic and possessed. A wall of sound hits you and rocks you to your core. And after a moment that feels like an eternity the music stops and you let out a held in breath. Soon the sound of a drum is heard that slowly grows louder. You see a girl dressed in a monochrome outfit bang on a drum made from a small tree stump with a gnarled branch. The keyboard and strings slowly drop in to match her tempo and she opens her mouth:
"Yet all that remains at the end of time,
Are the echoes of his screaming in vain.
Erasing the circle and ending lines,
In order to cease our preordained pain.
When they will not listen to his warnings:
They end up digging their own deserved graves;
Seeking forgiveness and new beginnings,
For absolution they'll all become slaves.
He destroys his mind and ignores his heart,
To focus only on desperate plans.
His compass asunder right from the start:
He seeks to tear down the thrones with his hands.
The blood that he sheds he spills not for thee,
But to break illusions so that we see:
The games that we play,
And all the secrets we keep:
Taste so bittersweet."
Lucy "Morta's Maid" Loud
Your younger sister Lucy is a the Co-President of the Mortician's Club. She's going to be in 5th grade next school year. Time flies by pretty fast. You have fond memories of her as a child and watching over her in her crib, you're pretty sure her first word was "Suffering" but everyone says it's "Daddy". This Summer Vacation she'll be attending Camp Mastodon with Haiku and Persephone with you and The Gang, so it might be good to introduce them all formally.
The sounds stop and you return back to earth.
The trio suddenly turned towards you. You let them know that that was really cool. And that they should think about playing gigs sometime, and that you can organize them for them. You hand Lucy a [Business Card] and ask if they have a name yet.
"The Fates." Lucy kept on looking at Haiku who turned around once you made eye contact with her, "We'll keep it in mind, Lincoln. This is our first practice." She spoke hurriedly and shoved the card into her dress, "Now, if you'll excuse us we need to get back to work."
Persephone flashed you a tight smile as you grabbed your bike that sat behind Haiku. Haiku rotated her body as you approached in order to hide her face, you must have really made her upset somehow. You clear your throat and inform Lucy that you might be needing a funeral soon, you have a Showdown with Girl Jordan soon. And you'd like to be cremated.
"Lincoln." Lucy went over to Haiku as the long haired goth went down to grip her knees on the garage floor after losing her grip on the keyboard, "Please."
Right. Probably a bad time. You awkwardly wheel your [Bike] from the Garage and slowly close the side door behind you. You should, uh, Probably Do Something About How Awkward Things Are Between You And Haiku.
QUEST ADDED:
Missed Connections
Sometimes, 17 Syllables Isn't Enough
Progress: 0%
You're pretty sure Haiku hates you now. Which kinda blows because you think she's pretty cool for a 9 year old, back when you were that age all you did was eat glue and throw rocks at cars. It's probably within your best interest to repair your relationship with her so Lucy and her friends don't all have beef with you when you all head off to Camp Mastodon later in your Summer Vacation. Or you can just buy her a [Gift Basket] or something.
Rewards: "Magpie's Blessing"
Failstate: +1 SISTERNADO
You wheel off when you start hearing someone crying and playing chopsticks on the piano. Part of you just wants to bust the door down and figure out what the heck Haiku's deal is. It probably has something to do with that poem. Maybe a letter? Honestly you can't really think of a letter besides that [Mysterious Letter] that you found in the back pocket of one of your jeans. You'd go back into your Honestly Appropriately Sized Room For One Person but it's all the way upstairs! You shake your head and get on your bike.
Traffic is absolutely congested, and the closer you get to Downtown the worse it is. It's gotten to the point where commuters are on their phones outside of their running cars, the exhaust of the idling vehicles kind of make your head spin. You spot a blinking traffic advisory sign that reads MAIN STREET CLOSED FOR VEHICULAR ACCESS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE/ PLEASE FOLLOW DETOUR THROUGH TELEGRAPH CANYON ROAD. Honestly, that sign could have been more helpful to commuters 3 miles down the road.
You approach the line of [Oddly Reinforced Barricades] that line the entrance into Downtown. A couple of police officers wave at cars to turn right into the detour. People who have business Downtown are parking their cars wherever they can, in office park parking lots, on the grass, in the drainage ditches, and you spot some people just pulling off to the side and getting out of their cars in the middle of traffic to just leave them on the side of the road. The sidewalks are open and most of the businesses are PACKED, all the hubbub is getting all kinds of business.
The sidewalks are pretty heavily congested with foot traffic right now so you leap off your bike and walk it towards Lynn's Table. On the streets you see Film Dudes slowly driving by taking panning shots of all the pedestrians, looking up you see Low Flying Helicopters taking shots of the scene below. You spot a familiar face in the line of security guards that stand blocking the street every 20 feet or so, the lame mustache is a dead giveaway.
Tad "The Party Domesticated Animal" Elting
Despite being the Ex-President of the Royal Woods Highschool Comic Book Club Tad is a pretty popular dude. His parents Bitchin' Lake House that he holds regular parties at probably plays a factor. He takes odd jobs around the town and according to social media he's taking classes at RWCC and is already 2/3rds done with his associates degree. You aren't entirely sure what an "associates" degree is, probably something stupid.
You ask Tad what's going on.
"Oh, hey, Linc." Tad lowers his phone and shoves it into the pocket of his bullet proof vest, for some odd reason the security hired looks pretty beefy, but you note that none of them are packing, "Security detail for the new PP movie," You ask if everyone is calling Phoebe Powers that nowadays and he lowers his reflective aviators, "Yeah, dude. Get with the times. PP is all everyone has been talking about the last week in Royal Woods. Do you just, like, not watch the news?"
You remind Tad that you're 11 and don't really care too much about the news, you've got enough on your plate as it is.
Tad scratched his head, "Oh yeah… I think it's the white hair. Makes me think you're 50 or something." You get that a lot so it doesn't really bother you all that much, "Anyways, yeah. They announced they were going to start filming last week and Katherine Mulligan revealed that she was High School classmates with PP and that PP was her nickname back then."
You suppose that if one of your classmates turned out to be a movie star and you were stuck as a news broadcaster you'd probably have a Chip On Your Shoulder about it too and reveal their embarrassing nickname to the world.
Tad shifted in his tall mil-spec black boots, "Huh… didn't really think of it like that. PP seemed to take it in stride and showed up for an interview this morning with her old High School yearbook. Apparently Katherine was kinda chubby back then," He sighed, "A shame really, nothin' wrong with a woman with curves."
Seems kinda petty of PP to you, but whatever. You admit that you have a bit of a bias towards Katherine Mulligan, you kinda look up to her COMMANDING PRESENCE and LONG BEAUTIFUL LEGS. She's helped you and The Action News Team a lot this last school year.
Tad pursed his lips and nodded, "I see… I guess you like them a little bit taller. That's cool." Tad bobbed his head to the left, "Well, anyways: we're supposed to keep dudes off the streets so the film crew can take some establishing shots of the area. If you don't look into the camera's you might show up in one of the shots for a split second- so that's pretty cool."
You ask if that's legal.
Tad shrugs his shoulders, "Who knows? All I know is that I'm getting paid to stand around." His phone buzzed and he took a glance at it, "Gotta take this- Becky." He held the phone up to his face and gave you a small wink, "Just keep away from the areas we have tapped off, or at least don't get caught."
You give him a nod and walk off to Lynn's Table, as you get closer to the restaurant you notice that the front entrance has guards stationed at it and sneak around the back.
Kotaro is leaning up against the dumpster fiddling with his phone and notices you walking up, "Hey, Linc. I was wondering when you'd show up. You got anything planned? Maybe sneak in to get an autograph from PP? She's having lunch with the producers right now."
Kotaro "The Bachelor Floor Manager" Kuroki
He's been your dad's best friend since his baby-times. Essentially Lynn Sr.'s Clyde. Kotaro is constantly single, except for when he's not. But that usually only lasts for about two to three weeks. Recently got out of a messy breakup with Ms. Pham, your biology teacher. But you think they still have feelings for each other. Unfortunately.
You inform Kotaro that you already have Phoebe Power's autograph and you don't really want to have to buy another [Autograph Journal]. You ask how your dad is holding up in there.
"You know how he is when the pressure is on," Kotaro laughed and shook his head, "He's in the zone." You take a glance into the kitchen window and see that he's handling things pretty well with Luan providing backup. "So don't worry about him too much, you'd probably get in his way." Kotaro waved his hand dismissively at the door, "That's the reason why I'm out here-" He gave a shudder, "And Hollywood Creeps give me the heebie-mc'freakin'-jeebies…"
You let out a sigh of relief at that and inform Kotaro that you've got a Showdown coming up with Girl Jordan and don't really want to be all tuckered-out when she tries to settle the score.
Kotaro raised an eyebrow, "Is that what you kids are calling it now? A showdown?" He contemplated the word as anxiety bloomed in your chest, "That's pretty kick ass." He stowed his phone into his black chinos and took a seat on a stack of wooden pallets, "So… have you known this Girl Jordan for a while?"
Kotaro seems like he's well acquainted with absolutely insane women so he's probably the best person to talk to about this. You give him a quick rundown of Girl Jordan and her possible weaknesses: her ankles, barbed wire, and loud sudden noises.
Kotaro coughed, "J-jeez, you kids are nuts nowadays… pretty… advanced." Kotaro made a stinkface and continued before you could ask him what he meant by that, "So. She sounds kind of intense…" He held his chin in contemplation, "And she obviously has some burning feelings for you," He snapped his fingers, "Those parties she throws that she always invites you to: straight-up Great Gatsby level obsession. So just play things cool, you don't want to seem overeager. Maybe establish to her that you're on a time limit- but don't keep checking your watch. She won't like that, but the added pressure might get her to shoot straight."
That's pretty smart advice, by establishing that you already have plans you establish a time-window in which she has to figure out when to strike. The question is knowing when she'll pull the trigger or secretly inject you with snake poison. Knowing her: probably at the last minute when your guard is down.
Kotaro blinked, "Oh. Uh. You weren't joking about you thinking she's trying to kill you. Listen-" Kotaro gripped you by the shoulders and shook his head, "You're a smart kid, Lincoln. Put two and two together. She isn't trying to kill you, or hurt you in any way. The opposite."
You squint your eyes and run the math. It takes you a little while to get there: for some weird reason Girl Jordan is trying to Get In Your Good Graces. Maybe she really does just need your help with something. You relax a bit and thank Kotaro for getting you to calm down.
QUEST UPDATED:
SHOWDOWN
Progress: 25%
Girl Jordan isn't trying to kill you. She wants you alive. For something. Figure out why.
"I guess that's something…" Kotaro released you and sighed, "Well, little dude. Just… be patient with her. You've known her for a couple years now and I guess if she really wanted you dead she'd do it sooner." He twitched his nose and frowned, "In fact, I'm kinda surprised she hasn't killed you yet with how you're handling this." Kotaro pulled out his phone and got up, "Welp- my hour and a half break is up, gonna go terrorize your dad. Maybe accidentally spill a soda on PP for old time's sake. That'd be kinda funny…" Kotaro whistled to himself as he entered the kitchen.
You stow your bike in the back of Vanzilla and hope Luan doesn't see it when her shift is over and rigs a joybuzzer to the brakes again and decide to walk to Huntington Manor seeing as you don't really need your bike for any quick getaways anymore. Probably.
Passing by Lynn's Table you see Ronnie Anne and Abuelo Danny sitting at a table with Phoebe Powers through the side window. You blink a couple times and realize that that girl isn't her from the fact that she's not dressed like a street urchin and you quickly SmileTime Ronnie.
Her face shows up on your screen. It looks like she's trying on different OUTERWEAR and is wearing a [Black Pleather Vest] over her hoodie adorned with all kinds of [K-Pop Pins] on the lapel. Kind of lame.
"Ha. Nice shirt, lame-o." Ronnie Anne rolled her eyes, "You gonna cut down some trees, Paul Bunyan?"
You kindly ask Ronnie Anne to shut the hell up and switch the camera to zoom in on the girl sitting next to her Abuelo.
"Oh SHIIIIIII-" Ronnie stops herself and you can see her Abuela squinting her eyes at her granddaughter in the doorway of her room, "She's the actress who plays Ana Ronaldo from Adios, Ana, Adi-"
You are quite familiar with the show, Ronnie Anne never seems to shut up about it. You ask her if she's supposed to be in the movie or if she's her Abuelo's grandkid or something.
"Well he's not my Abuelo, technically- so I hope not. That'd be kinda weird if she was my non-blood related cousin and looked exactly like me." Ronnie Anne frowned, that would be weird, "But I dunno for sure. I haven't seen anything on any of her social media accounts about the movie- even her private ones."
You ask her how she knows this actress's social media accounts. Ronnie Anne tugs on the collar of her shirt and whistles. You ask her again, nicely.
"Jeez, Linc, quit screaming at me-'' Ronnje Anne lowers her voice to a whisper, "All I did was find out her press secretary's email address by trying to get into his Tweeter account. From there I looked through his mutuals and found her personal account, but I had a feeling that even that one wasn't her real account- too much photos of food and nothing with her friends and family…"
You start sweating after Abuelo Danny spots you and gives you a wink, you wink back and he motions if you want to come in, you smile and shake your head no and tap your wrist, he nods his head and flashes you a thumbs up. The Ronnie Anne lookalike turns to meet your gaze and your heart beats faster out of embarrassment, this poor girl has Ronnie Anne obsessed with her. You give silent laugh and walk off with a wave. The lookalike makes you sick to your stomach, like a bodysnatcher or doppelganger stole Ronnie's skin and was walking around. You then turn your attention back to Ronnie Anne in the phone and ask politely how exactly she got the actress's real account.
"Okay! Okay! I got a little bit obsessive, you don't have to scream at me! I'm sorry!" Ronnie Anne's face is now tomato red, "Also- her name is Vanessa Calderon." You ask her to cut the bullshit, nicely, "All I did was try to log into her fake account. It gave me the email associated to it so I added it to my contacts, then I synced my InstaGraph page to my contacts and I found her real account…" You don't say anything, "D-don't give me that look! She added me back! She even likes some of my posts!"
Oh, well you think it's okay then. For now. But if you hear any news stories about Vanessa getting kidnapped you're giving the authorities her address.
Ronnie throws her hands in the air, now breaking out in a cold sweat, "Come on, Lincoln! It's not like that! I just think…" Ronnie sighed, "She's c-cool is all. She plays this dashing daredevil on the TV but in real life she's refined and ladylike… I'm just kinda jealous of her, I guess."
You lie to her and tell her that she's plenty ladylike. Most of the time. When she isn't hungry.
"Thanks. I guess." Ronnie sighed and threw some clothes into a suitcase, "You wanna yell at me some more or is that it?"
You chuckle and let her off the hook for now and hang up the call. She seemed kinda busy. You idly tap on your phone as you make your way to Girl Jordan's gated community that isn't that far off from downtown. Through Ronnie's friend list you spot Vanessa's secret account TheSugarPlumQuil, you note that it's not exactly a secret account if you have your face as the profile photo. It's locked, so you'll have to send her a follow request to get in. You look up, foot traffic is kinda slow right now. With nothing better to do you just go ahead and bite the bullet and press the button. You flip the phone closed and stow it in your pocket after staring at the screen for a couple seconds, wondering about what the hell you've just done.
As soon as the phone is back into your pants you hear a couple chimes from your [NBG 4k's]. A cold chill runs through your spine. TheSugarPlumQuil accepted your follow request and has sent your locked account, AceCartomancer, a follow as well. You accept her request and idly leaf through her timeline.
Here is a photo of her reading a book, you find this photo quite odd. You're fairly certain she's the one who took the photo, which means she set her phone upright with a timer and posed with the book. The book itself is Slaughterhouse-Five and judging from the page she's turned on, she's still on the title.
Another photo catches your eye a couple posts down, this one of her with her friends and family posing around the table of a fancy italian restaurant. You zoom in on her food, she ordered an appetizer of mozzarella sticks and another appetizer of garlic knots. This sticks out because everyone else has entrées, meaning that she ordered two appetizers instead of entrée. Her friends looked normal, just regular kids but with slightly more expensive clothes.
A photo of her in a fancy hotel room catches your attention, in this photo she's in pajamas and holding a Pokey the Penguin plushie. But the caption reads "Just me and my favorite stuffed animal! I've had Pokey for years!", but the Joojle search you just did confirms that that particular Pokey has only been in production for 4 months.
You find another photo of her with the same book. This time she's posing by the pool and reading in a bikini. You zoom in on the photo and notice that she's still on the exact same page as the other photo. Also: why is she reading by the pool? What kind of girl is Vanessa Calderon? Why does Ronnie Anne insist she's the picture of refinement when she's just a regular girl who happens to be a soap opera actress? Why is her favorite color also purple? It's confusing! She could've at least picked a different shade! You lose your cool.
You accidentally like the photo.
You think about the implications of this and quickly remember that you'll probably never have to deal with Vanessa anyways, so who cares if you liked one of her posts?
You decide to put your phone back into your pocket.
Your [NBG's] go off. That's weird. You check your phone and to your horror it seems as though TheSugarPlumQuil has slid into your Direct Messages. Checking your [Limited Edition Muscle Fish Digital Watch] you have a good 45 minutes left to kill so you might as well fill it with some questions.
SPQ: You're quite forward.
Linc: I'd like to apologize.
Linc: I kinda lost my cool.
Linc: I was wondering why the heck you were reading a book by the pool.
Linc: And accidentally liked it while I was shaking with rage.
SPQ: What is wrong with reading a book by the pool?
Linc: You could get the book wet. From a cannonball or someone just splashing around.
SPQ: That was an empty pool, nobody else was around.
Linc: So had a whole pool to yourself and decided to read a book?
SPQ: Yes.
SPQ: I quite like reading.
Linc: You recently uploaded a photo of you reading the same book and it looks like you didn't make any progress.
SPQ: I reread that book quite often.
Linc: And pose with it often.
Linc: On the same page.
SPQ: What are you trying to say, Lincoln Loud?
Linc: That you're incredibly confusing.
SPQ: Pot calling the kettle black.
SPQ: Why do you wear an orange polo in all your photos?
Linc: My family is poor.
SPQ: Oh.
SPQ: But your father owns the very restaurant I am having brunch in.
Linc: I have ten sisters. We need to save money. A lot of mouths.
SPQ: I see.
SPQ: So how do you find the money to go on vacations?
SPQ: You've been to Los Angeles, Scotland, China, sailing around South Africa, Peru, England. All in the last year.
SPQ: How can you afford all those plane tickets with 10 mouths?
Linc: Royalties.
Linc: I'm the creator of The Full House Gang.
SPQ: From the Ace Savvy movies?
Linc: Yes.
Linc: And comic books.
SPQ: So why do you wear the same thing every day?
Linc: Because I spend my money on plane tickets.
SPQ: Own less do more, I suppose.
SPQ: You're a very interesting 11 year old, Lincoln.
SPQ: A little intimidating.
Linc: You're the movie star, Vanessa.
Linc: Don't trip.
Linc: And I'm not the one you should be worried about.
Linc: I assume you're acquainted with Ronnie Anne?
Linc: Don Puga's daughter's niece?
SPQ: Danny. His name is Danny.
Linc: I meant "Don" as the title. It's Spanish.
SPQ: I knew that, Lincoln.
SPQ: I just didn't know you knew that.
Linc: Sure.
Linc: Anyways…
SPQ: Lincoln, I play the main heroine of a Mexican Soap Opera.
SPQ: I know how to speak Spanish.
Linc: Yes.
Linc: I know this.
Linc: Anyways…
SPQ: No more ellipses.
SPQ: They are absolutely infuriating.
Linc: Noted.
Linc: Ronnie Anne found your personal account through your email.
SPQ: Oh.
Linc: You may want to change it to a burner email so your parents don't find it.
SPQ: I see…
Linc: You're right.
Linc: Ellipses are, in fact, infuriating.
SPQ: You know, you're not making a very good first impression.
Linc: You're the one ordering multiple appetizers instead of entrées.
SPQ: What? Why is that a problem?
Linc: I see…
SPQ: I am starting to lose my proverbial cool, Lincoln Loud.
SPQ: If you want to continue our correspondence I suggest you change your tone.
Linc: Well, it's been a pleasure, Vanessa. I hope you have a good time in Royal Woods. It's my favorite place in the world. Good luck with shooting.
You fold up your phone and find yourself in front of Huntington Manor. You walk up to the panel by the gate and check your watch, 25 minutes till.
Seriously?
In any other case you'd probably just show up early, but this is Girl Jordan you're talking about. Not the best idea. She'd probably show up with a tire iron and break your knee caps and stomp back to her house and make you wait the rest of th-
Your [NBD's] chime 4 times in succession. With an annoyed sigh you flip your phone open, you suppose your graphic descriptions of how Girl Jordan can cause you bodily harm can wa- You hear a 5th chime. With a sigh you lean against the brick column flanking the gate.
SPQ: Seriously?
SPQ: Just like that?
SPQ: You're absolutely unbelievable.
SPQ: I'm not done with you yet.
SPQ: I apologize…
Linc: Stop it with the ellipses.
Linc: Let's just take it from the top.
Linc: Hello, Vanessa! My name is Lincoln Loud! I'm entering 7th grade next school year. I have 10 sisters and my favorite color is orange! I like comic books and video games. I spend my spare time helping out my family or spending time with my friends.
SPQ: I see.
SPQ: It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lincoln. My name is Vanessa Calderon. I'm entering my 8th year after summer vacation. I am an only child and my favorite color is purple. I enjoy reading mystery novels, needle felting, and other crafts. I am from a family of actors and when I'm not filming during the summer I like to spend my spare time enjoying the outdoors or spending time alone reading or meditating.
Linc: Older than me? That explains the slight height difference, I'll catch up sooner or later.
SPQ: I suppose we all should have goals to strive for.
SPQ: How are you planning on enjoying your summer vacation?
Linc: Don't have a plan this year.
Linc: I'm just sort of floating around.
Linc: I'm already kind of busy.
SPQ: I see.
SPQ: Am I keeping you from something?
Linc: Not at the moment, but I do have a pressing engagement in about 20 minutes.
Linc: I'm just waiting right now.
SPQ: May I ask what you're up to?
Linc: I am having lunch with a
Linc: I guess the word "Frenemy" would be the correct choice here.
SPQ: That sounds like a story.
Linc: Not a very interesting one. I'm fairly certain it's just a business call.
Linc: Keeping up appearances and networking, ensuring that connections stay connected.
Linc: I'm sure you know how it is.
SPQ: Yes, actually.
SPQ: It can be a bit of a headache trying to keep everyone appeased.
SPQ: And I'm never quite sure how to approach "meet-ups".
SPQ: If they are for strictly business or if they are my friends.
Linc: What I've learned is that it doesn't really matter what they think.
Linc: If you want to spend time with someone, you might as well.
Linc: No real difference between professional friends and personal ones.
Linc: Both are just as useful and important.
SPQ: You sound quite experienced and enterprising.
SPQ: I have a feeling that you do much more than read comic books and play video games.
Linc: I'm a member of the Action News Team at my school, so I'm kinda used to keeping a tight schedule and elbowing up to leads and insiders.
Linc: I also help my sister out with her Pageantry competitions.
Linc: The inner-workings of that social scene is pretty tough to handle without some experience.
SPQ: Wow.
SPQ: It's like with each line the mystery that is "Lincoln Loud" gets more and more complex.
Linc: Then maybe I'll stop talking about myself.
Linc: I am going to assume that you're acting in the new Phoebe Power's movie?
SPQ: Yes. I am playing a supporting role as Phoebe's "plucky" sidekick.
SPQ: Lil' Frida.
Linc: Sounds fun to work on the set. Are you doing your own stunts?
SPQ: No, my contract states that I'm not allowed to put myself in any danger.
SPQ: That will fall to my stunt-double: Rickie Ricardo.
Linc: I am going to assume that they also inexplicably look just like you.
SPQ: Quite the Detective.
SPQ: Yes. She plays my twin sister in AAA.
Linc: Well, tomorrow there will be another "you" in Royal Woods.
Linc: Ronnie Anne.
SPQ: I am actually quite excited to meet her.
SPQ: She seems quite dynamic, and much like you, leads a very interesting life.
Linc: I'm sure Don Puga will introduce you.
Linc: She's a bit shy at first but she'll warm up to you fast.
Linc: Just watch out for pranks.
Linc: She's kinda crafty.
SPQ: Yes, you and Ronnie are fond of pranks.
SPQ: According to both of your timelines.
SPQ: I have to ask, purely out of curiosity:
SPQ: Are you two dating?
Linc: No. Just close friends.
Linc: And she's not seeing anybody, if you were interested.
SPQ: Er. Not really.
SPQ: That sounds a bit narcissistic.
Linc: Ha!
Linc: That's funny.
Linc: Listen, it was a pleasure talking but I've gotta jet.
Linc: Maybe I'll see you around.
Linc: And if I don't I'll at least watch the movie.
SPQ: Do you mind if I contact you again?
Linc: Not at all.
Linc: Don't be a stranger.
SPQ: Adios.
You thought about typing "adios" back but decided that would be really lame. Right as your timer was about to go off on your phone you quickly typed in Girl Jordan's house number into the panel.
It didn't even ring once, "R-right on time! Haha. Come in Lincoln, the front door is unlocked." With a buzz the gates slowly opened and you entered the Huntington Manor gated community. The walk to 6121 Hamilton Boulevard was short, but you found yourself out of breath in the driveway. You cautiously approached the door and could almost feel the anxiety on your shoulders weigh you down and your shoes sinking into the cement of the sidewalk. You steel yourself and ring the doorbell before remembering that Girl Jordan invited you in already.
After a couple moments of silence you just walk in the house like a regular person, feeling a bit embarrassed.
QUEST UPDATED
Showdown
Progress: 50%
Out of the frying pan and into the fryer. You thought that Girl Jordan wanted to eat at Burpin' Burger or something, but now you've found yourself in enemy territory. Make it out alive, or at least leave something behind for Lucy to cremate.
Rewards: Continued Existence
Failstate: At Least Mom and Dad Get To Cash The Life Insurance Policy
So now there are three Ronnie Anne's. Now we just need one more and there is one for every season. The actress is from that one casa episode with the soap opera.
But, really? Lincoln takes a walk to get to someone's house and all this happened? I'm sure it's all completely inconsequential. Hopefully there aren't any other actors in this show who look exactly like other characters, because THAT would be really stupid. Like, could you imagine if there was a family of Loud look alikes? (I promise not to do that to you (this soon))