Chapter 10: If He Were a Loud.
Well, here we are with the tenth chapter of the story. By this point, Lincoln has already begun his heel realization and is beginning to reflect on what his new 'friends' have taught and how he has changed as a person, though not for the better. Continuing from the previous chapter, this one will now begin with a sequence set in an AU where Lincoln is just like Jake/Viribus. It may be worth re-reading the previous chapter before reading this one. Anyway, let's get on with what is essentially an ending of sorts. By that, I mean this is the final chapter before the narrative direction takes a very different turn. But more on that later. Read the story and then view the bold text at the end of this chapter to understand what I'm talking about…
It was early morning in the Loud House. Lincoln woke up in his bed and stretched his arms out, preparing himself for another day. But something was different about Lincoln today. It was safe to say he wasn't himself. This was more like Viribus, the violent and vengeful individual, inside the body of little Lincoln Loud. Needless to say, this did not look good for the Loud family.
Viri-Lincoln: "Ah, today is going to be a great day!" he declared to himself proudly, as if he had some very grand intentions for that day.
Lincoln left the room and made his way to the upstairs hallway. He casually strolled across it without a care in the world. Noticeably, all the doors to the sibling's bedrooms were shut. The hallway was completely deserted, as if he were the only one present in the building. This would never be the norm, as with the sheer amount of siblings living in the house with Lincoln, it would be rare even during early morning or late night hours that Lincoln could walk across the house without running into anyone…
But this was different. This was not the normal Lincoln. This was Lincoln if he were more like Viribus. The type of person who never takes anything from anybody. Someone who exacted drastic forms of revenge over any misdeed. Somebody who made people pay for crossing his path, and wasn't afraid to use violence and intimidation to have his way against others.
Leni: "Is he gone?" she asked from the confines of her bedroom, as her older sister went to silently peak through the bedroom door.
Lori: "Yeah, he's heading downstairs." She replied.
Leni: "Phew." She muttered in relief.
Viri-Lincoln (to the audience): "Life in the Loud House is great! I practically run this dump! Those dumb sisters of mine aren't ever going to get in my way or inconvenience me ever again! I've made it clear who's boss in this place, and now things couldn't be better!"
Viri-Lincoln then went over to watch TV, but found the twins already at the sofa, watching a programme. Once he entered the room, both siblings immediately jumped out of their seats in fear of his presence, and instantly gave in to his dominance…
Lola: "Oh hi, Lincoln. Good morning. We didn't hear you coming downstairs. What a pleasant surprise." She said with a forced smile and happy tone of voice.
Lana: "Yeah, we were turning on the TV so it was ready for ya. Here, have the remote. Watch whatever you want! We'll just go upstairs and have a tea party."
Lola: "But you hate tea parties!" she questioned irritated.
Lana: "Shut up! Let's just get upstairs!" she insisted as she aimed to get them out of the room as quickly as possible.
Lana handed her older brother the remote and both of them retreated upstairs, leaving Lincoln free to watch whatever he wanted.
Viri-Lincoln: "Ha ha! I love it when those little rejects run scared from me."
Some time after Lincoln settled down, the sporty sister of his came down for a glass of milk. But she saw the boy sitting on the sofa and did not wish to be noticed. She tried tip-toeing down the stairs and sneaking around the edges of the room to avoid his notice. But he heard her, and greeted her accordingly…
Viri-Lincoln: "Hey, Lynn! What a sec!" he shouted as he got her attention, and she bricked it knowing she had been caught.
Lynn: "Oh, hey bro. what's up?" she asked nervously.
Viri-Lincoln: "How about we play a little wrestling?"
Lynn: "Oh, it's cool. I just ate a meatball sub earlier. I'll get a cramp." She responded, trying to excuse herself.
Viri-Lincoln: "But you just woke up." He flatly stated with a hint of irritation, making it clear he knew she was lying.
Lincoln then suddenly grabbed Lynn, tackled her to the ground, and began applying an arm bar against her. She tried to resist showing pain, given her own butch and competitive nature, but he soon amplified the pressure, causing her to squeal in desperation.
Lynn: "Argh! Lincoln, I quit! You win!"
Viri-Lincoln: "I win? Well, I must say I'm a little disappointed. Lynn Loud Jr, the girl who can't stand losing, just gives up so easily. Remember the things you used to tell me when we did this. About winning no matter what. About doing whatever it takes to become dominant over others, and never giving in until you succeed!?"
He continued to increase the pressure against his sister, grinning sadistically as he prepared to break his sister's arm…
Viri-Lincoln: "Now, fight back! Come on, you're supposed to be the big, tough athlete while I'm just a scrawny little weakling. Now get out of this grip and knock me out!" he demanded.
Lynn: "Argh! Lincoln, please! Stop! You're gonna break my arm!" she screamed as she was in intense pain, fearing her limb may snap in two any second.
Lori: "That's enough, Lincoln! Let her go!" she shouted at her aggressive little brother, mustering up the courage to stand up to him despite the fear he implanted in all his sisters.
Lincoln then let go of the sporty one and looked up at his eldest sister, with a very angry and sinister look, as if he were making it clear to her that she's next.
Lori: "Lincoln, this needs to stop. You could have broken your sister's arm! I know you've been mad at us lately, but this behaviour is not justified!"
Viri-Lincoln: "No, no. You're right. I'm getting too angry and irritable these days. I really need to learn to control my temper more." He said calmly as he seemingly began to walk away from the situation…
Viri-Lincoln: "I really need to…" and he cut off his sentence there as he leaped towards Lori and tackled her to the ground.
Despite her superior size, this version of Lincoln knew his combat skills, and was also surprisingly strong. He grabbed Lori's legs and executed a double leg takedown to the taller sibling. Lori went straight to the ground, and now she was the next victim of Lincoln's wrath…
Viri-Lincoln: "Now… I'm LITERALLY going to turn YOU into a human pretzel!"
Lori: "Lincoln, get off! You're literally scaring me!" She pleaded out of terror as she was worried of what her violent brother would do, while on the verge of tears.
Viri-Lincoln: "You know something? It's cute that you think you're still in charge of your siblings. Face it, sis. I run things around here! I'm the boss! And if you cross me, oppose me, or even talk back to me ever again, I will make you suffer! Got it?!"
Lori: "Get off me! You're a monster!" she screamed as she closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands, preparing for an attack.
Viri-Lincoln: "No, you're the monsters. You treat me differently, what, because I'm a boy? Because I'm different?! For years, I've had to put up with you scumbags outnumbering me, oppressing me, attacking me, making me feel bad, excluding me and just treating me like a sack of…"
Leni: "Lincoln! Get off Lori!" she said as she entered the room.
Viri-Lincoln: "Oh good, the more the merrier. You all need to hear this anyway."
Lincoln then got off Lori and she retreated away from him. Lori and Leni then embraced each other in a hug since the older sister needed comforting after being attacked.
Viri-Lincoln: "You can all act like I'm the monster all you want, but the truth is, you're the ones who are bad sisters! I find it funny that you never told Lynn to get off me all the times she was roughhousing with me, Lori, but the second you see me attack her, I'm going too far and need to be stopped."
Lori: "But most of the times when she did it, she was just playing with you. Rarely if ever did she mean any real harm! But you were intentionally trying to injure her just for a sick joke!"
Viri-Lincoln: "Well, the way I see it, that's what you have to do in order to get any respect in life! You have to beat down all your enemies until they fear you, you have to make everyone run and hide in the corner every time you enter a room! Only then can you finally have a life worth living!"
Lori: "What is wrong with you, brother!?" she questioned, so confused and saddened by his crazy and violent he was sounding to her at that moment.
Viri-Lincoln: "All you dumb girls ever do is make my life a misery! So now, I'm going to get my own back on all of you! These past few months… are just the beginning. I'm going to make you all puppets, that I abuse and berate for my own amusement, because it's what you deserve! And I'd like to see any of you losers try to stop me!"
Lori: "Lincoln, what has gotten into you!?" she asked as Leni continued to try and comfort her.
Viri-Lincoln: "I would ask you the same question, Lori. But I know the answer. The truth is, you've had it out for me ever since I went over and clocked my bully in the face after she bullied me!"
Lori: "That was my Bobby's little sister, and you just smacked her right in the eye! He broke up with me over that!"
Viri-Lincoln: "Oh sure, because your dumb boyfriend is so much more important to you that you couldn't care less that his little sister was tormenting your brother at school! You always were such a self-centred, overgrown brat! Now shut your mouth, I'm outta here!"
With that, he went upstairs and left his sisters to collect themselves after he had attacked and threatened them. Some of the sisters were now in the upstairs hallway, minding their own business, but when Lincoln was heard approaching them, they all scattered back to their bedrooms, not wanting to get in his way.
Except for one of them…
Luna: "I heard what you did down there, bro! That was way harsh! You should apologise to Lynn and Lori!"
Viri-Lincoln: "Oh sure, tackling them to the ground is way harsh but whenever you idiots used to attack me… totally fine I guess! Get lost you stupid woman!" he retorted as he shoved his big sister out of the way.
Luna: "I won't let you treat us this way! I get it! We've not been the perfect sisters, but this attitude reeks! You're out of control, dude! This needs to stop!"
Before Luna could say anymore, Lincoln grabbed her by the throat and backed her up against the wall. He then intimidated the rocker and got right up in her face, and began talking …
Viri-Lincoln: "As I told those morons downstairs, this is just the start! You girls have done nothing but treat me like garbage all my life because I'm different! Admit it, you all never loved me in the same way as each other because I was a boy and I just didn't fit in, did I?! Well, now it's my turn to take out my frustrations on you! From now on, you're my punching bags! I will never forgive you people for ruining my childhood years with all your antagonism! Payback is coming, and it's coming for you! Which reminds me…"
Lincoln then let go of Luna and turned his attention to her roommate…
Viri-Lincoln: "Hey joker, get out here!"
Luan heard the call from her brother that was obviously meant for her. She didn't dare disappoint her new and wrathful brother, so she rushed to the hallway from her room to meet him.
Luan: "Yes, Lincoln?" she asked, scared of what his intentions were at that moment.
Viri-Lincoln: "Remember that prank you pulled last April Fools Day…?" he asked as he began to laugh, adopting a more cheerful and playful manner.
Luan: "Um, yeah. Oh yes. That prank where you ended up falling down the stairs?" she pretended to laugh along nervously.
Viri-Lincoln: "Oh yeah. I remember that." He recalled as he let out a fake chuckle.
Lincoln then changed his expression from happy to vengeful…
Viri-Lincoln: "That hurt." He stated sternly.
Luan: "Sorry, Linc. It was just a joke." She desperately tried to justify.
Viri-Lincoln: "Was it? Well… SO IS THIS!"
Lincoln then grabbed Luan and dragged her to the staircase. She tried fighting against it, but this version of Lincoln was incredibly strong and tough for an 11 year old boy.
Luna and the younger siblings, who had now all gone to the hallway to see what the commotion was all about, stood there and watched in horror as their only brother was about to exact some painful and dangerous revenge against their sister…
Lisa: "Sibling! This is insanity! You could break every bone in your Sister's skeletal frame!"
Lana and Lola: "Lincoln! NO!"
Viri-Lincoln: "Oh yes! This is what happens when you cross me!"
Luan: "Please Linc, I'm sorry!" she desperately pleaded.
Viri-Lincoln: "Aw, come on, sis! Can't you take a joke?"
Luan: "WHAT!? How is THIS a joke?!"
Viri-Lincoln: "Because it's funny! Ha ha ha… GET IT!?" he screamed in her ear before showing the most sadistic, sinister and evil grin anyone ever could on their face.
Lincoln then smiled at his horrified sisters before then throwing the comedic sibling off the top of the stairs downwards. As Luan plummeted to the bottom of the stairs, her body in the air, she began screaming, and braced herself for impact…
Luan: "AAAARRRRGGGGH….."
(the view closes towards Luan's open mouth as she is screaming while falling, only for the dream sequence to end, and when the view extends again, it is Lincoln who is screaming, having just come out of a horrifying nightmare…)
Lincoln: "AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!"
He began breathing heavily, and was sweating. Lincoln had just had the most terrifying nightmare he could imagine. He just fathomed what would happen if here we just like Viribus, and what the outcome would be if someone like that were part of the Loud family. He imagined what life would be like if Viribus were him, living with his sisters, and the fear he would be put into their hearts and the pain he would have inflicted on them. Is that what Lincoln Loud would really want? Lincoln had realised in the harshest way possible that the views and teachings of his so-called friend, who had already shown his true colours by imprisoning him in the dark room he currently occupied, were toxic to his very soul. The idea of lashing out in extreme extents towards everyone was destructive. Never being able to forgive or rise above hostility was only going to lead to more pain and suffering for everyone. Viribus was an excessively aggressive and mentally unstable being, damaged by years of wrongdoing, and at that moment Lincoln knew. He knew that was not the type of person he wished to become…
Lincoln (to the audience): "That was horrible! What a nightmare! If I've realised one thing, it's that I don't want to be anything like him! He's a merciless, ruthless, cold and unforgiving violent man, who relishes in making others suffer! I'm all for standing up for myself and being 'assertive' but I am not evil! I may be angry with my family sometimes, but I would never want to hurt them out of petty spite."
Petrified by the images presented through his own mentality, Lincoln tried to regain his composure, to restore a sense of calmness and sanity in his mind. At that moment, Lincoln began to think hard about everything. He began to review the situation and consider how things really are. Everything he had been told recently, what was true and what was all just a lie?
Lincoln then remembered a series of events from the past which made him reconsider his pessimistic view against his family. He remembered past occurrences where he helped them, they aided him, or he and his sisters went through a mutual bonding experience which demonstrated the strength of their sibling relationship…
Lori. Lincoln recalled the time when Lori willingly got in trouble at work just so she could please her younger brother, who was trying to fit in with a bad crowd at the time (The Waiting Game). She put her own employment at risk so she could satisfy Lincoln's desires, which is a true demonstration that she cares for him. She was strict sometimes but only because she was doing her best to keep the siblings in line for their own good.
Leni. Lincoln remembered the time when she was so selfless and caring towards her family, even to the point of self-sacrifice (One Flu Over the Loud House). Surely one so altruistic could not be a sister from hell. That day, she even reminded him about the virtue of selflessness. He admired Leni, simple but giving.
Luna. She may not have went about it in the best way at first, but Luna went to great efforts to provide Lincoln with a satisfying first concert experience (For Bros About to Rock). In the end, they had a lot of fun together. Lincoln was reminded how Luna was the type of sibling who always cared about making sure everyone in the family was enjoying themselves and their lives. A true sister and friend.
Luan. She gave Lincoln his first ever official job (Funny Business). Then, even after he hogged the spotlight from her, and ditched her to make it on his own, she still came to his rescue when he was failing at the emo girl's party to entertain everyone. Despite betrayal, Luan was not going to just step aside and let Lincoln embarrass himself and shatter his own self-confidence. Despite her more 'over the top' comedic tendencies, Luan was just someone who wanted everyone to be happy. Hardly a demon incarnate…
Lynn. Yes, she was rough and even mean at times, but she never truly intended any legitimate malice. She was essentially a big brother who while not above teasing and roughhousing, was always going to be there to protect him from bigger threats. It was also never doubtful that she truly cared for him; he remembered the time when she took a lot of hours out of her day, for many days, to train him to play football after his mother forced him to take up a sport (The Loudest Yard). She went to great efforts to help him and asked for nothing in return.
Lucy. Lincoln once stepped in and helped his younger sister after it was revealed she clogged the toilet with a Princess Pony comic (Sleuth or Consequences). She showed great gratitude after he took the wrap for her and pretended he was the one who liked the laughably cringeworthy Princess Pony franchise. They have spent time engaging in many activities together, and the two could relate, as they both tended to most often be the sibling outnumbered by the rest. But she never went as far as to violently threaten the other sisters with their lives, and neither should he.
Lana. Lincoln recollected a time when he had to train her to win a pageant after Lola received an injury (Toads and Tiaras). For his own selfish reasons, he demanded Lana acted in an ungirly fashion, contrasting her natural behaviour. But when he realised the error of his ways and apologised, his sister was quick to forgive him and embrace in affection. If she could be so forgiving, why couldn't he at that moment?
Lola. Lola was considered among the more 'difficult' of the siblings to handle on your typical day, but Lincoln remembered all the times she underwent self-improvement and became a better person for the benefit of not only herself but also everyone around her. He remembered the time he taught her how to read (Read Aloud) after she confessed she was unable to do so, and even though their efforts were in vain as she learned when it was too late to win the contest they were in, it was still universally appreciated that she picked up the new skill as she was able to use her newfound reading ability to learn how to make pizzas as a means of making up for the fact that they missed the contest. For all her vices, Lola was not an evil tyrant of a child, far from it…
Lisa. Lincoln once influenced Lisa to change her personality (Making the Grade) for his own selfish desires relating to social popularity. While more popular with the kids at school, the smart Lisa demonstrated just how valuable she was when she wasn't around. Lisa constantly shared her intellectual gifts with her family, through means such as helping them siblings with their homework and assisting with cooking the meals they ate. Lincoln began to recall how much he came to value Lisa that day, and began to remember she is a more caring and sharing person than her usual stoic, scientific nature may have those unfamiliar with her to believe.
Lily was a similar case. Lincoln and the other siblings all once tried to mould Lily in their image (Changing the Baby), but it quickly became clear to them all that she was best remaining the way she was. It was that day that Lincoln realised no matter how much he and his siblings all contrast, and therefore may conflict with each other, they are all still family and should live together and accept the other's differences. Lily was just a cute, innocent little baby, and he walked out on her…
Rita and Lynn Sr even deserved recognition, he thought. He reminded himself how difficult the collective sibling body he and his ten sisters made were to handle. He remembered the McBrides being unable to cope with taking care of that many kids at a time, even if they were excellent at handling one child. That level of effort and stability while dealing with that many children was an exhausting and challenging commitment. So, what if they had a few shortcomings regarding their parenting skills? Maybe it was only fair to lighten up and give them a break.
As a family, they demonstrated their better side to him many times. Like when they got Smooch to perform outside his world and sang a song about he was the best brother ever. Or when the sisters stood by his side when they thought the parents were going to get rid of him, only for them to confirm they would never truly get rid of him forever. And when they sacrificed their new roommate arrangement because it was making Lincoln unhappy. In fact, for everytime they wronged him, there were more than enough times they made up for it. Only a bitter pessimist and hate-filled being would ignore all the good and only concentrate on the bad. That was the mentality of Viribus, and something Lincoln was beginning to do himself…
Lincoln finally recognised the reality of the situation. Yes, his family was chaotic and violent, and they were a handful to deal with at times, but that is human nature. People are flawed, but that doesn't mean they are evil, uncaring monsters. The Loud family is far from the worst of humanity, and Lincoln's previous assessment of them was clouded by a skewed judgement based on pessimism, hatred and desire for vengeance.
Lincoln reflected on everything he learned, all of his recent decisions. To leave the house and wander the streets alone, to allow his anger to lead him astray and follow the path and guidance of a total stranger who was not right in the head. Viribus's ways were not something he wished to replicate. A man who was mad with ambitions for vengeance and destruction, unable to show forgiveness or compassion towards the world around him, was the not the type of role model for Lincoln Loud. He did not want to be like that. Contrary to what Viribus intended by locking him away in a dark room, Lincoln did not come to agree with his views. Rather, Lincoln came to realise just how much he didn't want to be like Viribus. He needed to learn to forgive his family for the past, and not allow his anger to consume his mind.
Lincoln (to audience): "My family. I miss them. I should've forgiven them when I had the chance. Then I would have been at home right now, instead of in here. Viribus is wrong! Life is not worth living when all you do is lash out on the world and hate everyone! I need to get out of here, go back to my family. I miss them, and I bet they're missing me! They're not monsters, they're just people. People who love and care for me, and I love them, warts and all." He declared to himself as he closed his eyes for a moment and shed a tear. A tear of sadness and regret, but also love and pride for his family.
He then stood up and once again faced the window, to gaze up at the night sky…
Lincoln (to the audience): "I need to get out of here, and find my friends and my family. Whatever Viribus and his gang are planning, it needs to be stopped! If he has his way, so many people will suffer! I promise, I will get out of here, and I will stop Viribus!"
To be continued…
The reason why I put the 'TBC' line at the end is because I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. I want people's opinion on this. Here's the thing. The story is mostly written in its draft form and I know exactly where it is going. However, to keep things as vague and spoiler-free as possible, let's just say that from here onwards, the narrative is going to change direction quite drastically. Meaning that while the first 10 chapters have been true to the description of the story provided on , the next 9/10 chapters are going to change focus from Lincoln developing a bond with a new group and being lead to astray to said group executing a grand plan to enforce their views on the rest of society. What that plan is will be revealed in due time. I don't really want to spoil anymore than what the first 10 chapters have already alluded to. But because of this change in direction, I am wondering if it is worth officially finishing the 'Pushover or Payback' FF with 10 chapters and then putting the other 9/10 chapters in a separate FanFiction (I was thinking of calling it 'The Societal Invasion' but that is a WIP title) and basically calling PoP part 1 and that story part 2, which will continue directly from where the end of this one left off. What do you guys think? Should I just continue PoP and have all 19/20 chapters in the same story entry, or what it be formatted a little better if I had the two different halves as a part 1 and a part 2? I would like to hear what you guys think would be the superior choice. To be honest, I wrote this chapter as if it could be used to fit a sub-ending of sorts. Anyway, I'm going away for a week on the 21st of July, so this is probably the last new chapter I will upload before August (regardless of which choice I make concerning the above query). So, hopefully these 10 chapters will be enough to satisfy you all for now. P.S: If you guys are looking for more content from me, then feel free to check out my episode reaction/reviews and discussions on the show, all featured on DevianArt and the Wiki under the username Justsomeordinarydude, if you haven't already.