While Lincoln was taking care of things over at the orphanage, his friends were taking care of the rest of the orphans that he had taken in. At this moment, Liam was putting Matthew through some work on the farm, secretly without the permission of his parents. Since he promised Lincoln to keep them a secret for now, this was during the time when none of them were around. The type of work Liam has Matthew doing involved him pushing some hay bales with a flat wagon, something the pudgy kid was not happy doing as he stopped to catch his breath, sweating exhaustingly.

Matthew:"This is impossible! How long have I been working?!"

Liam:"(looks at a clock) ...90 seconds."

Matthew sighed and continued to work until Liam called for a lunch break...something he began to regret as a week's worth of work on the farm, all that food, corn and bacon, rotisserie sirloin roast as his main meal, three apple peas, his hidden house guest was scarfing down like a saiyan.

Matthew:"Whoo-boy! That is some good food you got here, Liam! Anything for desert?"

Liam:"We're out of desert, you pretty much ate everything."

Matthew:"Oh...well, like I said, it was pretty good."

Liam:"I'll bet, since you ate through three days worth of food."

That was surprising to the orphan, who looked around at all the empty plates he left across the table...

Matthew:"...Was it...really that much, I just ate?"

Liam:"...Yep. You practically ate all my family's hard work."

And with that, Matthew stared dumbfounded before deciding to change the subject.

Matthew:"So, uh...you're buddy, Lincoln. Me and my other friends really do appreciate what he's done for you."

Liam:"Yeah, that's Lincoln. Such as nice guy. Always helping others. Even when it's hard for him."

Matthew:"What do you mean it's hard for him?"

Liam:"Let's just say most of his plans don't work well for him in the end."

Matthew:"(feels bad) Oh...maybe that's why he's...taken a risk, looking out after us."

Before they can talk some more, the two could hear some people coming. Knowing their cover would be blown if Matthew was seen here, Liam had to work fast in order to get him of there and hidden. They quickly rushed to the window, where Matthew tried to jump through, but wound up getting stuck like a fat Dalmatian. Seeing this, Liam panicked and grabbed a chair to climb up to the window as he began trying to push the kid through the window with his hands.

Liam:"And this is why you don't eat everything!"

All while heard his Mee-Maw and his father walk as they came in. His dad wore a dark green jacket over a yellow button-down shirt, brown pants and shoes, but his face wasn't shown.

Liam's Father:"You know, I heard some strange sounds coming from around the farm grounds two nights ago."

Liam's Mee-Maw:"Well, I just hope that the animal's didn't break out of their pens again, especially at night. It was no fun herding them up last time."

While he was pushing, Liam knew that they were talking about. Lincoln explained to him that he saved the orphans from nearly drowning two nights ago. Now leading up to this situation as he was pushing Matthew through with his back. He continued to hear his folks talk about their day.

Liam's Mee-Maw:"So far, my day's been fine. Though I couldn't find Liam anywhere."

Liam's Father:"I'm sure he's around. Probably working."

Before they could spot the boy, Liam gave one last push with his shoulder, popping Matthew through and having him land on some hay bales underneath. He followed suit, jumping through the window before his folks could see him. He didn't know how long he would have to do this, he just hoped the others were having better luck than he was, especially Lincoln.

Speaking of Lincoln, at the Orphanage, he just about had everyone, staff and orphans alike, gathered up in a grand hall, a large and long room where there was one big, circular table in the middle, and a bunch of other tables circling that one, as well as doors and stairs leading to other parts of the manor house. Everyone was chattering among themselves was Lincoln, who occupied the center table along with Erica and a few of the Orphanage's "heads". Lincoln decided to get on top of the table and call out to everyone, quieting them down and getting their attention.

Lincoln:"Alright! Alright! Now, does everyone know why they're here?"

Everyone looks around, murmuring amongst themselves, before one of them stands up, one with long, messy, black hair that reached her ankles, was wearing a black shirt with striped sleeves, similar to Lucy's, a purple anarky "A" in the center of her shirt, dark green tight pants and orange shoes, her name is Cleo.

Cleo:"Uh...no. Not really."

Lincoln:"Oh...Well then, I'll tell you. My name is Lincoln Loud and I'm here because I want to help out with a little problem you've been having, regarding the recent attack on this orphanage."

A lot of the orphans and the staff were taken back by this. This one kid from a town not too far away practically says he has the solutions to their most current problem. They also listened u as he started to talk.

Lincoln:"I understand that this attack was two nights ago and a few of the orphans here, maybe more, were kidnapped. But I was there on the scene of their...attempted murder, and was able to rescue them."

That is when he stepped off the table and stood by a projector that had slides loaded in, to which Lincoln started showing pictures that were taken of the incident...somehow. They showed how he was the one who dove into the river and managed to grab hold of the bag and pull them out of the water and to safety, from which, he freed them. Everyone recognized the orphans that he saved and was relieved to see them all right. And that is when Erica stood up.

Erica:"Since Lincoln here has already been able to save the ones who were kidnapped that night, perhaps we should let him help."

A part of her wouldn't admit it, but she found Lincoln cute. And that was part of the reason why she wanted him to help. But that is when Gleen also stepped up, not looking as encouraged as the rest of the place.

Glenn:"Pardon me. Keek, he seems lik' a crakin' bairn, bit ah dinnae cop tae keen oan putting mah faith in a eleven year auld laddie."

Avis:"(also stands up) I agree with Glenn (to herself) with...whatever the heck he said. (out loud) This kid seems cute and all, but he doesn't really have that much to go over in order for all of us to put our trust in him. (to Erica) Personally, girl. I think your mouth is starting to get bigger than your hair."

Erica:"Ugh! I don't have to hear such insults from you, Avis!"

Then, the two girls went nose-to-nose with each other.

Avis:"You gotta admit, you have a pretty big mouth to match with your hair."

Erica:"Well, at least my hair is not as big as your ego!"

Avis:"Ach! How dare you!"

That is when Lincoln got in between the two young ladies and pushed Erica away.

Lincoln:"Alright, alright! Enough! (to Avis) Look, I don't care what's going on between you two, but you should know that it's okay for Erica to offer help! You two should try and get along, because I won't do this if there's in-fighting."

Avis was a little taken back by this kid asserting his authority over her. But she still found it cute as she knelt down and faced him.

Avis:"Maybe you're right. We have better things to do than behave like children."

She then got in close, caresses his cheek and whispers in his ear..."

Avis:"You're just lucky you're cute."

And with that, Lincoln moves back to the table, shaking off the fluster as he continues on with his point

Lincoln:"The plan I have in store for this place is for its defense. So that if and when it gets attacked again, you'll all be ready. What you need to set this place up with defenses, traps, anything that can be used to get rid of those who tried to attack you unjustly. That way, you can defend this place and not be at risk of losing anyone else."

The orphans looked around with interest, thinking that this might be a good idea. Some nodded in agreement, others wondered how they would do this. One in particular has brown-orange fluffy hair in a low ponytail, a brown jacket over a green shirt, violet leggings and black shoes. Her name was Valerie, and she had a specific thought on this matter.

Valerie:"All this is reminding me of that one movie where this one kid tricked two goons into a bunch of traps on Christmas time."

Lincoln:"I can assure everybody here that this is something we will pull off. As long as you work with me and we standby together."

Another orphan with brown, long and curly hair didn't look that much convinced. She also wore a skirt that was plaid purple and almost reaching her ankles, a navy blue shirt, white vest, as well as purple hair band. Her name was Cindy.

Cindy:"This will be dangerous if we go along with it."

Nervous that he isn't getting along to everyone, Lincoln thought of what he should say in order to gain the trust of everyone one in the orphanage.

Lincoln:"Look, I know I'm a stranger here, and I know that the situation is dangerous on its own, but please listen. I've been through some pretty crazy situations, and some are unbelievable. But no matter what happened, no matter what dangers I faced, I made it out alright, unscathed, and those events were one for the record books."

The orphans went "Oooohh" when hearing that. And that is when Regina stood up with a smile on her face.

Regina:"You got my trust."

Soon, Susan stood up.

Susan:"Mine too."

Then Cathy and Madonna.

Cathy:"Same here."

Madonna:"Me as well."

Then, everyone starts to get up and say Lincoln now has their trust as well. Lincoln felt proud that he had everyone with him now. Erica stood up and put her hand on Lincoln's shoulder, giving him a smile, which he returned. A few moments later, while everyone else is talking amongst themselves, about the plan and how exciting it seems, Lincoln and Erica were in a side room outside the hall, a red room with a bookshelf, two tables and a window.

Erica:"That was quite the pep talk you gave everyone."

Lincoln:"Well, it was your support that helped strengthen it. So thanks. If everything goes to plan, we can secure the safety of this place and catch the ones responsible for attacking it."

Erica:"...If you don't mind, I would like to be second in command in this 'operation'."

Lincoln:"I would appreciate that. A second in command would be useful in making this plan foolproof."

Erica:"...(sighs) I just wish you didn't have to see me and Avis act like this. Her mocking my hair and whatnot."

Lincoln:"You really shouldn't let her get to you like that. I honestly think your hair is kind of nice."

Erica:"(blushes and combs hair)...Thanks, Lincoln."

Lincoln:"(nods than thinks)...You know, there is something I'm wondering about. Something I forgot to ask you about."

Erica:"What is it?"

Lincoln:"What did you see during the attack? Where were you when all this happened?"

Erica was little a bit concerned. It must've been a hard subject for her, a tramatic event in her life. Realizing this, Lincoln took her by the hand and gave a reassuring smile.

Lincoln:"If you don't like to talk, that's fine. But I'll be willing to listen whenever you feel comfortable."

Erica:"...That's sweet, Lincoln...but it's fine. I'll tell you.."

She walks up to a window and leans her palms on the windowsill while looking out of it. Lincoln couldn't really see the window now due to Erica's hair being a little bigger than it. But then, he listens as she shares her side of the story.

Erica:"I was doing some filing..."

(FLASHBACK)

Erica:"(narrative) While I was putting away files in some cabinets at the foyer...I started to hear shooting."

Gunshots echoed throughout the orphanage as Erica jumped in startled before heading for cover in one of the foyer's corners. Taking a peek around, she saw several shadowy figures come by the main exit. The sight of them and what they were holding left her wide-eyed and slack-jawed...

Erica:"I asked to myself "Just who were these people?" and...one of them nearly came passed and...spotted me...I had never been so horrified in my life. They gave me such a cold, dark look...but then, they left me...like I wasn't even worth it."

She was left confused as she peeked to see the shadowy figures carrying a huge bag as they made their leave of the place.

Erica:"I didn't know what else to do...I panicked and fled to my room."

She is seen running up the stairs and closing the door behind.

(FLASHBACK END)

Erica:"It was only until we met did I stay in hiding."

Now Lincoln felt nervous, even worried about this whole thing. He just got everyone's hopes up, but if these people are as dangerous as Erica seems to mention, then he may be out of his league in problem-solving here.

Lincoln:"O-O-Okay, this may be a little more dangerous than I realize. M-Maybe we should postpone this whole thing. Or call it off, yeah! Maybe..."

Erica could see that she set the boy in a panic and decided to try and calm him down. Getting down on one knee, she took him by the shoulders.

Erica:"Please, stay with me, Lincoln. This isn't anything you have to be afraid of. We're here to do whatever you can to help you."

Lincoln:"Heh. Funny. I was here to be the one to help you."

Erica:"And that's why we need you. You're obviously the man with the plan."

Lincoln:"Hmph. A lot of people know me by that nickname already."

And with that, they gave each other warm smiles and a warmer hug.

Meanwhile, Clyde had invited Rufus and Debby over to his house to stay until the heat dies down. Stella was with them and Clyde even introduced them to his parents.

Debby:"I must say, that you have a really nice house. Very fancy."

Clyde:"Thanks. We really appreciate it. (to his dads) Now, I'm really hoping that you two can keep a secret."

Howard:"No worries, son."

Harold:"We understand that their safety's important."

As Clyde's dads leave, the kids decide to pass the time by talking about a few things. Specifically, about the orphanage the two reside from.

Clyde:"So what's it like, living in the place where you're from?"

Rufus:"Well, they provide a stuff every kid needs; education, lots of free time to do fun things. To be honest, it's like living in one big happy family."

Clyde and Stella found that very touching.

Rufus:"Yep. We got ourselves, a jungle gym, archery field, soccer field, band/choir room.

Clyde:"That's pretty cool."

Stella:"Yeah. Sounds like a nice place to live."

Debby:"Aside from that, however, the place does have some downsides. Some of the other orphans aren't so friendly, one of the worst being Avis."

Clyde:'I'm guessing she's a bit of a bully, huh?"

Debby:"She's more like the devil if anything else."

Rufus:"She is pretty cute though."

That is when Debby turned to stare at Rufus as if he was an idiot.

Rufus:"...What?"

Debby:"Didn't she slap you that one time?"

Rufus:"Well...yes...but it was only because she didn't give me a chance to express my feelings towards her."

Stella:"I'm guessing it didn't go well for you, then?"

Rufus:"(laughs awkwardly) Ah, heh. I have rotten luck with women."

Debby:"I can vouch for that."

Clyde:"Hmm...maybe we should take our minds off this and do something else. Hmm...oh, I know! I got some cool things to show you all."

They head to Lincoln's room where they see all of Clyde's "conspiracy" stuff...or more like the stuff involving their interest in ghosts, aliens, anything that was considered supernatural.

Clyde:"Me and Lincoln always had an interest in this stuff and even tried to prove that it was real. We got close, but some things were better left forgotten. So now, we just use it for games and such."

Stella:"Wait, I don't think you ever mentioned this to me. When did all this happen?"

Clyde:"Oh, you know...a few seasons ago."

Stella:"So what, like last summer?"

Clyde:"Yeah...sure. (winks to the reader)"

Rufus:"Alright. So what kind of game should we play with all this?"

Clyde:"I have something in mind."

The game that Clyde had in mind was make-believe ghost hunting. He and Stella played as the catchers while Rufus and Debby played ghost, using sheets as costume. Rufus thinks that this might be fun, but Debby did not seem fond of the idea.

Debby:"Yeah, I am not into this."

Clyde:"(wearing his ARRGH! Costume) Please?"

Debby:"(sighs) Okay."

Clyde:"Yes! (to Stella) Me and Lincoln used to play games like this all the time."

Stella:"Sounds like fun. Then I'm hoping you can help figure out how to work this (holds up "Ghost-catcher" backpack)."

Clyde:"No problem, just follow my lead."

As they head off somewhere, Rufus puts on his sheet in order to look like a ghost, but Debby still isn't as excited as he is. He sees this and confronts her about it.

Rufus:"Girl, you need to stop moping."

Debby:"I can't help it. You know this type of thing isn't really for me."

Rufus:"I know, but we're just trying to have fun. You used to play games like this all the time back at the orphanage."

Debby:"They didn't have ghosts in them though."

Rufus:"Well, I'm gonna at least have some fun. You jump in whenever you're ready."

Clyde:"(calls out) Okay! We're ready! We're coming!"

And with that Rufus heads out into the halls with Clyde chasing after him. But when Stella goes looking for Debby, she only finds her refuge friend looking a bit down.

Stella:"Not having as much fun, I'm guessing? It is a bit of a boy's game, to be honest."

Debby:"I am, really."

Stella:"...No, you're not. I can tell.

Debby:"Am I that obvious?"

Stella:"I can read people. So what's wrong?"

Debby:"...I just don't like spooky things as much. It's haunted me since I was a kid. They can almost make me break down if I get scared hard enough."

Stella:"I can understand that. I used to have a case of stage fright. But my friends helped me get through it. I know we can help you too."

Debby:"(smiles)...Thanks...we don't get with the game, huh? You can chase me around as a ghost catcher."

Stella:"I like the sound of that, you spooky ghost!"

And with that, they got in the game of ghost-catching with all four kids having fun. That is until Clyde managed to "catch" Rufus with his catcher, which turned out to be a vacuum. Unfortunately, the sheet got stuck in the vacuum tube, jamming it. He tries to shake it out, but then his vacuum starts to smoke before-

(BOOM)

...it explodes, causing everyone to get covered in dust.

Clyde:"...(coughs) Maybe we can do something less explosive."

Stella:"...Good idea."

They then switch over to Clyde's other hobby, the one he recently picked up, baking. He was already finishing up on a delicious-looking cake he had in the oven. Taking it out, it was a nice shade of orange, and he was putting the finishing touches with some pink frosting on it.

Clyde:"I got into baking a few months back and I've really gotten the hang of it."

Debby:"It looks and smells pretty good, Clyde. Maybe we should save some for Matthew when we see him again."

Rufus:"Deb, I really think Matthew needs to cut back."

Debby:"I know, but he wouldn't want to miss out on anything like this."

Clyde:"I'll be sure to save him a slice. I remember the time when I made a whole cake for Lincoln and his family when they headed over to Scotland."

Debby:"Lincoln went to Scotland?"

Rufus:"Huh. Lucky duck."

Stella:"This is the first I've heard of it. Was he gonna tell me?"

Clyde:"Eventually, I'm guessing. Yeah, he went there and was saying that he was planning on going on another vacation and hoped it'd be calm this time."

Knowing Lincoln and his family, the next vacation they planned would be anything but calm.

Stella:"That's cool and all, but can you tell us more about when Lincoln went to Scotland?"

Clyde:"Heh. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Debby:"We'll take our chances."

Deciding to humor them, Clyde talks about Lincoln's adventure at his ancestral home. It's not every day that your life suddenly gets filled with ghosts, dragons, and crazy housekeepers. It's like Clyde tried to say, some things are best left forgotten, for now. But at least his guest took the news pretty well.

Debby:"That is the craziest thing I've ever heard."

Rufus:"Dang. That Lincoln is cooler than I thought."

Stella:"We seriously need to talk with Lincoln when he gets back."

Clyde:"Yeah. But for now, how about we just eat?"

And with that, they all enjoy a piece of cake.

Back at the Orphanage, Lincoln and Erica were with the three girls, Valeria, Cleo, and Cindy, while the rest of the place was working on the brand new, makeshift defenses in case they were ever invaded again. Lincoln was just trying to have a conversation with them since the three of them had doubts that his plan would pull through.

Lincoln:"So how long have you guys been here?"

Valerie:"For as long as we can remember. Enough said."

Erica:"That's not a good answer. How long exactly?"

Cindy:"You of all people would know, Erica."

Erica:"But Lincoln's the one who asked you."

Cleo:"...(shrugs) 8 years, at least."

Cindy was 12 years old while Valerie and Cleo were at the age of eleven. They were dropped off at the Orphanage when they were 4 and 3.

Cindy:"You know, I bothers us a little that you let Erica be your partner in this, Lincoln."

Lincoln:"And why's that? She's not as bad as you all think."

Cindy:"You don't know her as well as we do."

Grumbling from being insulted like that, Erica took Lincoln by the shoulder.

Erica:"Lincoln, can I talk to you in private? Again?"

Lincoln:"Uh, sure."

And with that, Erica pulled Lincoln away from the three. They figured that she was gonna tell him that the three of them were bad news, but that was far from the truth.

Erica:"Let me ask you one thing, Lincoln: how do you handle being talked to or about like that?"

Lincoln:"What? What they're saying? I don't let things like that get to me."

Erica:"...Can you show me what you mean?"

Lincoln:"I guess I can. Just by me and show that you're the right person to help out with this."

Erica:"Okay. Thanks."

Lincoln:"Anytime."

And with that, they got back to the girls. They continued to whine about Erica as they went over the plans. The older girl managed to block them out, however, no longer willing to take the complaints of three other orphans who were just starving for attention. All while Lincoln had a smirk on his face, seeing that his advice worked well for her.

Valerie:"Okay! This isn't working! We aren't getting through to her."

Cindy:"Ugh. We'll just have to deal with that later then."

Cleo:"Fine."

Lincoln:"So, do any of you girls have any special talents I should know about?"

Valerie:"Oh. Well, I did take up knitting, repair clothing for other orphans. I have dreams about a seamstress."

Cleo:"I guess I sort of have an interest in animals and insects."

Cindy:"And I just like to read books. Mostly Don Quixote, and HP Lovecraft."

Lincoln:"That's cool. Cleo, what kind of bugs are you into?"

Cleo:"The Ladybug is one of my favorites. I keep one in a small jar. Check it out."

That is when Cleo reveals a necklace she was wearing. It had a tiny jar that showed her favorite insect. Lincoln couldn't imagine how she was even able to get that in there as he looks at it with interest.

Lincoln:"Woah. Pretty cool."

Cindy, Valerie, Erica:"Seen it."

Erica:"You know, Cleo, I still haven't forgotten about the time one of your bugs got stuck in my hair."

Cleo:"I told you that one wasn't my fault."

Erica:"Should've done a better job at keeping your bug collection in check."

Lincoln:"Wait, she has a bug collection?"

Cleo:"Yep. I keep it in my room. I can show you if you like."

Lincoln:"Sure."

Cindy:"She shares her room with Regina. Me and Valerie share a room."

Valerie:"She spends most of her time reading those creepy books."

Cindy:"Hey! 'Tales of Horror' is a Masterpiece. I'm just more into tragic stories if anything else."

Lincoln:"I'm more into comics."

Cindy:"Of course you are."

All Four Girls:"(internally) Boys..."

Lincoln:"While we still have a job to do around here, but for now, let's see this collection Cleo has."

With that, they headed into Cleo's room, where they could see two beds and on a shelf was at least twelve jars that held a moth, butterfly, beetle, cricket, dragonfly, honey bee, grasshopper, caterpillar, carpenter ant, cicada, whitefly, and another ladybug. Looking at the collection, Lincoln thought to ask Cleo something with one of them in mind.

Lincoln:"How were you able to get a Honey Bee!"

Cleo:"Funny story, actually. It wasn't easy, but one day, I was out in the field in search of one, and I managed to catch one by miraculous surprise, I...wound up getting the attention of the entire swarm and well...to make a long story short, I spent hour in a pond, where the bees couldn't reach me. So I was only able to get one."

Lincoln:"Were you stung at all?"

Cleo:"No...It wasn't me who was stung."

Lincoln:"Who was then?"

That was when all heads turned to Valerie, who looked away from them with a red face.

Valerie:"I was there...and I got stung...all over."

Lincoln:"Ouch. What were you doing out there?"

Valerie:"Collecting flowers."

Erica:"After that incident, we decided to get the hive removed."

Lincoln:"Huh. Well, I'm sorry that happened to you, Valerie."

Valerie:"Let's just change the subject, please."

Lincoln:"Okay. Uh...you know, your hair is pretty long and messy. Don't you ever try and straiten it?"

Valerie:"Never learned how to. See, I was found in the woods, wearing rags and having sticks in my hair. The one thing the orphanage lacked was a barber, so I never learned to treat my hair properly."

Lincoln:"Oh. Well, at least they got the sticks and leaves out."

Valerie:"Yeah. Took a while though. But now, if my hair is ever taken out of its ponytail, it's get too big and could cover my head."

Lincoln:"Huh, I see...Uh, do you girls also have issues like that?"

Cindy:"I usually wear a hairband, but it got stuck due to how big my hair is."

She combs some hair away from the top of her head to show the purple hairband that she wears, which they could barely see through all those thick locks.

Lincoln:"Must be really packed in there."

Cindy:"Yeah. I just outgrew it without wanting to outgrow it...I also have a short temper."

Erica:"She snaps easily and throw books at people whenever they irritate her the most."

Cindy:"Hey, Glenn had it coming."

Lincoln:"...How often does this happen?"

Cindy:"...Two, maybe three times a day?"

Lincoln:"Huh. Well, I have similar issues, to be honest."

Cindy:"Really? You know what it's like to have some annoy you every day?"

Lincoln:"(-_-) don't I. I lived with them for eleven years, getting caught up in much of their craziness, and there's a reason why my family's called 'Loud'."

The three girls were a little surprised to hear that.

Erica:"How many siblings do you have, Lincoln?"

Lincoln:"10 sisters. I'm sort of the middle child. They're crazy, but I can only imagine that you have it worse here, with how many kids are in the care of this place."

Erica:"Yeah, but it's not like we get in each other's way."

And then, they hear a crash nearby. And some angry screaming.

Valerie:"Well, some people here doubt that."

Lincoln:"We should get back to work."

Most of the orphanage was already rigged with so many traps that it was starting to become dangerous for them to step anywhere. Seriously, they really needed watch where to step with all the trap doors, falling objects, electrocuted objects and a whole bunch of rigs that were made from makeshift items around the manor house.

Some were even building a lookout tower that looked like it belonged in a prison.

Cleo:"We even made it so that crossbows will be set off around the bookshelves."

Lincoln:"Where did you guys get crossbows?"

Erica:"It's best not to ask."

Cindy:"We even have some outside. Giant ones. And some people working on them right now.

Said people were Regina, Glenn, Madonna and Avis. Three of them were actually doing the work, with Regina inspecting the pullback mechanisms and Glenn was mounting it an d making sure that it was in proper position. Madonna was putting the screws in place and attaching the limbs to the barrel while Avis...wasn't really doing anything. She was just continuing to complain about Lincoln and Erica, much to the dismay of the other three she was supposed to be working with.

Avis:"I still can't believe that those two but themselves in charge of the whole thing. Can you believe it? I can't believe. The kid I understand, but Erica? She's the worst."

Madonna may be Avis' friend, but even she couldn't handle her jabbering on all day. It felt like her head was about to fall off her shoulders.

Avis:"Maybe if I can appeal to that white-haired kid, show him my better nature, I can get to be his partner and not Erica!"

Madonna:"You mind me asking why you're trying to be so nice to that kid? He's not even an orphan here."

Avis:"'Cause I think he's cute."

Madonna:"And you've never said that to anyone else...?"

Avis:"Hmph. No one is as perfect as me."

Madonna rolled her eyes at that. It was then that Regina stepped up with her clipboard.

Regina:"Welp, I checked everything and the crossbows seem to be in good condition."

Madonna:"Should we test them."

Regina:"Not yet. I'm pooped. This could've gone faster if this someone pitched in."

They turned to Avis, who was avoiding eye contact.

Avis:"I was supervising."

Glenn:"Boot, we wur actually daein' a' th' wirk while ye juist sat thare 'n' whined fur 10 minutes."

Avis:"I did want to risk getting splinters."

All three of them rolled their eyes at that. Then they turned to see Lincoln, Erica and the other girls coming their way. Cindy, Valerie and Cleo go to check out the giant crossbows while Lincoln and Erica turn to see the four, or more technically three, who worked on them.

Lincoln:"Hey guys. How's everything going here?"

Regina:"It's going pretty well, to be honest, but it's been slow on account of Avis not pitching in."

Erica:"Just like her to not do anything."

Avis:"Shut up! I have better things to do anyway."

Erica:"Like being the most sassy orphan here and acting like you own the place?"

Avis:"(stomps over to her) How dare you?! I'm one of the best people to around here! But you! You always act like you're one of the help! Is it wrong to be humble and do the same?"

Erica:"No, not really. But you can't even help yourself."

Avis:"I can! I will! I'll show all of you!"

And with that, Avis stormed off, heading back inside as she left everyone feeling awkward.

Lincoln:"Should we...worry about her?"

Madonna:"(sighs) Unfortunately, yeah."

Lincoln:"Okay...how are the crossbows working?"

And that is when they hear one of them go off...along with Valerie screaming as they look to see one of the bolts fly off into the distance, with Valerie holding on for dear life and her hair flowing. The bolt landed at the distance of a football field away from the orphanage, and they could see Valerie slip off when it hit ground.

Valerie:"(painfully) I'm okay..."

Glenn:"Okay, wha fired that yin?"

They turn to the two girls who were standing by the crossbow that had been fired, Cindy looking the most nervous.

Cindy:"It...malfunctioned."

Regina facepalmed herself.

Glenn:"We shuid likelie gang check oan th' lassie. See if she's okay."

Lincoln:"You do that. We're gonna go check on Avis."

Erica:"Do we have to?"

Lincoln:"She might do something stupid if we don't keep an eye on her."

Erica:"(sighs) Let's go get her."

The two of them head back inside the Manor House and find Avis at the Foyer, where she was taking to three other orphans, Stephen, Cathy and Hilda. Apparently, she was trying to take initiative, putting herself in charge and ordering them on what to do.

Avis:"So it's settled. Stephen will do the axes, Cathy will do the falling objects, and Hilda will do the boulder."

Hilda didn't look so happy at being put in charge of a giant rolling boulder.

Hilda:"Uh, Cathy? You wanna switch with me?"

Cathy:"Please, I don't wanna get flattened by a boulder."

Avis:"Get to it, people! Chop chop!"

And with that, she sent them on their way, right before spotting Lincoln and Erica coming towards her. This lead her to marching through the halls, acting angry after her little argument with Erica. But Lincoln was trying to keep up.

Lincoln:"Avis, wait. Slow down."

And much to their surprise, she actually complied. Avis figured that she could get on Lincoln's good side and make Erica jealous as the two caught up to her.

Avis:"Okay. (sweet voice) I'll be willing to do anything for you, Lincoln."

Lincoln:"(awkwardly) Okay...

He could see Avis looking at him with a sultry smile and it was making him blush. Seeing where this was going, Erica decided to get in the way and walked between them, her large poofy hair getting Lincoln's face.

Erica:"Anyway, Avis, we were thinking about how you're making a big mistake at trying to take charge in this plan of Lincoln's."

Avis:"(gets angry) Grrr. All I'm just trying to do is prove that I'm actually good in all this. You just want to get in the way!"

Erica:"(Turns to face her) You're only bound to do something stupid."

Avis:"I'll show you! I'll show everyone! Besides, Lincoln's okay with it! Right Lincoln? Lincoln?"

The two of them then heard some muffled screaming and turned to see that Lincoln was no longer where he stood. But they did start to hear some muffled screaming coming from behind Erica.

Erica:"Do you hear something?"

Avis:"...(realizing something) Could you turn around?"

With her doing so, Avis could see Lincoln's feet sticking out of the lower part of Erica's hair, and he was kicking frantically.

Avis:"Well...this proves another thing. Lincoln, or small children in general, are clearly not safe around you."

Erica:"Cut the smack talk and find a way to pull him out."

Avis:"Alright, alright, big wig. Just hold still."

With both hands, Avis grabs Lincoln's legs and started to try and pull him out. Erica tried to hold onto something to make it easier, but Avis didn't give her time to as she pulled, which as painful for Erica since she it was also pulling her hair. Lincoln stood straight, looking a bit traumatized with a few curly pieces of hair stuck on his body.

Lincoln:"I nearly suffocated...from hair."

Avis:"Aw. (Brushes the hair off of him) Sorry you had to go through that. This proves that you're just not safe around Erica."

Erica:"Oh, for the love of- It was just one accident!"

Avis:"But you're already making yourself look bad in front of our new friend."

The two look ready to rip each other apart, but Lincoln get in between the two of them before it goes too far.

Lincoln:"Alright, alright, enough! Avis, can I talk to you for a moment, alone?"

While he was moving Avis away, he could say that the two women were still glaring daggers at each other. Once they're about 2 yards away from Erica, Avis will kneel down to Lincoln's level.

Lincoln:"Avis, I know that you and Erica don't get along, especially since Erica's kind of my partner, but you don't have to hate her so much more just because she's taking lead in all this."

Avis:"Erica's just jealous because I'm better than her in many different ways. How athletic I am being one of them."

Lincoln:"Is that true?"

Erica:"(walks over) No, it's not true! I tend to work out a bit myself! If it weren't for my hair getting in the way from time to time, it'd work out better for me."

Lincoln:"Why's that?

Erica:"Well, it's mostly because it's so big and almost impossible to tie while working out. It would also poof up too much, making it hard for me to see."

Avis chuckles a bit from hearing that.

Lincoln:"I think I can help out with that if you want."

Erica:"How? When it's this big and curly? And thick?!"

To make her point, she puts one of her hands entirely into her hair to show how deep it is, just like how it was with Lincoln.

Lincoln:"I have ten sisters, I think I can manage. But for now, how about we find a way for you two to start working together? And I think I have just the idea in mind."

With that, the two started listening to Lincoln's idea, but when he wasn't looking, they started glaring at each other again. Yep, this was going to be a challenge for Lincoln and the girls...