Here is where the payoff begins to emerge. There have been 13 chapters are what have essentially been setup. But now, the reaction and conclusion begin to come together. There's still quite a long way to go, 6 more chapters after this one, in fact. But things really begin to get a move on this chapter onwards. The sisters have been given a bit of a break, not having been featured in the previous 3 chapters as the focus for that part of the narrative was on the conflict between Lincoln and the antagonists. But this is their story, too, and it's time the whole plot point of them realising their wrongdoings and making the effort to better things received a payoff, which is exactly where this chapter comes in. So, will Lincoln's reunion with his family go smoothly? Let's find out…

The last time the boy had seen his family, it was when he coldly rejected them and sent them home without him. He felt a little awkward, but he didn't know where else to turn to. Where else can you go when running away and hiding from a group of crazy pursuers? He already tried staying at a friend's house, and that attempt failed spectacularly. If he were going to be chased down and found no matter where he went, he figured he may as well return to the one place he felt most at home… home itself.

Lincoln (to audience): "It feels awkward returning home like this, after what happened last time I saw my family. But I don't know where else to go."

Lincoln had travelled for hours, on foot from the Casagrande's all the way back to this local neighbourhood. He was exhausted, and just wanted for his reintroduction to the Loud House to go smoothly.

Lincoln (to audience): "But honestly, I'm exhausted. I just need to get back home. Besides, I was always going to have to do this sooner or later."

He had just reached the end of his road, and had one pathway to walk down before reaching his destination. As he began to take the final footsteps towards his house, he could hear police sirens travelling faintly in the distance, which only added tension to the moment for him…

During the moments before his return, the Loud family was engaging through an average evening of what could be considered 'normal' for them, minus the fact that the younger siblings were missing and hadn't returned from school that day…

Leni: "Oh my gosh! You totes look good in that sweater, Lori!"

Lori: "Thanks, Leni. You're so kind." She replied as the pair tried to live up to their recent promise of being nicer to each other.

Lori, Leni and Luna than sat down, with Luan and Lynn following after them…

Luan: "Here Lynn, have a seat." She kindly offered as the family prepared to sit down for supper.

Lynn: "Thank you." She politely responded as she went to sit down.

*Parppp*

Luna: "Dude! I thought we were going to tone all the teasing down for a while as we work towards learning to treat each other better!" she told her prankster sister as she accused Luan of placing a whoopee cushion under Lynn's seat as part of a joke.

Luan: "But I didn't do anything. I just offered Lynn a seat." She innocently replied.

Lynn: "Yeah, sorry guys. That was just me. Must've been the sub I ate earlier!"

Other older sisters in unison: "Ugh!"

Lynn Sr: "Okay kids, there's gonna be quite a lot to get stuck into tonight, since your sisters haven't come home from school today! Rita's been trying to phone the school and ask them what's going on, but there's been no response."

Rita: "I'm going to try again in a second. You kids dig in while I do this… and no food fights!"

As Rita aimed to get through to the school another time, the Louds began peacefully eating. The keyword being peacefully, as they were all still trying to enact upon their recent promise to each other to provide a kinder and less hostile environment within The Loud House. They wanted to make sure they were being better sisters to one another, hoping that Lincoln would soon come home, and they could win over his love again… but little did they know, they already had.

Luna: "I hope mom is able to get in touch with the school and find out where our sisters are, dudettes. This house seems awfully quiet without them, and without Lincoln.

Lori: "It does. All we can do is hope they're all okay."

Leni: "Wait, I think I hear someone outside."

Lincoln had just arrived outside. He rang the doorbell and waited for an answer. He was nervous and anxious of what the reaction would be when he returned. After a few seconds, the door opened, and it was a merciful turn of events…

Leni: "Oh my gosh!" shouted the lovable ditz of the Loud family.

Lori: "Who is it?"

Leni: "IT'S LINCOLN!"

And with that, the whole family from Lynn Sr to Lynn Jr became ecstatic. They all ran to the front door and grabbed Lincoln and immediately pulled him inside, embracing in a family hug. Contrary to his fears, Lincoln's welcome home was not negative in the slightest. They were just glad to see him back.

Family in unison: "We missed you Lincoln!"

Lynn Sr: "It's so good to have you back, son!"

Rita: "We thought we'd lost you for good!"

Luna: "Don't ever scare us like that again, dude!"

Lynn Jr: "I'm sorry for everything that we did, that I did! Please don't go away again!"

Lincoln was initially surprised by the overwhelming affection he received by his family, but then came to realise that's what family is there for, and he appreciated the moment. He too was remorseful over what happened and was just glad that his family were so quick to welcome him back…

Lincoln: "I'm happy to see all of you, too. I never should've left. It was the biggest mistake of my life!"

The family then let go of the embrace, and continued their 'welcome home' conversation…

Lori: "Lincoln, listen. We've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and we've realised a lot of things. Above all, we know we've not been the best family in the past. Our treatment of you, of each other, and our general attitude and behaviour. We've all made plenty of mistakes, and we face up to that, but we just want the chance to make things right. Please, Lincoln, give us another chance to be a good family."

Lincoln: "Let me stop you right there. Yes, I left out of anger, but really, I realise I overreacted. Families, especially ones as big as ours, are going to fight sometimes. Nobody's perfect, but I let my anger get the best of me. I let my negative emotions force me to make the choice to leave my own home. That's on me!"

Luan: "But what about all the stuff we've done?!"

Lincoln: "Like I'm a saint. I've done some pretty underhanded things, too. Remember when I reduced you all to cavemen when I convinced you to lower our carbon footprint for my own selfish desires?"

Luna: "Yeah, but…"

Lincoln: "Or the time I used ear plugs to block out all noise by you guys because I wanted to be left alone? Or when I posted embarrassing videos of you all online for the sake of popularity? Or when I couldn't make a decision on whether to go to Dairyland or the beach, and I had you all act as my slaves because I was enjoying it? Not to mention all the times I schemed, manipulated and crafted to get my own way, even if it sometimes came at the expense of you guys. Even the time I got locked out of the house was partly my own fault, to be honest. I did go along with the lie for my own ends, it just happened to backfire spectacularly."

Lynn: "But still! We've been so much worse!"

Lincoln: "No, you haven't. You're a great family! So, you have faults. So what? A strong family stands by each other and accepts one another for who they are, warts and all. That's what I should have done all along! Besides, for all the times I got mad with you guys, there have been so many times I've been happy to have you as a family. You've all done so many things for me. From giving me advice on how to stand up to bullies, to the time you got SMOOCH to come to house and play for me."

As Lincoln spoke, he began to raise the spirits of his family, moving them from depressed and ashamed towards self-forgiveness and emotional warmth.

Lincoln: "Lori, you gave me advice and pointers about relationships with girls when I needed it. Plus, you keep the family in order when Mom and Dad are out."

Lori then began to smile at Lincoln as he said that.

Lincoln: "Leni, you're so nice and kind and selfless, and you help me bring out the best in myself."

Leni then too began to smile at her younger brother.

Lincoln: "Luna, through determination, you managed to get me and Clyde on stage for our first rock concert; you went to such lengths just to give me a great experience."

Luna: "Anything for my lil' bro!" she said as she gave him a thumbs up.

Lincoln: "Luan, you live to make people laugh and be happy, and that's awesome. You even gave me my first job in Funny Business, and came to help me even after I turned my back on you."

Luan: "Of course, making people happy, including my family, is what I live for."

Lincoln: "Lynn, you helped train me for football practice after mom forced me to take up a sport, and even pretended to be me when I didn't want to play. I know you're rough on me sometimes, but I know that's just because you want me to be able to stand up for myself. But in a good way, not like how Viribus wanted!"

Lynn was uplifted by Lincoln's praise of her, in spite of all the mean treatment she had gave him over the years. By instinct, she raised her fist ready to give him a playful punch to the arm as her way of saying thanks, but then realised the moment didn't call for such unintentional roughness, and instead opted to give him a traditional hug for a gesture of thanks…

Lynn: "Thanks, bro. That means a lot." She said before letting go.

Lincoln: "I've reflected on a lot of things recently. What I know for certain is I don't want to be the type of sad, angry loser who spends his whole life hating everyone for every little thing they did to him! Holding onto grudges over past mistakes and mishaps creates an unhealthy attitude towards things and a toxic mind which never allows you to see the good in anything. If I let hate, and revenge, and anger continue to cloud my head, then I'll never be able to move on and live a happy life, or appreciate the goodness that is in mine already."

Rita: "Oh honey, you're so understanding and forgiving. We appreciate how mature you're being about all this." She said in admiration towards her son.

Lincoln: "Besides… Anger. Revenge. Resentment. Hatred. If I let those things control me, then I'll end up just like him!"

Leni: "Like who?"

Lincoln: "Like Jake, or as he calls himself, Viribus! He's the guy I've been hanging around with for the last week or so. I thought he was my friend, but hatred and vengeance have consumed him! He's a psychotic and violent person, with dreams of torturing those who wronged him and controlling the world! He's the one who verbally berated you last time we saw each other. Remember, he grabbed Lynn and pulled her arms behind her back, and then demanded I hit her."

Lynn: "Oh, him!" she answered uneasily.

Lincoln: "He's a screwball. And that's not what I wish to become! I wanted to learn to stand on my own two feet and overcome adversary when faced with it. I didn't want to become some violent, unhinged criminal! To be honest, when he grabbed LJ and told me to attack her, that should've been the first true sign to me that something wasn't right with him! I was actually surprised at the time, when it looked like I was actually going to hurt her, and you guys didn't stop me."

Lori: "Honestly, the whole thing was just a bit shocking and looked a little surreal to us. The moment went by so fast, we just didn't know what would happen or how to react. Plus, with all those other creepy looking, violent goons there with him, we thought they were going attack us if we stepped in to help Lynn."

Lynn: "Also, they knew I was tough enough to handle that guy myself and I could've broke out of his grip any second if I wanted to, right?" she asked egotistically.

Lori: "Um, no. That is literally not what I meant." She replied, much to Lynn's embarrassment and annoyance.

Rita: "Also, we kinda guessed that you wouldn't have it in you to really raise your hand against your sister." She insisted pridefully to her son.

Luna: "Yeah, you're way too good of a person to do that, bro."

Lincoln: "Thanks guys, but I'm not sure about that. If recent events have taught me anything, it's that I'm far from perfect." He reflected.

Lori: "Well, you're certainly a perfect brother to us."

Other sisters: "Yeah." they said in unison.

Lynn: "Bro, I'm serious when I say this. In the future, if we ever act unreasonable in any way, just make sure we get some sense knocked into us."

Lincoln: "Well, I'm not so sure I'd do that in a literal sense. But if there's one good thing I've learnt from this experience, it's how to fend for myself and fight my own corner, and not just by scheming away in the background and manipulating things. I think it's safe to say I've grown a bit more of a backbone, and an ability to answer back and not give into pressure so easily."

Luan: "That's great, Linc."

Luna: "To be fair, bro, you were already pretty good at that. Remember the fierce talking to you gave us that time we convinced you to kiss your girl bully, and then she smacked you?"

Lincoln: "Yeah, I know, and that felt good. But I think I now have it in me to push on in a confrontation a little more, and not give in to other side so quickly anymore."

Lynn: "Little Lincoln's toughened up? I like it." She encouraged.

Lincoln: "I still stood my ground to Jake, even after he locked me up!"

Luna: "He did what?!"

Luan: "That's going too far!"

Lynn: "When I get my hands on that jerk, I'll…"

Lincoln: "Guys, guys. It's fine. I'm out now, and I'll make sure he never gets to me again!" he reassured as he cut off his ranting sisters.

Lori: "You must be so glad to be home."

Lincoln: "Well, yeah. But I can't stay. He's still out there, searching for me, and he knows I've come back here. I just know he knows! So, for your safety, I have to leave soon."

The Loud family: "NOOO!" they screamed before hugging him again, with more sadness than joy the second time.

Leni: "Linky, we want you back! We don't care if we're in danger! We can't bear to see you leave again."

Lori: "She's right. Lincoln, we've missed you! You're a wonderful part of our family, and we don't want you to go."

Lynn: "Besides, if those low lives even set foot in this house, we'll show 'em what happens when you mess with the Loud House!"

Lincoln: "Thanks guys. But I don't know…"

Luna: "Dude, this isn't the Loud House without you!" she insisted.

Lori: "Yeah, we literally haven't been the same since the day you left us. If this has taught us something, it's that we can't and should not take our only brother for granted."

Lynn: "That's right. From now on, bro, if I want a sparring partner or someone to help me practice sports, I'll ask nicely first, and I'll learn to take no for an answer when you don't want to."

Luan: "And I'll tone down the pranks."

Lori: "And I won't force you to do things you don't want to do that you shouldn't have to. Like when I forced you to go on a date with Ronnie Anne for mine and Bobby's sake. That was wrong of me."

Leni: "Yeah, it's a good thing she and Lincoln are now a couple, huh."

Lincoln: "Okay, just to be clear, she's not my girlfriend." He laughed off, before continuing…

Lincoln: "As I said, I don't expect you to be perfect. Nobody is. As long as we don't let things go too far. That's all I'm asking." He requested as he smiled at his oldest sister.

Lori: "Of course, Lincoln." She replied as she smiled back.

Lincoln (to audience): "I guess they really are sorry. To be honest, I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome, but I guess I underestimated their love for me. Goes to show you should never jump to harsh conclusions."

Lynn: "So, you're sticking around, right?" she asked, worried that he might leave again.

Lincoln (to audience): "Well, I of all people should know, the people in this house can look after themselves."

Lincoln then turned around to face his sporty sister…

Lincoln: "Of course!"

The Loud siblings then celebrated their reunion with one last short embrace, before their father injected himself into the moment…

Lynn Sr: "Well, son. You're free of him now. He's not gonna get you! Not when you're here, at home with us! We won't let him get to you, right girls?!"

Rest of the family: "NO! WE WONT!"

Lincoln: "Thanks, guys. That's very reassuring… can I ask one question?"

Rita: "Of course, sweetie."

Lincoln: "Where are the others? Lucy, Lana, Lola and Lisa? My five older sisters are here, and I can see Lily taking a nap over there, but where are the rest?"

Lynn Sr: "Um, actually son, that was what we were talking about before you showed up. The thing is, they haven't come home from school today, and we have been worried sick!"

Lincoln: "What, how come?"

Rita: "I don't know, but we were just on the phone to the McBrides and they said Clyde also hasn't come home. They went to the school about an hour ago to ask where he is, and that's the last we've heard of them."

Luna: "I'm telling you, dudes! It's gotta be some kind of special event the school is holding after hours."

Lori: "But why wouldn't they tell anyone about the event before it took place? Surely they would have to announce something! Besides, it's been 3 hours since school was supposed to finish for them. How long could this little 'after school' thing go on for?"

Luna: "I dunno, sis. I'm just making suggestions." She shrugged.

At that point, the realisation kicked in for Lincoln as he remembered his previous interaction with Viribus before escaping from the Casagrandes. He recalled a mention of taking over the elementary school, where he, Clyde and his younger siblings attended. At first, he thought it was a lie or bluff at the time, but then remembering that claim, and now being informed that his sisters hadn't returned home, he understood that meant only one thing. Viribus had indeed took over the school, and was holding his family, friends, fellow students and teachers all hostage. Along with possibly the Casagrandes since he ran out of the house while they were trying to fend him off. Fear and panic set in as Lincoln suspected the worst…

Lincoln: "OH NO!"

Leni: "Why oh no?"

Lincoln: "That person who I said I was hanging out with, Viribus…"

Lynn Sr: "Yeah, what about him?"

Lincoln: "I saw him earlier, he was trying to recapture me after I got away, and before escaping, he mentioned to me that he was taking over the school! I thought he was lying at the time, but now it all makes sense!"

Luan: "Oh, come on! That's ridiculous!"

Lynn: "Yeah, there's no way one dork and a bunch of kids could take over an entire school!"

Lincoln: "He could! He's as dangerous as they come!"

Rita: "Wait, you saw him earlier and had to escape?! So he's chasing you down and trying to hurt you?!"

Lincoln: "Yeah, I was staying with Bobby and Ronnie Anne in the city but he found me there, and that's when I came bac…" but he was then cut off by a screaming Lori.

Lori: "WHAT!? HE'S GOT MY BOBBY BOO BOO BEAR?!" she shouted as she dreaded in the thought of her beloved boyfriend being captured… or worse.

Lincoln: "I think so! He's gone the distance, this time! He has this insane idea to recreate the world in his image, one step at a time! And it turns out, the school is his first target!"

Lynn Sr: "Kids, honey! I think it's time we took a stand! As a family! Nobody imprisons the Louds and gets away with it! We're coming for our family!"

The Louds in unison: "YEAH!"

But at that point, Lori's phone rang, interrupting their motivational moment…

Lori: "Bobby?" She said as she gasped, seeing as his name appeared on her phone, indicating he was the caller.

Lori: "Bobby Boo Boo Bear?" she asked as she anxiously awaited a response.

Viribus: "So, you're Lincoln's oldest sister, and the girlfriend to this little vermin who I have tied up beside me?" he asked as he was back in the Principal's office, accompanied by his disciples, with the Casagrande's tied up next to Huggins, Johnson, and even the McBride parents, who were unsuccessful in their attempt to take Clyde home and were captured.

Lori: "Who are you?" she asked in fear and horror.

Viribus: "You may refer to me as Lord Viribus."

Lincoln: "That's him! That's the guy I was telling you about!" he shouted as he could hear Viribus speaking over the phone and tried to warn Lori, but she quietly asked him to hush so she could hear.

Lori: "Please, don't hurt him. My Bobby Boo Boo Bear means everything to me. Let him go and leave us all alone!" she requested as she was upset, worried and tearful.

When the tied up Santiago teen heard that, a tear formed in his eye, as it was heart-warming for him to hear just how much his girlfriend cared for him.

Viribus: "The problem with that is, in life, you can't expect people to leave you alone! People are vultures, scavengers, parasites… for pain. By their nature, they love inflicting torment and suffering on others. Maybe that's what I'll do with your little runt of a boyfriend. It'll certainly put a smile on my face. So few things do these days, it would be refreshing."

Lori: "If you hurt him, I'll…" but she was then cut off.

Viribus: "You'll do what? Scream and shout and have a hissy fit!? Face it, I'm not your wimp of a brother! You can't intimidate or enforce your will against me! That's why I'm strong and you're all weak. That's why I WIN and YOU LOSE!" he declared before hanging up.

Lori: "BOBBY BOO BOO BEAR!" she cried in despair before breaking down in tears. The rest of the family then huddled beside her to provide comfort and reassurance.

Lincoln, meanwhile, looking at how much his family were suffering because of this man, had one dominant thought in his head at that moment…

Lincoln: "Whatever it takes, Viribus, you have to be stopped! And you will be! THAT'S A PROMISE!"

So, there you have it, the Louds are together again. At least, most of them, since the younger ones are still trapped inside the school alongside the Casagrandes, the Mcbrides, Lincoln's classmates, and several hundred others. Hopefully, I did a solid job with the inevitable part where Lincoln reunites with his family. I would just to say, actually… thanks to those following this fic and providing your feedback. Some of the feedback is actually quite extensive and thought-provoking, but that means I'm challenging and raising the interest of the readers, which is good. And as long as the criticisms I get are constructive, that's great, and most certainly appreciated. I've actually found some of the review comments to be very interesting, especially some of the really long comments. Whether wholly positive or not, I acknowledge the fact that if people are writing essays to me about my work, it shows that out there, somebody cares. It was also funny that someone picked up on my tactic used in the previous chapter. Yes, the Viribus/Bobby fight was based on the Hulk vs Thanos battle from Infinity War. To be fair, I kinda think of Viribus as a little like Thanos in some ways. Anyway, it should be another 5-7 days before chapter 15 is uploaded, so… see you guys then. Make sure you come back to find out what happens next.