Pushover or Payback

by Just Some Guy Online

Lincoln grows tired of the conflict at home and leaves, when he encounters a group of new "friends" who teach him to be more assertive and to stand up for himself. But he soon learns these people are not who they seem, and when he learns of their horrific plans, he must reunite with his family and save Royal Woods from certain danger!

16. Similar and Opposite

So, here we are. One final chapter before the climax takes place. As the Loud family travel to the school in early hours of the morning in an attempt to save their youngest siblings/daughters, we take one last peak into the school, or the new 'Academy of Enhancement' which Viribus has created. Essentially, this part is the equivalent of those scenes from Infinity War between Thanos and Gamora, as this is where we discover the emotional struggle that Viribus has, as well as the weight he feels behind every decision and action he is taking. He is very much like Lincoln in a lot of ways, as well as Ronnie Anne, even if he is also radically different from them seemingly paradoxically. Ronnie Anne and Huggins also get a little bit of focus in this one. This chapter could be considered the last segment of calmness, before carnage erupts in the next one. This story is coming to an end soon, but for now, let's dive into chapter 16 of 20…

An entire night had passed since Viribus took over the school, and since Lincoln escaped from the Casagrande house and back to his own home. Naturally, over that previous evening and night, there was a lot of outrage and activity. Viribus was holding hundreds of children and faculty members hostage, and local parents and police officers were retaliating.

That morning, the school grounds were surrounded by angry parents, some enraged and trying to break into the school to get their children. Others fearful of what this insane wannabe dictator was going to do to their kids if he didn't get what he wanted. The police were surrounding the area while also trying to keep the parents as calm and neutralised as possible. They knew that if either they or the parents attempted to swarm in and rescue the kids, those children's lives would be in danger. Viribus knew how to threaten people, and told the adults and law enforcers the moment they arrived on the scene that if they tried anything, he and his disciples would begin shooting.

Viribus was inside the office with a tied up Principal, McBride parents and Casagrande family, while his followers were patrolling the outside of the school with their weapons, making sure the students and teachers were kept inside. The McBrides were the first to come to the school, and were captured and tied up along with the Casagrande family by Viribus for their efforts. Not long after, other parents became worried about where their kids were and called the police. After some time, the surroundings of the elementary school were filled with police and barricades, and an angry mob of parents, trying to break into the place and rescue the hostages that were the teachers and student body. But Viribus knew all he had to do to make sure they didn't come any closer was to threaten to have his disciples start shooting hostages if they did.

Viribus: "Those parents and police will leave and allow me to carry out my plan if they know what's good for all these kids!"

Huggins: "Are you crazy!? Do you realise what is happening here!? You've taken over this school, you're holding these children hostage! You're keeping them from their families! Of course those people out there are going to fight back!"

Viribus: "Everything I'm doing here, I'm doing for the good of these kids. For everyone."

Huggins: "Okay, you're seriously messed up if you think this plan is ever going to work! Let's recap, shall we? You and your gang of thugs have invaded a local school and held all these kids and employees here against their will, gained the attention of the entire local community, including many livid parents and law enforcement. You're surrounded in all directions and they're certainly not going to leave until you've let everyone go! They're not just going to give into your demands, leave and then let you continue. You're screwed, Viribus! You can't win! Sooner or later, you're going to have to surrender, and give up this ridiculous plan that was doomed from the start!"

Viribus may have been somewhat mentally unstable, but he was not a fool, and had a brilliant plan inside his mind for many years which he was finally executing. It sounded like a solid strategy in his head. But he was starting to see Huggins's point. He was a sitting duck. Sooner or later, he would have to give in, it seemed. The chance of him being able to fully complete his life long goal seemed slim at best. Indeed, the world was always against him, or at least that's how it always seemed from his perspective. Going up against the entire world was never going to be an easy feat, but he was determined. Refusing to give into the logical reasoning of his victim, he defensively responded to Huggins…

Viribus: "It will work! I've come too far to just give up now! I'll just keep running this school my way, while my disciples keep the outside world from interfering. Soon enough, I'll create a utopian school; a perfect example of the world I envision to make. With no bullying or exclusion; a healthy learning environment. When the world sees what I've done, they'll gladly assist me in spreading that change across the rest of society! You'll see!"

At that moment, the usually grouchy Ronnie Anne, one of the many captured individuals inside the Principal's office with Viribus, began to laugh…

Ronnie: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Viribus: "What's so funny?!" he asked irritated.

Ronnie: "Really, that's your plan!? Did you really believe that was ever going to work?! Wow, you're such a loser!"

Viribus: "Listen, little girl..." he said as he walked towards the tied-up tomboy…

Ronnie looked up and stared back at her captor without intimidation in her face, though her family clearly looked worried for her well-being at that moment…

Viribus: "I won't tolerate blatant disrespect and mockery made against me! Especially not from some moronic little child! Now be quiet or I will shut that mouth of yours for you!"

Ronnie: "Oh, real big tough guy, intimidating a little 11 year old girl who's tied up. Pfft. You don't scare me, lame-o!"

Viribus: "Look, Ronalda Anne Santiago. That's right, I know all about you. Your little friend, or former victim, Lincoln told me all about your bullying ways. Turns out you two became friends through you picking on him, all because you secretly liked him apparently."

Ronnie: "Hey! I mean, sure, I like him, but not in that way…" she insisted.

Viribus: "Whatever. I remember that story he told, about when he kissed you because his sisters convinced him you liked him, only for you to sock him in the eye. After that, apparently you sent him an apology letter, with lots of x's and o's in it."

Ronnie's face blushed, as this had just been revealed in front of her family, who were in the room beside her, tied up…

Maria: "Ronalda, is this true?"

Carlota: "Do you really love Lincoln Loud?"

Ronnie: "Guys!? Is this really the right time!?" she argued.

Viribus: "It's rich, you calling me a loser. You're the dork who picked on that little wimp because you secretly liked him and didn't know how to just say it. And as far as toughness goes, I heard you were the toughest girl in this school before you moved away. Not saying much, is it? This school is full of weak insects. Besides, what makes you so high and mighty, calling me out when you're just a run of the mill bully yourself?!"

Ronnie: "That's different. My stuff is just playing and teasing. What you do is plain evil!"

Viribus: "Make up all the excuses you want! The truth is you're just as bad as those chaotic sisters of his! That boy deserves all of you low lives! He was offered the chance to change his life for the better, forever! But he turned it down. He turned me down. He turned against me because he was too weak willed to do what was necessary for the good of himself and of mankind! For that, he will pay the ultimate price!"

Ronnie: "You dare lay a finger on the kid and I swear I'll…"

Viribus: "You'll do what, Santiago?! Behind all the rough exterior, and the bullying, and the effort to not show your emotions or vulnerability in public, we all know what you really are! One little comment from Lincoln one time and you went crying home to your family about it! Behind it all, you're just a little girl with self-esteem issues! Hiding your oversensitivity with a tough girl act. Let me guess, you behave like a bully so you don't get bullied yourself, right? It's the only way people will give you respect. Really, you're just a wimpy little child who picks on weaker people to feel better about yourself."

She desperately tried to deny it, but she knew deep down there was some truth in his words.

Ronnie: "No, I don't know what you're talking about!" she blurted out, struggling to maintain herself and not break down emotionally.

Viribus: "Don't deny it! You're exactly like us! You act tough as a means to protect yourself from others!"

Ronnie: "How would you know that?" she asked as she began to break down and reveal that she was being taken aback by his accusations.

Viribus: "Because that's what I do! Face it, we're alike. The difference is I went all-out and made something greater out of it! You know, you could be one of us. Join me, Ronalda, you would make an excellent addition to our ranks." He stated as he offered his hand out, hoping she would reply by saying yes and to untie her so she could shake his hand.

Ronnie: "You're kidding, right?! Read my lips, go to h…"

Viribus: "Unfortunate! But predictable!" he cut her off, revealing he was mostly kidding about his offer.

But she then spat in his hand out of disgust for the man, angry and upset over how he had spoken to and intimidated her.

Viribus, annoyed by the disrespect and defiance, then took the spit in his hand and rubbed it into her hair, grossing her out a little.

Viribus: "Tough luck for you, kid. When we take over, we'll be gods and you will still be a pathetic nobody desperately trying to put up a front so you don't get stepped on! Just you watch, you'll regret rejecting my offer; we are going to rule this primitive planet and leave you in the dust!"

Ronnie: "Why?!" she uttered, on the verge of tears, not understanding how somebody could be so brutal and bitter, or insane.

Viribus: "My methods are the only way. Society has failed in controlling its scum and protecting its innocent. Now I will need to step in and do their job. Otherwise, we're all doomed."

Ronnie: "YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!" she argued.

Viribus: "I'm the only one who knows that. At least, I'm the only one willing to do something about it!" he calmly replied.

Ronnie: "Lincoln's right, you are out of your mind!"

Viribus: "No, I'm just a visionary genius with will power strong enough to make my visions a reality. Soon enough, you will see I'm right. About everything. Believe it or not, everything I've done, it has been for the good of all of you."

Listening on to the utter craziness of this man's words, the Principal had only one response to it…

Huggins: "YOU'RE INSANE!"

Viribus then balled up his fist, turned away from Ronnie Anne and towards the Principal, who was still tied up and immobile, and punched him square in the jaw. Huggins fell to the ground, knocked out by the devastating blow.

Everyone in the room let out a collective 'gasp' over what had just happened…

Viribus: "Eh, that old fool is not needed anymore, anyway. I run this school now!" he declared before picking up the microphone, preparing to talk to the students and teachers.

Viribus: "I know none of you are used to 24/7 schedules, but it's a necessary change for the time being. Consider it part of a test I am conducting for the betterment of your futures. As of yesterday, I run this school. But I want you all to continue running as if no changes have happened. My disciples will be patrolling the area, making sure everyone stays on their best behaviour. Any offenders of my rules and guidance will be dealt with swift punishments. I trust you will all be obedient and sensible under my leadership. You would be imbeciles to disobey! Now, continue running as normal, I have a set of strict but just rules and changes I will be enforcing shortly, and I will let you know when they are issued. For now, you may begin your day."

But despite his request, the school could not continue as 'normal' considering anyone who acted even slightly out of line would be blasted by the nearest disciple of Viribus. Indeed, this was what Viribus envisioned: A world where everyone behaved perfectly and nobody dared commit an act of deviousness. But more importantly, one where he was in control.

Viribus then left the Principal's office and went into the lunchroom, which was undoubtedly empty at that moment since it was 9:25am and everyone was in class. Viribus wanted some alone time to process his thoughts…

Though he maintained his collected and dominant composure whilst in the room with the Principal, McBride parents and Casagrande family, for the most part, beneath the surface he was disturbed by the interaction which had just transpired. The points made by Huggins really got to him, as did the defiant behaviour of Ronnie Anne. He was starting to realise just how much of a long shot his plan really was. How utterly improbable it was that he was going to win. It was the best plan he had, but the odds were still heavily stacked against him…

But he was determined to win. He knew it was never going to be easy, but he refused to let the rest of the world beat him. Viribus remembered his days as the passive and sympathetic little boy, Jake Kelly. He remembered all the bullying, all the discrimination, the rejection, the condescension, the loneliness, and the feeling of being worthless and completely ignored, of never being able to amount to anything in the eyes of the world…

He vowed to himself a long time ago that he would never be that weak or helpless ever again.

Viribus (to himself): "I will not lose! I will prevail! I must!"

As Viribus stood there, alone in the lunch room, these thoughts in his mind continued to torment him. At that moment, he looked over to the other side of the room, and saw himself. His younger, ten year old self from years ago. The cheerful, sensitive, lonely and weak willed Jake he once was…

Jake-Hallucination: "Did you do it?"

Viribus: "Do what?"

Jake-Hallucination: "Take over the school?"

Viribus: "Yes, I did. And that's only the beginning."

Jake-H: "Did you hurt anyone?"

Viribus: "A few people, and I'm sure I'll have to hurt a lot more before all this is over."

Jake-H: "Why?" he asked innocently and in an upset manner.

Viribus: "It is necessary, boy. What I'm doing, I'm doing to make the world a better place. A better place for people like you and I who just wanted to be treated with some respect in life. To not be victims of abuse and prejudice."

Jake-H: "I'm scared…" He said as he tried to run away but his older self ran towards him and embraced him with a hug.

Viribus: "You don't have to be. I'm here now, and I will make things better for you!"

Jake-H: "Of you."

That response shook the mind of Viribus. But surely this past version of himself was only an allusion. He was just letting his head play tricks with him. Viribus then stood back up and ceased hugging, as he remembered he was just hugging the thin air…

Viribus then blinked, and shook his head as he tried to regain his thoughts, and when his eyes reopened, he saw Lincoln, the boy who betrayed him and returned home to his family…

Viribus: "YOU!"

Lincoln-Hallucination: "Are you proud of yourself?!"

Viribus: "Of course, I've accomplished the first phase of my master plan. First, I shall conquer this school and mould it into the perfect image of my fabrications. Then, I will do the same to the rest of society. Every school, every business, every public area, every household, every state, country, each and every single corner of the world… it will all exist under a new superior regime. MINE!"

Lincoln-H: "Can you see why I turned against you? You lost your mind! At some point, you just snapped and took a trip into crazy town and didn't come back!"

Viribus: "I'm not crazy, just visionary. You wouldn't understand. You're just a little boy, too young to truly fathom the harsh reality of the world. One day, you will realise I was right."

Lincoln-H: "Pfft. In your dreams!"

Viribus: "You know something, kid? I normally don't care much for meaningless human lives, but you… made me do something very unusual. You made me care about you. I saw good in you, potential for another version of myself. We're a lot alike and you know it. We both have to deal with all the garbage everyone else throws at us! Difference is I have the will to fight back! And for a brief time, I thought you did, too. I thought I had found a suitable successor. You could have been great! You could have left behind all of your petty and insignificant problems, and become like me!"

Lincoln-H: "And boy am I glad I didn't!"

Viribus: "You turned on me! I offered you a chance to be a more self-confident and secure person, someone who could fend for himself when things got rough in life, and you betrayed me! You rejected my teachings and you spat in my face! Then again, I should have expected as much. You're just the latest in a long line of scum humans to do that! You reminded me why I need to do this. Human beings are discriminating, self-centered, ruthless and merciless animals, who will step on you and walk all over you if you let them! I'm going to change that. I will make this world and it's disgusting ways change, by force!"

Lincoln-H: "YOU'RE EVIL!"

Viribus: "And you are a fool! I'm the victim, here! You people were the ones who wronged me! Now it's payback time! You can't create a monster and then complain when he starts terrorising the place! All you people ever had to do was like me, accept me for who I was, instead of bully and torment me for amusement! But none of you could resist torturing me! NOW IT'S MY TURN!" he aggressively shouted at his verbal opponent, struggling not to go completely ballistic.

Lincoln-H: "You're a loser and a joke! Your plan will never work, and you'll go to prison to rot away alone for what you've done! I'd rather be the punching bag of my family than a friend of you!"

Viribus: "WHY YOU LITTLE…!"

Viribus then threw a food tray that was in his reach towards what he perceived was Lincoln standing at a distance from him. He got so caught up in his confrontation with this hallucination of the Loud boy that he forgot that's exactly what he was; a figment of his imagination. The tray went straight through the hallucination image of Lincoln Loud and at that moment, it ceased. Viribus emerged from his mental trance and realised he just launched an object towards the thin air. Lincoln wasn't actually there, and Viribus reflected on his own mental state at that moment.

Viribus may have been an incredibly aggressive, seemingly confident and dominant presence towards most other people he encountered, but behind his lifelong act, he was still that same passive and insecure boy from years ago. Exactly like what he had accused Ronalda of being moments prior. It was beginning to show now that his grand plan was under threat and on the brink of failure. Deep down, he was just a damaged soul, and a desperate man trying anything he could to make his obsessive ambitions, no matter how ridiculous, come to be. In his mind, he was doing the right thing. Despite all the brutality, harshness and merciless punishment he inflicted on others, he genuinely believed what he was doing to be logical and just. And yet, based on that interaction he just had with a hallucination based on his own subconscious thoughts, his insecurities, doubts and self-criticisms were raising to the surface. But this was not a time when he could afford to make himself physically or emotionally vulnerable.

Viribus (to himself): "Enough of this, it will be recess in a few minutes. It's time to return to MY office and make it clear to the students how I wish for them to behave under my regulations!" he desperately tried to reassure himself as he aimed to regain his dominant forefront, not wanting to show weakness to others as he returned to his office.

And sure enough, it was the worst time to allow weakness to fester, as his enemies had arrived outside the school and had finally managed to push themselves through the angry mob…

Rita: "WOW, what's going on here?" she asked as the sight was unusual.

The police and many angry and worried parents had already arrived on the scene, and the current predicament was causing a lot of commotion. Viribus issued a threat to any law enforcement officers or parents who dared to try and break into the school and rescue the kids that if they attempted as much, he would have his cronies use their weaponry to harm said children. Because of that, there were barricades surrounding the school. The police could only entrap Viribus in his current location, but were reluctant to charge forwards because of the threat he posed to his hostages. But because nobody else was allowed in, the Louds also couldn't get in.

Lincoln: "He's taken control of the school, and it looks like the whole town has stood up and said no!"

Lori: "So how do we get inside?"

Lynn: "Yeah, 5 jerks have a butt kicking that's long overdue!"

Lincoln: "I don't know, guys. The police have sealed off the whole area. They know if they try anything, Viribus and his cronies will start creaming the kids and teachers!"

Leni: "They're gonna start throwing whipped cream on them?!" she asked obliviously, typical of her nature, causing the other sisters to facepalm.

Lincoln: "No, I mean they will shoot them down!"

Lynn Sr: "Well, the kids are in there, and we got to find a way to get them back! We're not leaving without them!"

Luna: "That's right, dudes! We'll kip outside here for days if we have to!"

Lincoln: "Don't worry, everyone. I know Jake, and the second he sees us, something tells me he'll want to let us in." he said with a plan in mind.

Luan: "How can you be so sure?" she queried.

Lincoln: "Just trust me on this one." he insisted as the family prepared to wait outside for a chance to get into the school grounds.

Meanwhile, Viribus had re-entered the office, to see Huggins finally regain consciousness after being knocked out earlier…

Viribus: "Oh, you're awake, are you? Well, you can bear witness to the very first recess to take place under my new rule of the school! See how much more peaceful, orderly and controlled the student body is going to be under my guidance." He said, having fully regained his smug and condescending front from before.

Huggins: "You… won't… win." he said as he struggled, still reawakening and recovering from being knocked out.

Viribus: "Oh, but I already have. I can just see the bright future ahead." He remarked, as he began to envision a perfect school.

But as he went to grab the microphone, he looked outside to the school front, and saw a very alarming sight…

Viribus: "Loud…?!" he asked himself in shock and disbelief.

Bobby: "Lincoln?! Lori?!" he asked.

Ronnie: "Lame-o?" she said in a hopeful tone of voice.

Viribus then looked closer and his fears were confirmed. Outside the school grounds, among the many angry parents and cops, were the members of the Loud family. They had come to take him down. Lincoln, his fallen student, was front and centre of them.

Viribus: "So, he's come back to settle the score, has he? Good. Now I can finally be rid of that burden once and for all! He's going to learn the hard way not to double cross Lord Viribus!"

And so, the final battle is set to begin. 4 more chapters, including an epilogue, and that's the time Lincoln and the other characters now have to defeat their increasingly dangerous and insane common foe once and for all. Will Lincoln Loud and his family be able to stop Viribus? Wait for the next chapter to find out as we enter the climax of the story. Speaking of which, each chapter should be a week or less in between each other in terms of upload dates. Also, I'm probably going to upload the final 2 chapters together as a sort of finale 2-parter. Whatever I do, I hope you're all ready and hyped for the grand finale, as its quickly approaching.