Chapter 3: Belonging.

This next part of the story will focus on Lincoln's first encounter with Jake, from chapter 1. Now that flashback will begin to have relevance to the rest of the narrative. Here will be the aftermath of Lincoln leaving the house, because of course, his original plan to go to Clyde's will not run smoothly.

Lincoln had done it. He left the chaotic household which he felt at that moment had plagued his life since the day he was born. He had walked out on his own family and fled from the nest which he was so accustomed to. Despite the danger and uncertainty this turn of events posed for him, he was surprisingly feeling glad, even hopeful of the situation. Lincoln always considered himself a little bit of a passive individual, at times like a doormat. Not always, as there were plenty of occasions in which he voiced his thoughts and vented his frustrations, and even confronted those responsible for distasteful or selfish actions.

But it did seem like he submitted to the status quo that his family had set out too many times. No matter the damage it caused, and no matter the consequences, Lincoln too often allowed himself to accept the troublesome traits of the household. But no more, he was taking a stand. He genuinely wanted to discover if his absence was truly a factor in determining the quality of the relationship between the Loud family members. Was it truly the case that he was the root of all problems in the house? Or would his lack of presence be the trigger that finally enables the family to realise some of the recurring problems which plague their relationship?

Lincoln (to the audience): "I don't know if I've made the right decision in the long run, but I had to do something. This constant fighting and madness is driving me crazy! I needed to get out, even if it's just for a little while. Let's see if they miss me enough to look back at their own actions and reflect on things as they are."

But as Lincoln walked on his way to his best friend's house, an individual was approaching him. He was wearing very thick and dark clothing, as if he wished to be unnoticeable to the average person, not wishing to be conspicuous, but rather secretive, introverted and undetected. A black hoodie, which even covered most of his face, that almost resembled a cloak from a distance, as well as a pair of dark coloured jeans. He approached Lincoln from behind and paced quickly towards the young child…

Jake: "Hello there, young boy. You look lost." He said casually and calmly.

Lincoln turned around. One of the most basic lessons children are taught is to never talk to strangers, so Lincoln faced the individual with caution and a slight sense of fear. However, considering another of those lessons is to not just get up and run and away from home, and he had just done exactly that, Lincoln was not an especially strong believer of following those lessons at that moment. Still, his common sense kicked in and the boy stepped back, sense a possibility of danger through this interaction…

Lincoln: "Um, no. I'm just… going to a friend's house. That's all." He stated with a slight hint of nervousness.

Jake: "Well, you have fun. Just make sure you're not too late getting back to your family." He replied in a very easy-going manner, giving off the impression that he was speaking in a joking manner, as a means to break the ice with the young child.

Lincoln: "Yeah, well, we'll see. I'm not really in any rush to get back to my family right now!" He coldly said before attempting to walk away.

The individual then demonstrated interest in Lincoln's situation, aiming to emit a sense of understanding and compassion through expressing curiosity over what sounded like, based on Lincoln's statement, to be a rather troubling dilemma.

Jake: "Why is that? Have they upset you?" He asked curiously.

Lincoln: "Never mind."

Lincoln didn't even know this person, so despite his seemingly caring nature, he did not wish to share with him his life story, nor his current predicament regarding the relationship struggle with his siblings. As such, Lincoln tried to dismiss his interlocutor's questions and simply walk away and resume his journey to Clyde's.

Jake: "Hold on, kid!" He yelled towards Lincoln as he increased his walking speed, intending to catch up with the boy, who was walking away from him.

Lincoln: "Look, let's just say there's been a little bit of a falling out and I just need a little space!"

Jake: "But will this really be the right way of resolving the situation? The longer you shove everything to one side, the harder it is to clean up the mess that has been made. In other words, if you have a problem with the family, the best thing to do is talk and work things out." He said as he aimed to come across as a wise and caring figure to the child.

Lincoln was surprised with what sounded like solid wisdom and advice from this young adult who had approached him. As this conversation progressed, Lincoln's sense of trust heightened, and he began to lower his guard. He started sharing subtle, and then more blatant, hints to this person about what had transpired.

Lincoln: "I don't think it's that simple, with all due respect. This wasn't some little fight or anything. The problem is… the problem is their overall treatment of me, in general. The problem is the way they behave. All the crud that I have to deal with in that house. There are so many things wrong with that place!" he vented.

Jake: "Like what?"

Lincoln then let out a deep breath and closed his eyes, preparing to unleash a rather large and lengthy explanation concerning why he was so sick of the status quo in The Loud House…

Lincoln: "Well, the place is like a gladiator pit. Everything we do is just one big fight. The last slice of pizza. The best seat in the car. Hidden money in the house. All we ever do is tear holes in each other, and I'm not just being figurative."

Jake: "Well, aren't many sibling relationships like that?" he said trying to seem like a nurturing figure, aiming to make it seem as if he were attempting to calm Lincoln's nerves and help him to see sense and rational thought.

Lincoln: "Those are just the little things. The real issues… oh ho ho, they're much worse! The lengths my family will go to get their own way is just scary! Like one time when Lola blackmailed everyone into doing what she wanted because she wasn't allowed into our secret confession meetings, or when Lynn went crazy and tried beating us at everything because she lost a board game. We constantly fight over everything and let it get out of hand so much! One time, my sisters introduced some stupid fight protocol, all just because Lori and Leni fought over wearing the same dress! And it was a disaster! It only made things so much worse!"

Jake adopted a rather concerned and worried look as Lincoln began to input more rage and disgust into his words…

Lincoln: "And that's not all! They once had me kicked out of the house and forced me to sleep outside in the cold, all just because they believed I was bad luck! Granted, I have to take some of the credit because I went through with the lie at first to benefit from it, but even still, the extreme reaction they had towards thinking I was a jinx was just despicable! I may act selfish at times, and may have done some less than admirable things in my time because of that, I admit, but I would never do something like that to any of them! There have been other times, like once when I was kicked out of the van in the middle of a journey and left stranded in the middle of nowhere because my sister was going through a personality change. Fair enough, I contributed to that, but still, doing that to me just because they were mad that my sister couldn't do something for them was just uncalled for! On many occasions, I have been stuck in a one of ten conflict against all of my siblings at the same time! I swear, for a bunch of girls who all really different in appearance, personality and interests, they seem to have a hive mind half of the time! It's nuts! I sometimes get the sense that I'm the odd one out! That I just don't belong in the same way the others do! I almost wonder if they genuinely love me as a brother and a member of the family, or if that's just an act, and I'm more like an unwanted burden to them!" he finished as he stopped, took another deep breath, and hung his head down in sadness.

Jake maintained a sympathetic and worried expression on his face the entire time Lincoln delivered his speech of despair. He could see the relationship the young boy shared with his family was, to say the least, less than perfect, and recent events had placed seeds of doubt, paranoia and sadness into his psyche. While appearing sympathetic and caring, the true intentions of this man were far more sinister. Jake was searching for recruits, for people who could serve him in his 'quest' as he would think of it, to inflict change for the better on society. At least, that is how he views his activities.

Jake seized the opportunity to influence the actions of Lincoln, who at this moment, was confused and unsure of what to do next.

Jake: "I understand. Sometimes people can take advantage of someone's qualities. From what it sounds like, you're a very kind, forgiving and sensitive soul."

Lincoln: "I guess you could say that."

Jake: "Unfortunately, those qualities are what will make you a victim. In this world, people will take advantage of doormats, and pushovers. People who allow others to walk all over them will only end up miserable, along and with nothing. That is what your family is doing to you right now! They've got used to you rolling over and taking anything they give you! No matter how they treat you, you'll be alright in the end! That's what they're counting on. You're the punching bag of your house, kid."

Lincoln would normally be angered with someone talking about his family like that, but since his anger was directed at them at that moment, and with quite a potency, he wasn't bothered in the slightest. If anything, he felt inclined to agree with the points being made, even if with some reluctancy…

Lincoln: "You know what, I think you're right!"

Jake: "I hate to have to say this to you, but it's about time you woke up and realised the reality of the situation, son. Tell you what? Forget going to this friend of yours, how about you come and hang out for a while?"

Lincoln was so angry and irrational in his head at that point that he just listened and obliged. He didn't care that he was wandering off with a total stranger, he just wanted to be with someone he could trust, and at that moment, Jake had managed to break down Lincoln's guard. Through adopting a kind and compassionate front, he had gained Lincoln's trust and friendship. He approached the boy as an understanding and caring individual, interested in his problems and sympathetic of his dilemma, offering to lend a helping hand. As the conversation progressed, and Lincoln began to bond with him via venting his rage and emotions, Jake was able to abandon this charade and reveal his more aggressive and brutally honest nature. Now, he had convinced Lincoln of his perspective as well as to follow him back to his location. Step 1 in his grand plan was already complete…

Lincoln: "Sure, maybe we can go to the park or something."

Jake: "Yeah, something like that." He replied while sounding sincere, yet with a hint of subtle sarcasm, as he fully intended to lure Lincoln back to his place.

Lincoln: "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Lincoln, Lincoln Loud, by the way. And your name is?" Lincoln asked whilst chuckling, realising they had bonded without even finding out each other's names.

Jake: "Jake. But my friends call me Viribus."

Lincoln: "Viribus?" he asked befuddled.

Jake: "Yes. It's a nickname."

Lincoln: "What kind of nickname is that?"

Jake: "It's just one I was given way back. It means strength in Latin. "With all one's might". Pretty cool, huh?"

Lincoln simply nodded, and with that, the two walked off together. Lincoln had forgotten about his original destination of the McBride house, and had instead went away with his new friend… or foe.

So, Lincoln Loud has made a new friend, and has now left with that person. Sure, it's never a good idea to just wander off with strangers, but try talking sense to an 11 year old boy who's emotionally troubled and just been driven out of the house by the madness of his own family. The following chapters will aim to balance the focus and development between all the different characters involved. The next chapter will be about Lincoln entering his friend's home/hideout and becoming acquainted with his new surroundings, and new company, while further discussing matters with Jake/Viribus. That will be followed by a chapter about the Loud family responding to the events that have transpired thus far, and reflecting on their actions as well as the status quo in place in The Loud House. Soon enough, everything will come together, and some shocking events will occur. But for now, I can safely tell you that this tale is just getting started…