The Princess and the space cowboy Chapter 90: Family (part 2), a loud house fanfic

Chapter 90: Family (Part 2).

- Ok, I literally don't even know how to begin this, I just… can't look at you without wanting to turn you both into literal human pretzels - Lori sighed with shaking hands, grasping at the controller in her hand - That goes for you too, Lana - She looked momentarily at the other twin in the room - I… can't believe that you would even think that some stupid voting game would suddenly work to make things ok I.. - She bit her lip while looking to the ground.

She stood for a moment, aware of Todd's reaction to go after her, then she just took a deep breath, and sat back down, she closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them again to look at Lola.

- Lola… it's time to stop this game, don't you think? - She raised an eyebrow at her - What you are feeling is not real love, I thought we talked about this, you were just a little girl that had confused the care and support of an older brother for that of a boyfriend - She continued her stern talk with a glare - … What you were feeling, was called infatuation - The eldest sister declared, making the ex-pageant competitor look at her with a similarly stern look - And now that you're older… ugh, I'm just… Lola, you're being taken advantage off, don't you see!? - Lori finally snapped, raising her arms in alarming concern - How can nobody else see it? This guy here… - She said while glaring at Lincoln - He took her literally by force, and I don't even know what could of happened back in that place, but… - She looked back at her younger sister - Lola, you're being led on by abuse, that is literally Stockholm syndrome! -

No words came back at her, as per Lisa's agreement, Lori lowered her head.

- I can't, I won't support this, not only is it wrong in the eyes of society, god, everything; Lola is mentally ill, and this… predator, took advantage of that, he lied to her, and to all of us, and I think he's better off out of our lives! - Lori concluded in no uncertain terms.

Which earned a reaction from Lola, as her face turned red and steam came out of her nose, almost standing up in the process, before being held back by Lincoln, which made a sign with his hand to direct her to sit down, which she reluctantly complied to.

After her speech, Lori simply looked at the controller in her hand, and pressed "NO" without delay.

0 - 1

- I only came here because I need to protect Lily from all this literal nonsense, and I was happy to hear that Lana was coming back, but if I had known that he was going to be here, I would have rather stayed with my actual family -

She simply passed her controller to Leni, before sinking herself into her phone.

Now it was Leni's turn.

Her hands were trembling, making the controller almost fall out of her hands, but she managed to keep a hold on it; biting her lips, she turned to look at Lincoln, and a few tears started coming out of her.

Lincoln simply looked at her with a sympathetic smile and cloudy eyes.

- I-I-I… - She said with a fearful voice - L-Linky, I - Leni tried desperately to get words out, but none were coming.

- Bruh, it's ok, you can go later - Luna said while touching her shoulder in an affectionate fashion.

- Eh, no, it's ok Luns, like, I do want to say… something - Lent stopped the rocker.

She then closed her eyes, took another deep breath, and finally, looked at her brother with decisive eyes.

- Linky, I… wanted to support you, I really did… a-and I believe Lola, I know she loves him! … but - She looked to the side - I don't know if Lola is truly safe with you - She lowered her voice slightly.

Both Lincoln and Lola could only follow her gaze, gulping in the process.

- …when I saw you again, I was totes' happy! I couldn't wait to tell you, like, everything, I wanted to invite you to the mall and have fun, I missed you so much Linky - She said with a sad smile.

- …and, I get you didn't want me around, and that's fine… but - Her smile was gone, as tears kept flowing - I was afraid Linky - she looked back at him - afraid of you -

At that comment, Lincoln himself began letting some tears flow, with Lola putting a hand In his shoulder as a sign of support.

- Linky, if this is making you feel so bad, then please… think about it, you were not ok back then, I couldn't even recognize you, you acted like… like - she struggled with her next words - like a bad person! - the fashionista exclaimed, her cries becoming more intense - …and, I was afraid that you would do the same to Lola -

- Wait, did this asshole hurt you Leni!? - Lori jumped from her spot, having caught on to the implications that her clumsy sister threw around - Explain yourself! - she directed her angry glare at Lincoln, approaching him on the process.

But before she could get to his face, Todd got in between and turned the taser gun on.

- Back off and seat in your place, Lori - The robot threatened with his neutral tone.

Eventually, the eldest sister calmed down and went to her place again.

After the slight commotion, Leni looked fearfully a the scene, before lowering her head again, looking at the controller.

- Y-you were not you Linky, and I'm afraid of that happening again - Leni said with sorrow - I don't want to lose my little brother again, and I don't want to see my family fighting for this again -

She then looked at the controller, and pressed a button without even seeing it.

0 - 2

- I still love you Linky, I would love to see you again once you get better, and I think it would be ok if you did that alone for a while - She said with a faint smile, she simply passed the controller to Luna, not ever taking her eyes away from her brother.

Lincoln looked back at her with a conflicted expression, but ultimately, he mustered a smile, and nodded.

Now it was Luna's turn, as she cracked her knuckles, letting the controller rest in her legs.

- Oi, let's get down to business then - She said.

A *click* was heard.

0 - 3

- Well, that was quick - Lincoln thought to himself with ironic hilarity.

- What's even there to think dudes? - Luna began her speech with raised arms and a dangerous glare - This is sick, and not in the good way! you're bloody disgusting, and y'know what? I like madness, I like to go crazy, I… used to be chill dudes - She lowered her gaze - But this is beyond fucked up… just, look around you bruh! - She centered her view on Lincoln - Everything's fucked, you made Luan a mime, y'da even remember what that means? It means everything's fucked! you think that's okay? - She returned her threatening gaze - You guys needed help, and guess what, we tried to give you help, we tried to get ya' wake the fuck up and walk'in the sunshine for a change, I… had some hope in you bruh, getting you locked up wasn't okay, so maybe if you touched some grass and talked with your mates it was going to be ok - She said with a sigh - But no, you got a chance, and you blew it hard dude, we just had to witness how you continued riding down a highway to hell, painting everything in black, being a disgusting freak on a leash, the one made by that lil' shite that didn't even hide how much of a slut she was by dressing as such! - She then turned her glare towards Lola - And don't you dare' think I'm not unto you either "princess", I thought I was dealing with someone with common sense here, but it's now clear as day that was just another one of your coats, wasn't it? - The rocker intensified her glare - Lynn and Lori were right all along, you followed your pussy all along, and didn't bloody care who would get burned down the road! - She finished while panting slightly at her outburst.

- … -

- Let's come straight - The frustrated woman took a breath - You disgust me, and it's clear that even with help, you're thorned and twisted beyond saving, there's no verse that can put my disappointment in words, there's no riff that can heal the damage you've done, there's no solo that will save this symphony of destruction, what you need is some harsh re-education through labor dudes, and if our bruh has to take a trip down memory lane in whatever shitehole he's going to be hiding now, then be it! -

Panting hard, Luna was done with her outburst, she just did as per planned, and passed the controller to Luan, never once tasing her intense glare at the "pair" in front of her.

The mute girl simply accepted the offering, she sat in deafening silence, watching the controller in her hands, then, after a few minutes, she turned to watch the pair of incestuous siblings.

Lincoln returned her blank gaze, while Lola remained serious, arms folded.

Luan raised her arms and joined her fingers in a heart pattern… before pulling her upper fingers apart, making a "broken heart" gesture, with no apparent emotion coming from her face.

Lincoln then noticed… Mr. Coconuts was nowhere to be seen either, his heart, likewise, shattered.

Luan focused again on the controller, and with no sounds to emit, she closed her eyes and pressed the button.

0 - 4.

- …See, I told you, this "plan" of yours is literally the most pointless thing ever… just, leave Lincoln - The sound of Lori's voice ended the silence, as her gaze continued focused on her phone, the shame in her tone apparent.

But another voice pierced through the silence, and nobody expected that to come from her of all people.

- The voting isn't over, Lori - Everyone could recognize that faint, monotone voice.

Lucy raised her voice

- Mother, please pass me the device - She said seriously.

To which Rita complied, grabbing it from Luan's lap and passing it over to her.

- Wow, just great, the one guaranteed vote in favor of them guys, we totally lost - Lori said with evident sarcasm - go ahead, "empress of darkness", keep living your fanfiction dream! - she stated with a mocking tone.

- I'm perceiving hostility, Lisa, shall I use the taser device - Todd became alerted.

- That will be unnecessary, thanks Todd, only deploy force if Lucy is interrupted - Lisa clarified with apparent calmness - You may commence, older sister -

- …you have my thanks - Lucy said, her emotions unwavering - But even if Lori came right to my face to say anything, I'll be the one to defend myself, and the people I love -

- Lincoln, Lola - She mustered one of her rare smirks, emitting a sense of clarity, despite her bangs covering her eyes - I'm glad that you were able to defeat the dictate of a malicious chemical as a way to find order and light in your lives - but her smile turned to a frown fast - But I'm certain that you understand that this… is far from a miracle, your existence will be tormented by a sea of darkness and despair, everywhere you go, faces of the past that used to act with kindness and comprehension will turn on you, the concept of trust will be diluted, the alignment of your hearts will be thorn, you are now… emissaries of chaos - She lowered her head, the mood of the room getting worse - you broke a limit that should have never been crossed, the night has fallen upon you, your descent is inevitable - She paused briefly and sighed, as she finished her condemnation - You're tainted in black, and the black, tends to spread further -

Lincoln and Lola gulped audibly, fearing the actual response of the once committed "ally"

- But - Lucy continued, before any judgement could be done - Who am I to judge the needs of a heart? How could I bring myself to condemn and reject the very commands from the source which transforms the darkness into light? - She questioned to the air, as she got deeper into her monologue - …Chaos and corruption are the effects, but the cause comes from only the purest feeling that can exist in this world, a feeling which can be the key to unlocking the light, for it is unilateral to the concept of being human - The goth poet, surprisingly, mustered a smile - I can't judge the love that you have shown me today, be it romantic or platonic, if you're here, it's because you love us, and yet, you're still holding hands, despite the rejection that you have suffered, how can I then, pretend to love you back, without accepting the full extent of love? - She once again paused briefly, as the others twisted their heads interpreting her words - …I will forever defend love, forbidden as it may be, in an as long as there is truth and honesty behind, which is why… -

After her difficult monologue, Lucy turned to face her eldest sister.

- Lori - She said with slight difficulty - You're entitled to your opinion, and the truth is not unilateral, just like mine is only but a subjective notion to, what I believe, is the only way to save my family; the purpose of a debate is exactly that, you state your point, and I state mine, only through mutual understanding of each other's views can we reach a harmonious solution, and that is further amplified, when there's a subject where nobody is fully right, such as this case - Her confidence grew - Which is why i'll take a step ahead, and question you sincerity, Lori - She said with noticeable snarl, making the blonde woman raise an eyebrow at her - You read the story, everyone has done so by now, and I am mortified, that you would think that our sister's feelings are not real - Her mouth contorted - and if that is the basis of your whole "outrage", then I'm afraid, that this "debate" is based on further deceit, denial and delusion, rather than to question the morality and inherent wrongness of our siblings here, and it makes we wonder further, who's the one writing the "fanfiction" here? -

A few seconds of silence later, Lucy simply turned on the controller, and pressed her choice.

1 - 4.

The controller was now on Lana's arms.

- Now, hold on a moment, why is she allowed to vote again? - Lori interjected once again - I thought it was going to be a "rational" discussion here? That's literally the opposite of that, she's a victim of child sexual abuse for fucks sake, she's even with the creep keeping an eye on her right now, she's not on the right mind state to say anything and it's obvious she's going to vote because of Lola and Clyde's persuasion! - She raised her arms with indignation.

- Her opinion is equally valid in this specific instance, elder sibling, now please remain in your seat - Lisa stated with slight agitation.

- Ugh, this is literal nonsense, I'm going outside - Lori rose from her spot.

But Todd quickly reached over and turned the taser on with red LEDs in his eyes.

- Remain seated, Lori - He stated threateningly.

Lori sat again and crossed her arms with a pout.

And Lana was angry at her comment.

- Well sorry for not having the perfect love life that every girl wishes for - She opened with sarcasm - and thanks for the warm welcome, by the way, happy birthday to myself it is - She said while crossing her arms.

Then, quickly, she turned her attention to Lola.

- So this is what you've been doing all the time? - She said while pointing at the notebook with her fingers.

Her twin simply nodded with a sad expression.

- …man, I mean, I knew there had to be something that made you want to spend so much time with Linc here, but this? - She added with a mocking tone - My twin sister that hated reading so much she couldn't even take her precious time to read the Bossy Twins with me? - She chuckled slightly, which surprised everyone in the room, except for Lola, who simply gave her a sly smile - Well… it was not that bad, I'm somewhat impressed, even though it was missing the obvious best character - She said with pride - Not gonna lie, If you had told me this from the very beginning, Ribbon would have probably came along with you guys - Her smile weakened - yeah, too bad it didn't, maybe that's why we're here… - Her mood was gone, as well as that of her twin.

She took another breath.

- Lols, Linc, I… admit I still had some reservations, I… was not totally opposed to what Lori was saying; hard to erase all of those years of lies y'know? - She admitted sadly - And… yeah, my relationship, is, uh, really problematic, I'm aware of that… yet, somehow yours is just that extra level of yikes - she cringed slightly - but, there is something that even I in my worst episodes of disbelief cannot ignore - She looked seriously at both siblings - …traveling back with you guys to this house, I got to watch everything, I got to see your actions and your words, and for the first time ever… they matched - Her initial smile came back, although a more serious one - it's not just that being with Linc makes you happier Lols, it's that you no longer seem to be bound by fear, and watching you without a break was… something alright - She then focused on her brother - And Linc, I'm somewhat jealous to admit this, but dang it! You've grown strong bro, and not in the "I'm better than everyone else" kind, like, I know life fucked you over multiple times, and honestly, it doesn't even make sense to me how you could even… forgive us - She lowered her gaze, but quickly recovered - You earned yourself a backbone Linc, yet somehow you had the humility to come back here to resist all of this endless bashing, and I can't believe I owe my twin here the honor of being the one that inspired you to become like that, heck, it's even inspiring me to reveal the truth myself! -

She then turned to Clyde, who watched her with anxiety.

- Clyde, thanks for everything dude, but I'm also sick of hiding this, specially when it can also get you in trouble - Lana confessed while also separating her hand from that of the man.

- Wait, Lana it's ok-

- No, please, it's ok, this is a heavy load man, you don't want to be in Linc's situation - She then turned to everyone - Clyde didn't get me pregnant guys, it was Liam, it was… always him -

- Lans, no! - Lola broke the silence, alerting Todd.

- Todd, stand by! - Lisa stopped the problem from escalating.

- It's ok Lols - Lana continued, before turning to Look at Lori and Luna, who kept frowning all the way through - You said it was not real love, Lori? Well, guess what, if there are any predators In this house, then they're us, Lola and Lana Loud, Young wild girls, and the victims are Lincoln and Liam, the guys that got chased by us, and I'll be damned that if my mate goes down, I'll go down first protecting him, I thought like that since I was 7, and I will continued thinking that until I'm an even smellier ol' hag! - She insisted with evident energy - The only difference between you and us, Lori, is that you met your "Boo-Boo Bear" as an adult, we met ours since we were kids -

Lori could only glare further at Lana's sappy grin.

A click was heard.

2 - 4

- I love you guys, and I'm with you through the bitter end - Lana stated confidently, looking at the couple in front of her - And I gotta admit, that was also real ballsy of you Clyde, you would earn a smooch from me if I wasn't already hooked~ - She teased the man behind her while poking his rib with her elbow jokingly, and said man almost fainted at the blood rushing through his head.

The controller was back at its creator's hands.

And everyone looked at her with an expectant look, for it was clear, that she had some things to explain.

Lisa anticipated that, of course, so for her very next action…

- Todd, please deactivate the protocol temporarily for my assigned turn - She directed her creation, unscrupulous.

- Yes, Lisa, everyone may speak, hurrah! - Todd cheered.

- …So, can we actually? we won't get electrocuted for breathing anymore? - Lola asked first.

- You may, sister, I'm assuming you have some lingering preoccupations that need to be addressed - Lisa clarified, stoic and unwavering.

- Yeah… actually, I do, can you finally tell me what happened with the whole "I'll never love again" crap? - Lola echoed a sentiment that everyone else, for one, shared.

- Yeah, what's up with that? - Luna questioned likewise.

- Seriously, we literally wouldn't even be in this mess if it had actually worked - Lori added.

- I would honestly like an explanation myself - Lincoln admitted with his arms crossed, some lingering resentment showing through.

- I'll accept the question, as it pertains to our current predicament - Lisa rearranged her glassed and placed her hands together, thinking on her words -

- Come on, it's obvious, no chemical should stop the power of true love - Lana stated with pride.

- Indeed, the complexity of human emotions is not something that Lisa and her limited understanding on them could control with just a few chemicals, no matter how many studies back them up - Lucy added.

And just as suddenly as their untimely interruption, was the sound of chuckling, coming from none other than the otherwise stoic genius, surprising everyone in the process.

- hehehe, "power of true love", apologies in advance for my unsolicited display of hilarity - Lisa recomposed, while Lana and Lucy could only look at her with heavy suspicion - With no intentions whatsoever to undermine my fellow sisters' beliefs - She regained full seriousness - My invention is currently a commercial success with an efficiency rate of one-hundred percent, as a matter of fact, it is currently my single most requested product by pharmaceutical companies on a national scale and wildly popular by a demographic group known simply as "MGTOW" - She stated with no hesitation in her voice - By any conceivable logic, Lola should be experiencing complete desensitization to any an all "romantic" impulses, and she should be displaying a more pragmatic perspective of her current situation -

- Well… I'm not, so what gives - Lola spoke impatiently to Lisa's pompous attitude in the face of complete failure - Am I that "statistical exception"? -

- Not quite, Lola - Lisa smiled briefly at her older sister - You should be unequivocally experiencing all the prescribed effects of my invention…that is, if I had actually administered it in the first place -

And so, the whole room went silent, every person in the room stayed quiet, as a million different question popped up In their heads, all while looking incredulously at the scientist of the room.

And once again, to the surprise of everyone, the first one to break the silence, was Lucy.

- *Gasp*, did you actually use my fake potion? - She asked with genuine shock.

- … No, Lucy, I did administer the correct solution, or at least… what I thought was the undisturbed vial - Lisa admitted sadly.

- B-but then, how did it fail? How could you mix that up? You're trained on detecting substances based on key physical properties, are you not? - Lincoln was next, unable to hide his disbelief.

- That would also be a precise supposition, brother, it is highly unlikely that I would have confused the correct substance, specially when it comes to inventions with clinical applications - Lisa addressed his comment - It could even be assumed that… the only one that could fool me with that degree of fraud… would have to be, myself - She lowered her gaze while folding her arms.

Everyone kept staring in disbelief.

- Wait - Lola spoke first - So, does that mean… - She couldn't avoid contorting her face from the mountain of shock - …Lisa, did you, break your code? - She asked worriedly.

- Well… I wouldn't define it as a direct breach to the conditions set by my colleagues - Lisa admitted uncharacteristically shyly - As I explained previously, direct time travel is terminally off limits… - she clarified with heavy unease - and it would have been extremely unlikely for me to break basic principles of causality, for it could have incurred into a paradox for this specific timeline - Lisa then turned to her permanent companion - which is exactly why I can't take all the credit for this alteration, would you care to fill In for me, Todd? -

- Right away, Lisa - The robot followed her command - Lisa did give Lola the correct vial, in all possible timelines, she did, but when I discussed this topic with Lily, I started having doubts about the necessity of it - It confessed to the distraught family - I scanned all possible set of events to follow from Lisa's original plan, and the results were threatening for the safety of our family - The robot lowered its voice, as if expressing a degree of emotion - I didn't want Lily to suffer more, so I programmed myself to communicate with my future self five years into the future through quantum entanglement -

- Quantum wha? - the twins questioned simultaneously.

- To not derail this discussion further, I'll explain in simple terms - Lisa rearranged her glasses - It is a theory in physics that state that two subatomic particles can be bound to one another in a way that a change in some physical properties, such as spin, can happen simultaneously between them, regardless of the amount of space, or this in case, time, between them - The scientist followed with a serious expression - this allowed me through present Todd to communicate and connect with basic functions of past Todd - She opened her arms with a certain degree of pride - Naturally, performing transference of a light signal through the power of quantum entanglement requires energy from a normal radioactive source such as element 94's alpha decay, though not in quantities as large as direct time travel, which is why I also have to be grateful to Flip for his virtually endless supply - she concluded with a satisfied smile as she suddenly brought the Flippee laying next to her to take a sip -

- Element 94? - Lincoln pondered

- Plutonium - Lisa clarified.

- …ok, and what did you do with that? - Lincoln continued the questioning.

- Quite simple, elder brother - She prefaced - I controlled the Todd from 5 years into the past to drop this potent CRISPR inhibitor - she said while extracting a rusty vial from her lab coat - to that particular sample while the "me" from the past was distracted in her argument with Lucy here - She pointed to the stunned girl in black - That way, I would have never noticed there was something wrong with my invention, as this chemical was colorless -

- But… why did you do it!? - Lori was next, appalled from the revelation.

- … - And for once in the entire day, Lisa lowered her head with shame - Todd notified me about his 5-year contingency plan alongside some… disturbing scenarios of what would happen, had I allowed Lola to go down a path without l-love - She asserted - but I remained fixated in my initial hypothesis, the absence of certain characteristics associated with co-dependence were described in my psychology books as an overall beneficial change, and following symptoms of depression could be treated with enough, um, "familiar care" and healthy medication - she then looked at Lola with a regretful expression - But, I guess, at the end of the day, theory and practice may differ significantly -

- Wait, but how does the Todd from the past not carry the memories of pouring the inhibitor into the present and only just became notified by it's past self? Shouldn't he have known all along? - Lincoln commented while scratching his head - And… why are you still talking as if she had drunk it? - He remained cautious - Did she drink it or not? -

- I gave the correct vial to her, and she drank it, those are the facts, and that is what I believed as well… for these last nightmarish 5 years - Lisa admitted sadly - but not long after it came to my knowledge that Lola had started using three pills instead of two, Todd came to my room, and alerted me that this particular "connection" with his past self had been activated, just a few minutes before Lola used my invention… I, had to act quick! - The scientist exclaim with uncharacteristic concern - …As for the Todd part, I'll let you connect the pieces to the mind-bending puzzle that is figuring out the correct order of causality in self-fulfilling time travel paradoxes, but suffice to say, for all intents and purposes, I acted as if she had been administered my vial, because I did, but… I changed that with the assistance form past Todd, therefore, Lola never consumed it in the first place - She concluded with melancholy in her eyes.

- …damn, this time-travel stuff is confusing - Lana broke the silence, scratching her head while trying to digest the situation.

- B-but, wait a moment! - Lola was not as calm - There's no way, that has to be bullshit! - She lashed out - If I never had that, then, h-how come it felt like it, Lisa, t-that was so real, I truly felt numb to love… I felt the void - She said with a low tone, extending her palms and looking at them, crestfallen - If it was all a Lie, then what was the point of all that stupid nonsense -

All eyes were on Lisa now.

- … - Lisa took a deep sigh - What were those pills called again? - She questioned her brooding sister.

- … my meds? - Lola raised an eyebrow - uh, Sertraline, what about it?

- … I believe that might be your answer, Lola - she said with some guilt in her voice.

- explain yourself - the ex-pageant competitor retaliated with a frown.

- Sertraline is also known as a SSRI, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, the basic kinetics within your brain is to increase the amount of the Serotonin neurotransmitter in key areas of your grey matter, in order to hopefully combat the state of… excessive tiredness… provoked by emerging symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, I figured you discussed as much with Dr. López? - Lisa looked questioningly at her older sister, to which Lola nodded, while still submerged in confusion.

- The thing is… - The scientist continued, this time with bigger retaliation - SSRIs are also known for… antagonizing dopamine pathways, in a reversible way might I add - Lisa admitted with unease - which, in more practical terms, can generate emotional blunting, or the inability to experience strong emotions… like the euphoria that is commonly associated with… romantic love - She continued pondering to herself - So, naturally, a maximum dose of 200 milligrams applied daily, should have been more than enough to incur into this side effect, more apparently even since you started… overdosing at 300 milligrams - She concluded, another wave of shame rushing through her - Additionally, because we were all convinced that you actually consumed it… well… let's just say… placebo effect is an actual thing -

With a new wave of silence, everyone kept looking at the scientist, still with a million questions, as a new perspective on Lola's actions and behavior became apparent.

- … I would like to inquire more on the technical specificity of this… most unique predicament, but I'm afraid I need to move this intervention to it's natural conclusion in regards to this democratic event - Lisa recomposed, before anymore questions could be thrown at her - I would also like to comment further on my personal opinion to the matter that brought my family together.. even if at an "erupting volcano" threat level - she coughed to bring further attention outside of that matter - But I believe my actions did the talking here, better than I ever could… - She looked back at the controller resting in her lap the entire time.

3 - 4

- And I would also be appreciative if these actions were to be interpreted as a direct apology at my siblings, Lincoln and Lola Loud, for the inconveniences generated by my reckless greed for experimentation and scientific approval - She looked at the main pair, while sporting a regretful, yet sincere smile, despite the fact that the entire room was still trying to pick their jaw from the floor.

- B-but, sis, I thought you were the rational one here, how can you literally be on board with this atrocity! - Lori, predictably, objected - what about the chance of having deformed babies? Isn't that a known scientific fact!? -

- …that, was my sole argument to oppose this, for a long time, eldest sibling - Lisa confirmed - that is, until I realized, that using that argument as the justification for my research went against the very concept of science itself, that which is the order of reasoning; we scientists aspire to make a premise based on observations, which creates a hypothesis that is either proved or disproved through experimentation, and that allows us to make a conclusion - She looked down - What I did during all those years, was to create a solution to an non-existent problem, based on a conclusion that I made deliberately, from which I constructed a premise - She turned to Lucy - but thanks to some individuals, I was able to see, that we could have been proactive in ways that didn't hurt my family as much, after all… nobody said anything about babies - She said, earning a nod and a faint smile from the reserved sister -

And once again, silence reigned the room, with all eyes wide open and focusing on her.

- Todd, reactivate the protocol! - Taking advantage of the cathartic state of the family, Lisa passed the controller to the youngest girl In the house and reinforced the house once again.

Now, Lily held the controller, and looked at it for a few seconds.

The response was immediate.

4 - 4

- …what can I say, I think they look cute together and are good for each other! - She shrugged nonchalantly and jumped from her seat to pass the controller to her mother, before retracting and watching confidently at Lori, which held an expression of disbelief.

Now, Rita had the controller, she had access to the last vote that would break the tie and determine the fate of her son and daughter.

And she knew, that the middle ground, had to come from her.

And her kids would have to listen.

Author's Notes: Here we are, the 90th chapter of this story, and I could have not have been able to do it justice any other way, all the girls got to speak their mind, but this "intervention" is still far from over! What could possibly happen now? Only Rita knows, but i'm certain that some of the sisters still have things they want to say, stay tuned for the next chapter.

hughmccable96: Well, you were absolutely right that the voting so far would end in a tie with half the sisters in favor and half against, and you got most of them right so huge props for that! And your proposed idea of alternative timelines is brilliant, I may come around to do that at some point in the future, but due to the current format of FFNET stories I'll have to restrict the outcome to just one, the "canon" one if you will. Welcome aboard and thanks for the review!

GHOST0938: I get what you mean, and normally I would agree, their relationship, their choice, but keep in mind that we just went through a whole arc in which not trusting their family or caring about their opinion led them to complete isolation, and let's just say that... they were not happy like that either, and well, you know, Lincoln's plans tend to be pretty crazy anyway, let's see if this actually ends well for them.

tylerdunkley82: It's madness, I know, but maybe Lincoln is on to something, and just doesn't want to be "selfish" anymore, a little extreme, perhaps, but so far it looks like there's hope for them.

max: I appreciate your interest in the story and your heavy anticipation for the next chapter, but please keep in mind that stories, specially long stories like this require a lot of planning ahead and I just cannot rush it to ensure that the quality is still there, plus unfortunately there are personal matters in my life, such as college and a job, that stop me from dedicating myself fully to writing, here's this chapter as a reward for your patience though!