April 1. 2017
"LINCOLN!, PLEASE!, LINCOLN!"
I was shaken, broken inside and out… I heard the screams of my sister who was now all I had left… but I wanted to be alone.
"PLEASE LINCOLN! IT'S OKAY!"
I kept running, they said everything was fine but it wasn't. I just wanted to keep running aimlessly until I got out of that environment that just made me feel worse than I already was, I couldn't help it, no matter how much I closed my eyes, how much I cried, how much I screamed I couldn't stop to consider…. "What did I do to deserve this?"
There was a time…an earlier time when things were perfect, really perfect…but things fall…fall to the ground…and whatever falls…stays to the ground….
March 15. 2017
I took a break from the comic book I was reading and looked around the car, Lori was texting, Leni was reading a fashion magazine not quite understanding, Luna was listening to music, Luan was telling herself jokes, Lynn was playing with a tennis ball, Lucy was reading a typical scary story book, Lana and Lola were arguing, Lisa was talking about nuclear physics and Lily was sleeping being held by my mom Rita was in the front while my dad Lynn Loud Senior drove Vanzilla, but at the moment all I could think about was Lori.
My sister had just turned 18 last week, she was so excited and scared, excited for her adult life to begin and scared to get away from her family and move to the big city to go to college with Bobby and live with him. She would never admit it but she would miss all of us although
at the time I didn't believe it I wouldn't admit it but I would miss her so much and her going would definitely make me cry but I stopped that train of thought before it got out of hand, today would be a family fun day as we were visiting our uncle in Gotham, and I would still have plenty of time to enjoy with her before her eventual departure and I would enjoy every moment…how wrong was I!
It was supposed to be a perfect day of family fun, until the accident happened and my childhood was over.
April 1. 2017
My heart barked like a ticking time bomb about to explode, I ignored the thorny sticks that constantly scratched my face and ripped my suit.
March 15. 2017
"LINCOLN!"
A speeding out-of-control car was heading straight for us, and before my dad had time to react the out-of-control car hit Vanzilla, sending our car flying and doing all sorts of twists and turns until it finally stopped and crashed. with an abandoned building. When I woke up, I tried to move my body but found I was hurting all over but I managed to sit up straight and when I opened my eyes my whole world came crashing down.
April 1. 2017
I continued to run aimlessly through the forest until I tripped and fell to the ground, at that moment all I wanted was for my life to end right there, but I got up and continued to run.
March 15. 2017
"LUNA! LYNN!"
My sisters Lynn and Luna's bodies were twisted and horrible to look at, I was in the middle of them covered in blood, apparently they had used their own bodies to protect me, they were my older sisters to the end. Lucy's neck was snapped in half, and her head was facing the wrong direction, only thanks to the car seat belt that she was still sitting. Lisa's throat was completely slit, her eyes fixed on the roof of the car, empty and lifeless. Leni's corpse was lying on top of itself, a piece of metal had penetrated her skull through her eye. Next were Lola and Lana, their bodies mutilated in the most horrified union she'd ever seen, they were there for each other…in life and in death. Luan had the same fate as Leni, but her face was frozen in horror, unfortunately I couldn't find Lori anywhere. But the worst part for me without a doubt was:
"LILY!"
When I looked and saw my little sister's mangled little body I couldn't help myself and threw up, then I cried and screamed with all my might.
April 1. 2017
When I realized I had sunk to the ground…
March 15. 2017
My mother's skull had been crushed, her only good eye was frozen in terror, my father's eyes were filled with shards of glass and none of them were moving. My tears wouldn't stop falling, my body was shaking uncontrollably, I screamed in pain, misery, frustration and sadness. I unbuckled myself from my seat belt and kicked the van door open so I could get out and got on my knees and continued to cry nonstop for a minute. I screamed in pain and misery as I hit the floor several times. I hugged myself tight and tried to imagine that everything was fine with my family.
April 1. 2017
I continued to fall into what felt like an endless abyss, but I didn't care because everything I ever loved was gone. Leni could no longer pursue her career as a stylist, Luna could no longer be a successful rock star, Luan could no longer become a super famous comedian, Lynn could no longer become the best athlete in the world, Lucy could no longer become a great poet of great renown, Lana could no longer follow in Bobbie Fletcher's footsteps and become America's best pilot, Lola could no longer be the best miss universe actress, Lisa could no longer revolutionize the world with her brilliant mind and Lily…. Lily couldn't be in my arms anymore… I could never see her smile again… I could never hear her say my name again… I couldn't get the chance to say she was like my daughter anymore. I would never be able to hear my parents say they are proud of me again.
Mom could no longer publish her books, and Dad could no longer work in his restaurant.
March 15. 2017
I woke up from my suffering when I heard a voice.
"Lincoln…"
My eyes lit up like lightning when I saw my dad crawling out of the car towards me, probably after hearing my cry. "DAD!" I quickly ran over to him and took his hand. "I'm here Father! Please come with me! I'll call an ambulance!"
I saw how my father struggled but unfortunately, he couldn't move anymore.
"S- Son, are you okay? How's your mother? Is she ok?"
I slowly looked away from him, and said, "Father, I'm okay! But…m-mom.. she's g-gone, Dad." I tried my best not to cry, but it was a losing battle as I looked into my father's face, all that on his face was pain, as tears and blood fell from his shattered eye sockets.
"My beloved Rita!" he yelled, but quickly focused on another question, one that Lincoln dreaded answering. "What about my daughters? Are they safe?" But as their father was speaking he started coughing up blood. question that only made him suffer more." Lincoln answer me!" he tried to scream, holding tight to his hand.
"Dad, I-I'm s-s-sorry, b-but only I survived!" I told him the truth… I had to tell him the truth… deep down I knew it wouldn't take long for him to leave this world just like the others… a world where I would be alone.
"My…my..,my, my…my daughters!". It was horrible to hear my dad sobbing, and it got worse when he started coughing up more blood and then he gave a bloody smile. "Lincoln… listen, my son, I won't last long."
I gripped his hand tighter and started shaking my head, "NO! You have to come with me! I can't leave you here!... I have to save you!... I'll be alone without you!" I despaired and started screaming in desperation.
"You… you saved me a long time ago son… I recognize that I wasn't always a good father… I let my children get over me several times, I never had the courage to impose myself… many times I was selfish… but if there is something I'll never forgive myself…was kicking you out".
I knew what he was talking about… the bad luck incident. "Daddy, let's not talk about this now, I'm not angry anymore, please stay awake!" Then I saw my father's other hand move and join his other hand that was holding mine.
"Lincoln….I…I am proud of you my son, every day you made me proud to call you son… most of the time you were more responsible than me… I dare say you were even more mature… you were the man of the house."
My father coughed up more blood but continued. "DAD!" I called out his name, but he continued.
"What I admired most about you… is your altruism, you always put others above you, you never threw a tantrum for not getting something you wanted, you always helped your sisters the most in what they needed… I feel proud in knowing that I created a better man than myself- COF COF COF". My father started coughing harder and I was on the verge of despair. "But son… the world outside is cruel and unfair, and there are people who will want to hurt you, I will not be there to protect you and that is why you should never let these people pass over you… you will turn 12 years, and you're changing into the man you're going to be…. don't be afraid Lincoln..."
My dad gave me the biggest smile he could muster, his strength was leaving him fast.
"Don't…be… afraid…" My dad's breathing finally stopped, Lynn Loud Senior was no longer alive.
"D..dad… DAD NO! PLEASE, DAD, I BEG!... DAAAAAAADDDD!". I collapsed hugging my father's corpse, burying my head deep into his shoulder.
"Lincoln…"
That voice snapped me out of my thoughts, I look back and see Lori looking at me as she held her bleeding left arm. I quickly ran into her arms and she knelt down to my height, and I buried my face in her bust as she released my tears.
"Lincoln!" hearing her voice was like hearing the voice of an angel… there she was with the most beautiful face I've ever seen, her blond hair perfect, but the most incredible thing was that she was alive. Apparently she had been thrown before the car crashed and by some miracle, she survived, and walked here and heard the words my father uttered before he died. "Thank GOD, THANK GOD YOU'RE OK!" My sister had never felt so relieved in her entire life, and so had I… but at the same time, I could never be the same again. I closed my eyes and passed out in her arms.
My Family lay in that building bleeding to death. It felt like hours before someone came to help. The place where the car ended up crashing was in a building in Park Down, Gotham City, we had planned to visit our father's brother on the trip. They now call the place Crime Alley.
At that moment my childhood ended.
April 1. 2017
I started to wake up slowly as I felt the sunlight in my eyes. I looked up and saw that I had fallen into some sort of ancient well and then I looked at the path ahead that apparently led to a cave, I heard some noises that seemed to go deeper and then I approached, they were bats, hundreds them and apparently the cave was deeper than I could have imagined. But then the nocturnal mammals started moving forward and I put my arms over my face to protect myself. Then I started daydreaming…those things were like levitating me out of the cave.
Gotham City June 7. 2018
Loud Mansion
Lincoln, 13 years old, took a break from the coffee he was drinking and looked at the camera breaking the fourth wall.
"To explain what happened to me..." Lincoln gets up from the couch and walks over to the fireplace. "You are probably wondering what happened next and why am I inside a library with a fireplace? Why is your skin so pale?… Well, I'll explain everything in due course and especially about my new double life."
"Sir, it's time for your studies"
"I've already done all my lessons in advance Alfred."
"Understood, Sir"
Lincoln then looks at the camera again." That was my butler Alfred, and yes I now have a butler and a mansion and I study on the internet as I prefer to be isolated and the reason is why you will find out now, but first you must be wondering how we managed to take Vanzilla to Gotham which is in the state of New Jersey?... Well my father had seen a movie where the family traveled and the car came to life and went out killing all the people on the road, afraid he spent good part of our savings to be able to pay enough for the car to be transported to the hold of the plane… I know a stupid idea and mom almost killed him for it considering the land he bought to help Luan with the pranks I'm not surprised." He left the cup on a small table in the living room and continued. "Continuing….."
March 16. 2017
When I finally woke up, I saw a sterile white room, before I could think what was happening, the horrible memories came back to me and as fast as I could I got out of bed. "LORI!" I screamed and was about to jump off the bed I was lying on until I felt something move in my arms, Lori was sitting next to me and had grabbed me. Lori had frozen in shock, little tears fell down her face and then she hugged me ensuring I was as close as possible, I returned the hug with all the love in the world I could give and so did she. I had no idea how long it's been since we were hugging and crying together, she kept telling me she loved me and whispering sweet words in my ear, even though it was all in vain.
"Thank God you're awake! How are you feeling? Are you feeling no pain? Do I need to call a doctor?!". Lori had gone fully into mama bear mode until I grabbed her by the shoulders.
"LORI, I'M OK!". I lied while panting, she gave me a questioning look but decided to trust me. But then it was my turn to ask a question, I still remember every detail perfectly, from when the car hit Vanzilla to my father's last breath, but deep down I wanted to believe I was dreaming. "Where is everyone? W-why aren't they here to see me?" I asked already knowing the answer but I still wanted to confirm, my sister froze, how in God's name was she going to explain what had happened? She turned her head to away trying to avoid looking me in the eye.
"Lincoln how much do you remember?" She asked me, putting her hands on my shoulders, so I answered.
" …I was in the car with you on the way to Gotham to visit our Uncle Thomas, when I heard Lynn and Luna screaming my name and they hugged me." Tears started to fall from my eyes. "A car was spinning out of control and it hit Vanzilla and everything went blank…I woke up and…. Dad…Mom…Le. Le..Leni, Lu..Lua..Luan… Ly..L..Lyn..Lynn…Lu..L..Luna…LILY!" She then hugged me tightly as I buried my face in her chest and then I cried, "It's just us Linc...all gone..." Lori bit her lip to hold back tears but failed miserably and cried along with me. "Only we survived!"
"...I knew it". She widened her eyes in surprise but didn't stop hugging me. I remember every detail…I remember the last words Dad spoke to me, everyone's bodies". My horrified expression returned as I remembered every detail. "I still wanted to believe this was all a dream… that this was just another one of Luan's pranks…" My tears were soaking through his shirt, so I slowly lifted my head to meeting my eyes with hers, my eyes were red and swollen from crying, my nose was running wildly, my lips were trembling and I almost cried again. My crying was painful for her, my screams were so loud that a nurse came into the room to see what was going on, when she made eye contact with Lori she understood and withdrew.
June 7. 2018
Lincoln got up and walked to the window where he could see the moonlight illuminating his vast garden. "At that moment, all I wanted was to die, I wanted to take my life so I could be with them wherever they were… or at most I would be in the dark just like them…. and that's what I tried to do." He closed his eyes and sighed. "After the tragedy my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha came to see Lori and me and we told them everything that had happened and they took us to the Loud Mansion, Lori called Pop-Pop and told them about the tragedy he destroyed them all the pots, tables and chairs in the nursing home, he just didn't bring the whole place down thanks to Grandma Myrtle who was the only one who could calm his fury. Then it was Bobby and Ronnie Anne's turn to receive the news, they cried like they never cried before and hugged each other, even though Ronnie Anne cried for me she also cried for her brother and her family as this could have happened to them.
Lincoln lit a cigarette and put it in his mouth and took a drag, the smoke he blew fogged the window in front of him." Soon after, a lawyer named Burke Johnson showed up at my uncles' Mansion and said he knew the man who crashed our family's car, a Mafioso member of Dom Marone's gang called Royal Philips and what a rich man he was if he was taken to court. with a public attorney, he would get away with a very light punishment, but with his help he would get 10 to 20 years in jail, Burke helped us because he had also lost someone he loved to this bastard, that was his girlfriend. When my Aunt Martha asked why our affair would hold him longer, why not help the woman he loved he replied that they never got married, and she had no family to speak of, But with us, he had brought down a family of 10 minus Lori and me and that would make national television and destroy him."
Lincoln turned and walked towards the fireplace where he looked into the fire while showing empty, lifeless eyes. "The man said we could take 10 or 20 million from him and with that Lori had accepted immediately, even though my uncles were still having doubts, because it would not only pay for her college, it could pay for mine, we could both have a better house, she wouldn't have to worry about eating or paying taxes but she could take care of me and we would live comfortably together. But I on the other hand knew that I couldn't go back to what I was before, I didn't want money, I didn't want a better life, let alone go back to school." Lincoln clenched his fists in frustration. "I just wanted my family back."
April 1. 2017
It was a dark day, the sky was a terrible gray color, the wind was blowing, making me shiver a little, it was all quite appropriate now that I think about it, I felt two arms from behind wrapping around my neck, looking up I saw the only person I had left of that family that would never come back, Lori wrapped herself around me to support me, I could feel her tears falling on my head, it was funny… I was the only one who hadn't cried yet, maybe I finally had run out of tears, everyone we knew came to Gotham to offer comfort, they howled in pain, cried for me and Lori… I kept an eye on everyone who was saying goodbye, but I already knew what their reactions would be.
The first to say goodbye was my grandfather Pop Pop, he collapsed the moment he saw his daughter's black coffin which was closed due to her disfigured face, he cried loudly in the hope that his daughter would hear and get up, he continued to say how much he loved her from the day he was born, he just wanted her to know how she made him the proudest father in the world. When a parent loses a child, every parent in the world loses a little too. After working up the courage to move on, he walked around each coffin, addressing each of his grandchildren, giving an *I love you* to each of them and telling them to wait for him on the other side, who would visit them. soon because he knew his time on earth was coming to an end he turned then to go to my father's coffin he said *I should have said this sooner... but I was proud to call you son* and that was all what he said, dropping the coffin and turning his back on him and walking back into the row.
Next was Sam, and if I could cry, I could cry, I would have cried, as Sam's reaction was one of the most painful to witness, she resisted for a full minute before collapsing in front of Luna's coffin, screaming in sheer pain, falling to her knees, the only thing keeping her from lying on the cold floor was Luna's coffin, which she had been clinging to for life, begging her to open her eyes and come back to her, that she needed her, she was his foundation, his rock, that song that didn't have the same meaning without her, the final words coming out of her mouth before she was pulled out of the coffin by her mother saying "I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU! I LOVE YOU!" finally giving up and letting her mother guide her away from the coffin of her love of life, and back to the row of seats, her crying never stopping for a moment.
The third was Leni's boyfriend Scott, who like Sam had a complete mental breakdown, standing over her coffin, and bathing her cold body in her tears, begging her to wake up and come back to him, before her father came. and drag him away, his sobs never stopping.
A lot of people I didn't know were approaching Luan's coffin, crying and saying how much they would miss her, now that I think about it, I really didn't know Luan's friends that much...well I guess it doesn't matter anymore since I'm very far from them.
The next group of people I knew were Lynn's former teammates who came to say goodbye to their fallen comrade, it was a very bittersweet moment to watch, everyone forming a group circle around Lynn's coffin, everyone screaming together *WE LOVE YOU!*. breaking down in tears, going from a group circle to a group hug, trying to comfort each other.
I closed my eyes apologizing, I still hadn't been able to cry, all those wonderful people suffered for my amazing sisters who had an impact on all of their lives, all of them crying in sadness, as the world had lost eleven beautiful souls, until the world itself was crying over this loss, but I couldn't, the only thing I could feel was the gaping scar that was given to me, a scar that will never heal.
Next up were the former members of Lucy's club, they called themselves The Morticians Clubs. I was happy that at least a few friends of my younger sister had come to say goodbye, most of them weren't allowed to come, their parents didn't think small children should see something like this so early in their lives, which is funny because I saw and lived… I can't blame them but it's still sad that only one of my little sisters could say goodbye to their best friends. I wasn't sure how the goth kids convinced their parents, but somehow they managed, maybe because they didn't care about death, I would have smiled... if I hadn't been numb, as they were all quoting poems, some of the poems were Lucy's favorites, Haiku looked at me for a moment and her look said it all *I'm sorry for everything*.
And so it was repeated, people walking to the coffins and hugging the bodies of my sisters, crying and saying goodbye, I had no idea how long I stood there watching over and over again, until finally the end was coming.
The McBrides showed up first, and Clyde's parents were crying more than I thought possible, but in this situation, it made perfect sense, and right behind them was their only son, who silently followed them around each coffin, his face she showed silent pain, her tears slowly streaming down her eyes. The McBrides proved to be true friends in our time of need, when we told them about what had happened they bought everything we needed from clothes, food and even offered to take care of us. When I asked them why they wanted to do so much for us knowing our Uncle Thomas was rich, the answer we got almost made Lori and I cry like little boys *You are like a second son to us, that means your sister is like a daughter we never had* Harold said with a smile* Lynn and Rita were our closest friends, and we know that if something had happened to us, they would have done the same for Clyde*. Howard ended his explanation with a sob.
When the McBrides finished the respect round, it was the Casagrande Family's turn, each of them with their heads down, some of them crying, some of them with sad faces, but again I already expected this, I was already starting to sweat like Lisa, Shaking my head to regain control of my wandering mind, I refocused on the Casagrande Family, specifically two people, the first being Ronnie Anne, she was one of the few people who didn't have tears streaming down her face, but her face showed pure dread. Something like this could have happened to her family and it scared her to no end.
The second person I paid attention to was Lori's boyfriend the one who should be my future brother-in-law Bobby, you'll understand later on why I said should, Bobby was one of those who was crying the most, his sobs getting worse with each passing coffin, his painful wails talking sadness to the world, out of all his family, he was the closest to the Loud Family. He just couldn't understand why such a horrible thing would happen to them. How could this happen to such wonderful people? Honestly, I asked the same question, but no matter how many times we tried to understand this, we couldn't understand, life is not fair...while some are born to feast, others spend their lives in darkness, begging for crumbs.
Now comes the part I dreaded the most, Lori and I will pay our respects to them… and we would say goodbye, slowly I felt my older sister push me forward, I felt my feet feel heavy like they were huge rocks, but no matter. No matter how much I wanted to run away, I was getting closer and closer to them, my constant numbness was replaced by despair, until I finally reached the first coffin, and when I saw who was inside it my tears ran like fire, the whole time I didn't cry, the real reason deep down is because I still hadn't accepted that everyone was gone, but to see the one whose last words I had the honor to hear, the one who was proud of me all along, the one whose believed that I was more of a man than he was… something I never believed until I reflected much later, the one inside the coffin was my Father Lynn Loud Senior.
I felt my sister drop to her knees and pull me into a safe hug, we both cried together, and for the crowd of people watching us it was even sadder as all they saw was a little brother and an older sister trying to get comfort in each other in the world that had taken everything from them, but I knew that little brother didn't exist anymore… I had no idea what I was at that moment. When Lori and I found the strength to continue, Lori let go of me and slowly stood up, but she didn't let go of my hand for an instant.
My Dad looked so peaceful, he was smiling, which reminded me of my last moments with him while alive, the only bad thing was the horrible cloth that was on his face, but Lori and I knew very well why that was, both I while my sister we just watched, until we both hugged our father goodbye.
Next was our mother, we would hug her too if we could, but unfortunately her skull was destroyed too much in the accident so her coffin was already closed, instantly both Lori and I put our hands on the coffin for a moment, feel that the woman who gave me and all my sisters life would no longer be there for us nearly made me fall apart again, wherever she was, Lori and I hoped she could feel all the love we felt for her.
And that's how it went on with each passing coffin, we said goodbye to each of our sisters together, until we finally reached the final three, I let go of Lori's hand and walked over to the first coffin alone, I needed to do this alone, looking Down I saw my number one hero in the world, and also the one who once put fear in my heart, my big sister Lynn, even in death she looked so strong, for a moment all I did was look at her, i was thinking about the positive and negative events, i remembered when she and i switched places so i couldn't compete in the football game, at the time i was scared because i was bad at sports and i was scared of getting hurt , not to mention the fact that Hawk and Hank would break my bones if I tried to compete, I smiled at that memory, but then came the memory of bad luck when she accused me of being unlucky, I contributed to the lie and the my family ended up putting me to I was out of the house in mid-autumn, when I decided to convince them otherwise by wearing that damn squirrel costume that had given me nightmares until then, they forced me to wear that garbage for 2 whole weeks until I refused to wear the costume and I went back to sleep outside, and then I was shot by a criminal who had stolen an old woman's purse and I was in the hospital for a month, everyone despairs thinking that I had died, I remember when I woke up I was furious with them and said terrible things, disowned them and just recognized Lily as family. It was like this for a month until I noticed that Lynn was trying to commit suicide feeling guilty about my near death, she was slowly killing herself, stopping eating, stopping drinking, slowly cutting herself with razors and each day the cut was a little deeper, during the games she would hurt herself on purpose with the intention of causing an accident that could break any limb of her body. That was too much for me, I had already forgiven a good part of my family and it was her turn, she cried like she never cried in her entire life when I said I forgave her. So I slowly lowered my hand and held her hand, I should normally feel cold holding her hand but I was also cold like the day most of the Loud family died I had died with them too but it was still weird feel cold coming from Lynn's hand, all my life all I felt was a flaming heat, as if her body was on fire, nowadays I'm sure it was because of her soul as she was always on fire passion, always ready for any challenge that came her way. She saved my life, I lowered my head and kissed her forehead.
And then I went to the next person who saved my life, and my second number one hero, my older sister Luna, looking at that coffin gave me a strange feeling, Luna had never been so quiet, it just wasn't in her nature, she was always a free-spirited person, always so full of life, but somehow even in death, she seemed free, and it brought me some comfort somehow, just like I did with Lynn I lowered my head and kissed her. your forehead…. a goodbye to my second mother.
And so I walked away from my big sister's coffin, and I went to the last and smallest coffin, the one that was my little sister Lily, looking down on the little coffin, I saw the shape of my sister's body on a white cloth. It brought me endless pain for not being able to see her face one last time, but I knew why, even so I needed all the strength not to rip the cloth that hid my little daughter's face. When Lily was born I was the first male face she saw, when she was in the incubator she slowly opened her eyes and saw me, I remember when she said her first word… it was my name… when she took her first steps and ran for me it was the happiest day of my life she was laughing I thought why did she have to die I would have given my life for hers in a heartbeat i would have done it for any of my sisters but Lily would have been my first choice, she hadn't even experienced life. When I remembered the day she called me dad while playing with Lola, I felt my tears fall down my face knowing she was going to be buried.
I made my way back to the seats, Lori was about to stop me when she thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown again but she saw my eyes and the purpose behind them, after getting what I needed I came back with the Bun-Bun, I brought it for a purpose, people slowly gave me strange looks, none of them trying to understand why I needed the stuffed rabbit, even Lori gave me a confused look, I walked right past her to the little one coffin, my last words to my Lily would make the people around me cry again in sadness.
*H..h..h hey Lily… is you older brother here* I said trying to control my breathing *I promised I would always be there for you… and I failed* I started to sniffle disappointed in myself *sorry I broke up that promise… I failed as a Friend … as a Big Brother… AS A FATHER* was a losing battle because I started to cry *You were like a daughter to me!, I wanted to go in your place!, you had so much to live! How much to play! You had to grow old! graduate! Get married!... have a family!... but I promise you, one day... one day we will be together again! *I was choking but still held on as long as I could* I'll miss you so much daughter!, my baby!* More tears escaped my face, some of them landing on her beautiful cloth, it took me a moment to wipe away the tears. *I…. I know how much you hate being alone...so here* I slowly put the Bun-Bun in the coffin beside her little body* You don't have to be afraid anymore, just hug him and he will protect you... when we are together again give it back to me, will be our promise* my tears started to fall harder * I LOVE YOU SO MUCH LILY!* and that was it, I couldn't take it anymore and fell to my knees letting out a cry of pure sadness, my tears mixed with the rain that had been started to fall, looking at the sky I screamed in anger and pain
*WHY SHE! WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST TAKE ME!, WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE ME IN HER PLACE!, WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE ME IN HER PLACE! PLEASE JUST TAKE ME IN HER PLACE! PLEASE!, MY DAUGHTER!, MY DAUGHTER!, MY BABY!* before I could continue I felt loving arms wrap around me.
Lori held me close to her, my words had been like little daggers thrust into her soul, she talked about it with me later as those words that came out of my mouth made her feel scared but I don't regret it for an instant. She picked me up as slowly as when I was a baby and carried me back to the seats, never letting go of me for a moment.
When it came time for the priest to start the funeral part he had to wipe the tears from his eyes before he could begin, when he was ready he started reciting the last words that sent the lost cries, the final journey, and then arrived It was time for the coffins to be carried by Loud Mansion staff, I was at the front with Lori and Alfred as each coffin was carried towards the catacombs where the loud family ancestors were, I got tired and ran into the forest ignoring my mother's screams. sister.
June 7, 2018
Lincoln was now in the mansion's graveyard, in the catacombs, noting the names of each of his family members carved into the walls:
Lynn Loud Senior - January 10, 1975 - March 15, 2017
Rita Loud - June 12, 1976 - March 15, 2017
Leni Loud - November 7, 2000 - March 15, 2017
Luna Loud December 30, 2001 - March 15, 2017
Luan Loud March 18, 2003 - March 15, 2017
Lynn Loud July 20, 2004 - March 15, 2017
Lucy Loud Octuber 31, 2009 - March 15, 2017
Lana Loud May 4, 2011 - March 15, 2017
Lola Loud May 5, 2011 - March 15, 2017
Lisa Loud September 7, 2013 - March 15, 2017
Lily Loud February 12, 2016 - March 15, 2017
"After that day SR Burke kept his promise, we won the case, the story quickly becoming the most talked about story in the Royal Woods and Gotham, as well as the entire state of Michigan and New Jersey in one night as my family was related to Thomas and Martha Loud who were Billionaires, and one of the fastest cases in the history of the state, looking like it was going to last for weeks, Burker had gotten 20 Million Dollars, everything Burker said about Royal Philips was true, the man owned several hotels across Gotham, as well as having murdered Allistar Warren who was the previous owner of these hotels thanks to his connections to the Marone Family and being a member of Dom Marone's gang. But after winning the case I asked my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha that my custody be passed to them." Lincoln knelt down and placed flowers in a vase near the graves, his expression was neutral and ironically his skin was so pale it would make Lucy both proud and terrified if she could see him.
"Lori had received an invitation to study at Harvard University, in the state of Massachusetts for 4 years, this was an opportunity that very few had and I knew that if she didn't go I would miss an opportunity to get the best one imaginable, at first. she intended to refuse and continue with plans to study in Michigan but after winning the case custody passed to my Uncles Thomas and Martha Loud, they became my legal guardians until I turned 18."
Lincoln then lit his cigarette and took a drag, blowing out the smoke." She was furious when she found out about my request, I could understand her emotions, she couldn't bear to be without the only person she had left, but it was for her own good. I also said that I intended to stay out of the country for a while until I calmed down, it was not easy to convince her, but she listened to me and decided to travel". Lincoln walks out of the catacomb. "She promised to visit me on holidays and vacations when I decided to come back, she ended up keeping the house but ended up selling it, no matter how much pain it brought her to do it, it was the best, all the memories of that place only brought so much pain to both of us. With the money she ended up earning, she bought the best apartment in Massachusetts and a Toyota Camry, her dream car. I went into depression secretly for two months but I hid it well from it, unfortunately or fortunately my Uncle Thomas realized in time since he was a surgeon and often worked at the hospital, my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha respected my decision to continue my studies in home, I rarely left the mansion and when I did it was only to visit my uncle's company.
April 30, 2017
I was looking out the window while my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha, since I lost my family, I became bitter, disillusioned, depressed, and I even started smoking when they weren't looking at me. "Did you build this train?" I decided to break the silence as I was getting sick of just looking out the window, my uncle just nodded and said "Gotham is good for our family but the city has been suffering, people less fortunate than us come facing many difficulties, so we built a cheap public transport system to unite the city, and in the center is the Loud Tower". My uncle pointed to a tower about 1,000 feet high with the Loud family letter "L" in the center and the name "Loud" above the letter. "Do you work there?"
"No, I work in a hospital, I leave the management of our company in the hands of better men… in fact the correct word would be more interested."
When I was younger whenever my parents took us to Gotham I always wondered why we weren't as famous or rich as my uncles, apparently my grandfather disowned my father after the two of them had an argument about marriage with my mother, and to make matters worse at the time my Aunt Martha lost her son who had just given birth, my grandfather was furious and blamed my father's dishonor and expelled him without the right to inheritance or any connection. Fortunately, after the death of my grandfather, my uncle decided to end this useless tension in the family and welcomed us back as a family, and he decided to give a
part to my father, but he refused, saying that he would not accept anything that did not belong to him. For he would respect my grandfather's will.
June 7, 2018
"I remember when I was sick, sometimes my depression would leave me with a fever but nothing too serious and my Uncle Thomas was always there for me"
May 15, 2017
"The bats again?" I slowly opened my eyes after the nightmare and saw my uncle looking at me, he was wearing a purple robe and bunny slippers, while carrying a thermometer in his hand, lately, I had been having visions of bats since falling into that cave, they always flew towards me and I never slept peacefully. "Do you know why the bats attacked you? They were afraid of you." I looked back at my uncle with a neutral expression, it wasn't fear... I can still remember when the bats took me out of the cave, not in the literal sense but that had to mean something. but my real problem was being the night nightmares about the accident, only this time Lori died too, and I ended the nightmare by taking my own life, to escape the pain, I woke up several times screaming Lori's name and my body I was shivering from the cold, but unfortunately, Lori was too far away to calm me down, but luckily my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha were always around.
"Afraid of me?"
"All creatures are afraid."
"Even the scary ones?"
"Especially the scary ones."
My Uncle Thomas then took a box in his hand and sat on my bed, which he was going to show me, today would be one of the most valuable possessions I keep with me. "I want to show you something". When he opened the box, I saw a beautiful pearl necklace that he intended to give to my Aunt Martha. "A necklace?" I asked using the same tone my sister Lucy used, which seemed to sadden my uncle who sighed. "Do you think your aunt will like it?"
"Perhaps."
My uncle sighed and then looked at me. "I know the loss of your family has affected you a lot, they were my family too, I have wanted to see my brother for a long time and when I thought I would have the chance this happens" I looked at the eyes, without showing expression and then said, "I feel as if I have fallen into a deep abyss, where I could never get up."
"But you need to get up."
"Why?"
"Do you know why we fell?" My uncle asked me as I arched my eyebrow "so we can learn to get up."
June 7, 2018
Still in the catacombs, Lincoln passes by the graves of his parents and sisters and begins to look at other tombs of generations of the Loud Family, until he approaches the tomb of the first Loud who, by mere coincidence, also died at such young ages. "My Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha did everything they could to convince me to go out to play and go back to school and socialize, but I had left the Bun-Bun with Lily for a purpose and it wasn't just to protect her, it was a clear way of symbolizing that my old self had died in that accident along with them." Lincoln starts to wipe some tears from his eyes and walks towards two more tombs in the wall.
"Although it didn't show much, I loved my uncles, in the remaining two months I started to go out more often with my uncles, we visited restaurants, theaters, cinemas, museums, and libraries. I really identified a lot with my uncles, more specifically with my Aunt Martha, who just as I loved helping others and always put them first, I might not go back to being what I was, but maybe I could start over and with the time to see them as my father figures".
June 23, 2017
I was visiting the catacombs for the first time in a long time, I noted the names of each of my sisters as some tears fell from my face as I recalled the sickening way each of them died, then I felt someone crouch behind I know your pain, Martha and I could never replace your parents and your sisters, the same way you could never replace our son Bruce, but I promise I will never, ever leave your side".
"... a Beautiful Lie"
June 26, 2017
I already had my birthday that month and I was 12 years old, I was in a play with music and singing. A gilded house packed to the rafters for Boito's Mefistofle. I was sitting between my uncles while watching witches, hideous creatures leaping, dark birds swooping down the wires, I just watched it all, looking restlessly at those violent movements, and then some performers in bat costumes appeared and the choreography started to affect my mind. I started having flashbacks of when I fell into that pit, all those bats flying towards me, those scratches, those squeaks were scaring me and my breathing was quickening, for a moment I thought I was having PTSD symptoms with my fear of bats, I tried to swallow my panicked breaths and looked for a way out.
"Can we go out?" I asked my uncle who looked at me, if I could guess I believe he noticed the symptoms. "Please." He nodded and we stood up.
The three of us walked out of the theater as my uncle put his hands on my shoulders to try to calm me down. "What happened Lincoln?" My aunt asked me, although I didn't want to speak at the time. "It wasn't me who wanted to leave." My uncle lied so I could relax a little. "I wanted to get some fresh air, and honestly that opera was making me sick." My uncles and I started walking down the streets on the way to Loud Mansion, I was still thinking about what happened on stage, as I said earlier at first I believed I had PTSD symptoms but I knew it had something to do with that pit where I fell, I felt like something was calling me and i would only find out when I found that well again. When I realized we were walking down a familiar alley, there was no mistaking it when I saw the hole in the building… that was Criminal Alley." PLEASE NO!, NO AGAIN!". I got scared and tried to walk away but my uncles reached down and grabbed me.
"Lincoln, I'm sorry I didn't notice where we were going...but you can't live your whole life in fear, just close your eyes and shake our hands with force". I looked at my uncle who was trying to calm me down." It's going to be okay son... I promise I'll never leave your side".
The nightmare again here, my Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha Loud took mine as we entered the dark alley, just as we entered the place where my family was taken from me, a man emerged from the shadows carrying a gun, I can only imagine the fear that the assailant came out of the shadows.
"Let's start with the gentleman's pocket wallet!"
"Okay," My uncle replied with a serenity in his voice which surprised me. "FAST". The criminal insisted as he started to lose his temper, but at no time did my uncle lose his cool even in such a tense moment as that, I felt my heart would jump out at any moment, my uncle took his wallet from his pocket with carefully and dropped it to the floor. "Now take it and go" The criminal bent down and did what my father said, but then he smirked and pointed the gun at my aunt— "Now the pearls around the lady's neck!".
"HANDS OFF MY WIFE!"
BANG
I will never forget the sound of the gun firing, my aunt's screams, the small pieces of metal passing through the only two people I had left, my future was already black before my eyes, now it was completely submerged in darkness. Just like my parents and my sisters, the bodies of my uncles lay on that same damn street bleeding to death, as for me, I could only stand paralyzed with the scene in front of me, it seemed hours before someone came to help... the criminal approached me. I still couldn't move.
"Did you see that boy?... that's what happens to those who try to be a hero".
The criminal smiled at me Machiavellian as he ran, entering the alley and disappearing into the dark mist. Now all I could do was drop to my knees before the bloodied bodies of my uncles as the rain began to fall.
...A Beautiful Lie
Review credits to: Saccharine Melody
I used as inspiration elements from the fanfic "Two Louds Lefts" and elements from the movies "Batman v Superman" and Batman Begins, I give due credit to the author " Coldwarnick" and to DC Comics, I put a lot of effort into writing this chapter and I hope I can have the same result next time, goodbye.